Podcasts about GMC

This week, I got to sit down with Justin Roethlingshoefer - a human performance expert, health strategist, and founder of Own It Coaching. Justin brings over two decades of experience working with elite athletes, executives, and high performers, and in our conversation he shared how taking ownership of your health can transform not just your performance but your purpose.   In this episode, we talked about the health that God gives us and how to honor it correctly. Advice and tips that are applicable right away. Going beyond metrics and diving into mindset, we explore what it really means to steward your body well, lead with intention, and live faithfully between Sundays.   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/   International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org    Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full episode: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew

In this Q&A episode, I respond to thoughtful questions submitted on Instagram and Facebook, covering everything from parenting and politics to marriage, therapy, and spiritual growth. I share how to navigate difficult conversations about faith and politics with your teenagers to how to love your spouse well during conflict by being quick to apologize.  Following Jesus isn't just about what happens on Sunday morning. It's about the conversations at the dinner table, the arguments we work through, the doubts we wrestle with, and the small, faithful choices we make every day.  That's what Life Between Sundays is all about. Real faith for real life, in all the ordinary, messy moments.   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:   First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit https://www.firstinterstatebank.com/   Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/   Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full episode: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew

In this episode of Medical Ethics Reports, Dr. David Cartland shares his harrowing journey as a healthcare professional who spoke out against the prevailing narratives during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the ethical implications of informed consent, the challenges he faced from regulatory bodies like the GMC, and the impact of media portrayal on his reputation. Dr. Cartland highlights the discrepancies he observed in hospital practices during the pandemic and the absurdity of mask mandates. He also delves into his recent DBS controversy that has further complicated his career where there appears to be no accountability from those in power who simply create files without foundation. In this conversation, Dr. Dave discusses his ongoing legal battles stemming from harassment charges and the impact of GMC rulings being used to create DBS records and so ruining his career as a referee, highlighting the overreach of authority by the FA, the stalking and harassment he has faced, and the systemic issues within the medical profession regarding vaccine injuries. The conversation delves into the challenges of seeking justice in a flawed system and the need for support in navigating these legal hurdles.Please help David by visiting his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCRC_Ec4K2s1Udr5CEFVF1kA His website: https://www.drdavidcartland.com/UKMFA:CALL TO ACTION: Please follow us and subscribe on our YouTube and Rumble channels and please share our content on social media and with friends and family, to help us get the message out and increase our reach.All our podcasts can also be found on the major audio platforms e.g. Apple and Spotify.Our new Substack is found here: https://substack.com/@ukmfa1We are grateful for all donations to help us to continue and grow our work; lobbying decision makers; educating and empowering the public; running campaigns and producing our podcasts. On screen you will see a QR code which please scan using your mobile device. You can always use this link to donate directly: https://donorbox.org/ukmfa_podcastPlease visit the UK Medical Freedom Alliance at www.ukmedfreedom.org and https://substack.com/@ukmfa1 to access all our material and resources.

In this episode, Emily and I dive into questions submitted by my followers on Instagram and Facebook about navigating the messy world around us. We share candid insights about staying grounded in Christ while the world feels overwhelming.    I share practical advice about staying informed without letting the chaos consume you, prioritizing your soul, and stepping into messy acts of love that impacts those around you.    This episode is perfect for anyone seeking encouragement, clarity, and inspiration to navigate life with faith, wisdom, and heart.   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:    Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/   International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org    Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full episode: youtube.com/@adamaweber    Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew

At 12, he was cutting metal in northern Italy. By 21, he was teaching DMG’s own technicians how to use their machines. At 47, he owns the whole company he first walked into just to set up a machine. Federico Veneziano is the owner of BoldX Industries and an old friend of mine. His story requires two episodes. This is part one: the serendipity, the winding path through shops and countries and setbacks. Part two, we will get into what he’s building now. But first, this is how he got here. Listen on your favorite podcast app using pod.link.     . View the podcast at the bottom of this post or on our YouTube Channel. Follow us on Social and never miss an update! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swarfcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swarfcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/todays-machining-world Twitter: https://twitter.com/tmwswarfblog ************* Link to Graff-Pinkert's Acquisitions and Sales promotion! Interview Highlights Teaching the Experts Federico grew up about 60 miles northwest of Milan in a small town called Omegna. He started working in a machine shop at 12 years old. By his early twenties, he had developed deep expertise on Siemens controls, particularly the 840D. When DMG sent technicians to train him on a new machine, they were still new on the control themselves. He ended up helping them. That information got back to DMG headquarters, and they offered him a job. He traveled the world servicing CNC machines. Eventually he proposed an ambitious plan: working three years in the U.S., two years in Germany, three years in China. They agreed. He arrived in the US on August 4, 2004. His English wasn’t great, nobody had booked him a hotel, and he didn’t have a credit card. The first day was rough but he figured it out. The Job That Changed Everything One of Federico's first projects was at American Micro in Batavia, Ohio. The company had been founded in 1957 by a Swiss immigrant. He spent a year there setting up a GMC 35, then Gildemeister's CNC multi-spindle, for a fuel connector job that required gun drilling on a multi-spindle. It had never been done before. The project required developing new spindles and tooling just to make the part work. During that year, he built relationships with the team. When things went wrong with DMG around Christmas 2005, he walked away. He had no plan. It was ten days before the holiday. Then American Micro called. He joined as a process engineer and spent the next two decades working through every department: quality, supply chain, sales, engineering. He became close with the owners, particularly René, one of the founding family’s sons. He bought in as a minority owner, eventually reaching about 14%. He kept that ownership quiet for years. Most people at the company didn’t even know. From Rock Bottom to Owner Then everything hit at once. René passed away. Federico’s father passed within a couple of months. Personal problems piled on. By his own words, it was rock bottom. American Micro was second-generation family owned with no clear succession plan. Federico had tried to buy the company twice before. This time, he decided it was now or never. How does someone go from 14% to sole owner of a company doing $20-25 million in revenue? Federico says it was an amicable transaction where he leveraged multiple things he’d built over the years. He doesn’t go into every detail. But somehow the deal got done. In part two, we’ll get into what he’s building now. BoldX Industries has 125 employees, and Federico says they’re forecasting significant growth. He’s also got a book trilogy coming out. But that’s the next chapter. This one is about how he got here. Question: What twist of fate brought you to your current career?

Sermon by Pastor Corky Calhoun

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I invited my favorite guest, my wife Becky. A conversation about marriage, faith, and the everyday practices that sustain a life together. After 21 years of marriage, four kids, a few dogs, and so many different seasons of life, we reflect on what it really looks like to follow Jesus Monday through Saturday as a couple.   This episode is honest, lighthearted, and deeply personal. A reminder that strong marriages aren't built on grand gestures, but on faithful habits lived out in everyday life.   Whether you're married, dating, or simply longing for a faith that holds up beyond Sundays, this conversation is for you.   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit https://www.firstinterstatebank.com/   Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/   Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full episode: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew

Dick Stricklen is the owner of Motor City Auto Center in Bakersfield, CA, a sprawling campus which includes a Buick/GMC dealership, a Lexus dealership, and a large used car & truck operation. Dick's team devote themselves to helping and serving their customers and providing staff with the opportunity to develop their skills and interests. Dick took over the GMC dealership at the age of 19 after his father's death and since then has followed his passion for building authentic relationships with team members and clients alike. Dick joins me on the show today to share how he started in the automotive business and why he's grateful to his late father for starting him as a porter at the dealership at a very early age, allowing him to learn from the ground up. He tells the story of how he managed to put together a proposal that saw him successfully take over one of his father's businesses, and why he walked away from a critical bank loan at the 11th hour. Dick also shares the core values of Motor City Auto Center and why promoting the company culture is so important to him as a leader. "Let's all get focused on what we have control over." - Dick Stricklen "I always get in the other person's shoes; I develop a relationship with them a personal relationship." - Dick Stricklen "Bottom line is important to manage, but that's not what we're about. The bottom line is a result of the major motive, and that is to help people get what they want, see them grow, give them opportunities." - Dick Stricklen "We are really in the people business that just happens to sell cars." – Dick Stricklen This Week on The Wow Factor: Why Dick switched his sales team from wearing suits and ties to casual wear and how that small decision impacted his business How Dick developed the core values of Motor City Auto Why the fuel shortages of the 1970s and the jump in interest rates caused Dick to think creatively about how to pull his team together Some of the things that Dick as a leader has found to be helpful in growing and developing the people in his stores How Dick felt during the recession of the late 2000s and the implications for the business Dick's philosophy on developing his team members Dick speaks to the moment in his life when he realized that making money was not his true purpose in life What inspired Dick to write down the guiding principles of his company and why he believes that those principles are at the source of his success Dick Stricklen's Words of Wisdom: Take time, either with prayer or just quiet time, analyzing yourself to figure out what gives you the greatest heartfelt satisfaction in life. Examine your motives and align your behavior as a leader with the values that are truly important to you. Connect with Dick Stricklen: Motor City GMC Website Motor City GMC on Instagram Motor City GMC on Facebook Connect with The WOW Factor: I Like Giving: The Transforming Power of a Generous Life by Brad Formsma Words of Wisdom Website Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook Brad Formsma on Twitter

Sermon by Pastor Corky Calhoun

Benjamin reviews the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali, a model we haven't even thought about since 2021! It's got good looks, plenty of equipment and a decent price... but why is Sami so annoyed by it? Maybe it has something to do with his ancient phone... Then Sami reviews the 2026 Volvo XC60, a car the guys haven't reviewed since 2022! It has a mild hybrid system, a punchy turbo-four and decent looks, so Sami and Benjamin get to the bottom of why this car has been overshadowed by other choices in the segment. That's it for this week, thanks for listening!

In this episode of the Blood Brothers Podcast, Dilly Hussain speaks with Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, one of the most witch-hunted medical professionals in Britain for her outspoken positions on Jewish supremacy and Palestinian liberation. Topics of discussion include: Why was Rahmeh initially investigated by the GMC? Rahmeh's four arrests in six months for allegedly “stirring racial hatred” and “supporting terrorism”. Do Zionism and Israel represent most Jews? Are Jews a religious group, an ethnic group, or both? The censorship of criticism of Talmudic beliefs and Jewish religious justifications for Israeli policies such as “Greater Israel” and “Amalek”. Jihad in Islam and armed resistance under international law. Right vs left politics, alliances, safe spaces and cancel culture. Is the progressive liberal left anti-Islam? Is opposing usury considered “antisemitic”? FOLLOW 5PILLARS ON:    Website: https://5pillarsuk.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@5Pillars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5pillarsuk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5pillarsnews Twitter: https://x.com/5Pillarsuk Telegram: https://t.me/s/news5Pillars TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@5pillarsnews

La Chine va interdire les poignées de portières affleurantes La nouvelle Mercedes-Benz Classe S 2027 Le géant chinois BYD a déjà le feu vert de Transports Canada Ford serait en pourparlers avec le constructeur chinois Xiaomi Cette semaine, le Guide de l’auto reçoit Xavier Huberdeau, propriétaire de l’atelier M Mécanique 360 à Laval, pour parler des effets dévastateurs des nids-de-poule sur les composantes mécaniques. Pour sa chronique rétro de la semaine, Hugues Gonnot nous parle de la Chrysler Cordoba, une voiture qui a donné un nouveau souffle à la marque Chrysler dans les années 1970. Louis-Philippe Dubé partage ses impressions de conduite au sujet du GMC Sierra EV Denali 2026 et du Honda HR-V 2026. *Cette émission a été enregistrée avant l'annonce du retour des subventions fédérales pour véhicules électriques le 5 février dernier.Pour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr

In this episode, I sit down with longtime friend and Embrace Executive Pastor, Travis Waltner, to talk about influence. What it is and how to grow yours! We talk about influence. How it's built, how it's lost, and why humility matters more than being the loudest voice in the room. We unpack how influence can be lost just as quickly as it is gained, why presence is more important than platform and what it looks like to lead in the small, unseen moments.   From leadership to everyday life, this conversation offers practical wisdom for growing influence the right way, especially in the life we live between Sundays.   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/   International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org   Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full interview with Travis Waltner: youtube.com/@adamaweber    Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew  

Sermon by Pastor Jen Helms

In this episode, I sit down with two of my favorite people, my mom and dad. We reflect on faith, family, and what it looks like to love people well in every season of life. The good ones, the hard ones, and the ones where you're not quite sure what God is doing.   We talk about celebrating the wins, walking through loss, and showing compassion when someone feels stuck or unsure of where to turn.    No matter where you find yourself,  I hope this episode reminds you that God's love meets you right in the middle of your everyday life, especially in the life between Sundays. I hope you enjoy this episode.  Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:    Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/   Are you on the hunt for a new house? Genuinely look no further. The Tyler Goff Group has a proven process that has transformed the lives of many clients. With the Tyler Goff Group by your side, you're not just buying a house – you're investing in a future home you'll love. To learn more and to contact Tyler or his team, visit tylergoffgroup.com Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full interview with ______: youtube.com/@adamaweber    Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew    

Fires, fixes, and fumbles: we open with hard facts on Ford's engine block heater recall affecting more than 119,000 vehicles, what symptoms to watch for, and why the only safe move is to leave the plug alone until the dealer repair is done. We also spotlight Land Rover's labeling error and explain how a “simple” sticker can pause sales and complicate safety compliance.From there, we jump into a sold car roundup that shows how the market really moves. A clean 1999 Chevrolet Suburban crossing $25,000 proves that durability and utility still command a premium. A 1977 Corvette landing at $11,000 illustrates how malaise-era horsepower drags value despite a four-speed. A sharp resto-mod 1972 Chevy C10 earns $36,750 on stance and drivability, while a 1963 Volvo 1800S hits $26,250 on design purity and nostalgia. Then the curveball: a 2006 Subaru Impreza for $1,300, a masterclass in how condition beats badge every time.We keep it local and lively with new Tailpipes and Tacos dates, cruise-ins you can hit next weekend, and details on our live broadcast from NRG Center. Along the way, we break down sales momentum across BMW, Lexus, Genesis, and GMC, and unpack how tariffs and model overlap nudged Dodge Hornet off the stage. If you care about car safety, smart buying, and the heartbeat of car culture, this one earns a saved spot in your queue.Subscribe for more candid car talk, share this with a friend who loves a bargain hunt, and drop a review to tell us which sold price shocked you most.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com

Sermon by Pastor Janice Shepard

In this episode, we sit down with Noah Herrin - author, speaker and pastor of Way Church in Nashville.   Noah's star is quickly rising, but what really stands out is his commitment to being authentic and saying "no" to things that pull him away from what God's called him to do.   We talk about being a Godly man, what it looks like to choose the right partner in life, and Noah drops some incredible wisdom when it comes to dating. Friends, you won't want to miss this conversation! Listen in and share with a friend! Grab a copy of Welcome to Manhood: https://amzn.to/3W8a2l5 Billy Graham "3 G's" sermon: https://billygraham.org/classics/the-temptations-of-christ Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: First Interstate Bank & Vern Eide   First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit https://www.firstinterstatebank.com/   Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com

Sermon by Pastor Jason Arnold

Convey-All, a Meridian brand, is marking a milestone year with a head-turning, retro-styled 1986 GMC 350 pickup and using it to raise money for a cause many in agriculture know well. Speaking with RealAgriculture at the Western Canadian Crop Production Show at Saskatoon, Sask., regional sales manager Garrett Darby says company started in Winkler, Man.,... Read More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akRUkfRTLyQ 4 Jan 2026 This event brings together speakers who have directly faced professional or institutional pressures related to their public statements on Palestine. They share their experiences and discuss the broader implications for freedom of expression, workplace rights, and accountability. Alex Smith: lawyer and former USAid senior advisor. Alex has spoken publicly about facing censorship and professional consequences after raising concerns about starvation in Gaza. Dr Ranjeet Brar: vascular surgeon who has previously worked at Northern General hospital in Sheffield who has faced NHS and GMC disciplinary processes connected to his political views. He addresses how institutional policies shape public discourse and the experience of those consistently advocating against zionism and imperialism and for Palestinian liberation. Tariq Abdelkarim: advocate on anti-Palestinian racism with experience working in administrative roles within Sheffield teaching hospitals. ______________________________________________ Subscribe! Donate! Join us in building a bright future for humanity! www.thecommunists.org www.lalkar.org www.redyouth.org Telegram: t.me/thecommunists Twitter: twitter.com/cpgbml Soundcloud: @proletarianradio Rumble: rumble.com/c/theCommunists Odysee: odysee.com/@proletariantv:2 Facebook: www.facebook.com/cpgbml Online Shop: https://shop.thecommunists.org/ Education Program: Each one teach one! www.londonworker.org/education-programme/ Join the struggle www.thecommunists.org/join/ Donate: www.thecommunists.org/donate/  

The auto industry is changing faster than ever, yet cars remain deeply personal, symbols of freedom, connection, and possibility. Few companies embody that spirit like General Motors, a brand that has shaped culture for more than a century and is now leading the charge toward an electric and connected future.Jim's guest this week is Norm de Greve, Chief Growth Officer of General Motors. GM is, of course, home to iconic brands like Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac. It is a $77 billion revenue powerhouse driving innovation across combustion, electric, and autonomous vehicles.Norm brings a rare combination of creativity, purpose, and business discipline to one of the world's most iconic companies. Before joining GM in 2023, he spent nearly a decade as CMO of CVS Health, helping transform the company into a purpose-driven healthcare leader.So buckle up and tune in for a conversation with a marketing leader who believes in leading with high expectations and kindness.Captured live at the ANA Masters of Marketing, in partnership with TransUnion.---Learn more, request a free pass, and register at iab.com/almPromo Code for $500 of ticket prices: ALMCMOPOD26---This week's episode is brought to you by Deloitte, TransUnion and the IAB.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  I'm so pumped about today's episode because I got to interview a guy I only know through his Instagram account: Ethan Benard.    Ethan used to weigh over 600 pounds and he shares the ups and downs of his incredible weight-loss journey.    He shares the challenges of maintaining motivation, the mental struggles he has when he puts in the work and doesn't see progress and the importance of having a strong "why" to keep going on the tough days.    I don't know what change you are trying to make….relationship, health, career. Whatever it is, Ethan will inspire you to keep the faith and put one foot in front of the other.   Follow Ethan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethanbenard/    Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Generous Coffee & Vern Eide   Generous Coffee sells some of the best coffee in the world AND 100% of profits are donated to nonprofit organizations that are fighting injustice facing humans around the world. You can find out more (including purchasing in bulk) at generousmovement.com    Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com   Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full interview with Ethan: youtube.com/@adamaweber    Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew    

Welcome BACK to the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast; we have completed our Holiday Hiatus and are ready to dominate 2026! In this episode, your hosts LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley pull back the curtain on what's brewing for 2026, and why the next wave of automotive success won't be won by the loudest dealerships, but by the most prepared ones…! "Don't operate out of fear. Don't NOT do something… because you're fearful of what MIGHT or might NOT happen." — Sean V. Bradley They're not just talking about the future of automotive; they're hinting at a few surprises Dealer Synergy is bringing to the table in February at NADA that could change how sales teams train, perform, and sell cars forever! "NADA is our Super Bowl... people literally come from all over the world to learn what we are doing in automotive." — Sean V. Bradley This conversation touches on technology, momentum, and what happens when a dealership stops hoping for better results and starts building a system to produce them on command. If you've been feeling like the industry is shifting faster than most stores can keep up… you'll want to hear what Sean and LA are seeing behind the scenes! Tune in now to get ahead of the game… see you there!   Key Takeaways: ✅ The rollout of Dealer Synergy's new AI-Driven Role-Playing Technology aims to revolutionize training for automotive sales professionals by allowing them to practice in a controlled environment. ✅ Dealer Synergy's outsourced BDC has proven highly successful, extensively increasing sales and offering dealers significant returns on investment. ✅ The importance of attending industry events like NADA to enhance knowledge, build networks, and keep abreast of automotive technologies and trends. ✅ Personalized coaching is emphasized through Bradley on Demand, a platform providing extensive training materials and interactive workshops from industry experts. ✅ Networking and continual learning are key to personal and professional growth in the automotive industry, as habitually exemplified by Dealer Synergy.   About Sean V. Bradley Sean V. Bradley is the President of Dealer Synergy and a leading automotive sales trainer, speaker, and consultant specializing in dealership performance, Internet sales, BDC strategy, and leadership development. As the host of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast, Sean helps dealerships increase sales, improve processes, and build high-performing teams through proven training systems, modern technology, and accountability-based coaching. About LA Williams LA Williams is the Vice President of Dealer Synergy, an automotive sales training and dealership performance expert, and co-host of the Millionaire Car Salesman Podcast. Known for his high-energy coaching and accountability-driven approach, LA supports dealerships nationwide by strengthening BDC operations, sales team execution, leadership habits, and customer experience through practical training strategies and measurable performance systems.     Harnessing the Power of AI and Networking to Revolutionize Automotive Sales Key Takeaways Strategic Development through AI: The transition to AI-based training empowers sales teams by significantly enhancing their sales tactics through artificial intelligence-driven insights. Industry Networking at NADA: Participating in events like NADA equips automotive professionals with unparalleled opportunities for networking, skill enhancement, and understanding cutting-edge industry innovations. Outsource Solutions Boosting Sales: Implementing outsourced BDCs and strategic partnerships, such as with Call Source, offers dealerships a substantial boost in sales performance and client engagement. The automotive sales landscape is rapidly evolving, and staying ahead requires not just strategic foresight but also an embrace of innovative technologies and networking opportunities. A recent conversation between automotive experts LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley brought these strategies into focus. Delving into themes such as the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) for role-playing, the importance of industry networking at NADA conventions, and leveraging outsourced communication solutions, they underscore critical elements poised to revolutionize sales methodologies. Revolutionizing Sales Through AI Training AI's integration into sales strategies is not just a future trend; it is a current necessity. LA Williams and Sean V. Bradley have designed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence role-playing software, tailored specifically for the automotive industry. This software propels training into the future by offering a variety of simulated interactions sales teams can engage with. "There is no other training company that's doing this," remarked Bradley, highlighting the uniqueness of this approach. By utilizing AI, dealerships ensure that their employees are constantly honing their skills. Bradley emphasizes, "Your people don't have to practice with real customers ever again. They don't have to burn through UPS," pointing out the strategic advantage of risk-free practice. The software meticulously tracks performance metrics—such as words per minute, filler words usage, and talk-listen ratios—ensuring that each interaction is optimized. This level of detail not only prepares the sales force but also reduces errors and enhances customer experience, leading to increased sales performance. The Strategic Importance of NADA Networking The NADA Convention serves as a pivotal gathering for the automotive industry, functioning akin to a "Super Bowl" for car sales professionals. It brings together a multitude of stakeholders, offering robust insights into new practices, services, and technologies that define the industry's future. "Nada is where Success," states LA Williams, encouraging everyone from salespeople to executives to seize the opportunities presented at this convention. Sean Bradley recounts his own transformative experiences at NADA, noting, "The reason why I think I was so successful back then is because I was training," during events like these where knowledge exchange is paramount. As Bradley notes, more significant connections and educational opportunities can lead to profound career development and institutional growth. For emerging and seasoned professionals alike, the exchange of ideas, experiences, and contacts at NADA can lead to new partnerships and strategies that drive dealerships forward. Outsourced Solutions Elevating Dealership Performance Outsourcing remains a strategic staple for dealerships looking to enhance efficiency and focus on core competencies. Dealer Synergy's collaboration with Call Source represents a quintessential example of leveraging outsourcing for optimal performance. This partnership sees Dealer Synergy handle BDC operations while Call Source focuses on the service side—merging strengths to unify dealership operations seamlessly. "Our outsourced BDC is going cray cray," enthuses Bradley, attributing a significant boost in dealership outcomes to this operational strategy. He shares successful instances where dealerships experienced a substantial return on investment (ROI) and increased sales, citing a GMC dealership in Ohio responsible for 20 additional vehicle sales thanks to their BDC efforts. This synergy, Bradley shares, is beneficial as it reduces operational burdens on dealerships, allowing them to focus squarely on enhancing the customer experience. As the conversation highlights, a focus on integrating AI-driven training and exploring robust industry networks and outsourcing solutions allows dealerships to maintain a competitive edge. The seamless transition from in-person networking at industry events like NADA to strategic technological adoption showcases a forward-thinking mindset essential in today's market. With the unveiling of AI role-playing tools, robust BDC solutions, and vibrant networking opportunities, the automotive industry is on the cusp of transformative advances. The emphasis on strategic preparedness, continuous enhancement of sales methodologies, and leveraging comprehensive networking opportunities defines industry leadership and charts a course for sustained success.       Resources + Our Proud Sponsors: ➼ The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group: Join the #1 Automotive Sales Mastermind Facebook Group with over 29,000 automotive professionals worldwide. The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group is the go-to community for car salespeople, BDC agents, sales managers, general managers, and dealer principals looking to increase performance, income, and leadership skills. Inside the group, members collaborate daily on automotive sales strategies, lead handling, phone scripts, closing techniques, CRM best practices, dealership leadership, and accountability systems. Learn directly from top automotive trainers, industry mentors, and high-performing sales leaders who are actively winning in today's market. If you're serious about growing your automotive career, increasing car sales, and building long-term success, join The Millionaire Car Salesman Facebook Group today! ➼ Dealer Synergy: Dealer Synergy is the automotive industry's #1 Sales Training, Consulting, and Accountability Firm, with over 20 years of proven dealership success nationwide. We specialize in helping car dealerships increase sales, improve processes, and build high-performing Sales, Internet, and BDC departments from the ground up. Our expertise includes automotive phone scripts, rebuttals, CRM action plans, lead handling strategies, BDC workflows, Internet sales processes, management training, and accountability systems. Dealer Synergy partners directly with dealership leadership to align people, process, and technology, ensuring consistent results and scalable growth. From independent dealers to large dealer groups and OEM partnerships, Dealer Synergy delivers measurable performance improvements, stronger teams, and sustainable profitability. ➼ Bradley On Demand: Bradley On Demand is the automotive industry's most advanced interactive training, tracking, testing, and certification platform for car dealerships — built to develop top-performing teams across Sales, Internet Sales, BDC, CRM, Phone Skills, Leadership, and Management. In addition to LIVE virtual automotive training classes and a library of 9,000+ on-demand dealership training modules, Bradley On Demand now includes AI Phone Roleplaying and Coaching to help salespeople and BDC agents practice real dealership conversations before they ever get on the phone with customers. This AI-powered roleplay technology strengthens phone scripts, objection handling, appointment setting, lead follow-up, and closing skills, while providing measurable coaching feedback for continuous improvement. Bradley On Demand empowers dealerships to train faster, coach smarter, improve call performance, increase closing ratios, and sell more cars more profitably — all through structured, trackable, modern automotive training.  

In this conversation, Dr. Marcus Peck shares his harrowing experience of being involved in a medical case that led to a coronial inquest and subsequent investigation by the GMC. He discusses the emotional toll of moral distress, the challenges of navigating legal scrutiny in the medical field, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights the complexities of patient care, the impact of loss on healthcare professionals, and the lessons learned from difficult experiences in critical care.Dr Marcus Peck is a consultant in anesthesia and intensive care at Hampshire Hospitals NHS trust, and Network Lead of the Intensive Care Society's Focused Ultrasound for Intensive Care (FUSIC) committee and is joined by Dr Jonny Wilkinson, Consultant in ICU and Anesthesia from North Hampton. Takeaways:Loss is a universal experience in the medical community.Moral distress can significantly impact healthcare professionals.Legal challenges can arise from complex medical cases.Documentation is crucial in protecting healthcare providers.Emotional responses to patient outcomes are valid and important.Support from colleagues and community is essential during tough times.Investigations can feel isolating and shameful for medical professionals.Resilience is key in overcoming professional challenges.Learning from past experiences can improve future practice.Open conversations about these issues can help reduce stigma.

Sermon by Pastor Corky Calhoun

Sermon by Pastor Corky Calhoun

Sermon by Corky Calhoun

With all of the villains, heroes, and characters throughout geekdom, some of the most iconic personalities come from the cars that carried them. Back to the Future's Delorean, the Ghostbusters' Ecto-1, Knight Rider's KITT, and even Dumb and Dumber's ‘84 Sheepdog all prove that the show without the car just doesn't have any gas.Today's root beer is Winco brand.Intro and Outro music by Stockmusic331 on Pond5Send us a text

In this episode, Emily and I are kicking off 2026 talking about fresh starts. Why we love them, why they matter, and why they don't always go the way we hope. There's something about a new year that invites us to pause, reflect, and ask what kind of people we actually want to become. I'm sharing 8 books you should read in 2026 - not as a checklist, but as tools that can help shape your thinking, your faith, and the direction of your life. Even one or two of these could make a real difference. If you're stepping into this year with hope, questions, or a desire to grow, I hope this episode will encourage you. Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org  Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/ Subscribe to Life Between Sundays on YouTube and watch the full episode: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew References: Holy Bible NLT   Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero   Day by Day Devotional by Peter Scazzero   In the Name of Jesus by Henri J.M. Nouwen   All it Takes is a Goal by John Acuff   Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah   Gospel Patrons by John Rinehart   10x is Easier than 2x by Dan Sullivan

One week before the near-death hike that permanently scarred Micah Smith's children, police contacted Micah Smith alongside a roadway in a lifted white GMC with no plates, no registration, no insurance, and bald tires in cold rainy weather. The encounter escalates quickly as Micah Smith resists basic identification, and officers discover there are multiple weapons inside the vehicle. Smith reveals his obsession with hiking and going “to the top of the mountain” despite warnings about snow and conditions and reveals his marriage is falling apart. Did we just learn what might have motivated his reckless hike with his children? Let's walk through the traffic stop, the bizarre behavior and the RED FLAGS that screamed of minimization, bravado, grievance, control, and a fixation on the mountains just days before his children ended up in the hospital and he ended up in jail.#MicahSmith #CottonwoodHeights #SaltLakeCounty #Utah #WasatchMountains #LonePeak #BigCottonwoodCanyon #BroadsForkTrail #TrafficStop #BodyCam #OfficerSafety #ProbableCause #ChildEndangerment #TrueCrime #ProfilingEvil #MappingEvil #GIS #Esri #CourtTVEmail your questions to: ProfilingEvil@gmail.com========================================

Sermon by Janice Shepard

Too much to list in here, but THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT is in this episode! Daddy's tacos, Spectrum sucks, GMC service writers, the crew that helped move storage containers..... and more...

Michigan Weather and Women: Part 2 Dancing, and other forms of sentimentality. Based on a post by CleverGenericName, in 4 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Connected.  As we finished the prep work, I asked Wilma about her day with Mary. "She is a good kid but is carrying a lot of anger and shame. We spent most of the day getting in touch with that anger. It takes some people years before they can express their emotions through art; it took her about five minutes. But we had to take some breaks to clean up the paint splatters afterward before they stained." "Oh shit! Sorry about that. I can pay to replace anything that;" "Nothing to apologize for; I asked her to express how she felt, and she did it in the way that felt right to her." "Well, I appreciate your taking the time. I am just her big brother; I feel so lost when it comes to parenting." "Being a parent doesn't mean that you know any more than anyone else, and it certainly doesn't mean that you know any better. For what it's worth, I think you are doing a fine job with your family. I know that you don't have your parents around to say it, but this old woman is mighty proud of who you are and of how you have stepped up for your brother and sisters. They are very lucky to have you." I turned away so that Wilma wouldn't see me getting choked up. I couldn't remember the last time that someone had said they were proud of me. Soon enough, though, it was dinner time, and Erin came into the kitchen with that same look of amusement on her face. "Sorry to bother the chef, but Lane needs some help that only a big brother can provide." When I gave her a quizzical look, she blushed. "It seems like he is going through puberty, which can pose; some new challenges. When I was assessing his ankle, he; well, indicated his interest in me in a way that can be difficult to hide, particularly while wearing sweatpants. It's natural for his body to react that way at that age, and it's nothing for him to feel badly about, but he was mortified. I think he could use a bit of brotherly guidance and understanding." I went to the living room and saw that Lane was curled up on the couch and looked like he was fighting back tears. "How are you doing, Buddy?" He couldn't even look at me he was so embarrassed. "I am so sorry; I just couldn't help it. I don't know why it started to get bigger, and I wanted it to stop, and it wouldn't and then she saw me, and;" he continued as he fought back a sob. "Can we just go home?" "Erin is a doctor. She knows how the human body works and has seen that kind of thing a hundred times. She isn't mad at you or embarrassed. She just feels bad that you feel so bad. This is just part of getting older and growing up. "Did I ever tell you about what happened in Miss Iron's class when I was a freshman? Miss Iron was a bit of a legend among the male students at our local high school. She was the youngest and prettiest teacher, by far, and even though she always dressed professionally, the clothing style had yet to be invented that could fully conceal her bountiful natural endowment. "Well, I liked Miss Irons a lot. She was one of the few teachers who looked past my difficulty with reading and writing. So, I developed a little crush on her, which was fine until the inevitable; hmm, physical demonstration of my crush; happened in class one day, just before she asked me to collect everyone's quizzes. I tried to delay, I tried to ask a friend to do it instead, but eventually, I had to stand up. It took me until my junior year to live that one down." As Lane listened to my story, he turned to face me and his second-hand embarrassment for me helped to push his embarrassment to the side. "So, what happened?" "Miss Irons was lovely and kind like she always was, but I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me or to get hit by a bolt of lightning. Things would have been fine if she hadn't mentioned what happened to the principal, who called Mom. She didn't find the story funny at all." I hadn't thought of the aftermath when I started telling Lane this particular story, but as they say, might as well put it in four-wheel drive and keep going. "Mom was mad?" "By then, Mom was pretty much always angry. I did my best to keep her away from you and the girls when she got that way, but yeah; she was mad." "Are you mad at me?" "No, Bud, I'm not. In a few years, once your embarrassment has died down a little, I will tease you mercilessly about this because that's what brothers do; and maybe threaten to tell your girlfriend, if you fall behind on your chores or homework. But I will never get mad at you for something that you can't control. And I promise that Erin isn't mad at you either." Just then, Mary poked her head in to tell us that dinner was on the table. "Are you safe now, or do you need a few more minutes." "I'm good. Thanks, Dad." After I helped Lane hobble into the dining room, we got down to the business of eating and teasing each other, but not necessarily in that order. It felt good; almost like what I imagined a real family would feel like. Eventually, the conversation turned to more serious matters, though, and Erin led off the questions. "So, how do you know Gran, and why are you wearing Grampy's favorite sweater? And, for what it's worth, I don't remember him filling it out in quite the way that you do." I blushed a bit as Wilma jumped in. "If Phillip had filled out that sweater like young Davis here, it wouldn't have stayed on him for very long, I can tell you that." "Gran!" Erin exclaimed, laughing while sounding scandalized. "I didn't need that mental image. Heck, none of us needed that mental image." "Oh, don't you worry, Dear. He still filled it out well enough, and it looked equally good on our bedroom floor." We were pretty much all blushing at that point, which I think was Wilma's objective, so I quickly changed the topic. "I am just your mother's plumber. I came out to fix her boiler and then finished the job earlier this week when a couple of parts came in that I needed." Wilma jumped in at that point and added her two cents to my story. "He also brought me my groceries and we had a lovely conversation. He is a real Renaissance gentleman, a rarity these days." Erin looked grateful but concerned. "Did you have enough money to cover the bill, Gran? You know I can help if you need;" I tried to jump in before Wilma could reply. "No need to worry, the bill was paid in full;" "Hogwash," Wilma exclaimed as I tried to finish, turning to Mary before she continued. "Your brother wouldn't let me pay him a cent for the work that he did. Not even for the parts that needed to be replaced! He is a very nice boy but a terrible businessman." I turned to Erin for support. "I figured your Gran has enough going on right now with her health and all. It was the least I could do to help her out." Erin looked at me with a strange expression on her face. I didn't have much experience with women, so I figured I must have made her angry somehow. Most of my interactions with women, including my sisters, seemed to end with them being upset with me for one reason or another, but she didn't sound angry when she spoke. "Thank you, Davis, that was very sweet of you." "Yeah, well; you see, it's just; pass the fish, please." "That still doesn't explain why you're wearing Grampy's favorite sweater. When I was a little girl, I used to curl up in Grampy's lap and snuggle into that sweater as he read to me. He was wearing it when I danced my first dance with him in front of the fireplace. Do you remember that old record player, Gran? You used to bring it out and we would waltz around the living room to Moon River." "I still have that record player here somewhere, let me go see if I can find it." Erin started to protest, but it was too late. "To finish answering your question, Erin, we were here today because your Gran offered to mentor Mary. I tried to politely decline, but your Gran is pretty persistent when she wants to be." "That sounds like Gran. Most of the time when she makes a suggestion, it is really a command." "While we are asking questions, how is Lane's ankle?" "It's pretty badly sprained, and he will need to use crutches to walk for the next couple of weeks. You should bring him to the hospital to get some X-rays done as well, to make sure that he doesn't have any fractures." I could feel myself deflate as she mentioned X-rays. "I'm not trying to be cheap, but are the X-rays absolutely necessary? We don't have the best insurance; we got it through the exchange. I guess it's better than nothing, but the deductible is pretty high, and my other sister, Alison, her college tuition is due soon. But if you say it's important, I will put in some extra hours to make it work." It didn't usually bother me that we were poor. Heck, most everyone we knew, except the McDougals, was poor. But it hit home when you had to tell a beautiful doctor with bright amber eyes that you couldn't afford an X-ray for your little brother unless it was urgent. "Tell you what. I will be working at the hospital in Petoskey tomorrow, so why don't you bring Lane by, and I will take care of him? I will make sure that he gets a pair of loaner crutches for as long as he needs them." "You don't need to do that for us." Erin gave me another one of her looks, this one I was more familiar with; I was pretty sure it was annoyance. "So, just to be clear, you can look after my Gran, fix her boiler for free, and bring her groceries whenever you feel like it, but I can't look after your brother and make sure that his ankle is treated properly?" "Well, when you put it that way, I sound like a bit of a jackass. I'm sorry." "Apology accepted. Come by the hospital at 11 AM tomorrow." Before we could continue, the sound of a 45 playing on an old record player filled the house. You could hear the hisses and pops before Ella Fitzgerald's voice began to sing "Dream a Little Dream of Me." Chapter 3. We got up from the table and followed the music back to the living room. I helped Lane out of his chair while he half-hobbled and half-hopped along beside me. Wilma had set her ancient record player up in the corner beside a stack of old 45s, and she had a faraway look in her eyes as she looked out the picture window toward the lake. "I think it's time for me to ask the prettiest girl in the place to dance," I said, as my eyes swept across the room. "But unfortunately, it's a three-way tie. So, will you do me the honor?" I said as I held out my hand to Wilma. "I haven't danced since Phillip passed. You know, we used to dance together every Friday night. It didn't matter where we were or what we were doing, we would always make time to dance at least one song together, even if the music was only in our heads." "I imagine I will be a pretty poor partner compared to Phillip, but I will try not to step on your toes." Wilma and I ended up dancing a slow foxtrot to "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole. She smiled at me as we slowly circled the living room. "You're a very good dancer, young man." "Our mother taught me when I was very young." Before she began with the drugs and men, our mother had been a showgirl in New York and then Las Vegas. When she got pregnant with me, she moved back to Mackinaw City and started teaching ballroom dancing at a local studio. By the time I was five, I was her practice partner of choice, and she always insisted that I lead, despite being only half her size. "The man always leads, Darling, that's just the way of the world." I was hardly a man at the time, but I never disagreed with my mother when she was in a good mood, because I knew it could shift in an instant. So, I learned to dance, and I learned to lead. The memories came flooding back as I guided Wilma into a soft over-sway, and she smiled with delight. "Oh my, you do know how to dance!" I couldn't help but smile back. "I can't take all the credit. I think Phillip must have infused this sweater with his fancy footwork." As the song ended, I took a step back and did my best to give Wilma a gracious bow. "It was a pleasure dancing with you, my lady." "The pleasure was all mine, good sir." I turned toward Mary and held out my hand. She hesitated before Wilma declared, "There are no wallflowers in this house." Mary slowly stood but looked anxious as I took her hand. "Davis, I don't know how to dance. Mom was; she was too far gone to teach me by the time I was old enough to learn." "That's okay," I reassured her. "If there is anything that Mom made sure of, it's that I know how to lead. Just relax, and I will guide you through it." Wilma helped Lane, who had taken over as DJ, to choose a slower song so that Mary would feel more comfortable, and I heard the opening bars of "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. I started to lead Mary through a slow rumba, and she picked up the steps very quickly. She was a natural. I felt a sudden stab of regret as we moved together across the floor. "I'm sorry. I should have made time to teach you to dance. But the last few years, it has just taken everything I have to keep us;" "It's alright. You've had other things on your mind. And look; you are teaching me how to dance, now." As Mary grew more confident, I guided her through a simple underarm turn, and we ended with a dip, which made her giggle and earned a round of applause from the others. Finally, I turned to Erin, who was sitting on the couch beside Lane. I suddenly felt very shy and, for the first time that evening, she looked nervous as well. "Would you dance with me, Erin?" She didn't reply but stood and took my hand. We waited for a moment while Wilma and Lane chose a new 45 and then listened to the pop and hiss as it started to play. Soon, an alto saxophone introduced the Henri Mancini version of "Moon River," and we started a slow waltz. Although there was space between us, it was bridged by an electric charge that connected and drew us together. Even though I spent most of the dance looking over Erin's shoulder, every detail of her beauty was etched in my memory, and I felt a warm breeze pass between us, raising goosebumps on my skin. We barely noticed the pause as the song ended, and a new one began until Etta James began to sing. At last, my love has come along My lonely days are over And life is like a song The song was in 4/4 time, so I switched to a foxtrot and Erin followed as we glided across the smooth wood of the living room floor. I was so caught up in the moment, and in Erin, that I led her through a turn that transitioned into an over sway, before I stepped backward, allowing her to gently pivot into me. Our eyes met and I was lost in them again. Before we could break the spell, a heavy gust of wind shook the house, and the power flickered out. The room went dark, which sharpened my remaining senses. Suddenly, the warmth of Erin's breath on my neck felt like wildfire across my skin. We were motionless for a three-heartbeat eternity before the lights flickered and came back on. I let go of Erin and felt all of my longing and awkwardness rush back in. "Thank you, Erin. That was;" I couldn't finish; words didn't seem enough to express how I felt. "I should check the breakers and make sure that everything is alright, and then we should go. Why don't I wash these clothes and drop them back for you later." Wilma just smiled and shook her head. "If you like them, please keep them. Otherwise, they will just grow old and musty like me." A little while later, we said our goodbyes, but I promised to bring Lane to the hospital the next morning. Wilma told Mary that she would see her on Wednesday after school and again the next Sunday. I was expecting Mary to protest, but she just gave a meek, "Yes, Wilma." I was nervous when I took Lane to the hospital the next day. The deductible on our insurance was high enough that we paid for pretty much anything less serious than a severed limb out of pocket. Erin, however, was as good as her word. After the X-ray confirmed that there were no breaks or fractures in the bones around his ankle, she re-wrapped it and arranged for a pair of loaner crutches that he could use for as long as he needed them. Before we left, Erin asked me if I wanted to grab a coffee in the cafeteria, to which I readily agreed. I gave my phone to Lane so he could amuse himself while Erin and I talked. "I just wanted to say how much I appreciate what you did for Gran. I do what I can, but I spend half my time at the Children's Hospital down in Grand Rapids right now and I am often on call while I am here. I just don't have the time to give her the help that she needs." "Honestly, it's no big deal. I do a lot of work around Good Hart since the bigger plumbing companies don't like to travel that far, so I don't mind looking in on her while I am there. And she seems to have taken a real interest in Mary, so the least I can do is to bring her some groceries and help around the place a bit." Erin pursed her lips and looked like she had just bitten into a lemon. "The 'least you can do' is more than the rest of our family can be bothered to do put together, so thank you." "I meant to ask you about that. What did your Gran do to end up so isolated from the rest of your family?" "The rest of my family is; there is no nice way to put it, they're snobs. None of them have any interest in spending time 'up north' as they call it, and they can't wait for Gran to move into a retirement home and die so they can get their money and forget about this place. That's why no one comes to visit Gran anymore, even for Thanksgiving; it's part of their campaign to convince her to sell her land to the McDougals. Before you came along, I thought they were going to succeed." "Well, excuse my language, but fuck them. I don't know Wilma that well, but I will do what I can to make sure that she gets to spend her remaining days in the place that she loves." "That's easy to say, but harder to do once the McDougals and their minions start coming by your place, offering you money and making threats unless you back off." "Well, if they do, they will find out what every teacher who ever taught me learned the hard way. I am bad at taking orders and even worse at following instructions. I am not afraid of the McDougal boys." My exclamation brought a smile to Erin's pretty face. I decided that I would be willing to do quite a lot to see that smile on her face again. But there was one thing I still didn't understand. "Why aren't you on board with the rest of your family? You must be under a lot of pressure to abandon your Gran like the rest of them." "My father, Gran's youngest son, Max, died shortly after I was born, and my mother moved the family to California where she remarried into a family that had a little money but a great deal of pretension and ambition. My mother picked up that insatiable need for money and status like it was a virus. "When I was a child, my mother and stepfather spent summers and holidays traveling the world, staying in places where children weren't welcome. Although they wanted nothing to do with Gran and Grampy and their 'vermin-filled shack in the middle of nowhere', they were more than happy to leave me with them while they were away. "They would put me on a plane to Grand Rapids while they jetted off to their spas and their fine dining. Gran and Grampy were the only people who cared for me, and they became my whole world. "When I was 14, I was staying with Gran and Grampy, and I caught a fever that was so bad that I nearly died. It was a pretty grim time. My parents even thought about flying home from Monaco to be with me. They didn't, but it was the only time in my entire childhood that they considered it. But I will always remember how kind the doctors and nurses were to me when I was sick. That's why I became a pediatrician and moved home." "Isn't California home?" "Home is where the people that you love are, and so this will always be my home. Or it will be until Gran passes on, anyway." We sat in silence for a while, sipping our coffee. Before long, it was time for me to go. "This might sound crazy, but since the rest of your family aren't going to be here to celebrate Thanksgiving with your Gran, how about you and I try to give her one more Thanksgiving to remember." Erin brightened at the idea, and the smile returned to her face. "That would be amazing! Why don't I give you my number, and we can figure out how to make it happen!" Chapter 4. For the next few weeks, Mary continued to meet with Wilma on Wednesdays and Sundays. I would often take the opportunity to bring her groceries or other supplies while I dropped Mary off and, if the weather was agreeable, do some fishing. Once he could walk without crutches, Lane came along as well, in quest of another monster steelhead. Unfortunately, all he caught was some yellow perch and rock bass, but it was nice to spend the day with him down on the dock. I saw Erin a few times at Wilma's as we made plans for Thanksgiving. She seemed to particularly enjoy talking with me while I split firewood out by the shed. It was hard work, and I was often drenched with sweat by the time I was done, but she didn't seem to mind. And she worked while we talked, helping to stack the larger pieces and collecting the smaller ones for kindling. The one point of contention in our plan was how Erin would get to Wilma's on Thanksgiving Day. She was slated to work a 12-hour shift the evening before, ending at seven in the morning, and she worried that if she went home to rest, she would sleep through the entire day. Her solution was to drive out to Wilma's after her shift and catch a few hours of sleep when she got there. I thought that driving that far after working all night seemed like a terrible idea, so I offered to give her a ride instead. She did not like that one bit. "I don't want you to make an extra trip when I am perfectly capable of driving myself." It sounded like she was digging in for a fight, so I tried a different tactic to convince her. "I need to stop at the hospital anyway, to return Lane's crutches. I can kill two birds with one stone and pick you up at the same time." She didn't buy that rationale either so, reluctantly, I resorted to the truth. "I am sure you're a great driver, but if you drive yourself, I will be up that morning anyway, worrying that you are safe. I know it doesn't make sense, but I have been looking after my siblings for so long its second nature for me to worry, and I can't seem to turn it off. So please, let me pick you up. But for me, not for you. And do you know how rarely I get to be gallant these days? I will feel like your knight in shining armor." That finally got a laugh from Erin. "Alright, you win. Why don't you pick me up at 7:15 at the hospital? You can sweep me up onto your trusty steed and carry me away to Gran's house." "If by trusty steed you mean rusty old GMC truck, then it's a deal." The morning of Thanksgiving dawned chilly and gray, with a cold wind blowing in off the lake. I was up early to make sure that I made it to the hospital on time, and I was listening to the local AM country station as I drove when the DJ started his break. "A happy Thanksgiving to all our listeners. If you're on the roads today, be aware that there is a severe weather warning in effect for the area north of Cadillac and into the upper peninsula. We're expecting a combination of high winds and lake-effect snow to make driving hazardous, and you should be prepared for possible power interruptions and outages." I was relieved that Erin had agreed to let me pick her up and that I had invested in good snow tires for my pickup. The snow had already started by the time I reached the hospital, and I pulled my jacket tightly around me as I went inside. I dropped Lane's crutches with the duty nurse and waited for several minutes before Erin arrived. She looked exhausted, and the gentle smile that I loved was nowhere in evidence. "Hey, Erin. Are you okay?" "I'm fine. I just had a long shift, but I am ready to head out." She came up to me and gave me a hesitant look. "Actually, I could really use a hug if that's alright." Without a word, I wrapped my arms around her, and she buried her face in my sweater. Hidden from the world by the folds of my jacket, I felt her body start to shake. The tremors lasted for a minute before they gentled and then finally stopped. I looked out the window at the falling snow to give her a moment to compose herself. "Let's head to Gran's house. This weather isn't going to get better any time soon." With that, we got in my truck and started the drive up to Good Hart. Erin sat in silence and looked out the window. "If you want to talk, I probably can't help with doctor problems; but I am a good listener." It took Erin a minute before she opened up. "Most of the time, I love being a pediatrician. Kids come to me scared and in pain, and I help them to get better. But sometimes, it's just too much. Around midnight last night, an ambulance brought in a mother and daughter. Her boyfriend had been drinking; and he got violent. The little girl tried to protect her mother and; and; "It's one thing to treat a grown woman, you know. I mean it's still pretty bad, but; that little girl. Fuck. One thing I've learned from this job is that monsters are real." I wanted to give Erin another hug, but since I was driving, I just reached over to take her hand. "I'm sorry." My words seemed so incredibly inadequate; considering what she had just dealt with; but she squeezed my hand. "Thanks for listening." We drove on in silence, and by the time we pulled into Wilma's laneway, Erin was gently snoring with her head against the window. I stopped as close as I could to the house before lifting her out of the cab. She tucked her head into my shoulder, and I carried her inside, where Wilma was already busy in the kitchen. She came out to greet us, and I spoke to her in a low voice. "Erin had a very tough night. I think some rest will do her a world of good." Wilma helped Erin out of her boots and coat and then showed us through to the guest bedroom, where I laid Erin on the bed. The room was filled with pictures of Erin from when she was younger; standing on the dock with an older but handsome man who I guessed must be Phillip, curled up in a ball on the sofa, book in hand, and smiling in her cap and gown as she graduated. In each picture, I could see hints of the beautiful woman she would become. By the time I returned with the rest of my family, the storm had begun to pick up. Snow drifts were accumulating against the house and shed, so we brought everything with us into the house that we might need for the evening. It took some convincing, but Sharon and I took over in the kitchen while Wilma, Alison, Mary, and Lane started a game of Scrabble in the living room. Once the preparations were well underway, I laid in as much wood for the fireplace as I could. With the high winds and heavy snow, I was worried that we might lose power, and I wanted to make sure that we prepared, just in case. The radiators and boiler would provide almost no heat if there was a prolonged power outage, but the fireplace had a high-efficiency insert that would keep the house warm, as long as we built up a good bed of coals. Lane insisted on helping me with the firewood, and after a half dozen trips to the woodshed and back, we both looked like live-action versions of the abominable snowman. Wilma showed some sympathy for our plight, while our sisters had a good-natured laugh at our expense. By the early afternoon, dinner was almost ready, and Wilma sent me to wake Erin. She had barely moved since I had tucked her in and seemed so peaceful in her sleep. I leaned over and spoke softly to her until she opened her eyes. After a moment of confusion, she broke into a shy smile. "I guess we made it to Gran's." "That we did, we got here close to six hours ago." Her eyes flew open, and she tried to get up until I reassured her. "We've got things under control. Dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes. Take your time; and maybe give yourself a few minutes for that pillow line on your cheek to fade." I turned to leave, so she could have some privacy, but she reached out and took my hand. "I just wanted to say thank you again for earlier. I am not used to having someone I can talk to; someone I can trust. It's only been Gran and Grampy, and me for so long, and I didn't want to burden them. But I shouldn't have dumped my troubles on you like that, we barely know each other." "I was just glad that you felt comfortable enough to share how you felt with me. Today was probably the worst day of that little girl's life. I am sure she was terrified, confused, and in a lot of pain. But what she'll remember is the angel who comforted her and treated her with kindness and love. "I need to get back to the kitchen, or I will burn something. Fair warning, this is my first time cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, so you may want to load your plate up with fixings and sides, just in case." As it turned out, the turkey wasn't perfect, but it wasn't that bad, and the gravy was tasty as heck (probably because Wilma made it.) We had mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, and peas as sides, with the obligatory cranberry sauce (from a can). The conversation at dinner was a chaotic mixture of laughter, stories, and the kind of teasing that you only get when you bring five siblings together over a hearty meal. It didn't take Erin long to choose a side in the battle of the siblings, and soon, it was the four girls against Lane and me, with Wilma as our impartial referee. I don't know how Lane felt, but for me, it was worth being ganged up on just to see Erin and my sisters smiling and laughing. Although he tried to hide it, it was clear that Lane still had a bit of a crush on Erin, so I imagined that he was just fine with making her smile as well. For dessert, Erin brought pumpkin and apple pies that she had bought at the bakery in Petoskey, which we ate with some vanilla ice cream from the local creamery. I was sure there would be some dessert left over, given the amount that we all ate for dinner, but somehow, we finished it all. Everyone pitched in with the dishes and then we moved to the living room where we played cards and some more board games. As we played, Mary asked Wilma about some of her more memorable Thanksgivings, and she got a faraway smile. For the next hour, she regaled us with stories of humble times with the kids by the lake and, in later days, fancier celebrations with some of the families that Phillip befriended while they sat for portraits. As our last game of Scrabble ended, Sharon looked at Wilma with a mischievous grin. "Mary was telling me about the dance party that you had a few weeks ago here in your living room. Rumor has it that my big brother can dance! I was hoping, if you asked him nicely, that we could all see him in action." Wilma got up from her chair and started to move toward the hall closet. "Lane, come along and help, please. I am far too old to be carting around a heavy record player." Lane hopped up and went to help Wilma, while the rest of us began to move the furniture out of the way. As Lane set up, Wilma admonished the rest of us. "Remember, there is only one rule about dancing in my house: no wallflowers." With that, Lane started the first song, and I asked Wilma to dance. Alison followed suit, asking Lane to dance, and soon she was teaching him how to lead. Finally, Erin stood as well and gave a deep bow to Mary. "It would be my honor, enchanting lady, if I could have this dance." With a laugh, Mary stood, and soon we were all moving around the room, trying not to bump into each other or step on each other's toes. For the next hour, we danced, laughed, and pretty much forgot about the world outside. Lane even got up the courage to dance with Erin, although he stayed so far away from her that you would have thought she was radioactive. I took a couple of turns with Erin and was amazed at the way she melted into my arms. When we danced, there was a wave of knowing smirks from my sisters and a pleased smile from Wilma, but I didn't care. I could have danced with her all night. Unfortunately, during my third dance with Erin, the real world decided to interrupt our festivities. Erin and I had just started a turn when the power went out. I instinctively pulled Erin into my arms to protect her, and then I leaned in through the darkness and kissed her. She returned the kiss, ran her hand through my hair, and let out a small moan. "Do you think the power will come back on?" Lane's question cut through the fog of my lust and longing. "Probably not until sometime after the storm has passed. So, we should all plan on spending the night here and then figuring things out in the morning." With Wilma's agreement, we got settled in for the evening. After some protest, Wilma agreed to sleep in the guest room since it had a direct line of sight to the thermoelectric stove fan that helped circulate the heat from the fireplace. My three sisters slept in Wilma's bed, both to share body heat and because it was the larger of the two beds in the house. Lane slept on the couch, while Erin and I slept on the floor in front of the fireplace. Erin laid out an older sleeping bag, for comfort, with some bedding and blankets on top. In deference to Lane, she waited until she was under the blankets before she shimmied off her pants, while I stoked the fireplace. I made one more pass through the house, to check on Wilma and my sisters, but it seemed they had already fallen asleep. Even Lane had passed right out, despite his proximity to the pants-less Erin. I set a quiet alarm on my phone for two-hour intervals so that I could get up and add wood to the fire, ensuring that it would last all night. Looking down at the makeshift bed where Erin was watching me, I suddenly felt incredibly shy and anxious. I took my sweater and pants off as quickly as I could and set them on a chair before crawling under the blankets next to her. I didn't want to be presumptuous, so I stayed as far over to one side as I could. I had just settled in when I heard Erin's soft voice from behind me. "You can come a little closer. I won't bite, you know." My brain froze with indecision, but my heart knew the score and it started beating at a furious rate. I heard her shifting behind me, and I felt an arm wrap itself around my chest. My senses were on fire. The faint scent of lavender from her hair washed over me like a field of wildflowers. "Was everyone safe when you made your patrol?" I slowly rolled over so that my forehead was lightly touching hers, and I could see the flickering of the fire reflected in her eyes. "I know it's silly, but I can't sleep until I know that everyone I love is safe. Even when she is away at college, Alison texts me each night to let me know she is okay. I will make another round later after I stoke the fire." "It's not silly at all; I feel safe when I'm with you too.  Why don't you tell me your story, Davis Crawford." She must have felt me stiffen, and she started to lightly brush her fingertips through the hair on the back of my neck. "You don't have to if you're not comfortable with me yet, but I would like to hear it someday when you're ready." We sat in silence for another few minutes, while the tension slowly drained from my body. It had been over 15 years; since before the drugs and alcohol got too bad with my mother; since someone had touched me with kindness and love, and I was helpless before the gentle onslaught of Erin's fingers. Eventually, I started talking. "Things weren't always bad with Mom; I remember there being more laughter than anger when I was little. She was very beautiful, and there was a procession of men in her life, even back then, but most of them treated me well. I guess they wanted to make a good impression on her. When I was four or five, though, she took up with a man from a rougher crowd. She started in with the drinking and drugs, and they never really stopped. She got pregnant with that man, and Alison was born. From there, it was like a rock sliding down the side of a hill. It starts slowly, but soon it's rolling downhill in leaps and bounds. "After Sharon was born, fewer men came around. My mom was still beautiful, but how many guys are interested in a single mother who has three kids from three different men? I had just turned ten when she left me in charge for the weekend and flew down to Vegas with some friends from the club where she waitressed and danced. A bit more than nine months later, she had Mary. "The one thing I can say for my mom is that she mostly managed to stay clean while she was pregnant. But once Mary arrived, the hill got steeper, and the rock started plummeting downwards. As fewer men showed an interest in her, Mom had to blame someone, and we kids were handy targets. That's when the hitting started. I learned pretty quickly that she didn't much care who she hit, so I made sure that I was always close at hand, to try and spare the little ones. If she was going to throw plates at someone, I figured it had better be me. "By the time I was 12, I was the only one caring for my siblings. When Mom came home drunk or stoned after her shift at the bar, I would steal enough of her tip money to buy food for my sisters' lunches. That was the worst of it, and I didn't think that we would make it through. I am not sure we would have without our landlord, Mr. Johnson. "He lived in the apartment below us and would take us in on the weekends when my mother was out with her boyfriends, feed us dinner, and let us watch a little television. I never found out why he lived such a lonely life, but he helped me keep our family together until I was old enough to handle things myself, so I will always be grateful to him." I could see tears starting to pool in the corner of Erin's eyes. "You don't need to hear the rest of this;" Erin stopped me mid-sentence by kissing my lips. "You never got to be a kid, Davis. My whole life I felt sorry for myself because my parents didn't want or care for me, but at least I had Gran and Grampy. You had no one." Even though we were lying on an old lumpy sleeping bag on a rough hardwood floor with only a fireplace for heat, I had never felt safer in my life than I did with her right then. To be continued in part 3. Based on a post by CleverGenericName, in 4 parts, for Literotica.

In this episode, I sit down with J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. Under J.D.'s leadership, The Summit has grown from a church of about 300 people to a movement of over 12,000. They have a bold vision to plant 1,000 churches by the year 2050. Woah!!  But what I love about this conversation is that it's not about numbers. It's about leadership in real life. We talk about the complexities and weight of leadership, how to find balance when everything feels overwhelming, and what it looks like to lead faithfully in a divided world without becoming cynical or jaded.  If you're leading people, carrying responsibility, or just trying to stay hopeful and healthy in the middle of it all, I think this conversation will really encourage you. Find JD's book here: https://a.co/d/eyosndF   Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with JD: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit https://www.firstinterstatebank.com/ Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/  

Sermon by Pastor Corky Calhoun

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Shawn Johnson. He is the lead pastor of Red Rocks Church, an author, and someone God has used to impact thousands. And he is the coolest! Shawn shares openly about being diagnosed with Parkinson's, the battle with depression that followed, and what it looks like to keep getting back up when life knocks you down. We talk about choosing joy on purpose, why fun actually matters in your faith, and the hope that will hold steady even on the hardest days. If you've ever felt like giving up, or you're trying to keep going when things feel heavier than you expected, Shawn's story will speak straight to your soul. It's honest. It's encouraging. And it's a reminder that God does some of His best work in the fire.   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org   Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit https://www.verneide.com/   Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Shawn: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: https://www.adamweber.com/thecrew  

Sermon by Pastor Corky Calhoun

In this episode, I sit down with Brittany (Thune) Lindberg. An incredibly gifted singer-songwriter who also happens to be the daughter of the current U.S. Senate Majority Leader.  We talk about the good and hard parts of growing up in the political spotlight.  She also shares honestly about learning to live in the world but not be of it, surrounding yourself with people who think differently than you, and finding her own identity and calling as an artist. I also have to mention that Brittany and her husband Luke are dear friends of my wife and I's. If you're trying to stay true to who God made you to be in a world full of expectations, this conversation will encourage you. Listen to Brittany's music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Mq2zgB3Rw1wDwWonStjUa   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com Are you on the hunt for a new house? Genuinely look no further. The Tyler Goff Group has a proven process that has transformed the lives of many clients. With the Tyler Goff Group by your side, you're not just buying a house – you're investing in a future home you'll love. To learn more and to contact Tyler or his team, visit tylergoffgroup.com   Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Brittany: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew  

Sermon by Pastor Jason Arnold

This week, I got to sit down with Masey McLain. She's an actress, screenwriter, and producer who's doing some seriously meaningful work. Whether she's on set, writing, or speaking, Masey is passionate about telling stories that matter. One of the things I admire most about her is her conviction. She's said "no" to a lot of opportunities in Hollywood because they didn't line up with who she is or what she feels called to. That kind of integrity is rare. We also talk about her new movie, Soul on Fire, the true story of John O'Leary. And what I love about it is this: it's not a victim story. It's a choosing-hope story. A choosing-life story. If you've ever wondered how to chase a dream without losing yourself, or how to stay faithful in a place where faith isn't exactly the norm, you're going to love this one. Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Masey: youtube.com/@adamaweber   Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew     Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: First Interstate Bank & Vern Eide First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com

Sermon by Pastor Corky CalhounLink to FCA video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2_99NH7tjU

Sermon by Pastor Janice Shepard

In this episode, we talk honestly about something so many of us feel but almost never say out loud: loneliness. It's crazy how life can look so full from the outside… so many people, so much activity… and yet on the inside, we feel completely empty. We've gotten really good at giving the illusion that everything's great, even when it's not. But that gap between what we show and what's actually real? It's exhausting! And it's taking a toll on so many of us. Loneliness can affect us mentally, spiritually, and even physically. But hear this: God never intended for you to walk through life by yourself. From the very beginning, He hardwired us for close friendships. Deep, honest, life-giving friendships. In this conversation, we talk about how to move past the surface, how to admit when we're lonely, and how to start pursuing the kind of real connection our souls are craving. 21 MUST FOLLOWS: Pastors   Noah Herrin - @noahherrin Megan Fate Marshman -  @meganfate Jonathon Pokluda - @jpokluda World Events Carlos Whittaker - @loswhit Sharon McMahon - @sharonsaysso Rich Villodas - @richvillodas Sharon Hodde Miller - @sharonhmiller Therapy/Knowing Yourself Jason VanRuler - @jason.vanruler Mike Foster - @mikefoster2000 Carl Lentz - @carllentz Goals and Outlook Carey Nieuwhof - @careynieuwhof Jon Acuff - @jonacuff Jon Gordon - @jongordon11 Ethan Bernard - @ethanbenard Nonprofits I love God behind bars - @godbehindbars IJM - @ijm Convoy of Hope - @convoyofhope Joy Jimmy Darts - @jimmydarts Cam Bynum - @cambeezy_24 Gabe Dannenbring - @gabedannenbring Style/Fashion Joe Burrow - @joeyb_9 Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:   International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org   Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com   Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew    

Dr. Jason Vickers serves as professor of Christian theology and the Wesley Endowed Chair of Christian Theology at Truett Seminary, on the campus of Baylor University in Texas. He serves as a member of the Discipleship, Doctrine, and Just Ministry Commission of the Global Methodist Church. Ryan Barnett is an ordained elder in the GMC. Today, he serves on staff at Truett and as the Connectional Operational Officer (COO) of the MidTexas Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Together, Ryan and Jason have created a fabulous resource for the church -- Profoundly Christian, Distinctly Methodist. Their work gives us a great opportunity to talk about what it means to be Methodist, and what we can celebrate as we teach our people the joys of this tradition. 

Hey friends, welcome back to this episode of Anchored by the Sword Podcast. Today I'm sitting down with the incredible Rev. Beth Caulfield — pastor, filmmaker, screenwriter, and woman of God whose testimony is straight-up wild in the best way.Beth has a beautiful new project coming out called “Conceivable,” a faith-based film that tells the real and raw story of her late-in-life pregnancy, her wrestling, the surprising emotions that surfaced, and the spiritual battles she faced both medically and within the church.This movie was born out of Beth's own journey — one filled with ministry, motherhood, seminary, shock, surrender, and the unmistakable leading of the Holy Spirit. Today we talk about the making of the film, what it was like to return to screenwriting later in life, and how God is using her story to spark conversations about faith, life, and calling in a complicated world.Beth shares about:• God's unexpected adventures• Writing a screenplay in her 50s• Taking a faith-based film project onto a secular college campus• Raising her family while raising ministries• Her daughter's surprise role in the film• Her heart to help others step into Christian filmmaking• How God uses every season — even the ones we didn't chooseThis conversation is honest, tender, surprising, and full of hope. I can't wait for you to hear it.Listen in and be encouraged — God is not done writing your story.Bio:Rev. Beth Caulfield is the writer, co-director and producer of the new film and movement: Conceivable. The movie is about a minister in midlife that has an unplanned pregnancy. The movement is about building community around compassionate conversation and saving lives. Conceivable reimagines the traditional streaming experience utilizing new generation technology. Offered more than a traditional streaming experience, viewers can watch exclusive PVOD events, join live meet-and-greets with directors, actors, and specialists, take part in discussions, and directly connect with filmmakers to host local screenings. More than just an audience, participants can also earn by sharing, promoting, or organizing screenings—transforming engagement into tangible reward and social connection. Beth is an ordained Elder in the Global Methodist Church. She is a pastor, author, screenwriter, director, producer, actress and audio narrator. She is appointed by the GMC to a ministry of cinematic arts leadership and works ecumenically with people of faith worldwide to bring faith-based stories to the big screen. She brings over twenty years of ministry experience, including pastoring local churches, denominational administration, prison ministry and Bible study leadership internationally. Her BA from UPENN's Annenberg School of Communications, MDIV from Drew Theological School and Fortune 50 corporate background also inform her filmmaking ministry. She follows God's call to creating faith-based films understanding that movies profoundly influence people and culture.Her first full-length feature film, Conceivable, premiered at the prestigious Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival and is soon to be released to theaters and all digital platforms world-wide. She lives in New Jersey where she and her husband Tom have raised their three children.Anchor Verses:Zechariah 4:6John 10:10Connect with Beth:Website: https://www.conceivablethemovie.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/bethcaulfield710FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/17UgdvXPdb/?mibextid=wwXIfr***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we'd be so grateful if you'd take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it's a simple way to make a big impact!*** 

Leadership, especially in ministry, can be lonely.  In this conversation, I got to sit down in person with pastor, bestselling author, and leadership expert, Carey Nieuwhof. We were surrounded by a room full of pastors and ministry leaders to talk about what it really looks like to lead well without losing your soul. We talk about the difference between real friendships and deal friendships, how to spot false intimacy, and why real connection matters more than ever. At the end, you'll also hear some honest questions from the room. The kind every leader wrestles with but rarely says out loud. It's a real, hope-filled conversation for anyone who leads, loves the church, or just wants to follow Jesus well between your Sundays.  Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Carey: youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew     Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com      

This week wraps up our Faith & Justice series… and it's good!  I sat down with Jessica Honegger, the founder of Noonday Collection, a fair-trade fashion brand that's changing lives around the world. Jessica shares how her faith led her to step out in courage. Starting a business that empowers artisans while also partnering with IJM to fight injustice. We talk about what it really looks like to live out your faith in your work, how to slow down when life feels full, and why small steps of obedience can lead to big impact. This one will leave you inspired to use what's in your hands to make a difference.   Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode:  International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they're rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org  Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com   Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview -- youtube.com/@adamaweber  Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew    

In this episode, I sit down with Christ-follower, author, pastor, and teacher, Sharon Hodde Miller, to talk about what it looks like to find real freedom. Not the kind the world talks about, but the kind that comes when we stop trying to control everything and let God be in charge. We talk about everything from how to respond to the next big news story, to how to tell the difference between the Holy Spirit's nudge and plain old overthinking. Sharon shares wisdom on what healthy responsibility looks like versus unhealthy control, and how surrendering to God's authority actually brings more peace (and not stress)! This conversation is honest, practical, and full of truth. If you've ever struggled with anxiety, control, or just feeling overwhelmed by the world around you, this is for you! Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode, First Interstate Bank and Vern Eide. First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Sharon: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Holman heads to Michigan to pick up his brand new AEV-built Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 and drive it back home to California. On Day 2 of this multi-part series, Holman meets his new Wrangler 392 for the first time, and walks through AEV's facility with Matt Feldermann. The Truck Show Podcast is produced in partnership with AMSOIL, Kershaw Knives, and OVR Mag.