Podcasts about Graduation

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how student feedback shapes leadership on campus. Ford reflects on a key lesson he has learned from listening to students and how their input plays a part in guiding tough decisions. He points out that colleges must adjust their expectations as each new group of students arrives with different needs and priorities. Their conversation includes Ford's take on the familiar phrase “Back when I was in college,” and why educators cannot rely on what worked years ago. He explains that meeting today's students where they are means building programs and services that fit a new generation's outlook. A major topic in the episode is technology and its role in modern education. Ford highlights Northeast's progress in this area and notes that other institutions often look to the college as they work to strengthen their own technology efforts. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

What comes after the episode after the prom? Graduation, of course! Joey is stressed about the speech she'll have to give as winner of the Pinnacle Award; it's a good thing Bessie had a premortem letter from their poor dead mom to hand off and inspire her. Pacey is stressed about passing enough exams to graduate with his friends, and while he's not as big a monster about it as David Silver was whenever HE got stressed on Beverly Hills, 90210, he doesn't exactly cover himself in glory either; it's a good thing Mr. Kasdan is very patient and generous. Drue is stressed about his terrible parents; it's a good thing Jen and Grams love taking in strays. Principal Peskin is stressed that someone's going to prank the graduation ceremony. Tobey is stressed about asking Jack why he isn't calling Tobey his boyfriend. Jack is stressed about getting to the airport on time to pick up Andie. Lily is...probably stressed about when she's going to be old enough to see color? Don't stress: our episode on "The Graduate" is right here! JOIN THE AWT CLUB

Would you like to learn more about earning scholarships as a college student? Then download our free guide, Scholarships for College Students. This free guide shares the five steps for earning scholarships as a college student. Links to more free scholarship resources are also included. Go to https://www.scholarshipgps.com/collegescholarships ---------- If your child is turning 18, whether they are going away to college or remaining at home, please consider getting a Power of Attorney in place. You can use my discount code, ScholarshipCoach20, to take 20% off the total price at Mama Bear Legal Forms when you use this link: https://www.mamabearlegalforms.com/youngadult?oid=1&affid=44 ---------- Today, we are joined by Kolby Goodman, a career strategist and job search expert dedicated to helping students and emerging professionals successfully navigate today's competitive job market. Kolby is also the author of “Start Now: And 49 Other Things You Can Do To Be Employed By Graduation.” In our conversation, Kolby and I discussed: What students (and their parents) get wrong about finding a job after graduation Skills students need to gain employment after graduation Why students shouldn't think of themselves as ‘just a job seeker' What it looks like when a student is career-ready before they graduate What a student should start doing in their freshman or sophomore year to land a great job after graduation Advice for students who don't know what they want to do yet Advice for parents who want to help their student prepare for life after college And much more… To connect with Kolby and learn more about how he works with students and families, go to employedbygraduation.com. You can also find him on LinkedIn. ---------- Featured Scholarships: Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin $2000 FSTN Veteran Scholarship Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law $1000 Path to Success Scholarship Kaire & Heffernan $1000 I Am A Fighter Scholarship WebstaurantStore $5000 Culinary and Hospitality Scholarship $1000 Carson Scholars Fund Scholarship $2000 Bucket List Scholarship $2000 Smarter College A Better Financial Future Scholarship Subscribe to the free "Your Daily Scholarship" Newsletter here: https://nodebtcollege.substack.com/  

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery discuss how the college helps students get ready for life beyond campus. Ford explains that preparation begins well before graduation and continues as students step away from the City of Hospitality and into the wider world. Their discussion covers how Northeast supports students heading into the workforce, transferring to a four-year college or university or joining the United States military. Ford also points out that the college aims to give students the skills to manage college pressures while building habits that carry into everyday life. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Today on the show we have Vova Feldman, the Founder and CEO of Freemius.In this episode, Vova shares his experience in launching Freemius from a side project into a platform powering thousands of indie software businesses.We then discussed how Freemius is repositioning itself from its WordPress roots to become the go-to solution for small SaaS and desktop software businesses.We wrapped up by discussing their new transparent pricing model — designed to align with growth and reduce graduation churn.Mentioned ResourcesFreemiusLinkedIn | Vova FeldmanRatingWidget.comSenexx | GartnerTechstarsWordPressPaddleStripePayPalChurn FM is sponsored by Vitally, the all-in-one Customer Success Platform.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery discuss an activity-filled 2025 Fall Semester. Ford highlights several moments that stood out to him and explains how the steady rhythm of campus life helps build the college's momentum. Their discussion focuses on how the day-to-day events, large gatherings and community partnerships help strengthen the bond between students, employees and the region the college serves. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Every once in a while, I meet someone whose story reminds me why inclusion and communication go hand in hand. My guest this week, Shabnam Asthana, is one of those people. She's a global PR leader, entrepreneur, and author who has spent her life turning words into bridges that connect people and purpose. We talk about her journey from teaching and lecturing at India's National Defence Academy to leading global communications for major brands—and what it taught her about empathy, leadership, and real inclusion. Shabnam shares how storytelling can turn data into emotion, and why true diversity is less about representation and more about respect. Her message is powerful and deeply human: being unstoppable begins with an open heart, quiet courage, and the willingness to rise again. If you're ready to lead with empathy and communicate with purpose, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. Highlights: 00:43 – Hear how early role models and a working mother raised ambitions and set a path toward leadership. 03:39 – Learn why strong communication skills pointed her toward PR and how debates built confidence. 05:24 – See why teaching became the first step when women in PR roles were rare in smaller cities. 08:12 – Discover what it took to lecture at India's National Defence Academy and earn respect in a rigid setting. 12:09 – Understand the leap from academia to corporate PR after being scouted for communication excellence. 15:50 – Learn how serving as a spokesperson shaped internal and external messaging at a Swedish-Indian firm. 17:01 – Gain a humble view of global work and why inclusion means moving from tokenism to listening. 21:08 – Compare India and Sweden and see how representation differs from real inclusion in practice. 24:18 – Learn how small, specific acts like adding sign to slides can make people feel genuinely seen. 34:24 – Find out how storytelling turns CSR spreadsheets into human change that inspires action. 43:22 – Explore the choice to found Empowered Solutions and why entrepreneurship kept growth alive. 53:06 – Take a fresh definition of an unstoppable mindset rooted in resilience and an open heart. About the Guest: A multi-faceted Professional, who has fast tracked from being a reputed National name to a well-respected and emulated global one! Shabnam Asthana has added new dimensions to Global PR and Communications. She has to her credit, post graduate degrees in English Literature, Public Relations and Advertising, an MBA in Marketing Management & several International certifications including a prestigious Hon. Doctorate in Business Administration from the National American University USA (NAU). She has over 25 years of rich professional experience. She started her career in the educational field as a high school teacher and then moved on to the role of a Lecturer at the prestigious National Defence Academy, Khadkwasla. She was the only civilian who compered for the Passing out parades, PT & Equestrian display and the Graduation ceremony of the NDA for 3 consecutive years. This was covered live on Doordarshan. It was after one of the Passing out Parades that she was compering at the NDA, that a senior position in a reputed company was offered to her and thus began her foray into the corporate world. After her successful corporate stint in senior positions with reputed companies including Multinationals in India and abroad and reputed real estate businesses, she started her own PR and communications firm, Empowered Solutions in 2005 which has been running successfully since then. Adding offices in USA and Canada as part of its international expansion. Ways to connect with Jan: Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shabnam_Asthana Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shabnamasthana/?hl=en Linked in - https://in.linkedin.com/in/dr-shabnam-asthana-7b174a5 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ShabnamAsthana/ X - https://x.com/shabnamasthana VyaapaarNiti Expert Profile - https://www.vyaapaarniti.com/expert/dr-shabnam-asthana- Tring Celebrity Platform - https://www.tring.co.in/shabnam-asthana About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Well, Hi again, everyone. I am your host, Michael Hingson, and you are here listening to or watching or both, unstoppable mindset today, our guest is a person of many talents, and I think you're going to be as amazed about her as I am. Shabnam Asthana is a person who has been involved in she was a teacher for a while. She's been very heavily involved in a variety of things at the corporate level. She started her own marketing firm in 2005 and I don't know what all my gosh, she's got so many things, it's really hard to keep up, but I'm sure she's going to tell us all about it, and I am looking forward to that. And I really appreciate all of you being here with us. So Shabnam, I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset. And thank you for being here.   Shabnam Asthana ** 02:15 Thank you, Michael, truly wonderful to be with here, and thank you for that amazing introduction. You make me feel as if I've worn a professional cape of so many accolades and so many things. It's wonderful to be here with you.   Michael Hingson ** 02:32 Michael, well, you do have lots of awards and lots of accolades.   Shabnam Asthana ** 02:38 That's just one part of the journey. The true reward is in the, you know, work that I do, these stories, that I shape, the narratives that spring in that is the true reward. And of course, accolades are always welcome, and they are a way of encouragement, which do ensure that, yes, I continue doing the good work.   Michael Hingson ** 03:00 Well, why don't we start back at the beginning, which is always fun to do. Why don't you tell us about the early Shabnam growing up?   Shabnam Asthana ** 03:08 Okay, that's something which is very close to my heart. I was born in India in a small city called Bokaro, Steel City. It was a Steel City. It was an industrial town, and we were a very close knit community, and we had lots of, you know, interaction with people. I came from a background where both my parents, my mother and my father were working, and at that point of time, a working woman was sort of seen as a novelty, not something I'm talking way, way back. And now the people will also guess my age, I guess because it's pretty way back. And that was the time when we weren't India was still developing, and women were still not seen as the working class, you know, especially in senior corporate positions. And my mother was a senior officer in the steel plant, so that set my aspirations and ambitions very high. And I wanted to emulate her. I wanted to be someone who was working now what I would do I was not very sure of, but yes, I wanted to be working. And then later on, my sister, my both my sisters, were also working, my older siblings, and of course, that set the tone for me to also hop into the professional shoes, and, you know, chart out a career path for myself. So,   Michael Hingson ** 04:44 so what? What did you do? As far as schooling? Did you go to college?   Shabnam Asthana ** 04:51 Yes, I went to the local school there, which was an English medium good school called sin Xavier School. And that was some. Thing which really groomed me for the future, that set the foundations for my career. And after that, I did my schooling in the my college, sorry, in the capital city of India, which is Delhi. And then on, I moved to a place which is close to Mumbai, which is Pune, and I continued my education there. And of course, my career started in Pune. That is when I got into academics, and then henceforth,   Michael Hingson ** 05:34 so when you were in college, and as you were coming out of it, what did you want to do with your life? What was your plan? Or did you have one?   Shabnam Asthana ** 05:43 Yes, I did have one. Like I said, I was always good in communications, and people used to tell me that you are a good communicator. I used to win all the debates. I used to win elocution competitions. And I said, Well, yes, communication does seem to be my forte, so why don't I build on that? And then I saw my father, he was in the public relations industry, and I somehow at the back of my mind, I said, Yes, that is something I would surely want to do. So why not try my hand at PR? And that's how the seeds of my career was planted in my mind, and then it developed there on.   Michael Hingson ** 06:30 But you started out in education and in teaching.   Shabnam Asthana ** 06:34 Yes, that's very interesting. I'll tell you. I wanted to start my career in PR, but I was in a place which was a small city, and it was a place called Jamshedpur, before I moved on to Pune, and there, the career scope was very limited. We didn't have women in the PR. In fact, it was unheard of. So the best thing, or the easiest thing that a woman could do was to hop on the bandwagon of academics. And not saying that it was something you know, that was not looked up to. But yes, I did enjoy my role as a school teacher. That was my first job in Jamshedpur, a small it was, again, a steel city in India, and I became a high school teacher, and quite enjoyed it, because that was also communication. It was the way you communicated with your students, and, you know, sort of got them into, got them interested in what they were learning. So that was, again a stepping stone, and it was the area of communications which expanded later on.   Michael Hingson ** 07:47 So how long did you stay in teaching?   Shabnam Asthana ** 07:51 I was there for about two years in Jamshedpur, and then I moved on to Pune. And guess what the next opportunity I got was as a lecturer in the National Defense Academy. That was a place where the future generals were being groomed, and I was a civilian who, sort of, I was the only civilian, probably, who got into the teaching profession there and there I spent a good four years truly memorable. Worth remembering recounting. There was so many incidents, and I loved teaching. That was something which I did at the National Defense Academy too. Although that was at a higher level, it was very different from the school teaching which I had done. This was more, you know, on a national level, where you had to be more, and there was a lot of discipline which came in, because it was the future, you know, Army personnel, Navy personnel, so all that, there was a lot of discipline that came in and that groomed me better. I understood what the world of discipline meant in the true sense, because I lived   Michael Hingson ** 09:10 it right. What? How did you discover the job at the defense Academy? Though that's certainly a whole lot different than teaching high school students or maybe not.   Shabnam Asthana ** 09:23 It is a whole lot intimidating. Let me tell you that it's very intimidating to walk into a room full of, you know, future generals, army people you don't know who you know who you are, I mean, who they are, and you sort of get very intimidated by the kind the aura is very, very intimidating.   Michael Hingson ** 09:46 How did you discover that job? Yes,   Shabnam Asthana ** 09:49 that was done. We in India, we have something which is called the employment exchange. So you register there and you give your qualify. You list down your qualifications, and you know whatever you are planning to do, and they invite you for certain vacancies. So one fine day, I was just sitting and having my lunch at home when I received a letter, and the letter was an interview call for the National Defense Academy. I literally jumped out of my skin because I was a school teacher, and then being asked to appear for an interview in the National Defense Academy itself was a big leap for me. Whether I got it or not was a different thing. But then to sort of come on board and go and sort of appear for an interview was also something very exciting. And when I went there, I was like, I said, the only civilian The rest were army officers, wives and daughters, you know, related to the working personnel there. So when I went, I was interviewed by the three representatives from all the three wings, that is the Navy, the Air Force and Army. And that was a very good experience. They asked me a lot of questions, and I believe it was later on I was told that it was my confidence that got me in. So thanks to that, I   Michael Hingson ** 11:23 was going to ask you why you why you got in, or why you think you got in. And yes,   Shabnam Asthana ** 11:30 yeah, I did ask them that later, and unofficially, I was told that. Well, it was the way you carried yourself, the confidence and, you know, the excitement and enthusiasm that you shared, which was very, very refreshing.   Michael Hingson ** 11:48 So what exactly did you do at the academy?   Shabnam Asthana ** 11:53 I was teaching them English, and I was teaching them literature. I don't know how interested they were in literature, but then the feedback that I got, which was, you know, the it was a routine feedback, which we have the teachers get. So I used to get good marks, and people used to say, yes, that, you know, your classes are engrossing. It's good. And then, apart from that, there was something very interesting I did, which was I compared for their passing out parades, and I compared for all their shows. And that was something which was covered on television, and that gave me a different kind of foothold in my profession, where I was being seen, where I was being heard, and my confidence grew by leaps and bounds. I was being accepted as a woman. I was being accepted as a civilian. And that was something which was very, very heartwarming for me,   Michael Hingson ** 13:01 and I would assume, very difficult to achieve,   Shabnam Asthana ** 13:05 I think so I do yes, in retrospect, yes.   Michael Hingson ** 13:09 So you did that for roughly four years. Yes. And why did you leave that? What was your? Was your thought about that,   Shabnam Asthana ** 13:21 okay, I would have gone on. It was such a glorious part of my career. But, you know, change, they say, is constant, and that is something which happened. I was comparing for a passing out parade when the chairman of a corporate company which was doing rather well, heard me, and he was impressed by my communication, my speaking abilities, my, you know, the way I was presenting things. And he said he offered me a job, and he said, Why don't you come and join my office and come in as a PR person for my company, and that's exactly I was actually, you know, not very sure whether I wanted to leave this an industry and career where I was already established, where people knew me, and just hop on to the corporate world. But if you remember, that was my ambition. That was what I had always won right at the start. So the moment it came, it almost felt as if it fell into my laps. And I said, Why don't I do that? Yes, and this is a good opportunity, and I must take it up. My I spoke to my family, and they too, felt that it was a good stepping stone to move on. And so I accepted it, and that was my entry into the world of PR, in the corporate   Michael Hingson ** 14:48 world. So what year was that this   Shabnam Asthana ** 14:53 was way back on now you are prompting me to give away my age, which is like. Like ancient, I'd be a fossil. Okay, yes, this was way back in the 90s,   Michael Hingson ** 15:06 okay, and that was kind of what I was curious about. So at that time, industry was a little bit more stable than it was later on, but, but still, you You did it, and you so you stepped into that goal, into that role, and so you became part of the PR world, which is, as you said, what you wanted to do initially, anyway. So, so how long did you stay at that company? I   Shabnam Asthana ** 15:39 stayed there for about four years, and then the chairman of the company passed away. Unfortunately, he was on a trip to China, and he suffered a massive cardiac arrest, so I was working very closely with him in his office, and as is the norm of the industry, once the leader is not there things you know, sort of crumble, and you know, there's reorganization. New faces come in, and normally the new people bring their own teams. So I felt as if, you know, before they told me to sort of move out or something. I don't know why I pre empted that. I said, Why don't I myself make a shift and join some other industry? I mean, join some other company, which I did. Again, I applied. It was a Swedish company, and again, it was one of the best moves that I could have made. I spent a good 12 years in that company, which Hogan is India Limited, I must name them. They were brilliant. And I spent a very, very good part of my career with that company.   Michael Hingson ** 16:56 And so again, you did primarily PR, or what did you Yes, it was   Shabnam Asthana ** 17:02 PR and it was handling the chairman and managing director's office. So the entire communication was handled through me, the internal as well as the external communication. I was a spokesperson, yes,   Michael Hingson ** 17:18 so you became so in a sense, sort of the face of the company.   Shabnam Asthana ** 17:21 Yes, I did. It's nice to feel that yes, that it was a good many years that I was the face of the company in terms of communication, yes,   Michael Hingson ** 17:33 right, right. And, and where were you doing this?   Shabnam Asthana ** 17:38 This was in Pune, and their head office was in Sweden. I used to sort of move between the two. It was a very global company. The subsidiary was an Indian subsidiary, but the parent company was Swedish. So we had a lot of global travel   17:56 that kept you busy. That did so   Shabnam Asthana ** 17:59 there were conferences, and there were so many meetings which were happening,   Michael Hingson ** 18:03 yes, right? So what did, what did you? What did you learn from all of that? Do you think   Shabnam Asthana ** 18:12 it was a very humbling experience? You know, more than the excitement, I was armed with a lot of excitement, because that would have been one of my first trips outside India. I was I had a lot of excitement, lots of things were on my mind, but then ultimately, when one does travel and work in a global company, it's a very humbling experience, because you are exposed to your strengths and also your blind spots, your strengths, your weaknesses, everything comes to you and then you feel that diversity is not always about representation. It's about respect and inclusion is moving from tokenism to listening. That is what I felt, you know, adapting various voices to your workplace, working in unison, trying to empathize with people from different cultures, different streams, different departments, all that really broadened my horizon. So that was something which I learned.   Michael Hingson ** 19:30 So what was the culture like, in terms of since you were at a global company, as it were, how was it different when you were dealing with Sweden, as opposed to when you were dealing with India.   Shabnam Asthana ** 19:45 In India, we don't have diversity as a choice. In India, we are served diversity on a platter because you are born with being diverse. You have. Are numerous religions, you have culture. So we are adaptable people in that sense. But strangely enough, it's a paradox. If I would tell you that inclusion is still a work in progress. Inclusion isn't automatic. It doesn't come to you like that. You have to work for it. Now there is a big change, but I'm talking of the days, way back in the 90s when women in boardrooms were a novelty. So sometimes it was just purely for ornamental value. Sad to say that. But gradually you had to open up, you have to open the doors, and you have to say, look, we are here for a reason. And please listen to our voices too. And that's how we started. I started sort of, I remember once when I was moving in India. I mean, not in Sweden, but once when I was in India, and I was in a strategic board meeting. I was the only woman in the room, and the people were sort of, I could sense the expressions. People were curious, people were dismissing. People were sort of, you know, not sort of prepared to take or listen to me, that was a little bit of a setback. But then gradually, when I started moving abroad, and I started seeing more women, and then gradually, when I was moving so were the others, and they too saw the kind of change that was happening. And so it was pretty difficult in India, initially, if I were to be very honest, Sweden was more inclusive. I could see a lot of women in the workforce. And gradually, since we were sort of interacting with each other, we absorbed each other's cultures and values, and the company became very, very inclusive. So it was a pleasure to work there.   Michael Hingson ** 22:08 Okay, so in a sense, there were, there are parts of Sweden that made you happier than what you were in the East initially experiencing in India.   Shabnam Asthana ** 22:19 Absolutely, absolutely, and I have no hesitation in saying that, because they were welcoming. They were welcoming. And the not necessarily my company, but any company in India, the representation of women, especially in PR, was very, very limited. Now we have evolved, and it's a world of difference, and I'm so happy to see that.   Michael Hingson ** 22:48 How about you, may or may not have a lot of expertise in this, but how about if we're going to talk about inclusion and so on, people with disabilities, both in India and in Sweden and so on and again. I don't know whether you really had much experience or exposure to that. I   Shabnam Asthana ** 23:06 do. I did have my share of exposure, maybe not extensive, but yes, I do. I remember there's this one incident I'd like to talk to you about. It was in Paris. I was in a conference, and there was a deaf girl in the conference room. I could see people making presentations and knowing fully well, because we had the list of participants, and we had their intros, their introductions with us, my team. And you know, of course, I headed that team. We made a special endeavor to include sign in our presentation. And she was so happy because she said, you know, she came to me and she expressed to me that although I have participated so many times in meetings, and especially corporate meetings, I am so happy to see. It was the first time that I felt I was seen and I was not just a presence. So she was very happy with the kind of, you know, preparation that we did for her especially. So I believe it's very nice if people learn to respect each other and learn to believe that not everybody is similar. You may have so many strengths which I don't have. I do not see any physical disability as a handicap. I'm very, very sure about that, I do not see anybody who appears different or who doesn't have the same listening capacity, hearing capacity, to be different from me. They have their own strengths. So I truly believe that, you know, disability. In that sense, is something which does not put a person in the back seat. How.   Michael Hingson ** 25:09 How was that attitude received? Well, both at the company, when you were when you were in the room with her, and you were signing and so on. How did other people receive that? And how was that kind of attitude received initially in India?   Shabnam Asthana ** 25:29 Well, to be very honest, Michael, it wasn't something that is the done thing. People do not accept that. They are like, well, it's a general presentation. We really don't have to make specific I do remember a person who came up to me and said, Shabnam, why did you make a very specific presentation? It was a very general presentation by you doing that, you have set a precedent for others to sort of make them feel small, you know. So he took it in a very negative way. Said, you've made us feel very small. I said, no, please do not look at it that way. It is something where we have made her feel a part of us. It is not trying to belittle anybody, trying not to, you know, get a an edge over others. All of us are the same. It's just that I made it a little easier for her. That's what I just told him, and probably he did, walk away with a smile. I don't know whether it was a sarcastic one or whether it was a smile of acceptance, but then I got my   Michael Hingson ** 26:38 point. I took was this was this in Sweden or India. This was in Paris. In Paris, okay, yes,   Shabnam Asthana ** 26:46 okay, this was a conference, which was   Michael Hingson ** 26:49 she said that, right? Well, you know, the reality is that's all part of the inclusive mindset and the inclusion mindset, and it is so true that most people don't tend to realize it Yes. So I hear what you're saying,   Shabnam Asthana ** 27:10 yes, and realization and sort of acceptance has evolved. People are more accepting. People are more flexible. You know, the rigidity earlier, people were very rigid. Now there is a lot of flexibility. I believe that, right?   Michael Hingson ** 27:32 Well, I think it's better. I'm I think there are still all too many people who tend not to really have an overly inclusive mindset. And it is, it is something that that will be with us for a while, and hopefully over time, people will become more open and realize the value of inclusion. In this country, we have, well and around the world, we have a significant number of people who have these so called physical disabilities, and the reality is that the disability is more caused by inaction mostly than it is by real action.   Shabnam Asthana ** 28:12 Absolutely yes. And I also seriously believe that diversity enriches the outcomes. I have some I have practical experience, and I've seen that. So inclusion enriches outcomes in many ways, right?   Michael Hingson ** 28:35 How has all of your traveling and all of your exposure in various places around the world. How has that tended to shape your understanding of diversity and inclusion?   Shabnam Asthana ** 28:50 Okay, yes, that's a very interesting question. I have seen that challenges are real, biases, stereotypes and expectations that women need to prove themselves twice as much also exists in many, many parts of the world. So they have been. I mean, there have been certain cultures, certain countries, which are very easy to breeze through when you are at work meetings or you're talking to people. But there are certain countries in the let's say in the Middle East, the Far East, which are still not very open to, you know, women taking on lead roles, women strategizing, women talking things that would influence decisions. So sometimes there's also a word I'd like to put in here that sometimes it is not country specific. Specific. It is very individual, specific. So there, like you said, you know, there are certain mindsets which still exist. There are people who may be residing in countries that are very open and very receptive, but their own mindset is limiting. And it is a mindset which is closed, it is rigid. So that stops and that prevents any inclusion. You know that, if I were to put it that way, so I would say it's not merely, not always country specific. Yes, individuals have to evolve themselves and change their mindsets. So it's sometimes I've seen it's countries are good, but some individuals are rigid. I've seen some individuals that are good, but the countries that are rigid. So it sort of works both ways.   Michael Hingson ** 30:54 And it's not just about women, it is about anybody who is different. Yes, then the so called norm, whatever that happens to be, absolutely   Shabnam Asthana ** 31:03 inclusion is not limited to women. So again, I'd like to clarify that it's inclusion is a broad spectrum. So yes, of course, we are a small part of it. But yes,   Michael Hingson ** 31:17 you have written a book, yes, romancing your career and and also you've done a lot of mentoring, obviously, and so on. But what do you mean when you talk about women? And I would say anybody who's different need to define success on their own terms. Tell me more about that.   Shabnam Asthana ** 31:41 So women, or anybody, let's not be very specific about women, because then it would be detracting from the main subject of inclusion. Anybody who wants to be heard has to believe in one thing, that silence is not the answer. Courage is so you have to move from silence to courage. Try and portray your point of view. Speak to people if they listen to you good enough if they don't, it's not as if the doors are closed. If the doors are closed, you can surely open a window for yourself, and it works. So just being silent or being very subdued or being very you know sad that your point of view, or being upset, for that matter, that your point of view is not being listened to is not the answer. You have to show courage. You have to do your homework, right? Remember that value is something that takes anybody places. It's not about being a woman, it's not about being any nationality, any ethnicity. It's just that you have to carry value in whatever you are trying to bring to the table. Once people see value, they will forget whether you are of XYZ nationality or you're an Indian, or you are of any other you're any other gender, if I may say that. So it's the value that a person should work towards. Everybody should work towards bringing value to the table. That is what will get you noticed, and that is what will see you going places. Yes, it did.   Michael Hingson ** 33:43 And again, I think one of the important things is that, from my standpoint, and I keep pushing it, but it's there is that it also is the same for for so called disabilities. One of the things that I maintain is that everybody on the planet has a disability, and the disability for most people is that you depend on light in order to function, and when suddenly light disappears, you have a big problem, unless you have a way to get light back on demand. But we are. We're not ready to accept that as a as a race yet, so people think that's cute, but, but they're not ready to accept it. It doesn't change the fact that it's really there. But the fact of the matter is that that people do have to speak up for themselves, and there are ways to do that, and there are ways not to do that. It isn't a matter of being obnoxious and demanding, but it is all about, as you expressed it earlier, being confident and showing that confidence and showing your knowledge and showing what you bring to the table absolutely well. You've been involved in PR for a long time, and I'm sure that you would agree, one of the main tools that people in the public relations world and elsewhere have to offer is storytelling. I believe the best salespeople are people who can tell stories and can help relate. But my question would be to ask you, how can storytelling bridge communities and bring people together?   Shabnam Asthana ** 35:31 Storytelling is a very, very strong element of PR. Storytelling humanizes everything. It brings in a lot of connection. So people connect automatically, if your storytelling is good, so like I keep telling all my juniors as well or new interns who join in corporate fact sheets can be informative. They can give you facts, but storytelling will transform everything. So you move from information to transformation. Storytelling is the human angle to everything. All of us love you a human angle. For example, let me tell you I was in a meeting which was quite a few years ago, and the CEO of the company was telling me they've done a lot of work in corporate social responsibility. So he wanted to tell me about all the expenditure that they've done. They've uplifted so many schools. They've done so much. They've spent so much on education, they've spent so much on water, on sanitation and so many other things, which has improved the lives of the citizens there. I told him, could you tell me one story of one life that has been affected. So he was at a loss because he had not he did not dive deep into that. He didn't look beyond the numbers and the figures. So his HR person stepped in and he told me a story of a girl. She was an Indian girl. Her name was Aarti. How they had transformed her life, and she had moved on to studying in Howard, and she was being employed in one of the top American companies there. So that was something, a story of transformation. So that is so you know, I believe the power of storytelling and that connected everybody, even his own people, were not aware. The employees were not aware. They were just sort of working like robos, putting in their number of hours, doing their work, not going beyond their call of duty to actually see what was happening to the effects, the efforts of their activities. This was something which we brought out in all their corporate brochures, in all the marketing that they were doing, in all the marketing collaterals that worked wonders. We had lots of inquiries for people who wanted to support them in many ways. We had an interview of the girl, and it was something which was very we added a human angle. So like I said, storytelling humanizes the entire concept, and that is something which connects people. So, yes, it's very   Michael Hingson ** 38:42 interesting. Did he learn to tell stories after that?   Shabnam Asthana ** 38:46 I believe so, because he was so he was really taken aback. And he said, Wow, I never really thought about it. And you told me, You changed my perspective. You made me see it differently. And if I were to say we got a good retainership After that, because he was very happy and my contract was renewed. So that was something which sort of affected the contract too well.   Speaker 1 ** 39:19 The reality is that when you tell a story, it is telling stories is something that most everyone can truly relate to, and when you tell a story that someone listens to or hears and reacts to it,   Michael Hingson ** 39:40 there's nothing better than that, and it's really important that that kind of thing happens. So I'm really glad to hear that you like storytelling. I think it is so important that we have that   39:51 absolutely,   Michael Hingson ** 39:54 yeah, it's so important to be able to do that. Well, you've told us a little bit. About inclusion and diversity and so on in India and in other countries. Do you think it's changing, both in India and in other countries? And how is it changing?   Shabnam Asthana ** 40:15 It is changing. If you go back to the 90s to the present day, you will see that people have become I think it has a lot to do with travel. It has a lot to do with interaction. So people are interacting with each other. I speak to you, you speak to me, you tell me something about you, and I say, Hey, is that worth listening to? Yes, it is. And I try and change my mindset. I become more receptive. I try and tell you my viewpoint. You listen to me. You hear me out. So I have seen companies that have moved beyond check boxes of how many women, how many people with disabilities they've, you know, inducted in the employment stream, in their jobs, and it's become more of the CEOs or the top management asking their people, how many voices have we listened to? How many decisions have been made by these people whom we have taken in. You know, how have we evolved as a company? So that has made me see in boardrooms, in various meetings, that the top management is also very aware of what kind of decisions, what policies, are being framed with people as a diverse group. And it's not funneled or restricted to just the top few. It trickles down and it goes to the people they've hired from diverse groups, and it becomes like a voice of the company. So I have seen that changing, and I have seen that diversion is now diversity sort of is moving more towards the corporate DNA. So it is not a demand anymore. It's not a checkbox. It's more as if it is flowing in naturally, and people are more aware of it. So that's what I've seen.   Michael Hingson ** 42:32 It's a mindset, it is, and people are starting to adopt that. How is it changing in India? You said that in India there's a lot more diversity. But you said inclusion isn't so much there.   Shabnam Asthana ** 42:46 Yes, it is in see in India, it was globally, I saw that diversion was backed by policies, and there was a certain framework which had a set of rules. It had a set of code of conduct. But in India, it was more based on individual goodwill. So we had people, if the CEO or the top management was pro diversity, it would happen automatically, because the ones at the junior level had no choice. They had to naturally comply. But here now in India, it's become more organized, more structured, and people, there are departments now which look into issues of diversity and inclusion, and they try and make the organization work towards that. So they are big companies. They are small companies in India, all are trying to absorb this in the corporate DNA, like I said. So people are conscious. And there are conscious. There are seminars which are happening. People are being spoken to. There is workplace, you know sensitization that follows. People talk about it, people discuss it, and there is a lot of exchange of dialog which happens. So people talk, people learn, people adapt   Michael Hingson ** 44:15 well. So you you work for the Swedish company, for you said, like, 12 years, and then what did you   Shabnam Asthana ** 44:25 do after that? I moved on to, you know, start my own company, which was empowered solutions. That's my brain child, and it's a communications PR and communications company, and I, sort of, I'm the founder director for that the Empowered solutions is my company now, and we are completed. It was set up in 2005 October.   Michael Hingson ** 44:50 2005 what? What made you decide to leave the bigger corporate world and take on all of the challenges of entrepreneur? Leadership and starting your own company, because that certainly is a major change.   Shabnam Asthana ** 45:04 It is I was in the top management. I had a set job, I had the name, the recognition, everything that comes with that. But somehow there was still that kind of, I would say, curiosity, to experiment and to try on newer things. And I am a person who gets a little bored of stagnation, and I had almost reached the height of my career in these companies, and there was nothing more I could do unless I bought over those companies and sort of, you know, became the president and the chairman, which I would I could not do. So I said, Why don't I sort of diversify and take all this learning that I have, all the goodwill that I've earned over the years with the people that have been my clients, with my colleagues, with the people I've met in my business conferences. Why don't I take all this and try and set up something on of my own where I am at liberty to do whatever I want to do without the time pressure, you know, without a pressure of morning meetings and you know, things which have to be a nine to five kind of a role here, I do agree that it is a 24 by seven job that I'm doing at present, because I'm always available. And, you know, I believe that accessibility is very important if you have to be successful, you can't sort of close off and say, no, no, I'm, you know, if somebody needs you, you can't say, Okay, I'm just closing my door and my office. So that was the the, you know, the excitement of experimenting once again and seeing, of course, entrepreneurship is something which is very exciting, and that was something which I wanted to experiment and try and see how I could change that. And, you know, get it into my career. And, you know, get off the normal nine to five job. So that's what I did. I wanted to experiment.   Michael Hingson ** 47:21 So tell me a little bit more about if you would what your company does and how you serve clients and so on. And where are your clients?   Shabnam Asthana ** 47:29 Okay, so basically, it is a PR and communications company, and we have clients now globally. I have primarily in India, because that is where my office is. But I do have clients in Europe, in us, in Canada, where I am currently. And yes, it is more about public relations and communications, and that's what we do. So it's essentially a diversification of I have also taken on writing as part of one of my services. So I do a lot of book writing. I take on people who want to be either who want to tell a story, and who don't have either the time or the expertise. I write for them. I ghost right for them. We also do events. So we have done a couple of events globally, not on a very large scale, but yes, we do have. So it's events, it's public relations, it's communications, it's training, and it's writing.   Michael Hingson ** 48:39 So that's it, right? Well, so you have written one book. Are you looking at doing any more books? By any chance?   Shabnam Asthana ** 48:49 Now I have ghost written about 16 books. So they're all ghost written and under a contract where I don't disclose the names of the books. But yes, I've authored three books, and the first one was romancing your career, a very interesting and fascinating book. That was my first book, and later on, I went on to do two biographies, and yes, I'm doing a couple more correctly, where they are being authored by me. So I'm writing the biographies.   Michael Hingson ** 49:26 So today, in all the work that that you're, that you're doing, do you, do you get involved with many international projects?   Shabnam Asthana ** 49:39 Yes, not many, but yes, we are doing a slow and steady progress there. And we do, I do, keep getting a lot of inquiries. And I must say that I have got a couple of inquiries recently which are very interesting. And I. Working on those. Maybe it's a little premature to tell you that, but yes, there is one big project that has come my way, and we're planning to expand from there. Well.   Michael Hingson ** 50:12 So you have experienced a lot of different countries and so on, and India is certainly becoming more of an economic and a world power in the in terms of what all is happening. Do you think that that the attitudes of India and the way India deals with inclusion and so on is making a difference, and Will that continue to happen?   Shabnam Asthana ** 50:43 Well, Michael, it will, because we are moving out of our country, and we have, you know, taken spots in so many other countries. So if we want to be included, it's high time we practice the same. So we have to welcome other cultures. We have to welcome other nationalities if we hope to be welcomed in other countries as well. So that is something which has really influenced the thinking of people, because we can't be rigid. We can't be, you know, thinking in our own way. And say, Well, let's not do it, because we have to welcome other countries if we have to work and move out of India. So yes, Michael, I will say that very hard. It's very heartening to note that it is changing, and it will continue to do so. In fact, you know, India is moving from being seen as an outsourced to something which people sort of welcome with open arms. But then, yes, things are changing. There are things which are happening which may limit the movement of people, or it may increase the flow of people. But then, well, we have to adopt, adapt and move on.   Michael Hingson ** 52:04 Yeah, well, there's always going to be some of that which makes which makes sense. Yes. What kind of advice would you give to someone, especially young professionals, women and others who are different? What advice would you give to someone who may feel excluded or undervalued in their careers.   Shabnam Asthana ** 52:25 The best thing that I would like to say is that if you hear a no, don't let it bog you down, because be sure that tomorrow you will hear a better yes, it will be something that is shaping the way for your future. So you must not let any naysayers or any projects that fail bog you down just because you're a woman or because you're different or anybody you know. You have to show your courage, you have to be resilient, and you have to lean on your inner strengths. The best magic, the you know, time tried and tested formula, which I would advocate, is leaning on your inner strengths. All of us have a lot of strengths, believe you me, we may not know it, but all of us have a lot of strengths. So when you see a situation that is not to your liking, just lean on your inner strengths. Take a deep breath and say today's no will be a yes tomorrow, and that is the courage that you must move ahead with anybody, irrespective of whether you are a woman or you are any person who is stepping into the corporate world. Just value yourself. Always Be confident. Wear the confidence. And that's the best accessory that you would have.   Michael Hingson ** 54:03 How would you define unstoppable mindset?   Shabnam Asthana ** 54:08 Unstoppable mindset is not something which is something which rises beyond limitations. And by limitations, I don't mean only individual limitations. It may be the limitations of the other people. Let that not define your limitation. Your the term unstoppable, to me, is a term which shows resilience. It shows something where you can fumble. It's very natural to fumble, to stumble, to fall down, to face challenges, to face, you know, rejections. It's very normal, but unstoppable is. Being able to get up again with greater strength, with a better mindset, more courageously, and more importantly, with an open heart, which says, Yes, I will do it. You cannot say you cannot. You know, sort of put me down in any way. My courage is there, my inner strength is there. I am unstoppable in that sense.   Michael Hingson ** 55:28 I think the most important thing that you just said is that you have to do it with an open heart. I think everyone should do that you may learn that your idea may not be the best solution, and it might be the best solution, but you won't know that until you truly have an open heart and an open mind.   Shabnam Asthana ** 55:46 Truly, yes, absolutely, an open heart, I would say, is really, really key. It's very, very important.   Michael Hingson ** 55:56 What keeps you motivated as you continue to advocate for adverse diversity and inclusion and equity and so on.   Shabnam Asthana ** 56:04 What keeps me motivated? Michael, are many things, but then what i If I could just zero down on a couple of them, I would say that what keeps me motivated is the trust that people had in me, and, you know, to give me certain jobs, roles, the trust that they had to sort of say, okay, you can do it. And then I did it. And the people, what keeps me motivated is something also very nice, which somebody came up to me at a recent conference in Germany, and they said, you know, the reason why I didn't give up is because of you. That is me, because I motivated them to do something, and that was your motivation for me, I was like, Okay, if I can motivate you, I too can stay motivated for a long, long time to come. And that's something which I do. I try to inspire and I try to inspire myself as well in the process.   Michael Hingson ** 57:07 Well, if you could leave everyone who is involved in hearing this podcast and so on today, if you could leave them with one powerful message about embracing diversity and so on. What would that message be?   Shabnam Asthana ** 57:23 Well, that message would be that whatever is happening today, if you feel that there is even a little bit of acceptability, that is because somebody else has worked towards it, so now it is your chance to give it back to society, to keep working, to keep opening doors for people, for a better tomorrow, for a more inclusive tomorrow. And diversity doesn't and inclusivity doesn't happen overnight. You have to work towards it. There is a it's the whole process, and you have to work towards it relentlessly. Continue working. Somebody else has worked. They have pushed you forward. They have done a whole lot of things. Now it's your turn to do your bit and ensure that the people who are coming after you come to a better tomorrow, a more inclusive tomorrow.   Michael Hingson ** 58:27 It also, by definition, means that we need to learn how to work with each other and support and help each other,   Shabnam Asthana ** 58:34 of course. And empathy. Empathy is the key, empathy, sensitivity, all that.   Michael Hingson ** 58:41 So if people would like to reach out to you, maybe use your company services or talk with you. How can they do that?   Shabnam Asthana ** 58:48 They could contact me. You can write to me at my email id, which is Shabnam, S, H, A, B n, a m, at empowered solutions, my company name, E, M, P, O, W, E, R, E, D, S, o, l, U, T, I O, N, S, dot, I n, that's my name. The emails will reach me. That's an inbox which you know I'm monitoring myself, and be sure that you will receive a reply. I'd love to hear from people, and I love to communicate. I love to write back. So very welcome.   Michael Hingson ** 59:30 And I would ask, just sort of on principle, if anyone reaches out to Shabnam, who has heard this podcast, please mention that, just so that she knows where you where you discovered her, and I think that would be a good thing to do. Well, I want to thank you for being here. I think this has been absolutely wonderful. I think we've learned a lot I have and I value the insights that you bring. So I hope that other people will take the. Those same insights away, there's there's a lot to learn here, and there's a lot to gain from this. So I want to thank you again for being here, and maybe we'll have to do this again in the future.   Shabnam Asthana ** 1:00:12 I'd love to do that. And Michael, I'd like to thank you for hosting this wonderful, wonderful show. I have seen your episodes. They are brilliant, and it's really nice. I was so looking forward to this. It's been an absolute pleasure to interact with you, and I hope that we'll be doing more of this in the near future.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:35 Well, we'll have to explore that, and I want to thank all of you who are out there watching and listening. I want to thank you for being here. We appreciate you very much. Wherever you're listening or watching. Please give us a five star review. We value that very highly. We really would appreciate you saying good things about us. A five star review is always a wonderful thing. I'd like to hear from you as well. I'd like to hear what your thoughts are about this podcast. Feel free to email me at Michael M, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, i, b, e.com, love to hear from you. Love to hear your thoughts. We value them, and we take all the comments that we get from people very much to heart. So we appreciate you doing that. And if you know anyone else who ought to be a guest on our podcast, who you think ought to be a guest, let us know. Introduce us. Shabnam, that's also true for you, please. If you know anyone who ought to be a guest, we'd love to meet people and have them come on the podcast and also help us show how we're all more unstoppable than we think we are, or we thought we were. So once again, though, I want to thank you for being here. Shabnam, this has been wonderful. Thank you very much.   Shabnam Asthana ** 1:01:51 Thank you, Michael, thank you to all the listeners.   **Michael Hingson ** 1:01:59 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

We're Back! Season 2 Kickoff + Life Lately Catch-Up We're back, friends! After an unplanned (but very needed) break, we're so excited to be jumping into Season 2. In this catch-up episode, we're taking you behind the scenes of where we've been, what's been going on in our lives, and why hitting pause was actually the healthiest thing we could've done—for ourselves, our families, and this podcast. From quiet celebrations and major life shifts to slow summers, big feelings, family news, and homeschool chaos—we're covering it all. We're sharing real, honest updates about divorce, parenting, new rhythms, pregnancy complications, career changes, and even a cat obsession that may or may not be driving us up the wall. It's raw, lighthearted, emotional, and full of the good stuff that comes with growth. Timeline Summary: [0:35] - Why we took a break and learning to practice what we preach [2:10] - Navigating divorce, burnout, and the power of pausing [3:48] - Graduation celebrations and making space for big transitions [5:24] - Slower summer rhythms and processing deep emotions [7:02] - Family trips, Disney magic, and announcing a new baby on the way [9:20] - Pregnancy complications, irritable uterus woes, and adapting to new limitations [12:12] - Homeschool chaos, cat obsessions, and looking ahead to Season 2 Closing Thoughts: Thanks for sticking with us. We're so thrilled to kick off Season 2 and can't wait to bring you more conversations, stories, and guests in the coming weeks. If you loved this episode (or just missed us a little), don't forget to follow, rate, share, and leave us a review. See you next week!

Send Jay comments via textWhat if staying close to your adult children didn't require long calls, perfect timing, or instant replies? In this episode, author Tammy Cohen introduces a straightforward, impactful practice: short, consistent texts that convey love, gratitude, and wisdom without expectation or pressure. Think of them as modern lunchbox notes—daily messages that meet your kids where they are, cut through digital noise, and nurture trust over time.Tammy shares how her own mindset shift during the pandemic inspired this approach, shaped by her years of learning about resilience, accountability, and mindfulness. She explains how to start in just 10 minutes a day, what to send when you feel stuck, and how consistency transforms texting into a quiet superpower—keeping the door open even when life gets messy.This episode offers practical advice on meeting your adult children on their terms, strengthening your long-term bond, and showing up with authenticity—and without overwhelm. Highlights & Key Takeaways:Texting is today's version of the lunchbox note—simple, steady, and meaningful.Meet your kids where they are—without pressure or expectations.Focus messages on love, gratitude, and wisdom.Detach from outcomes; prioritize consistency over perfection.Use 10 minutes daily to build a habit of heartfelt connection.Use books and quotes to inspire reflection and deeper connection.Tammy Cohen BioTammy J. Cohen is an author, entrepreneur, and podcaster who helps families foster meaningful connections in a digital age. As a mother of three and wife, her recent personal journey has centered on embracing her identity as a "human being" grounded in faith and self-awareness, especially after a transformative pandemic experience. She is passionate about using everyday tools like mobile devices to nurture deep relationships, exemplified through her book Text Messages to My Sons. Tammy's work blends personal growth, faith, and practical communication strategies to inspire others to build love and understanding with their loved ones.Find Tammy Online: Instagram, WebsiteSupport the showBECOME A VIP SUBSCRIBER (Join Today!) Bonus Content for Subscribers Only Episode Shoutouts Thank You Emails Private Meet & Greets via Zoom + More ENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we'd appreciate your support greatly. LOVE THE SHOW?Get THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swagCONNECT WITH JAYEmail, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok

Starlight Reunion is thrilled to welcome Chicago-based DJ, Brian Uvodić: bringing their love for house music to college parties, public beaches, and now, our weekly mix series! Inspired by the unifying power of house, Brian Uvodić creates mixes that get people moving and connect strangers through the magic of sound. - What's Your DJ name? - Brian Uvodić - How long have you been DJing? - 8 Months - Why did you get into it? - There's nothing I love more than energizing others while mixing my favorite genres of music (house). - What events have you played? - College house parties, Fraternity parties, Graduation parties, Public spots (Oak St. Beach Chicago, etc.) - Where are you from? - Chicago, IL - What inspires you? - I'm inspired by how house music is bringing people together all over the world. I've seen it first hand, especially while mixing in public spots in/around Chicago, strangers congregating and dancing together is a beautiful thing. - What genres are in your mix? - Melodic house, Deep house, Tech house, Techno - A few words about your mix? - This mix follows my traditional mixing format, starting with more upbeat melodic/deep house, and than slowly transitioning into synth heavy tech house and techno throughout the mix. This mimics the dynamics of a crowd during sunset; starting with fun melodic dance tunes as the sun is setting, then as dusk turns to dawn slowly switching to more party and rave oriented songs. - Who are some of the artists in your mix? - Chris Stussy, Josh Baker, Matroda, Luuk Van Dijk, FISHER, Sean Lanigan, Angrybaby - Where can people find more of you? - https://linktr.ee/brianuvodich

10-30 Adam and Jordana 9a hour

Your business management degree unlocks ten distinct career paths, from shaping workplace cultures as an HR manager to spotting market opportunities others miss as a business development professional. Each role rewards different strengths and personalities. Click https://ibu.ca/ to learn more. International Business University City: Toronto Address: 80 Bloor Street West Website: https://ibu.ca/ Phone: +1 416 923 1111 Email: admission@ibu.ca

GKE turned 10 in 2025! In this episode, we talk with GKE PM Gari Singh about GKE's journey from early container orchestration to AI-driven ops. Discover Autopilot, IPPR, and a bold vision for the future of Kubernetes. Do you have something cool to share? Some questions? Let us know: web: kubernetespodcast.com mail: kubernetespodcast@google.com X: @kubernetespod bluesky: @kubernetespodcast.com News of the week Cloud Native Computing Foundation Announces Knative's Graduation llm-d 0.3: Wider Well-Lit Paths for Scalable Inference vllm-project/semantic-router on github Announcing the Certified Meshery Contributor (CMC) Introducing Headlamp Plugin for Karpenter - Scaling and Visibility Links from the interview Kelsey Hightower's Kubernetes the Hard Way MiniKube Kind Docker Compose Docker Swarm GKE Autopilot Dynamic Resource Allocation (DRA) Google Cloud TPUs Node Auto Provisioning (GKE) Jax (Machine Learning Framework) Horizontal Pod Autoscaling (HPA) Serverless on Google Cloud Grafana Prometheus Kubectl-ai Vertical Pod Autoscaler (VPA) Kubernetes v1.33: In-Place Pod Resize Graduated to Beta In-place Vertical Scaling of Pods - Resize CPU and Memory Resources assigned to Containers GKE under the hood: Container-optimized compute delivers fast autoscaling for Autopilot

Graduation rates at community colleges have remained low, especially for students with low incomes. One effort to help students graduate and succeed in the workforce is MDRC's Scaling Up College Completion Efforts for Student Success (SUCCESS), a comprehensive student support program supported by 15 years of MDRC's postsecondary research. Through its Expanding SUCCESS Initiative, MDRC is partnering with states and districts to expand the SUCCESS program to new locations and campuses.   In this episode, Leigh Parise talks with Jonathan Lowe, program director of Coaching for Success at Dallas College, and DeShawn Preston, a research associate at MDRC, about implementing a model of comprehensive student supports at Dallas College, as part of the Expanding SUCCESS initiative.

In this week's episode of TigerTalk, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss how Northeast continues to live up to the “community” in its name. The duo highlights the upcoming TigerTown Tent or Treat, a family-friendly Halloween event that brings students, faculty, and local residents together for an evening of fun and fellowship on the last home football game or a date close to it. Ford also talks about the importance of connecting the college with the community it serves through major events such as the Showband from Tigerland's Band Contest in early October, the Night of Exceptional Baseball at the Plex in the Spring, and many other outreach efforts that showcase Tiger Pride in action. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

This week, Fordham's President Emeritus Checker Finn joins the show to unpack a troubling trend—the collapse of graduation standards—and why it matters for every American student.Then, on David Griffith's first Research Minute, a new study looks at the demographics of college applicants interested in teaching in America—and explores why some who enter similar “helping professions,” like nursing and social work, steer clear of the classroom.Recommended content: High school graduation standards have collapsed. Does it matter? —Michael J. Petrilli, SchooledAre high school graduation standards too low? —Michael J. Petrilli, SchooledThe end of MCAS is the end of an era. Now let's figure out what comes next. —Michael J. Petrilli, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteWho wants to be a teacher? — Robert Chung, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteWho wants to be a teacher? — Brendan Bartanen, Andrew Avitabile, and Andrew Kwok, EdWorking Papers (2025)Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for improving our show? Send them to thegadfly@fordhaminstitute.org

Sometimes people go wild at graduation and perform spontaneous fun dances. | Jacob read The Godfather book and Jay is amazed because he can't stand the movie. | Bobby references his sexy actress friend and Jay picks her apart. Jacob likes a woman with "Riot Girl Face" and creates a new term. | Bob likes to kiss his wife's belly and calls her up to see how she feels about it. *To hear the full show to go www.siriusxm.com/bonfire to learn more! FOLLOW THE CREW ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @thebonfiresxm @louisjohnson @christinemevans @bigjayoakerson @robertkellylive @louwitzkee @jjbwolf Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Bonfire ad-free and a whole week early.  Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of TigerTalk, Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery share how the college helps every student — from high school dual-enrollment participants to returning adult learners — discover their purpose and achieve success. Ford highlights the vital role of the Student Success Center, where personalized guidance and support have transformed countless student journeys. He also celebrates the achievements of the college's award-winning Adult Education Department, which continues to help individuals earn their HiSET diplomas and take the next step toward their goals. Whether a student is fresh out of high school, navigating their way through their first or second year of college, or coming back after time away, Northeast is committed to helping everyone succeed. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Third time's the charm sometimes, and it was the case for Alexina! She had to be persistent and resilient, and was able to find a way through financial troubles to finish her Master's degree and start her own solo Canadian private practice.  In this podcast episode, we discuss why she chose to go solo rather than join an already-existing group practice and how she got to where she is today.  If you'd like some tips, advice, or just a good story of resilience from a fellow therapist, give this episode a listen!  MEET ALEXINA Alexina is a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in North Vancouver, BC. She opened her solo private practice 4 months ago, immediately upon registration with the BCACC, something she had never imagined she would do. Alexina has over 10 years of healthcare and mental health experience, from pharmacy assistant to the past Executive Director of the BC Psychological Association. When she's not working, she's either watching TV or running the trails on the North Shore. Learn more about Alexina on her practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles.  In this episode:  Becoming a therapist  Why go back to school after working? Going into solo private practice How the practice is going   Alexina's advice to private practitioners  Becoming a therapist  Alexina's route to working as a therapist was roundabout.  Alexina applied to Yorkville and got in, but couldn't afford the tuition because she was accepted on such short notice, and didn't have enough time to sort out student loans and payment plans. She was then suggested to try out Adler University, and that route worked!  Alexina was the Executive Director of BC Psychological Association for two of the four years that she worked there, and it provided her with the financial means to go back and complete her Master's degree.  Why go back to school after working? While Alexina enjoyed working as the Executive Director of the BC Psychological Association, she kept her eye on the prize of completing her Master's degree, and this was partially due to being motivated by the people around her.  Working allowed her the financial freedom to continue with her studies, and the motivation from her colleagues pushed her to return to school and complete her qualification.  Going into solo private practice  From Alexina's work, she knew about the different options that were available to her. She applied to organization jobs, but didn't hear back and decided to try reaching out to group practices. However, she ultimately decided not to go with a position in an already-established group practice.  Therefore, Alexina turned towards starting her own Canadian private practice, because she began to think more deeply about the benefits of solo practice.  How the practice is going  Right now, Alexina's practice is getting off the ground slowly.  ‘It's really difficult when you're a new practitioner of any kind in the community for people to find out that you exist, unless you're working with an existing practice or clinic somewhere.' - Alexina Picard  Alexina's been working hard to get her practice's name out there, but she has learned that these things simply take time, no matter how hard you work, and she's gotten okay with that.  Alexina's advice to private practitioners Learn as much as you can yourself. If you need to, consider putting your money to use by hiring a few professionals to set things up instead of spending money trying to do it yourself.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Alison Chisholm: Building More Than a Private Practice | EP 177 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress!  Learn more about Alexina on her practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Podcast opens with a worrisome moment for singer Brandy, who abruptly left the stage mid-concert due to severe dehydration after weeks of intense rehearsals — she later issued a statement thanking fans and prioritizing her health. Next celebrity drama: reality star Tami Roman revealed she won’t allow her daughter’s girlfriend to attend her graduation, sparking widespread backlash and a heated conversation about family, boundaries, and acceptance. In political news, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined the show — offering candid commentary on party dynamics, leadership pressures, and the road ahead for Democrats as they navigate a turbulent midterm environment. And finally, the trial of former deputy Sean Grayson — charged with the murder of Sonya Massey in Illinois — is now underway. It’s drawing national attention for its implications on policing, accountability, and community trust. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send Jay comments via textWhat if the space between parenting and grandparenting became your most vibrant, alive season? In this episode, entrepreneur and community-builder Carol Tice shares her transformative journey—from selling their Seattle home to living full-time on the road in a 24-foot RV. Discover how she and her husband designed a life centered on mobility, minimalism, and meaningful work, turning “someday” into their everyday reality.Carol recounts their pandemic-era trial run—healthy habits, vegan cooking, long bike rides—and how a full year on the road reshaped their priorities. She dives into the practical choices behind RV life: choosing a rig that fits anywhere, solar power as a game-changer, and navigating boondocking at hidden gems like the Lost Coast. She also highlights the social fabric of RV communities, especially in Quartzsite, Arizona, where neighbors swap help regardless of class or politics.Highlights & Key Takeaways:Why waiting for grandkids isn't the only way—start living now.Building sustainable, location-independent income streams.Minimalism as a pathway to financial and personal relief.Selling your house to reduce costs and embrace freedom.How a trial RV trip can jumpstart healthier habits and clarity.Carol Tice BioCarol Tice is the founder of Community Growth Academy on Skool. Her previous community, Freelance Writers Den, grew to 1,500 paying members over a decade, generating $6 million across the life of the business. She sold the Den in 2021 and she now travels in her RV with her husband while she helps coaches, consultants, and other experts build their own communities with help from Community Growth Academy.Find Carol Online: Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, WebsiteSupport the showFREE WORKBOOK3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life ENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. LOVE THE SHOW?Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swagReview us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we'd appreciate your support greatly.CONNECT WITH JAYEmail, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

Join Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery and Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford for another episode of TigerTalk, the official podcast of Northeast Mississippi Community College. In this episode, Dr. Ford recaps the major events that have shaped the first half of the semester and gives listeners an inside look at what's ahead for the remainder of the year. Dr. Ford also highlights one of the region's biggest annual traditions — the Northeast Mississippi Regional Marching Band Championships, now recognized as the largest marching band festival in the state, drawing more than 20,000 visitors to the Booneville campus each October. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Liza's Late Puberty Finally Comes.Based on a post by DangerHunt69. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.  Late BloomerHave you ever felt like you didn't belong? I've felt that way my entire life. My name is Liza Thomas and growing up I was a nobody. I had very few friends in school and what few "friends" I did have were more like acquaintances that never even thought about my existence outside of 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday , Friday. I was bullied too. But then again, wasn't everyone? I'm seriously asking, "was everyone?" because the other girls constantly ridiculed me for the way I looked (growing up I looked quite androgynous), for never talking during class and for sneaking my Nintendo DS into school to play during lunch. I never did anything to them, but they made me feel like shit every single day.Fast forward to my 18th birthday and, nothing. I was flat all over. My chest, my ass, my stomach. My tits were 32 A, maybe the size of lemons and my ass cheeks were like two little pancakes. But then, something magical happened. During the Christmas break after my birthday, I began to grow. My lemons turned into 34 D cantaloupes quite fast, almost overnight. My pancakes turned into, pillows? My ass certainly wasn't flat enough to set your drink on anymore but I'd be lying if I said that it caught anyone's gaze.My mom took quick notice of this change and in regards to it; liked to say, "Lions, tigers, boobs oh my!" (I wish I was making this up. My mom says the stupidest and most embarrassing shit sometimes, I swear to God). Apparently, the Thomas women were all late bloomers, so it's unsurprising that it took me all the way until adulthood before my tits were as big as my mom's.That January I returned to school after "the change" I kind of figured no one would notice, or care, but boy was I wrong. I started to get unwanted attention, and as an introvert this sucked. It wasn't all bad though, that same month this guy named Brian started talking to me and, Brain made me feel special. He'd come up to me every day at my locker to chat me up. Nobody had ever done that before, especially not a boy. A little bit about Brian, Brian was 19 when we first met. He was held back in first grade so he was in the same class as me despite being a year older. His mother was an alcoholic who was in and out of the county jail and his father was an honest man who made a living restoring old cars. I guess this is different from being a mechanic but don't ask me how, I am not a car girl. Anywho, after a month Brian asked me out on a date and, I said yes! We went to the local ice cream place, the Twist and Shake (I think it was supposed to be a Beatles pun), and had a nice little conversation. There was not much to do in Locust, Pennsylvania after all. I had even taken the opportunity to wear a low-cut shirt to "show off the goods" so to speak. In truth, the shirt had not been low cut prior to my cleavage metamorphosis. After a few weeks he even asked me to be his girlfriend and I was elated! No one had ever thought of me in that way before, it was like I was experiencing my sexual coming of age, the only thing was that at this point I was very much anti-sex traditionalist.I grew up in a very strict Eastern Orthodox family and had taken my parents' views on sex as my own. I was supposed to wait until marriage. I told Brian this a little while after we started dating. Despite him reassuring me that everything was okay, I could see the disappointment on his face. I would try to satiate him by compromising. I offered him handjobs at first, then gave my first blowjob, but this wasn't good enough. He was horny all the time, and I just couldn't keep up. I started sending nudes. Something until then I thought people were stupid for doing. Then, one day in April, when we were over at his house; he was always trying to get me to come over and come into his bedroom, which I tried to stay away from like the plague. I foolishly went in there, like an idiot. He then begged me for sex and tried to take off my clothes. I told him no, but when he got upset I felt bad and said that if he wanted to there was another way that we could do it. That was how I lost my anal cherry.Still with me? Good. So the next month, May, was the big prom. It was my senior prom, so my parents went all out and purchased me the most expensive black and pink dress (yes, I listen to K-pop), I think it cost a thousand dollars! Daddy bought it for me and even paid for a limo for Brian and me! That night was perfect. In his suit, Brian looked like the most suave handsome man in the world, and could have easily passed for Tony Stark or Bruce Wayne. After prom the limo dropped us off at my house and Brian (at this point I didn't have my license yet, just a learner's permit), drove us to "after prom", which was held at the Macedonian-American Cultural Center. Well during the hour break between prom and "after prom" (Which might I add is stupid. Like as far as I can tell it's always been this way but it feels like the school is just begging the students to have sex?). Brian pulled the car over to a discrete area. I was a little worried at first, but just figured that I was going to unzip his pants and give him head, but he had other things in mind. He gave me this long impassioned speech about how much he loved me and how we were meant to be together. I felt moved by the moment, and well, I loved him. So I told him that if he was still a virgin then yes, we could have sex. But if not, then I would still let him fuck me in the ass. He told me that I would be his first. So we had sex. I was so stupid for believing him.I wish I could tell you this long passionate tale about my first time, and how amazingly romantic it was, but;1.       That's not the point of this story, and;2.       He humped me in the back of a Honda Accord until he jizzed all over my belly button, not exactly the most romantic first time.Anyway, for the rest of the night, and until the end of the school year, I was in a very romantic mood.Graduation felt like such a big deal at the time, like the rest of my life was starting and that I had finally become a woman. Like my whole life was starting to come together. Prom night was kind of a bursting of the dam, or watershed moment. After that he would start fucking me in his bedroom almost every day after classes, and then when school ended, just whenever he could get me to come over. I would typically just lay there, on my back or stomach, not moving much until he finished up. Nobody ever taught me how to have sex, and Brian was fine with me just being a dead fish. This would only last until early July however.When a seemingly innocuous comment from Brian's father about him "finally finding a good girl," caused me to spiral and stalk his Facebook and Instagram profiles. I found out that he dated over a half-dozen women before me. Some he had told me about, others he did not. Could he really expect me to believe that he never had sex with any of these women?I have a tendency to internalize my frustrations and shut down when there's a problem in my life. I gave up my virginity on a fraud! For the rest of July I did not let Brian have sex with me, not even once. He got very upset with this, but I refused to say why. Until, finally, in August when during a discussion about how our relationship was going to proceed. He was going to Ohio University, a party school, and I was going to Penn State. I confronted him. I asked him about these past girlfriends. He told me that he lied and that he was sorry.I broke down into tears, and then he said, "Since you're already crying. I might as well tell you: I'm breaking up with you." I could not breathe. My mind was racing a mile a minute but the words I wanted to say would not come out. He continued, "I just don't think that you're intimate enough for me.  I don't want you weighing me down while I'm at college. You understand."No, I do not understand, You bastard! And if you're reading this, I fucking hate you, Brian Romanchuck!Fuck him! No, don't! But I hope some brute at the state prison fucks his ass with a led pipe! New FriendsOnly a few weeks later, at the end of August (or maybe it was September at this point), I was shipped away from home and started my new life as a freshman at Penn State Brandywine. I chose Penn's Brandywine campus because it not only had the Micro-electromechanical systems program I was looking for but was also refreshingly rural and familiar, despite how close to Philadelphia it was. Plus I had a nice scholarship for being a female stem major.Since my breakup, I began wearing baggy clothes to hide my body. I didn't need asshole boys wanting me for my body. Trust me, at this point in time I hated my body (don't worry dear reader, that was going to change soon, but thanks for your concern). This was made even harder by the fact that I had a second growth spurt over the summer and now my tits were the size of watermelons and none of my bras fit me anymore! (Okay so maybe watermelons is a bit of an exaggeration. But they're 34 F, like in between a cantaloupe and a watermelon, and were annoying as hell for the longest time because I wasn't used to carrying these large udders on my body). My Ass pillows turned into, basketballs? Okay I'm totally trolling you now by calling my ass basketballs but I don't care what you want me to say, my ass simply got fatter. Other than that, my waist and overall fitness was good.After losing my virginity to a lying asshole, I overcorrected and stayed away from all things sex for a time, but this didn't mean I wasn't lonely. For the past six months I had not only finally discovered companionship and having a social life; but also had it all ripped away from me. The one person who I talked to every day, and was vulnerable with was gone. Away from family and any familiarity, I was scared. Scared to even try to make any friends at all. I had five classes a week but pretty much kept to myself the entire time. Despite sitting near the front of the class as I was accustomed to, I rarely spoke and never raised my hand.The day that would change the course of my life forever, was during the onset of October, I decided to visit the gaming lounge in building C. It was nice! It had four flat screen TVs mounted on the walls, and a fancy kitchenette. Each TV was spaced maybe ten yards from the next, & featured a round table with six black fake leather, cushioned chairs, and was paired with a PlayStation 4, or Xbox One, I want to say it's called? Microsoft has such stupid naming conventions for their consoles (PlayStation supremacy).My first time stepping in there, I stood around for a moment to scan the room, before I caught a glimpse of a group of five college boys. Well apparently I, a 5' 3" woman with big black boots, short blonde hair, a Sailor Moon skirt and long black socks leading up to said skirt, caught their eye too. Because not a minute later, one of the boys called out to me, "Hey!" Nervous, I immediately darted out of the room. Caught off guard, the guy said "Welcome, wait!" as I then ran down the hallway and out of building C. My anxiety had gotten the best of me.Later that week, I took another trip out to the gaming lounge. I was tired of being lonely and was determined to march in there and befriend those boys. They liked video games (and let's be honest, probably anime too), and I loved video games and anime! I would make friends or die of embarrassment trying.I entered the lounge and not two seconds later I overheard a discussion about Naruto."They totally wasted Neji as a character, probably should've just let him die in the hospital after his fight with Kidomaru." said a short man with a vest and a fedora."No way! And miss his redesign after the time skip, and all the love he got in the filler arcs? At least have him survive until the Team Gai fight, with Kisame. Maybe have Lee and Gai fight the clone, and have Neji die saving Tenten." said one who was over six foot tall, but also quite stocky."Now that's an," the short one stopped, when he looked over at me, after finally noticing my presence.All five guys turned their heads to look at me, and my face turned beet red from all the attention I was getting. A short awkward silence ensued before I spoke in a high pitched and slightly nervous tone. "Hi guys! My name's, umm, Liza.  And I, well sorry about running out the other day. I just wanted to say hi, and see what you guys are doing here! I see you're talking about Naruto, that's pretty swell!"One of them sat up from his chair and waved to me. "Hey! My name's Mike. We were just debating on what we wanted to play, and got a little sidetracked." He was kinda cute with the most adorable head of jet black hair I've ever seen and a denim jacket. "What's your name?"I paused as if to think, "Liza! My name's Liza!"Mike stood, and approached me as he introduced me to everyone. They were: Mike the cute one, Brad the fedora wearing hipster one, Rob the tall stocky one, Hahn the Asian one, and Chester the, Chester one.Mike, a natural leader; then asked the guys; "So why doesn't everyone introduce themselves and tell Liza here what their favorite game is?""Name's Chester, and Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past." Chester answered."Majora's Mask is ten times better, but I'd have to say Elden Ring. PC Master Race!" Asian Hahn cheerily shouted."Fuck you!" retorted Chester."Horizon: Zero Dawn! Aloy is my waifu." said Big Rob."Sly Cooper 2: Band of Thieves." Hipster Brad answered."The thing about Sly Cooper fans is that they don't shut up about it." whispered Mike, standing next to me."And what about you, Mike?" I asked."Me? Oh my favorite game is Fallout: New Vegas." Mighty Mike answered."Dog shit performance, looks like a PlayStation 2 game." Asian Hahn butted in."Pixel snob." Mike rolled his eyes and then looked over at me. "What's your favorite game Liza?""Well; I really love Pokémon, but that kinda feels like cheating. Black 2 is my favorite Pokémon game, but I really liked The Last of Us Part 2.""Lame, Emerald is better." Hipster Brad interjected."Gen Threer! Everyone knows Platinum is the best." Asian Hahn protested."In case you haven't noticed, everyone's pretty opinionated." Mike laughed.I spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out with them, watching them play Smash Bros on a Switch that Rob brought from his dorm. I even played a match and got my ass kicked, which is what happens when you main Isabelle, or so they told me, but I can't help it, she's my comfort character. Then I left for my dorm to do my 3D Modeling homework. I hung out with them the next day after class, again at the gaming lounge, and before I went home they even invited me into their group chat! "Switches, No Bitches" was the name when I first joined but shortly after they changed it to "Switches, One Bitches". Laughing my ass off.One day after class I came to the gaming lounge and to my surprise, only Mike was there."Where is everyone?" I asked."Rob's on a fieldtrip, and Brad's with his girlfriend for date night.""And Hahn and Chester?""They're at the Yu gi oh regionals in Philadelphia.""Oh, so just the two of us today?""Yep." Mike affirmed."Well that's fun! Did you maybe wanna go somewhere, to get something to eat?" I took the initiative with Mike."Sure!” Mike beamed. “Where did you wanna go?""There's a nice ramen place in Ridley Park?""You Bet." He smiled.A half an hour later we were inside the restaurant, waiting to order. We got to talking and Mike told me more about himself. His mom died when he was very little, and he was going to school to become a structural engineer, because of his dream of serving in the Army Corps of Engineers. To be honest, I don't even know what this, is or what they do. Now that I think of it though, what even is an engineer? Sort of ambiguous, given all the types of engineer careers I've heard of. Is a chemical engineer sorta like a structural engineer?Mike's bushy black hair was so beautiful that I couldn't look away. I was really starting to crush on him. As he talked about his career aspirations and favorite Manga literature, all I could think about was how cute his head would look sandwiched between my thighs. I started to feel, daring.At the end of the meal, when the check came; he paid and left a generous tip for our server."Hey, you wanna come back to my place and watch a movie?" I invited."Sure, what did you have in mind?" Mike asked.Silly boy. I thought. He actually thinks I have a movie in mind.We went back to my dorm and I sat on my bed, as he awkwardly stood in the middle of the room."Thanks for hanging out with me tonight. It's been such a long time since I've hung out with a friend one-on-one, or a boy, for that matter." I was flirting."You don't have a lot of friends?""No." I answered honestly."When was the last time you hung out with a group of friends?" he asked."6th grade.""Wow, I'm actually really sorry to hear that.” He came and sat next to me. “But I can relate somewhat. Growing up my family moved around so much that I never really got to stop in one place and build a group of friends.""Aww, I'm sorry. What about all the guys from the lounge?""I met most of them last year, my first year at Penn. Except Brad, he's a freshman I think.""So you never really had many friends, either?""Yeah." He hesitated, "Which is actually why I really wanted to thank you for hanging out with us. I know it's only been a few weeks; and don't feel obligated to hang out with us every week if you have something else going on; but the guys really like having you there. And so do I."We hugged.My cheeks turned crimson. I wanted to get over Brian so bad. Besides, Mike was a nice guy and you know what they say; ‘the best way to get over someone; is by getting under someone.'After we embraced, I stood in front of him and slowly unzipped my black Pokémon athletic warmup jacket, and slowly slid it off my shoulders. As if my tits weren't massive enough, I had them hiked up in a pushup bra.I then did a half turn and I pulled down my baggy matching athletic warmup pants. I was wearing pink satin panties with purple hearts on them, I glanced back over my shoulder at him with a seductively raised eyebrow and wink. At first Mike was really surprised, like a dream was happening in real life. But after he got over his shock, he understood my terribly unsubtle gesture. (Fellas, what's the weirdest way a socially awkward woman signaled to you that she wanted to bang?)

**THIS IS A REPRISE OF EPISODE #6 ON 5.18.22**Professor of Jewish Studies Ilana Horwitz's recent book God, Grades, and Graduation looks at whether students do better in school when they believe in God and belong to a community of faith.  Leah explores with this sociologist such factors as parental influence, compliance with school rules, and socioeconomic inequality.  "Leah's Quadrant" is revealed, both women discuss atheist kids, and Dr. Horwitz tells us how religious kids fare in college admissions and qualities like empathy, happiness and self-restraint.Additional resources:God, Grades, and Graduation, by Ilana M. Horwitz, Oxford University Press, 2022

In this episode of TigerTalk, Northeast Mississippi Community College's Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss how the Fall 2025 semester is shaping up at Northeast. Dr. Ford shares his thoughts on the behavior and spirit of Northeast students, the exciting lineup of end-of-semester events and provides important updates on ongoing and upcoming construction and campus improvement projects. The conversation also highlights the success of the Northeast Mississippi Regional Marching Band Championships, which has grown into the largest marching band festival in the state, drawing over 20,000 visitors to campus and the city of Booneville each October. Tune in for the latest on academics, athletics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges — Northeast Mississippi Community College.

 (Animated Stories Podcast Video Podcadt link

Send Jay comments via textWhen your children leave home, the loudest voice isn't always the one you want to hear—it's your inner critic. It whispers doubts, tells you "you shouldn't," "you can't," or "you're not enough," leaving you feeling stuck and uncertain about how to move forward. However, there's a practical, proven framework that can quiet the noise and help you reclaim your peace: Positive Intelligence (PQ).In this episode, we sit down with coach Kevin Gazarra to demystify PQ and explore how it applies to life after the nest empties. Kevin introduces us to the Judge and its nine accomplice saboteurs—Controller, Hyper-Achiever, Restless, Stickler, Pleaser, Hyper-Vigilant, Avoider, Victim, and Hyper-Rational—that hijack our thoughts with seemingly true but unhelpful stories. He explains how these saboteurs influence our daily lives and how shifting into the Sage mindset—empathy, curiosity, creativity, and decisive action—can transform challenges into opportunities.Highlights & Key Takeaways:Positive Intelligence (PQ) offers a prescriptive, practical approach to mental well-being.The Judge and its nine saboteurs undermine confidence and clarity.Moving from threat-based thinking to Sage powers—empathy, curiosity, creativity, and decisiveness—shifts your perspective.After caregiving and life changes, reframe your identity for reinvention instead of loss.The Pleaser pattern can lead to burnout—setting oxygen-mask boundaries prevents that.Join us and challenge the noisy inner critic. Map out a clear, actionable path for growth, reinvention, and community—because the person you already are has everything it takes to lead your best life.Here's your free PQ assessment and practical next steps!Kevin Gazzara BioDr. Kevin Gazzara - CEO of Magna Leadership Solutions, Management & Leadership Expert, Executive Positive Intelligence Coach, Professor at 5 Universities, Speaker, & Author of The Leader of OZ. Kevin worked for 18 years at Intel Corporation in positions from Program and Product Management to Leadership Development. He holds a BS in Commerce and Engineering, an MBA and a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Leadership. Find Kevin Online: Facebook, LinkeSupport the showFREE WORKBOOK3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life ENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more. LOVE THE SHOW?Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swagReview us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we'd appreciate your support greatly.CONNECT WITH JAYEmail, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

EP 527 Millionaire by Graduation: How Babu Owino Really Made His Fortune at University

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for October 1st Publish Date:  October 1st Commercial: From the BG Ad Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Wednesday, October 1st and Happy Birthday to I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal KSU biology student gets hands-on experience in Guatemala clinic Macabre Victorian Funeral Experience returns to Root House Museum Graduation rates increase across state, including Cobb, Marietta All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: INGLES 5 STORY 1: KSU biology student gets hands-on experience in Guatemala clinic  Like a lot of college students, Kennesaw State junior David Roque spent his summer in the tropics. But beaches and ziplining? Not exactly. Instead, he was back in his hometown of Poptun, Guatemala, working at his dad’s medical clinic—his second summer doing so. David wore a lot of hats: checking in patients, translating, assisting with surgeries. Poptun, tucked in Guatemala’s northern Peten region, is remote—thick forests, few medical facilities. Patients travel miles for care, and David’s bilingual skills made him indispensable. Between shifts, he even managed to take a cell biology course remotely. Medicine runs in his blood. His grandfather was a doctor in Cuba, his dad runs the clinic, his mom’s a nurse, and his sister’s about to graduate med school. At KSU, David’s passion for medicine expanded into research. Through the First-Year Scholars program, he joined a project on radiation therapy for cancer patients, earning two publications in his first year. David’s work has taken him to conferences at Georgia Tech, the State Capitol, and even Pennsylvania. He’s now drafting a proposal for his own cancer research project, blending his love for medicine and discovery. STORY 2: Macabre Victorian Funeral Experience returns to Root House Museum  This October, the William Root House takes a step back in time—into the somber world of a Victorian-era funeral. In 1856, Hannah and William Root shared their home with family, including Hannah’s father, Leonard Simpson, who passed away on Oct. 11 of that year. To honor his memory, the house is now staged as it would’ve been after his death: curtains drawn, black crepe draped over furniture, and mourning ribbons everywhere. Visitors can explore artifacts like 19th-century embalming tools, mourning jewelry made from human hair (yes, really), and other eerie relics of Victorian death customs. Daytime tours are included with regular admission. For those craving something darker, two after-hours events are on the calendar. Midnight Wake (Oct. 11, 11 p.m.–midnight): A candlelit VIP tour dives into embalming practices of the 1800s, ending with a haunting recital of a death poem written by Leonard Simpson himself. Tickets are $50, limited to 13 guests, and for ages 12+. Victorian Funeral Flashlight Tours (Oct. 25, 5–9 p.m.): Wander the house at your own pace, flashlight in hand, through dimly lit rooms. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Details at RootHouseMuseum.com/Funeral. STORY 3: Graduation rates increase across state, including Cobb, Marietta  Graduation rates are climbing, and 2025 was a record-breaking year for Marietta, Cobb, and Georgia as a whole. Marietta High hit 92.2%, its highest since Georgia adopted the adjusted cohort method in 2011. Cobb County wasn’t far behind, with an 89.2% rate—its best ever. Statewide, Georgia’s seniors reached 87.2%, another all-time high. Cobb’s Superintendent Chris Ragsdale credited a decade of steady growth, with schools like South Cobb making huge leaps (up 9.5 points to 87.9%). Meanwhile, Marietta Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera praised the “shared commitment” of teachers, families, and students. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 5 STORY 4: UPDATE: Ted’s Montana Grill to fill 'Goldstein Gap' on Marietta Square  After years of sitting empty, the infamous “Goldstein Gap” on Marietta Square is finally getting a new tenant—a Ted’s Montana Grill. The Marietta Historic Board of Review gave the project a unanimous thumbs-up, approving plans for a single-story restaurant designed to blend seamlessly with the Square’s historic charm. The lot at 77 North Park Square, owned by former Councilman Philip Goldstein’s family, has been vacant since 2010, when the Cuthbertson building was demolished. Past proposals, including a brewery and a five-story building, fizzled out. The new 4,311-square-foot building will feature a brick façade, mahogany trim, and a design that mimics a two-story structure to match its neighbors. Ted’s Montana Grill, founded by Ted Turner, will bring its signature American and Western-style menu to the space—finally filling a long-standing gap in the Square’s landscape. STORY 5: Multiple businesses close after east Cobb shopping center fire A fire at the Village East Cobb shopping center has left nearly every business there shuttered, at least for now. Bookmiser, the beloved indie bookstore, is among the hardest hit. Co-owner Annell Gerson said the shop is closed “until further notice” after smoke and soot from Sunday’s early morning fire damaged much of their inventory. The fire started in the back room of Owl Repair, a phone repair shop next door, likely from a lithium-ion battery, though the cause is still under investigation. Firefighters contained the flames, but smoke spread through the building’s shared attic, leaving damage in every business. Chop Stix China Bistro owner Lyn Lin said they’ll be closed “at least a week” to deep clean and toss all food. Bookmiser is working to salvage what they can, but in the meantime, customers can shop online at bookmiser.net. Break: STORY 6: Kemp denies Cobb Election Board's request to amend special election date   Gov. Brian Kemp has denied a request from the Cobb Board of Elections to move the special election for former state Sen. Jason Esteves’ seat to Nov. 4, sticking with the original date of Nov. 18. Esteves, who resigned Sept. 10 to run for governor, left his District 35 seat—covering parts of Cobb and Fulton—vacant. The elections board argued Nov. 4, already a statewide Election Day, would save money and reduce voter confusion. But Kemp disagreed. “Convenience isn’t the priority,” Kemp wrote, emphasizing the need for voters and candidates to have more time. Local leaders, however, aren’t thrilled. Cobb Democratic Chair Essence Johnson called the decision “fiscally irresponsible,” while GOP Chair Mary Clarice Hathaway said it could lead to low turnout. Early voting starts Oct. 27, with registration closing Oct. 20. If a runoff is needed, it’ll happen Dec. 16—just in time for the holiday chaos. STORY 7: Autumn happenings Cobb County’s got fall covered—pumpkins, paint, parades, and just the right amount of spooky. Here’s a taste of what’s happening: Oct. 10, 6–7:30 p.m.: Paint Your Own Pumpkin Candy Dish at Sewell Mill Library. $28 gets you paint, glaze, and a kiln-fired masterpiece. Register online or call 770-509-4989. Oct. 14, 3–5 p.m.: Pumpkin Painting at Gritters Library. Bring your own pumpkin. All ages welcome (kids under 8 need an adult). Oct. 14, 4:30–5:30 p.m.: Pumpkin Drop Challenge at Switzer Library. Ages 8–12. Think egg drop, but with pumpkins. Oct. 17–18, 6:30–9 p.m.: Trick or Treatment Spooky Tour at R.L. Sutton Water Reclamation Facility. Creepy, educational, and after dark. Registration opens Oct. 1. Oct. 25, 5–10 p.m.: Free Fall Festival of Fun at Jim R. Miller Park. Oct. 25–31: Haunted House at Jim R. Miller Park. $5 admission. Pre-registration required. For even more fall fun, visit cobbcounty.gov. We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: INGLES 5 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery and Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford for another inspiring episode of TigerTalk, the official podcast of Northeast Mississippi Community College. This week, Dr. Ford discusses how Northeast goes beyond the classroom -- preparing students not just for academic success, but for life. Hear how freshmen who arrive uncertain of their path leave Northeast with confidence, purpose, and the power to change the world. Plus, stay up to date with the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In this sermon, Pastor Kong Hee encourages the graduating class of School of Theology 2025 that personal revival is not just for a season, but for a lifetime. Jesus warns us to “take heed how you hear”—because what and how we hear determine how much we receive. Like Ezekiel, who declared, “As He spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet” (Ezek. 2:2), we too must take heed how we hear. For when God's Word is spoken, His Spirit will fill us and raise us up to do mighty things!

Send us a textSuppose for a moment you were on a church committee, tasked with finding a new pastor. What would you look for? Most of us instinctively think of three things: ordination, maybe graduation from a Bible College, and a recommendation.Ordination indicates that other ministers have examined a man and found him to be in line with their doctrine. Graduation from a university or Bible college suggests he has academic ability. And then there are letters of recommendation, which usually prove one thing above all: that the man has friends willing to write good things about him!But do any of these really demonstrate the heart of a minister as described in the bible? Do they actually prove that that person has been called by the Holy Spirit and is trustworthy?That's the question the Corinthians were asking of Paul. He was ordained by none other than the risen Christ Himself on the Damascus Road. He studied under a Rabii called Gamaliel, one of Israel's most respected scholars. And he had believers across many churches who would gladly have written him glowing letters of recommendation.But when pressed, Paul didn't actually point to any of those things. Instead, he pointed to something else entirely—something living, breathing, and far more compelling than a certificate or a commendation. He pointed to the people themselves.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Fr. Sean and Fr. John do a deep dive into the understanding of the Sacrament of Confirmation. If Confirmation is not a graduation, then how do we properly understand it? Listen to know the essentials and Confirmation 101.

Join Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery and Northeast President Dr. Ricky G. Ford as they dive into what truly sets Northeast Mississippi Community College apart from other colleges and universities -- including four-year institutions. Ford shares how Northeast creates a close-knit, “family” atmosphere where everyone knows a person's name, values their story, and supports their success. From the low faculty-to-student ratio and engaging student events that make college life memorable, to the value of paying less than one-third the cost of a four-year institution while receiving the same -- or even better -- education, students and parents discover every day why Northeast is one of the nation's premier community colleges. Plus, stay up to date on the latest in athletics, academics, workforce development, and campus life in each episode of TigerTalk.

What comes after Classical Conversations? If you've loved the journey of learning alongside your children but wonder where they can continue growing in faith and academics, this conversation is for you. Join Lisa as she explores Judson College with Director of College Life Jake Hatfield and CC graduate Elinor Taylor. Discover how this small North Carolina college creates a seamless bridge from Classical Conversations to higher education through their Great Books program, where students wrestle with Augustine, Dante, and Aquinas in seminar-style discussions. Elinor shares how her CC foundation in memorization, writing, and Socratic dialogue prepared her to thrive in college, while Jake explains their unique house system that builds lifelong community around their mission to "equip students to give their lives for the cause of Christ in the church, among the nations, and in every aspect of society." Whether your student dreams of ministry, missions, or the marketplace, learn how Judson's five C's (calling, confession, curriculum, community, and cost) might be the perfect next chapter for your family's educational adventure.   This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by: Judson College At Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, we equip passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace. Experience vibrant community through our unique House System while receiving comprehensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts to make your divine calling affordable. Ready to answer your calling? Apply to Judson College today and step into God's plan for your life. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/

Emergency action plans for athletic events, graduation, and special events, featuring Dr. Evan Horton, Superintendent and Mrs. Danielle Rosa, Director of Safety, Coweta County Schools.

In this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery sits down with Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to explore how Northeast is putting the word “community” back into community college. From Booneville to the five-county service district of Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union counties, Northeast continues to strengthen its role as a vital part of the region. Dr. Ford highlights the college's outreach efforts, its role in fostering workforce development through an educated labor force, and how that growth attracts new industries to northeast Mississippi. He also shares how Northeast supports families' hopes for a brighter future by equipping students with the education and skills they need to secure better-paying jobs. With its roots in community support and its ongoing mission to serve, Northeast remains committed to finding new ways to be a cornerstone in every community it touches. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Gaby Laurent's story starts the way every story should start; with an awesome, loving and supportive family and a wonderful upbringing. She grew up with love and the push, the drive and the support to have a great life. And when she went off to college she met the love of her life on the first day. Graduation, graduate school, marriage, career, and then pregnancy… everything that she wanted. Then came the diagnosis that changed her life. AML. Acute Myeloid Leukemia. While pregnant. No one had ever gone through the aggressive AML treatment while pregnant. Ever. Gaby was a medical unicorn as is her son Louis who went through chemotherapy while in utero. The story is harrowing but Gaby, along with family, went through it with incredible grace, humor, and a level of positivity that I struggle to comprehend. She tells the story in her book Wrinkles Welcome with the same level of humor and passion that is both profoundly powerful and amazing to watch, listen or read. Today, Gaby is healthy, happy, married with two boys and has a very active life full of gratitude, community and adventure. She believes in the power of community, faith and nature to help heal those in this very difficult place and she uses her experience to support and influence other cancer fighters and survivors, through her book, and as a camp director.

In this episode of the Gloria Chou PR Podcast, I reveal why right now is the golden opportunity for small businesses to land major press—without hiring an expensive PR agency.We're talking about gift guides, AI search visibility, and free PR tools that make pitching faster and easier than ever. If you've been waiting for the right moment to start PR, this is it.Whether you're a product-based founder, a one-person shop, or a busy parent building a brand, this episode shows you how to get featured in national media with zero ad spend.Why Gift Guides Are the #1 Way to Get Featured in Q4Gift guides aren't just for Christmas. Editors are actively building guides for every season—Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Graduation, Back-to-School, and beyond.By getting your product into these articles, you're meeting customers where they're already primed to buy. Even better? Gift guides give you lasting SEO that outlives paid ads and Instagram posts.How AI Search Is Creating a PR Gold RushMore consumers are turning to ChatGPT and AI search tools for product recommendations. That means if your brand shows up in credible media, you're signaling to AI that you're trustworthy and relevant.This window won't last forever—founders who act now can dominate search before the market gets saturated.Free and Accessible PR Tools Every Founder Should UseYou don't need a $5K/month PR agency to get results. In this episode, I share how small business owners are using tools like:Perplexity.ai → to uncover real-time trends and angles journalists care aboutChatGPT → to fine-tune pitches into clear, concise storiesEmail + LinkedIn → to reach editors directly, no insider contacts requiredAvoid These Costly PR MistakesYou don't need to:Send out tons of free samplesWrite vague, one-size-fits-all pitchesWait for the “perfect” time to startInstead, focus on clarity, relationships, and consistency.The CPR Method: Your PR RoadmapI walk you through my signature CPR Method, a framework that helps founders land not only media coverage but also wholesale opportunities.CPR = C: Credibility → your story and why you're legit P: Point of View → your unique angle R: Relevance → why now, why this outletFinal TakeawayThis is the most powerful moment in the last 10 years to start pitching your business. You don't need ads, agencies, or huge budgets.What you do need is: ✅ A clear message ✅ A relationship-first approach ✅ A repeatable systemIf other small businesses can land BuzzFeed, Refinery29, and Vogue, you can too.

... it wasn't Fitzy. He's been asked by his old school to stop mentioning them. It's stating to affect enrollment numbers. But did YOU have a famous person at school? Wait till you hear who Kate went to school with!!! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 (Animated Stories Podcast Video Podcadt link

What is Graduation Plus? Learn how Greenville County Schools is transforming student futures with college and career readiness, giving them a competitive advantage.Episode Resources:Discover Greenville County Schools Career & Technical EducationLearn more about the CTE Innovation CenterFind out about the LaunchGVL programLearn more about Greenville First StepsLearn more about Public Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

On this episode of the TigerTalk Podcast, Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery teams up with Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford to discuss how Northeast prepares its students for more than just graduation. The Booneville-based college ensures that students leave not only with a degree, but also with the real-world skills needed to thrive in the classroom, on the job, and in their personal lives. It's about more than academics—it's about shaping well-rounded individuals who are ready to succeed no matter what life throws their way. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and everything happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

We start with Frank Christ presents They're Fine, Just Fine. After that, Gina tells us about Festus' Graduation and we award the Boner of the Day. Then Bill has something for us before Bill Frost joins us with his TV update, just before we challenge a listener to Beat Gina. And of course, we finish with the Boner Recap and news.

Think you can outsmart the market? Many DIY investors fall into the same traps: chasing hype, trying to time the market, concentrating in one hot sector, or lacking patience. Lance Roberts & Jonathan Penn break down five of the biggest mistakes DIY investors make — and why they can derail your financial future. They'll also explore swing trading vs. long-term investing: * How short-term trading chases quick wins with high risk. * Why long-term investing builds wealth through discipline, diversification, and compounding. * The bottom-line difference: Are you surfing market waves or planting financial trees? If you want to avoid costly missteps and grow wealth the smart way, this discussion is for you. SEG-1a: Employment Expectations & Revision Repercussions SEG-1b: Market Correction Could Rapidly Unwind Risky Positions SEG-2a: Graduation parties & Food Trucks SEG-2b: DIY Investing - Meme Markets SEG-2c: The FOMO Factor & Following the Herd SEG-2d: First Time Investing Mistakes - Bitcoin, Palantir, & Amazon SEG-2e: When the Herd is Right AND Wrong SEG-2f: You Cannot Time the Market SEG-2g: The Goal of Investing SEG-2h: Don't Be Afraid to Sell SEG-2i: Portfolio Management & Taxes SEG-2j: Investing is About Patience Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisors, Jonathan Penn, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch today's video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9MJOE0l7L9Q -------- Register for our next RIA Dynamic Learning Series event, "Savvy Medicare Planning," September 18, 2025: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/events/savvy-medicare-planning-what-baby-boomers-need-to-know-about-medicare/ ------- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #BullishTrend #NegativeDivergence #MarketCorrection #PortfolioAllocation #20DMA #50DMA #100DMA #200DMA #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing #InvestingMistakes #DIYInvestor #SwingTrading #LongTermInvesting #WealthBuilding #Investing #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing

Think you can outsmart the market?  Many DIY investors fall into the same traps: chasing hype, trying to time the market, concentrating in one hot sector, or lacking patience. Lance Roberts & Jonathan Penn break down five of the biggest mistakes DIY investors make — and why they can derail your financial future. They'll also explore swing trading vs. long-term investing: * How short-term trading chases quick wins with high risk. * Why long-term investing builds wealth through discipline, diversification, and compounding. * The bottom-line difference: Are you surfing market waves or planting financial trees? If you want to avoid costly missteps and grow wealth the smart way, this discussion is for you. SEG-1a: Employment Expectations & Revision Repercussions SEG-1b: Market Correction Could Rapidly Unwind Risky Positions SEG-2a: Graduation parties & Food Trucks SEG-2b: DIY Investing - Meme Markets SEG-2c: The FOMO Factor & Following the Herd SEG-2d: First Time Investing Mistakes - Bitcoin, Palantir, & Amazon SEG-2e: When the Herd is Right AND Wrong SEG-2f: You Cannot Time the Market SEG-2g: The Goal of Investing SEG-2h: Don't Be Afraid to Sell SEG-2i: Portfolio Management & Taxes SEG-2j: Investing is About Patience Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisors, Jonathan Penn, CFP  Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Watch today's video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9MJOE0l7L9Q -------- Register for our next RIA Dynamic Learning Series event, "Savvy Medicare Planning," September 18, 2025: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/events/savvy-medicare-planning-what-baby-boomers-need-to-know-about-medicare/ ------- Get more info & commentary:  https://realinvestmentadvice.com/newsletter/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #BullishTrend #NegativeDivergence #MarketCorrection #PortfolioAllocation #20DMA #50DMA #100DMA #200DMA #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing #InvestingMistakes #DIYInvestor #SwingTrading #LongTermInvesting #WealthBuilding #Investing #InvestingAdvice #Money #Investing

Ever wish you could sit down with a homeschool graduate and ask: "What do you wish someone had told you?" Here's that conversation. In this episode, host Lisa Bailey interviews a recent Classical Conversations graduate who completed the entire program. This candid conversation reveals the unvarnished truth about homeschooling's challenges and triumphs from someone who lived it. The discussion covers essential wisdom about procrastination, time management, and learning to take ownership of your education. Listeners hear about the notorious Challenge B year when parent-child relationships are tested, the moment when all the pieces of classical education finally connect, and how tools like anti-charts and logical thinking continue serving graduates in real-world situations. For parents questioning their educational investment and students feeling overwhelmed by Challenge program responsibilities, this conversation provides both encouragement and practical strategies drawn from lived experience navigating the full classical education journey.   This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by the Classical Learning Cohort and Judson College: Judson College, North Carolina's only four-year accredited confessional Christian institution, equips passionate students with over 25 majors and exceptional faculty to pursue God's calling in ministry, missions, or the workplace while experiencing vibrant community through our unique House System. We're committed to making your divine calling affordable through extensive scholarships and special SBC church member discounts, so you can give your life for Christ's cause without overwhelming financial burden. Ready to answer your calling? Find out what makes Judson College experience different. https://judsoncollege.com/distinctives/   Are you a CC parent or graduate wanting to become a more confident classical educator? Why not sample the CLC by attending a free, online "Experience the CLC" event at classicalconversations.com/cohort. Find a time that fits your schedule.