Podcasts about grace how

**When God Turns Disgrace into Glory — Matthew 4 Explained** In Matthew 4, Jesus relocates His headquarters to **Capernaum** in **Galilee**—a region many considered disgraced and unlikely for the Messiah. Yet this is exactly where the Light dawns. In this message we unpack why Jesus chose Galilee, what "**Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand**" truly means, and why pastors must serve as **watchmen** who speak to the moral and political realities of their day. ### What You'll Learn - **Why Galilee?** How a land once marked by shame became the launchpad of Messiah's ministry (Isa 9:1–2; Matt 4:12–17). - **Prophets & Pastors as Watchmen:** John the Baptist confronted corrupt power (Herod/Herodias) and suffered for it—modeling the church's duty to apply Scripture to culture (Ezek 33; Acts 20). - **"Kingdom at Hand" Clarified:** Understanding God's kingdom program—universal, theocratic (past), spiritual (present), mystery (church age), and **messianic** (future millennial reign). - **Strategic Wisdom of Jesus:** Why Jesus avoided premature conflict and set up in a high-traffic hub where news would spread quickly. - **From Guilt to Grace:** How the Lord transforms the "Galilee" of our lives—our failure and shame—into places of light, freedom, and calling (Rom 8:1; 1 Jn 1:9). - **The Rejected Stone:** The world's "discarded" stones become God's cornerstones in Christ (Ps 118:22; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 2:14). ### Key Scriptures Matthew 4:12–25; Isaiah 9:1–2; Ezekiel 33; Acts 20:26–27; Luke 4:16–30; John 4:43–45; Psalm 118:22; John 5:24; Romans 8:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:14. --- ### Apply It - **Reset your mindset:** Repent = "chan

**When God Turns Disgrace into Glory — Matthew 4 Explained** In Matthew 4, Jesus relocates His headquarters to **Capernaum** in **Galilee**—a region many considered disgraced and unlikely for the Messiah. Yet this is exactly where the Light dawns. In this message we unpack why Jesus chose Galilee, what “**Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand**” truly means, and why pastors must serve as **watchmen** who speak to the moral and political realities of their day. ### What You'll Learn - **Why Galilee?** How a land once marked by shame became the launchpad of Messiah's ministry (Isa 9:1–2; Matt 4:12–17). - **Prophets & Pastors as Watchmen:** John the Baptist confronted corrupt power (Herod/Herodias) and suffered for it—modeling the church's duty to apply Scripture to culture (Ezek 33; Acts 20). - **“Kingdom at Hand” Clarified:** Understanding God's kingdom program—universal, theocratic (past), spiritual (present), mystery (church age), and **messianic** (future millennial reign). - **Strategic Wisdom of Jesus:** Why Jesus avoided premature conflict and set up in a high-traffic hub where news would spread quickly. - **From Guilt to Grace:** How the Lord transforms the “Galilee” of our lives—our failure and shame—into places of light, freedom, and calling (Rom 8:1; 1 Jn 1:9). - **The Rejected Stone:** The world's “discarded” stones become God's cornerstones in Christ (Ps 118:22; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 2:14). ### Key Scriptures Matthew 4:12–25; Isaiah 9:1–2; Ezekiel 33; Acts 20:26–27; Luke 4:16–30; John 4:43–45; Psalm 118:22; John 5:24; Romans 8:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 John 1:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:14. --- ### Apply It - **Reset your mindset:** Repent = “change your mind.” Lay down false assurances and self-condemnation; receive Christ's finished work. - **Stand as a watchman:** Measure cultural issues by Scripture and warn in love. - **Choose wise battles:** Like Jesus, engage with discernment—truth with timing. --- ### If this blessed you: 1) **Like • Subscribe • Bell** to push past the algorithm.   2) **Pray** for boldness, protection, and fruit.   3) **Support the work** so we can keep producing and traveling for biblical content.   Give here: YOUR-DONATION-LINK

For many believers, patriotism has either been idolized or abandoned. But is there a better way forward—one that honors God and seeks the good of our nation? On this week's episode of The Narrative, Communications Executive Director Mike Andrews and Church Ambassador Network Executive Director Chris Lightfoot are joined by author and pastor Daniel Darling to discuss his new book, In Defense of Christian Patriotism. At a time when faith and politics often collide, Daniel makes the case for patriotism that is rooted in gratitude, humility, and love for neighbor. One that honors God above all while still cherishing the blessings of living in America. Before Daniel joins the show, CCV President Aaron Baer joins Mike to run through this week's latest news: The Ohio Christian Education Network opened its fifth school, with two more opening next week after Labor Day. Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, passed away last week, Thursday, August 21. Breaking news from Minnesota: two children are dead and seventeen are injured after a gunman opens fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. MORE ABOUT DANIEL DARLING Daniel Darling is an author, pastor, and thought leader. He currently serves as the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Assistant Professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College. Daniel is an author, co-author, or editor of 20 books, including The Original Jesus, The Dignity Revolution, The Characters of Christmas, The Characters of Easter, A Way With Words, Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loves, and the forthcoming: In Defense of Christian Patriotism. Dan holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Dayspring Bible College, has studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and holds a Master's degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dan has served churches in Illinois and Tennessee. He and his wife, Angela, have four children and are members of Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. TALK TO US We want to hear from you! As a valued listener, your feedback is critical for us to keep The Narrative insightful, relevant, and helpful. If you have a particular guest, topic, or question you'd like us to cover, let us know! We’ll answer your questions on an “Ask Us Anything” episode later, so send in your questions now.

The fifth sermon in our series One Life | 'What's it all about?' .Sermon: 'Grace: How can God accept us?'Series: One Life | 'What's it all about?'Readings: Ephesians 2:1-10 Mark 10:13-16Preacher: Brad FletcherRecorded 24th August, 2025S18 E06

In this stirring devotional message, Pastor Roderick Webster takes us deep into the truth of Psalm 45:6 and Hebrews 1:8—God's throne is unshakable. When the foundations of our world are crumbling, and kingdoms fall like dominoes, the child of God has one anchor: the eternal throne of the Almighty.Drawing from Psalms, Isaiah, Lamentations, and Revelation, this message reminds us that while empires collapse and personal storms rage, God's rule remains sovereign, secure, and full of grace. Whether you're facing uncertainty, loss, or fear, this episode will help you build your faith on what can never be moved.

Are you still winging your warm-up? Whether you've got a 5-minute sprint or a 40-minute grind ahead, this episode breaks down exactly how to prep your body (and brain) the right way.We cover:-How to warm up for quick burners like Fran or Grace-How to dial in for moderate AMRAPs and chippers-How to mentally and physically prep for long hero WODs like MurphNo fluff… just real-world tactics to help you hit the ground running.Plus: tips, structures, and examples you can plug in today.

I am the Law of Moses Mosaic of Redemption Essential Church March 23, 2025 SUMMARY The message explores the relationship between the Old Testament law and New Testament grace, highlighting several key points: 1. **Misunderstanding of Salvation**: It challenges the belief that salvation was achieved through law in the Old Testament and through grace in the New Testament, emphasizing that both Testaments focus on a relationship with God rather than mere rule-following. 2. **Purpose of the Law**: The law is depicted as a means to reveal God's character and humanity's inability to fulfill it perfectly. It serves as a reflection of God's heart and intentions for humanity. 3. **Role of Grace**: Grace is essential for salvation, as no one can fully keep the law. Jesus is portrayed as the only one who fulfilled the law, offering his life for the eternal life of others. 4. **Sin and Human Nature**: The law exposes human sinfulness and the tendency to rebel against God, illustrating that attempts to find happiness apart from God lead to sin. 5. **God's Heart for Humanity**: The laws are intended for the well-being of humanity, reflecting God's care for the poor and marginalized. They guide people toward a fulfilling life rather than restricting joy. 6. **Faith Over Works**: The Project emphasizes that a loving relationship with God, based on faith, is the foundation of salvation, rather than a checklist of good deeds. This summary encapsulates the main themes and teachings presented in the sermon, focusing on the interplay between law and grace in the context of Christian faith. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. **Understanding Salvation**: How do you interpret the relationship between law and grace in your own faith journey? Do you find yourself leaning more towards one than the other? 2. **Purpose of the Law**: In what ways do you think the law serves to reveal God's character? Can you identify specific examples from your life where you felt guided by these principles? 3. **Role of Grace**: How does the concept of grace influence your understanding of forgiveness and redemption? Can you share a personal experience where grace played a significant role? 4. **Sin and Human Nature**: Why do you think humanity struggles with the tendency to rebel against God? How can understanding this tendency help us in our spiritual growth? 5. **God's Heart for Humanity**: How do you perceive the laws of God in relation to societal issues today? In what ways can these laws guide us in addressing modern challenges? 6. **Faith vs. Works**: What does it mean to you to have a relationship with God based on faith rather than works? How can this perspective change the way we approach our daily lives and interactions with others?

I did it! I rebirthed the Homeschool Entrepreneur Mom Podcast to Dreams, Dirt & Grace! In this episode we'll talk about the heart behind Dreams, Dirt, and Grace— How to plant those forgotten dreams, Why the messy, gritty parts of life are where growth truly happens and the importance of giving ourselves Grace through it all. Here's the link to my friend, Alicia's podcast   If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

Grace Loh Prasad's debut memoir, is The Translator's Daughter. I spoke with her about how she started off writing it and how it evolved over the two decades it took to write it. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/a-conversation-on-the-translators-daughter-a-debut-memoir-by-author-grace-loh-prasad-ep-304/ A lot can happen in two decades. One by one Grace started losing her family members- her brother, mother and father. Her memoir is very much about loss, not just the loss that Grace experienced of her family members, but also her lost connection to Taiwan. When Grace was just two years old her family left Taiwan and moved to the U.S. and then Hong Kong. Her parents didn't return to Taiwan until Grace was in college in California. I found the book moving and appreciated how Grace was able to take her grief and personal experiences and put them into this beautifully written book. If you'd like to hear Grace reading an excerpt from The Translator's Daughter, check out the episode right before this one, episode 303.   Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: ·   What motivated Grace to start writing her memoir ·   How the memoir evolved and changed over the twenty years it took to write and complete it ·   What changed in her life during those two decades ·   How Grace lost her brother to cancer, her mother to Alzheimer's and father to Parkinson's ·   The challenge of maintaining a connection with Taiwan and relatives there due to language barriers ·   The unconventional style of the book which is a mix of narrative chapters and essays ·   Grace's writing process and how she put the book together ·   What Grace learned in the process of writing the book ·   How her family's migrations due to her father's work affected Grace and her brother Ted ·   How to find belonging in a place that you don't intend to stay ·   How Grace feels about being a third culture kid ·   How much of the writing in the book comes from Grace's diary entries ·   What Grace left out of the book ·   People who have reached out to Grace about her book because they knew her father and his work translating the Bible ·   Grace reflects on her father's education and career compared to her own ·   How Grace's family's story doesn't fit the typical immigrant or model minority story ·   The op ed Grace wrote about Taiwan's 2000 presidential election ·   How important Taiwanese Americans have been in highlighting issues in Taiwan ·   How Taiwan is excluded from international organizations and events like the UN, WHO, Olympics ·   The authors and books that have influenced Grace ·   How her book touches on mythology, film, music, and art ·   Her family's connection to the Thornberries and Milo Thornberry who wrote Fireproof Moth: A Missionary in Taiwan's White Terror ·   Grace's advice for someone struggling with writing their first book ·   Feedback and reactions that Grace has gotten to the book ·   How it's worthwhile to make the effort to pass on specific things from one's culture or family to children or the next generation   Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/a-conversation-on-the-translators-daughter-a-debut-memoir-by-author-grace-loh-prasad-ep-304/

Misconceptions About Forgivenes Start Again Essential Church February 2, 2025 SUMMARY 1. **Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation**: - Forgiveness is a personal act that does not require the other party to acknowledge their wrongdoing. It is a gift that one gives, regardless of whether the other person accepts it. - Reconciliation, on the other hand, requires acknowledgment of the hurt caused and a mutual desire to restore the relationship. 2. **The Process of Forgiveness**: - Forgiveness is described as a process rather than a one-time event. It involves ongoing emotional work and may take time to fully achieve. - An analogy is made comparing forgiveness to buying a gift on credit, where the emotional payments continue until the debt is fully resolved. 3. **Trust and Discipline**: - Trust must be rebuilt over time after it has been broken. Forgiveness does not automatically restore trust. - Discipline is necessary even in the context of forgiveness. For example, a parent may forgive a child but still impose consequences for their actions. 4. **The Role of Grace**: - Recognizing one's own need for grace is essential in the process of forgiving others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of reflecting on how much one has been forgiven in order to extend that forgiveness to others. 5. **Avoiding Bitterness**: - Holding onto unforgiveness can lead to bitterness and anger, which can negatively impact one's life. The speaker encourages moving on and not allowing past hurts to dictate future relationships. 6. **Personal Reflection**: - The speaker shares personal experiences of forgiveness, illustrating how past hurts can be acknowledged without allowing them to dominate one's life narrative. ### Conclusion The message emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as a means to personal freedom and emotional health, encouraging individuals to engage in the process of forgiving while understanding the complexities involved. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. **Understanding Forgiveness**: - How do you differentiate between forgiveness and reconciliation in your personal experiences? - Can you share a time when you forgave someone but chose not to reconcile? What factors influenced your decision? 2. **The Process of Forgiveness**: - The Project describes forgiveness as a process rather than a one-time event. How do you interpret this idea in your own life? - What strategies or practices have you found helpful in navigating the ongoing process of forgiveness? 3. **Trust and Discipline**: - In what ways do you think trust can be rebuilt after it has been broken? What role does forgiveness play in this process? - How can discipline coexist with forgiveness in relationships, especially in parent-child dynamics? 4. **Personal Reflection**: - Reflecting on your own need for grace, how does this perspective influence your ability to forgive others? - Can you think of a situation where recognizing your own flaws helped you to forgive someone else? 5. **Avoiding Bitterness**: - What are some practical steps you can take to avoid bitterness when dealing with past hurts? - How do you think holding onto unforgiveness affects your mental and emotional well-being? 6. **The Role of Grace**: - How does the concept of grace shape your understanding of forgiveness? Can you share an example where grace played a significant role in your ability to forgive? - In what ways can reflecting on the grace you have received from others help you extend that grace to those who have hurt you? These questions can facilitate meaningful discussions about the complexities of forgiveness and its impact on personal relationships.

Weekly Sunday sermons from Pastor Mike Powers and other members of our Pastoral Body. Richland Creek Community Church gathers to glorify God in worship, grow as disciples of Jesus, and go on mission with the gospel. For more, visit richlandcreek.com.Main Idea: The gospel offers the life-changing hope of being born again.5 key parts to the life-changing message in the gospel of John:Available - The gospel message is available to all. Believe - The second word that describes our salvation is to believe.Jesus - Belief must have an object; here, you receive and believe in Jesus.Grace  -  How is it that we are saved? By grace which is God giving us something that we do not deserve.Rebirth - The last word that describes the change is that we are reborn and become a child of God.

Find the accompanying PowerPoint Here. Sin & Grace: How the Sinner is Forgiven, by Donnie V. Rader. 12/15/2024 Sunday PM Sermon.

Here are the podcast show notes with all the chapters included:A Note from James:"Sometimes, if you just read the news, it doesn't always seem like it, but being President of the United States is the highest calling. You have responsibility over the entire economy, the lives of millions, and the direction of the country in war and peace. I'm excited to talk to David Rubenstein today—he's the head of the Carlyle Group, a $500 billion private equity firm. He also worked for Jimmy Carter, has had presidents work for him, and just published a book called The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency, where he talks to historians about U.S. Presidents, from George Washington to Nixon and beyond. It's filled with fascinating insights. Let's get started."Episode Description:In this episode, James interviews David Rubenstein about his latest book, The Highest Calling, which dives into the complexities of American presidents through interviews with historians and Rubenstein's own reflections. Rubenstein shares what he's learned from years of interacting with former presidents, how public opinions on U.S. presidents change over time, and what makes the presidency such a unique role. They also touch on the challenges and achievements of figures like Jimmy Carter, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight Eisenhower, offering listeners new ways to think about the men who have led the country.What You'll Learn:The evolving reputations of U.S. Presidents and how history changes its mind on who was successful.Insights into Jimmy Carter's presidency and why he is gaining new respect over time.The unique challenges that presidents face in foreign policy, with examples from Carter and Eisenhower.How third-party candidates can impact U.S. presidential elections, and what history tells us about that.Surprising facts about lesser-known presidents and the personal relationships that shaped their leadership.Chapters:01:30 – The Weight of the Presidency: Why it's the highest calling in America.02:09 – Introduction of David Rubenstein and his work with U.S. Presidents.03:01 – Rubenstein's New Book: The Highest Calling and why it stands out.03:19 – Changing Opinions: How history re-evaluates past presidents.05:12 – Jimmy Carter's Presidency: Achievements and controversies.08:37 – Foreign Policy and Perception: How leaders are judged at home and abroad.10:21 – Carter's Unique Strategy in 1976: His rise to the presidency.12:38 – Foreign Policy in the Middle East and the Iran Hostage Crisis.14:03 – Stories Left Out: Surprising anecdotes from U.S. history, like Teddy Roosevelt's Amazon expedition.21:54 – Coolidge's Forgotten Legacy: Why he is an underrated president.23:02 – Hoover's Response to the Great Depression: Was it Coolidge's fault?25:21 – Eisenhower's Quiet Success: How peace and prosperity defined his presidency.29:01 – Military Presidents and Their Reluctance to Use Force: Why they preferred diplomacy.32:17 – The President's Club: Why it no longer exists and the political divide today.33:50 – The Role of Fundraising in Political Polarization.36:46 – The Costs of Running a Presidential Campaign: Why it's so expensive.38:13 – Lincoln's Path to the Presidency: How he stood out in a crowded race.39:49 – The Electoral College Debate: Should it still exist?42:18 – Third-Party Candidates and Their Impact on Elections.44:06 – Overrated and Underrated Presidents: How Kennedy and Eisenhower are viewed today.49:09 – Nixon's Fall from Grace: How his tapes ruined his presidency.50:12 – Nixon's Post-Presidency and Redemption.54:45 – Presidential Debates: How one-liners and debate prep can make or break a candidate.57:40 – The Influence of Speechwriters: Ted Sorensen's role in Kennedy's speeches.01:00:04 – Entering Politics: David Rubenstein's inspiration from Ted Sorensen.01:01:21 – What Presidents Should Know About the Economy.01:03:16 – Unrealized Gains and Tax Proposals: Do candidates really understand the economy?Additional Resources:David Rubenstein's book: The Highest Calling. ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to “The James Altucher Show” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn

Here are the podcast show notes with all the chapters included:A Note from James:"Sometimes, if you just read the news, it doesn't always seem like it, but being President of the United States is the highest calling. You have responsibility over the entire economy, the lives of millions, and the direction of the country in war and peace. I'm excited to talk to David Rubenstein today-he's the head of the Carlyle Group, a $500 billion private equity firm. He also worked for Jimmy Carter, has had presidents work for him, and just published a book called The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency, where he talks to historians about U.S. Presidents, from George Washington to Nixon and beyond. It's filled with fascinating insights. Let's get started."Episode Description:In this episode, James interviews David Rubenstein about his latest book, The Highest Calling, which dives into the complexities of American presidents through interviews with historians and Rubenstein's own reflections. Rubenstein shares what he's learned from years of interacting with former presidents, how public opinions on U.S. presidents change over time, and what makes the presidency such a unique role. They also touch on the challenges and achievements of figures like Jimmy Carter, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight Eisenhower, offering listeners new ways to think about the men who have led the country.What You'll Learn:The evolving reputations of U.S. Presidents and how history changes its mind on who was successful.Insights into Jimmy Carter's presidency and why he is gaining new respect over time.The unique challenges that presidents face in foreign policy, with examples from Carter and Eisenhower.How third-party candidates can impact U.S. presidential elections, and what history tells us about that.Surprising facts about lesser-known presidents and the personal relationships that shaped their leadership.Chapters:01:30 - The Weight of the Presidency: Why it's the highest calling in America.02:09 - Introduction of David Rubenstein and his work with U.S. Presidents.03:01 - Rubenstein's New Book: The Highest Calling and why it stands out.03:19 - Changing Opinions: How history re-evaluates past presidents.05:12 - Jimmy Carter's Presidency: Achievements and controversies.08:37 - Foreign Policy and Perception: How leaders are judged at home and abroad.10:21 - Carter's Unique Strategy in 1976: His rise to the presidency.12:38 - Foreign Policy in the Middle East and the Iran Hostage Crisis.14:03 - Stories Left Out: Surprising anecdotes from U.S. history, like Teddy Roosevelt's Amazon expedition.21:54 - Coolidge's Forgotten Legacy: Why he is an underrated president.23:02 - Hoover's Response to the Great Depression: Was it Coolidge's fault?25:21 - Eisenhower's Quiet Success: How peace and prosperity defined his presidency.29:01 - Military Presidents and Their Reluctance to Use Force: Why they preferred diplomacy.32:17 - The President's Club: Why it no longer exists and the political divide today.33:50 - The Role of Fundraising in Political Polarization.36:46 - The Costs of Running a Presidential Campaign: Why it's so expensive.38:13 - Lincoln's Path to the Presidency: How he stood out in a crowded race.39:49 - The Electoral College Debate: Should it still exist?42:18 - Third-Party Candidates and Their Impact on Elections.44:06 - Overrated and Underrated Presidents: How Kennedy and Eisenhower are viewed today.49:09 - Nixon's Fall from Grace: How his tapes ruined his presidency.50:12 - Nixon's Post-Presidency and Redemption.54:45 - Presidential Debates: How one-liners and debate prep can make or break a candidate.57:40 - The Influence of Speechwriters: Ted Sorensen's role in Kennedy's speeches.01:00:04 - Entering Politics: David Rubenstein's inspiration from Ted Sorensen.01:01:21 - What Presidents Should Know About the Economy.01:03:16 - Unrealized Gains and...

Pastor Garrison GreeneTEXT: Ephesians 5:18-19BIG IDEA: We're to be Spirit-filled Christians, producing a singing congregation.OUTLINE:1. Be Spirit-Filled Christians a. A Command b. A Present-Continuous Command c. A Command in the Passive Voice d. A Command for Us All2. Be A Singing Congregation a. Our Audiences b. Our Anthems c. Our AimRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Reformed Expository Commentary: Ephesians by Bryan Chapell; The Message of Ephesians by John Stott; The Lectio Continua: Ephesians by Ian Hamilton; Rediscovering the Holy Spirit: God's Perfecting Presence in Creation, Redemption, & Everyday Life by Michael Horton; Joy Unspeakable: Power & Renewal in the Holy Spirit by Martyn Lloyd-Jones; Corporate Worship: How The Church Gathers As God's People by Matt Merker; Rhythms of Grace: How the Church's Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel by Mike Cosper; Worship In Spirit & Truth: A Refreshing Study of the Principles & Practices of Biblical Worship by John Frame; New Testament Christological Hymns: Exploring Texts, Contexts, and Significance by Matthew Gordley

Joining me this week to talk about reconciliation and civil discourse is the author of Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved — Dan hosts the weekly podcast The Way Home, leads the Land Center for Cultural Engagement, and speaks at churches and conferences around the country. RELATED CONTENT Joy For The World - Greg Forster (Episode # 127) Learning to Disagree - John Inazu (Episode # 162) Cross & Gavel is a production of CHRISTIAN LEGAL SOCIETY. The episode was produced by Josh Deng, with music from Vexento.

Patrick gets into an important discussion about the Catholic Church's stance on the disposition of ashes. He unpacks the difference between venial and mortal sins when it comes to spreading ashes and explores alternatives like preserving a lock of hair. Patrick also touches on the more modern, yet controversial, methods like alkaline hydrolysis and human composting.   Timothy - Is spreading the ashes of the loved a sin? If so, is it mortal or venal? (00:49) Patrick recommends an end of life issues book “Now and at the Hour of Our Death” by Nikolas Nikas, and Bruce Green Theresa - Can you recommend a book on sacred art of Bible stories or Mysteries of the Rosary? (15:46) Louisiana set to become first state to mandate Ten Commandments displays in public schools (18:18) Alabama Becomes Second U.S. State to Ban Lab-Grown Meat (22:45) Dominic - What would God think about the Ashley Madison dating documentary on Netflix? Was it sinful for them to expose that site? (27:36) Richard - Can I attend the spreading of ashes? (38:51) Elizabeth - The groom is Catholic and the bride is not. What are the ramifications of them getting married inside or outside of the Church? Grace - How can I promote adoption more to fight abortion?

Grace – How can I talk to my parents about their marriage? I know my dad was married twice before my mother and I would love if their marriage was blessed. (03:23) Janette (email) – How does Ellen Gould White's name equate to 666 in Latin? Vince - How can I explain that people in others faiths, however good and devout, are not saved? (27:19) Jerod – Did all the people in the Old Testament have God dwelling in them like we do today? (40:43) Debbie – I had an encounter with an atheist and he hated the Catholic Church. I was able to calmly talk to him because of all I've learned from Relevant Radio

Chuck (email) – I've learned so much from reading the Baltimore Catechism St. Joseph Edition Mark - Can God apply future Mass graces to present souls? (06:12) Myra - Sibling passed away who was not baptized. Can I bury him in a Catholic Cemetery with my family? Can I have a Mass said for him? (14:05) Ann (email) – What is it that allows Mary to appear to people all over the world? (18:46) Email – My dad was a drunk, and now I see myself acting like him Todd (email) – What's the best way to respond an LDS member who calls himself a Christian since their baptism isn't valid? Grace – How can I talk to my parents about their marriage? I know my dad was married twice before my mother and I would love if their marriage was blessed.

Bucket List -I Peter 4:1-11 Exercise Your Freedom - There is an obvious connection between the will of God and holy living. Get Serious About Prayer - We can do better than a minute per day. Love Deeper - Not sloppy agape, but striving to win the love Olympics. Be Stewards of God's Grace - How does God want to use you to glorify Him?

Welcome to Episode 67 of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Sarah Smith sits down with special guest Dr. Sasha Shillcutt, a cardiac anesthesiologist and professor, to discuss the crucial topic of setting boundaries in the medical field. Dr. Shillcutt also sheds light on her efforts to provide support for women physicians through her Brave conference, empowering them to create positive change in their professional and personal lives. Join us as we explore the vital role of boundaries in achieving sustainability and work-life balance in clinical medicine. Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode: 1️⃣ Set Boundaries, Embrace Empowerment: As physicians, setting boundaries is crucial for avoiding burnout and embracing sustainability. 2️⃣ The Power of Support and Community: Dr. Shillcutt's Brave conference for women physicians has brought about positive transformations, from career shifts to a profound sense of community support and improved work-life balance. It's a testament to the impactful changes that can arise from empowering and connecting with like-minded individuals. 3️⃣ Embrace Diversity in Leadership: The conversation navigated the complexities women face in leadership roles, grappling with gender expectations, and finding authentic expressions. Dr. Shillcutt advocates for embracing diverse leadership styles for women, fostering an environment where individuals can lead authentically and with confidence. Dr. Sasha Shillcutt Bio: Sasha K. Shillcutt, MD, MS, FASE is a tenured and endowed Professor and the Vice Chair of Strategy in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Sasha is CEO & Founder of Brave Enough, a well-published researcher in cardiac anesthesiology and gender equity, author, and international speaker. Sasha has taught thousands of women to achieve work-life control through her courses and conferences. She speaks frequently to executives and leaders on the topics of professional resilience and gender equity. Her TEDx talk titled Resilience: The Art of Failing Forward has been viewed by thousands of people. Her writing has been published in both the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA. She leads conferences and retreats for professional women through her organization, Brave Enough. A best-selling author, her first book Between Grit and Grace: How to be Feminine and Formidable, has sold thousands of copies and her second book, Brave Boundaries: Strategies to Say No, Stand Strong and Take Control of Your Time, was released in September of 2022. -------------- Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click here **** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine. Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca **** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don't forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released. **** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life. **** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at admin@reachcareercoaching.ca. I would love to hear from you.

In this episode, hosts Oren Martin and Caitlin Van Wagoner are joined by two of Watermark's worship leaders, Jon Abel and Davy Flowers, to discuss the importance of corporate worship, what it is, why we do it, and answering some of the most commonly asked questions.  Part I: 00:00-02:27 Introduction  Part II: 02:28-04:00 What is worship in the context of the church and where do we see it in scripture?  Ed. D.A. Carson, Worship by the Book Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God Mike Cosper, Rhythms of Grace: How the Church's Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel Scripture Mentioned:  Exodus 15, Revelation 15  Part III: 04:00-06:02 Has congregational singing always been present in the church? David Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship Scripture Mentioned: Ephesians 5, Colossians 3, Revelation 19  Part IV: 06:02-07:36 What makes corporate worship in the local church different from singing Christian music in your home or car?  Matt Merker, Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God's People  Part V: 07:36-11:32 What are some misconceptions about corporate worship?   “Our hearts are like idol factories, seeking things to worship” - John Calvin. “True Christian worship addresses God not just merely as creator and preserver, or as the great Lord of the universe, but as one who is very near kin to us, our Father, beloved of our souls. It is the worship of a child towards a Father, feeling within himself a kinship with the Divine. It is a worship wrought in us by God the Holy Ghost because the Father has sought us out and taught us how to worship Him. It is a worship which is not outward but of the inner man, and occupies not hand, eye, and foot, but heart and soul and spirit. And it is a worship which is not professional and formal, but real, hearty, earnest, and so acceptable before God ” – Charles Spurgeon.  Scripture Mentioned: Romans 12:1, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Mark 12:30, Romans 1:21-23.    Part VI: 11:32-13:05 When we sing in church, why and to whom are we singing?  Part VII: 13:05-20:02 How do you think about the role of a worship leader?   Scripture Mentioned: 1 Peter 4:10.  Part VIII: 20:02-25:10 How do you choose the songs we sing on a Sunday? Why would you choose to not sing a song?    Part IX: 25:10-26:58 Why has Watermark started to produce its own music?  Scripture Mentioned: 1 Peter 4:10  Part X: 26:58-30:40 How have your own perspectives on leading worship changed over the years?     Part XI: 30:40-36:39 Quick Hits Watermark Music, “As Loud as He Is Worthy (Psalm 47).” The Worship Initiative, “All Sufficient Merit.” Herman Bavinck, Reformed Dogmatics, 4 Volume Set. Scripture Mentioned: Psalm 47 

Welcome to my very first podcast episode!Who am I? I'm just like you – someone navigating the unpredictable waves of life but with a little twist. I live with a chronic illness, a companion that's as challenging as it is enlightening. In this debut episode, I'm throwing open the doors to my world, inviting you to join me on a journey that's as real as it gets.Living with Chronic Illness: It's not just about the tough days, but also about the triumphs, big and small. I'll share my stories, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From personal struggles to unexpected joys, it's all here, raw and unfiltered.Searching for Grace: How do we find grace in the chaos? Together, we'll explore strategies to cope, ways to embrace our realities, and how to thrive despite the challenges. This podcast is more than just about coping; it's about flourishing.Join Me: Whether you're someone living with a chronic illness, know someone who is, or are just curious about this journey, this podcast is for you. Let's laugh, cry, and learn together.Here's to the first of many episodes – where real talk meets real life. Can't wait to have you along for the ride! 

Bridging Divides Through Faith, Loving as Jesus Loved In a world marked by increasing divisions, embracing faith becomes a powerful incentive for unity and understanding. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified boundless love and compassion, we find a profound guide on how to navigate societal divides. It is not merely about what we believe but how we embody those beliefs in our actions. Loving as Jesus loved involves recognizing the inherent humanity in every individual, fostering empathy, and transcending differences. Moreover, the art of effective communication plays a pivotal role; it's not just about expressing our thoughts but doing so with kindness and respect. Not every thought needs to be voiced publicly, and the gentle, thoughtful delivery of our words can contribute significantly to bridging gaps and fostering a more harmonious society. Who is Daniel Darling?Daniel Darling is an author, pastor, and Christian leader. He currently serves as the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Assistant Professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College.Dan is a bestselling author of several books, including The Original Jesus, The Dignity Revolution, The Characters of Christmas, The Characters of Easter,  A Way With Words. and his latest, Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loves. He is the general editor, along with Trillia Newbell, of a small group study on racial reconciliation, The Church and the Racial Divide and is a contributor to The Worldview Study Bible. Connect with Daniel Darling on (X): https://twitter.com/dandarlingWhat have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you've got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be!Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on:Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I'll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com

Grace: “'If you are COVID-positive as the mother, you are not allowed to do skin-to-skin, you are not allowed to breastfeed your baby, and you are only allowed to hold your baby two times a day for 15 minutes.'”Meagan: "That's what they told you?"Grace: "That's what they did. That was their policy."Today's episode is a must-listen for everyone in the birthing community. We know 2020 was an especially tough year to give birth and Grace's first birth story shows exactly why. Grace unexpectedly tested positive for COVID upon arriving at the hospital for a recommended induction after providers were worried about her baby's size. She was immediately subject to the hospital's policies for that day. Grace felt like her birthing autonomy was slipping farther away with every intervention. She ultimately consented to a C-section for failure to progress. Her lowest point was watching a nurse feed her new baby a bottle in her hospital room while she felt perfectly fine and capable of doing it herself. Grace was a compliant and obedient patient, but her heart was broken.Though she went through so much, Grace's positivity and commitment to a redemptive second birth experience are so inspiring. Grace is sharing all of the warning signs she wishes she recognized before along with so many helpful VBAC preparation tips. While we wish Grace didn't have to go through what she did, we are SO very proud of her resilience and strength!Additional LinksThe VBAC Link Blog: 10+ Signs to Switch Your ProviderThe VBAC Link Blog: How to Find a Truly Supportive VBAC ProviderNeeded WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Hello, Women of Strength. I am bringing another VBAC to you for you today. I always do that. To you, for you. It is for you today. We have our friend, Grace, and she is actually from New York, right? Yes. Grace: Yes. Meagan: New York. Yes. That too, is something I want to start highlighting on the podcast because we have a lot of people being like, “Well, where are they from? I want that provider. How possible is it for me to get that provider?” She is from New York, everybody, so if you are from New York, definitely listen up extra sharp on this one. Yeah. She is going to share her traumatic C-section story and her healing VBAC. It just tickled me so much when she said in the beginning when we were chatting that this podcast truly helped her so much. It truly is so heartwarming to hear those things because this is exactly why I'm still doing this podcast. It is because I want everyone to have these stories, to be able to feel empowered, and to learn along the way because I think in addition to inspiring, these podcasts really, truly inform and educate. We can learn from other peoples' stories. We can be like, “Oh, I didn't even know that was a thing.” Even though birth is really the same, it's just the same concept. Our cervix gets to 10 centimeters. We get 100% effaced. Our baby comes out through our pelvis and we push a baby out, it's just treated so differently truly worldwide. That's what is kind of crazy to me still that we haven't caught up to evidence-based birth in every state or country and we do things so differently. I think that's something really cool too to learn where people are from so we can learn what birth looks like in that state or in that country. Review of the WeekWe are going to read a Review of the Week and then we are going to turn the time over to our cute friend, Grace, to share her stories. Grace: Yay. Meagan: This is from stephmeb and her title is “Positive Stories Inspire Birthing Women”. It says, “As a VBAC mama myself, I have to say that one of the things I drew strength the most from were the most positive birth stories. I wish this existed with my previous babies and cannot wait to listen and gain strength from the stories that we are blessed enough to have one another sharing.” It says, “What a beautiful thing to have and it all is in one place.” I love that she highlighted that. That is something that we love to do here at The VBAC Link. That's why we created it. We wanted you to have all of the things– the stories, the information, the education, the resources all in one place because I too, when I was going for my VBAC, had a hard time scrambling all over the place trying to find out the information. It says, “These ladies are really blessing and inspiring birthing women, VBAC or not.” I love that. Thank you so much. As always, we love your reviews. They truly make us smile. They keep us going. I even still to this day will get a review and send it over to Julie so she can see that her legacy is still carrying on today. So if you haven't left a review, we would love one. You can help us on Google if you just Google “The VBAC Link”. You can leave us a review there. It helps everyone out there looking for VBAC to find us, to find this podcast, and to hear these amazing stories. Or on Apple Podcasts or you can even email us. Thank you so much for your review. Grace's Stories Meagan: Okay, Grace. Before we were talking, we talked about not the best C-section experience. Grace: Horrible. It was horrible. Meagan: We talked about being COVID-positive. That was a really hard time. We are still having COVID. COVID is not going away, so I think this is also a really good thing to hear about what things to do or what things to know if you are COVID-positive. Fortunately, the hospital system has changed substantially since then. I was probably one of the most angry people that I have ever been. I was a very angry person during COVID watching what was happening to my clients and what was being told to my clients. It was heartbreaking to see and I can't imagine going through that. So if you are a COVID mama birther whether you had COVID or not, just know I am sending you so much love because I know you went through hell a lot of the time. And then you had a redemptive VBAC. I am going to turn the time over to you to share with the listeners your stories. Grace: Awesome, yeah. Going back, since my first birth which was a C-section, my first is three and a half. It's been crazy trying to go over what happened before I started recording with you just so I had all of my points down. I started to cry at one point just because it was so traumatic. I don't know if other women have gotten as traumatized as I have, but I'm sure some have because it just was terrible. So maybe that's why it's good I have everything written down. I don't know where I should start because it's just so much. So again, I was COVID-positive. This was 2020 and this was right when COVID started becoming so serious that they shut everything down. So March and April 2020, I had to start working from home. At that point, I was 6 or 7 months pregnant with my first baby. I didn't think anything of it. COVID at the time was scary, but because of my age– and I didn't have any other conditions. I wasn't a diabetic or anything where COVID can be really scary. Other than that, we were just isolating the way we were supposed to. I am a teacher and we didn't have to go to work so that was actually kind of nice. I got to work from home. I went on really long walks and just enjoyed the end of my pregnancy. Nothing was phasing me. I had a regular OB. I picked this OB. Why did I pick this OB? I think it was that I wanted to give birth at this hospital that when I was picking hospitals in my area, I was told that this hospital has the best NICU. I'm like, “Okay.” I had no reason to think my baby should need a NICU, but when you are picking, you're like, “What are the pros and cons?” I picked that one and I went with the OB practice that was connected with that one. It was, I think, private. There were a lot of providers in that practice. A few people did say, “Just so you know, a lot of people have C-sections there.” I already knew two women who went there and both had C-sections. Warning sign number one, if you are hearing people say that a particular provider or practice is likely to give you a C-section, just be aware of that. Meagan: Yeah. Yeah. Grace: I didn't listen to that. So probably in mid-April, I started losing my sense of smell. Immediately, I'm like, “I might have COVID.” My husband and I about a few weeks earlier than that did have five days where we didn't feel great. We were tired. We were run down. We kept thinking, “Maybe it's COVID,” but our symptoms were super mild. No fever, no difficulty breathing. And remember, in early 2020, everybody was petrified of COVID and expecting it to be this super terrible thing. You're going to go on a respirator and all of these things. We had that one week. We weren't feeling great and then mid-April which was a few weeks after that, I lost my sense of smell so I was like, “Crap. I think I might have COVID.” I hope I can say that. Meagan: Yeah, you can. I just said “hell” so “crap” is good. Grace: I called my OB and I called a few other people. I said, “I don't know what to do. I lost my sense of smell. I feel fine.” I felt fine. They were like, “Okay. Isolate for two weeks. Let us know how you are doing.” We were. We weren't going anywhere. We were just working from home. I would go out with my mask and my gloves. We did all of the things then, but we didn't really go to work or anything. So then those few months go by. This is something I didn't want to forget to mention. Even at 20 weeks of my pregnancy, almost every appointment that I went to whether it was a checkup or a sonogram, they started saying, “Your baby is very big. It's big. He's going to be–” Not that they would give me a weight, but they were like, “He's going to be a big baby. He's going to be a big baby.” He was a boy, so I was big in the front. I was gaining weight which was concerning me. Meagan: Also normal to gain weight. Grace: Right. Totally normal, but when they started saying that so early, and then at the time, my sister had her first and her son was, I want to say 8 pounds, something. She really struggled to get him out. I'm not going to tell her story, but the things she had to go through to get him out were tough. She didn't have a C-section, but when I started hearing, “Oh, he's big,” it started making me concerned like, “I hope I can get him out.” Again, another foreshadowing that you're not seeing the right people because they shouldn't be saying that to you. They should just be letting the baby get where it needs to get and letting you know that everything is going to be fine. So I'm going through isolation. Time goes by and I'm getting into my third trimester. As we all know, women who have been pregnant, when you get to the end, you start to lose your mind. You start to get very vulnerable. You start to be like, “Please get this baby out of me.” By that point, I was rotating OBs so I had met everyone because you don't know which OB you're going to get. So I went to this one OB and he was the main OB of a girlfriend. She would only want to see him. He did make a comment that was bad bedside manner and it should have been an indicator that this guy was not looking out for you. He said, “Oh, you're having a boy? We don't like when you ladies have boys.” Meagan: Oh, whoa. Grace: Yeah, he said that to me. I giggled out of awkwardness, but after leaving, I was like, “Who says that to somebody?”Meagan: Yeah, I don't like that. I don't like that at all. Grace: I didn't like it either. I think that was the first time I had seen him. I only had seen him twice during my whole pregnancy and then the last time was before I got admitted to the hospital. It was at 40 weeks. I think I went in to see them and he goes, “Okay, again. Your baby is really big. Let's give it a few more days and then we'll schedule an induction for you.” You know, at the end of your pregnancy, you're like, “Yeah, get it out.” Meagan: Vulnerable, yeah. Grace: Vulnerable. And because my sister had gotten induced that January, inducing didn't seem like any kind of fearful thing to me. I had heard stories of women getting induced and getting a C-section, but I just kept thinking, “I'm full term. I'm healthy. There's nothing wrong.” Again, I didn't want my baby to get too big. They kept putting that thought in my head. They scheduled my induction and right when I told my mom, my mom had five kids all natural. She never had any chemicals put in her body every. When I told my mom they scheduled my induction, she flipped out. She was like, “No!” Another warning sign for me that I should have listened to. “Don't do the Pitocin. Don't do it. It's not good for you. You don't need it. Your labor is going to be really hard. It's going to be really long.” She was telling me, “Don't. This is a terrible decision.” “You know,” I'm like, “But they're telling me that this baby is going to get too big. I don't want it to get any bigger. I don't want to go too far.” Meagan: It's scary.Grace: And it's scary. They do say my risk goes up once you go past the 40 weeks and all of these things. But I did it anyway. I go to the induction. We get to the hospital. They're like, “Oh, you have to do a COVID test when you get there.” I thought it was a good thing. I'm like, “Oh, good. They're making sure the COVID people are separate. It's such a good thing.” No thought in my mind that I would ever be positive. I felt perfectly fine. We were keeping ourselves in the house, wearing the masks and doing all of the things. They do the test. Meanwhile, my husband and I are sharing a water bottle in the room. Then they were taking a really long time to get back in the room. I remember thinking, “That's not good. Where are these people? We took the test at least 30 minutes ago and these tests don't take that long.” They come back in full get-up, all three– the OB and the two nurses– full get-up of the gown and everything. Immediately, my heart sank. They're like, “So it turns out that you are COVID-positive. Your husband is COVID-negative so he can stay.” If he was COVID-positive, he would have had to go home. Yes. I'm hearing this. I'm starting to freak out. Remember, I'm a first-time mom. I'm already petrified of giving birth in general, so hearing that, I'm like, “Oh my god. Oh my god.” Then they told us that the policy that day– because the policy with COVID patients was changing every day. They were like, “So if you are COVID-positive as the mother, you are not allowed to do skin-to-skin and you are not allowed to breastfeed your baby, and you are only allowed to hold your baby two times a day for 15 minutes.” Meagan: Shut up. That's what they told you? Grace: That's what they did. That was their policy. Meagan: No. See? This is why I was the angriest doula in my life. It was the angriest time I have ever been because of this stuff. That doesn't even make sense. Grace: It made no sense especially because I'm thinking, “I'm bringing the baby home with me.” The baby is going to be 100%. I'm going to nurse this baby. I'm going to have this baby on me.” If I was coughing and had a fever and a runny nose and all of these horrible, contagious symptoms, obviously, it's like, “Yeah. I shouldn't maybe hold my baby. I don't want to get my baby sick.” At that time, COVID was scary, so it's like, “Okay, if I am this COVID-positive, deathly-looking patient, fine. I get it. Baby's safety first,” but I was fine. I said I was sharing germs with my husband who was negative. I kept saying, “Please retest. Please? Clearly, these tests are wrong.” I actually did all of this research that the COVID-positive gene or swab or whatever it is in you will stay in you for months and I was pregnant. My immune system was not what it normally is. Meagan: Well, and you were pregnant meaning you were sick. You had the antibiotics. Guess who has the antibiotics? Baby is inside of you. I don't actually know the evidence, so I can't say that there is no way, but in my head, it doesn't connect. There's a disconnect there. How did baby not– anyway. You were the same human– I mean, human in human during that time. Grace: Yeah, like you said, not only could I not do the skin-to-skin, but neither could my husband which all of the antibodies and all of the healthy things, my baby really didn't get any human skin touch until he got home which was three days later. Meagan: I'm so sorry. Grace: Yeah. I mean, I know he's fine, but there are these things. Now he's three and a half, when he has sensory issues or anything, I always go back to how his birth was horrible. Obviously, there's more. So that hit me like a ton of bricks. I'm just devastated and I'm calling all of my family. I can't see any family. No one can come to the hospital and I'm just crying. Already, it's like the downhill is starting. So that happened. I have to just– over the few hours that I'm there getting everything set up, I have to come to terms with, “I can't have skin-to-skin. I can't nurse. I don't know how I'm going to handle that.” Still thinking about that makes me really upset. Meagan: Even the nursing too, those are good antibodies and strong. That's what helps our babies. Grace: Yeah. I know. It's completely backward. The OB that was there was actually no one I had met before. She really didn't seem concerned. She was totally– what's the word– I use this when it comes to these healthcare workers in the hospitals. They are desensitized. That's the word. They were desensitized to my reaction and my husband's and all of it. They were just like, “Yep. This is how it is. Whatever.” Anyway, they get us in the room. We had to be locked in the room. Anytime another nurse came in or whatever, we had to put a mask on. Meanwhile, every time they came in a room, it was the full getup so obviously, I was already a patient that they didn't want there. That was how you kind of felt. The nurses weren't nasty or anything, but they gave you the vibe of, “Oh, great. She's hitting the button. We gotta go help the girl with the whole getup.” You know? I know I'm not the only COVID-positive one there, but you don't want to feel that. You don't want to feel like that type of patient. So you know, they started me on Pitocin. We're trying to get through it. We're watching TV. The contractions weren't too bad. I was getting through it. I'm moving around like crazy. The first nurse I had made a joke. She said, “I've never seen a pregnant woman move around as much as you.” I was trying so hard to get contractions going. Meagan: Movement is good. We should be moving around in labor. Grace: 100%. I mean, I had to do it in my room. I couldn't go anywhere which was dumb, but I'm doing all I can do. Hours are going by. Again, Pitocin is slow to go. I think after, I'd say maybe 10 hours of it, I go, “I am so tired and I'm not really progressing.” I think I was only 2 centimeters after 10 hours. I'm like, “I am so tired.” I was feeling contractions at that point that was enough that I needed a break. This is another warning sign that I should have said no to. I was only 2 centimeters. She comes in and maybe it wasn't 10 hours yet. Maybe it was 8 hours. She comes in. She checks me. She's like, “Yeah.” I'm only 2 centimeters. She suggested to break my water. She said, “Yeah. That'll get things going.” I'm like, “Oh, great. Break my water. Totally. Do it.” Now, I shouldn't have done that. I had read books and I had learned things, but again, you don't even– it all goes out of your mind when you are trying to have a baby and get from A to B. You're uncomfortable and you don't have support around you and all of the things. Already, my vulnerability was so high because of COVID and the fact that I couldn't hold the baby. At that point, I said, “Great. Break my water.” 2 centimeters? Who does that? Crazy. What was I thinking?Meagan: You're not alone. You're not crazy because you weren't in the space to make a “better informed” decision. You were being told by your medical staff that this is what could help so you are not crazy. Offer yourself some grace, but yeah. It's just one of those things that we take as a learning experience and a nugget for next time. Grace: Yes. That's what I think is upsetting. She knew that. My OB knew that. She wasn't technically who I would consider my OB to be because the one woman I was seeing each time, I don't think would have done that to me. Meagan: The attending OB. Grace: Exactly. It's like whoever you get in that Russian Roulette lottery of that day. She didn't even know me. She clearly didn't care about me. Oh, and she also made a horrible comment to me that day. I don't remember if it was before or after she broke my water. I think it was after. She breaks my water. Contractions are going again and they are way more intense. At that point, so much time had gone by that I was exhausted. It was maybe 10 hours. I don't totally remember exactly, but I think it was 10 hours that I spent. I said, “Let me get an epidural because I can't take it anymore. I need sleep.”After I got the epidural, I was in bed and I feel like either the next morning or maybe it was the night right before I went to sleep, I was crying to her. I said, “I'm really upset. Is there anything we can do? I would really like skin-to-skin with my baby.” I said, “Wrap me in a garbage bag. I don't care. I really hate that I can't have that with the baby.” She looked at me and she said, “Well, you don't want to give your baby COVID.” I couldn't believe she said that to me. I was crying already. I'm like, “Of course not.” It made me cry more. How could you put that out there and look at me right now? If it was you and it was your baby, how would you feel that it got taken away from you and I felt perfectly fine? I'm like, “Obviously, it's not me. My husband just took a test and he was negative.” For her to say that to me, I didn't want her back in my room again. So the epidural came and I was under the impression– again, looking at my sister's birth– that with the epidural, I would go to sleep. I'd wake up at 9 centimeters and I wouldn't even feel a thing. I didn't know. Again, because my sister did something similar. I don't think she woke up super dilated, but she definitely progressed after she had gotten her epidural, so I was like, “You know what? Maybe that's what I need.” And my water was already broken. I get my epidural. I go to sleep. I get some rest and then the next morning, the OB comes in and I'm relaxed. I'm calm. She checks me and I'm only 3.5 centimeters. I barely moved. It was very disappointing. I couldn't even handle it. I'm like, “Okay. Will I have more time? There is more time now. It's okay. It's okay.” But then, yeah. No. I didn't progress again. This is another warning sign. The OB comes in around a quarter to 4:00 and I remember hearing this on other podcast episodes that it's that 5:30 PM C-section time, right? Meagan: It does happen.Grace: It's before the end of the day. I mean, listen. Maybe it was coincidental, but given the fact that she comes in. She checks me. She's like, “Listen, you don't have much more time because you broke your water however many hours ago.” I don't remember the amount of hours after you break your water. You probably know. I don't remember. Meagan: Well, there's a lot of other factors than just the time. It's like, “Are we having signs of an infection? How is baby doing? How is mom doing? Are we making change in other areas?” You know? So after 6 hours of getting in labor, 6 hours after waters have been broken with no progress, they will start discussing things but it doesn't always have to be a C-section. Grace: Oh, so she definitely gave me a lot of time. She gave me more than 6 hours, but I wasn't progressing at all. I don't really know. I will be honest that my timeline will be a little funky because of how long ago it was. This I do remember because of the time he was born. He was born at 4– oh my gosh. I should know the exact time. I think it was 4:36 or something like that. Meagan: Whoa. Really fast after. Grace: That's just it, right? She comes in. “You're not progressing. We really don't have much more time before we're going to have to give you a C-section. Otherwise, the safety of the baby is going to be at risk.” Now that she says that, I'm freaking out, right? Meagan: Of course. Grace: I'm like, “Oh my gosh.” You know what? A lot of women I had spoken to before said that C-sections are no big deal. It's fine. Don't be afraid of them. They're fine. At that point, I said, “You know? I'm already going through hell right now. Let's just do it. Let's just get the baby out.” It's so crazy how they are so slow to do so many things, but the moment I sign that form, nope. The operating room is ready to go. The team is ready to go. It's within seconds. They are so ready to get you on that operating table. It's almost like they want to get you out of the door. She wants to get out of the door. We all know that C-sections are going to bill your insurance way more than if you just had the baby naturally. I hate to think that is how a provider would think, but given the time and given everything that would happen, it's like, what else am I going to think now? It's not clear, but I feel like that was a piece of it. They were just trying to get me in and out. Oh, on the operating table, she yelled out, “Just know that this patient is COVID-positive!” to the whole staff. I'm just the diseased person that is in the room. I was walking around like a perfectly healthy person. It was just so awful. So they begin the C-section. I hope I'm not sharing too much and talking about things that don't have meaning, but I guess I have to live through it a little bit. Meagan: This has meaning. You're sharing them. We can feel it. Yeah. Grace: Okay. Now, at that point, during the C-section, you're on a lot of pain meds. I come out of the operating room. Everything is fine. I'm not having any issues. I didn't throw up or anything. All I wanted was to see and hold my baby. I heard the baby cry. My husband got to see the baby. No one got to hold the baby just yet. We'd get in the room. They immediately put the baby, I think, in the isolette. This is at the time where if you were COVID-positive, the baby could be in the room with you, an isolette I think? Or an isolette? Is that what it's called? Meagan: Like another room? I don't know. Grace: You know for NICU babies, they're in this– Meagan: Oh yeah, I do know what you are talking about. I don't know what it's called actually. Grace: I think maybe it's called an isolate and that's what the rule was. When you are COVID-positive, your baby would stay in the isolette. You couldn't hold your baby unless it was those two times during the day for 15 minutes. He went into that. My husband came in. I think that the attending nurse I had at that time–Meagan: Your husband wasn't with you in the C-section?Grace: No, no, no. He was. I'm in a bed. I'm just trying to go through it again in my head. Meagan: No, you're fine. Grace: So the whole time, I kept thinking, “I just want to hold him. Please just let me hold him. I won't do skin-to-skin. I'll follow all of your rules, whatever. Just let me hold him. It's my brand new baby.” Again, I'm a first-time mom. I do think regardless if you are or not, I totally get it. It could be your fourth baby and you would still feel that way. When my mom had my sister who was her second, she was like, “The nursery can have her. I need rest.” There is a sense of, “I've been there. I've done that. I don't necessarily have that need to hold them in that moment,” but as a first-time mom, seeing my first baby, that was all I wanted in the world was just to hold the baby. So this one nurse comes in. I don't know. I think she was just a post-delivery nurse and she was very tough. I was like, “Please, can I hold him now?” She was like, “You need to wash your hands. You are COVID-positive.” Nasty. I'm like, “Okay, fine.” I can't move becaus I just had surgery. They bring me over this bucket of soap and everything. I'm washing my hands and I'm just constantly looking at him trying to get him. She yelled at me. She was like, “You're not washing your hands enough.” She was like, “I'm an ER nurse during COVID. You have to take this seriously,” just belating me. It was so horrible. But they did finally let me hold him. It was great, but it was obviously short-lived. Then after that, they took him. The nurse had to feed him a bottle. I wanted to breastfeed. I didn't want to give him any formula. I remember just seeing her sitting there with him thinking– I'm so sorry– that I failed. My body failed. This woman has to feed my baby for me and I'm right here. I can do it. I couldn't even give him a bottle. I just felt like such a failure at that moment. I did not think I was going to start crying, but just to see a stranger do that just really upset me. That was pretty much that. Right then, I was there and then that nurse would come and feed him every 15 minutes. You know, it's a baby. You have to feed them every 30 minutes or something. But then that moment when she first did it, I thought I was such a failure. Meagan: Not a failure. Grace: I know. My husband had no idea what was going on. They never really do. He was very much like, “We have to listen to the hospital.” When they would leave the room essentially, I was like, “Give me the baby. Let me just hold him. What are they going to do? There are no cameras. Even if there were, what are they going to do? Kick me out? I just got cut open.” Honestly, I was so ready to break those rules. The baby was going to be right there. My husband was like, “They could walk in. You could get in so much trouble.” He didn't know what could happen so we had to just follow the rules. He got to hold the baby, but every time he'd pick up the baby, he had to put on a new thing of gloves, a mask, and a gown, and he ended up having to feed the baby because he was allowed to. That started to drive him crazy because he was also on no sleep. If you go back from when we got to the hospital to when we had the C-section, it had already been two days of time where we were just there. He wasn't really getting the best of sleep. He has had so much going on, so now he has to care for this newborn baby. He's never held a baby in his life. That ended up being what was going on at that point. Now at this point, the epidural was still in me and I wasn't in any kind of crazy pain. Then the nurse comes in. She's a new nurse and was actually very nice. She goes, “Listen, I have a few other pills.” I can't remember what they are but then she goes, “I have oxycodone for the pain.” I was like, “I really don't want to take any opiates because I'm going to try to breastfeed when I get home and I am pumping. I don't want to have any opiates in my system.” I was saying this while the epidural was still in my system. She looked at me like, “Okay,” and I have a Motrin allergy. I can't take ibuprofen so all I was taking at the time was Tylenol. She gives me probably the Tylenol at that point. The epidural was still there. I'm like, “This will be fine. I'll just take Tylenol.” But it was a dumb thing to think. When that epidural wore off, I don't know how many hours later, I was in so much pain. I could barely talk. Motrin and Tylenol work together because some women don't take the opiate, but working together helps a lot. But when I wasn't getting Motrin, all I had was Tylenol. It just was so, so painful that she got to my room. I look at her. I go, “You need to get me the oxycodone right now. I can't move. I'm in serious, serious pain now.” So she gets it for me, but the thing is with pain– oh, I'm sorry my friend texted me– when you don't catch up to the pain and you have the pain meds in your system, you kind of can never stay on top of pain. Does that make sense? Meagan: Mhmm. Chasing it.Grace: You're chasing it. So even with the oxycodone in my system, the pain would finally subside, but then once it came back, it came back so bad that I just never felt okay anymore. I just constantly was uncomfortable and in pain. Those moments when the meds would wear off to get your new set of meds, I could barely talk. It was so intense. Then also when you get surgery, you get gas that radiates up and that was insanely painful. The night nurse ended up being late with the oxycodone at that point. It was 3:00 AM. My husband was sitting next to me. He couldn't even sleep because he was so worried about me because of that pain. I wasn't myself anymore. I don't know if other women with C-sections have gone through anything like that, but it was just really bad. He was sitting next to me. It was 3:00 AM and he was like, “I'm really worried I'm going to lose you.” I actually muttered, “I think I'm going to die.” That's how intense it was. She was probably 45 minutes late with the medication and again with pain meds, if it's not in your system, you feel everything. That made it even more intense and horrible on top of everything else– all of the emotion, the fact that I didn't even want a C-section, and it just kept spiraling into horribleness. I will say one positive good bit though that I look back on and I remember. The attending nurse that I had during the day of my C-section actually came in after and was so sweet. She did know that I wanted to breastfeed, so she was trying to get the colostrum to give to the baby. One thing my sister told me to do was she goes, “Make sure before you are planning on giving birth that you start eating lactation cookies and getting your supply to come in.” Because I had done that, when I showed up and she wanted to get colostrum, there was tons of it. He was in shock. He was so happy. He was a bit older, almost like you could tell he was old school. He was like, “I've never seen anything like this. This is amazing.” It made me feel like somebody had faith in me instead of some diseased, horrible person. That's what I felt the whole time. That was nice having that moment. But yeah, so then with the pain, that was starting to make the whole experience really bad. We ended up leaving a day early and even the day we left, the pediatrician made a point to me. He was telling me about the baby and things to do with the baby and everything. I go, “I'm so really worried. I'm COVID-positive. I don't want to get the baby sick. Everyone is making it like I'm going to make the baby sick and what should I do? Can I hold the baby? Can I do these things with the baby?” She looks at me and says, “Of course you can. You are going to take your baby home and you can nurse your baby. You're going to hold your baby.” She was like, “Wear a mask,” and was almost looking at me like, “This hospital is crazy. This policy is horrible,” but because this is the routine for them and they are desensitized to everything, I wasn't getting that from anyone else. It was just common. It made me really look back and say, “How stupid that they put me through this.” I don't even know. I think there were some COVID-positive mothers where their babies went in other rooms and they couldn't even see them at all. Meagan: Mhmm. Grace: I mean, I'm sure you've heard other horrible stories. So we go. We get to leave and my husband at that point had no sleep either. It was maybe three or four days that we had been there with no sleep. I had no sleep because I was in so much pain. We get home and my mom opens the door because she was waiting there for us to help us. My mother was really upset too. She was crying all night that I was going through that. She looked at me and was like, “Oh my god. What did they do to you?” I had dark circles under my eyes from being exhausted but also from crying. Meagan: Yeah. I was going to say, I'm sure that you instantly knew that you wanted a different experience next time. Grace: Oh my god, yeah. I wanted it different and you know, I have a beautiful, healthy baby so it's not like it was the worst experience it could have been, but it wasn't at all what I wanted or what I thought it would have been or that it really should have been. So many things went wrong and I take a lot of blame that I should have researched providers better. I should have researched the policies better. I didn't know, you know? You never think it's going to happen to you. You think everything's going to be fine. My one girlfriend, I think had placenta previa. Something like that, but she said, “I immediately knew I was having a C-section. There was no question there.” That's one thing. You have physical limitations where it is very dangerous. Okay. It's fine. You have a C-section. It's fine. But when you are put in a horrible hamster wheel of horribleness where they already know you are going to have a C-section and they don't even care, it's so long. And the COVID-positive on top of it was just really, really hard.My husband said, “Honestly, Grace, the C-section wouldn't have bothered you as much had you been able to actually hold your baby.” Yes, and all of that positive adrenaline and endorphins in your body probably would have helped you heal faster. So when I brought him home, we had to get him latched and that was a whole other hurdle, but I did. I had a lot of nursing issues with him because he had this torticollis. He had all of these issues, but I totally powered through and I still did it. But now with my daughter, I'm sharing her VBAC story, right? I'm sorry. I hope I'm not talking too much. With her, I had no issues. Nursed fine. She is a thriving, wonderful, beautiful baby and I totally believe that it is because of the birth with her and it went so differently that it is just so much better for me and it was better for her. It was better for my husband. It was better probably for my son too. That was my horrible, horrible C-section birth. Meagan: I'm so sorry. Grace: I think I covered everything. I'm sorry too. I keep talking. Yeah. It was horrible. I mean, looking back, I've learned so much and hopefully, other women can learn from it. I hope I covered all of those warning signs I want women to look out for. I don't know but hopefully I did, but yeah. My heart goes out to the COVID-positive mothers who went through something similar or worse. I can't even imagine. I do think that if you are positive and you are sick– if I were visibly ill, it's so different to me. My mindset would have been way different. I would have still been sad, but I wouldn't have felt like my autonomy was taken away from me. Meagan: Stripped. Grace: Yeah, stripped, which is much more where you feel like you are at their mercy. You don't feel like you have freedom at all and it's horrible. Meagan: Yeah. Grace: Yeah. So I get pregnant. My son at that point, I think, was about a year and four months. He wasn't 18 months just yet. I got pregnant with my daughter and again, I knew I definitely wanted a VBAC, however, I had known a lot of other women who wanted VBACs too, and still ended up getting a C-section. They would say, “Yeah, we are going to try for the VBAC, but if it doesn't work, you will have to have a C-section.” Every woman I spoke to who said that, ended up with one. As I was going through my pregnancy, I was trying to educate over time. I was like, “What is this that they are missing that I don't want to miss?” I did not want another C-section. I did not want to ever go through that pain unnecessarily again. Obviously, listen. C-sections save babies. I am not against them. Meagan: Absolutely, yeah. Grace: You know that and you know that in so many ways, they are super important, but for me, if I have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby and I don't have anything going on that would require that other than I had a C-section prior, then I am going to do everything I can to not have another C-section. So I discovered The VBAC Link, I want to say it was further into my pregnancy. I want to say I was at least 5 months into my pregnancy. Meagan: Yeah. Grace: How many weeks would I have to be for that?Meagan: 20?Grace: Was it 20?Meagan: 20 weeks is about 5 months so probably a little over. Grace: It was a little over 20 weeks and I discovered The VBAC Link. I am like, “Okay, I will give this a thought.” I already found a midwife. I didn't want an OB and the midwife that I had, I really liked her. She had VBACs of her own. Meagan: Awesome. Grace: I was super adamant. I'm like, “I do not want another C-section.” She understood. Here's the thing, though with these providers and I liked her. I'm not trying to make it seem like she did anything wrong, but they don't educate women on what to do. There are so many things that women can do to get themselves in the best situation to have a nice, vaginal birth potentially not even needing medicine. They don't. I don't know if it's that they don't on purpose, but a midwife is not an OB. She's not going to give me a C-section, so why wouldn't she want to give all of the resources to her patients? I didn't even know what Spinning Babies was until I listened to your podcast, then I researched Spinning Babies and I used Spinning Babies. So anyways, I discovered you guys or you ladies and I started listening to you every day on the way to work and the stories were just so wonderful. I learned a lot. I learned that one of the big ones was to find a hospital that is more likely to support a VBAC and has a high success rate of a VBAC. Now, the hospital I picked, I was told it was a good one. It is a good hospital. Nothing specific about childbirth or anything. It was very close to me. I had known other people who had delivered there and it was fine, but I'm like, “You know what? Let's look at their success rate versus other ones.” Their success rate was 7%. Is that high or is that low? Meagan: That's low. 7% of their success rate of a VBAC, that's low. Grace: That's low. That's low. There was another hospital I heard about from someone who gave birth there and it was an hour away. Most women who gave birth there had the best experience. It's a hospital and then it had a birthing center connected to it. Because I was a VBAC, just birthing centers wouldn't have let me go there because if they needed an emergency C-section. That setup was great. I looked at their VBAC success rate and it was 22%. Meagan: Higher than 7. Grace: Now that you say that, it was probably still fairly low, but that was the highest I found. Meagan: Yeah. Grace: Yeah, and now I went ahead and listened to your podcast for a few months and I started getting scared. I was like, “I don't have a doula. I don't have a lot of information that a lot of these women had.” Now that I have it, I was already at that point, I want to say 7 months in my pregnancy. Not going by weeks just because I don't know why months make more sense to me. That's when I started becoming very much doing more research and being more actively aware of my birth and wanting to make sure that this birth goes better. I find this hospital. At that point, I go, “I'm going with this hospital and no one is going to stop me.” But because I was already so close, I was actually in my third trimester already and I told my– the way it works is I was very lucky. My provider was part of a bigger company. I'm not going to give out any names or anything unless should I? Meagan: If you have a supportive provider that you would suggest, I highly suggest giving the name because also, Women of Strength if you are listening, we have a provider list. We actually have that, so we will be adding this one to your list. But if you guys have a provider that you highly suggest as being VBAC-supportive especially if there are multiple Cesareans, please send us that at info@thevbaclink.com because we want to add them to our list. Grace: Okay. Okay, yeah. I definitely will. At the time, they were called CareMount near the area where I was, but they just got bought out by a new company called Optum. Meagan: Optum, okay. Grace: Most adults of my age remember them as CareMount because it was super recent that it changed. Optum was in my area and because they were big, they also had a practice up near this hospital. I called the practice up near the hospital and I said, “Listen. I've been going to midwives down by me, but you have all of my information because it's all the same system. I want to go to your office because I want to deliver at this hospital.” Can I say the name of the hospital? Meagan: Yeah. Grace: I can, right? It was Northern Dutchess. They are amazing. They have a birthing center. The staff there is incredible and yeah. I said, “That's what I want.” The immediately were like, “We don't take on patients so close to the end like this, but given that you are in the system, I guess it's okay.” I was going to say to them, “I don't care if it's allowed or not. You're going to help me give birth in your hospital.” I also was going to be like, “I don't want to see any OBs. I only want to see midwives.” They still had me see two OBs and it's actually fine because even their OBs were just better. They were more understanding. Believe it or not, the male OB was even more. I was scared to see the male. Nothing against men, but the fact that with my son it was a man and he made that comment to me, treating me, I don't know. They didn't give him any kind of nickname, but I think he was known for only really doing C-sections. I was so scared to have a man especially because by the time I saw him– so before I even get to that, they do the switch and at that point, again, I was listening to your podcast still and I'm like, “You know, I really should get a doula.” I'm in my 35th week or something. I'm like, “I need to get a doula. I need this birth to be what I want it to be.” I find a doula in my area. She is amazing. She said the same thing. She was like, “We're meeting pretty late, but it's okay.” She was super understanding. I told her about my whole horrible birth and she said, “You'd be surprised but that part is super common.” Not the COVID part, but the whole story. Meagan: The whole story, yeah. Yeah. Grace: Also, I think me being allergic to Motrin and that recovery being so– I hate to say it but traumatic for me because when you're in so much pain and you are already in so much emotional pain, it is just horrible. She was like, “Yep. It's a super common story. I'm not going to guarantee you a VBAC, but you're going to get through this birth. It's going to be beautiful. You're going to have a wonderful connection with your baby.” She said, “Don't worry about the COVID thing anymore. It's not at all what it was in 2020. Try to think of all of the positive things.” She introduced me to Spinning Babies. I started researching so much of my own and I was like, “Should I do all of the dates and tea and the stretching and the walking?” She goes, “Do all of it.” It's what they say. It's like an old wives' tale, but it's not going to hurt. Do all of it. Take a deep breath. I started to get almost obsessive at the time. I even made a joke to my provider at an appointment. I was like, “I'm sure it says in my file that I'm the crazy VBAC girl.” He laughed. He said, “It doesn't say that,” but I was very determined. Again, your podcast helped me so much because there were so many women who have gone through so many things and had to work even harder to get the providers that they wanted and get the support that they wanted. It's so important and it's so wonderful that you have it. So thank you. Meagan: Mhmm, yes. Thanks for being with us. Grace: So then, yeah. I changed my provider. I get the hospital. I get the doula and then I start those last, I want to say 5 weeks. I'm walking every day. I'm eating a disgusting amount of dates. I don't think I'll ever eat a date again. I'm sure you've heard that, but it's true. Doing the tea and I was doing these stretches I saw on YouTube every night. My husband was very supportive. He was a little scared for me. He was kind of like, “Oh my god. If this girl doesn't get her VBAC, what's going to happen in the world?” I was very intense about it and then, yeah. We just waited and waited. Toward the end, this part was scary for me. We also joined this Evidence-Based VBAC Facebook group and it was not– I can tell by your face. Yeah. Meagan: Ugh. Grace: It was not what I thought it was going to be. Meagan: No, unfortunately. Grace: Because I did this all kind of late, by the time I was up to 40 weeks, I went on that page maybe a week before or at 39 weeks. I started reading and I'm like, “Oh my god. Now I'm terrified to go into labor.” Note to listeners, please don't go on that Facebook page. Meagan: Join The VBAC Link Community. Grace: Yes, 100%. Meagan: Shameless plug right there. I think our community is just one of a kind. Grace: 100%. But the thing is at that point in time, to read any of that at 39 weeks put me into a fear mode. At 40 weeks, I started crying every day that I wasn't going into labor. I wanted to go into labor at 39 weeks, but that likelihood I think was very low because I was late with my son. I never even technically went into labor with my son. With my son, I was 40 weeks and 5 days when they induced me. So from 40 weeks on, again, because of reading those posts, I started really freaking out. I was crying. I was calling my doula every day. I'm like, “I'm not going into labor. I really don't want a uterine rupture. I'm scared.” This and that. She was so great. She just was like, “You need to relax. Everything is going to be fine.” She said, “If something is going to happen, it could have already happened. One of my best friends is a nurse and she actually was a nurse in an OB's office for a while. Every time I would go to talk to her, she would go, “You need to stop.” She would be like, “Anything could happen.” Meagan: Spiraling. Grace: Yeah, yeah. But it was good to have that. It was good to have somebody say, “Anything that could happen. You can't sit there and say that just because you have this thing which is unique to you that you want to have a VBAC doesn't mean that you're definitely going to have something happen. You could have a perfectly healthy pregnancy and everything would be fine and then something bad would happen. You can't worry about it. It's not in your hands right now. You need to just relax.” That was a tough part though, just going through that week and then I started getting really bad prodromal labor about a week after at 41 weeks. I started getting it really bad and I kept thinking, “Should I go to the hospital? Is this it? Can I get the baby out?” I was so excited and my doula every time would go, “No, no, no, no, no. You're not going anywhere near that hospital right now.” Thank God she said that. So then I think I had prodromal labor for about three days or four days or something. Then finally, on the final day, my mom was over and I was in so much pain just from all of the prodromal labor. I'm like, “Something is not right.” She looked at me and she was like, “You are in active labor. I can see your stomach contracting.” I'm like, “But I called. My doula said I shouldn't go. I don't know what to do.”I already lost my mucus plug a few days before that. I had never gone through anything like that. Nothing like that. Meagan: You're getting into labor though, yeah. Grace: Yeah, but my mom again, has five kids. She goes, “No, no. This is labor now. You really should go.” She even talked to my doula two nights before that because I thought that two nights before that I was going into labor and my doula was saying to my mom, “No, not yet. She's not ready yet.” I don't know how she knew that. At that point, I called my doula again. She said, “You know what? Your mom is probably right.” I was timing them. I don't remember what the times were, but they were so strong. I think my mom was like, “I don't even think it matters. This is labor now.” I get to the hospital and I was 100% effaced and 5 centimeters dilated. Something to start. Meagan: Yay! Getting ready to get into active labor right there. Turning that transition. Grace: Yes. He tells me that. I was COVID-negative. It was like the clouds were opening up. Things were falling into place. The only thing is and this is a totally okay thing. My doula had another birth that night so she couldn't go. I forgot to mention this. She already knew she was going to not be there. She actually called a backup doula and this was actually the morning before I went into the hospital. I called her. We had a nice conversation. She was like, “I will definitely be available.” I go, “I'm having a lot of prodromal labor. It's really uncomfortable. I'm tired.” I'm like, “I just don't know what to do. When should I go?” She was like, “Okay, at this point in pregnancy, it's totally normal. Why don't you just go on a two-hour walk?” What? Meagan: A two-hour walk? Grace: I was walking every day for two months. A two-hour walk? I'm struggling to sit. I'm like, “Okay.” She told me at 9 AM. I went on a two-hour walk and listen, I was at the hospital by 4:00 PM that day. She totally knew. She ended up coming and she was so sweet and amazing. I had never even met her before. I would totally recommend either doula if anyone is asking. If it means anything, their rates were nothing crazy. I listened to a bunch of doulas which again, I got from your podcast that you want to really interview your doulas and make sure you know your doulas. They were super reasonable and both were wonderful. That all fell into place. I was just starting to have my contractions. She was there to do all of the lunges together and all of the movements together. She put me in all of the right positions and I ended up not needing an epidural. Let me rephrase that. I ended up not having to require an epidural even though it was very, very painful. But it was a very welcomed pain. I was in labor for about 14 hours. It was a long, long day. I made a birth playlist which I did for my son too and I never got to really use it. One moment during labor, that particular experience was when the doula goes– this was around 6 centimeters, maybe 7 centimeters. She goes, “Why don't you go dance with your husband?” I had my birth list on and I think it was a Justin Timberlake and maybe Beyonce song. It was a very romantic, lovey dovey song. We were just standing there. The lights were off. We were dancing and it was just so beautiful. The nurse told me after. When you're in labor, you're not totally aware of your surroundings. She told me the next day after the baby was born and everything and she goes, “I almost started crying when I saw you and your husband standing there dancing.”Meagan: Such a precious moment. Grace: Both she and my doula I remember were kind of off to the side standing there. It was just so wonderful and yeah. She got me through labor and I had to push for a solid, I think, hour which was fine. It was really painful. At one point, I screamed, “I want someone to help me!” You know, it was really hard, but she was there. I give a lot to her. She did all of these things to help me feel comfortable and safe. I was with someone who was going to make sure I was going to be okay. Yeah. The midwife came and I loved the midwife. She was wonderful. I had met her before. She was very knowledgeable. She wasn't necessarily the most nurturing. She was much more like, “I've given birth to thousands of babies. I've done VBACs before. We've got this, no problem.” At one point, she came in and she was worried my contractions had slowed down, but right after she left, my doula was like, “All right, let's go. Get up. Ramp up the speed. We're going to do this. We'll put you on the peanut,” and all of the things because she knew I didn't want an epidural. I am curious about having the doula there if that is why they didn't push anything on me. They didn't push anything. Meagan: Good. Grace: Part of me is curious but I also think the hospital is known to not do that. My sister gave her second baby there and they didn't push anything on her. So now again, you want to go to a good hospital that takes care of you. Meagan: Yes, you do. Grace: She came out and how big was she? She was 7 pounds, 8 ounces. My son was 8 pounds, 5 ounces. He really wasn't even that big. Meagan: No. Grace: He could have come out. Meagan: He wasn't. Yeah. Grace: No. I actually forgot to mention that before. He wasn't even that big. They gave me all of that nonsense and yeah. Everything about her birth was wonderful. She went right on my breast. He latched not right away, but within 24 hours. He latched and was eating fine. It was wonderful. I didn't have to change rooms or anything. They let me stay in the same room. I got to get up and walk around. Yeah. It was exactly the experience that I had wanted. Meagan: Yeah. Grace: Yeah. Meagan: I'm so happy for you. I'm so happy that you could have that more healing, redemptive experience where you felt the love. You felt that connection. You had the people there for you. You felt safe. You weren't being pushed. You weren't having people rushing in like you were some scary alien. You weren't having these things that honestly doesn't help our cervix dilate. There are so many things from your first story where I'm like if we can create a special environment, a comfortable environment for us, then that is going to help us progress in labor. We know one of the number one reasons for a Cesarean is failure to progress and a lot of the time, it's situational. We did this and it's baby's position or something like that, but a lot of the time, I think it's truly the environment and what we've got going on and if we feel safe because our bodies are smart. If we don't feel safe and if we don't feel comfortable, we are not going to progress. We're not going to have those things and so yeah. I'm just so, so happy for you. I'd love to touch on a couple of signs when it is time to switch your provider or time to switch your location because I think it is one of the most daunting things to change your provider mid-pregnancy. It can be hard. Grace: Yeah, yeah. Meagan: And/or change your location. I changed my provider and my location at 24 weeks and it was emotional a little bit too. It was just like, “Oh, I hope it's okay. I don't want to hurt any feelings and this and that.” Anyway, just so much. We have some blogs on so many topics that we talked about today. But number one, I want to talk a little bit about some of those warning signs because like you said, you were like, “That was a warning sign. That was a warning sign. That was a warning sign,” but you weren't in that space. Sometimes that's how it goes. I had the same thing. I go, “Whoa. I should have switched.” One, I want you to know, Women of Strength, that it's okay to switch. 100%. We do have that provider list if you are looking for a provider in your area or you start hearing some of these signs and you're like, “Oh crap.” If one of those fits, email us at info@thevbaclink.com and remember VBAC is spelled V-B-A-C instead of V-B-A-C-K. Email us and our team will get you that list. Okay, so warning signs. Recommending a third-trimester ultrasound to check on the baby's size. When you go in for that 20-week ultrasound and they're like, “Oh, this baby is big.” Right there, that's a huge warning sign. I'm just going to say, if your doctor is talking about your baby being big in general, that's a red flag. That means that they are starting to doubt your ability. Their confidence in you is going down to get that baby out and they will probably push things like induction and all of those things, right? So talking about your placenta dying. They actually use these words. “Your placenta could die if you go past 40 weeks pregnant or past 41 weeks pregnant.” Not true. Not needed. You know? It's not. You don't need to have an induction just because you are 40 weeks. Your placenta is okay. Yeah. Making those one-off hand comments of, “Your baby is big. Your pelvis could be too small. You're looking big. You're really a petite person.” I don't like that. Refusing to let you go past 40 weeks. Refusing to induce at all. If your provider is completely refusing to induce you because you are a VBAC, they are not following evidence-based care. I cannot tell you that enough. We see it all the time in our community where it's like, “I can't be induced because I'm a VBAC.” False. False, false, false. False. Big F. False. Now, is induction ideal?Grace: No. Meagan: It could be less ideal. It is less ideal. Not even could be, it is. It is less ideal. But it is not impossible. If you are facing an induction or a C-section, do the research. Learn about it. Know that it is still possible and you will not just for sure rupture because you are induced with Pitocin. That's another myth out there. Overemphasizing the risk of uterine rupture. Telling you that you last time didn't have good success so you are unlikely to have good success this time, putting doubt there, and so much more. We actually have a blog about it. We are going to put it in the show notes today on 10 Signs it Might Be Time to Switch Your Provider. I also think there are some really good tips for preparation. You talked about that. You did the Spinning Babies. You ate dates until you literally probably couldn't eat any more or you couldn't stand the smell of them. You did all of these things. Preparing for birth. You got the doula. You found the location. You researched your area. You found your birthing location. You found your hospital and midwife. You found a VBAC doula. Even in the end of pregnancy, you can find a doula and if you didn't know, we have a resource online at vbaclink.com where you can find a doula that is actually VBAC-certified. They have taken our course. They understand all of the things about VBAC. They can help you find a VBAC-supportive provider. They can help you find that confidence. They can help you and see those moments of, “This is a really great time. Go dance with your husband. Let's release the oxytocin naturally,” or “This is prodromal labor. Maybe don't go to the hospital right now. This is what you can do instead.” Okay, you know? Those types of things. Mental– Grace: Get you off the ledge. Meagan: Yes, talk you off of the ledge. Mental preparation– preparing, we have the VBAC Link Course. We have the blogs. We have the stories. We have the communities. This is what this is for. Mental prep, finding the confidence, processing your op reports, and these things. Physical prep– doing those things. Eating the dates, drinking the tea, and making sure you have good nutrients like our favorite Needed. You're making sure that you are taking care of yourself nutritionally so that you can also prep in other ways and so many more. We're going to make sure to have that. We're going to have blogs and books and things to suggest at the bottom of the show notes. I think that this story although it did start off with a heartbreaking experience– I could see you. I could feel it. Your experience is hard. It's three and a half years ago and it's still with you. These experiences stay with us. I think that's where we owe it to ourselves to give us the best experience and to put us in the best situation possible. Sometimes, I think it's, “Oh, well a doula could be more expensive. Oh, taking a course is a lot,” but in the grand scheme of things, if we look back at our experiences, my first two C-sections and even with my second, I had educated pretty okay. I'd say okay, not great. If I had looked back and taken the course to help me know that information, if I would have hired the doula to help me feel not so backed in a corner, absolutely. Yeah. I would have paid that no matter what. Grace: Yeah. Money is of no value at that point. Meagan: It's of no value and it is. Money is a huge thing in this world, especially with the way our world is going. Money is a big deal, but in the end, you deserve it. You deserve to get those prenatal massages, to go to the chiropractor, and to get those prenatal vitamins that are going to truly help you. You deserve these things. Women of Strength, it's okay to spoil yourself for your birth. Grace: Right. Meagan: Recognize these things and get the tools we can so that in the end, even if it ends in a repeat Cesarean, it can hopefully be a more healing experience. You're going to know the things. You're going to know your options. You're going to know you did everything. I just think there is so much power in these two stories all along the way that you can

Six Tips to Navigate the Holidays After Betrayal Are you worried about navigating the holiday season after infidelity or betrayal? These six tips will help you navigate the season with ease, so you can find some joy, connection, and grace despite the stress of changing or uncertain times. BONUS! Metaphysical interpretation of the Christmas story and the Virgin Mary and what you can learn about birthing a blessing from a burden. Top take-a-ways Prepare for conversations ahead of time: Having a list of memorized soundbites will help you navigate parties, events, or family questions with confidence. Privacy vs. Secrecy: Learn how to keep your private situation private without lying, feeling awkward, or excluding family and friends who are trying to help. Don't over (or under) do it Strike the perfect balance between tradition, festivity, reflection, and the beginning of a new ear. Fee your feelings (or not): Find acceptance and peace in whatever you are (or aren't feeling) Gratitude & Grace: How focusing on the small steps and giving yourself and others grace for mistakes and uncertainty will keep you peaceful and sane. Get pretty and SPARKLE!: Never underestimate the power of looking good to make you feel good! BONUS Christmas Story. How the Virgin Mary's unintended impregnation (total burden!) coupled with the need to travel to pay taxes, while pregnant, achy, tired, and while there was no room at the inn led to the birthing of a blessing that has rippled through eternity. Learn the meaning of the star, frankincense, gold, and myrrh. WORK WITH ME! Annual 12 Days of Christmas Sale! For the 12 DAYS before and after Christmas ONLY you can book a one hour, One-on one session with me for $97 Start 2024 strong with a one-hour breakthrough coaching session via Zoom. Together we will get a clear picture of where you are, where you want to be, and create a clear strategy for how to get you there. Schedule and pay here:  https://calendly.com/loras-schedule/12-days-of-christmas-sale Download your Sparkle After Betrayal Recovery Guide at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com, a guide designed to help you take the first steps in feeling better, so you can reclaim your power, own your worth, and start putting yourself, and your life, back together again. About Lora: Attorney, speaker and Burnout & Betrayal Recovery Coach, Lora Cheadle believes that betrayal uncovers the truth of what's possible when we stop focusing on what was done to us and start showing up unapologetically for ourselves. She helps women rebuild their identity and self-worth after infidelity so they can reclaim (or find for the very first time) their confidence, clarity, and connection to source and create their own kind of happily ever after. Get the support you need to find your footing, begin making sense of it all, and feel better fast. As an attorney, betrayal recovery expert, and survivor of infidelity I can help you find the clarity and confidence to create a life that you love on the other side of betrayal. Book Your Session Here: https://calendly.com/loras-schedule/coaching-session Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this podcast! Take charge of your mental health and get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/FLAUNT  The most comfortable shoes you will ever wear! Available in seven heel heights, these shoes will keep you comfortably on your feet for 12 hours. Made with cork, many styles are available including heels, wedges, and boots. www.EuropeanHeels.com $25 off with Discount Code Flaunt Untangle yourself from the past, reclaim your power, and own your worth so you can create a future you love on your own terms. All with a wink and a smile! Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social!

Are you worried about navigating the holiday season after infidelity or betrayal? These six tips will help you navigate the season with ease, so you can find some joy, connection, and grace despite the stress of changing or uncertain times. BONUS! Metaphysical interpretation of the Christmas story and the Virgin Mary and what you can learn about birthing a blessing from a burden. Top take-a-ways Prepare for conversations ahead of time: Having a list of memorized soundbites will help you navigate parties, events, or family questions with confidence. Privacy vs. Secrecy: Learn how to keep your private situation private without lying, feeling awkward, or excluding family and friends who are trying to help. Don't over (or under) do it Strike the perfect balance between tradition, festivity, reflection, and the beginning of a new ear. Fee your feelings (or not): Find acceptance and peace in whatever you are (or aren't feeling) Gratitude & Grace: How focusing on the small steps and giving yourself and others grace for mistakes and uncertainty will keep you peaceful and sane. Get pretty and SPARKLE!: Never underestimate the power of looking good to make you feel good! BONUS Christmas Story. How the Virgin Mary's unintended impregnation (total burden!) coupled with the need to travel to pay taxes, while pregnant, achy, tired, and while there was no room at the inn led to the birthing of a blessing that has rippled through eternity. Learn the meaning of the star, frankincense, gold, and myrrh.   WORK WITH ME! Annual 12 Days of Christmas Sale!   For the 12 DAYS before and after Christmas ONLY you can book a one hour, One-on one session with me for $97 Start 2024 strong with a one-hour breakthrough coaching session via Zoom. Together we will get a clear picture of where you are, where you want to be, and create a clear strategy for how to get you there. Schedule and pay here: https://calendly.com/loras…/12-days-of-chhttps://calendly.com/loras-schedule/12-days-of-christmas-saleristmas-sale Sparkle After Betrayal Recovery Guide at www.BetrayalRecoveryGuide.com, a guide designed to help you take the first steps in feeling better, so you can reclaim your power, own your worth, and start putting yourself, and your life, back together again. Learn More & Apply Here! www.AffairRecoveryForWomen.com About Lora: Attorney, speaker and Burnout & Betrayal Recovery Coach, Lora Cheadle believes that betrayal uncovers the truth of what's possible when we stop focusing on what was done to us and start showing up unapologetically for ourselves. She helps women rebuild their identity and self-worth after infidelity so they can reclaim (or find for the very first time) their confidence, clarity, and connection to source and create their own kind of happily ever after.   Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this podcast! Take charge of your mental health and get 10% off your first month of therapy at https://BetterHelp.com/FLAUNT   Untangle yourself from the past, reclaim your power, and own your worth so you can create a future you love on your own terms. All with a wink and a smile! Learn more at www.loracheadle.com and follow me across all social!   The most comfortable shoes you will ever wear! Available in seven heel heights, these shoes will keep you comfortably on your feet for 12 hours. Made with cork, many styles are available including heels, wedges, and boots. www.EuropeanHeels.com $25 off with Discount Code Flaunt         Purchase Lora's book, FLAUNT! Drop Your Cover and Reveal Your Smart, Sexy & Spiritual Self on Amazon, IndieBound or wherever books are sold. Take the Lead in the Dance of Life, Strip out of the Past, and Choreograph Your Future Today!      

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Sasha K. Shillcutt, MD, MS, FASE is the best-selling author of Between Grit and Grace: How to be Feminine and Formidable. In her new and empowering book Brave Boundaries: Strategies to Say No, Stand Strong, and Take Control of Your Time (HCI Books, September 6, 2022), Shillcutt describes how she moved from simply surviving to thriving by stepping out of everyone's expectations of her, stepping into her own power, and recreating her life according to her values, priorities, and well-being. She began saying no to others and yes to herself. She began to set boundaries. “When I overcame burnout, found my passion in medicine again, and started to embrace my full and authentic self, I realized this important truth: the ONE change I made was not a career change, a partner change, or some life-gimmick—it was learning to see the cracks in the foundation of my well-being and seal them up with boundaries,” she writes. “The single most powerful weapon we possess to fight against overwhelm, exhaustion, and burnout is not what you think ...The key to living an empowered life is the ability to create and enforce radical, lifesaving boundaries—boundaries no one is teaching us, as women, to set.” As a physician, professor, speaker, and CEO & Founder of the organization Brave Enough, Sasha has taught thousands of women to achieve work-life control through her courses and conferences and speaks frequently to executives and leaders on the topics of professional resilience and gender equity. Family caregivers struggle with boundaries and the result is exhaustion and burnout. This impacts not just our own health, but the people we are caring for. This valuable conversation will save you time and energy, helping you feel empowered to say "no" and not feel guilty as a result. Amazon link for Brave Boundaries Book: https://a.co/d/6n9lLBP #braveenough #braveboundaries #illuminatingseniorliving --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michele-magner/support

Matt Abrahams outlines six steps to improve your spontaneous speaking skills. — YOU'LL LEARN — 1) How to feel more comfortable speaking on the spot. 2) Four tactics to keep speaking anxiety in check. 3) The easy formula for great self-introductions. Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep899 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT MATT — Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in communication with decades of experience as an educator, author, podcast host, and coach. As a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, he teaches popular classes in strategic communication and effective virtual presenting. He received Stanford GSB's Alumni Teaching Award in recognition of his teaching students around the world. When he isn't teaching, Matt is a sought-after keynote speaker and communication consultant. He has helped countless presenters improve and hone their communication, including some who have delivered IPO roadshows as well as TED, World Economic Forum, and Nobel Prize presentations. His online talks garner millions of views and he hosts the popular, award-winning podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast. He is the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot. His previous book Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting has helped thousands of people manage speaking anxiety and present more confidently and authentically. • Book: Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot • LinkedIn: Matt Abrahams • Podcast: Think Fast, Talk Smart • Website: MattAbrahams.com — RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Study: “Get Excited: Reappraising Pre-Performance Anxiety as Excitement” by Alison Wood Brooks • Podcast episode: “Space, Pace, and Grace: How to Handle Challenging Conversations” with Matt Abrahams and Collins Dobbs • Book: Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up by Patricia Ryan Madson • Past episode: 253: How to Speak Out…Without a Freak Out with Matthew Abrahams See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FREE GIFT: NYT BESTSELLER TAMARA LOWE'S BOOK “ON PURPOSE” - https://www.onpurposebook.com/free-ebook46807388Do you agree with this statement: It is God's Will for you to prosper? Now you can be shocked or offended, or you can get your head screwed on straight by what Coach Tam is about to say: poverty is evil, scarcity is satanic, and financial suffering is a curse from the putrid, stinking bowels of Hell. You should not be giving away your time, talents, and expertise for free – especially if you are in ministry! God wants you to prosper, while the Devil wants you to remain pitiful and poor. Unmask the truths about poverty that the Devil hopes you never discover in today's awe-inspiring episode of the Kingdom Builders Academy podcast. It is time to open your hearts and your mind to His Word. It's time to take a Faith Walk. This power-packed episode exposes the Misconceptions and Myths about Money, and our Coaches Tam, Zack, and Jillian share strategies for creating abundance and overcoming your financial fears – right here, right now. "Financial abundance comes from the Grace of God." ~ Coach Zack In This Episode:-Understanding That Poverty is Not Permanent (You Do Have Options!)- Why Poverty and Abundance Starts With The Right Mindset- Learning Not to Be Too Quick to Judge Wealthy People-What the Scriptures Teach us About Abundance and Grace-How the Enemy Works to Keep You Passive-Lessons from Paul About Charging For Your Services-How Abundance Requires Action From You-Exploring What Our Root Issues Are With Money-A Personal Assessment: Are You Operating by Faith or by Fear?-The Misconceptions & Myths About MoneyAnd much, much more!Resources: Make That Purpose Call! - FREE Purpose Call!Connect with The Kingdom Builders: Website - https://www.kingdombuilders.academy/Facebook - https://web.facebook.com/sz.lowe/Facebook Group - https://web.facebook.com/groups/kingdombuildersacademyLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kingdombuildersacademy/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@kingdombuildersacademy4771

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Dan Darling, author of "Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved," joins Bill to talk about the worthwhile effort of pursuing peace and reconciliation with brothers and sisters in Christ. He shares why the act of forgiveness is a rhythm and the process of choosing to see joy, even when faithfulness is often not called out. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

In this episode, I am joined by Daniel Darling to talk about his new book Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved  from Zondervan. Today, we discuss the nature of Christian unity as well as the relationship of truth and grace in the Christian ethic. Meet Dan:Daniel Darling is an author, pastor and Christian leader. He currently serves as the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Assistant Professor of Faith and Culture at Texas Baptist College. Prior to his leadership of the Land Center, Darling served as the Senior Vice President for Communications of the National Religious Broadcasters. He also has served the Southern Baptist Convention as the Vice President of Communications at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.Resources:Agents of Grace by Daniel DarlingThe Mark of Jesus: Loving in a Way the World Can See Timothy George and John WoodbridgeMark of the Christian by Francis SchaefferUntil Unity by Francis Chan and David CookFinding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage by Gavin Ortlund—The Digital Public Square is a production of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and is produced and hosted by Jason Thacker. Production assistance is provided by Kadin Christian. Technical production provided by Owens Productions. It is edited and mixed by Mark Owens.

In this episode, Patricia talks with Pastor Daniel Darling about his new book: Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved. They dive into the raw and honest conversation about the importance of fighting for the right things in Christianity. We explore the core beliefs worth fighting for, such as the Trinity, the Virgin birth, and the exclusivity of Christ. But it's not just about arguing for the sake of arguing. We learn that love and truth should always go hand in hand, and that the way Christians conduct themselves in fights or discussions about their beliefs is crucial.To Purchase the book: Agents of GraceTo find out more about Patricia's book Twelve Inches: www.PatriciaHolbrook.com To read Patricia's column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution based on this interview: www. PatriciaHolbrook.comWatch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d9aePGd4HmUSupport the showClick on the link above to support us and help keep this show going!Click on the links to connect with Patricia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube

After an unplanned hiatus, Tory and Grace are back to talk about Disney's new live action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey and Melissa McCarthy. Tory also gives his thoughts on the recently released adaptation, Peter Pan and Wendy.Whatchu Watchin?!Grace - How to Get Away With Murder, Ted Lasso S3, The Culture CodeTory - Muppet Mayhem, Love & DeathOne Cool ShotThe storm and shipwreck scenedRUNK dISNEY: The Little Mermaid- Drink whenever a song starts- Drink whenever King Triton's trident glows- Drink any time someone says “mermaid”, “merman”, mer-people”, etc.Please rate, review and subscribe to Disney Versus on iTunes and Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcast. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/DisneyVs, @DisneyVs on Twitter and @DisneyVersusPodcast on Instagram

Sasha K. Shillcutt, MD, MS, FASE is a tenured and endowed Professor and the Vice Chair of Strategy in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Sasha is CEO & Founder of Brave Enough, a well-published researcher in cardiac anesthesiology and gender equity, author, and international speaker. Sasha has taught thousands of women to achieve work-life control through her courses and conferences. She speaks frequently to executives and leaders on the topics of professional resilience and gender equity. Her TEDx talk titled Resilience: The Art of Failing Forward has been viewed by thousands of people. Her writing has been published in both the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA. She leads conferences and retreats for professional women through her organization, Brave Enough. A best-selling author, her first book Between Grit and Grace: How to be Feminine and Formidable, has sold thousands of copies and her second book, Brave Boundaries: Strategies to Say No, Stand Strong and Take Control of Your Time, was released in September of 2022. Social Media: Facebook - @becomebraveenough IG- @becomebraveenough Twitter- @rubraveenough Linkedin- @becomebraveenough Links: Website – www.becomebraveenough.com Conference – www.braveenoughconference.com To View This Episode- https://youtu.be/QaJwJZX1IsI #Whoknewinthemoment?

One major reason unity in our nation, families, and churches is so fragile is because division and cynicism have been incentivized. We all stand to gain a lot when we retreat to our own corners and tribes. It's easier to sit in an echo chamber and be told you are right than to wrestle with different perspectives. Less gracious, more extreme opinions get more clicks, followers, and campaign donations. It costs us nothing to think ill of the other side, create caricatures, and retreat—but it costs us a lot to move toward one another. Division pays, but unity requires sacrifice. On this episode of All Things I'm talking with Daniel Darling, a cultural commentator, author, pastor, and professor, who regularly appears in mainstream media to talk about current events and trends through a Christian lens (you know that's my fave). Dan and I talk about: - Why we bother engaging in culture anyway—especially when it can be costly personally and professionally. - Why 2020 was such a watershed moment for division amongst Americans. - How some issues are worth dividing over, but most are not. - How it's costly, but so worth it, to fight for unity. - How Christians will indeed be judged by the outside by how well we love one another on the inside. - How you and I can determine to be people who fight cynicism and move toward unity. - How God's best days are not behind him. He is at work here and now. - We are called to go (Great Commission) and we are called to love (Great Commandment) and with God's help, every Christian really can do both! In a world of cynicism and division, be a hopeful stayer. This conversation is so helpful and encouraging! Resources mentioned in the episode: How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age, by Jonathan Leeman: https://amzn.to/3otDdC1Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? by Tim Keller: https://amzn.to/3BUb7mA Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved, by Daniel Darling: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9780310366324/agents-of-grace-paperback A Way with Words: Using Our Online Conversations for Good, by Daniel Darling: https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781535995368/a-way-with-words-paperback The Dignity Revolution: Reclaiming God's Rich Vision for Humanity, by Daniel Darling: https://amzn.to/3oBDh2u Keep in touch with Dan Darling at https://danieldarling.com/

Science writer Heather Zeiger talks about the possible future benefits of brain activity decoders and the dangers that come with doctors continually turning their backs on evidence based medicine. Dan Darling, author of "Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved," shares why our friendships are being tested now more than ever. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Political division. Racial tension. Vaccine wars. On Tuesday's Mornings with Eric and Brigitte, award-winning writer, journalist, and podcast host Daniel Darling talks about his new book, Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved. He equips us to discern what's worth fighting for, how to move beyond our profound disagreements, and how to live as agents of Jesus's love. On a very personal level, he helps us climb out of cynicism about how the people of God treat each other, especially when we are trying to heal from such pain in our own lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's PoM podcast I sit down and talk with pastor and author Dan Darling who just released his new book called 'Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved." Dan has published fifteen books and has spoken and preached across the country for years. He also hosts a weekly podcast called 'The Way Home' and is the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement in Dallas. To pick up your copy of Agents of Grace: https://danieldarling.com/To join The Herd and get access to bonus podcast content and more click here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110664/subscribeSecure your spot in our next session of Tribe: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-session-12Register for our Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/mens-retreat-2023This podcast is sponsored by Armored Nation Coffee. Use the coupon code "PURSUEMANLINESS" to save 25% off your next order. https://www.armoredcoffee.com/Support the show

Subscriber-only episodeOn this week's PoM podcast I sit down and talk with pastor and author Dan Darling who just released his new book called 'Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved." Dan has published fifteen books and has spoken and preached across the country for years. He also hosts a weekly podcast called 'The Way Home' and is the Director of The Land Center for Cultural Engagement in Dallas. To pick up your copy of Agents of Grace: https://danieldarling.com/To join The Herd and get access to bonus podcast content and more click here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/110664/subscribeSecure your spot in our next session of Tribe: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/tribe-session-12Register for our Fall Men's Retreat: https://www.thepursuitofmanliness.com/gear/p/mens-retreat-2023This podcast is sponsored by Armored Nation Coffee. Use the coupon code "PURSUEMANLINESS" to save 25% off your next order. https://www.armoredcoffee.com/Support the show

Brant talks with Dan Darling about his new book “Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love How Jesus Loved”

John Hall and Kathy Emmons talk with Pastor Daniel Darling about his forthcoming book, Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved. They discuss the challenge in our time to love one another, even within the Church.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ride Home with John & Kathy! Buckle in for a Friday full! With.. Agents of Grace: How to Bridge Divides and Love as Jesus Loved (new book) ... GUEST Daniel Darling ... author, pastor, and leader, recently appointed as the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ... author of several books, incl “The Original Jesus,” “The Dignity Revolution” GUEST Keith Evans ... professor of biblical counseling and director of the Biblical Counseling Institute at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Pittsburgh Plus This or That, The Week in Review and More! It's all here on The Ride Home with John & Kathy. Have a great weekend!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Music has the sweetest ability to bring life, peace, and joy to cranky, grumbly moments.Sometimes I'll feel like I can't sit down to play piano, or I can't sing a hymn with the kids because there's so much pandemonium. And although our sinful attitudes don't evaporate when we start engaging in music –song has a very calming effect on me and on my kids. The word sing appears in the Bible over 400 times and 50 of those are commands to sing. Anytime we see a command in Scripture, it isn't there because God needs something from us, it's there because God wants to give something good to us. To sing praises to Him is for our benefit. But music, just like everything other than mindless scrolling, takes some intentionality, thought, and to a certain degree, discipline. Listen in for a helpful conversation with Sarah Scollin –mom to three soon to be four with a background in ministry, the performing arts, and the world of opera about why we should prioritize song and some basic ways to keep it in our schedules.Resources Referenced: Slugs & BugsThe Corner Room Music - Remember and ProclaimSeeds Family WorshipGetty Music  Hymns of Grace HymnalSong – Pass the Promise Sing by Keith and Kristyn GettyWorship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God Christ-Centered Worship: Letting the Gospel Shape Our Practice by Bryan ChapellRhythms of Grace: How the Church's Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel by Mike Cosper 

In this episode of The Antidote, Amy and Grace connect with standup comedian, writer and actor Jordan Carlos in a live conversation from this year's New York Comedy Festival. Jordan joins Amy and Grace in a new segment called The Wellness Shot, where we give advice to our audience and listeners to help solve their real-life issues. Amy and Grace also share their bummer news of the week –  Odell Beckham Jr. was recently removed from an American Airlines flight, and an antibiotic shortage. They also share their antidotes: Broadway and a “hot girl walk.”  Do you have a favorite antidote, or need an antidote suggestion? A question for Grace and Amy, or something you loved that Amy, Grace or one of their guests has said on the podcast? Share a message with The Antidote team: https://mpr.tfaforms.net/111 or tag us on Instagram with the hashtag #ThatsMyAntidote, or leave us a message on our hotline at 833-684-3683. FULL TRANSCRIPT Amy The world is a dumpster fire. I'm Amy. Grace And I'm Grace. Amy And we want to f---ing help. Grace We're comedy writers in Los Angeles. And as a reflex to the madness on the news, we're keeping a positive but opinionated. Amy We talk about cultural moments we love. Grace Talk to people we adore.  Amy Crushes we have. Grace And self-care we stan. Amy During these trying times, we all need a show that focuses on joy. Grace This is The Antidote. Amy Pow, pow, pow. Grace Hi, everybody. Welcome, welcome, welcome. We are back. I'm a little crazy today. We finished shooting last night at 1 a.m. and here I am in the morning and I feel good. I still haven't seen my friend. Hi, amy Amy Yay hi. And also congratulations to my friend for finishing her shoot. Like, literally, I feel like you've lived in New York for nine years. Grace I know I do too. I feel like it's been 20,000 years. I was young when I left. I'm old now. Amy But at the end of it you have a beautiful, magnificent, funny and hilarious show to show the world and hopefully we will be seeing it soon. Grace Yeah, one that my wonderful friend Amy directed two episodes of. So, so, you know, stay tuned for the Amy and Grace collabo with Michelle Buteau and other wonderful people. Amy Yes, that's right. Grace Girl, girl, did you hear about this Good Morning America thing? Amy The Good Morning America scandal is all over my timeline. My thing about the Twitter feed this past week is that I had to come in contact with two people who I did not know who they were. And now I know everything about them. And I'm talking about T.J. Holmes. Yeah. And Amy Robach. Yeah. I'm like, who are y'all? Grace Yeah, I had no idea who they were either. I mean, the T.J. Holmes guy looked a little bit more familiar to me, but I was like, oh, I've maybe seen that before. But that woman, she she looks like a copy of so many other women I've seen on tv. Amy You know, so crazy to me because both of them are married in other relationships. T.J. Holmes, a man I didn't know existed, you know, posted like a tribute to his wife, man, a year ago, like less than a year ago, posted a tribute to his wife about how I tried to make her leave and she won't leave because she's got a black superwoman energy, whatever the f---. And then literally he's out here touching a white woman's ass. And I'm like, I have to say grace. So the there's this woman on Twitter. I don't know her personally, but her handle is batty, ma'am. So that's B.A. YMCA lady. And she has, like, just a little mini thread called Men Will Embarrass You. And this week's Men Men Will Embarrass You is this man, T.J. Holmes, given this tribute to his f---ing wife? And I got to say, lady, I don't know you, but it's time to leave. Grace You got to. Amy Do you need me to show up, need me- to the window? Just lift it up. Help you down. You can Rapunzel throw out your hair and I'll just drag you. Right? Like, I don't know how we. Grace No. Amy Make you leave, but you got to go, girl. Grace It is so embarrassing. And the thing is that they weren't even trying to hide it. They were not being discreet. Nice. And they know they're on TV. I don't know what they thought. That they could just blend in like that. They were just in a bar on the street, grabbing ass, walking through there, walking through the park hand-in-hand. Like at least have the respect for your spouses that have you off again, because I guess they're both separated, right? Amy I don't know if they were. I mean, that feels like new information was like something that was like we were separated. Like, it doesn't I'm like where they. Like, we'll never know. Grace But even like you still have a marital contract, at least don't like be out in the open, go in the hotel room or whatever. You know, don't be just out in the open grabbing booties and stuff, you know. Amy And also grabbing groceries. They were like doing like daily routine things. Like they're a couple when people on TV back to normal, I'm like, y'all, you have faces. People recognize you're in like a million or so homes across America. Every morning y'all are on TV. You can't just be out here acting like you're f---ing Tam and Pam. But you know Pam, like, I don't know, like in Milwaukee who nobody's paying attention to. Like you, literally. I don't know if I would call them famous, but they are you know, they're known. Grace And that's the thing. Like you get the privilege of having millions of dollars and being famous and getting free sh-- because you are on GMA. So you have to accept what comes with that privilege, which is that people know who you are and you can't cheat out in the open. Yeah, probably any Tom, Dick and Harry or whatever. You could go to one city over and you could be acting like y'all married each other. But ya'll can. Amy Also the audacity to cheat in the morning, because that's the other thing. They're Good Morning America. And then they were out in the open in the morning and I'm like, it just was me. I was like, How do we doing out in the morning doing chores? But anyway, I do think that it reminds me of a conversation we had with Jordan. We had a lot of questions about relationships, about being far our guest that's coming up this episode, Jordan Carlos, who did our live show from Brooklyn, New York, which was a part of the New York Comedy Festival on November. BR Well, we had a few questions about relationships, so stick around to hear that in a new segment we created called The Wellness Shop. And if you're in a relationship now, hug your partner, set them free. But don't be doing this sh--. Grace Don't be embarrassed and ask the men or women. Anyway, we wouldn't need the antidote if we didn't have the bummer news. Amy Starting now, top of the hour. Bummer. News of the week. Our first topic is that athlete and you know, hottie with the body. Odell Beckham Jr has been removed from an American Airlines flight recently over, quote unquote, concerns for his health while sleeping with a blanket over his face. Those who don't know Odell Beckham Jr is a very well known wide receiver in the NFL. He catches ball. He's a free agent right now. Yes. He catches balls for a living. Well done. Great for for sports. But he's like a free agent right now, like people trying to court him because, like, you know, he's good at it. Yeah, he's very good. And it's not just because of his looks. Why am I like, oh, I don't know. Well, Beckham, Junior, what a hottie. But anyway, I only know about him because a a few comedians a few years back said some weird sh-- about him. And then part B, there used to be a billboard of him in an underwear ad on La Cienega, and I'd pass it every time I was going to work, and I was like, Who's that? So I learned about sports that day. But anyway, Odell Beckham has a tradition of draping a blanket over his face during long flights so he can sleep, according to his attorney. And this time, while asleep, the flight returned to the gate and Beckham was asked to leave the flight as he had not buckled his seatbelt at the time due to being asleep. Even after offering to buckle his seatbelt, the flight attendant said it's too late now to exit or the entire aircraft would be deplaned in the airports. Report, they claim, quote, he appeared to be coming in and out of consciousness, end quote. And we're concerned he was, quote, seriously ill, end quote, leading to the plane, returning to the gate after the aircraft was deplaned. Beckham left the plane without incident because, you know, he ig but he did tweet that quote, Never in my life have I experienced what just happened to me. I've seen it all. Grace This seems weird to me. I don't know this. I don't know how this happened. Like he was sleepy and ask somebody with a very sleepy friend, Amy, and she's talking about me. She can sleep anywhere. And there have been times where I'm like, Wake up, Amy, wake up. You got to go like, Oh, and it's not like it's sometimes it just doesn't happen. Some people sleep hard and it doesn't feel like a flight attendant would have never seen that before. And then once he said he would buckle a seatbelt, like, you're going to have to deplane everybody. He was nice because I'd be like, literally, you woke me up to buckle my seatbelt and I'm doing it. So like, why can't I go see a Black man? Amy He had to be nice. Like, that's the thing that makes me upset and that's what it's like. He couldn't be like, what? For too long? It's like he's a famous black man and knows it, and he's like, I got to get off this plane. Like, you can't raise a stink. Grace Yeah, it's weird. I have this story. Something seems off. I and I feel bad because I'm sure that was so embarrassing, you know? And then it becomes a whole news story. And, yes, he should have buckled the seatbelt. Yes. But when he offers to buckle it, they should have just let the plane go without incident. Like what was getting him off the flight? Like it wasn't going to delay it more or less. Like you could have just let him stay. So. Boo American Airlines once again. Amy Oh, my God. They're the same airline that f---ed up my luggage and wouldn't replace it. So, American Airlines, you're on notice. I know that's not the only bit of bummer news this week. The other thing that I read about is that RSV, you know, that respiratory syncytial virus. I don't even know how to say that middle word. That's why we abbreviating it. RSV, a virus particularly common among children, is on the rise and may be resulting in an antibiotics shortage. So I read that amoxicillin, one of the most common antibiotics for children, is facing a shortage because despite RSV being a viral infection, amoxicillin is often prescribed as secondary protection for underlying bacterial infections that arise during having RSV. So a doctor in USA Today said quote, For example, in addition to RSV, a child may also have developed an ear infection or pneumonia which could be treated with amoxicillin. And in most people, RSV just causes mild cold like symptoms. But in children, the elderly, in immunocompromised it can be very severe. So now that we're back into a flu season, now that we're back into a COVID surge, our issues are back to being near capacity and we are having a problem with this. So for me, I'm like, the reason this is a bummer to me is like of all the COVID shortages, we had toilet paper that was out, we had restaurant menus, they digital now. We didn't have hand sanitizer. This one really matters. Like, can we figure out how to get the kids their drugs?   Grace I really hope that Congress, useless congress tries to step in and do something.   Amy I feel you because it reminds you of the baby formula shortage that we talked about a few months back on another episode where it was just kind of like, Wait, we really out here? Just be like, babies, y'all good? Like we have to. The future of the country.   Grace I like that. Some say they're more important than the rest of us. You know, first of all, we already ruined the planet for them. We've already like we don't have a good planet to give them the you know, we flooded their schools with guns, so they now have to to go to school and be like father like I make at home today. So at the very least, can we just get the baby some antibiotics, whatever they need to do? Because, you know, there's nothing fatter than like a sick baby, you know?   Amy Yeah, well, I don't know how science works, but I'm thinking about these babies.   Grace Okay, let's get into this antidote, though.   Amy So this is a segment where we tell you about the culture we consumed and things we did this week that made us feel better about the bummer news. What was your antidote this week, Grace?   Grace Broadway, baby.   Amy Oh, hello. Yes. Hello, my darlin. Hello, my baby. Hello. my honey.   Grace Child, so in my previous life, I was a theater actor. So there is just something uniquely beautiful about going to see live theater. And I just I've been in L.A. for a while, and I'm sure there's great productions in Los Angeles as well. People keep telling me, but when you've had Broadway, you know, it's really hard to even imagine going to see live theater anywhere else. So I lived in New York for a very, very long time, and I actually was supposed to go to Mexico over the Thanksgiving holiday. I don't know what I was thinking, like thinking that I, in the middle of production would go to Mexico. Wait, why? Yeah, I was going to go there for the long weekend, so I decided to cancel that trip, and instead I decided to go see two Broadway shows because I've been so busy at work that I haven't gotten a chance to see a lot of Broadway. So I saw Death of a Salesman.   Amy Oh, nice.   Grace Which is like Black Death of a Salesman. Which is like it should be black because it's such a black story. And Wendell Pierce, he was in like, oh, right above. Like, you know, there is a little bit of a little hiccup, Eddie. And it was so fun because they were smoking on stage. And then the fire alarm went off and they stopped and that it was just like, ooh, peek behind the fourth wall. And there's just like had to get off stage of the they it took about 15 minutes to resolve and then they came back wow. And they started the scene all over again like f---ing pros that they are. But yeah.   Amy They started the scene all over. That's great. And then they just weren't smoking.   Grace Yeah. Yeah. And so it was him. It was Sharon Clark who was also incredible, who played his wife. Then there's a guy named Chris Davis who played Biff and McKinley Belcher as happy. And I cannot forget Andre de Shields was in it as well, who is just a magician? Yes.   Amy And he was The Wiz in The Wiz. Holy sh--.   Grace He was the Wiz in the Wiz.    Amy Oh, I knew. I knew that face.   Grace It was incredible. And like, I wept because I thought about all the black men that were alive back then and the lack of opportunity that they had. So it really hit different when you see a black man going to like this white guy to like beg for a job and that he just couldn't make it work with his family. And I know Arthur Miller wrote it, but it was just it just really hit when you think about our ancestors and what they'd been through. Come on. And so and it was just like such a cathartic weeping. And I was just like, thank you for your sacrifice so that this generation could have what they have. So that was the Friday after Thanksgiving and then the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I saw a show called Six.   Amy Oh, my gosh. Tell me about six.   Grace So Six is about Henry the eighth's six different wives.   Amy Oh, that's cool.   Grace So it's like a concert almost. Mm hmm. So basically, the premise of the show is they're just like, who had it worse? Like a six women. So.   Amy Girl, girl, girl. You all had it pretty sh---y.   Grace Yeah, you all had a pretty sh---y cause that guy was that great. So they each get their own song, and all of them just had incredible voices, but in different ways, and they were just singing down.   Amy It's coming to L.A. just so you know. Six is coming to L.A..   Grace I mean, I would see it again. It was so fun. And then it was also short. It was like 80 minutes, no intermission.   Amy Oh, cute. I like it quick.   Grace Yeah, I like it quick. I'm a half hours high, bitch, you know what I'm saying? And they were just so good. Like, you know, you sometimes you got to go to Broadway to hear real ass voices, you know, like there are singers like Beyonce, say, Adele and like Jasmine Sullivan. You know, we have yes, we have girls that can sing them down. Yeah, but.   Amy Broadway is a different type of vocality.   Grace Yeah. Yeah. But it's genuinely great to see it and to know that it was live and they were just incredible. So that was my antidote. Broadway, baby. So what was your antidote this week, Amy?   Amy Well, you know, a few weeks back, we had a guest on a show named Ashley Blaine Feathers and Jenkins. And I literally have been thinking about the fact that she said you should go on a hot girl, walk for weeks. And I love to walk. I love to walk around my neighborhood. I love to take a stroll. I love to take an urban hike. Urban hike means you're walking through the city.   Grace Yes. She doesn't like a regular hike.   Amy And that's my sh--. I don't like a real hike. Grace knows this. I will do a hike, but I won't repeat a hike. And so this week, like, I've been traveling so much, I'm so tired, I'm still jetlagged from going to India. And so I decided that I was going to walk every day for exercise. And that fell apart real quick because I said, haha you thought and it started raining every morning and so I couldn't walk. But before the day it rains I went for a hiker walk. And the reason why this walk was a hardcore walk to me is because I made a point to walk with a smile on my face, which is really silly. But I was like, I've like really I've been so stressed. And I was like, the corners of my mouth are hurting. Like there was a day where I was like, What's wrong with the corner of my mouth? And I realized I'm actually frowning and I'm like, Oh, f--- this. This is how you get wrinkles. And B, I just think it's stress. It's just like exhaustion and stress and travel and all the things. So I went on this walk and I was like, I'm going to take this walking, I'm gonna smile. And I was listening to this woo woo book while I was walking and just smiling while I'm on my on my little stroll. And I walked all the way up to my viewpoint. There was like a beautiful view above my neighborhood where you can just see, like, west l.a. Like, spread out before your eyes. And I walked all the way up there, and there were some men up there who were, like, just, like, chillin, like, because there's also, like, a sports area. So maybe they're about to play some sports. BELL But at any rate, I stopped up there and I was like, I happen to be a hetero female who's attracted to men. So I saw these men and they were good looking and I was like, Here I am with my little smile on my face up here being a hot girl. And I was like, I didn't interact with them. I was like, they could be, you know, terrible. So I was like, I'm not going to interact with them, but I at least got to just, like, be cute and walk past them like athletic men and then continue on the walk. And I was like, this was a hot girl walk. So I started my day. That day feels so good. And I did the silliest thing. I sent like a video of one of my friends being like, I'm going to walk every day this week. I felt so good. And then the next morning it rains. And I think on video being like, I am walking today, bitch.   Grace How come you didn't send me that video? Who's this bitch? Just sell it. Send a video. That's what I'm saying. Just cause I'm gone. Just because I'm in New York City. This is the reason why I got to get back to L.A.. All my friends are forgetting me that.   Amy I'm like, I can't-   Grace My phone still works. So why.   Amy I can't bother Grace, she's on set. I can't just send her this video of me being like, I love walks. She would have been like bitch I've been up since 3 a.m.   Grace Yes, I would love to get that video. Brighten my day for you that I'd be an antidote. So that's what you did.   Amy Yes. Well, if you guys tried any of our antidotes at home, share them with us using the hashtag. That's my antidote. Or leave us a voicemail at 8336, 8436, eight three. Stay tuned. You'll hear more from our live show right after this break.   Grace Our guest today ain't new to this comedy. You know, he is a stand up comedian and actor who just finished costarring and writing on the first season of Freeform's. Everything's Trash with Phoebe Robinson. He co-hosts WNYC Adulting podcast with our friend in Queens, Michelle Buteau. He has also written for HBO Divorce, written and performed for Comedy Central's The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore and Recipes First Wives Club. Please welcome the amazing Jordan Carlos.   Jordan Carlos Good knees, good knees. That's what it's all about. And I feel sorry for the people standing in the back.   Amy No, don't apologize.   Jordan Carlos All right. How's it going? Brooklyn. How we doing? Yeah, I'd like to. I'd like to applaud the people that came early over here. Look at this man. It's modest, but so smug. So smug. Got the good seats. Got the good. Good. Hello, love. Gosh, it's just so good to be here. Surrounded by this black excellence on stage.   Grace I hope you're including yourself upon that number that.   Amy She worked with Jordan this week. He's being very humble. He is an amazing actor and so, so funny. And I got to direct him this week. And I got to tell you, I was a tyrant and he handled it well.   Jordan Carlos Yeah, yeah. What have you. What if I said you were she was in one of those, like, elevated seats, right? Like with a crane. But you were you.   Grace She does like to beat people.   Jordan Carlos She was in this really like, official jumpsuit. You are the official ass jump director. She's like, is she directing Apocalypse Now? Like what?   Amy That is right. I need people to know that I came to work.   Jordan Carlos Work it, but you were great. And I was like, there was one little small scene. Hey, everybody, welcome. You know, if you don't know anything about Hollywood, this is how it works. This is how it works. So you have to be an actor has to be directed, right, to do what they're supposed to do, my dumb ass. I didn't get out of the way. Right? I was like, you're like talking. You say your line and you walk the f--- off. Got it. But I just stayed in the studio, you know?   Amy I can see you. That was. That was my fault. That was my.   Jordan Carlos You know what? It's no one's fault.   Amy You're right. It's Hollywood. It's Hollywood.   Jordan Carlos It's Hollywood. Yeah, well, I had to be here.   Amy Yeah. Thank you so much for coming. It means so much to us. And we're both jointly obsessed with you, as are a lot of people in this audience.   Jordan Carlos So that's very sweet.   Amy Yes. You are the co-host of WNYC, his podcast Adulting, where you provide real life advice. And the quote reads with a heaping portion of hilarity topped with a dollop of truth.   Jordan Carlos Who wrote that.   Amy Yes. I mean, I assume it was you.   Jordan Carlos I swear to God I did not write that.   Amy Okay. Well, Michelle,.   Jordan Carlos In a showing of earnestness. And just like a missed. Misting of your heart.   Amy Yeah, well, as the audience entered tonight, we asked them to write down some questions that the three of us will give real life advice to help solve.   Grace Yeah.   Jordan Carlos I am not an expert. I do love how this guy's arms crossed when you're in the front row and non-verbal. F--- you to start the whole thing. And don't blame me. Don't say it's cold.   Amy No, we read the energy.   Jordan Carlos I do. This guy has Roman emperor energy.   Amy We got to work harder to win your love. don't worry.   Jordan Carlos Come and just relax. So everybody just open up your butthole. We're going to.   Amy Everyone release the anus, and let's just answer a couple of what we got. So first up, first up, and if you some people ask these questions, it might be out getting a drink. But if you are here and this is your question, just give us a little cheer. This first one is I was just offered my dream job in L.A., but my partner doesn't want to leave Brooklyn. Oh. How do you find balance between sacrificing and settling?   Grace Leave him.   Jordan Carlos Wow.   Amy Settling.   Grace Leave him. Drop him off leave him.   Jordan Carlos If you have your dream job. I don't know how how long you've been going out with this person, but if you have your dream job, you will work it out with that person. If relationships are all about like, you know, I've been married for 15 years and if you're married 15. Yeah, I know. Impressive. Impressive.   Amy Wow. Wow, it is 15. Yeah.    Grace Came out the womb married.   Jordan Carlos Came out, in some cultures, that's what we do. Yeah. I think what it is all about, what it's all about is, like, just kind of like figuring out that you want to be in it and you want to be in it every day and not leaving it to chance. Then you will remain in it. If this person like lets you go, not lets you go, go do your thing. Yeah. And see where the chips fall. But make sure that you keep a line and a tethered to that person and make sure that they're a part of it and make sure that you're honest with them about what's going on. You if you like it, if you don't, if you regret it, if not, if you want to stay in it. If you don't, you know what I'm saying? Like you might go out there and figure out that your dream job wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Oh, it's time to come back. Oh, no. But you know who will be in your corner every step of the way? Brooklyn boy. Also, you didn't talk about the dark side of the f---ing person that.   Grace That is something that you do need to know.   Amy She did say settling. So it makes me think that the D is medium to small.   Jordan Carlos Is it is it shmedium? Is it like a short medium?   Grace I'm sorry, I, I mean, my resting advice is I was like, leave you. Yeah. No, but I mean, I do think it's like, first of all, you do need to know, like, how long, like, they've been together and like how deep you are in. And there are some bitches that are career bitches like myself, and there are some girls that, you know, prioritize love and relationships. And you just have to be honest about which type of girl you are, you know.   Jordan Carlos Truly truly.   Amy Yeah, that's really good advice.   Jordan Carlos I know what kind of girl I am and.   Grace I'd like to hear it.   Jordan Carlos It's like we're going to. I'm like, if I can make it happen and split myself in half, I will do it because it's worth it. Yeah. Because I feel like it's just Jordan. Cause I'm just saying. I'm just saying you. You may be remembered on this planet for the things that you do and and and make your mark artistically, creatively, in business. But if you have a love that that respect, you hold on to God.   Amy Did you write From scratch on Netflix? That is beautiful.   Grace Convict me, Jordan.   Amy That is beautiful. Wait, I got to move on to the next question. You want the next question? Yes. So question and again, give a little woo. If it's your question, I want to expand my circle and become one of those people who can get dropped into a party and befriend anyone. But it's not really in my nature. Hashtag introvert. What should I do?   Grace Oh.   Jordan Carlos The extroverted introvert?   Amy That's me. You. I'm an introvert.   Jordan Carlos You're an introvert?   Amy I'm. I'm such people would never guess because I'm like, loud and talkative. But when I get home types, how we're off. Yeah, like, I get home and I just like, right. I literally am a secret introvert. I'm such an introvert. When the pandemic, when everything shut down, I was like, This is nice. I don't have to go anywhere. I was fine. I was like, I like it in here.   Grace I was just.   Jordan Carlos Like, if that is your if that's your jam, you need to host more parties.   Amy Yeah. Oh, you're the middle of the party. If it's your party.   Jordan Carlos To be the host or, you know, better be The Great Gatsby. Have the party. Don't show up.   Grace You will be remembered forever. Very, very good advice.   Amy Yes. Okay. Next question. I'm going to do four because these are good. This one I love the most. Give a little woot if it's yours. I need money, but I don't like working.   Grace Gets you somebody rich to marry one.   Jordan Carlos That's the end of it. I need money, but they don't like their wellness shot.   Amy What's the thing that makes them feel better?   Jordan Carlos I need money, but I don't like working. That's. That sounds like the beginning of a beautiful traps to focus on, like working and.   Grace Get some rich, rich rich.   Amy Do you agree with Grace? Just get someone rich. Is that the answer.   Jordan Carlos I would say get someone rich or understand how to manipulate the market.   Grace Or be like a Fyre Festival person.   Amy Oh yes.   Grace Start a scam. Scam somebody.   Amy But scamming is work.   Grace It is work it.   Amy That guy who started we work. What a scam. But he was working. Yeah. He had to take meetings and get investors. Scamming is work.   Grace It means you have to send out like lots of emails about being a price or something.   Jordan Carlos Mostly it's just like the laws that keep scammers back. Same, whatever. Right.   Grace Yeah. So it feels like just get a rich boo.   Amy I think that might be the answer. If you like money and don't like working, get a rich bill. Yeah.   Jordan Carlos I can't. I really can't help you there because this face, I got to work, you know?   Grace No. And a very handsome face.   Amy Everyone is someone's cup of tea. You just haven't found the rich woman.   Jordan Carlos You sound like my mom. Like the African proverb. There is a lid for every pot.   Amy The lion. The lion cares for the antelope. Okay. All right. Last question for you guys. Okay. Oh, this. Oh. How do you deal with the loneliness that comes with your friends all being in relationships? Oh, wow. These are deep guys. I love these questions.   Jordan Carlos Damn. Damn. How do you deal with the loneliness that comes from your friends all being in relationships? Good question. Great question.   Amy Oh, my God.   Jordan Carlos On a long enough timeline, those relationships will end. And.   Amy Rooting for the failure.   Jordan Carlos No, I'm just. I'm.   Grace Well, 50% of marriages do end in divorce.   Jordan Carlos The other 50 percent end in death. Now. I think this like, you know, those rom coms where it's like somebody tries to stop a wedding, like they're like, I got to stop this. It's like trying to stop a bus with your face. Like, don't do it. Don't stop Americans. Marriage will stop by itself. Okay? I've seen it happen way too many times. I've seen it happen way too many times. Right? Yes. I feel like this like like do not become discouraged by that. You know, let your friends live their life. Yeah. They're going they're out doing what they're doing. You should be doing what you're like, what you're doing. Do the things that they can't.   Amy Oh, make them jel, jel.   Jordan Carlos Make them jealous. Go to a bar, you know, go to a rock climbing thing in like five in the afternoon.   Amy Yeah. I'm saying you're like, I took a nap in the middle of the day because I don't have kids.   Jordan Carlos Mean we see everything on Netflix like you're in a relationship, you have to like. Check with the person that yeah.   Jordan Carlos I watch the show so now. White Lotus was supposed to be ours and.   Amy Relish the fact that you're single. It's better out there.   Jordan Carlos Enjoy it.   Grace Well, I would say that I think that it's not.   Jordan Carlos It's all, it's all. You know what I feel like it's grass is greener on the other side. It's all about what you know. It is hard to be single. Of course.   Amy Of course. Of course. Yeah, I.   Jordan Carlos Sharing all you know, sharing everything. Sharing all the coffee, sharing all the coffee.   Amy Sharing the toilet.   Jordan Carlos Sharing the toilet, sharing the goddamn toothpaste. You know, all that and. All. This other. What's wrong with sharing toothpaste?   Amy I thought you said toothpicks. I'm so sorry. I was.   Grace That would be f---ing nasty.   Jordan Carlos Well, who has toothpicks in their house? What in the Tony Soprano's, it's. It's got to be stuff in the house.   Amy No grass is always greener.   Jordan Carlos But grass is always greener. But you know what? If you like to. If you like. Yeah. And you enjoy your own company. Yeah. As you said, Amy, I enjoy my own company. Lord, when my kids and my wife are out the house, I'm like, I'm single. I'm like Tom Cruise in that movie, like gang, gang, gang, gang. Oh, my God. My hips are so good. All right, so.   Grace The hips don't lie.   Jordan Carlos The hips don't lie. That's a lot of yoga you want to talk about your. And it. My antidote. My antidote is yoga. Wow. Yes, that's right. My wife doing it so much, I was like, I want to live a long time, too. So I got to open. Gentleman.   Amy Men die sooner.   Jordan Carlos Your hips are not open, sir.   Amy Open them up.   Jordan Carlos This guy is forward, like he;s taking a sh--.   Amy Right there.   Jordan Carlos You were totally dragged here, weren't you? Well, whose. Whose idea was it? It was her idea. Na na na na. Yeah, that's right. Know. He's like, if I endure this, maybe they will be sexy.   Amy There will be, there will be. There will be. Yeah, there will be. Guys, guys.   Jordan Carlos I know too much.   Amy This this has been an amazing wellness session from Jordan Carlos. The one. The only the me champagne.   Grace Yeah. Thank you so much, Jordan.   Jordan Carlos Amazing. Goodbye.   Amy Bye, Jordan. Thank you.   Grace Thanks for listening to The Antidote. We hope this injected a little bit of joy into your week. I know it did mine. How about you, Amy?   Amy I feel good, girl. We should do this again sometime. Oh, we'll be here next week.   Grace And in the meantime, if you'd like to follow us on social, follow me. Grace. At Gracyact. That's G-R-A-C-Y-A-C-T.    Amy And follow me. Amy at AmyAniobi. That's A-M-Y-A-N-I-O-B-I and follow the show at theeantidotepod.   Grace That's thee with two E's.   Amy If you like feeling good about yourself, please subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.   Grace Goodbye.   Amy And when in doubt, do it live. The Antidote is hosted by us Amy Aniobi and Grace Edwards. The show's production team includes senior producer Se'era Spragley Ricks and associate producer Jess Penzetta.   Grace Our executive producer is Erica Kraus and our editor is Erika Janik. Sound Mixing by Alex Simpson.   Amy Digital Production by Mijoe Sahiouni. Talent Booking by Marianne Ways. Our theme music was composed and produced by TT The Artist and Cosmo the true.   Grace APM Studio executives in charge are Chandra Kavati, Alex Schaffert and Joanne Griffith. Concept created by Amy Aniobi and Grace Edwards.   Amy Send us your antidotes at Antidoteshow.org, and remember to follow us on social media at theeantidotepod.   Grace The Antidote is the production of American Public Media.   Amy Woot woot.

About Dr. Sasha ShillcuttSasha K. Shillcutt, MD, MS, FASE is a tenured and endowed Professor and the Vice Chair of Strategy in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Sasha is CEO & Founder of Brave Enough, a well-published researcher in cardiac anesthesiology and gender equity, author, and international speaker. Sasha has taught thousands of women to achieve work-life control through her courses and conferences. She speaks frequently to executives and leaders on the topics of professional resilience and gender equity. Her TEDx talk titled Resilience: The Art of Failing Forward has been viewed by thousands of people. Her writing has been published in both the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine and JAMA. She leads conferences and retreats for professional women through her organization, Brave Enough. A best-selling author, her first book Between Grit and Grace: How to be Feminine and Formidable, has sold thousands of copies and her second book, Brave Boundaries: Strategies to Say No, Stand Strong and Take Control of Your Time, is available now.Connect with Dr. Sasha ShillcuttWebsite:https://www.becomebraveenough.com/Social Media:Facebook: @becomebraveenoughIG: @becomebraveenoughTwitter: @rubraveenoughLinkedin: @becomebraveenoughBook Links:Brave BoundariesFinally, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the podcast and SHARE!  Make sure you don't miss a thing by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform and share so that all your friends can find us too! Connect with ErinIG @erincucciowww.erincuccio.comJoin my COMMUNITY Simply text LOVELY to 936.253.6555 or click HERE. You'll receive exclusive content right to your mobile device, and the best part is it's FREE.

Today my guest is Medical Student Grace Li What we discuss with Grace: How she became interested in forensic pathology and how she decided to go to medical school Why she decided to move to the US How she heard about the Angevine Fellowship An overview of the Fellowship Her experience in each of the rotations during the fellowship Links for this episode: Health Podcast Network  LabVine Learning The ConfLab from LabVine Dress A Med scrubs   Grace Li on Twitter The Angevine Fellowship Enhancing preclinical year pathology exposure: the Angevine approach   People of Pathology Podcast: Website Twitter

Sasha Shillcut is a tenured and endowed Professor and the Vice Chair of Strategy in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She leads conferences and retreats for professional women through her organization, Brave Enough. A best-selling author, her first book Between Grit and Grace: How to be Feminine and Formidable, has sold thousands of copies and her second book, Brave Boundaries: Strategies to Say No, Stand Strong and Take Control of Your Time has just dropped and we're here to learn just how to do this in our lives, today. https://www.ted.com/talks/sasha_shillcutt_resilience_the_art_of_failing_forward https://www.instagram.com/becomebraveenough/ Website: www.becomebraveenough.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aligned-with-purpose-in-life-and-leadership/support