Podcasts about great stories

Broadcasting LIVE from 11th Annual Chrome and Ice Winter Indoor Car Show at Dort Financial in Flint.  CT, & Phil had so much FUN chatting with Shawn Wintermote and the Cook Family.  Special thank you to Amber Taylor, President of Back To The Bricks for the invite to the event on the Main Stage! It was so amazing to meet the Cook Family, Zachary and his parents!  We heard from Shawn on how he started the Service Dog Fundraiser for Zachary.  CT got involved and he was able to help raise over $3200 with his square.  Thank you to those who helped Shawn and the Cooks achieve their goal!  Their new Service Dog pup (Kobe) is arriving any day!  Now, Shawn is looking for the next service dog recipient.  Stay Tuned to AGSP for details! ASGP is POWERed by Riverside Online Studios!  Please like and subscribe to our show on your podcast app of choice.  Tell a friend!  If you'd like to become a sponsor or if you have A Great Story, please send us a message at agr8storypodcast@gmail.com!  And, please share feedback be on our show, we'd love to hear from you.   Follow our AGSP socials: Instagram:  @AGreatStoryPodcast / https://twitter.com/AGreatStoryPod X:  @AGreatStoryPod, https://www.instagram.com/AGreatStoryPodcast FB:  A Great Story Podcast - A Great Story Podcast | Facebook Love, CT, Rich … and Phil!!!   (me) (Rich) (Phil)

AGSP Broadcasting LIVE from Warren Fire Station #3!  CT, & Phil had so much FUN chatting with Brian Zajac, Captain Warren FD (HE'S NOT THE CHIEF (WHOOPS).  The Fellas invited us in for their daily Fireman's Dinner and IT WAS AWESOME!  Well, other than the tsunami of mop water HAHA.  We've never felt so welcome to be part of a group.  Something that we'll never forget!  THANK YOU, WARREN FD #3!!  I (CT) met Brian at a Southeast Michigan Chamber luncheon and I knew immediately that he would be the perfect Special Guest for our show.  He did not disappoint, so tune to see if CT needed a barf bag HAHA. If you have a Crime Scene that needs cleanin', call Brian Zajac!!!!!!!!!! ASGP is POWERed by Riverside Online Studios!  Please like and subscribe to our show on your podcast app of choice.  Tell a friend!  If you'd like to become a sponsor or if you have A Great Story, please send us a message at agr8storypodcast@gmail.com!  And, please share feedback be on our show, we'd love to hear from you.     Follow our AGSP socials: Instagram:  @AGreatStoryPodcast / https://twitter.com/AGreatStoryPod X:  @AGreatStoryPod, https://www.instagram.com/AGreatStoryPodcast FB:  A Great Story Podcast - A Great Story Podcast | Facebook Love, CT, Rich … and Phil!!!   (me) (Rich) (Phil)  

We are witnessing the decline of Star Wars' cultural dominance.In this week's podcast, we'll explore the current state of Star Wars, from its cultural impact to the storytelling challenges, and speculate about how the franchise might revive itself.We have a book coming this year!!! The Great Escape: 30 Reflections on Stoicism, Faith, and the Wisdom of Great Stories. Be the first to get early access, bonus content, and updates: The Rise and Fall of Star WarsStar Wars was more than movies; it was a shared cultural language. But since the end of the prequel era, its position in the cultural mainstream burst forth with the hype of The Force Awakens, then waned slowly but significantly. I'd argue that Star Wars has faded back into the niche. Not unlike the “Dark Times” of the late 80s and 90s, or even the post-Revenge of the Sith Clone Wars era. The explosion of Star Wars back into the zeitgeist after the Disney purchase showed its potential for a return to mass appeal. (Baby Yoda's popularity is Exhibit A) Yet, the declining box office performance reveals a stark reality: audiences are less engaged, and the franchise struggles to resonate as it once did. (The decline in interest in the Baby Yoda movie is Exhibit B)The decline isn't a death knell but an inflection point. The sheer mismanagement and lack of strategic storytelling have pushed Star Wars below the cultural radar.But I might be ok with that.Geeky Stoics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Can Star Wars Rise Again?While the franchise faces cultural fatigue and spaghetti-on-wall mismanagement, I still have hope. IF.And it's a big if…There's a willingness to learn from the mistakes of the Disney era and start over fresh. Star Wars' comeback depends on returning to its storytelling roots rather than propping up a failed era of postmodern, nihilistic storytelling. 00:00 Introduction04:07 Mandalorian and Grogu11:41 Star Wars Heresy vs. Bad Films15:10 Cultural Impact of Star Wars22:40 Optimism for the Future of Star Wars27:56 Crisis of Credibility in Star Wars30:56 Star Wars as an Underdog33:57 The Impact of Marketing on Star Wars35:47 C.S. Lewis and Star Wars40:56 Upcoming Star Wars Projects46:03 Stoicism and Christian Philosophy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

It's easy to assume that when God calls, doors will open smoothly and circumstances will align neatly. But the Great Story repeatedly tells a different story. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 21. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com. Please subscribe, "Like," and share. Comments are always welcome!

Jake & Ben Full Show from June 4, 2026 Hour 1 Scotty G sat in with Ben to Recap Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks are a Great Story Top 3 Stories of the Day: Josh Hart is the GOAT Role Player, Stanley Cup Finals Game 2, Russell Wilson has Retired.  Hour 2 Karl Anthony-Towns has had an intereting career so far but could really change his legacy with this Finals Run.  Jay Stevens of the Utah Puck Report joined to talk about Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals and what we are seeing from Vegas. Also, should the Mammoth be interested in Dylan Larkin?  Beehive Meals Hero of the Week Hour 3 Utah Jazz President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge talks about some of their processes behind the scenes leading into the NBA Draft.  Ben & DJ Give some of their takeaways from Austin Ainge's comments Hour 4 NBA Draft Analyst Krysten Peek gives the latest information she has on the top of the NBA Draft.  Some key points from Austin Ainge earlier today + More

Hour 1 of Jake & Ben on June 4, 2026 Scotty G sat in with Ben to Recap Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks are a Great Story Top 3 Stories of the Day: Josh Hart is the GOAT Role Player, Stanley Cup Finals Game 2, Russell Wilson has Retired. 

Scotty G sat in with Ben to Recap Game 1 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks are a Great Story

In this episode of And Now For Something Completely Machinima, hosts Phil Rice, Damien Valentine, and Tracy Harwood dive deep into “Wracu”, a stunning student film by Chase McGill.Created in Blender as a final project at University of Southern California, this cinematic short blends epic fantasy, motion capture, and orchestral scoring into a powerful (and divisive!) storytelling experience.But is it just visually impressive… or truly great storytelling?

An episode from Lighthouse Baptist Church, a conservative, independent body of King James Bible believers located in La Porte, Texas. If you are looking for a church in the La Porte, Texas area that preaches the Truth from God's Word, reach out to us at any time or come visit us on a Sunday. We would love to hear from you through our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lighthousebcoflaporte.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  You may also write to them at:Lighthouse Baptist Church701 San Jacinto St,La Porte, TX 77571⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This message is part of the KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast, a ministry dedicated to making faithful, King James Bible preaching available to all; especially those who may have limited access to sound biblical teaching.Our purpose is simple: to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ, uphold the authority of the Holy Scriptures, and point souls to the truth of God's Word. Every message shared through this podcast comes from likeminded, Bible-believing churches and ministries that hold firmly to the King James Bible as the final authority in faith and practice.This podcast is used as a Gospel resource and teaching tool, including outreach efforts to individuals who are incarcerated. We believe God's Word is living, powerful, and able to work in hearts wherever it is heard.If you are a pastor, preacher, or church that faithfully preaches from the King James Bible and would like to learn more about being part of this podcast, or if you have questions about this ministry, you are welcome to reach out.The KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast is directly supported by Doss Metrics LLC | Ministry Services based out of Cleveland Texas. If you have any questions regarding this podcast, or the churches hosted on the podcast, please reach out to us directly at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dossmetrics@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or write to us at: Doss Metrics | KJV Bible Preaching Churches Podcast1451 McBride Rd.Cleveland, TX 77328 God Bless#LighthouseBaptistChurch #LaPorteTexas #PastorJoeyWhitener #KingJamesBible #KJVPodcast #KJVChurches

On this week's episode, we step into the glamorous world of Morgan Fairchild, one of television's most iconic leading ladies. Morgan is a celebrated actress known for portraying powerful, sophisticated women on hit series including Search for Tomorrow, Dallas, Flamingo Road, Paper Dolls, Falcon Crest, Friends, and Murphy Brown. We explore her remarkable career and her passionate advocacy for environmental causes and AIDS awareness.  She also shares incredible stories of her time with Bette Davis, Robin Williams, Pee Wee Herman, and more. From Hollywood glamour to intellectual pursuits, you will discover the fascinating story behind Morgan Fairchild's truly fabulous life. Show Notes/Links: www.hotflashescooltopics.com Find Out More! Website http://hotflashescooltopics.com Mail hotflashescooltopics@gmail.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hotflashesandcooltopics Facebook : www.facebook.com/hotflashescooltopics YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@HotFlashesCoolTopics Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/hcooltopics/ Want to Leave a Review for Hot Flashes and Cool Topics? Here's How: For Apple Podcasts on an iPhone or iOS device: Open the Apple Podcast App on your device. Click on the “search” icon Type into the search bar “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” and click on the show Towards the bottom, look for “Ratings and Reviews” Click on “Write a Review” and leave us your thoughts and comments! For Apple Podcasts on a computer: On the Apple Podcasts website, go to the search bar and type “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” After clicking on the show, find the “Listen on Apple Podcasts” button and click on it The “Hot Flashes and Cool Topics” podcast should open on the Apple Podcasts application Keep scrolling on the page until you see “Ratings and Reviews” Click on “See All” If you want to give us a five-star rating, hover over the empty stars! If you want to leave your thoughts and comments, click on “Write a Review

Sermon Series: The Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible (Part 15)Sermon Title: Nehemiah – Don't Quit Building!Pastor Verna DeHart | May 31, 2026Have you ever felt called to rebuild something that was broken, only to face discouragement, delays, or opposition?In this powerful message, Pastor Verna DeHart takes us through the inspiring story of Nehemiah, a man who responded to God's burden with prayer, faith, courage, and action. When Jerusalem's walls lay in ruins, Nehemiah didn't complain about the problem, he became part of the solution.Through Nehemiah's journey, we learn that God is still calling people today to rebuild broken families, broken dreams, broken faith, broken relationships, and broken communities. While every rebuilding assignment will face challenges, God's favor, provision, and strength are available to those who refuse to quit.In this episode, you'll discover:• How holy burdens produce godly action• Why prayer is the foundation of restoration• How God provides favor and resources for His assignments• How to stay focused when facing opposition and criticism• Why unity is essential for rebuilding what matters most• How God can restore what seems impossibleNo matter what area of your life needs restoration, this message will encourage you to keep building, keep believing, and keep trusting the One whose hand is upon the work.Key Scripture: Nehemiah 1–6Featured Declaration:"I declare the good hand of God is upon my life and my family. God is rebuilding every broken place stronger than before. I will rise up and build with favor, strength, and supernatural provision from the Lord."Thank you for listening. If this message blessed you, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs encouragement to keep building what God has called them to build.

Throughout the Great Story, God moves through people willing to take the next faithful step before the whole map is visible. A chapter-a-day podcast from 1 Samuel 14. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

An episode covering Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon on May 25, 2000, loosened state capture 26 years later despite Hezbollah's continued armament, diplomacy at play on multiple tracks, what a pending regional deal with Iran looks like and containment towards their regime means for Lebanon. With PolyBlog founder George Wardini. The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations. Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & X: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:45 It could have been a great story 3:38 May 25, 2000 6:48 The way Israel withdrew 9:46 Game over 11:34 BIEL encampment 13:37 “Celebration” & semantics 16:28 Hezbollah needs the state 18:15 Inheriting security 20:53 The army's role 23:07 Nawaf Salam vs state capture 26:21 Israel's fight in Lebanon 28:10 The worst end of the stick 31:03 Hezbollah today 34:43 The Iranian regime 37:53 Containment 41:19 Regional deal's contours 44:43 Taboos are broken 47:17 Lebanese that fled to Israel 52:28 Iran and Hezbollah vs Israel and Hezbollah 54:02 Potential fallout from regional deal

In this episode of Parenting Is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg talks with Christine Walters—comedian, former TV development executive, and creator of Three Day Champion—about building a creative life that moves between producing, performing, and parenting a now 17-year-old son on the brink of college, while still feeling the daily pull of waiting up for him at night and resisting the urge to track his every move. Walters explains how Three Day Champion grew out of watching Jeopardy! with her family and becoming obsessed with contestants' awkward personal anecdotes, leading her to design a live storytelling format where comedians must deliver three distinct personal stories under pressure, revealing not just their material but their personality arc, all judged by rotating celebrity guests with their own criteria. She shares how her background developing shows for networks like Comedy Central and Nickelodeon shaped her instinct for structure, including her earlier parenting sketch series Other Mothered, which exaggerated the quiet competitiveness and judgment between moms—like escalating a child's science fair project from cotton-ball clouds to nuclear fusion—while also reflecting her own experiences being called out by strangers, including a Park Slope drive-by critique of her baby's exposed legs in a carrier that sent her into a spiral of self-doubt.

The movie The Odyssey is an amazing story & could be an amazing film.. but when characters are rewritten to bow to social justice warriors.. that's when you lose millions..Spencer Pratt has Los Angeles democrats afraid..

Speaker - Emma Wall Sunday 10th May 2026

Jeremy Baylis is the Resident Ambassador at Blenheim Court in Liss. He recently spoke about his work as a world class film editor, with Sir Michael Caine, Sir Alec Guinness, Patrick McGoohan, Sir Carol Reed and Sir David Lean. The Hampshire Mini Owners Club brought some classic Mini Cooper S, Mini Mayfair, Mini Sprite, Mini Sidewalk and the original Mark 1 Mini Super from 1962 along to celebrate him. Jeremy's father Peter Baylis was a Bafta Award winning documentary maker and he told Mark Simpson about a memorable occasion when he joined him making a film called The Finest Hours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pragmata released to gaming consoles April 17. The new Capcom title promptly sold 1 million copies by its first weekend and provoked much discourse from fans and some haters. Why the hate? Because players everywhere, especially men, loved the key concept of an outer space soldier teaming up with a little android girl to fight robo-monsters. Gamers declared they would do anything to protect Diana. How do these stories help humans remember to restore our “factory settings”? Episode sponsors All that Glows by Lauren Smyth Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Novel Marketing The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder Mission update New at Lorehaven: weekly reviews, some website upgrades Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild New book quest for Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs 1. The tale of a mecha-man and robo-girl Capcom announced Pragmata nearly six years ago (June 2020). The game was later delayed, with sporadic, apologetic teasers. The pitch? Space marine finds orphaned android girl in moonbase. They team up to fight rogue robots in hopes of returning to Earth. Before it even released, Reddit banned one channel (TheGamer). They said some people were sexualizing the little robot girl, Diana. Which is unfortunately expected, and horrifying. More on this later. Last month, the final trailer arrived, and the game itself (April 17). After release, some men said they felt their “dad senses” awaken. You all HATE escort missions But make that NPC a cute kid, and suddenly you’ll burn the whole world down for them Japan’s population is crashing. Capcom realized people wouldn’t listen to government mandates to reproduce, so they started making “Parent Simulators” Pragmata feels like a psyop to make you want to have kids, a propaganda disguised as a game to boost the birth rates. And honestly it’s awesome. The timeline is full of people saying Diana makes them want to start a real family. I love that we really fell for it. —@‌TheRooster on X.com, April 20 Female players were also positively affected by Diana's cuteness. In response, critics blasted this positive response as closeted sin. They saw nothing but evil motives in the male players’ enjoyment. Single men, actual dads, and uncles alike said they'd die for Diana. And the game's fans began referring to human “factory settings.” 2. What we mean by saying ‘factory settings' Stephen hasn't yet played Pragmata but wants to. Great reviews. It turns out the idea of “factory settings” has great foundations. This is just a pop-culture-y, meme-y way to say “human purpose.” It's a rebuttal to false purposes, e.g. “get rich” or “be an activist.” In other words, the “chief end of man.” Let's define this carefully. In the biblical view, our “chief end” is to glorify and enjoy God. To the Christian, our “chief end” is not to protect the innocent. Our chief end isn't even getting married and having families. After all, in a sinful world, not everyone is blessed with this gift. But … that doesn't mean we deny that original human purpose. It goes back to Genesis 1:27-28, God's first command to people. We worship Him first by acts of creation, including marriage/family. This is our “factory setting.” By recalling the action, we get close. The next step is to rediscover that original motive: to glorify God. 3.How these ‘factory settings' can change us Stephen's response is different. He's not been blessed with kids. Even those who are blessed with kids have rough family situations. And of course, as some critics say, the game shows only positives. Diana isn't a real child, but a robot. (We don't know spoilers here.) Real small children have sinful natures and many challenges. And yet… can't a game “simulate” these with health and death? You do “die” and respawn many times in a game, leveling up. It's a direct and often numbers-based “parable” illustrating reality. That's probably why many men love tabletop games and LitRPG. This is not just a psychological trick. Not just a “dopamine hack.” We may feel the same about beauty, knowing we're made for more. To capture this longing, C.S. Lewis used the German sehnsucht. We could recall this longing, but let it stay in the world of fiction. Or else “translate” this (right or wrong) to our own human callings. But we also hope gamers will follow through on marriage/parenting. Not just to recover birth rates. Not just for high cultural influence. The purpose of any creation—even of people—is to glorify Christ. Com station Top question for listeners When did a simple story remind you of your purpose as a person? Next on Fantastical Truth Next week marks Ascension Day, May 14! So let's rise to that occasion and survey at least seven notions about that place to which Jesus ascended—Heaven. Is it true that Heaven is only “spiritual”? Or that we can't know about Heaven is like, so it's best we not think much about that unchanging, un-earthly or very-earthly dimension where “time shall be no more” and where basically good people go? We'll do our best to bypass modern myth and search the only certain Source.

Podcast Title: Daniel: Faithful in the FireSeries: The Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible (Part 13)Date: April 26, 2026What does it look like to stay faithful to God in a culture that pressures compromise?In this powerful message, Daniel: Faithful in the Fire, we walk through the life of Daniel, a young man taken into captivity who refused to let his environment redefine his identity. Though everything around him changed, his devotion to God never did.Daniel's story reminds us that you can live in “Babylon” without becoming like it.In this episode, you'll discover:

Why do stories about heroes, sacrifice, and victory over evil move us so deeply?Rebecca and Kyle Worley explore how imagination, storytelling, and even fantasy reflect the deeper reality of the gospel. From the armor of God to dragons and great heroes, they show why the story of Jesus is the one all others echo.Get 30% off all Good Book Guides and For You commentaries at thegoodbook.com with code **GOODBOOK**—or enjoy 40% off during the annual sale from May 5th to May 12th.Find the Conversational Commentaries Series wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/conversationalcommentaries to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.Watch Us on YouTubeSign up for weekly emails at RebeccaMcLaughlin.org/SubscribeFollow Us on Instagram and XProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Good morning! At our recent retreat, I came across a wardrobe with a semi-magical tea room inside… so naturally, I decided to crawl in and record a video podcast (typical). This was filmed by Jon of First Time Readers, a truly great channel for Tolkien analysis, and it focuses on a passage from C.S. Lewis' Narnia books that I enjoy and return to often. By the way, we are now signing people up for the waitlist to pre-order our new book: GREAT ESCAPE: 30 Reflections on Stoicism, Faith and the Wisdom of Great Stories. Coming December 1st from Post Hill Press. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Adventure, challenge, heroes…and a whole lot of rabbits with swords! Author S.D. Smith shares how rabbits inspired the Green Ember books and how God's creation serves as a canvas for our creativity, which leads to great stories.S.D. Smith's Website: https://store.storywarren.com/The Green Ember Series: https://store.storywarren.com/products/green-ember-books-full-setBrand-new! The Lost Key: https://store.storywarren.com/products/lostkeyA huge thanks to our sponsor, Master Books! Here are some of our favorites by Master Books:Wonders of Creation: https://www.masterbooks.com/wonders-of-creationMarvels of Creation 3-book set: https://www.masterbooks.com/marvels-of-creation-3-book-packDinosaurs by Design: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-by-designDinosaurs for Kids: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-for-kids-hardback-singleDinosaurs of Eden: https://www.masterbooks.com/dinosaurs-of-eden-revised-hardback-singleEryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782This podcast episode contains paid advertisements. Mentioned in this episode:Join Magnify: A Wild & Wonderful Summer Adventure by Nat TheoExplore God's creation right where you live and learn from Eryn in live video classes: https://thenaturaltheologyproject.com/magnify

Award-winning New Yorker staff writer Patrick Radden Keefe is the author behind best sellers like "Say Nothing" and "Empire of Pain." His latest book, "London Falling," is a deep dive into the mysterious death of a teenager – and the secret life that came to light after he was gone. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Award-winning New Yorker staff writer Patrick Radden Keefe is the author behind best sellers like "Say Nothing" and "Empire of Pain." His latest book, "London Falling," is a deep dive into the mysterious death of a teenager – and the secret life that came to light after he was gone. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Award-winning New Yorker staff writer Patrick Radden Keefe is the author behind best sellers like "Say Nothing" and "Empire of Pain." His latest book, "London Falling," is a deep dive into the mysterious death of a teenager – and the secret life that came to light after he was gone. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In case you didn't know it, mountains are a whole theme across the Great Story, and in today's chapter we encounter one of the most crucial examples. A chapter-a-day podcast from Luke 9. The text version may always be found and shared at tomvanderwell.com.

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” That's what the Lord Jesus promised His disciples. How does His word, with support from fantastical fiction, help us prepare for armed conflicts across our real world? Episode sponsors The Star-Blessed by Angie Dickinson Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo The Hole-Man by Dan Daetz Above the Circle of Earth by E. Stephen Burnett Mission update New at Lorehaven: join the Lorehaven Authorship Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild Quotes and notes The main relevant fact admitted by all parties is that war is very disagreeable. The main contention urged as fact by Pacifists would be that wars always do more harm than good. How is one to find out whether this is true? It belongs to a class of historical generalisations which involve a comparison between the actual consequences of some actual event and a consequence which might have followed if that event had not occurred. “Wars do no good” involves the proposition that if the Greeks had yielded to Xerxes and the Romans to Hannibal, the course of history ever since would have been perhaps better, but certainly no worse than it actually has been; that a Mediterranean world in which Carthaginian power succeeded Persian would have been at least as good and happy and as fruitful for all posterity as the actual Mediterranean world in which Roman power succeeded Greek. My point is not that such an opinion seems to me overwhelmingly improbable. My point is that both opinions are merely speculative; there is no conceivable way of convincing a man of either. C. S. Lewis, “Why Am I Not A Pacifist” 1. Great stories show us that war is hell. Answer to Stephen's earlier question: all great stories need conflict. Without any conflict, no fights, battles, war, sin, we'd have no story. (Side thought: without the Fall, fiction as we know it couldn't exist.) Yes, we do love stories that are so focused on war that the word is right in the title: Star Wars, World of Warcraft, Warhammer 40,000. But it's vital for stories to show conflict/war as somewhat realistic. People die and do not return. Wounds hurt. War-“glory” is fleeting. And of course, folks start or fight in wars for very corrupt reasons. 2. Stories also show wars can be necessary. God Himself, as Author of the Story, allowed/planned for conflict. The very existence of fiction reminds us conflict serves a purpose. Folks uncomfortable with war often find ways to like these stories. This might indicate that even they know conflict has some purpose. Few critics would reasonably dispute (by faithful in-universe terms) the justifiable causes of the Federation, Fremen, or Men of Gondor. Deep Christian traditions of “just war theory” often supports them. Villains have many motives, but often can be stopped only by force. 3. Best of all, stories help us long for peace. Having shown war as hell, but also necessary, stories can do more. The best ones remind us that all conflict and war is temporary. At our best, we as fans aren't mercenaries who live for the fight. We do want that redemptive, happy ending for heroes, already! … At least, until the next war-story reminding us that it's not yet. Most stories hold this happy end always out of reach, off the page. Others, chief among these the biblical Story, directly promise this. Com station Top question for listeners What are your favorite war-stories and why? Fans like Luke liked exploring pros/cons of adaptation: Our kids usually prefer books to their screen adaptations, but were very disappointed by the Mary Poppins books. The Disney adaptation took a lot of liberties, but it also made Poppins more likeable and wisely left out pagan elements of the story. Next on Fantastical Truth This month's Project Hail Mary film is being praised as a fresh, thrilling sci-fi take that is wholesome and sincere. As expected, we're seeing more fantastical fans cry out for stories that celebrate the human spirit. Why do we love these stories? And how do different fan trends, even across whole generations, keep swerving between positive portrayals and other stories that may be called “realistic” or else “cynical”?

Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of the Passage to Profit Show interview Tony award-winning Broadway producer Ken Davenport, Dominic Forth from Thought Leaders of America and The TV Bookers and Stacey Iltis and Kari Schroeter from Fly Dance Fitness®. Tony Award–winning Broadway producer Ken Davenport reveals how raising over $100 million for shows mirrors venture capital, why even the most talented teams can't guarantee success, and how audience demand ultimately decides every winner and flop. You'll learn how entrepreneurs can navigate uncertainty, bounce back from failure, think ahead of shifting markets, and use bold, unconventional marketing to stand out. Read more at: https://kendavenport.com/ Dominic Forth is the CEO of Thought Leaders of America and founder of The TV Bookers, companies built around one core promise: get founders, CEOs, and thought leaders featured on major national media — or it's free. His mission is simple but powerful: help experts stop chasing credibility and start owning authority. Read more at: https://www.thoughtleadersamerica.com/ and at: https://www.thetvbookers.com/ Stacey Iltis (CEO) and Kari Schroeter (COO) are the powerhouse duo behind Fly Dance Fitness®, a rapidly growing, female-founded dance fitness franchise built on the belief that fitness should feel like a celebration. Their mission transcends beyond just workouts — it's about creating an experience every time someone walks through the doors. Read more at: https://www.flydancefitness.com/ Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, startup founder, inventor, or small business owner, the Passage to Profit Show is a leading podcast for insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property and business strategy. Hosted by Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, the show features industry leaders, investors, and founders who share real-world lessons on scaling companies, protecting ideas, building generational wealth, and navigating today's evolving business landscape. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest episodes, expert interviews, and resources designed to help you grow, protect, and profit from your ideas. Chapters (00:00:00) - Pushing Yourself to Profits(00:00:21) - Passage to Profit(00:01:32) - The One Decision That Changed the Direction of My Business(00:04:10) - What Was the Most Transformative Moment in Your Business?(00:06:16) - Sarasota Franchise: The Decision to Franchise(00:08:35) - What is the One Decision that Transformed Your Business?(00:09:57) - Broadway's Risky Investing(00:11:09) - What Makes a Broadway Show a Hit?(00:13:56) - In the Elevator With Joy Mangano(00:14:51) - Does a Successful Movie Make an Off-Broadway Musical?(00:17:39) - The New Yorkers: Broadway's Failure(00:19:07) - What Do Investors Look For In Broadway Investing?(00:20:27) - Have You Asked the Board For Input?(00:21:20) - In the Elevator With Tony Shalves(00:23:06) - Car Shield(00:24:11) - Better health insurance for you and your family(00:25:12) - Passing to Profit: Ken Davenport's Marketing Style(00:31:14) - Ken Deshaaney on His Legacy(00:33:12) - AI Use Cases for Business Owners Roundtable(00:34:10) - How We're Using AI in Our Business(00:39:00) - Debt Relief for Divorce and More(00:41:22) - Why Businesses Should Double Down on Innovation and Patents(00:44:03) - Dominic Forth(00:46:43) - The 3 Rules of a Great Story(00:50:03) - How to Overcome Fear During Acting(00:53:07) - How To Get Your Clients On TV(00:54:50) - Have Medical Contributors Got a Shot on National TV?(00:56:45) - Are Podcasts More persuasive than News?(00:57:49) - Podcast and Television(01:02:49) - Fly Dancer Fitness Franchise(01:06:29) - What Made It So Special For Our Class?(01:08:21) - The Dance Company:(01:10:52) - How Fly Dance Fitness Became A Franchise Company(01:15:16) - Ken Davenport(01:16:21) - Dominic Fourth(01:17:32) - Stacey Ultitz on Her Secret to Success(01:18:03) - Richard Gearhart and Carrie Schroeder

Saul: Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice | Pastor Verna DeHartSermon Series: The Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible (Part 11)

Rayhan from Learn English with Ray makes his 3rd appearance on the Level Up English podcast, and this time we talk about the power of stories.We cover the importance of story telling, tips on becoming a great story teller, and also give many examples from our own lives to try top practice what we're learning.I learnt so much from Ray this episode since telling a good story is far more than speaking good English - it's an art than can help improve your relationships and social interactions, and maybe even make me a better podcaster!Don't forget to stay until the end to hear my (real) story about seeing a UFO, and Ray's experience with ghosts!Ray's Course on Storytelling: https://www.skool.com/elevate-english-6228/about?ref=77d17e9d6acf4bf1ae51158796ecaa0fShow notes page - https://levelupenglish.school/podcast368➡️ Join the Free Mini Course - https://www.levelupenglish.school/mini⭐️ Join Level Up English - https://www.levelupenglish.schoolBecome a member and get:Podcast TranscriptsPrivate PodcastGroup ClassesPrivate CoachingAnd over 500 online lessons! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part Two of Clint's conversation with David Aaker – the “Father of Modern Branding,” Vice Chairman at Prophet, and bestselling author of 18 books – David explains how organizations can uncover powerful stories inside their companies and use them to shape culture, build trust, and strengthen their brands.David shares practical ways leaders can find and develop signature stories, including creating story banks, identifying meaningful customer and employee experiences, and even building long-term social programs that bring purpose and energy to a brand.He also discusses why many companies struggle with storytelling, how B2B organizations often strip the emotion and tension out of their best stories, and why internal storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools for shaping company culture.Throughout the conversation, David highlights memorable real-world examples from companies like Dove, Salesforce, Nordstrom, Zappos, Barclays, and Haier, showing how a single compelling story can define a brand for decades.This is the second part of a two-part conversation. Topics Covered:How companies can uncover and build a bank of signature storiesWhy social programs can create powerful brand narrativesThe impact of purpose-driven branding (including Dove's Real Beauty campaign)Salesforce's “1-1-1” model and building social impact into a company from day oneWhy storytelling is essential for building internal culture and employee engagementCommon mistakes companies make when trying to tell their storiesWhy many B2B companies unintentionally strip the power out of their own storiesFamous customer-driven brand stories from Nordstrom and ZapposHow humor and storytelling improve team creativity and leadership effectivenessUsing stories to support facts, provide context, and persuade audiencesMemorable brand stories from Haier and Barclays that transformed perceptionLeadership insights on raising people's performance and building strong teamsLinks:David's company, Prophet - https://prophet.com/ David's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaaker/ David's book, “Aaker on Branding” - https://bit.ly/40bgtGg

Samuel – Speak, Lord, I'm Listening! | Pastor Verna DeHartPart 10 of the series: The Heroes and Great Stories of the BibleSamuel's life began in barrenness, prayer, and consecration, and before he ever spoke publicly, God had already marked his life. In this message, Pastor Verna DeHart teaches how Samuel's story reveals the powerful connection between prayer, hearing God's voice, and speaking with spiritual authority.Revival often begins in private pain, just like it did with Hannah's desperate prayer for a son. Samuel was born from intercession and grew into a prophet whose words carried the weight of heaven because he learned to listen first.In this episode you'll discover:• Why Samuel's destiny began in prayer• How believers can learn to recognize God's voice• Ways to position yourself to hear God clearly• Why quick obedience sharpens spiritual sensitivity• How God establishes the words of those who listen to HimGod is still calling His people today to slow down, draw near, and respond with a surrendered heart:“Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.”Key Scriptures:1 Samuel 1:10–111 Samuel 3:1–10, 19James 4:8John 10:27Romans 8:14

Allen Dunford returns to Geek Freaks for a fun, behind-the-scenes conversation about making indie comics that actually connect with readers. We talk about his upcoming books like Mostly Dead, Small Bites, and Cokehead, how he builds characters with heart and personality, and why trusting artists is one of the most important parts of the comic-making process. If you love horror comics, indie creators, and honest talk about storytelling, this episode has a lot to dig into. Timestamps and Topics: 00:00 Introduction and Allen Dunford returns to Geek Freaks 01:16 What Allen is working on now and starting a small indie publishing house 02:13 Building new books from the ground up 03:26 Creating memorable characters with Kit Wallace 05:03 The energy and fun behind Cokehead 06:58 Small Bites, friendship, and emotional character writing 08:31 Skipping the usual werewolf origin story to get into the real story faster 10:23 How Mostly Dead became a passion project 11:00 Breaking down Nate's story and the emotional core of Mostly Dead 12:17 Influences from horror, YA storytelling, and nostalgia 15:17 Allen's key collaborators and what they bring to each comic 16:23 Why giving artists room to create makes the work stronger 17:47 How Allen's collaboration style has changed over time 19:18 Trusting artists and why visual storytelling matters so much in comics 20:49 Writing for different artists and leaning into their strengths 21:20 What Allen loves most about indie comics 22:28 What he hopes readers take away from these stories 23:24 Standing out in the indie comics world without losing your voice 26:17 Upcoming books and what readers should keep an eye on next 29:00 Balancing comics, work, fatherhood, and life outside the page 29:59 Final thoughts and where to follow Allen's work Key Takeaways: Allen Dunford is building comics that mix fun, horror, emotion, and strong character work Mostly Dead is one of his most personal and creatively exciting books Small Bites takes familiar monster ideas and pushes them into more emotional territory Great comic collaboration comes from trust, flexibility, and knowing each artist's strengths Allen focuses on making books people genuinely enjoy instead of chasing trends Indie comics thrive when creators bring personality and honesty to the page Memorable Quotes: "I don't want to plan the fun out of it." "It's like a 28-page panic attack, and it's awesome." "I just want people to pick stuff up and have a good time." "Trust in your people, because I'm nothing without them." "The art is the reason you stop at the comic stand, but to come back for issue two is going to be the writing." Why This Episode Is Worth Your Time: If you are into indie comics, horror books, or hearing how creators actually put stories together, this is a really strong episode. Allen is honest, funny, and clearly passionate about making books that feel different. It also gives listeners a real look at the creative side of comics without losing the fun. Call to Action: Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to Geek Freaks, leave us a review, and share this episode using #GeekFreaksPodcast. That helps us keep bringing on awesome creators and growing the show. Links and Resources: GeekFreaksPodcast.com is the source for all news discussed during our podcast. Follow Us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/ Listener Questions: What comic creators do you want us to interview next? What indie books should we be reading? Send us your questions and we may feature them in a future episode. Apple Podcast Tags: Allen Dunford, indie comics, comic book interview, Geek Freaks, Mostly Dead, Small Bites, horror comics, comic creators, indie publishing, comic writing, comic books, Kickstarter comics, comic book podcast, horror storytelling, indie creators

If you are wondering how to use Reiki to navigate global shifts, our discussion provides the practical, spiritual tools, to move from fear into compassion. We answer the question of how to stay grounded when collective energy feels uncertain. In a world of constant information and rapid global shifts, how do we stay grounded without closing our hearts? Join Robyn and Colleen Benelli as they explore how Reiki helps us navigate the complexity of modern life, expand our compassion, and "hold the light" even when the collective ground feels uncertain.   Reiki Journey: How to Navigate Global Shifts with Reiki & Compassion  https://youtu.be/KpI0CntAHNQ Key Insights The Power of Small Deeds: Real change doesn't always come from grand gestures. Following the wisdom of the "Great Stories," it is the small acts of love, kindness, and ordinary people choosing to hold the light that keep the darkness at bay and shift the collective consciousness.  Sensitivity as Spiritual Maturation: Increasing sensitivity to world events is not a weakness; it is a sign of the evolution of consciousness. Reiki provides the softness and when necessary, the resilience needed to move from "feeling the weight of the world" to "holding the light for the world." Navigating the Global Web: We are more interconnected than ever, functioning like a global mycelium, and web of consciousness. While this makes us more aware of suffering, it also reveals our shared humanity, reminding us that love, grief, and hope are universal across all borders. Inviting the Light When the Tank is Empty: When you feel overwhelmed or angry, you have to "know how" to fix everything. Reiki is an external source of grace. When you activate the light within, you can regulate your nervous system and return to a state of peace and discernment. People Also Ask (FAQ) How can Reiki help with "compassion fatigue" from the news? Reiki helps by calming the nervous system, moving you out of a "reactive" state and into a "receptive" one. By filling your own "gas tank" first, you can maintain your boundaries, and clarify your mind while still remaining an empathetic, grounded presence in the world. Why does the world feel more intense in 2026? We are moving through a significant shift in awareness where old, simple narratives are being replaced by complex, nuanced truths. This expansion of consciousness requires us to hold duality, recognizing global challenges while maintaining faith in the inherent goodness of everyday people. What is the best Reiki tool for staying centered during a "Great Reset"? Self-Reiki and community Reiki shares are make all the difference. Shared Reiki practices allow you to "invite the light" even when you feel you can't do it alone, helping you maintain "Eagle Vision" (the big picture) without losing your "Mouse Vision" (practical, small acts of kindness). Connect with us: Website: https://reikilifestyle.com Podcast: Reiki Lifestyle Podcast Community: Join our next Distance Reiki Share! **DISCLAIMER** This episode is not a substitute for seeking professional medical care but is offered for relaxation and stress reduction, which support the body's natural healing capabilities. Reiki is a complement to and never a replacement for professional medical care. Colleen and Robyn are not licensed professional health care providers and urge you to always seek out the appropriate physical and mental help professional health care providers may offer. Results vary by individual.

Throughout church history, having a Christian imagination meant telling stories about dragons. If that sounds a bit strong, then look at your Bible. From the opening verses of Genesis to the climactic battle at the end of Revelation, dragons play an important role in the story of Scripture. So how should we as Christians place dragon stories within the Great Story? Author and podcaster Laurie Christine joins the digital pub table to sort this out. She has written a series of middle grade books called the Dragon Slayer Bible Series. She discusses the ways that the Bible's understanding of dragons can shape our stories today.

This episode is presented by Mercury, the banking platform that makes this show possible. I can't imagine trying to run my business without them. Learn more at https://mercury.com Steven Pressfield is a master in the art of storytelling. He spent decades studying what great stories have in common. So that's what we're going to talk about: the principles of storytelling and character building. I want to know the things that transcend genre and culture, and speak to the heart of the human condition. I want X-ray vision into what makes stories great. I want to know what makes you get to the end of the story and just say "wow". That's what this conversation is all about. About the host Hey! I'm David Perell and I'm a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. Follow me Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible (Part 9)Samson – Strength, Weakness, RedemptionSunday, March 1, 2026In this powerful episode, Pastor Verna DeHart unpacks one of the most complex and cautionary stories in the Book of Judges, the life of Samson.Born as a miracle.Set apart from birth.Anointed with supernatural strength.Yet Samson's story is not just about power, it's about drift, compromise, and ultimately redemption.Drawing from Judges 13–16, this message explores the deeper meaning behind Samson's Nazirite vow and the covenant sign of his uncut hair. His strength was never about hair, it was about consecration. And when his heart slowly drifted, his outward calling eventually followed.You'll hear three life-shaping truths:• Anointing does not replace obedience.• Small compromises lead to great collapse.• Failure is not final when repentance is real.One of the most sobering lines in Scripture says, “He did not know that the Lord had departed from him.” This episode challenges us to examine where gifting may be functioning without intimacy and where we may be treating sacred things casually.But the story doesn't end in failure.When Scripture says, “His hair began to grow again,” it signals hope. Consecration can return. Alignment can be restored. Strength comes back to surrendered hearts.This message will prompt you to reflect:Where have I been relying on gifting more than obedience?What small compromises have I normalized?What has God entrusted to me that I must guard carefully?Samson's final prayer reveals a powerful truth: redemption is real, and God restores what we surrender back to Him.If this episode encourages you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that drift is not destiny, and that restoration is available.Subscribe for more messages in The Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible series.

In this powerful eighth message in The Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible, Pastor Verna DeHart takes us into the life of Gideon, a man who began in fear but was transformed into a faith-filled deliverer.Israel had drifted. A new generation forgot the miracles, the deliverance, and the faithfulness of God. As recorded in the Book of Judges, Midian invaded at harvest time, stripping the land and starving the people. Hidden in a winepress, threshing wheat in fear, Gideon hardly looked like a hero.Yet God called him something different: “Mighty man of fearless courage.”In this episode, you'll discover: How God calls you by your destiny, not your current condition Why honest questions don't offend God How faith grows step by step through encounter Why God sometimes reduces your resources to reveal His power How obedience unlocks supernatural victory Pastor Verna reminds us that hiding does not disqualify us, reduction is not rejection, and God's strength is always enough.We also begin with a powerful “Battle Seed Promise” from Ruth 2:12, a reminder that when we sow in faith under our Redeemer's covering, He sees and richly rewards us. Just as Ruth stepped out in obedience in a season of lack and found refuge under God's wings, we are invited to declare:“I sow in faith and take refuge in God my Redeemer, who sees my work and richly rewards me.”This message concludes with Communion, served by our youth, a beautiful picture of faith passed to the next generation.If you've ever felt hidden, reduced, or unsure, this message will remind you who God says you are.From fearful to faith-filled, your story isn't finished yet.

Jason talks to 13-year-old snowboarder Brynn Rux and her mom Stefanie. Brynn has big dreams that were nearly derailed by a medical diagnosis. Take a listen to her story of overcoming obstacles.

Joshua — Courage to Cross OverThe Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible (Part 6)February 8, 2026After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, Israel stands at the edge of promise once again. Moses is gone. The Jordan is overflowing. The moment requires courage.In this powerful message, we explore the life of Joshua — a leader prepared in private before he was positioned in public. Though Israel had seen miracles, their fear-filled words once delayed their destiny. Now, a new generation must rise with aligned faith, courageous obedience, and mouths that agree with heaven.In “Joshua: Courage to Cross Over,” we discover: How private preparation positions us for public assignment Why every promise comes with a “Jordan” that requires a step of faith The connection between courage, obedience, and the words we speak How unusual obedience unlocks unusual victories — just like Jericho This episode challenges us to guard our words, give freely with joy, and step forward even when the waters haven't parted yet. Because the water moves after obedience. The shout comes after the silence. And victory follows alignment.Key Declaration:“I give freely and joyfully, and the Lord blesses all my work and increase.”If you're standing at the edge of something new — a calling, a promise, a transition — this message will stir your faith to arise, cross over, and possess what God has spoken.It's time to speak life.It's time to be strong and courageous.It's time to cross over.

2.6.26, Former Washington Redskins Quarterback Joe Theismann joins The Kevin Sheehan Show to talk about the passing of Sonny Jurgensen, how important he is to fans of the team and his favorite memories with Sonny Jurgensen.