Podcasts about higher standards

Five years, 345 episodes and one painfully empty chair later, THS enters its next era. Chris is back behind the mic with Rajeil riding shotgun, a laptop full of charts and a thesis Wall Street is not going to enjoy: the next recession may not begin with housing or the Fed—it may begin when America's trillion-dollar AI buildout collides with cheaper, open-weight Chinese models. From market corrections and oil shocks to data-center tax breaks, Enron-style debt structures, exploding token costs, Kimi K3 and an unreleased AI agent that reportedly escaped containment, this episode asks whether the technology holding up the market could also be the thing that breaks it. Same Higher Standard, fewer people playing footsie under the table.

After five years, 345 episodes, countless laughs, arguments, predictions, detours and unforgettable moments, this episode marks the end of an era for The Higher Standard. Saied is stepping away from the show to begin an important new chapter in his life, and while we are incredibly proud of him, there is no pretending this is not a painful and deeply emotional moment. THS was never just a podcast… it was a friendship, a partnership and a community built one conversation at a time. To every listener who welcomed Saied into their week, supported the show and grew alongside us, thank you. This is not goodbye. It is simply “I'll see you later.” We love you brother, and The Higher Standard will always be your home.

If we want to raise our standard, the first step we need to take is to start making choices that match our identity. Motivation and emotion are temporary, while identity is permanent and shapes our decisions and actions. Every decision is a vote for the person you are becoming.ShopifyUpgrade your business with a $1/month trial of Shopify. Head to shopify.com/levelup today.Purchase my new book, Level Up Your Leadership--Links & resources:To follow more info about the podcast@levelup.debbienealCheck out my personal instagram account@debbie_neal

Maggie Presley from GTI joins the Budeez in the studio for one of our most laid-back and hilarious episodes yet! As GTI's Sales Director in Las Vegas, Maggie brings a table full of goodies from RYTHM, Dogwalkers, and incredibles, giving us the inside scoop on what goes into creating quality cannabis products and why these brands have earned such a loyal following.Of course, it wouldn't be a Stoner Budeez episode without plenty of laughs. Along the way, we swap some unforgettable cannabis stories, share behind-the-scenes industry experiences, and dive into the kind of conversations that only happen when good people, good products, and good vibes come together.So roll one up, get comfortable, and join Brian, Bean, Gary, and Maggie for an episode packed with cannabis knowledge, comedy, and classic Stoner Budeez chaos. Keep it rollin'!

Kevin Warsh says AI is about to make everything cheaper, which sounds incredible until you remember corporations have never met a cost savings they could not quietly turn into margin. In Episode 344, Chris and Saied break down the Fed's shiny new task forces, the strange cast of academics, CEOs, and venture capitalists chosen to “modernize” monetary policy, and the growing fear that Washington is not fixing the inflation data so much as shopping for a model that produces a friendlier answer. From Costco getting punished for merely being excellent, to Tinder trying to manufacture growth in a country that no longer goes out, to grocery prices outrunning wages while consumer credit keeps climbing, this episode asks the question nobody at the Fed seems eager to answer: if AI creates a productivity boom but prices never come down, who exactly is the boom for?

Alex Karp went on CNBC to talk about Palantir's new Nvidia initiative, but what came out was much bigger than a partnership announcement. In this episode, Chris and Saied break down what Palantir actually does, why Gotham, Foundry, Apollo, and AIP matter, and why Karp believes the next phase of AI is not consumer chatbots — it is controlled, sovereign, mission-critical AI inside governments, militaries, banks, hospitals, factories, and critical infrastructure. The conversation becomes a larger debate over whether AI labs like OpenAI and Anthropic have oversold the dream, whether enterprises are wasting money on token economics, and whether corporate America fears its proprietary data, IP, and “alpha” are being absorbed by model providers. This is not just a Palantir episode. It is a conversation about who controls the future of AI: private labs, public governments, or the companies building the operating layer between them.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris, Saied, and Rajeil break down how America's housing affordability crisis got dragged into political theater. A bipartisan housing bill meant to address supply, zoning, institutional buyers, and long-term affordability suddenly became leverage in a fight over election legislation... but the real problem runs much deeper than Washington's latest circus. Mortgage rates are still too high, home prices are still out of reach, wages have not kept up, and millions of Americans are being priced out before they ever get a chance to save for a down payment. The guys unpack why “more supply” alone will not fix housing, why lower rates may help buyers but protect current homeowners, and why the affordability crisis is becoming one of the biggest economic and political battles in America.

Building on the Glass Cliff discussion between Sophie Williams and Emma Sangeelee at last week's 7th Annual IFSEA Conference Welcome Drinks Reception - and the Glass Cliff evening event earlier this year, kindly hosted by Mishcon de Reya - this podcast explores the concept in more depth. Drawing on research, lived experience and practical insight, the discussion unpacks how and why underrepresented leaders can find themselves stepping into the most challenging leadership roles - and what can be done to change that trajectory. Once again, Emma Sangeelee (Partner, CM Murray LLP) is joined by Sophie Williams (Author of The Glass Cliff and former global executive at Netflix), Jennifer Millins (Partner, Mishcon de Reya LLP) and Kevin Hogarth (Partner, PSFI LLP and Board Adviser, Executive Coach and NED) to discuss: - What the glass cliff is - and how societal and often unconscious discrimination shapes leadership outcomes - Why underrepresented leaders are more likely to be appointed into roles during periods of organisational crisis - The structural and cultural dynamics behind these appointments, including unequal access to progression, sponsorship and high-profile opportunities - How unconscious bias shapes decision-making - from “think manager, think male” to “think crisis, think female” - The risks for individuals, including scrutiny, limited support and the potential for disproportionate blame when things go wrong - Practical signs to look out for when considering a senior role - and how to assess whether the conditions for success are really in place - The role of sponsorship, organisational support and active leadership in improving outcomes - How the concept can be used in a legal context to identify and evidence patterns of unfair treatment Watch the video below or listen here. The podcast offers a thought-provoking look at a dynamic that continues to play out across organisations and, importantly, where advisers and leaders can intervene to drive better, fairer outcomes. Special thanks to Melissa Davis (CEO, MD Communications) who was unable to join the podcast, but took part in the Glass Cliff IFSEA evening event earlier this year. If you would like to discuss the Glass Cliff further, or if you have any questions arising from this discussion, please contact Emma Sangeelee, Sophie Williams, Jennifer Millins or Kevin Hogarth. Sophie Williams's book, The Glass Cliff, is available for purchase on Amazon and in other bookshops.

America doesn't tax wealth. It taxes people who need paychecks. In this episode, we break down Ray Madoff's The Second Estate and the playbook behind America's new aristocracy: buy, borrow, die. Billionaires can borrow against appreciated stock, avoid selling assets, donate shares for tax benefits, use trusts to move wealth, and die with a stepped-up basis that can erase decades of capital gains. From Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk paying zero federal income tax in certain years, to Peter Thiel turning a $2,000 Roth IRA into a $5 billion tax-free account, this isn't tax evasion. It's the system working as designed. The deeper problem: untaxed dynastic wealth doesn't just buy yachts. It buys media, think tanks, policy influence, and power.

In this episode of I Love Being Sober, recorded live at Camelback Recovery's outpatient treatment center in Scottsdale, Arizona, host Tim Westbrook sits down with Michael Bernoff — founder of the Human Communications Institute, developer of Human Interaction Technology™, and author of Average Sucks. Michael has been alcohol-free since New Year's Eve 2016, not because he hit a rock bottom, but because he made a clear-eyed decision: there was nothing good about drinking, and he refused to be an influence that pulled anyone else toward it. This conversation goes deep into the psychology of language and identity in recovery. Michael breaks down why the words 'sober' and 'addict' can quietly keep people stuck, why 'learning to live differently' is a more powerful frame than 'getting sober,' and what it actually means to raise your average when you've been running on empty. The live audience at Camelback Recovery joins in with real questions — and Michael works through them in real time, demonstrating exactly the kind of powerful, in-the-moment coaching that has impacted hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Topics covered: the decision to stop drinking, language and identity in recovery, Human Interaction Technology, raising your average, the word 'addict' and why it may be working against you, learning to live differently, self-image, communication strategies, CORE Live event, and what it means to become an example for someone else. If you're in recovery or considering treatment in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area — or anywhere in the country — this episode will challenge the way you think about sobriety and give you practical tools you can use today. #ILoveBeingSober #CamelbackRecovery #MichaelBernoff #AverageSucks #SobrietyPodcast #RecoveryPhoenix #RecoveryScottsdale #ArizonaRecovery #LiveDifferently #HumanInteractionTechnology #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #LanguageMatters #IdentityInRecovery #PersonalDevelopment #OutpatientTreatment #CORElive

In this episode of I Love Being Sober, recorded live at Camelback Recovery's outpatient treatment center in Scottsdale, Arizona, host Tim Westbrook sits down with Michael Bernoff — founder of the Human Communication Institute, developer of Human Interaction Technology™, and author of Average Sucks. Michael has been alcohol-free since New Year's Eve 2016, not because he hit a rock bottom, but because he made a clear-eyed decision: there was nothing good about drinking, and he refused to be an influence that pulled anyone else toward it.This conversation goes deep into the psychology of language and identity in recovery. Michael breaks down why the words ‘sober' and ‘addict' can quietly keep people stuck, why ‘learning to live differently' is a more powerful frame than ‘getting sober,' and what it actually means to raise your average when you've been running on empty. The live audience at Camelback Recovery joins in with real questions — and Michael works through them in real time, demonstrating exactly the kind of powerful, in-the-moment coaching that has impacted hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.Topics covered: the decision to stop drinking, language and identity in recovery, Human Interaction Technology, raising your average, the word ‘addict' and why it may be working against you, learning to live differently, self-image, communication strategies, CORE Live event, and what it means to become an example for someone else.If you're in recovery or considering treatment in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area — or anywhere in the country — this episode will challenge the way you think about sobriety and give you practical tools you can use today.#ILoveBeingSober #CamelbackRecovery #MichaelBernoff #AverageSucks #SobrietyPodcast #RecoveryPhoenix #RecoveryScottsdale #ArizonaRecovery #LiveDifferently #HumanInteractionTechnology #AddictionRecovery #SoberLife #LanguageMatters #IdentityInRecovery #PersonalDevelopment #OutpatientTreatment #CORELive

Inflation is back at 4.2%, the Fed is suddenly looking less “patient” and more “are we doing this again?," mortgage rates are flirting with the wrong side of uncomfortable, and the bond market is basically standing in the corner whispering, “I told you so.” In this episode, Chris, Saied and Rajeil break down the latest CPI print, why 7% mortgage rates may not be off the table, how today's inflation setup is starting to rhyme a little too hard with the 1970s, and why the market is still partying like AI, SpaceX, and IPO hype can solve every macro problem. Spoiler: they cannot. Also, somehow, we get from Fed policy to stolen oil tankers, WWE nostalgia, ear holes, and anonymous bags of dicks. Welcome back to The Higher Standard.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode: Christi Powell and Angela Gardner interview Kate Birds, owner of Iron Lady & Co., and a heavy civil/industrial operator, recently promoted to superintendent after previously doubting her leadership and trying to demote herself. She describes a “rebirth” of accepting her place in the industry and her femininity, and explains how Iron Lady & Co. grew from punny clothing into sponsoring women-focused events, including SheGrooms, a hands-on camp in the ski industry that expanded into lift maintenance, snowmaking, welding, and heavy equipment exposure. Kate discusses leadership dynamics on job sites, earning respect through competence, consistency, and direct communication, and navigating setbacks by seeking feedback, recognizing unhealthy work environments, and rebuilding. Supported by: NPKSupport the show

Thursday 6/11/26

Wednesday 6/10/26

The economy is not crashing. It is freezing. In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied break down the Fed's Beige Book, a bifurcated consumer, sticky inflation, margin-squeezed businesses, and a labor market that has become low-hire, low-fire. Then the conversation turns to the real insanity: Treasury buybacks, Bitcoin liquidations, Ethereum weakness, gold replacing U.S. Treasuries as the world's top reserve asset, and SpaceX preparing for a historic IPO at a $1.77 trillion valuation. The question is simple: are we watching the next great technological leap forward, or the biggest liquidity-driven rug pull of all time?

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied dive headfirst into the wildest S-1 filing Wall Street may have ever seen: SpaceX, Starlink, XAI, Mars colonies, asteroid mining, lunar economies, data centers in space, and Elon Musk casually trying to justify a $28.5 trillion total addressable market like he's ordering lunch. The guys break down whether this is a visionary master plan to make humanity multi-planetary or a beautifully packaged liquidity event with rockets, buzzwords, and enough “AI” mentions to make Nvidia blush. From the insane valuation math to the XAI gamble, the class structure, the retail investor risk, and the very real question of whether investors are buying a business or a sci-fi trilogy, this episode is classic THS: smart finance, sharp skepticism, and just enough chaos to make the moon feel underwritten.

Most universities facing enrollment challenges have responded the same way: lower the bar and hope the numbers improve. Dr. Bill Hardgrave chose a different path.As President of the University of Memphis, Hardgrave made a controversial decision to significantly raise admissions standards, knowing it would come with short-term pain. In year one, freshman enrollment dropped 25%. Headlines followed, and critics questioned the move. But Hardgrave believed stronger outcomes mattered more than larger numbers.Now, the university is seeing quality rise, enrollment rebound and a bold vision begin to take shape.In this episode of Driven By, Sam sits down with Dr. Hardgrave to discuss the future of higher education, leadership in difficult moments and what it means to make decisions with the long game in mind. They also dive into Hardgrave's own story from growing up in rural Arkansas as a first-generation high school graduate to leading one of Memphis' most important institutions.In this episode you'll learn:• Why higher education is approaching an “enrollment cliff” • The “bathtub effect” and making unpopular decisions • How the University of Memphis doubled annual fundraising in one year • Why athletics matter beyond the field or court • Leadership lessons from hard choices and long-term thinking • Why education remains one of the strongest drivers of opportunityThis conversation is about much more than higher education. It's about leadership, vision and having the discipline to make hard decisions when the easy path is right in front of you.

AI is no longer just helping you write emails or clean up spreadsheets; it is watching, learning and preparing to do the job itself. In this episode, Chris and Saied break down Zuckerberg's stunning explanation of employee-trained AI, the corporate obsession with cutting headcount in the name of “efficiency,” Elon Musk's robot economy and the trillions in wages suddenly sitting in the crosshairs. Add a labor market nobody fully trusts and a bond market flashing warnings, and one question remains: when productivity explodes, who still gets a paycheck?

What if the life you were always meant to live was hiding inside the one you were already living? In episode 262 of Joy Found Here, Katie DeBonville — writer, musician, and first-time memoirist at 53 — shares how a pandemic-era MFA, a lifelong love of music, and the quiet courage to finally call herself a writer converged into her debut memoir, Grace Notes: A Musical Memoir. For Katie, the story wasn't about starting over — it was about finally letting every part of herself show up on the page at once.In This Episode, You Will Learn:(04:54) How a blank book from her dad sparked a lifelong love of writing — and why flute nearly won(07:17) The crisis of confidence that redirected Katie from music to arts fundraising(10:01) Why the pandemic and a low-residency MFA at Lesley University changed everything(11:28) The friend's book launch that led her to Sibylline Press — and an acceptance email in three days(12:27) Getting the life-changing news on a bus in Scotland(14:33) The three mentors who transformed a seven-page draft into a full memoir chapter(24:38) Why she resisted the "memoir" label — and what finally made her embrace it(36:50) Why the world's shrinking expectations became her greatest creative freedomKatie DeBonville is a writer, musician, and arts fundraising professional whose debut memoir, Grace Notes: A Musical Memoir, is published by Sibylline Press — a house dedicated to women 50 and over. A lifelong flutist who once dreamed of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, she spent 30 years in arts development before the pandemic gave her the push she needed to pursue her MFA in creative writing at Lesley University, where her thesis became the memoir she was always meant to write.In this episode, Katie DeBonville shares the winding road from childhood writer and aspiring musician to first-time published memoirist at 53 — a journey shaped by crises of confidence, a pandemic-era MFA, and mentors who refused to let her call a seven-page draft "done." She opens up about the writing community she found at Lesley, her composer grandfather whose work appears on a Nina Simone record, and why it took another woman calling her a writer before she could claim the title herself. She also drops a line Stephanie immediately flagged for a mug: "The world has fewer expectations of me, so I can have more expectations of myself."Connect with Katie DeBonville:FacebookInstagramLinkedInSubstackBook: Katie DeBonville - Grace NotesLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Higher Standard, we break down hotter inflation, Warsh's awkward Fed handoff, housing cracks, rising delinquencies, and why “resilient economy” may be the new “transitory.” Then we get into the big one: AI may be destroying the moat that terminal valuations are built on. If innovation moves so fast that no company can confidently project cash flows five to ten years out, venture capital math starts looking less like investing and more like praying with a spreadsheet. Also, apologies in advance: we had to silence the Big Boi interview with Kid Cudi due to a copyright restriction, which is tragic because Big Boi talking Pokémon deserved its own emergency Fed meeting.

This week on The Higher Standard, Rajeil was out, Slim was “furloughed,” and Chris and Saied accidentally stumbled into one of the biggest questions nobody in Washington wants to answer: what happens when the government is funded by workers, but the future is built to need fewer of them? Using Chamath's Joe Rogan appearance as the spark, the guys break down why W-2 income gets treated like an ATM for the federal government while corporations, capital gains, lobbyists, and the ownership class keep playing by a very different rulebook. From AI replacing entry-level white-collar jobs to corporate profits hitting record levels, from broken trust in government spending to the disappearing middle class, this episode connects the dots between taxes, labor, capital, AI, and the uncomfortable reality that the “system” may not be broken at all — it may be working exactly as designed. As always, THS brings the data, the sarcasm, the side quests, and just enough moral outrage to make you want to start a business before your paycheck gets taxed into a hostage situation.

Send us Fan MailThis episode of Sirens, Slammers and Service goes straight into the intensity of critical care with Brittany Foy—a STARS Air Ambulance flight nurse and Pediatric ICU pro from the Stollery Children's Hospital.

In Episode 334 of The Higher Standard, Chris and Saied give Jerome “Transitory” Powell the only farewell THS knows how: part tribute, part roast, part macro autopsy. From his final FOMC press conference and the fight over Fed independence to inflation, oil shocks, AI job losses, recession-level consumer pain, credit card delinquencies, and an overcooked stock market, this episode breaks down why the economy feels broken even while the suits keep calling it “resilient.” Powell may be leaving the mic, but the money printer's legacy is still sitting on America's balance sheet.

Most people spend their lives chasing the wrong things: money, status, validation, and the approval of others. But what if there was a better way?   In this episode, we pull back the curtain on our exciting rebrand and introduce The Higher Standard Series, a podcast dedicated to helping you be more purpose driven and invite God into every area of your life, make Him your true business partner, and build a life of real meaning and purpose.   3 Key Takeaways: This is not about becoming more religious, it's about becoming more aligned. Aligned with your purpose, your values, and who God created you to be. Real success is deeply meaningful, not just financially impressive. Learn how to build serious income and impact without selling your soul to do it. Life is dynamic. You can pivot, grow, heal, and raise your standards but it starts with refusing to settle for less than what you were made for.   Make sure your notepad is ready. This one hits differently.   Keep taking action, pursuing personal excellence, and impacting lives!   In This Episode, We Discuss: The Vision Behind The Higher Standard Series The Higher Standard is about inviting God into every area of life and business and learning how to make Him your true business partner. This series will cover how to build income and impact without compromise, include God in your decisions and leadership, walk away from the flesh-driven side of entrepreneurship pride, greed, comparison, and selfish ambition and discover, develop, and deploy your God-given gifts and potential.   What Does It Mean To Live A Higher Standard & Dynamic Lifestyle? It means refusing to settle. Choosing not to live complacent, comfortable, or mediocre. It means being a giver, choosing growth over comfort, taking full ownership of your life, and building a life and business aligned with your values. Because life is not static you can pivot, adapt, grow, reinvent yourself, and dream bigger.   The 5 Pillars of Living a Higher Standard & Dynamic Lifestyle: Faith: Your relationship with God, your values, and the foundation that guides every area of your life. Love: Your marriage, family, friendships, and the people who matter most. Health (Temple): Your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Wealth (Treasure): Financial freedom, stewardship, and the ability to provide and make an impact. Happiness (Fruit of the Spirit & Talents): Living with joy, gratitude, peace, passion, and doing work and life you genuinely love.   Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisandericmartinez/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Dynamicduotraining Website: https://www.liveadynamiclifestyle.com/     Attention Nutrition & Fitness Coaches: "Join our Free Dynamic Fit Pros Community Skool Group Where we help you Discover, Develop, & Deploy your skills, gifts, and greatness to help others."  See HERE   Attention Nutrition & Fitness Coaches: "Enrollment is Open for our Accelerator Mentorship to build a 6-Figure Online Fitness Coaching Business"  See HERE   "We are here to help you Live A Higher Standard & A Dynamic Lifestyle!"     See the full Show Notes to this episode here: https://www.liveadynamiclifestyle.com/podcast/the-higher-standard-5-shifts-to-stop-settling-start-living-with-real-purpose/

Chris, Saied and Rajeil dive headfirst into the weirdest corner of the modern economy, where the next Fed chair sounds like a political hostage negotiation, AI is either the greatest productivity boom in history or the most expensive layoff machine ever built, private credit is quietly turning banks into shadow-bank Uber drivers, and crypto keeps pretending it's financial freedom while throwing money at Washington. From Kevin Warsh and Fed independence to AI hype, corporate cost-cutting, Bitcoin mythology, Epstein-adjacent crypto lore, and the political machine behind digital assets, this episode asks the question nobody in power wants to answer: are we innovating our way into the future, or just putting better software on the same old greed machine?

Jason is joined by Tracy Perlman for her weekly visit where they talk everything from the Wild's game 1 tonight, to the controversy swirling around a football coach and a reporter, to how often should you wash your pants?

The fellowship of the Traveling Turtle Tavern must pay their way onto Leprechaun Island, and contend with the strange cast of characters that call it home. --- Escape the Dungeon is now available to watch as video on YouTube, at youtube.com/@EscapeTheDungeonPod

This week on The Higher Standard, Chris, Saied and Rajeel do what the internet refuses to do: have a real conversation without immediately joining a cult. From political tribalism and social media brain rot to stagflation, AI pivots and the absolute insanity of a dead shoe company becoming an “AI infrastructure” play, this episode is a masterclass in spotting the hustle before it spots you. Along the way, the guys unpack why everything feels fake, why people feel stuck, and why modern life somehow includes paying for attention, hype and digital nonsense dressed up as opportunity. Equal parts sharp, funny and slightly unhinged, this one has a little bit of everything.

Higher standards drive your wealth mindset more than affirmations, and in this episode of The Manifested Podcast, KCB shows how upgrading your identity, energy, and daily choices unlocks true abundance and manifestation.   Your expansion starts here: https://hubs.ly/Q03NXHlV0 I built a $50M business and you can too → https://kathleencameronofficial.com/liveevent Manifest your first MILLION now → https://kathleencameronofficial.com/millionaire/     Subscribe To The Manifested Podcast With Kathleen Cameron: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With The Kathleen Cameron: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Youtube | TikTok | Kathleencameronofficial.com   Unlock Your Dreams with House of ManifestationA community where you take control of your destiny, manifest your desires, and create a life filled with abundance and purpose? Look no further than the House of Manifestation, where your transformation begins: https://houseofmanifestation.com/ About Kathleen Cameron: Kathleen Cameron, Chief Wealth Creator, 8-figure entrepreneur, and record-breaking author. In just 2 years, she built a 10 Million dollar business and continues to share her knowledge and expertise with all of whom she connects with.    With her determination, unwavering faith, and powers of manifestation, she has helped over 100,000 people attract more love, money, and success into their lives. Her innovative approaches to Manifestation and utilizing the Laws of Attraction have led to the creation of one of the top global success networks, Diamond Academy Coaching, thousands of students have been able to experience quantum growth. The force behind her magnetic field has catapulted many students into a life beyond their wildest dreams and she is just getting started. Kathleen helps others step into their true potential and become the best version of themselves with their goals met. Kathleen graduated with two undergraduate degrees from the University of Windsor and the University of Toronto with a master's degree in nursing leadership. Her book, "Becoming The One", published by Hasmark Publishing, launched in August 2021 became an International Best Seller in five countries on the first day.    This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: Simplified Impact

Episode 331 is classic The Higher Standard chaos with a purpose: Chris, Saied and Rajeil take a world that feels like it is being held together by ceasefire headlines, oil volatility and pure market delusion, then translate it into plain English for the people actually paying the price. They unpack the Fed getting boxed in by sticky inflation, war driven energy shocks and a market still partying like rate cuts are around the corner, while housing stays brutally unaffordable and AI quietly starts showing up in real job losses. It is equal parts macro reality check and group chat energy, with enough jokes, side quests and liquid natural gas immaturity to make the medicine go down easy.

In this solo episode, Alissa explores the difference between people who tell you what you want to hear and the ones who love you enough to tell you the truth. Because validation feels good, but it can also keep you stuck.Alissa makes the case for honest, loving challenge as one of the most underrated forms of care, and reflects on what changes when you finally have people in your corner who won't let you stay small.In this episode, you'll learn:Why saying what someone wants to hear isn't kindness. It's just comfort in disguise.How a blunt comment from her husband stung, landed, and lit a fire that changed everything.Relating to your struggle and helping you actually move through it are two very different things.What it looks like to hold space AND hold people to a higher standard at the same time.The relationship audit: do you actually have people in your life who will lovingly call you out?Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!Join the Not Too Sensitive Club

In this heavy but incredibly important episode, we are joined by Will Martin of Gateway Church. Will shares the raw reality of navigating one of the most publicized church crises in recent history. We discuss the immediate emotional toll on the production team, how to lead volunteers through the shock, and the harsh realities of staff turnover and attendance drops following a major scandal.In this episode you'll hear:0:00 Intro: False Miracles6:14 Will Martin (Gateway Church) Joins10:45 The Fallout: Navigating a Pastor's Moral Failure18:00 Leading a Tech Team Through a Church Crisis27:30 The Reality of Staff Turnover After a Scandal32:30 How Moral Failures Impact Church Attendance35:00 Should Lead Pastors Be Held to a Higher Standard?47:30 Supporting Church Leadership During a Crisis52:30 Gateway Church's Transition to a New Pastor57:00 Keep Sundays Running: Knowing Your "Why"Get expert help and care on your next integration project with our friends at HouseRight here.  Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here.  Up to 50% off select categories and 20% off everything overall in stock! Grab a great deal deal and enter to win a "Keep Sundays Running" kit with fun swag and tech essentials here. Resources for your Church Tech MinistrySell Us Gear: Does your church have used gear that you need to convert into new ministry dollars? We can make you an offer here. Buy Our Gear: Do you need some production gear but lack the budget to buy new gear? You can shop our gear store here.  Connect with us: Sales Bulletin: Get better deals than the public and get them earlier too here!Early Service: Get our best gear before it goes live on our site here. Instagram: Hangout with us on the gram here! Reviews: Leaving us a review on the podcast player you're listening to us on really helps the show. If you enjoyed this episode, you can say thank you with a review! 

Simone Halpin, Kelly Brady, John Vandervelde, and Matt Marron respond to questions from John's sermon from April 12, 2026

In the Executive Perspective episode 59, Ron and Rob delve into the controversy surrounding New York State Attorney General Tish James's prosecution of an NYPD officer for an off-duty fatal accident. The officer is accused of being under the influence of alcohol. The state has the authority to investigate and prosecute any law enforcement officer for offenses committed on or off duty, regardless of whether they are related to their police duties. The episode raises the question of why law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard of accountability compared to non-law enforcement officers. Furthermore, they discuss recent instances where officers and executives have faced consequences for their private text messages and social media posts. The episode explores whether these actions infringe upon individuals' rights to privacy when they are not in official capacity. Additionally, the episode addresses another instance where reality has contradicted campaign promises. They discuss NYC Mayor Mamdani's recent announcement that he is reversing his decision to eliminate the NYPD gang database. Join the interactive chat for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion. With a combined 65 years of service in the NYPD, over 40 of which were in the executive ranks, retired Deputy Chief Rob Lukach and retired Inspector Ron Leyson offer an unparalleled analysis of policy, procedure, and leadership in the NYPD and law enforcement in general. On their podcast, Ron and Rob engage in a lively discussion, debate, and dissection of current high-profile incidents and topics of concern to rank-and-file members from their unique "Executive Perspective." Link to NYS AG announcement of officers indictment: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-announces-indictment-and-arraignment-former-nypd-officer Link to the NY Daily News article: https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/04/06/mayor-mamdani-steps-back-from-pledge-on-total-elimination-of-nypd-gang-database Find prior episodes of the Executive Perspective at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_YGTl92zUEtavc4-pl83mX4fjhVfv5xr Contact Ron and Rob: On X - @ExecPerspective email - theexecutiveperspective@gmail.com ️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5689366474915840 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sheriff Chad Bianco pulled up and did not waste a second pretending California's problems are mysterious. In this special edition of The Higher Standard, we get into crime, chaos, Sacramento dysfunction, runaway regulation, affordability getting absolutely body slammed, and why so many Californians feel like the state they loved is slipping through their fingers. Sheriff Bianco breaks down how public safety got kneecapped, why the cost of living feels like legalized assault, and what it actually takes to turn around a state that somehow has perfect weather and terrible management. It is part policy, part reality check, and part reminder that when government keeps spending like it found your Amex in the couch cushions, somebody eventually pays for it.

This episode of The Higher Standard goes full chaos mode in the best way possible, as Chris, Saied, and Rajeil unpack the terrifyingly exciting reality that AI is no longer just a productivity tool, it is a full blown money printer for the bold, the curious, and occasionally the morally flexible. From two man companies generating hundreds of millions in revenue to the rise of AI powered business models that could completely rewrite how wealth is built, the guys explore where the opportunity is real, where the ethics get murky, and why this technology is starting to feel less like a trend and more like a once in a generation land grab. It is equal parts business insight, existential dread, and three friends realizing in real time that the future is already here and it does not care if you are ready.

In this episode of The Higher Standard, Chris, Saied and Rajeil break down a market that feels more like a casino than a pricing mechanism, from Trump-driven headline volatility and bond market warning signs to rising oil risks, shaky Fed cut expectations, and why the stock market may be ignoring the bigger problem entirely. They dig into the growing disconnect between equities and Treasuries, the real inflation threat hiding in energy, the possibility that the Fed may be forced to hike instead of cut, and why housing, flipping, and rate-sensitive assets are all flashing caution signs. Along the way, they also go off on AI addiction, productivity pressure, geopolitical chaos, and the uncomfortable reality that in a world run by algorithms, hype, and revisions, staying “plugged in” is no longer optional. This one is part macro breakdown, part group therapy, and fully THS.

Kendall Cotton, Founder and CEO of Montana's Frontier Institute, joins Kevin Frazier, the AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law and a Senior Editor at Lawfare, to discuss Montana's groundbreaking Right to Compute Act and how Montana hopes to protect access to AI and related technologies. We will discuss the history and reach of this Act and why other states may want to follow Montana's lead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerome Powell hit pause, but the economy definitely didn't. In Episode 327, Chris and Saied break down a Fed that still looks stubbornly out of step with reality, a private credit market flashing louder warning signs than most of Wall Street wants to admit, and fresh housing data that makes the affordability crisis impossible to spin away. From rising default rates and redemption freezes in private credit to oil shock risk, sticky inflation, AI-driven job disruption, and a market still clinging to rate-cut fantasies, this episode is a sharp, funny, and brutally honest look at an economy being propped up by debt, narrative, and hope. It sounds grim because it is grim, but as always, THS is less about panic and more about spotting where the next real opportunity gets created in the wreckage.

This episode is what happens when the economy shows up looking polished, but the mascara is running. Chris, Saied, and Rajeel break down the slow-motion mess unfolding across jobs, housing, private credit, and the Fed, while war, oil, and rate pressure lurk in the background like a tab nobody wants to pick up. It's part macro breakdown, part group therapy, part comedy special... and somehow still one of the clearest explanations of why everything feels like it's breaking at once.

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Episode 325 is what happens when a jobs report, crypto's glow-up, Fed-chair musical chairs, and a live geopolitical powder keg all walk into the same podcast and nobody leaves with lower blood pressure. Chris and Saied tear into the bizarre disconnect between war headlines and market optimism, question whether Wall Street has confused “priced in” with “blindfolded,” break down oil, rates, and why replacing Powell with Warsh is a lot messier when inflation and recession risk are both lurking in the room, and still find time to laugh their way through the chaos like only THS can. In other words: a little macro, a little mayhem, and a strong reminder that just because the market is acting calm does not mean the world is.

AI isn't coming “eventually.” It's coming this year... and the biggest scam is that you're training the model that replaces you every time you use it. We break down Nvidia's blowout quarter and why the market still shrugged, then zoom out to the darker part: the circular financing and “investment” theater where Big Tech writes checks to OpenAI… and OpenAI hands it right back as infrastructure spend. We talk the real endgame (jobs → AGI → UBI → asset owners win), and we close with the only sane answer: own assets, learn agentic AI, and build yourself into the part of the system that can't be commoditized.

In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp dive deep into ancestry, fatherhood, marriage, leadership, depression, and raising strong young men in a modern world. From guiding your kids with better standards, to rebuilding intimacy in marriage, to understanding what real vulnerability looks like, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. They also discuss how men often become their own biggest obstacle - and what to do about it.  Plus, a conversation about movies that shape boys into men. If you're navigating fatherhood, marriage, or personal growth, this one hits home. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 - Ironman Training & Weekend Plans 09:05 - Family Ancestry & Legacy 15:51 - Raising Kids with Higher Standards 25:03 - What Women Mean by "Vulnerability" 28:47 - Are Movies a Good Way to Teach Boys? 40:35 - Marriage Struggles & Depression 53:02 - The Power of Brotherhood Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

Inflation “cooled” to a 2.4% headline print and yields eased, so the market tried to act like everything's fine. Then you pay your utility bill, buy groceries, or look at a mortgage payment and remember we're living in a post 2020 price reset economy. In this episode, we break down why CPI can look “better” while real life stays expensive, why housing is still stuck even with slightly lower rates, and how incentives are doing the heavy lifting for builders while affordability remains the real problem. We also hit the reality check in autos with record 1.67T in debt and subprime delinquencies at an all time high. And because the timeline can't just be normal, we wrap with the AI ladder, from narrow tools to agentic systems, and what it means when the robots go from talking to doing.

This episode is a full-on “the headline is the least important part” takedown. We break down how the U.S. manufacturing side of the jobs data is quietly screaming recession (32 straight months of declines… yeah, that's a thing), while the media does victory laps on top-line numbers like we're not all watching the revisions come in later with a chair and popcorn. Then we get into the weirdest plot twist of the labor market: retirees are re-entering and grabbing new roles at rising rates, while under-25 workers are fading from the “new job” pipeline—because apparently the American Dream is now a part-time shift… after you already retired. Add in the usual THS spice: AI hype, crypto whiplash, and the “sensational headlines vs. reality” problem that keeps everyone emotional and nobody informed.

Markets had a little “AI anxiety attack” this week and Wall Street responded the only way it knows how: smash the sell button and ask questions later. We break down the $285B Anthropic-fueled rout, why the “automation boom” is starting to look like an entry-level job extinction event, and how Big Tech's data-center dreams are already colliding with tighter financing and very real layoff math (looking at you, Oracle). Then we zoom out to the part nobody wants to talk about at cocktail parties: job cuts flashing red, wages getting blamed for everything, and a housing market that's still wildly unaffordable because the underlying problem never left — it just changed outfits. Add a little bitcoin weakness for spice, and you've got Episode 321: the reality check Wall Street didn't order, but absolutely needs.

Episode 320 is a reminder that inflation isn't a mystery and it definitely isn't caused by your paycheck going up. This one cuts straight through the noise: tariffs aren't “tough policy,” they're a hidden tax, war risk isn't some abstract headline, it's an inflation accelerant, and the Fed is stuck trying to clean up a fiscal mess it didn't create. While markets pretend everything is fine, corporate margins sit at historic highs, consumers keep spending, homeowners are insulated, and the cost quietly gets passed down the line. Wages get blamed, voters get distracted, and the money printer stays off-camera. Calm on the surface, pressure underneath... and a tariff time bomb sitting right in the middle of it all.