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Grace from "Moonlight Should Be Beautiful" is back for the conclusion of her heartbreaking secret.  In part one she revealed the dark secret of a rape she suffered at the age of 15 that led to a secret abortion.  In part two, she is forced to confront the ramifications of that decision as an adult when she gets an unexpected diagnosis.  HERS Thank you, HERS!  forhers.com/SECRET for your personalized, affordable care that gets you. That's F-O-R-H-E-R-S dot com slash secret. forhers.com slash secret. Based on advertised cash price for 30-day supply of medication only. Membership required, fee not included, and billed separately. Weight Loss by Hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit forhers.com. HOME CHEF For a limited time, get 50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life!  HomeChef.com/SECRET.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. HOMESERVE For 50% less your first year, go to HomeServe.com/secret. Void in Florida. MINT MOBILE Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/SECRET   PICTURES See Grace, her husband and her mom on social right now. They are waiting for you on Threads, Facebook, Instagram and X.  Handle: @secretroompod. YOUTUBE You can listen to The Secret Room now on YouTube! THE SECRET ROOM | UNLOCKED Grace returns in one week to tell Susie about a time years later she heard from the twin.  You will not believe your ears.  That and other updates, like what was going on with Grace's sister that held her back from revealing all to mom. Host: Susie Lark. The Secret Room | Unlocked is yours when you support your favorite indie podcast that could with a membership at patreon.com/secretroom, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. There's a free trial! ALL OUR SPONSORS See all our sponsors past and present, and their offers, many of which are still valid: secretroompodcast.com/codes  FACEBOOK DISCUSSION GROUPThere's even more fun at The Secret Room Podcast Facebook Discussion Page!  Just ask to join, all are welcome. :) YOUR SECRET  Click "Share a Secret" at secretroompod.com! PODCAST TEAM Producer: Susie Lark. Story Development: Luna Patel. Music and Theme: Breakmaster Cylinder. LISTENER SURVEY Take our Listener Survey at SecretRoomPod.com!

Leanne ten Brinke: Poisonous People Leanne ten Brinke is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, where she directs the Truth and Trust Lab. Her research investigates trust, deception, and dark personality traits across diverse populations—from incarcerated individuals to hedge fund managers and politicians. She reveals how dark personality traits shape our institutions and relationships, while offering practical strategies to recognize and counteract their harmful influence. Her book is titled Poisonous People: How to Resist Them and Improve Your Life (Amazon, Bookshop)*. If you are a leader, you are going to deal with poisonous people. Sometimes they will show up as clients, sometimes your boss, sometimes your peers, and sometimes the people you manage. Regardless of where they show up, this conversation with Leanne will help you handle this tough dynamic. Key Points Dark traits exist on a spectrum. While only 1% of the population rises to a clinical level of psychopathology, 10-20% of the population has a dark personality profile. There are many more people with psychopathy per capita in senior management positions than in the general population. Poisonous people generally aren't interested in shifting their personality. As such, you will not change them. Given that reality, aim to better manage the relationship. Establish clear boundaries with poisonous people and put things in writing you might normally assume. Dark personalities are really good at exploiting unspoken norms. Find ways to create win-wins with poisonous people. They don't do well with trade-offs, because they don't like to lose anything. Avoid face-to-face negotiations with them. Their charm and charisma will win you over in the moment. Text-based dialogue will help you objectively negotiate better. Use the carrot instead of the stick. Reward good behavior when it happens (just not by giving them power over others). Resources Mentioned Poisonous People: How to Resist Them and Improve Your Life by Leanne ten Brinke (Amazon, Bookshop)* Interview Notes Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes How to Handle a Boss Who's a Jerk, with Tom Henschel (episode 164) How to Start Better With Peers, with Michael Bungay Stanier (episode 635) How to Show Up Authentically in Tough Situations, with Andrew Brodsky (episode 727) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.

This guide covers the readings appointed in the Revised Common Lectionary for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 8), Year A, falling on June 28, 2026.This Sunday closes the four-week arc of Jesus' sending discourse in Matthew 10. The shape of that arc is worth holding in view as you prepare. Four weeks ago, Jesus called Matthew the tax collector from his table. Three weeks ago, he sent the twelve out with empty hands. Two weeks ago, he warned them about the cost of being sent. This week, the discourse closes with three short verses about welcome — a cup of cold water, a household opening its door, a small kindness that Jesus says is received as if it were given to him. After the heaviness of last week, the gentleness of this closing is itself part of the message: found, sent, warned, now received.The Old Testament tracks pull in very different directions. Track One brings us Genesis 22 — the binding of Isaac — paired with Psalm 13's repeated cry of “how long.” This is one of the hardest texts in all of Scripture, and the guide says so plainly. Some preachers will choose to preach it, and the guide tries to help them do so with care. Some will choose not to, and that is a legitimate decision; the cautions section makes the case that the choice should be made with information rather than avoidance. Track Two brings us Jeremiah's confrontation with the false prophet Hananiah, paired with Psalm 89's exuberant praise. The Epistle continues in Romans 6, where Paul presses the practical implications of having been freed in baptism.The ReadingsGenesis 22:1–14First Reading (Track One) — The Binding of IsaacSummaryThis is one of the most difficult passages in all of Scripture. Without warning, the narrator tells us that God is going to test Abraham, and then God asks him to do something unspeakable — to take his beloved son Isaac, the long-awaited child of the promise, and offer him as a burnt offering. Abraham rises early the next morning, says nothing to anyone, and sets out with two servants and the boy. On the third day, he leaves the servants behind. He places the wood on Isaac's back. Isaac, walking beside him, finally speaks the question that shatters the silence of the scene: “Father, the fire and the wood are here, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham answers, “God himself will provide.” At the place of sacrifice, Abraham builds an altar, binds his son, places him on the wood, and reaches out his hand for the knife. At the last possible moment, an angel calls his name. Do not lay a hand on the boy. Abraham looks up and sees a ram caught in a thicket. He calls the place “The Lord will provide.”Key Ideas for Preaching* Three times in this chapter, Abraham answers with the same word — “Here I am.” Once to God, once to Isaac, once to the angel who stops him. The same single-hearted availability that gets Abraham into this terrible scene is also what lets him hear the voice that stops him. What might it mean for your congregation that the posture of being fully present to God includes the readiness to be interrupted?* The line “God will provide” is spoken by Abraham before the ram appears. He does not say it after the rescue, looking back; he says it on the way up the mountain, before he knows how. What might it look like for your people to speak the provision before they can see it — not as denial of the situation, but as honest trust in the character of God?* The ram was caught in the thicket the whole time. The provision was already there. Abraham had to keep climbing to find it. Where in your congregation has the help they are pleading for actually been present all along, waiting to be seen rather than waiting to be made?* The story ends with a name: “The Lord will provide.” Generations of pilgrims will later climb that mountain remembering not the test but the providing. What might it mean for your congregation to name the places in their own lives the same way — not by what almost happened, but by what God did?* Some preachers will choose not to preach this text, and that is a legitimate decision. The text is genuinely painful, and the work of holding it carefully is real. If you do preach it, what would it look like to let your people feel the horror of the scene rather than rushing past it toward a moral?Significant Cautions* This text has been used to argue that faith requires the suspension of ordinary ethics — that whatever God commands, however terrible, must be obeyed without question. That is a dangerous reading, especially in a world where people have committed real violence claiming divine instruction. The story actually ends the practice of child sacrifice in its ancient context; it does not bless it.* The text has often been read as a kind of preview of God's giving up his own Son on the cross. There are echoes worth noticing, but pressed too hard, this reading turns God into someone who almost kills children. That has done real damage in a hospital room or beside a grave. Handle the connection gently if you make it at all.* “God tested Abraham” can land cruelly on people whose suffering has been described to them as a test. The text does not offer a general theology of suffering as divine examination. Be careful not to extend the scene into a blanket explanation for any congregation member's grief.* Sarah is entirely absent from this chapter. Some Jewish tradition has heard her cry in the silence, and her death in the very next chapter has been linked to this scene. Be honest about her absence rather than papering over it.* The story has been used to bless the harm of family members in the name of religious obedience. Be especially careful that nothing in your sermon could be heard that way — particularly in light of the kinds of misuses we noted last week in Matthew 10.Psalm 13The Psalm (Track One) — How Long?SummaryThis is one of the shortest psalms in the Bible — six verses — and one of the most concentrated. It opens with the question “how long” asked four times in two verses: how long will God forget? how long will God hide? how long must the psalmist bear pain? how long will the enemy be exalted? Then a brief, urgent prayer for God to look and answer. And then, unexpectedly, a turn. “But I trusted in your steadfast love. My heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” The lament does not erase itself, but it ends in trust.Key Ideas for Preaching* “How long” appears four times in two verses. There is no embarrassment about the repetition. Where in your congregation are people quietly afraid that their “how long” prayer has gone on too long, and what would it free in them to hear that the Bible knows that prayer by heart?* The turn at the end of the psalm is not a resolution. The problem has not gone away. What has shifted is who the psalmist is remembering. How might this teach your people what to do when their situation has not changed but their grip on God needs steadying?* Read alongside Genesis 22, the psalm gives voice to what Abraham, and perhaps Isaac, and perhaps Sarah could not say out loud. How might pairing the two texts honor the unspoken cry inside the more famous story?Significant Cautions* “I will rejoice in your salvation” can be turned into a command to feel better. The psalmist arrives at that line; he does not start there. Be careful not to use this psalm to shame those who are still living in the “how long” verses.Jeremiah 28:5–9First Reading (Track Two) — The Test of a ProphetSummaryThis is part of a longer scene. Jeremiah has been prophesying that the Babylonian exile will be long — a generation or more. Hananiah, another prophet, has been promising the opposite: that the exile will be brief and that God is about to break the yoke of Babylon quickly. The selected verses give Jeremiah's reply. He says, in effect: I would love for your prophecy to be true. May God do what you say. But the prophets who came before us prophesied war and disaster and pestilence; the prophet who promises peace is recognized as a true prophet only when the peace actually arrives. The test of a true word from God is whether it bears out in time.Key Ideas for Preaching* Jeremiah does not dismiss Hananiah out of hand. He says, in effect, “amen — may the Lord do as you have prophesied.” Then he names the harder truth. What does it look like for your congregation to take seriously the appeal of every comforting message, including the ones that turn out to be false?* Jeremiah's test of a true prophet is whether the word comes to pass. That is a slow test. It does not yield quick certainty. Where in your congregation has the desire for fast answers led people toward voices that sound encouraging but do not bear out?* The bigger backdrop is that the people of God are being asked to live faithfully through a long, hard time — not to expect a quick rescue. What might it mean for your congregation to hear that some of the most pressing questions of faith are about how to live well inside a hard season, not how to escape it?Significant Cautions* This text has been used to demand that anyone with a hopeful word be dismissed as a false prophet. Jeremiah does not say that. He says that some hopeful words turn out to be false. He does not say all of them are.* Be careful with the implication that suffering and hardship are always the more spiritually credible message. That framing has its own pastoral dangers, especially in contexts where genuine deliverance is in fact what God is bringing.Psalm 89:1–4, 15–18The Psalm (Track Two) — Of Your Steadfast Love I Will SingSummaryA hymn celebrating God's steadfast love and faithfulness. The opening verses promise to sing God's praise forever, and remember God's covenant with David — the promise to establish his line. The second set of verses turns to the people: happy are those who know the festal shout, who walk in the light of God's face. Their strength is from God; their joy is in God's name. The lectionary selects only the praise sections of a longer psalm that, by its end, becomes a sustained complaint about whether God has kept the very promises being celebrated here.Key Ideas for Preaching* “I will sing of your steadfast love forever.” The opening commitment is to a long song, not a passing feeling. What does it look like for your congregation's praise to be the kind of thing they intend to keep singing for a long time, regardless of how a given week has gone?* “Happy are the people who know the festal shout.” That suggests there is a kind of joy that has to be learned — practiced, taught, shouted out loud. Where might your people need permission to practice praise rather than wait for it to arrive on its own?* Paired with Jeremiah's hard-eyed realism, this psalm reminds us that honest realism about difficulty and unembarrassed praise are not opposites. Both belong. How might your sermon hold these two together?Significant Cautions* The lectionary's selection omits the long complaint that closes Psalm 89. If you preach the praise alone, be honest with your congregation that this is one voice within a longer, more complicated prayer — not the whole of the psalm.Romans 6:12–23The Epistle — Wages and GiftSummaryPaul picks up where last week left off. The argument has been that baptism unites us with Christ in his death and frees us from the rule of sin. Now Paul presses the practical implications. Do not let sin reign in your bodies. Do not present yourselves to sin as instruments of wrongdoing; present yourselves to God as people alive from the dead. Then he reaches for a metaphor that lands uncomfortably on modern ears: you were once slaves of sin, now you are slaves of righteousness. Paul acknowledges that the metaphor is limited — “I am speaking in human terms,” he says, “because of your natural limitations.” The passage closes with one of his most famous lines: the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Key Ideas for Preaching* Paul assumes that we are always under some kind of authority — and that the question is not whether we will serve something, but what we will serve. Where in your congregation might it be freeing to hear that the choice is not between independence and submission, but between two very different kinds of belonging?* The “wages of sin is death” line has often been preached as a scare tactic. But Paul sets it next to a contrast: the free gift of God is eternal life. Wages are earned. Gifts are not. What might it shift in your people to hear that what God offers is fundamentally not a paycheck?* Paul says he is speaking in human terms “because of your natural limitations.” He admits openly that the metaphor he is using is imperfect. What does it look like to preach with the same kind of humility — using the words available while admitting that they cannot quite contain what is being said?Significant Cautions* Paul's slavery language is rough. It was uncomfortable in its own century, and it is much more so now, in a world where actual chattel slavery has shaped enormous suffering. Be honest that the metaphor has its limits and has been misused.* “The wages of sin is death” has been wielded as a threat. The structure of the verse actually points the other way — the news, the good news, is the free gift on the other side of the comma.* “Slaves to righteousness” should not be flattened into a demand for moralism. Paul's freedom is freedom from a set of destructive authorities, not freedom into a list of rules.Matthew 10:40–42The Gospel — A Cup of Cold WaterSummaryThis is the close of the long sending discourse, and after the difficult sayings of last week, the tone here is unexpectedly gentle. Jesus speaks of welcome — how those who welcome the disciples welcome him, and how those who welcome him welcome the One who sent him. Then he names the smallest possible kindness: even a cup of cold water given to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple will not lose its reward. The whole sending speech, which began with sober instructions and warnings, closes here on what almost sounds like a warm afterthought — but an afterthought that turns out to carry real weight.Key Ideas for Preaching* The discourse closes not with grandeur but with the smallest possible act of hospitality — a cup of cold water. Where in your congregation has the imagination for “real” ministry crowded out the small kindnesses that Jesus actually names here?* Jesus says that welcoming a disciple is welcoming him. That goes both directions. It promises something to your people when they are welcomed — they carry Christ with them. And it asks something of your people when they are the welcomers. How might this two-way welcome shape your congregation's sense of both being received and receiving?* This is the fourth and final Sunday of the Matthew 10 arc. Three weeks ago, the disciples were sent with empty hands. Two weeks ago, they were warned that the road would be hard. Today, the discourse closes with the promise that the smallest welcome is not lost. How might your sermon let your people feel the shape of the whole arc — and the unexpected tenderness of its close?Significant Cautions* “These little ones” is a tender phrase, but it has sometimes been preached condescendingly, as if the speaker were the welcomer and someone else were the recipient. In this passage, the disciples are the little ones. Be careful which direction your sermon casts the metaphor.* The “reward” language is easy to flatten into transactional thinking — do this small thing and earn that big thing. Jesus is not running a points system. He is saying that nothing offered in his name goes unnoticed.* The cup of cold water has sometimes been used to bless the substitution of small charity for real engagement with the systems that produce thirst in the first place. Both the small act and the larger work matter. Do not let one be used to excuse the absence of the other.Thematic ConnectionsAfter three Sundays of increasingly difficult Gospel readings, the lectionary closes the Matthew 10 arc with three short, gentle verses about welcome. The four-week shape is worth holding together: found, sent, warned, received. The disciples who were called from their tables, then sent out with empty hands, then warned about the cost, are now placed inside a network of hospitality — disciples who carry Christ with them, and households who welcome them as Christ.The Old Testament tracks pull in very different directions, and the preacher's choice matters. Track One brings Genesis 22 alongside the brief Gospel — the agonizing test of Abraham paired with the small kindness of a cup of cold water. The contrast is severe, and the preacher has real work to do to make that pairing serve a congregation rather than overwhelm it. Psalm 13's repeated “how long” gives voice to the silence inside Abraham's obedience.Track Two brings Jeremiah's confrontation with false prophecy — the hard-eyed test of whether a word from God actually bears out — and pairs it with Psalm 89's exuberant praise. The combination invites a congregation to hold honest realism and unembarrassed worship together.Romans is on both tracks and continues to develop the question of what kind of life baptism actually launches. The wages-and-gift contrast at the close of the reading offers a clean line for a sermon on either track.The Gospel itself is short enough that it may not seem to carry an entire sermon, but its closing image — a cup of cold water — is worth a sermon in its own right. After the heaviness of last week, the smallness of this week's instruction is itself the good news. The disciples Jesus has been preparing are not asked to do impossible things; they are asked to receive and to give the smallest kindnesses faithfully — and to trust that those kindnesses are received as if they were given to him. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com/subscribe

If the thought of recording a video makes your heart race, you're not alone. I remember being terrified of showing up on camera. I overthought every word, worried about how I looked, and questioned whether anyone would even watch. But here's what I learned: The clients you're meant to help are on the other side of that fear. And in 2026, video is no longer optional. We're living in a time where trust matters more than ever. People have been over-marketed to, over-promised to, and overwhelmed by content. They want to know who they're learning from. They want to hear your voice, understand your perspective, and feel connected to the person behind the message. In this episode, I'm breaking down why video has become one of the biggest non-negotiables for coaches, how to overcome camera fear, the difference between short-form and long-form content, and the five videos every coach should have in their business. Because your future clients are watching. The question is: are you showing up?   In This Episode, We Cover: • Why video is non-negotiable in 2026 • How to overcome the fear of being on camera • The impact of the current "trust recession" • Why AI makes authentic video content more important than ever • The difference between short-form and long-form video • How webinars help convert viewers into clients • The five essential videos every coach should create • How to repurpose one video into multiple pieces of content • Why consistency matters more than perfection • Simple steps to start showing up on video today   A Message I Want You to Hear You do not need perfect lighting. You do not need the perfect script. You do not need the perfect camera. You need to start. Because confidence doesn't come before action. Confidence comes from taking action over and over again. Your future clients aren't waiting for a polished version of you someday. They're waiting for you right now.   Why Video Is Non-Negotiable in 2026 We are living in what many experts call a "trust recession." People understand marketing. They know what funnels are. They know when they're being sold to. And with AI making content creation easier than ever, people are craving something real. They want to see the person behind the content. Video creates trust faster than almost any other format because people can hear your voice, experience your energy, and connect with your message.   How to Get Over Camera Fear Every coach feels awkward at first. The key is not waiting for the fear to disappear. It's taking action anyway. A few simple tips: • Record and post before overanalyzing • Focus on serving instead of performing • Imagine talking to one ideal client • Use notes or slides if they help you stay focused • Remember that nobody starts as an expert on camera The more you show up, the easier it becomes.   Short-Form vs. Long-Form Video Both formats serve different purposes.   Short-Form Video Platforms include: • Instagram Reels • TikTok • YouTube Shorts Best for: • Quick tips • Myth busting • Mindset shifts • Visibility and reach These videos are typically one to three minutes long.   Long-Form Video Platforms include: • YouTube • Podcast videos • Webinar replays • Masterclasses Best for: • Building trust • Teaching your method • Demonstrating expertise • Converting viewers into clients Long-form content allows people to spend more time with you and understand your approach.   Why Webinars Convert So Well Webinars remain one of the highest-converting forms of video content. A strong webinar should: • Share your story • Teach something useful • Address the real problem your audience faces • Handle common objections • Include one clear call to action The goal isn't to overwhelm people with information. The goal is to help them understand why your solution works.   The 5 Videos Every Coach Needs 1. Your Origin Story Why do you do this work? What experiences led you here? This is the video that helps people connect with you emotionally. 2. Your Signature Talk Explain your unique framework, process, or philosophy. Focus on the transformation you help create—not the features of your program. 3. The Biggest Mistake Share the most common mistake your ideal client is making. Help them see what they can't currently see. 4. A Client Success Story Walk people through a real transformation. Show the challenges, breakthroughs, and outcomes. Stories build trust. 5. FAQ and Objection Buster Answer questions like: • Is this right for me? • How long does it take? • Why does this work? • What makes your approach different? This content can help sell for you 24/7.   One Video Can Create a Week of Content A single long-form video can become: • Reels • Social posts • Email newsletters • YouTube content • Podcast episodes • Blog posts Instead of constantly creating from scratch, one piece of content can fuel your entire marketing strategy.   Your Action Step This week, choose one of the five video types: • Origin Story • Signature Talk • Biggest Mistake • Client Success Story • FAQ Buster Record it. Don't wait for perfection. Post it. Then repurpose it into multiple pieces of content. Because the only way to become comfortable on video is to start using your voice.   Final Thoughts You have something worth saying. Your audience needs your message. And there is someone right now searching for the exact solution you provide. Don't hide behind more certifications. Don't spend six hours adjusting Canva templates. Don't wait until you feel ready. Show up. Press record. And trust that your voice matters.   Resources Are you a health coach in need of done-for-you content? Visit yourhealthcoachbiz.com and save 40% using code GO40. Launch your podcast or get full podcast management services here: https://rachelafeldman.com/the-healthy-hustle-podcast-agency/ Website: https://rachelafeldman.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelafeldman

Coach Colin Lark, defensive backs coach at Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, Texas, joins the Board Drill to teach Stump coverage from the ground up. Stump is the three by one check out of the cover seven world: a four over three concept that matches any three receiver surface while keeping split safety structure intact.Coach Lark walks through every position rule, from the corner's mod technique and the in/smash call to the nickel reading three to two, the safety's vertical rules, and the three by four push mechanism. Then Kyle and Matt stress test the coverage against real trips concepts from Notre Dame's offense, dig into formation checks against attached tight ends, sniffers, and bunch, and break down spring film including a pick six against stick.If you run Stubbie, mini, or special and you're tired of getting beat by the double in from three, this episode is the answer.Coach Lark also demos Football U, his interactive playbook tool that lets players rep out coverage checks from their phones.Check out Football U here: https://www.footballu.comTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro and welcoming Coach Colin Lark02:09 Stump coverage overview: the four over three check for trips09:20 Stump vs Stubbie: what changes at the corner and why you need both16:16 Why Stump became a red zone answer against the double in22:02 Stress testing Stump against Notre Dame's dagger and sail concepts28:06 Formation checks: attached tight ends, sniffers, and bunch33:36 Backside coverage options and game planning around their best player38:44 Spring film: the three by four push, carrying the wheel, and a pick six42:46 Taking three through and handling the dirty over route49:15 Up calls and teaching defenders when to fall off55:42 Final question: the most unique thing Bishop Lynch doesThis episode is sponsored by Sideline HQ. If you're still managing equipment on spreadsheets, check out Sideline HQ for check in, check out, and full equipment management right from your phone. Handle equipment in minutes and get back to coaching football. Learn more at sidelinehq.coSubscribe for more X's and O's breakdowns, coaching philosophy, and film study, and find all of our content at www.boarddrill.com

Many investors are wondering whether the market is getting ahead of itself, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence and technology stocks. But perhaps the better question is not, “Are we in a bubble?” The better question may be, “How should we respond if we are?” That was the focus of today's conversation with Mark Biller, Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing. With AI continuing to drive market enthusiasm, many investors are feeling both excitement and concern. The challenge is learning how to respond with wisdom rather than fear. Why Investors Are Concerned About AI and Tech The AI story has been driving markets for several years. One clear example is the tech-heavy Nasdaq, which has risen sharply since the end of the 2022 bear market. More recently, many companies have reported rapid profit growth and have credited AI as a key factor. That has encouraged investors because it shows AI is not merely hype. Companies across many industries are beginning to see real benefits from AI tools, including improved efficiency and increased profitability. At the same time, the demand for AI computing power has caused certain sectors—especially semiconductor stocks—to soar. When any part of the market begins rising almost straight up, investors naturally become nervous. It brings to mind previous market manias that ended in painful declines. Is This Really a Bubble? Calling a bubble in real time is extremely difficult. Even when someone identifies one correctly, acting on that information too early can be costly. Mark pointed to the late 1990s internet bubble as an example. Many investors suspected that Internet stocks were overheated long before the bubble actually burst. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan famously warned about “irrational exuberance,” but that warning came more than three years before the market peak. Investors who sold immediately missed significant gains before the downturn finally arrived. That illustrates an important point: even if a bubble is forming, that does not tell investors exactly what to do or when to do it. Markets are forward-looking. Investors are pricing companies not only on current earnings but also on what they believe those companies may earn in the future. If expectations rise dramatically, stock prices often rise with them. So it is possible that some parts of the market, such as semiconductor stocks, may be showing bubble-like characteristics while the broader market does not look as overheated. But the practical question remains: how should investors respond? Avoid Fear-Based Market Timing Most investors would love to avoid downturns without missing the upside. But in practice, that kind of market timing is extremely difficult. Investors often make one of two mistakes. Some sell too early and miss major gains. Others wait too long and sell only after stocks have already fallen, and fear has taken over. That is why a disciplined plan matters. Instead of trying to predict the exact top of the market, wise investors focus on staying invested while managing risk thoughtfully. Historically, some of the market's strongest gains occur late in bull markets. That does not mean investors should ignore risk, but it does mean that fear-based decisions can be costly. Diversification Still Matters One of the most practical ways to manage risk is through diversification. A well-balanced portfolio helps reduce the risk of becoming overly exposed to a single hot sector. Mark offered a helpful way to think about it: if everything you own is rising at the same time, or if nothing you own is rising, you may not be truly diversified. But if some holdings are doing very well while others seem to be lagging, that may actually be a sign that your portfolio is properly balanced. Diversification can feel frustrating when one part of the market is racing ahead. But its purpose is not to maximize every short-term gain. Its purpose is to help investors remain steady through a variety of market environments. Rebalancing Is a Disciplined Way to Manage Risk Another practical tool is rebalancing. When one part of a portfolio has grown significantly, rebalancing allows investors to shift some gains out of fast-rising assets and back into areas that have not run up as much. This helps manage risk without requiring investors to predict the future. Rebalancing also has an emotional benefit. It gives investors a clear process to follow. Instead of asking, “Should I sell everything?” they can simply make measured adjustments in line with their plan. That kind of discipline can help investors avoid impulsive decisions driven by fear or excitement. Keep Reasonable Expectations Investors also need realistic expectations. Markets do not move up in a straight line forever. If you stay invested in strong-performing sectors, there is a good chance you will eventually give back some gains when leadership changes or when a bear market arrives. That is part of investing. The goal is not to avoid every decline. The goal is to participate in the market's long-term growth while managing risk wisely along the way. Even defensive investing comes with trade-offs. Playing defense too aggressively—or too early—can lead to false alarms and missed returns. Staying invested longer may bring more growth, but it also means enduring discomfort when markets pull back. There is no perfect way to avoid every downside while capturing every gain. Know Your Temperament Successful investing is not only about knowledge. It is also about behavior. Investors who tend to do well over time are often those who can remain patient, diversified, disciplined, and emotionally steady in both strong and difficult markets. That is especially important when headlines are filled with bubble talk. Fear can push investors to sell too soon. Excitement can push them to chase what has already risen. Neither is a wise foundation for financial decision-making. A Wise Response to Market Uncertainty When markets look overheated, investors do not have to ignore the risks. But they also do not have to be ruled by them. A wise response begins with a disciplined, diversified, long-term plan. Rebalance periodically. Keep expectations realistic. Understand your own temperament. And avoid making major decisions based on fear, excitement, or the latest market chatter. Markets can stay hot longer than many people expect, and guessing the exact turning point usually creates more problems than it solves. But a thoughtful strategy can help investors respond with wisdom rather than react emotionally. For more on this topic, you can read Mark Biller's article, “How to Handle a Bubble,” at SoundMindInvesting.org. Sound Mind Investing has been helping Christians make biblically informed investing decisions for more than 30 years, offering practical guidance for investors who want to approach the markets with wisdom, discipline, and a long-term perspective. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have some very old debts that have been removed from my credit report. I want to handle them ethically and with integrity. Should I try to negotiate reduced settlements with creditors, or should I aim to repay the full amount I originally owed? I have a whole life insurance policy I no longer need because I already have adequate coverage. With a child heading to college in about a year and a half, is there a tax-wise way to use the policy's cash value for college savings? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Sound Mind Investing (SMI) | SMI Private Client How to Handle a Bubble by Mark Biller (Article on SoundMindInvesting.org) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 264 - The Dad's Library - What Every Library Can Teach Us About FatherhoodIn this Father's Day month episode of Dad Space, Dave explores a simple but powerful idea: what if the rules of a library could guide how we show up as dads? Drawing from the quiet structure and shared expectations of a public library, he builds a thoughtful framework for fatherhood rooted in presence, respect, and growth.Libraries are calm, welcoming spaces where people come to learn without judgment, and Dave suggests our homes can reflect that same environment. Instead of reacting quickly or loudly, dads can create emotional “quiet spaces” where kids feel safe to think, process, and be heard. The focus shifts from having all the answers to offering a steady, calm presence.The episode also highlights the importance of reciprocity in relationships. Just like borrowed books must be returned, trust and respect within a family require ongoing investment. Time, encouragement, and even apologies are part of giving back and strengthening those bonds.Dave emphasizes creating a home where everyone feels they belong. Each child is different, and great dads make space for those differences rather than forcing sameness. He also reminds listeners that seeking help is not weakness. Like a librarian guiding you to the right resource, growth in fatherhood often comes from learning, asking questions, and leaning on others.There is a strong focus on being intentional with time. Childhood is filled with moments that do not last forever, and being present during those seasons matters. Alongside this is the need for consistency. Just as libraries rely on organization, families benefit from clear expectations, routines, and values that create stability.The episode also encourages dads to become storytellers, preserving family history and sharing life lessons that shape identity. At the same time, Dave acknowledges that there is no single “right way” to parent. Like the many books on a library shelf, different perspectives can help dads grow and adapt.Ultimately, a healthy family is built through shared contribution. Everyone has a role, and inviting kids to participate fosters ownership and connection.Key takeaway: Great fatherhood is not about having all the answers, but about how consistently you show up with presence, intention, and a willingness to learn and grow alongside your family.The Dad's Library FrameworkIf libraries could give parenting advice, it might sound something like this:Stay calm when things get loud.Invest back into your relationships.Make everyone feel welcome.Ask for help when you need it.Handle hearts with care.Don't miss the season you're in.Keep learning.Create consistency.Be present.Share your story.Stay humble.Build a family culture where everyone contributes.A library isn't valuable because of the books on the shelves. It's valuable because of what happens when people engage with them.The same is true of fatherhood.Being a great dad isn't about what you own, what you earn, or what you know. It's about how you show up, day after day, helping the people around you learn, grow, and write the next chapter of their own story.___https://dadspace.caLeave Dave a voice message here! Tell me where you are listening from!?https://www.speakpipe.com/HelloDavemusic provided by Blue Dot SessionsSong: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

Shownotes    How spiritual growth can translate directly into better sex The #1 thing every man should do when he wakes up in the morning Why sports pressure was easier for Brenden than being in conflict with his partner A simple daily practice that can change everything for men How to bring out the best in a man as a woman Why you need to be whole in yourself to experience true masculinity and femininity   Bio Brenden Durell is a breathwork and somatic facilitator, intimacy guide, author, and co-founder of Oríkao, a ceremonial grade heirloom cacao brand sourced from indigenous communities in the Amazon. He has spent over 14 years working at the intersection of embodied practice, plant medicine traditions, traditional Tantra, and sacred sexuality. Known for his ability to bridge ancient wisdom with modern life, Brenden guides individuals and couples into a more intimate relationship with themselves and the people they love.   His work lives in the body: in the breath, in presence, in the places we've learned to armor ourselves against feeling. Rooted in the principles of traditional Tantra and sacred sexuality, he helps people dissolve the walls that keep them from experiencing life and love more fully, reclaiming their body as a place of power, pleasure, and presence.   Brenden has been featured in Forbes, Men's Health, and has appeared on multiple seasons of Netflix's Too Hot to Handle. He is the founder of The Golden Room, a global community for those committed to deeper nervous system health, conscious living, and authentic connection. He is also a devoted father and partner currently raising his daughter between Peru and the United States.   You can follow Brenden's work on Instagram and on his website.   @brendendurell (IG), brenden.durell (YouTube) Follow Layla!

Episode 1147 Most men are taught that being independent is a good thing. Figure it out yourself. Handle your own problems. Don't rely on anyone else. For a lot of successful men, that mindset has helped them build businesses, lead teams, and create results. But what happens when the same strength starts creating distance in the relationship that matters most? In this episode, Tim Matthews and Lawrence Davis have an honest conversation about self-reliance, vulnerability, trust, and why so many men struggle to let their partner fully into their world. They share personal experiences of keeping people at arm's length, fearing weakness, and learning that real connection isn't built through independence alone. You'll hear why many men unknowingly reject support, how self-reliance can turn into isolation, and why emotional intimacy requires a different kind of strength. Tim also shares how learning to move from independence to interdependence transformed his relationship and helped him create deeper trust, connection, and partnership. If you've ever felt like you're carrying everything on your own, struggle to ask for help, or find yourself withdrawing when things get difficult, this conversation will give you a new perspective on what strong leadership in a relationship really looks like. If you're noticing distance, frustration, or a lack of connection in your relationship, get access to The Powerful Man's free training. You'll learn why relationships lose trust, intimacy, and connection over time, and what you can start doing differently today to rebuild it. Get the free training here: https://thepowerfulman.com/scales

Grace shares a profound story:  She was sexual assaulted as a minor, which she kept secret, bearing the pain alone.  The SA she suffered forced her to make an utterly heartbreaking choice.  And now, circumstances have led her to even more heartbreak as the past confronts her with fresh consequences of the decision she made as a kid.  It's a turbulent story of good vs. evil, and how even making the right decision can feel so wrong.  If you are the victim of sexual assault, you can seek help now from the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline. RAINN.ORG HOME CHEF For a limited time, get 50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life!  HomeChef.com/SECRET.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. HOMESERVE For 50% less your first year, go to HomeServe.com/secret. Void in Florida. MINT MOBILE Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/SECRET NUTRAFOL Get $10 off your first month's subscription + free shipping at Nutrafol.com when you use promo code secretroom PICTURES See Grace and her mom on social right now. They are waiting for you on Threads, Facebook, Instagram and X.  Handle: @secretroompod. YOUTUBE You can listen to The Secret Room now on YouTube! THE SECRET ROOM | UNLOCKED Host: Susie Lark. The Secret Room | Unlocked is yours when you support your favorite indie podcast that could with a membership at patreon.com/secretroom, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. There's a free trial! ALL OUR SPONSORS See all our sponsors past and present, and their offers, many of which are still valid: secretroompodcast.com/codes  FACEBOOK DISCUSSION GROUPThere's even more fun at The Secret Room Podcast Facebook Discussion Page!  Just ask to join, all are welcome. :) YOUR SECRET  Click "Share a Secret" at secretroompod.com! PODCAST TEAM Producer: Susie Lark. Story Development: Luna Patel. Music and Theme: Breakmaster Cylinder. LISTENER SURVEY Take our Listener Survey at SecretRoomPod.com!

Kyle Worley and Rebecca McLaughlin talk* about doubt and where we can find a stable foundation that honors and invites our doubt toward goodness, truth, and beauty.*This is a replay episode from 1/31/23Questions Covered in This Episode:Have you ever experienced profound doubt?What do you think are some of the most common places of doubt?What is doubt an invitation to?Do we find doubt in the bible?Where do you find a stable foundation that honors and invites your doubt toward goodness, truth, and beauty?If someone is listening to this episode and is experiencing or has experienced deep doubts about who God is, what God has done, and how God is inviting us to live…how would we encourage them?Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Genesis 3, Matthew 26, John 21:15-19, ​​John 20:24-29The Chosen Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Good Podcast Co.⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code WORSHIP for 30% off "All of Me" by Cheryl Marshall at thegoodbook.com—and download your free study guide today.Find Battling Unbelief wherever books are sold, or visit crossway.org/battlingunbelief to get 30% off with a free Crossway+ account.

Hoo, boy… it's great to be back in the saddle at my computer and in front of the microphone! I greatly enjoyed a short break to visit my family in New York, and I appreciate you all sticking with it while the audio has taken a break. I hope the printed materials continued to be helpful. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *This guide covers the readings appointed in the Revised Common Lectionary for the Third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6), Year A, falling on June 14, 2026. The great festivals of Easter and Pentecost are behind us, and the church now settles into what has been variously called Ordinary Time, the Season after Pentecost, or simply the long stretch of green Sundays that runs all the way to Advent. The lectionary now walks through stories and letters in a more sustained way — not building toward a particular feast but simply listening, week by week, to the long witness of Scripture.This Sunday offers two parallel Old Testament tracks. Track One (semi-continuous) follows the great stories of Israel in order, picking up this week with Abraham and Sarah and the visitors at Mamre. Track Two (complementary) chooses an Old Testament text that lines up thematically with the Gospel — this week, the giving of the covenant at Sinai, where God names Israel a kingdom of priests. Either track will preach. Most congregations pick a track at the beginning of the season and stay with it; this guide treats both fully and lets the preacher choose.The Epistle and Gospel are the same for both tracks: Romans 5 on hope formed in suffering, and Matthew's account of Jesus sending out the Twelve. One quiet continuity is worth noticing as you prepare. Matthew the tax collector, called from his table just last week, appears in today's Gospel in the list of the twelve apostles being sent out. The lectionary is showing us how quickly being found becomes being sent.Matthew the tax collector, called from his table just last week, appears in today's Gospel in the list of the twelve apostles being sent out. The lectionary is showing us how quickly being found becomes being sent.The ReadingsGenesis 18:1–15, (21:1–7)First Reading (Track One) — Sarah LaughsSummaryThree travelers arrive at Abraham's tent in the heat of the day, and Abraham — without yet knowing who they are — hurries to offer extravagant hospitality. Over the meal, one of them announces that Sarah will have a son within the year. Sarah is listening from inside the tent and laughs to herself, silently, as she thinks, at the idea that two old people could still have a child. The visitor knows. He calls out the laugh and asks the question on which the whole story turns: is anything too wonderful for the Lord? Sarah, frightened, denies laughing. He simply says: Oh yes, you did. The optional ending of the reading carries the story forward — the promise comes true, Sarah gives birth, and they name the child Isaac, which means “he laughs.” The laughter that began in skepticism comes back as joy.Key Ideas for Preaching1. Abraham welcomes strangers and ends up hosting God. He does not know who they are when he runs to greet them — he simply treats them like honored guests. What does it look like for your congregation to extend that kind of hospitality to people whose importance they have not yet discovered?2. Sarah's laughter is honest. After twenty-five years of waiting on a promise that never came, she is not pretending anymore. What does it look like to give your people permission to bring their honest doubt to God without dressing it up as faith?3. The question at the heart of the story — is anything too wonderful for the Lord? — is not about whether God can do tricks. It is about whether we still credit God with the capacity to surprise us. Where has your congregation quietly written something off as impossible — about themselves, about each other, about the world — that this text suggests they should hold more loosely?4. If you include the verses from chapter 21, Isaac's name carries the whole arc: “he laughs.” The laughter that began in disbelief comes back as the laughter of joy. What would it mean for your people to trust that God can turn the laughter of skepticism into the laughter of celebration — and that both kinds of laughter can be holy?Significant Cautions• Sarah's laughter is sometimes preached as a failure of faith, with Sarah cast as a cautionary example. The text is gentler than that. She is honest, and God is honest back. Be careful not to turn the scene into a morality lesson about doubt.• The three visitors have been used in some traditions as a kind of preview of the Trinity. The text itself does not make that claim, and forcing it on the passage tends to distract from what is actually happening. Better to let the strangeness of the scene be what it is.• The promise of a child in old age can land hard on people who have prayed for a child and not received one. Be careful not to suggest that those who do not get the miracle are short on faith.Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19The Psalm (Track One) — What Shall I Return to the Lord?SummaryThis is a psalm of thanksgiving from someone who has been heard. The opening lines tell us why the psalmist loves God: because God listened. The middle section asks the question every grateful person eventually asks — what can I possibly give back? The answer turns out not to be a material payment at all. It is to lift the cup of salvation, to call on God's name, to keep the vows made in the day of trouble — and to do all of this publicly, in the presence of all God's people.Key Ideas for Preaching1. The psalmist's love for God begins with being heard. That is a much smaller and more reachable claim than it sounds. What might it do for your congregation to hear that the path to loving God can begin with something as simple as the conviction that God is paying attention?2. The question “what shall I return to the Lord?” is asked by someone overflowing with gratitude, not by someone calculating a debt. Where in your congregation has gratitude turned into obligation rather than response, and how might this psalm soften that?3. The thanksgiving is offered in the presence of all God's people — public, witnessed, communal, not a private feeling kept to oneself. What would it look like to give your people room to name out loud where God has met them?Significant Cautions• “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones” can sound to a grieving person as if their loved one's death is being called a treasure. The line means that God watches over the lives and deaths of God's people with care — not that death itself is a good thing. Handle it tenderly.• “I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice” can be heard painfully by someone whose prayers have not been answered the way they wanted. Make room in the sermon for them as well.Exodus 19:2–8aFirst Reading (Track Two) — A Kingdom of PriestsSummaryThe Israelites have just come out of Egypt and are camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. Moses climbs the mountain, and God speaks to him with a word for the people. God begins by reminding them of what they have already seen — how God carried them out of slavery on eagles' wings — and then names what they are about to become: if they keep the covenant, they will be God's treasured possession out of all the peoples of the earth, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation. Moses brings the message back, and the people answer in a single voice: everything the Lord has said, we will do.Key Ideas for Preaching1. God's word to Israel begins with what God has already done. The covenant is offered to people God has already rescued, not to people who have earned it. Where does your congregation still imagine that their relationship with God starts with their performance rather than with God's prior love?2. A kingdom of priests is a people whose whole life points others toward God. This is not a job for clergy or for a few specially gifted members — it is the identity of the whole community. What does it look like for your people to take seriously that their ordinary lives are meant to be priestly?3. The people's “we will do” comes very quickly. They will, of course, fail to keep it almost immediately. What does it mean to preach this scene knowing both that the commitment is sincere and that it will not hold — and that God enters the covenant anyway?Significant Cautions• “Treasured possession” has been used to claim that one group has been chosen over and against others — including, in tragic stretches of Christian history, to argue that the church has replaced Israel as the chosen people. That is a misreading. Be careful with the language of being chosen so that it does not slide into superiority.• The image of being carried on eagles' wings is beautiful but can be turned into the promise that God always rescues the faithful from hardship. The Exodus story itself does not promise that. Hold the image tenderly for people whose deliverance is still long in coming.Psalm 100The Psalm (Track Two) — The Sheep of His PastureSummaryThe whole psalm is one sustained call to worship — seven imperatives stacked into five short verses. The reason runs through every line: God made us, we belong to God, God is good, God's steadfast love endures forever. It is among the shortest and best-loved psalms in the Bible, often used to open worship.Key Ideas for Preaching1. The psalm is almost all imperatives — commands to worship. Worship here is not a feeling the worshiper has to manufacture; it is something the people are invited to do, and the doing tends to come first. Where might your congregation be waiting to feel ready to worship rather than simply showing up to do it?2. The reason for worship in the psalm is not the worshiper's circumstances but God's character — that God made us, that we belong to God, that God's love endures. What would change if your congregation grounded its praise in who God is rather than in how the week has gone?3. This psalm pairs naturally with the Exodus reading. The people God is forming into a kingdom of priests are the same people the psalm calls to enter God's gates with thanksgiving. The identity and the practice belong together. What might it look like for your congregation to feel both at once?Significant Cautions• The command to “make a joyful noise” has sometimes been turned into the requirement that worship always be exuberant and loud. Joy in worship comes in many keys — including quiet ones. Be careful not to make joyful noise the same as loud noise.• A psalm of pure praise can leave out people who are grieving or hurting, who cannot easily summon gladness. The psalm is one voice in a larger book that also makes ample room for lament. Not every Sunday is Psalm 100 weather, and saying so honestly can be a kindness.Romans 5:1–8The Epistle — Hope That Does Not DisappointSummaryPaul opens this chapter with one of his great summary statements: now that we have been put right with God by trust, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. From there he describes the strange logic of Christian hope. We can even hold our heads up in suffering, he says, because suffering forms endurance, endurance forms character, and character forms hope — a hope that does not let us down, because God's love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Then he gives the ground for it all: Christ did not wait for us to deserve him. He died for us while we were still weak, still sinners, with no claim on him at all.Key Ideas for Preaching1. The chain Paul builds — suffering, endurance, character, hope — describes what suffering can do, not what it always does. Paul is not telling sufferers that their pain is a tool God is using on them; he is telling people who are already enduring something hard that the road they are walking has been walked before, and it leads somewhere. Where does your congregation need to hear that distinction made plainly?2. The hope Paul describes is not optimism. Optimism depends on circumstances; this hope is poured in from outside — the love of God by the Spirit. How might it help your people to be told that they do not have to manufacture their own hope?3. Christ died for us, Paul says, while we were still sinners — before any of us had cleaned ourselves up to qualify. Where does your congregation still secretly believe that God will love them more once they have improved, and what would change if they let that go?Significant Cautions• “Suffering produces endurance” has been used to silence people whose suffering is real and unjust — to tell them they should be grateful for what their pain is doing to them. That is a cruel misuse. Paul is not blessing suffering; he is comforting people in it. Say so plainly.• “Justified by faith” can be flattened into the idea that what saves us is the strength of our own believing — as if faith were a new thing to achieve. The weight here is on the trustworthiness of God, not the size of our trust. Keep the emphasis where Paul puts it.• Paul's contrast between sinners and the righteous has sometimes been used to draw lines around who counts as truly bad and who counts as basically good. The whole point of the passage is that none of us was on the right side of that line, and Christ came anyway.Matthew 9:35–10:8, (9–23)The Gospel — The Compassion and the SendingSummaryJesus has been moving through the towns of Galilee, teaching and healing, and when he looks at the crowds something gives way in him. They are exhausted, he says — harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. From that compassion comes the saying about a plentiful harvest and too few laborers, and then the response: Jesus summons twelve of his disciples, names them one by one, gives them authority, and sends them out. The instructions are striking. Stay with Israel for now. Take nothing — no money, no extra clothing, no traveling kit. Whatever you have received, give freely. In the verses that follow, the warning grows sober: you will be sent like sheep among wolves, you will be hated, you will need to endure. The mission is real, and so is the cost, and Jesus hides neither. Talk about some straight talk!Key Ideas for Preaching1. The mission begins in Jesus' compassion. Before there is a strategy or a sending, there is a look at the crowds and the sense that they are sheep without a shepherd. What does it look like for your congregation's own sense of mission to begin in compassion rather than in obligation or ambition?2. Among the twelve named and sent is Matthew the tax collector — the very man called from his table in last week's Gospel. The lectionary is showing us how quickly being found becomes being sent. Where in your congregation are people waiting to feel qualified before they are willing to be sent, and what would change if they took Matthew's story seriously about themselves?3. The travel instructions are notable for everything they leave out. No money, no bag, no extra clothes. The mission is meant to be carried out in a posture of vulnerability and dependence on those who receive them. What does it look like for your congregation to do mission in a way that does not arrive with all the answers and all the resources — but with empty hands?4. “You received without payment; give without payment.” The freedom of what has been given is meant to set the temperature of how it is given. Where in your congregation has ministry quietly become a transaction, and how might Jesus' instruction reset it?5. The harder verses about persecution are not meant to glamorize suffering. They are meant to be honest with disciples about what the road can cost. How might your sermon prepare your people for the real costs of faithful witness without making them dramatic about minor inconveniences?Significant Cautions• “The harvest is plentiful” has been used to fuel a kind of urgent recruitment that pressures and manipulates. The compassion of Jesus comes first; the harvest language is meant to motivate prayer (“ask the Lord of the harvest”), not panic.• The instruction to “go nowhere among the Gentiles” is specific to this moment in Jesus' ministry. By the end of Matthew's Gospel, the disciples will be sent to all nations. Be careful not to use this verse to argue for any kind of restriction or favoritism today.• “Shake the dust from your feet” has been used to justify cutting off relationships with people who do not respond the way we want. Read in context, it is permission to keep moving without resentment, not a license for contempt.• The persecution verses — brother betraying brother, being hated because of his name — have been pressed into service to dramatize any modern opposition to a religious agenda as fulfillment of prophecy. Be cautious. Jesus is preparing disciples for a specific kind of cost; he is not handing his followers a script for grievance.• “The one who endures to the end will be saved” can land cruelly on people who are exhausted. The verse is encouragement for the road, not a warning that those who burn out are lost.• The naming of twelve men has been used to argue that leadership belongs to a particular kind of person. The wider New Testament — including Mary Magdalene as the first witness of the resurrection, Lydia, Phoebe, Priscilla, and many others — tells a much fuller story about who is sent.Thematic ConnectionsDepending on which track you follow, the day takes one of two shapes — and both lead naturally toward the same Gospel.On the first track, the day is about God's faithfulness to people whose circumstances make the promise look ridiculous. Abraham and Sarah are old, and Sarah laughs. Psalm 116 gives the voice of someone delivered and overflowing with gratitude. Romans 5 grounds hope not in our endurance but in the love of God poured into us. And the Gospel sends an unlikely set of workers — Matthew the tax collector among them — out into a harvest that needs them. The thread is the stubborn, surprising reliability of God when the human side of the equation looks impossible.On the second track, the day is about identity and mission. Exodus names Israel as a kingdom of priests; Psalm 100 calls the whole earth to worship the God who has made and gathered them; Romans grounds the believer in the love of God; and the Gospel sends the disciples out as the very priestly people God has been forming all along. The thread is the long, patient work of God shaping a people who exist for the sake of the world.The Gospel is the natural preaching center either way. Jesus' compassion and the sending of the Twelve gather both threads — God's faithfulness across generations and the formation of a people who are sent. * If you are on Track One, Romans pairs with Genesis to insist that the church's hope is grounded in God's character, not in our circumstances. * If you are on Track Two, Exodus and Psalm 100 prepare the congregation to hear today's sending as the latest chapter in God's long pattern of making a priestly people. * The psalms work best as sung or spoken responses; either one offers a line worth carrying into the sermon — “what shall I return to the Lord?” or “we are God's people, and the sheep of God's pasture.”If you haven't already, be sure to check out “The Thursday Sermon” (which actually comes out on Wednesday each week) as an example of how these preaching insights can be used. There are also additional “Liturgical Resources” for each week that you are WELCOMED and ENCOURAGED to use in your worship services. Acknowledgment to “Lectionary.pro” will be greatly appreciated. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com/subscribe

No one enters a relationship expecting to one day untangle joint credit cards, co-signed loans, or shared lines of credit. Yet when a relationship ends, many people discover they're still financially connected long after they've gone their separate ways. Doug Hoyes and Ted Michalos discuss who is legally responsible for shared debt after a breakup, how separation can affect your credit score, common mistakes that can become costly, and the options available when the debt becomes too much to manage alone.

***Link to the Guided Meditation for Divorce Anxiety**How Not to Suck at Divorce YouTube Divorce: How to Handle the Rejection When You Didn't Want the DivorceDivorce is painful no matter what. But when you're not the one who wanted it? It can feel like so much more than a life change. It can feel like rejection.In this heartfelt mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea Rappaport and Morgan Stogsdill tackle one of the most painful—and least discussed—parts of divorce: being the spouse who didn't want the marriage to end.But first- Don't miss out on our Divorce Crash Course. It's $50 for a limited time. Get it now to save thousands on your divorce. Why does being left hurt so much? Why do so many people immediately assume they're not enough? And how can that emotional pain quietly derail your divorce case, cost you money, and keep you stuck chasing answers you'll never get?Andrea and Morgan break down what happens to your brain when you're blindsided by divorce, why rejection often feels personal even when it isn't, and how to keep heartbreak from driving legal decisions.Plus, Andrea shares a simple but powerful tool that helped her survive some of her darkest divorce days: the "scheduled meltdown."In This Episode You Will Learn✅ Why divorce rejection feels so personal ✅ What happens to your brain when you're blindsided ✅ Why people often treat divorce like evidence against themselves ✅ How emotional pain can lead to expensive legal mistakes ✅ The difference between grieving a person and grieving a future ✅ Why family court cannot provide emotional closure ✅ How heartbreak can derail settlement negotiations and mediation ✅ The legal risks of making decisions from a place of hurt ✅ Andrea's "scheduled meltdown" technique for emotional regulation ✅ How to get your brain back online when emotions take overTimestamps(00:00) Why divorce feels like rejection when you didn't want it (03:16) The emotional conclusions people make after being left (04:20) How rejection can derail your divorce strategy (05:21) You're not really fighting about the house (06:33) Grieving the future you thought you would have (07:07) Why legal deadlines don't stop for heartbreak (08:17) The expensive trap of chasing closure (10:12) Morgan's cautionary tale about "Chad" and emotional decision-making (12:02) The opposite problem: fighting every battle out of anger (13:30) Separating emotion from legal strategy (14:00) Andrea's "scheduled meltdown" exercise (16:33) How to release emotions without sabotaging your case (18:18) Why this divorce is only one episode in your storyKey Takeaways

Nach acht Jahren und 396 Folgen mache ich eine Pause. Bevor ich das Mikrofon weglege, teile ich die wichtigste Erkenntnis aus meinen letzten zehn Jahren: Warum der Friede, der kommt wenn du alles erreicht hast, kein Feind ist — und warum fast alle in diesem Moment den größten Fehler ihres Lebens machen. Handle aus Resonanz statt aus Strategie.>> Hier kommst du zur Warteliste Metanoia Mentoring: https://bit.ly/CLMetanoia-Mentoring_396SP━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Planning a vacation should be exciting—not overwhelming. But between choosing a destination, booking flights, creating an itinerary, and figuring out logistics, it's easy to feel stressed before your trip even begins. At The Travel Brats, we've planned everything from last-minute city getaways to international adventures booked nearly a year in advance. Over time, we've learned that the best trips happen when you focus on smart planning without overplanning every minute. Here's our step-by-step guide to planning a vacation the right way.   1. Start With Your "Why" Before choosing a destination, ask yourself: Do I want relaxation or adventure? Am I traveling for food, culture, nature, or nightlife? Am I recharging or packing my schedule? Your answer determines everything from budget to destination to daily activities. Helpful questions to research: Is this destination better for couples, friends, or families? Is it good for digital nomads? Can I visit without renting a car? Does it offer more adventure or relaxation? The clearer your travel goals, the easier every other decision becomes.   2. Set Your Dates and Budget You don't need an exact budget, but you need a realistic one. Consider: Number of travel days Flight costs Hotel or Airbnb costs Food and drinks Transportation Activities and excursions Most importantly, leave room for unexpected expenses. A good vacation budget includes a buffer because travel rarely goes exactly as planned. Also factor in important deadlines such as: PTO approval School breaks Weddings Special events   3. Choose Your Destination Strategically Timing can completely change your experience. Ask yourself: What's in season during my travel dates? Will weather affect the trip? Is it peak tourist season? How long is the travel time? Is the destination easy to navigate? If you only have a few vacation days, shorter flights often win. We've seen travelers hate destinations during crowded peak seasons and fall in love with the same places during shoulder season. Research matters.   4. Book the Big Stuff First Follow this order: ✈️ Flights

Anxious Attachment: Why You're Pushing Love AwayAnxious attachment keeps you stuck in a cycle of fear, control, and self-sabotage — and most people don't even realize they're doing it. John and Echo break down exactly how anxious attachment shows up in real relationships, why it develops in the first place, and what it actually costs you to keep living this way. If you've ever needed constant reassurance, spiraled over unanswered texts, or exploded after holding everything in — this episode is for you.They dig into the real mechanics of anxious attachment: how childhood wounds and past relationship trauma wire you to see love as something that can be taken away, why anxious people are weirdly good at reading emotions but terrible at reading situations, and the uncomfortable truth about how chasing control pushes people toward the exact outcome you're terrified of. John and Echo also flip the script — talking about how to *actually* influence your relationship in the right direction, how to handle a partner who's anxiously attached without making things worse, and why giving reassurance without boundaries is just feeding the cycle.In This EpisodeAnxious attachment usually forms from unpredictable parenting or past relationship trauma — not a personal flawAnxious people detect emotions quickly but jump to wrong conclusions, which accelerates the spiralTrying to control outcomes is the *formula* for anxiety — letting go of control is the cureCalling 15 times or asking "do you still love me?" soothes you for five minutes and makes the problem worse long-termInstead of nagging from fear, reinforce the positive traits you want — it pulls people toward being that personIf you don't address issues as they come up, you *will* become anxiously attached — avoidance creates itReassurance without boundaries teaches your partner that their anxiety controls you — set the limit kindly but clearlyAnxious attachment looks different in men vs. women: men tend to control overtly, women tend to control covertlyTimestamps0:00 — What Makes Someone Anxiously Attached?3:15 — How Past Relationships Shape Your Attachment Style5:35 — Anxious People Read Emotions But Jump to Conclusions9:39 — Why Anxious People Try to Control Outcomes15:13 — Can Worrying About Cheating Actually Cause It?22:28 — Letting Go of Control Is the Formula for Less Anxiety31:40 — Why Women Are Naturally More Anxious in Relationships38:14 — How Anxious Attachment Shows Up in Men47:04 — Positive Influence vs. Negative Spiraling59:06 — How to Handle an Anxiously Attached PartnerConnect

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning workplace podcast where behavioural science meets workplace culture . This week, we are tackling a massive, silent trend affecting thousands of professionals: The Great Reentry . During the pandemic, thousands of people left their corporate jobs to seek purpose and flexibility in self-employment . But now, six years on, a quiet crisis is happening . Thousands of founders are realizing that business ownership is lonely, financially straining, and exhausting—and they are trying to return to the traditional workforce . The problem? They are drowning in shame, hiding their businesses, and navigating the job market completely wrong . To help us simplify the science of this messy transition, we are joined by Laurie MacPherson, a brilliant career and LinkedIn mentor who specializes in helping mid-to-senior-level women find their next roles . Laurie delivers a masterclass on how to overcome the internal struggle of "going back," why the modern job market punishes founders who apply blindly, and how to de-risk yourself to recruiters .

When you were a kid, how much mischief were you up to and how much did you hide from your parents?  Did you commit robbery? Did you get into such sticky situations that you were legally banned from an entire city…in Mexico.  Today's guest Jannean is here to reveal the trials and tribulations of her youth, a childhood so reckless she wants the details she's about to share, to remain buried.  But in a surprise revelation, at least one member of her family found out. HERS Thank you, HERS!  forhers.com/SECRET for your personalized, affordable care that gets you. That's F-O-R-H-E-R-S dot com slash secret. forhers.com slash secret. Based on advertised cash price for 30-day supply of medication only. Membership required, fee not included, and billed separately. Weight Loss by Hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit forhers.com. HOME CHEF For a limited time, get 50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life!  HomeChef.com/SECRET.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.   MINT MOBILE Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/SECRET   SHOPIFY Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/secretroom.   PICTURES See Jannean and Nichol in the 80's and today. They are waiting for you on Threads, Facebook, Instagram and X.  Handle: @secretroompod. YOUTUBE You can listen to The Secret Room now on YouTube! THE SECRET ROOM | UNLOCKED Host: Susie Lark. The Secret Room | Unlocked is yours when you support your favorite indie podcast that could with a membership at patreon.com/secretroom, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. There's a free trial! SPONSORS  See this week's sponsors and their offers at secretroompodcast.com/codes  FACEBOOK DISCUSSION GROUPThere's even more fun at The Secret Room Podcast Facebook Discussion Page!  Just ask to join, all are welcome. :) YOUR SECRET  Click "Share a Secret" at secretroompod.com! PODCAST TEAM Producer: Susie Lark. Story Development: Luna Patel. Music and Theme: Breakmaster Cylinder. LISTENER SURVEY Take our Listener Survey at SecretRoomPod.com!  

Alaska doesn't just have Bigfoot. It has something older.This is the second stop on our cryptid road trip across America. Last time out, we worked the longleaf pine country of Alabama and the legend of the White Thang.Tonight we head north to the rain coast of southeast Alaska, where the fog comes down low over the tideline and the spruce trees grow right to the water. This is the country of the Tlingit, a maritime people who have been reading these waters for somewhere between ten and fifteen thousand years. And it is the country of the Kushtaka — the otter people, the shape-shifting beings who imitate the voices of the people you love and call you out into the dark.We open in a fourteen-foot skiff outside Wrangell, with a fisherman in the fog and a child crying near the shore, and what his Tlingit grandmother told him to do if it ever happened.From there we go deep. Into the ethnography of the Kushtaka, into the protections the old stories say can save your life — copper, dogs, and one other thing nobody likes to bring up — into three traditional accounts passed down through generations, and into two modern reports from a Forest Service ranger in the Tongass and a pair of kayakers on Admiralty Island. We close with a long, cinematic survival story from a cannery cove outside Hoonah in October of two thousand and eleven, and the one small tell that may be the only thing standing between you and what's on the other side of the door.Handle this one with respect.The Kushtaka belong to a living tradition still carried by Tlingit families in southeast Alaska today. Listen with that in mind. And if you ever find yourself on a piece of Alaskan water you don't quite know, on a night when the fog has come down and the world has gone quiet, and you hear a voice you recognize calling your name from the trees, you already know what to do.Put your back to it. Keep your hands on something made of copper. And don't look back.Have you experienced a Bigfoot sighting, Sasquatch encounter, Dogman experience, UFO sighting, or any unexplained cryptid or paranormal event deep in the woods? We want to hear your story.Email your encounter to brian@paranormalworldproductions.com for a chance to be featured on a future episode of Backwoods Bigfoot Stories.Backwoods Bigfoot Stories is a paranormal storytelling podcast featuring real Bigfoot encounters, Sasquatch sightings, Dogman reports, cryptid experiences, and true scary stories from the backwoods.Follow the show and turn on automatic downloads so you never miss a chilling encounter from the forest. Listen with the lights off… if you dare.

Colossians 2:18-23 (NKJV)Andrew and Edwin discuss the difficulty of navigating between the utter self-denial of asceticism and the self-indulgence of doing whatever is right in our own eyes. Both of these ignore Christ and focus on the flesh. Neither help in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=25539The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

Send us Fan MailSeason 17's halfway to the finish line, and the TGTPTU boys are back from break revving their engines, ready for the next four in their “hack” director line-up. Jack's pick coming in third is Ron Howard, starting with his first film in the big chair, the “smash-‘em-up” smash success (for a Roger Corman feature) GRAND THEFT AUTO (1977).  Howard's only feature to co-write or to co-star in as director, the then-Happy Days star cut his teeth on GTA (no relation to the videogame) coming off the success as leading man-boy in the preceding Corman car chase flick Eat My Dust (1976). As part of Howard's deal with Corman, the success of EMD put the boy who once played Opie Taylor in TV's The Andy Griffith's Show in charge of first and second units, stunt coordinators, helicopters, and his kin/fellow actors brother Clint Howard and father Rance Howard—all this on the day after Ron's 23rd birthday.  GTA's plot follows young elopers played by Howard and Nacy Morgan (who might be best known as John Ritter's first wife), who've stolen Morgan's father's Rolls-Royce to avoid the pressure of her pseudo-arranged marriage to a rich dweeb. This theft leads Morgan's father, a prominent citizen about to run for major office, to have his security detail retrieve his car (and daughter). Morgan's jilted dweeb upon learning he's not to be betrothed assumes she's been kidnapped and calls a local radio station to put a bounty on her safe return before stealing a car to give chase himself, causing his wealthy mother to call the same station to offer a separate bounty for her son's safe return. From there, cars go crash, clang, boom, and pow.   Start peeling off your lead paint and start snacking on its sweet goodness to revel in this 70's film concept of comedy during what the hosts generally agree is a second-screener.   This ep, Ryan turns his head cold to his advantage as a radio announcer; Jack reveals this and Solo (2018) are the only Howard movies he's seen prior; and Thomas and Ken recommend (re)listening to the Any Which Way You Can episode and dunk hard on regular Howard collaborating producer Brian Grazer's hair.  CORRECTION: Jonathan Demme's film for Roger Corman wasn't Handle with Care (nor was it Woody Allen's Radio Days) but Caged Heat (followed by Crazy Momma) when Demme was giving Howard some Corman-related advice.   THEME SONG BY: WEIRD A.I.Email: thegoodthepodandtheugly@gmail.comFacebook: https://m.facebook.com/TGTPTUInstagram: https://instagram.com/thegoodthepodandtheugly?igshid=um92md09kjg0Bluesky: @goodpodugly.bsky.socialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6mI2plrgJu-TB95bbJCW-gLetterboxd (follow us!):Podcast: goodpoduglyKen: Ken KoralRyan: Ryan Tobias

Perfect Match: Season 4 Premiere Recap Netflix's Perfect Match returns for season 4 premiere, and Aysha, Jason, and Kirsten are here to break down this new cast of reality singles stepping into the chaos. As the trio navigates through the first-night matchups, past show connections, and ever-confusing name doubles, they spotlight early alliances and the unpredictable vibe shifts shaping the season's opening. The discussion dives into the entire starting cast, with background on each contestant drawn from shows like Age of Attraction, Love Is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, Vanderpump Rules, and Temptation Island. The hosts unravel dynamics like Chris's infamous intentions for being on reality TV, the Love Is Blind glow-up journeys, and the challenges of keeping track of similar names and faces. Early chemistry tests through kissing games and first matches keep alliances loose, while contestants already maneuver for position with moves like offering designer gifts to seal a match. The group also unpacks the show's evolving rules—now with three new singles entering after the first game—setting up higher stakes and more ways for alliances (and hearts) to break. Chris's reality TV motives and questionable approach to relationships highlighted through his designer bag “strategy.” Early connections and mismatches, with Marissa staking her claim for DaMari, and Jimmy navigating first impressions post-glow-up. Contestants from various Netflix shows—including a standout from Squid Game The Challenge and a Vanderpump Rules alum, mixing entertainment backgrounds and play styles. The group debate over the value of compatibility challenges, astrology's influence on matches, and why some singles seem perpetually lost in the shuffle. Fresh dynamics set by changing rules in the boardroom, as more singles enter and the original couples are challenged right away. With new twists and the unpredictability of reality TV alchemy, will any couple find staying power on Perfect Match this season? Can playing for laughs or strategy secure a place in the next episode, or will loyalty be as fleeting as last night's match? Listen in for thoughtful recaps and behind-the-scenes tea from the worlds of Netflix reality. Plug into the full episode for a dose of show analysis, cast breakdowns, and all the messy fun from the premiere of Perfect Match season 4. 00:00 Meet the Perfect Match Hosts 06:58 Starting Cast Revealed and Debated 15:47 Jimmy's Dramatic Glow Up 21:17 Marissa's Love is Blind Fallout 25:56 DaMari's Too Hot to Handle Past 32:19 Nick's Dark Energy Noticed 39:12 Kissing Challenge Sparks Rivalries 47:26 Designer Bag Bribes Appearing 51:30 Morning After and Pairings Shift 59:42 Boobs and Butts Challenge Begins 01:04:04 New Singles, New Boardroom Twist 01:12:53 Will Brie Enter the Villa? LISTEN! Subscribe to the Perfect Match RHAPUp podcast feed! WATCH! Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTube SUPPORT! Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Previously on the Love at First Sight Feed: Love at First Sight Recap Archives

Perfect Match: Season 4 Premiere Recap  Netflix's Perfect Match returns for season 4 premiere, and Aysha, Jason, and Kirsten are here to break down this new cast of reality singles stepping into the chaos. As the trio navigates through the first-night matchups, past show connections, and ever-confusing name doubles, they spotlight early alliances and the unpredictable vibe shifts shaping the season's opening. The discussion dives into the entire starting cast, with background on each contestant drawn from shows like Age of Attraction, Love Is Blind, Too Hot to Handle, Vanderpump Rules, and Temptation Island. The hosts unravel dynamics like Chris's infamous intentions for being on reality TV, the Love Is Blind glow-up journeys, and the challenges of keeping track of similar names and faces. Early chemistry tests through kissing games and first matches keep alliances loose, while contestants already maneuver for position with moves like offering designer gifts to seal a match. The group also unpacks the show's evolving rules—now with three new singles entering after the first game—setting up higher stakes and more ways for alliances (and hearts) to break. Chris's reality TV motives and questionable approach to relationships highlighted through his designer bag “strategy.” Early connections and mismatches, with Marissa staking her claim for DaMari, and Jimmy navigating first impressions post-glow-up. Contestants from various Netflix shows—including a standout from Squid Game The Challenge and a Vanderpump Rules alum, mixing entertainment backgrounds and play styles. The group debate over the value of compatibility challenges, astrology's influence on matches, and why some singles seem perpetually lost in the shuffle. Fresh dynamics set by changing rules in the boardroom, as more singles enter and the original couples are challenged right away. With new twists and the unpredictability of reality TV alchemy, will any couple find staying power on Perfect Match this season? Can playing for laughs or strategy secure a place in the next episode, or will loyalty be as fleeting as last night's match? Listen in for thoughtful recaps and behind-the-scenes tea from the worlds of Netflix reality. Plug into the full episode for a dose of show analysis, cast breakdowns, and all the messy fun from the premiere of Perfect Match season 4. 00:00 Meet the Perfect Match Hosts06:58 Starting Cast Revealed and Debated15:47 Jimmy's Dramatic Glow Up21:17 Marissa's Love is Blind Fallout25:56 DaMari's Too Hot to Handle Past32:19 Nick's Dark Energy Noticed39:12 Kissing Challenge Sparks Rivalries47:26 Designer Bag Bribes Appearing51:30 Morning After and Pairings Shift59:42 Boobs and Butts Challenge Begins01:04:04 New Singles, New Boardroom Twist01:12:53 Will Brie Enter the Villa? Previously on the Love at First Sight Feed:Love at First Sight Recap Archives   LISTEN! Subscribe to the Perfect Match RHAPUp podcast feed!WATCH! Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeSUPPORT! Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PaceCase enters the pit solo to scout the entire cast of Perfect Match and determine which players are built for domination, which influencers are all face play, and which reality TV veterans actually understand the game. From Love Is Blind chaos agents to Too Hot to Handle superstars and Temptation Island sand beasts, PaceCase analyzes Instagram strategy, parasocial gaze strength, follower counts, promo behavior, influencer archetypes, and main character energy across the entire roster.Subscribe to Game of Roses on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/gameofrosesPatreon: https://patreon.com/gameofrosesMerch: https://gameofroses.orgListen on Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/gameofrosesListen on Spotify: http://bit.ly/spotifygameofroses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we're diving into The Art of Successful Conversations—the skill that impacts everything from customer relationships to team growth. Nicci Wahl, ESL and Amy Wipf, SESL give us real insights and practical strategies on how to: 1. Build authentic relationships with customers and teammates 2. Communicate clearly and confidently (without feeling “salesy”) 3. Handle objections and turn a “no” into future opportunity 4. Create meaningful connections that lead to long-term success Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your communication, this conversation will leave you feeling more confident, equipped, and ready to connect.

Episode Overview In this episode of Expert Mentors Live, John Kitchens sits down with real estate operator and AI strategist Tony Cruz to unpack the new realities of today's market—and why the agents who adapt fastest are the ones winning right now. From shifting buyer behavior and difficult pricing conversations to AI-powered follow-up systems and voice automation, Tony breaks down the exact strategies agents need to stay relevant, scalable, and profitable in a rapidly changing industry. This conversation dives into: Why many agents are struggling in today's market The massive "skill void" happening inside real estate How AI is transforming lead conversion and follow-up Why most CRMs are silently killing opportunities The rise of Voice AI and webinar marketing How simple automations can dramatically increase conversions If you're trying to grow your business without drowning in busy work, this episode delivers practical strategies you can implement immediately. Key Topics Covered What's Actually Different About Today's Market Tony explains why today's market requires agents to become stronger communicators—not just marketers. Today's buyers and sellers are: More cautious More payment-sensitive More informed More skeptical Which means agents must stop "talking at" clients and start having more consultative conversations. "The name of the game right now is who owns the buyers." Why Agents Are Struggling According to Tony, the biggest issue isn't the market itself—it's the lack of skill development. Many agents struggle because they've never learned: Negotiation Expectation setting Lead conversion Objection handling Relationship-based communication He also points to a lack of leadership and training inside many brokerages. The Luxury Listing Strategy That Builds Trust Tony shares how he's using third-party appraisals on luxury listings to create: Credibility Realistic seller expectations Easier pricing conversations Stronger positioning Instead of telling sellers what they want to hear, he focuses on building trust through data and transparency. The Follow-Up Problem Most Agents Don't Realize They Have One of the biggest breakthroughs Tony shares is how AI exposed major flaws inside his own CRM follow-up systems. After auditing his automations using Claude AI, he realized: His messaging lacked rapport His follow-up was too generic His sequences weren't aligned with the client avatar Once rewritten, engagement and responses increased significantly. "You're not building rapport—you're talking at them." The "Did You Get My Email?" Strategy Tony reveals one of the simplest—and highest ROI—follow-up tactics agents can implement immediately. After sending an important email, send a text the next day: "Hey, did you get my email yesterday?" This simple system dramatically improves: Open rates Replies Engagement Appointment conversions Why Most Agents Waste Money on Leads Tony explains why running ads without proper systems is a recipe for failure. Before agents spend money on: Zillow Realtor.com Facebook ads Google PPC They must first fix: Their follow-up Their CRM Their automations Their conversion systems "You're pouring water into a sinking ship." Webinar Marketing: The Most Underrated Lead Source One of Tony's favorite strategies right now:

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If you're an electrician stuck doing payroll, hiring, admin, and back-office chaos this episode might be the unlock you've been missing!Because the truth is most electricians don't have a lead problem, they have a leverage problem and it's costing them time, money, and growth.In this episode, we break down:- Why most electrical business owners get stuck at $500K–$1M- The hidden “backend gap” killing your growth- How service actually becomes your best sales strategy- Why A-players won't join your company (and how to fix it)- The real cost of doing everything yourself- How to buy back your time without losing control- The system smart electricians use to scale faster

Anita guides us through a framework to help rise stronger to regain your voice to empower new possibilities after abuse. The key elements for developing emotional control. Whether from a narcissist or other emotional abuse to gain the skills or courage to face their fears so they can live a Bold Life.  Free Summit to Learn more Click this link > Life on Fire Summit April 30th -May 2nd 6-9 pm CT https://meantformore.live/lifeonfire-registration FREE GIFT: Guide:15 Steps in how to Handle a Covert Narcissist https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hiPFs8AMwkJLM-TZH5IPWyS_SrVSoUZk/view?usp=sharing https://podcast.feedspot.com/anxiety_podcasts/ https://podcast.feedspot.com/us_psychology_podcasts/ sts/  

It's Friday. My wife's been out of town for a whole week. I spent the quiet time digging into famous quotes — the kind you've heard a thousand times but never sat with. Woody Allen. Yogi Berra. Will Rogers. Thomas Edison. The old voices still hit if you sit with them for a minute. Today, I ran seven of their best lines through Scott Logic. You'll leave with a simple way to show up, move when you're stuck, and stop rehearsing the life you're supposed to be living. Press play. Bring coffee. Featured Story My wife has scales everywhere. Kitchen scales. Bathroom scale. She weighs her food like a chemist measuring compounds. Twice a week, she hands me a perfectly measured bowl of ice cream. Four ounces, maybe five. It's good stuff. This week she's out of town. I found the half-gallon in the freezer and went to work. Night one. Night two. Night three. Somewhere around night three, I gave myself too much and realized exactly why she measures. Now I have a problem. Do I eat the rest and pretend it was never there? Do I buy a replacement and slide it onto the shelf? I'll tell you what I'm going to do. Important Points Your competition is mostly imaginary. Most never started or already quit, so showing up 70% puts you ahead of the pack. A wrong turn can always be fixed. Standing frozen at the intersection is where life actually runs you over for good. Figure out what you do naturally, without anyone pushing you, and you'll find the thing you should be doing for real. Memorable Quotes The competition is mostly imaginary. Half never started, the other half quit. Show up and the math takes care of itself. A wrong turn, you can fix. Standing at the intersection, you get honked at and hit by a truck. Life runs you over. Failure is just data. If you pay attention and collect enough of it, you accidentally become an expert in the room. Scott's Three-Step Approach Show up and pick a direction. Most of your competition never started or already quit, so being there puts you ahead. Keep moving when you stumble. Each mistake is just data that stacks until you accidentally become an expert in the room. Handle the unfinished business tonight. Don't let it fester until morning, or it will wear you out by tomorrow. Chapters 0:02 - Wife out of town, and the neighbors keep checking on me 0:41 - Half a gallon of ice cream becomes a real dilemma 3:18 - Why Woody Allen was right about showing up 80% 5:07 - Yogi Berra's fork in the road and how to pick 7:54 - Thomas Edison and 10,000 ways that don't work 9:35 - Why going to bed mad wears you out tomorrow 12:22 - Mae West's truth about living once, done right Connect With Me Search for the Daily Boost on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify If you enjoy the Daily Boost, you might like Notes From Scott. A few mornings each week, I send a short note with something I've been thinking about or noticing lately. Sometimes those ideas turn into podcast episodes later. You can sign up at https://notesfromscott.com. Email: support@motivationtomove.com Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/dailyboostpodcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyscottsmith Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/motivationtomove Facebook Group: https://dailyboostpodcast.com/facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo works with Dan Wentzel through one of the most real and raw moments of the journey so far. After months of working on a small wholesale deal, Dan finds himself stuck, frustrated, and mentally drained—unsure whether the deal is even worth pursuing anymore.   What makes this episode powerful isn't just the deal itself—it's the internal battle that comes with it. The uncertainty. The sunk cost. The time, energy, and money already invested. And the pressure to "make it work" simply because you've come this far.   Alex steps in to simplify everything. Instead of overanalyzing or trying to fix the situation, the focus shifts to one thing: making a decision. Move forward with clarity—or cut bait and redirect your energy toward better opportunities.   The conversation also highlights a critical lesson for every investor: not every deal is worth saving. Sometimes the biggest win is protecting your time, your confidence, and your ability to move on.   This episode is a turning point—where indecision gets replaced with action, and frustration gets replaced with clarity.   You'll Learn How To: Recognize when a deal is no longer worth your time and energy Avoid the sunk cost trap when evaluating opportunities Take back control of deals instead of waiting passively Have direct conversations with sellers to force clarity Handle uncomfortable conversations with attorneys and partners Make faster decisions that protect your momentum and confidence   What You'll Learn in This Episode:   [0:52] The reality of frustration and feeling stuck in a deal [2:15] Why documenting the hard moments matters just as much as wins [4:01] Status update: contract sent, waiting on seller response [6:11] Why waiting without clarity creates more anxiety [8:36] The real issue: lack of control and passive communication [10:05] Avoiding uncomfortable conversations with the attorney [12:08] Why this deal has dragged on for months [14:28] The sunk cost trap and how it clouds decision-making [17:09] Taking ownership instead of blaming external factors [20:07] Why small deals shouldn't consume massive time and energy [22:23] The "fork in the road" moment—move forward or walk away [24:59] How opportunity cost can be bigger than the deal itself [26:13] The importance of decisive action vs overthinking [29:10] Why chasing deals puts you in a weak position [30:26] The next step: call the seller and force clarity [31:52] Setting up the next move and regaining control   Who This Episode Is For: Investors stuck in deals that are dragging on too long Listeners struggling with indecision and overthinking Anyone dealing with frustration, delays, or unclear next steps Entrepreneurs caught in the sunk cost trap People who need to make a hard decision and move forward   Why You Should Listen:   Every investor eventually faces a deal that drags on longer than it should.   The difference is whether you stay stuck—or step up and take control.   This episode shows how to recognize when a deal is no longer serving you, how to cut through the noise, and how to make decisions that protect your time, energy, and momentum.   If you've ever felt stuck in a situation you can't seem to move forward from, this conversation will help you break out of it and take your next step with confidence.   Follow Alex Pardo here: Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/   ⸻   Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

In this episode of Storage Wins, Alex Pardo works directly with Dan Wentzel to break down the step-by-step process of wholesaling a self-storage facility. After spending months trying to get a small deal under contract, Dan finds himself stuck in the details—overthinking contracts, working with the wrong professionals, and letting fear slow down progress.   Alex pulls back the curtain on what should actually happen once you agree on a price with a seller. From choosing the right title company to structuring attorney relationships, handling earnest money, and managing communication between all parties, this episode simplifies what often feels like a complicated and overwhelming process.   More importantly, this conversation highlights a key lesson every investor must learn: the deal doesn't fall apart because of complexity—it falls apart because of hesitation, overthinking, and lack of clarity. By the end of the episode, Dan walks away with a clear plan of action and a much simpler framework to move forward.   You'll Learn How To: Navigate the wholesaling process from agreement to closing with clarity Avoid costly mistakes when working with attorneys and title companies Structure attorney relationships using flat fees instead of hourly billing Identify and choose investor-friendly escrow agents or title companies Handle earnest money deposits and protect yourself in the process Stay in control of the deal as the "connective tissue" between all parties   ⸻   What You'll Learn in This Episode:   [1:12] The problem: getting stuck after agreeing on a deal [3:46] Why this deal took 2–3 months to get under contract [5:16] How fear and overthinking slowed down progress [7:04] Why you should never pay attorneys hourly for simple deals [9:23] How to find investor-friendly title companies and escrow agents [10:44] Using your network to source the right professionals [11:17] Building a database of title companies across multiple states [12:21] Why settlement fees are paid at closing—not upfront [14:24] What a typical settlement fee looks like ($500–$1,000 range) [15:57] How to position yourself for long-term relationships with vendors [17:29] Why thinking relationally beats thinking transactionally [18:27] Typical flat fees for contract review and what to expect [20:37] How attorneys can accidentally kill deals with over-lawyering [21:50] Why simple deals should stay simple [23:29] The importance of asking for help earlier in the process [25:09] How to structure earnest money deposits (EMD) properly [26:49] Avoiding wire fraud by verifying instructions [29:18] When (and when not) to pay attorneys upfront [31:27] Disclosure and legality considerations when wholesaling [33:47] What happens after you choose a title company [35:05] How to position yourself honestly as a wholesaler [36:36] Finding photographers or boots-on-the-ground help for marketing [40:25] Why your job isn't done after finding a buyer [41:27] Becoming the transaction coordinator to ensure closing   Who This Episode Is For: Investors trying to wholesale their first self-storage deal Listeners confused about the process after getting a deal agreed upon Anyone overwhelmed by contracts, attorneys, and timelines Entrepreneurs who tend to overthink and delay action People who want a clear, simple path to closing deals   ⸻   Why You Should Listen:   Most investors don't get stuck because the process is hard—they get stuck because it's unclear.   This episode simplifies the entire wholesaling process and gives you a clear roadmap for what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. From working with the right professionals to managing communication and staying in control of the deal, this conversation removes the confusion and replaces it with confidence.   If you've ever felt stuck after getting a deal in motion, this episode will help you move forward faster—and with far less friction.   Follow Alex Pardo here: Alex Pardo Website: https://alexpardo.com/ Alex Pardo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexpardo15 Alex Pardo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexpardo25 Alex Pardo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexPardo Storage Wins Website: https://storagewins.com/   ⸻   Have conversations with at least three storage owners, brokers, private lenders, or equity partners inside the Storage Wins Facebook Group. Join for free here:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/322064908446514/

Tiffany confessed her online affair with another woman to her husband. His reaction might surprise you, but not as much as his reaction when they realize she was catfished.  How the triad navigates this tricky situation is Tiffany's secret. DRIP DROP Get 20% off your first order: dripdrop.com and use promo code secret. HOME CHEF For a limited time, get 50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life!  HomeChef.com/SECRET.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. HOME SERVE Go to HomeServe.com to find the plan that's right for you. Not available everywhere. Most plans range between $4.99 to $11.99 a month your first year. Terms apply on covered repairs. MINT MOBILE Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/SECRET NUTRAFOL Get $10 off your first month's subscription + free shipping at Nutrafol.com when you use promo code secretroom. SHOPIFY Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/secretroom. PICTURES See Tiffany, her husband and the avatar Alex made for her. They are waiting for you on Threads, Facebook, Instagram and X.  Handle: @secretroompod. YOUTUBE You can listen to The Secret Room now on YouTube! THE SECRET ROOM | UNLOCKED Margot joins Susie to reveal a secret battle she fought against herself and her relationship with food.  It became a balance of obsession over eating too much or not enough. One day, she lost control and begged for help. It was the last chance to save herself. Host: Susie Lark. The Secret Room | Unlocked is yours when you support your favorite indie podcast that could with a membership at patreon.com/secretroom, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. There's a free trial! FACEBOOK DISCUSSION GROUPThere's even more fun at The Secret Room Podcast Facebook Discussion Page!  Just ask to join, all are welcome. :) YOUR SECRET  Click "Share a Secret" at secretroompod.com! PODCAST TEAM Producer: Susie Lark. Story Development: Luna Patel. Music and Theme: Breakmaster Cylinder. LISTENER SURVEY Take our Listener Survey at SecretRoomPod.com!  

Hollie was devastated when she discovered that the person who meant the most to her had silently ruined her credit. But her secret is two fold.  The second secret is how she responded, and she's not sure the audience will agree with her choice.  DRIP DROP Get 20% off your first order: dripdrop.com and use promo code secret. HERS Thank you, HERS!  forhers.com/SECRET for your personalized, affordable care that gets you. That's F-O-R-H-E-R-S dot com slash secret. forhers.com slash secret. Based on advertised cash price for 30-day supply of medication only. Membership required, fee not included, and billed separately. Weight Loss by Hers is not available in all 50 states. Wegovy® is the registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. To get started and learn more, including important safety information, Wegovy® clinical study information, and restrictions, visit forhers.com HOME CHEF For a limited time, get 50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life!  HomeChef.com/SECRET.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert. MINT MOBILE Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/SECRET PICTURES See Hollie and her mom.  Also Hollie's wedding gown that her mom made; and the little house she grew up in. They are waiting for you on Threads, Facebook, Instagram and X.  Handle: @secretroompod. YOUTUBE You can listen to The Secret Room now on YouTube! THE SECRET ROOM | UNLOCKED Hollie is back in one week on the The Secret Room | Unlocked. She talks more in depth about the ups and downs with her mom over the years and how they almost stopped talking over political differences. Hollie also shares more about when Hurricane Katrina hit her home town. We'll find out the shocking way she got together with her husband. Host: Susie Lark. The Secret Room | Unlocked is yours when you support your favorite indie podcast that could with a membership at patreon.com/secretroom, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. There's a free trial! ALL OUR SPONSORS See all our sponsors past and present, and their offers, many of which are still valid: secretroompodcast.com/codes  FACEBOOK DISCUSSION GROUPThere's even more fun at The Secret Room Podcast Facebook Discussion Page!  Just ask to join, all are welcome. :) YOUR SECRET  Click "Share a Secret" at secretroompod.com! PODCAST TEAM Producer: Susie Lark. Story Development: Luna Patel. Music and Theme: Breakmaster Cylinder. LISTENER SURVEY Take our Listener Survey at SecretRoomPod.com!

Join us today from Rio de Janeiro, as David, Jason and Natalie welcome their friend Georgia Hassarati ("Too Hot to Handle") to discuss dating in New York City, faking your way on to a reality show and boyfriends that are too controlling And we check in with David's assistant John who traveled through the city of Rio trying to find .the one subway that was open. And a little later, we discuss JFK JR. in the 90's in New York, the CIA's Remote Viewing operation and looking up a married man. Georgia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgiahassarati/?hl=en Check out Jason's latest podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2e46dbTKt4yU7p4sDStGFm?si=GyoBzY0uQYSrarseUS9z2w Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices