Podcasts about home life

Episode 176 - Balancing Training with Family and Home Life Hello everyone. Welcome to the latest episode of The Matchbox Podcast powered by Ignition Coach Co. I'm your host, Adam Saban, and on this week's episode we're talking about balancing family life and training.   As always, if you like what you hear, share this with your friends and leave us a five star review and if you have any questions for the show drop us an email at matchboxpod@gmail.com or head over to ignitioncoachco.com and fill out The Matchbox Podcast listener question form.    Alight let's get into it!   For more social media content, follow along @ignitioncoachco @adamsaban6 @dizzle_dillman @dylanjawnson @kait.maddox     https://patreon.com/MatchboxPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink   https://www.youtube.com/c/DylanJohnsonCycling https://www.ignitioncoachco.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrewDillmanChannel   Intro/ Outro music by AlexGrohl - song "King Around Here" - https://pixabay.com/music/id-15045/ 

Sintonía: "The Persuaders Theme" - John Barry 1.- "Firefly" - Homelife 2.- "Hero Theme" - The Infesticons 3.- "Bucket Bottom" - Prince Alla 4.- "Get A Move On" - Mr. Scruff 5.- "T Plays It Cool" - Marvin Gaye 6.- "Regiment" - Brian Eno & David Byrne 7.- "It´s Not Too Beautiful" - The Beta Band 8.- "Rodney Yates" - David Holmes 9.- "Nature Boy" - Fila Brazillia 10.- "Nuclear Symphony" - Unforscene 11.- "Les Nuits" - Nightmares On Wax 12.- "Prelude & Fugue in C Minor" - The Swingle SingersTodas las músicas extraídas de la sesión (1xCD) "AnotherLateNight" (Azuli Records, 2001) de los 2 DJS y productores británicos Fila BrazilliaTodas las músicas seleccionadas y mezcladas por Fila BrazilliaEscuchar audio

Most of us move through life feeling stretched, rushed, or distracted, trying to fit spiritual growth into the margins. Yet Jesus invites His people into something far richer, a life deeply connected to God, rooted in His people, and purposeful in the world. Today's message brings those truths down to earth, showing how ordinary rhythms like daily scripture, weekly community, and prayerful mission can shape a life that reflects the heart of Christ. It's about learning to walk with Him in the everyday.

Lisa Woodruff is a pioneering educator and entrepreneur, and the driving force behind Organize 365®, where she's redefining what it takes to run a modern household successfully. As the host of the top-rated Organize 365 Podcast for more than 11 years, with 24 million downloads & counting, Lisa shares strategies for reducing the overwhelm, clearing the mental clutter, and living a productive and organized life. Her new book, Escaping Quicksand, Ten Steps to Overcome the Overwhelm of Modern Homelife draws on her own quicksand years and research in applied psychology, that shows that the overwhelm we experience is not a personal failure but the predictable result of invisible, unmanaged work absorbing our time, identity, and energy. escapingquicksand.com sageintl.com cherihillshow.com

At some point, every follower of Jesus has to ask, what kind of life am I actually building? We make plans, set routines, and chase goals but rarely slow down enough to consider whether our daily patterns reflect the heart of Christ. In today's passage, we listen in on Jesus praying just before the cross, a moment that reveals what mattered most to Him and as we hear His desires, we are invited to align our own hearts, rhythms, and priorities with His.

# Football Brothers Podcast: Inside Travis Kelce's Home Life with Taylor Swift & NFL FutureDive into the latest episode of Football Brothers with host Marty Sinclair as we explore the Kelce brothers' headline-making week. Discover Travis Kelce's candid revelations about his domestic life with fiancée Taylor Swift, including their bedroom routines and Sleep Number bed preferences shared on the January 28 New Heights podcast. Learn how Travis is processing the Chiefs' challenging season and contemplating his NFL future after missing playoffs for the first time since 2014. Meanwhile, retired Eagles star Jason Kelce offers practical wisdom on marriage and sleep solutions that couples everywhere are taking notes on.Get exclusive insights on Taylor Swift's post-tour life, their rumored 2026 summer wedding plans, and Grammy appearance speculation. This episode delivers the perfect blend of football analysis, celebrity relationship details, and brotherly banter that fans can't get enough of.#KelceBrothers #TravisAndTaylor #NFLPodcast #NewHeightsPodcast #SportsEntertainmentSome great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Michael Kent, traveling comedian and magician, joins Marissa to share hard-won lessons from 20 years of marriage while spending up to 250 days per year on the road. Discover why performer relationships fail, the "dopamine trap" of audience affirmation, and the one ritual that saved his marriage. Learn the three pillars of healthy relationships (communication, respect, trust), how to communicate vulnerably without blame, and why human connection matters more than ever in our isolated world. Michael reveals advice from Ralphie May that transformed his marriage and shares practical strategies for maintaining intimacy across distance. Topics covered: Why entertainment industry marriages fail (and why his didn't) How to distinguish between audience affirmation and real love The power of saying "What can I do to help?" Reframing relationship conflicts Breaking the content vs. happiness debate Connection as the antidote to addiction and loneliness Keywords: healthy relationships, marriage advice, communication skills, long-distance relationships, relationship tips, emotional intimacy, relationship goals   Full Transcript:  Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Welcome, Michael. I'm so excited to have you on the podcast today. Thank you so much for joining us.    Michael Kent Absolutely. It's so good to be here. I was happy to have you on my podcast recently, and I've never been on a podcast like yours, so I'm kind of excited and nervous. Oh, don't be nervous.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) It's easy, breezy conversation. We're just chit-chatting. But tell everyone about your podcast, because I thought it was so much fun to be a guest on yours. Thank you. Sure.   Michael Kent Well, my podcast, it's funny because it has nothing to do with what I do for a living. So I make my living as a comedian and magician. During the pandemic, me and so many other people decided we were going to podcast. So I decided that mine was going to be about history, but not like the boring history. I am fascinated by the fact that I'm in my 40s and I'm still learning things. Every day, like there's new things to learn. And some of them are important. Some of them are just interesting. They're not important. And so what I decided to do was find a different story from history every week. And it has to sound like it's something that I just made up. And initially, the podcast was called Tell Me What to Google, because tell me what to Google, because there were people giving me these ideas like, hey, you should Google this. Because after the first season, I realized that it's really hard to be found on Google when you have Google in the name of your show. So my buddy Jonathan Burns came up with the title, The Internet Says It's True. And that's what it's been called for 267 episodes. Every week is a news story that sounds like it's absolutely made up. And they're all 100% verifiably true. I go through painstaking efforts to like go back and find the original newspaper articles and everything. But I present them in a way that's really fun and lighthearted. And then we do a quiz at the end. So yeah, it's been a fun project. It's really fun for me to work on something that is not me. It's not about my show and me.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) And it sounds really fun. History is so interesting, and there's so much fun stuff out there. I love being on your podcast. For the last couple episodes, we were talking about food, which anyone who knows me knows that food is a passion of mine. Not cooking it, just eating it. But yeah, so check out The Internet Says It's True. It streams everywhere. You can listen to the episodes I'm on. But let's jump into the Healing for Emotional Abuse podcast. Michael, so you mentioned that you are a traveling comedian and magician. Will you tell us a little bit more about what you do?   Michael Kent Yeah. Basically, my job for the last 22 years has been to give people an hour of their life where they don't have to think about what's going on outside. They don't have to think about the... about the... They Thank You know, the stress and the tests and the exams, or if it's a workplace, you know, the deadlines and the news and politics. I'm just giving them an escape, which is what magic is. Magic is an amazing ability for us to be able to suspend our disbelief as if we're watching a wrestling match. And it's really easy, it turns out, for people to believe that something's happening that's impossible, because we all want to believe that that's true. Even the most skeptical people react to magic in a way that is almost childlike. Magic has a different reaction from everyone. Everyone has a different way of reacting to it. And I really love that, but I don't love the tension that magic brings. So I do a comedy show. I do a comedy magic show that sort of acknowledges the strange elephant in the room, and that is, I'm a man in my 40s pretending to be a wizard. This crazy career has taken me quite literally all over the world to 49 states. I still need to go to Wyoming. I haven't performed there yet. But 49 states, 19 countries, I believe, and cruise ships and military bases. And gosh, I performed on board an aircraft carrier last year while they were active in the sea. It's been an amazing career for the last couple decades. I'm focusing my efforts now more toward corporate groups and providing corporate groups with sort of an engagement tool and being that engagement facilitator for them to improve their events. So that's sort of the focus of my career currently. But for the last 20 years, I've been one of the top comedian magicians on the college market. So that's how I know you.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) That's true. That's awesome. So you have... You've in one relationship for basically like the extent of all of your career. So 22 years on the road, and you and your wife, first, can you tell us how you met?   Michael Kent Yeah, it's not like one of those, you know, Hallmark stories. But my wife and I went to college together, had the same major and several of the same classes and never met.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) We figured that out after the fact.   Michael Kent So we met through the girl that I grew up next door to when I was a little kid. So from the time I was born until I was eight years old, I lived next door to this person who I won't name because I don't know if I have their permission to talk about them publicly. So I grew up next to her, and she's like a sister to me. And we reconnected after college, like right after college, for the end of college, and we're hanging out. And Allison, my wife, was always around in the friend group. And I started sort of jokingly referring to her as my girlfriend because I had a crush on her. And finally, I asked her out, and we went on what I thought was like an amazing date. It was an amazing date. And then, let's see what happened next. We went off and dated other people. It didn't last. And then we reconnected like four or five months later, and that was the end of that. And we're coming up on our 20th wedding anniversary in August.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Wow. Yeah.   Michael Kent And like any marriage, know, it's had ups and downs and good times and bad times. And much of the good times and bad times have come from dealing with exactly what you're talking about, the idea that I do spend. At one point, I spent 250 days a year on the road doing shows. And that's really tough on any relationship, married or not, however long, you know, it's... It's just a difficult thing to learn how to deal with. When we met and started, you know, getting serious about dating, I was wanting to be a magician. I was wanting to do this, but I wasn't very successful yet. So she was sort of my sugar mama for the first few years because she had a job and I didn't. And so, you know, it took a while for my career to take off. And then it's been obviously a very, like, fulfilling and lucrative career since. And so, yeah, that's sort of where we are. And she and I are one of those sort of opposites attract couples, you know, like she is a bit more conservative and pragmatic. And I'm sort of a dreamy artist who, you know, head in the clouds type. But we have sort of become more similar as we've gotten older. think that probably just happens with married couples. After a long time, our tastes have become more similar.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) That's awesome. So 20 years married, more than 22 years together. In our industry, like the college market, the traveling to entertain market, I don't know the statistic. I can look it up. But I think most marriages end with one partner that travels a lot and the other that doesn't. And thinking to the conferences that we go to or the colleagues that we have, most of them have been divorced. I can really only think of four people who have been consistently married to the same person. So keeping the communication, the love, the marriage alive is very challenging. So what do you and Allison do or like what have you learned over the years that has helped you guys navigate this, you know, kind   Michael Kent Yeah, first of all, she is a saint to be able to deal with this, right? Like when you think about someone being gone that much, and that's just the half of it. The being gone part is only half of the equation. We'll talk about the other half in a minute, but I was in Chicago Midway Airport headed to, where was I going? St. Louis. And I was headed to a conference, and the comedian Ralphie May, who has since passed, I recognized him just being a fan of comedy, and we struck up a conversation, and we sat next to each other on the flight, and we talked the whole way to St. Louis, and somehow we got talking about relationships. And at that point, Ralphie was married. He ended up getting divorced later, but he gave me the best relationship advice ever, and it sort of, I think, saved my marriage. And Basically, what he said was, the reason that show business relationships fail is because entertainers, night after night, get this amazing feeling from complete strangers. This affirmation that everyone would love. You'd be crazy not to love it. You have complete strangers. You know, it's like if your husband tells you, you look great today. It means something. It's important. But if a stranger at the gas station says, look great today, why does that? It means a little bit more because they don't have an incentive or motive, you know, like they don't have to tell you that. And that's kind of the feeling that entertainers get on stage is like, oh, my God, these complete strangers adore me. And then that night after night after night. And then you go home to your significant other. And they're like, where have you been? Your dirty laundry is on the floor. You didn't do the chore you said you were going to do. And you start comparing them to the people in the audience. And that's. It's so unfair because the people in the audience only know you for one hour at the most, and it's your best hour. It's the hour that you've been rehearsing. It'd be bad. It'd be weird if they didn't love you for that hour. You know what I mean? Whereas now you're comparing them to someone who knows all of you and all the warts and all of the, you know, the, the history and the, the arguments and your tendencies. And, and it's just not a fair comparison. You're comparing apples to oranges in that instance, and it's not And so I spent so much time like thinking about that and examining that and how, which one's wrong, which one's right? You know? And I think the answer is like, neither one's wrong. Neither one's right. But what I realized is that audience while I, God, I love them. I appreciate them so much that they come to my shows and that they laugh with me. They're not my friends in most Most instances. And so when the show is over, that relationship is over. Now, that's not to say, like, I don't want to, you know, put out content for them to consume and interact with people and enjoy their acquaintanceship. But those aren't family. They're not friends. And so that's the that is the struggle that most entertainers run into is that they see that feeling that they get from a complete stranger when they're on stage or when they're, you know, someone who's reacting to their art and they say, oh, this person sees me. This person really likes me because they see me and through my art and all this. But that's not a real healthy. That's not a relationship. That's just a one sided thing. And and so it took a really long time to realize that. And so what I did, I put in almost immediately after talking to Ralphie, a know, A new tradition slash ritual. When I finish a job, a gig, when I finish a show, after I load out, I have a schedule that I do normally. And this is just what I do. I get to, when the show's over and I've done a meet and greet or merch or whatever it might be afterward, when I start loading out and tearing down my show, I text my wife. I let her know I'm loading out. And both of us know that that means that I'm going to be sitting in my car in about 45 minutes to an hour. And when I get in my car, I don't put in the directions to the hotel. I don't put in directions to the airport. I just sit and I call her and we talk. And we don't talk about my show or my travels. We talk about her day. And we talk about the dogs and what's going on back home. And what it is, is a snapback to what is real. It's a snapback to what is good and what is real. And it's a buffer between this world that can make anyone feel like a king to a world that is more mutual, where this is like, this is reality. This is two-way now. It's not just a one-way thing. That call has met the world to me, and I think to Allison, too, because she doesn't want to hear about magic. Allison hates magic.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) I tried to show her magic on our first date, and she goes, know what you're doing, and it's not going to work on me.   Michael Kent And she wasn't talking about the trick wasn't going to work. You know what I mean? I had just spent all those years in college using magic to impress strangers, and now all of a sudden I have to use my personality. I was like, I like this girl. So when we talk after the show, it's, you know, it's about her and her horses and the dogs and what's going on back home, you know, and it's, while that's nice for her, it's also nice for me because then... Let's see. I don't do what I used to do, which is before that, I would be like, how can I make this feeling of this audience continue? And I would start looking and saying, okay, who added me on Instagram? Who liked my show? Who commented on that photo? You know, and being like, you know, you just want that feeling to continue. It's why a lot of artists, musicians, comedians turn to substance abuse, because they're trying to continue the feeling that they get when they're on stage. It's an indescribable feeling, and I'm sure you get it when you speak as well. You know, it's indescribable how it feels to be affirmed by complete strangers in a room where there are hundreds of them looking at you. So it's a really difficult thing to compete with, but that's a much bigger aspect of the problem than is the just being gone. Because I could do, it doesn't matter if you're gone, if you're gone. All the time anyway, mentally or emotionally, you know, like that's the important thing is, are you emotionally there? And it's taken me a long time to do this. And you're talking, you're talking to someone who has spent years in therapy dealing with this. think therapy has been just as important as that discussion with, with, with Ralphie May on an airplane, you know.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) That's so interesting. I, first of all, that's really cool that you got to, you got to sit next to Ralphie May, but also like that, that advice and like that thought process makes a lot of sense. And I never really thought about it that way, where that like euphoric feeling of being loved and adored, right? Right. And then you turn to your family or your partner where, you know, they don't, you know, they know the full you versus other people who only know, like you said, the one dimension of you, you know, it's, and I wonder just in like the full world, not just our world, but how. that translates to them, right? Sure.   Michael Kent Well, it does, because like people that are in the workplace have their work life and their home life. And it's completely different. The people that the way that they interact with people at work is completely different than the way that they interact with their family. And. It's I know that this is a problem for a lot of people, because when you get to that place where you're pulling into the driveway or you're pulling into your garage or whatever to go home, there's a really harsh shift that has to happen between how you deal with work and how you deal with home. And it is it is incredible. It's the same with sports teams as well. When you're on a sports team, your relationship with that sports team or military unit is a bond that you might feel like you never can compete with, with your with your personal relationship. And you have you have to realize and look at it that. It's apples and oranges. It is not the same type of thing. And it's okay for both of those things to coexist. They are not competing with one another.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Yeah. And I think it translates a lot to why people cheat, right? Because if you, like even just looking at work wives and work husbands, right? You have somebody that you have developed a relationship with in your place of work and you're like, oh, this is my work husband or this is my work wife or my work whatever, you know? And then that person only knows the little bit of you that you show at work versus at home where, you know, you leave your dirty socks everywhere and, you know, or, or you're acting at your very comfortable personality, right? And then the other people, when you get upset with your partner and you talk to your work friends about it, right? Or like your work, whatever work wife about it. They're like, oh, I would never do that. I don't understand. I would never yell at you for something so minuscule. So that becomes very, um, attractive, right? Like, oh, this, Person, they would never treat me. But if they knew you the way that your home partner does, right, your real partner, they would absolutely not be okay with that, right? Or they would also have, there would be tiffs, right? And so I just think that that's so fascinating. That's such an interesting perspective.   Michael Kent Well, was a perspective that was sort of forced on me that I'm glad that I came to because, you know, when you are in a relationship that you value, that you really want to, if you realize in that moment the value of it, you'll do anything you can to keep it. And in my case, what I realized was that the problem was me, right? The problem was that, and it wasn't just me being gone a lot. Obviously, that's tough. But the problem was that, like, I needed to look at things realistically. And, you know, it's kind of like... When you look at an artist's painting that they've put up in a gallery, like if they put it up in a gallery, they know it's good. But what you're not seeing is all their early works that they're not proud of, that they're not showing off. And your relationship with your significant other probably knows and has seen those early works. And so to stick with the metaphor, the gallery goer might be like, this is the best artist in the world. They can never do anything wrong. You know what I mean? And that's that audience member. That's that person who's only seeing you for or knowing you for an hour. Or the people who only know that you're really good at work and you're a good problem solver. Oh, that person must be like that at home. And, you know, and you fantasize and you create this thing that's not there. And reality is often much more boring. And reality is the...   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) The reality is in between the highs and lows.   Michael Kent That's where most of our life happens, is in the waiting for the next exciting thing to happen. And so you have to kind of get, like, very comfortable with the fact that things aren't always exciting and full of affirmation and butterflies and puppy dogs. Sometimes the greatness of life is those days where you're like, you want to go out to dinner, but we're just so exhausted. So we're going to just make ramen and sit on the couch and watch TV. And that's going to have to be fine. And that's like even the most successful, exciting movie stars do that. You know what I mean? Like they have, it might not be ramen. might still be, you know, their executive chef cooks them something, but everyone has in between times where you might be in between projects or you might be in between this. And that's what, like, to me, that's kind of the beauty of relationships. It's like, this is someone who you have deemed to be comfortable with you when things aren't exciting, when things are good, and when things are really difficult and hard and you're at each other's throats and fighting, like, someone that you can get through that with. So, yeah. I'm talking, like, I feel like I'm really self-conscious right now talking about this because I know how I have struggled as a husband, and, like, I know how I've had my, like, shortcomings in the past, and I'm talking as if I'm some expert on relationships. It's taken a lot of work for me to get here, and in 10 years from now, I probably will look back at this and be like, I was, I didn't know what I was talking about because I will have learned more. You know, that's the hope anyway, right?   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) That's the whole point of life and relationships, right? Like, we are always growing. We're always learning, right? On your podcast, the premise of it was, I can't believe I'm in my 40s and I'm still learning every day. I have always been like an avid lifelong learner, right? I still – I'm in my mid-30s. I still want to go back for more degrees. I still want to do more learning. And my mother-in-law is always making fun of me because I told her at Christmas I want to go to law school. And she's like, why? Why do you want to go to law school? You don't want to be a lawyer. And I'm like, yeah, but I want to understand. And I want to be able to help. And like if you're not learning, you're dying, right? And so, you know, I can look back on things I wrote. My first book, know, Breaking Through the Silence, I wrote it in 2017. And when I put it out, I was like, oh, this is incredible. Like I did so much work. I did all of this. And look where I got, right? And now I read it and I'm like, oh, my God, this is so embarrassing, right? Because we are always growing. We're always learning. So where you are – about when I make a promo video for my show.    Michael Kent By the time I'm editing it, I'm embarrassed by it.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) That's how quickly I'm always changing stuff, you know? Yeah, but that's, I mean, we're always growing, and right now, especially in the world with technology and all that we have, we're absorbing so much stimuli and so much information every minute of every day to a point where our brains have shifted so much, and we're kind of getting off topic, but I'm happy about it because I like to talk about this. Yeah, two quick things.   Michael Kent Something that I realized that I have realized about relationships is another thing that makes them fail, in my opinion, is that people expect it to always feel the way it did in the beginning. I mean, this isn't a surprise to anyone. Everyone knows that this is a problem, right? You might feel that way with someone at work or someone that, you know, like comes through your life, incidentally, and you'll be like, oh, this is the way I felt with my significant other in the beginning. And what you fail to realize is that relationships always... Are changing and you're never going to have, I mean, I can't say never because I don't, you know, obviously there, I'm sure there are exceptions to this, but it's rare to be able to have the same relationship with your significant other that you had when you met and my wife and I have had different iterations of our life together, right? Like there have been different, it's almost like a different thing that you find that you love about that person and you both grow and you're not the same people you were back then. It would be silly if you were acting the same way you were when you were, you know, I met Ali when I was like 22 or something, right? So there's a, my favorite book is called Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. It's just a book about Zen and the main premise of it is in the beginner's mind, there are many options. In the expert's mind, there are few and many possibilities, I think is what he says. And that is to realize that you don't know. Everything is the ability to learn and to change and to grow. Whereas if you say, well, I got married, I aced it, done, I succeeded, I'm at the plateau, now everything's always going to be like this, and everything's always going to be great, and I don't have to try anymore. That's death, right? That's death. As you described, when you stop learning, you're dying. So anyway, those are the two quick things I wanted to bring up.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) And I appreciate that. So Larry and I had a conversation, my husband, it was more of like a debate actually a few months ago where do you strive to be content all the time or do you strive to be happy all the time? Like what's the right, what's the right way to look at life, right? Because if we are striving to be happy, and I was on team, I want to be happy. Thank you. All the time, right? I want to always be feeling like I'm accomplishing. I always want to be feeling like I'm doing something and growing. And he was like, no, because if that's the case, then you're basically chasing a moving goalpost, right? If you always strive to be happy, then you are never happy where you are. And I thought that was so fascinating. So like striving to be content versus striving to be happy. It sounds like from what you said, you strive to be content, right? You know that things are changing and growing and you adjust and adapt and you grow together or you grow apart, right? But you guys work to grow together. So what's your take on that?   Michael Kent Well, you're right. mean, I think of those two options, I would say like striving to be content, but I'm not even sure I'm, I like the phrasing of like content because content, it can bring about feelings of like, I'm content, so I'm not going to strive for happiness or for joy, I guess is what I would replace happiness with is. So Or pleasure. Joy and pleasure are fleeting, whereas contentment is not. Contentment is what I would describe as the middle path or the middle road. If you can't tell, I'm really into Buddhism, and that's kind of where a lot of my philosophy comes from, is that it's going back to what I said earlier about how most of life are those in-between times. And those in-between times, contentment is a great way to describe those. You're fine. There's nothing wrong. You're lacking pleasure in that moment, maybe. But you're also lacking profound sadness or fear. You know what I mean? There's just times when you just are. And if you aren't happy, and I mean happy in a very large, vague sense here, if you can't survive, and if you're suffering in the times when... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... There's nothing to be particularly pleasurable or to be joyful about or whatever. That's most of your life. Most of our life are those in-between times. And so if you were on a desert island, a deserted island somewhere, and you didn't have anything, how would you be happy? What would you do to not suffer? And the answer is, you have to just be able to live with yourself. You have to be able to understand that we are beings. The only thing we have to do is breathe. And that's it. We have to eat and breathe and just be. Everything else is icing on the cake. So, but the reason I kind of have issue with the word content is because I think, at least in modern use, it sort of can mean settling or not striving. And I'm always... This is a struggle for me. Sometimes it's really difficult for me to just sit. And it sounds like you're the same way. You've written 40 books. Sometimes it's difficult to just be still. I always have to have that project to worry about. And thanks to my therapist, I know that that's a nervous system response. That's a nervous system response medicating me to try to run away from being here right now. And so it's okay once you have that in mind to do what you want. But realizing it is the hard part. Realizing it is the part where you have to be like, okay, my nervous system is telling me that I'm only doing this and I'm only stressing about this because I need something for it to stress about. We'll be right back. be right And so now that I know that, I can work on it, but not freak out if I don't do it, or not freak out if, you know, about having this thing. So, and allowing yourself to be kind to yourself and take breaks and do whatever else.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) I think what you said about, you know, content being kind of sitting still, that's kind of exactly how I felt and feel. I just didn't know how to verbalize it. So thank you, because you just kind of gave me the more of an understanding of what I meant. Yeah, stillness is the middle way.   Michael Kent Like, it's the middle path. It's not the big hill you're trying to climb or the valley that you're falling into. It's just being. Yeah.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) And I love that. So I loved what you said about, like, if you were on a deserted island, what would you do to not suffer, right? Because you're not going to be happy sitting there on a deserted island every minute of every day. Like, you just can't. How does that translate? Out of relationships, right? So if you're not happy with yourself, you know, the theory is, and I 100% agree with it, but like, if you're not happy with yourself, you're not going to be happy with someone else because you're looking for what you're missing in someone else to come from someone else. So like, how does that, in your opinion, like, how does that translate?   Michael Kent Communication. I think you and your partner need to be able to tell each other how you're feeling. So I mean, it starts with you knowing how you're feeling, right? A lot of people just don't realize how they're feeling. But like, or a lot, you know, you might be feeling anxiety, but not know what the anxiety is about. And that's a perfectly acceptable thing to say to a partner, is that saying, I'm just on edge, and I don't know why. That's such a great thing to say. Because if you are short with your partner, and you didn't mean to be short with a partner, which is what most arguments start from, I think is like, you know, Someone's already have something going on by themselves, right? There's something in their life that they're stressed about, and they just accidentally put that on the other person in the act of normal conversation or whatever. If you start that by saying, by realizing, I'm really anxious today, or I'm really, I feel like I'm really on edge today. Just saying that can maybe stop that next interaction from blowing up into an argument or a fight. And because there's a little bit more communication and understanding of where the other person is coming from. And, you know, my wife and I both suffer from general anxiety at different times. And we both know that sometimes there's not a thing that triggers it. It's just there. And so we know that the answer isn't, why are you anxious? What's making you anxious? How can we make that go away? You know, sometimes the answer, a better answer is, what can I do to help? Which is... That's phrase that both of us use quite often with each other. And sometimes that question is enough to help. Because usually there's not a thing, you know, because our brains are weird and we don't understand them. And sometimes you just have anxiety about stuff. So what can I do to help is like one of the most loving things you can say to a partner. One of the most caring, one of the most efficient ways to show care is by saying, I'm here. That's all you're saying. You're not trying to solve problems. That's a big pet peeve of mine. That'll, that'll, if I tell someone my problem and I don't want them to solve it and they start trying to solve it, that is so frustrating. Not just relationship wise, but just in general, you know, family members, anything like that. Like sometimes I just want a . Just let me complain. And getting that complaint out is, is the purpose, right? So, you know, what can I do to help is like commit that to That statement, because there have been so many times my wife has said that to me, and it's all I needed to hear. Because what she's saying is, I'm here, I hear you, and I care. And that little bit of affirmation is enough to be like, oh, it's going to be fine. She's here to help me with whatever this is.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) So that's such a good point. And I teach that to a lot of people, especially college students, right? And you're not solving anyone's issue. Just ask what you can do. Be empathetic. I'm here with you, right? We're going to do this together. What do you need right now? You know, so I love that that's how you two communicate with each other and show support. We also both have anxiety and we both have bad days. I'll wake up sometimes and just be like, nope, this is one of those days I'm not getting out of bed. No bones day.   Michael Kent Yeah, yeah.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) I'm going to melt into my couch and eat as much popcorn as my body can handle.   Michael Kent And that's my day, you know?   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) But I love that. So what piece of advice would you give to... listeners, to our listeners, about having healthy relationships and maintaining a healthy relationship.   Michael Kent You have to be brutally honest with yourself about what it is that you're feeling and be able to be vulnerable enough to share that with this other person. That's the thing. Because I think most fights from unspoken things, most fights stem from unspoken things. And humans are just notoriously bad at working our brains. Sometimes we just don't know why we're thinking the way we're thinking. But if you can acknowledge it, it all of a sudden doesn't seem that bad. There's an analogy that I like to use. It's like most suffering in our lives is, it seems a lot larger than it actually is. Whether it's like physical pain, you know, our nerve endings send these signals to our brain that say, like, there's danger, something's wrong, you should know about this. lives. All And that's the siren, not the thing causing it. That's the that's the response. So the analogy I like to use is like on your car, you have like a headlight. And if you've ever seen what a headlight is, it's a tiny little light the size of a pinky. It's a tiny little thing that plugs in. And that creates hundreds of feet of of brightness in front of you because of the reflector. Most of the suffering that we experience in our lives, we perceive from the receptor, not realizing that the thing that's causing the pain is the pinky is the little tiny little the tiny little element that's inside that thing. And so if you can find a way during painful moments, whether it be emotional pain or physical pain, to focus on the pain and what's causing it, it can actually alleviate some of the pain. It can alleviate some of the suffering because you're able to look at what attachment it might be that that brought you to that point. Or what it is. And it takes a lot of work to be brutally honest with yourself to know how you're feeling in order to communicate it. And you have to have a partner who is on that journey with you and receptive to hearing about that. Which is tough because a lot of people, when they hear someone's problems, they want to do what we were just talking about. They want to try to solve them. They feel like that's their job. And sometimes, you know, you just need to . That's sometimes all you need. I had a long conversation about that.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) My mom is a problem solver. And so I'd call her and just really want to vent. And she would try and solve the problem. And I'd be like, no, mom, I just want to talk. Right? So we've developed a system where if I call her to, you know, for anything, she'll stop before she says anything and say, is this for comfort or for advice? Like, do you want me to just sit and listen? Or do you actually want me to advise and you want my opinion? And then I get to choose. That's a huge win.   Michael Kent mean, what an evolved thing to be able to say, like. And that's because that's like, what she's asking you is, would you like me to turn my maternal instinct that's inside of my body and I can't get rid of off for a moment? And it's probably hard, really hard for her to do that. Because that's just a, I think that's just a parent thing. Parents hear your problems and it's been their job, you know, for the first 18 years of their life, it was their job to absolutely solve those problems for you. No questions asked. And so it's hard. It's got to be, I'm not a parent, so I don't know, but it's got to be hard to turn that off and be like, okay, I'll just listen. Yeah.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) I mean, I can't, I had to remind her many a time, but we finally got to a point where I feel comfortable and safe talking to her. Whereas in the past I would call her for something and she would advise, advise, advise. And I'd be like, I don't want your advice. And it would, it actually caused a lot of rifts in our relationship. So it was, it took work, but, but we're in a good spot where like, she's very respectful of, of what I need, whether I want to just vent or, or get advice. So that could be really good way.   Michael Kent If you're listening, Marissa's mother, good job. Good work.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Thanks, Amy. You call your mom by your first name?   Michael Kent No.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Oh, okay. That was just for the show. Okay. Thanks, Amy.   Michael Kent I can say it. You can say it.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) So thank you for that advice. That was really helpful. I think even to kind of, it was, it is. And to kind of spin off that, not just to tell, you know, yes, tell like, I'm feeling anxious today. And being honest about it. So instead of saying something like, you know, you're always at work and we never talk, right? It's, I feel lonely, right? So like, I feel like I'm not a priority to you, right? Personalizing it. So you're not talking about this symptom. You're talking about the cause, right? I feel lonely. It feels like you're prioritizing work or it feels like you're prioritizing your friends or it feels like you're whatever over me, right? So it's addressing the things that you're feeling, but also making it honest.   Michael Kent And you also have to learn sometimes to sort of reframe that, that statement. So like, you know, if my wife says to me, you're always gone. My tendency is to hear that as what do you want me to do? Not work, not have money. You like, you know, like you're, my tendency is to hear it as a complaint. But I can reframe it to mean she's complaining because she wants me to be around more because she likes Like, you know what I mean? Like that's, you can reframe these types of things and think like, what is, what is this person really saying to me? And, you know, and that's the common thing that people say in relationships when there's some sort of issue is like, what's wrong? And the other person will say, I'm just tired. It's just the easiest thing to say. And it's usually a cop out. I mean, you could legitimately be tired, but usually there's something else going on. Even if you don't know what it is, or, you know, it might be depression, it might be anxiety, but usually it's not just that you're tired, but it could be. I mean, it could be, I do not have the ability to have an in-depth conversation right now because I'm emotionally exhausted or I'm physically exhausted or whatever it might be, and then sometimes you just have some space, but that goes back to communication, right? Like, that's a huge part of a relationship. Yeah.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) It's my three pillars, right? My triangle of healthy relationships, communication, respect, and trust, right? If you don't have all three of those things, you don't have a healthy relationship. If you can't communicate and resolve issues, right? If you can't trust each other to be honest and vulnerable, and then you don't feel like you're being respected or like your needs are being met by your partner, like the boundaries or what you say, you know, are not being respected, then you don't have a healthy relationship. And even missing one of those three, just the communication piece alone is so important. You know, it was trust, communication.   Michael Kent What was the third pillar?   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Respect. Respect. Okay. Yep, yep. If you don't have one of the three, right, you don't have a healthy relationship because trust is built on respecting communication.   Michael Kent Yeah, they all are interrelated, right? Yeah.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) And so it's important that you have, you know, that strong communication because no one wants to wake up every day and resent your partner because of an issue that happened 10 years ago. And I use Friends, the show Friends is a great reference for that because if you look at Ross and Rachel, right, they had one fight one time in like season two and they never talked about it. Like they talked about it, but it was always very nitpicky and jabby and aggressive.   Michael Kent Yeah. And so then by season 10, like there's still, I think it was 10, right?   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) There's still, were they on a break? Were they not on a break? I don't know. Cause they never had a 15 minute sit down, honest discussion about it. And so they are such an unhealthy relationship. But everyone's like, I want the Ross and Rachel kind of love.   Michael Kent And I'm like, no, you don't. No one would have watched if it was a healthy relationship. That's where most of the conflict and the storylines came from.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) In any show, right? The only show I can currently think of where the two protagonists have a very healthy relationship is Nobody Wants This. Have you seen that? No. Oh, it's so good. It's Adam Brody and Kristen Bell. But the toxic relationships. weird? I think I have two friends that are in that show. Oh.   Michael Kent And I've never watched it.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) I do have two friends that are in that show. Like, I've never watched it.   Michael Kent And I have no excuse for that. So I'm sorry, friends.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) It's a really good show. But Adam Brody and Kristen Bell's characters, anytime there's conflict and there's a lot of external conflict, they have a conversation about it and they work it out together and they understand. So even when one is feeling slighted or one is feeling put off, they have a conversation about it and they resolve it. The rest of the conflict is from external sources. So you're seeing these two people. It's like us against the world, but in a very positive way. And so more shows, I think, are going to start to have that similar dynamic. But up until now, and I do this at colleges all the time, think of a TV show or your favorite movie and think of a healthy relationship dynamic that's in it. It doesn't need to be 100% healthy all the time because that's not realistic. But think of one relationship where through the arc of the show, it is built on healthy principles. Yeah, I can't. It's so hard. It is really hard. Because conflict, like we're addicted to that conflict. That's why we watch the reality TV shows, right? Love is Blind. It's all built on conflict. It's nonsense. Right. Real housewives and all that. It's all conflict. They're all unhealthy. It's all produced on purpose that way.   Michael Kent Also, like, you know, there was probably a push in the 60s that was like, we need TV couples to fight and to be unhealthy because real couples are. And people don't want to see the 50s, you know, Cleaver family, like perfect relationships because it doesn't they don't identify with it. So it might be a thing of like where, you know, reality, art imitates life rather than life imitating art.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) But I think the pendulum swung too far. Right. Now we look at like we've got Walter and Skylar White, who it's like impossible to know who's telling the truth and who's not. Right. And I mean, now we've set terrible expectations. Right. So in the 50s with Leave it to Beaver and all that, we set a terrible expectation for women. Right. If you are not happy and made up, if you don't like look at Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Did you watch that show? I watched. Right.   Michael Kent Real housewives and all that. It's all conflict.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) They're all unhealthy. It's all produced on purpose that way. Also, like, you know, there was probably a push in the 60s that was like, we need TV couples to fight and to be unhealthy because real couples are. And people don't want to see the 50s, you know, Cleaver family, like perfect relationships because it doesn't they don't identify with it. So it might be a thing of like where, you know, reality, art imitates life rather than life imitating art. But I think the pendulum swung too far. Right. Now we look at like we've got Walter and Skylar White, who it's like impossible to know who's telling the truth and who's not. Right. And I mean, now we've set terrible expectations. Right. So in the 50s with Leave it to Beaver and all that, we set a terrible expectation for women. Right. If you are not happy and made up, if you don't like look at Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Did you watch that show? I watched.   Michael Kent Some of it, but I'm currently rewatching Mad Men, but it's a similar era and the same vibe, yeah. If the woman isn't made up, hair perfect, dinner on the table the second the father gets home, right? Then if that's not what you're doing, you're a bad wife. Whereas now, it's like, you know, if you're not fighting about dumb stuff or if, you know, one of the people in the relationship isn't just a complete follower. Like, one person's not allowed to have an opinion and the other person has an opinion or whatever the dynamic is, right? It sets a terrible precedent for what people are willing to accept, which is why I have such a fundamentally challenging time at colleges when I do this activity. And inevitably, somebody will say, you know, well, Joker and Harley Quinn, I want that kind of love. Like, that's a healthy relationship. There's not a moment of time where that's a healthy relationship. But like when Suicide Squad came out, how many young women do you know dressed up like Harley Quinn for Halloween? Yeah. Yeah, there's a similar thing right now with one of my focuses with my career is engagement and dealing with, particularly in the corporate sphere, dealing with apathy and people who are not wanting to open themselves up to connect with other people. And it is somewhat generational, which I hate to say, but this is more of a younger person problem than an older person problem. And when you look at a very famous quote that came from Schitt's Creek, I'm trying really hard not to connect with people right now. It's on sweaters, it's on tote bags, it's on bumper stickers, and it's funny, but I hate it because it is contagion. Like there are people that now think like staying in and binge watching Netflix is a replacement for real live connection. And we are all needing more connection. And it becomes, you know, it's cliche to say, like, you know, because of the internet and social media and all that, but we need connection. We, like, people need connection to be fulfilled in our lives. It's how we, we are a very social species. And so everyone, when they get in that room with friends and they're connected, feels amazing. And if there's those times when you're in that room and you don't feel amazing, it's because you're not connected, which means you're either not present or you're not listening or you're not, you know what I mean?   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Like, but when you really, truly feel connected, there's no feeling like that. And it's, we're setting a really bad example by having these types of quotes, like, I'm really trying hard not to connect with people right now as, like, a popular feeling. Because it's, it becomes more than just a TV, you know, line. It becomes like... A whole culture type of thing where you're just, you know, this is more preferable. And I get it. It is more preferable sometimes to not like it feels more safe to just stay at home. But it's sort of lazy and it's sort of it's an easy way to you're letting your nervous system win. You're letting your, you know, your anxieties and everything win when you could be a much more fulfilled, happy person if you content person. If you do allow yourself to connect and be open to connection. Yeah. So fun fact, you might, you might be able to use this on your podcast, but the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was the first penitentiary in the country that tried using isolation as a tactic as like a punishment for inmates. And what they found, yeah. So what they would do is like, they'd have everybody, um, uh, In their cells, staggered outdoor time. So they'd never know who was outside with them, and they couldn't see anyone. And they were all in like little, literally high wall, brick wall, five by five outdoor spaces. So they were completely isolated from each other. And they did not have any interaction with anybody, not in their cell, not around their cell, nothing. They were on one wall, separated by walls. And what they found was that within a few months of that lack of connection to anyone, these men went crazy.   Michael Kent They went bananas. They tried to unalive themselves. They like were starting to hallucinate and like having severe mental health like backlash from it. So it's not, you know, it is in us. It's biological, that need for connection. And so phrases like I'm trying really hard not to, you know, connect with people right now. I agree with you. It's very funny. I love Schitt's Creek. I'm rewatching it for like the 18th time right now. I just watched that episode. It's like the second episode. But it really does set a bad precedent. And then you have the backlash of that where the loneliness epidemic. And when I go to colleges, a lot of these advisors are talking about, my students come to me and say, I feel like I have no friends, like I'm not connected. But then they have events and the students don't come out to events, right? So it's kind of like you're shooting, you're cutting off your nose to spite your face. Yeah, it's a huge problem. And outside, I don't know whether or not in the higher education world, if this is as much of an issue, but it definitely fuels addiction in the real world. The isolation fuels addiction. And have you ever heard of the Rat Park study? There's a famous study in the 70s. I think it was in Canada, but like British Columbia. Basically, they had a bunch of mice or lab rats or whatever. And they gave them access to, in their water bottle, they had like drugs in the water bottle, like morphine or cocaine or something in the water bottle. And the rats that were isolated constantly drugged themselves, but the rats that were in a community of other rats did not. That's so interesting. Yeah, and it's been used for, you know, for 40 years as this or 50 years as this study that shows that, like, we need connection. We need connection because we don't have connection. find other ways to satisfy our, I don't know if that's our nervous system or whatever that is in us. But we end up, you know, basically the connection aspect of it replaces the need to get dopamine from other things, right?   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) So we're getting dopamine from those connections, which is critically important to our data. And it might not be substance abuse, right, particularly in those instances like you were talking about where the college students complain and then they don't leave.   Michael Kent Well, they might be getting dopamine from scrolling Instagram or scrolling TikTok or reading or watching Netflix or whatever it is that they're doing. I'm not saying any one of those things is worse than the other.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) I'm just saying all of them are a thing you do when you're not connecting. If that becomes a replacement for connection to get your dopamine, that's when you're going to be, you know, basically you have to keep feeding that beast, you know, and keep you because that's where addiction comes from. need to keep feeding that dopamine thing because you're not getting it naturally. So I think the key here is, right, even if it's uncomfortable or if it feels, you know, weird, especially post-COVID, right, which I think creates...   Michael Kent Created a lot of disconnection. It's finding that connection somehow. And so it kind of takes you away from, you know, trying to find it in other sources. Is that, I love that. absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. You know, we, I think like just natural human connection provides a lot of dopamine. Yeah. But that's if you're actually connecting. That doesn't mean being in a room with a person. means actually connecting. Yeah. That's really interesting. I feel like we've overshot your episode. This is gonna be like three different episodes. No, this is great. Honestly, I love this conversation. I was going to say like, I think we, you know, I could talk to you about this kind of all day. I love your perspective. But we should probably, we should probably get on with our days, you know, but thank you so much, Michael, for being here. Would you mind, I know you just put out a book. So would you mind talking about that for a second, telling everyone where they can get it, how they can reach you? Yeah, I selected more than 50 episodes or topics. pass.,ages, take you It's from my podcast, The Internet Says It's True, and compiled them into sort of like a bathroom reader style book. So you pick this thing up, and each story is only three or four pages, and they're all these amazing stories that sound made up but are really true.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Like, for instance, one of the stories is about how before the Teachers in Space program from the Challenger space shuttle mission, their first idea was to put Big Bird in space.   Michael Kent And I did an entire episode about how they really were going to, and Carol Spinney, the guy inside Big Bird costume, agreed to it and wanted to do it. And so we talk about that and, like, why it eventually failed and didn't, you know, that's what launched the Teachers in Space program. So there's stories like that that were, like, you know, make you say there's no way that's true, and they're all true. And at the end of every chapter, there's a QR code that you can scan that links you to the episode where you get to hear not only, you know, that story, but then also...   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) A quiz with a guest, like we did with you on my previous two episodes. So, but yeah, you can find that wherever you buy books.   Michael Kent It's called The Internet Says It's True, Stories That Sound Made Up But Aren't. Thank you so much.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Thank you so much, Michael, for being here, for having this conversation. It felt very, I know we covered kind of a wide range of topics, but I think that it was all very valid and very, like, fascinating.   Michael Kent So thank you, and I'd love to have you back on any time that you'd like.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) I would love to.   Michael Kent This is, I agree with you.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) We could have just kept going because I love to talk about things that aren't magic and aren't, you know, history. Like if I can get to a point where I can just talk about real world stuff that, you know, is affecting all of us, I love that. So I envy what you do for a living, that you're helping people in a way that's like very connecting A to B in a straight line, you know?   Michael Kent So it's really cool.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) Thank you very much.   Michael Kent And I love what you do.   Marissa F. Cohen (Marissa F. Cohen) I think magic is so fascinating and comedy just makes. People happy. I wish I was funnier. I always laugh when I'm talking to you, so. Oh, it's usually at me, but I appreciate it anyways. Well, you have a very happy new year, you and Larry, and it's good to talk to you again. Thank you. You too. That was awesome. Thank you very much. very welcome. Absolutely. Yeah, that was a lot of fun. Oh, good. And truly, anytime you want to come back. I will. Yeah. I don't know. I feel like we covered everything in the first episode. My episodes always range. Thank you. Yeah, absolutely. All right. So now I'm going to record my two episodes, and I won't have to do anything next week. Woo! Thank you. So I have one set up for this week and next week, so this will be probably January 21st, and when it goes up, I'll send it. me in it, and yep. Will do. Sounds great. Okay. Thanks, Marissa. Thanks, Michael. Have a good one. All right. You too. Bye. Bye.

A dysfunctional family and chaotic upbringing didn't stop God from saving Nilesh as a young man, and following a series of 'coincidences' God called a young man to church plant in Japan.

Episode Summary In this episode of the Work at Home Rockstar Podcast, Tim Melanson sits down with Joel Steele, author of Life Switch and co-founder of Steele Financial Solutions. Joel shares his journey from a failed restaurant business at 24 to building a successful financial services firm from home. The conversation dives deep into redefining success, balancing ambition with family, and why living a "rich life" has more to do with presence and purpose than money alone. Who is Joel Steele? Joel Steele is the author of Life Switch and co-founder of Steele Financial Solutions, where he helps people prepare for retirement and long-term financial independence. With more than two decades in financial services, Joel is also a speaker and mentor focused on helping people flip the switch from merely surviving to truly living. He's passionate about family, fitness, and helping others design a life they don't want to escape from. Connect with Joel Steele Website: https://bookjoelsteele.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-steele-9685888/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeswitchofficial Host Contact Details Website: https://workathomerockstar.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workathomerockstar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workathomerockstar LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timmelanson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WorkAtHomeRockStarPodcast Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/workathomestar Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction to Joel Steele 00:33 — Joel's Journey: From Restaurant Failure to Financial Success 01:55 — Redefining Success: Beyond Financial Wealth 03:38 — Lessons from Failure and Personal Growth 05:19 — Embracing Activity and Overcoming Obstacles 12:03 — The Importance of Human Connection in Business 19:52 — Leveraging Technology and Personal Touch 22:26 — Balancing Work and Home Life 22:37 — Finding Productivity in Chaos 24:46 — The Importance of Knowing Yourself 26:23 — Balancing Work and Passion Projects 28:19 — Discovering Your True Calling 32:01 — Applying Your Skills Beyond Your Day Job 35:48 — The Power of Passion and Purpose 38:29 — Joel Steele's Mission with Life Switch 41:28 — Final Thoughts and Inspirations

Learn how to shop for cheaper insurance and escape rising credit card debt before it snowballs. Is credit card debt becoming the new normal? How can you get the insurance coverage you need in 2026 without overpaying? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss insurance shopping to help you understand how to protect yourself at a price you can live with. But first, senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss NerdWallet's Household Debt Survey with data studies writer Erin El Issa. They break down why revolving credit card balances keep climbing, how “normalizing” debt can reduce urgency to pay it off, and why tools like buy now, pay later can feel easier upfront but get overwhelming fast. Then, insurance Nerd Kaz Weida joins Sean and Elizabeth to discuss what's driving higher insurance rates and how to shop smarter in 2026. They discuss ways to lower auto and homeowners premiums without leaving yourself exposed, how renters and pet insurance can be worth it depending on your situation, and why many people may need more life insurance than they think. They also discuss NerdWallet's Best-Of winners for budget-friendly auto, budget-friendly homeowners, same-day term life, and comprehensive pet coverage. Our Nerds researched more than 240 insurance products, narrowing down to just one winner per category: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards-insurance-2026?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011526_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-insurance  See all of NerdWallet's Best-Of Awards: https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/awards?utm_source=sm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=cm_organic_011526_podcast_sm_desc_allepisodes_best-of-awards  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with my 10-year-old son for a simple, honest conversation about our mornings, our home life, and the rhythms we're still learning as a family. We talk about what self-discipline looks like for him in the mornings. He shares the areas in which he hopes our family can still grow this year. We also touch on homeschooling, how we talk about faith in our home, and what sharing the gospel looks like as a kid. If you're a parent navigating discipline, routines, faith, or simply wondering what your children are absorbing from your home, I hope this conversation encourages you to slow down, listen, and give yourself grace.

In response to home tensions affecting her studies, the Rebbe advises arranging a suitable, supportive learning environment within a girls' school or dormitory. Such challenges strengthen a person and prepare them to walk their path with greater confidence. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/003/5949

Could you spot the signs of radicalisation in an employee's home life? In this moving and eye-opening episode, Toby Mildon talks to Sarah Hardy from Exit Hate, a charity helping individuals disengage from extremism and supporting affected families. Sarah shares her personal journey after her teenage son was radicalised by a far-right group and how that experience impacted her work, wellbeing, and relationships.They explore the vital role of HR professionals and line managers in recognising signs of distress, showing empathy, and supporting employees dealing with radicalisation at home. Sarah provides practical advice on how workplaces can become safe spaces during difficult times.Key takeaways include:Early warning signs of radicalisation affecting family life.The emotional and professional toll on parents in the workplace.Practical ways managers can support affected employees.Why compassion and non-judgemental conversation matter.The critical importance of early intervention and signposting to support.Guest highlight: Sarah Hardy, Family Support Programme lead at Exit Hate. Website: https://www.exithate.com/ Visit Exit Hate page on LinkedInSend us a messageIf you're enjoying this episode and looking to boost equity, inclusion, and diversity in your organisation, my team and I are here to help. Our team specialises in crafting data-driven strategies, developing inclusive leaders, designing fair recruitment processes, and enhancing disability confidence. With a blend of professional expertise and lived experience, we're ready to support you on your journey. Reach out to us through our website. If you want to build a more inclusive workplace that you can be proud of please visit our website to learn more.

“Personal pain is as unique as a fingerprint, and you never know what somebody's going through. Always be kind.” —Teresa Ramirez The piece reflects on how the lack of everyday decency can weigh on us, and introduces a conversation that offers practical, hopeful ways to cultivate kindness. Teresa Ramirez shares how a school tragedy inspired her lifelong commitment to nurturing compassion in families and communities. She shows how small, intentional acts of kindness shape our character and help us respond well in difficult moments. The conversation promises relatable stories and actionable guidance for raising kind humans in a noisy, often harsh world. In this episode, we cover:• Why intentional kindness shapes long-term behavior• How small daily habits set the tone at home• Stories of kids who changed outcomes through connection• The link between parent modeling and child behavior• How communities can reduce isolation through simple gestures• Practical tools for Raising Kind Children• Social media, parenting, and the power of what we model• Ways to respond calmly when conflict shows upConnect with Heather: WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebook YouTubeEpisode Highlights:01:16 From Tragedy to Kindness04:15 Raising Kind Children  08:33 Why Kindness Can Prevent Tragedy13:05 Kindness and Inclusion for Kids with Special Needs17:02 Practical Tips for Kindness at Home 19:45 Handling Unkindness at Home 22:53 Setting Social Media Examples 26:05 Kindness Over Being Right30:04 Words Matter: Ending on a Kind Note  32:51 Spread Kindness Resources:

Season 2 of The Good Question Podcast is here! This time, we're wrestling with one big question: Is it really worth it to follow Jesus with everything we've got? We're also welcoming some new voices into the studio—guests who will share their experiences to encourage you and offer fresh perspective along the way.In this episode, we explore why following Jesus is worth it—especially in the everyday rhythms of home life. We sit down with a first-generation follower of Jesus and stay-at-home mom who open up about their journeys of faith, family, sacrifice, and purpose. Through their honest stories—of identity being reshaped, homes transformed, and God meeting them in ordinary moments—they offer encouragement for anyone longing to live out their faith right where God has placed them.

Ever feel the high-performance version of you walk through the front door and start running the house like a meeting? We unpack how a powerful CEO identity can drift into every corner of life and unintentionally crowd out warmth, play, and ease. Rather than flipping a mythical “work off” switch, we walk through a practical approach to integration—bringing all of who we are while choosing the right facet to lead with, moment by moment.We share simple, real-world tools to shift from strategy to presence without losing your edge. You'll learn how a two-minute threshold ritual can dissolve work intensity before it hits the dinner table, why a three-second pause can transform conversations, and the exact consent-based question that prevents unasked-for coaching: “Do you want help thinking this through, or do you want me to just listen?” We also map a weekly reflection practice to spot where you made someone feel managed instead of loved and set a small intention to course-correct.Across the episode, we reframe ambition as an asset that needs more gears, not fewer. At work, lead with solutions and foresight; at home, lead with curiosity and connection while keeping your competence available in the background. This shift builds trust, reduces reactivity, and actually sharpens your leadership because real rest returns. If you've ever heard “you're going to make it homework,” this conversation will help you respond with empathy instead of a plan. Press play, try one practice tonight, and tell us what changed at your table. If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review so more leaders can grow power and presence together.Thanks for listening! Connect With Me:

Do you believe that effective decluttering only takes 10 minutes a day? Have you ever fallen into the trap of thinking "if in doubt, throw it out" is always the best approach? What if everything you thought you knew about decluttering and organising was actually holding you back?

In this Community Week special, host Lauren McManamon is joined by fellow advocate Kristy Merriam and guest Dharti Shah, a Certified Technical Architect, to discuss the intersection of career, community, and parenting. From Dharti’s journey through the CTA program to the shared experiences she and Kristy have as mothers of children on the autism spectrum, the conversation explores how personal challenges shape professional growth, how ServiceNow skills translate into life lessons, and the importance of support systems, both at home and in the developer community. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction of Hosts 01:43 Introduction of Guest, Dharti Shah 05:29 Discussing the ServiceNow Certified Technical Architect (CTA) Program 09:27 Balancing Work, Parenting, and Going Above and Beyond 18:16 New Perspectives Offered By Parenting 19:31 The Importance of "The Village" We Surround Ourselves With 21:30 Misconceptions About Being Working Parents 26:16 Advice For Women In Tech 31:28 Tech Trends Impacting Work Life, Home Life, and the Neurodivergent Community 37:51 Final Words of Wisdom 39:43 Conclusion

In this Community Week special, host Lauren McManamon is joined by fellow advocate Kristy Merriam and guest Dharti Shah, a Certified Technical Architect, to discuss the intersection of career, community, and parenting. From Dharti’s journey through the CTA program to the shared experiences she and Kristy have as mothers of children on the autism spectrum, the conversation explores how personal challenges shape professional growth, how ServiceNow skills translate into life lessons, and the importance of support systems, both at home and in the developer community. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction of Hosts 01:43 Introduction of Guest, Dharti Shah 05:29 Discussing the ServiceNow Certified Technical Architect (CTA) Program 09:27 Balancing Work, Parenting, and Going Above and Beyond 18:16 New Perspectives Offered By Parenting 19:31 The Importance of "The Village" We Surround Ourselves With 21:30 Misconceptions About Being Working Parents 26:16 Advice For Women In Tech 31:28 Tech Trends Impacting Work Life, Home Life, and the Neurodivergent Community 37:51 Final Words of Wisdom 39:43 Conclusion

Lori Pappas plodded with a slow, heavy pace against resistance in her youth. Her parents had her committed when she was 16 years old because they could not control her. She was rebellious, and her mother, a religious fanatic, was convinced she was possessed by the devil. While there, she heard rumors that she was scheduled for shock treatments. She devised a plan and escaped - armed with only her smarts and determination. Lori made the difficult decision to become the architect of her life without emotional support or a safety net. She married the first man who loved her but gave up trying to navigate his paranoia when her career took off. Divorced, she started a business before falling into another unsatisfying relationship. She was like two different people for years. Her career defined her and was applauded professionally (award-winning and nationally acclaimed.) Homelife, however, was a different story, complicated and exhausting. She juggled being a mother of three, a wife, and a businesswoman for a long time. Lori sold her company for millions of dollars at the height of the tech market and tried to retire at 49. But the "American Dream life" bored her. At 57, Lori traded in her cushy life to start a non-profit to help Indigenous people gain a chance to live a healthy life. She moved to Ethiopia to build and implement initiatives for 100,000 extremely marginalized people in South Omo Valley (the corner of Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Kenya). In her 60s, she met the love of her life online. She now has the time and mind-space to share the insights of her inner wise woman. You will love her story, and she will inspire you to live your life as you were destined to be. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE When did you last choose yourself without feeling guilty? Can't remember? You're not alone. Most of us spend our lives helping others while our own dreams collect dust. I did it too—even after breaking out of a mental institution at seventeen, building a multi-million-dollar tech company, and transforming 100,000 lives in Africa. I was still helping others while ignoring my needs to feel loved, connected, and at peace. That's when I created the D.R.E.A.M. method to save myself—and wrote The Magic of Yes to share it. This isn't just another self-help book. It's your practical guide to breaking free from what you can't even see. Inside, you'll get concrete tools to: Set boundaries that actually stick—without the guilt Stop people-pleasing—and start trusting your own voice Forgive yourself and others—so you can finally move forward Navigate major life transitions—empty nest, career changes, relationship shifts Access your inner wisdom—through proven D.R.E.A.M. prompts at the end of every chapter Each chapter blends real stories (mine and other women's), research-backed insights, and customizable exercises you can adapt to YOUR specific challenges. Whether you're drowning in "supposed-tos," exhausted from putting everyone first, or simply ready to reclaim your voice—this book meets you exactly where you are. Connect with Lori Here Website Newsletter Facebook Group LinkedIn Instagram

Don't miss out. We check in on Greg.

This episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosted by Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton, takes a hard look at the ripple effect first responder careers have on families. Behind every badge or helmet is a spouse, child, or loved one carrying the hidden costs of service. From missed holidays to emotional distance, the fallout is real—and it can quietly erode relationships (Amazon Affiliate) if left unaddressed. We break down common family struggles, share powerful examples, and offer practical steps to help protect your home life while continuing to serve. 5 Examples of Family Fallout Missed Milestones Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays often collide with shift work, leaving families feeling forgotten or secondary. Emotional Absence Even when physically home, many officers and firefighters remain mentally “on duty,” making it hard to connect. Parenting Gaps Spouses often shoulder the majority of childcare, creating imbalance and resentment in parenting roles. Heightened Household Tension Stress and hyper-vigilance from the job can spill over into family dynamics, creating conflict or distance. Isolation From Civilian Friends Families may feel disconnected from friends outside responder culture, leaving them without support. 5 Ways to Protect Home Life Prioritize Communication With Loved Ones Regular check-ins and honest conversations about what you're going through prevent distance from growing. Create Family Rituals That Work Around the Job Even if it's not the holiday itself, intentional traditions (like “shift day dinners”) build connection. Set Boundaries Between Work and Home Leave the radio, reports, and mindset at the door when possible so home remains a safe haven. Share the Load With Your Partner Acknowledge the weight they carry and actively participate in parenting, chores, and emotional labor. Seek Support as a Family, Not Just Individually Counseling, peer groups, and responder-specific family programs help everyone navigate the unique challenges.

The 16th century was a dangerous time to be talking about magic and hidden forces, so how did John Dee end up being invited into Elizabeth I's court?He was an astronomer, occultist and alchemist who dedicated his life to understanding how celestial activity influenced life on earth.What happened when he thought angels told him to swap wives with another mystic? How did his influence impact the Tudor court? And why was he never accused of witchcraft?Joining Kate today is Rachel Morris, author of The Years of the Wizard: The Strange History and Home Life of Renaissance Magicians.This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Inspiring Life and Legacy of William Borden, a Man of Unwavering Faith and Profound Impact William Borden was extraordinary in almost every sense. Born into wealth and privilege, he could have chosen to live a life of luxury and ease. Instead, he surrendered it all for a life of service to Christ. "Borden of Yale" is the riveting account of a man who exemplified what it means to be fully committed to God. Raised in Moody Church in Chicago and educated at both Yale and Princeton, Borden first felt the missionary call during a round-the-world journey gifted to him by his parents at the age of sixteen. The following year, he received a distinct call to dedicate his life to serving the Muslims of China, a decision that shaped everything he did from that point forward. Though a scholar in his own right, Borden's theological insights were not merely intellectual pursuits; they were living beliefs that propelled him into action. From leading Bible studies in dorms and founding the Yale Hope Mission to serving as a director at the National Bible Institute and spearheading evangelistic efforts that impacted the entire city of Cairo, Borden was unwavering in his commitment to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. As promising as his life appeared, Borden passed away in Egypt while en route to serve the Muslims in China. Thousands mourned, contemplating what might have been. Yet countless others have been inspired to follow in his footsteps to the mission field. William Borden was a visionary, a trailblazer, and an inspiration for all who seek to follow Jesus Christ. This is not just a book; it's an invitation to reevaluate what truly matters and to live wholeheartedly for the Lord.

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis speaks with Justin Ball, a licensed clinical social worker and former Green Beret, about the complexities of combat stress and mental health. They discuss the importance of recognizing maladaptive stress responses, the concept of limbic hijack, and the significance of co-regulation techniques in high-stress situations. Justin introduces the SABRE method for managing stress and emphasizes the impact of home life on mental health. They also explore the challenges of dealing with failure, imposter syndrome, and the importance of daily calm practices, especially during the transition out of military service. The conversation concludes with resources for mental health support within the military community.TakeawaysCombat stress can lead to maladaptive behaviors.Limbic hijack can impair decision-making in emergencies.Co-regulation is essential for managing stress in others.The SABRE method provides a structured approach to calming techniques.Daily practices of calm can help maintain mental health.Retirement can be a challenging transition for veterans.Understanding personal limits is crucial for mental well-being.Imposter syndrome affects many in the military community.Home life stress can significantly impact mental health.Resources like Soft Network can aid in finding mental health support.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Combat Stress and Mental Health01:21 Justin's Background and Experience04:50 Recognizing Maladaptive Stress Responses11:10 Understanding Limbic Hijack and Emotional Responses17:46 Co-Regulation Techniques in High-Stress Situations21:50 The SABRE Method for Managing Stress34:38 Identifying Signs of Emotional Distress41:31 The Impact of Home Life on Mental Health49:15 Dealing with Failure and Imposter Syndrome01:00:59 The Importance of Daily Calm Practices01:07:10 Navigating Retirement and Transitioning Out01:38:02 Resources for Mental Health SupportFor more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠⁠⁠⁠

Who was John Dee—the Tudor polymath who advised Elizabeth I, mapped the heavens, spoke (he believed) with angels, and penned a landmark preface to Euclid? Historian and writer Rachel Morris joins to unpack Dee's strange, brilliant world at the fault line between Renaissance “natural magic” and the birth of modern science. We explore why astrology was respectable, what “as above, so below” meant to learned magi, how printing turned libraries into engines of ideas, the hazards of practicing magic in an age of heresy trials, and why Dee still feels uncannily modern. We also touch on his years in Prague, his uneasy return to England, and the beautiful—if perilous—idea that the cosmos is alive with meaning.Rachel's new book The Years of the Wizard: The Strange History and Home Life of Renaissance Magicians (Duckworth) is out now. Please support independent bookshops or buy direct from the publisher.Go Deeper: Visit our website at www.explaininghistory.org for articles and detailed explorations of the topics discussed.▸ Join the Conversation: Our community of history enthusiasts discusses episodes, shares ideas, and continues the conversation. Find us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcast/Substack: https://theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com/▸ Support the Podcast: Explaining History is a listener-supported production. Your contribution helps us cover the costs of research and keep these conversations going. You can support the show and get access to exclusive content by becoming a patron.Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/explaininghistoryExplaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian Historical Fiction Talk is listener supported. When you buy things through this site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Become a patron and enjoy special perks and bonus content.Show your appreciation for the show and buy me a coffee. You'll find details by following this link.Ann Gabhart joins us on the show this week to talk about her new book, The Pursuit of Elena Bradford. As we discuss this story, we talk about the wealthy people who used to come to Kentucky to "take the waters." We also chat about her love for her farm, walking her dogs, and listening to audio books. Patrons will hear what she might have done if she hadn't become an author. The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann GabhartNothing would please her family more than her securing an admirable match, but true love and loyalty are harder to come by than she imagined. At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities--including dances almost every evening. As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart. When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty.With a Southern flair and a spark of intrigue, this stand-alone clean historical romance will charm readers with masterful artists, colorful dances, a love triangle, and endearing family relationships.Get your copy of The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann Gabhart.Meet Ann Gabhart:Hi, glad you could stop by to get to know me better. I'm a country girl, born and raised on a farm in the Outer Bluegrass region of Kentucky. I know you're thinking horse farm, but no, not out my way. Mostly cows on the farms around here. My grandfather did have a big old workhorse when I was a little girl. My family grew tobacco and corn. We had a few milk cows, some hogs and sheep, but mostly beef cattle. I grew up working on the farm and enjoying the woods and animals. My roots go deep in the land, and I now live on a farm just a mile away from the farmhouse where I was raised.I started writing when I was ten and have been writing ever since. My first published writings (personal experience pieces, youth stories, and poems) were in church periodicals like Home Life. My first novel, A Forbidden Yearning, a historical romance about the settling of Kentucky, was published by Warner Books in 1978. Since then I've published forty other novels for adults and young adults. Some of the early titles are out of print now but still floating around out there as used books.Visit Ann Gabhart's website.

Ever heard these myths floating around about leadership and work-life balance? Myth #1: True leaders have to hustle nonstop to be successful. Myth #2: Burnout just means you're not cut out for the job. Myth #3: Neuroplasticity is only for scientists—not something leaders can actually use. I'm about to spill the truth on how to flip these old stories on their head—so you can actually lead with clarity, energy, and a life that feels good. Ready for a totally different take? Stick around! In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how soul-aligned leadership strategies can transform your decision-making and inspire your team from within. Learn to overcome burnout by tapping into mindfulness techniques that reset your energy and focus. Explore the hidden ways work culture shapes mental health and what that means for your leadership approach. Unlock the benefits of adopting a one week per month lifestyle to boost creativity and work-life balance. Harness the power of neuroplasticity to reshape your leadership skills and adapt to new challenges with ease. My special guest is Dr. Nona Djavid Dr. Nona Djavid is a neuroscientist-trained chiropractor, entrepreneur, author, and founder of eLIVate Club and the One Week/Month Lifestyle™. She helps leaders and entrepreneurs rewire their subconscious, regulate their nervous system, and step into their fullest potential—leading with alignment, vision, and purpose. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:00 - Redefining Success: Dr. Nona Javid's Journey to Soul-Aligned Leadership 00:07:40 - Navigating Workforce Changes and AI Impact in Leadership 00:11:40 - Neuroscience and the Nervous System's Role in Leadership Resilience 00:13:30 - Breaking Free from Past Patterns to Lead Differently 00:14:00 - Harnessing Visualization to Transform Leadership and Relationships 00:17:00 - The Ripple Effect of Emotional Self-Management in Work and Home Life 00:19:30 - Teaching Emotional Responsibility and Regulation from Childhood to Leadership 00:24:40 - Addressing Workplace Incivility and the Need for Self-Awareness in Leadership 00:27:00 - Navigating Organizational Change with Human-Centered Leadership 00:27:51 - Pandemic Impact on Social Connection and Emotional Health 00:31:38 - Core Elements of Authentic and Soul-Aligned Leadership 00:35:12 - Leadership During Increased Workloads and Embracing Team Collaboration 00:36:16 - The One Week a Month Leadership Lifestyle for Empowered Teams 00:40:54 - Global Work Cultures and the Importance of Rest for Leadership Sustainability 00:42:09 - Comparing Work-Life Balance: Silicon Valley vs. Italy 00:43:35 - Productivity and Time Management Lessons from Italy 00:44:40 - Addressing Workplace Stress and the Always-On Culture 00:45:43 - Cultural and Geographic Differences Impacting Work Styles 00:46:22 - Connecting with Dr. Nona Djavid and Continuing the Conversation Connect with Dr. Nona Djavid on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and services. Visit Dr. Nona Djavid's website for additional information and resources. Join the Patreon community Difference Makers for exclusive content and additional questions with podcast guests. Subscribe to loriadamsbrown.substack.com as a free or paid subscriber for behind-the-scenes insights and in-depth articles related to the podcast. Share the podcast episode with friends, family, colleagues, or your team, and leave a five-star rating and review to help others discover the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're discussing How to Create Adventure at Home Life as a single parent can feel like pure survival. The weight of responsibilities, constant demands, and unexpected setbacks can strip away joy and leave us feeling stuck. Our guest, Helen Smallbone, co-founder of MUMLife, author, and mother of seven, shares how reframing hardship into adventure can cultivate presence, gratitude, and resilience for the whole family. Today, we cover three main points: How survival mode robs us of presence and joy. Why reframing hard circumstances into adventure builds resilience for us and our kids. The role of gratitude and perspective in unlocking creativity and hope. When we live in survival mode, our ability to notice joy or wonder gets clouded. Helen describes treating an empty, furniture-less house like a family “camping trip,” which turned scarcity into connection and play. She reminds us that kids do not need perfection. They need perspective. When we choose gratitude and invite them into the process, they often help us see God's provision in ways we would miss. Resilience grows not by dodging pain but by facing it together, choosing a hopeful lens, and taking the next right step. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: MUMLife: A ministry co-founded by Helen to create safe spaces where mothers encourage and uplift one another through authentic connection, biblical teaching, and shared experience. Unsung Hero: A feature film inspired by the Smallbone family's journey of loss, faith, and resilience, showing how God provided for them in unexpected ways. We want to answer any Solo Parent questions you may have. Submit your listener questions HERE. Full Show Notes  Learn more about Solo Parent Follow us on Instagram  

** Book in for Inventium’s GenAI Productivity Upgrade here: https://inventium.com.au/genai-cohort/ ** AI isn’t just for work. From helping you plan meals to keeping your kids entertained, it can be a powerful tool for everyday life. In this episode, Inventium’s AI expert Neo Aplin joins Amantha to share 25 practical ways to use AI at home, including: Smart shopping with fridge photos and food lists Recipe ideas based on what’s already in your pantry Batch meal prep and planning Laundry and cleaning hacks for tricky stains Personalised fitness advice Fun activities for kids, from Dr. Seuss–style poems to colouring pages Plant identification and care tips Holiday planning and packing lists If you’ve ever wondered how AI can make your life outside of work simpler (and a little more fun) this episode has you covered. My latest book The Health Habit is out now. You can order a copy here: https://www.amantha.com/the-health-habit/ Connect with me on the socials: Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanthaimber) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/amanthai) If you are looking for more tips to improve the way you work and live, I write a weekly newsletter where I share practical and simple to apply tips to improve your life. You can sign up for that at https://amantha-imber.ck.page/subscribe Visit https://www.amantha.com/podcast for full show notes from all episodes. Get in touch at amantha@inventium.com.au Credits: Host: Amantha Imber Sound Engineer: Martin ImberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartfelt episode, I open up about the question I've been wrestling with: What can I actually do — as a wife, a mom, and a follower of Christ — to make a difference in this world? Instead of getting overwhelmed by the noise, I take a step back to explore what real change looks like when it starts in our own homes, hearts, and daily choices. We'll dive into:

On this week's episode of I AM HOME, our hosts Tyler and Hilary are joined by Memphis Cantu, a dynamic member of the University of North Texas Pom & Dance team and a Visual Arts student with a flair for choreography. Memphis shares insights into the physical and creative demands of collegiate dance, the balance between art and athletics, and the personal inspirations that fuel his performance and style (including his cat Malachi!) The episode explores Memphis's upbringing, creative journey, and approach to home design, bringing humor, energy, and heart to the conversation. This episode highlights individuality, artistic passion, and the power of creating a home that reflects who you are. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

In this episode of the Criminal Motives podcast, host Matthew Phifer dives deep into the shocking story of an LA woman who fell victim to an AI-driven scam. Targeted by scammers posing as a celebrity from the soap opera General Hospital, the woman believed she was in a romantic relationship with the star. This deception led her to sell her home and hand over tens of thousands of dollars in gift cards, cash, and Bitcoin. Matthew shares his thoughts on the devastating impact of AI scams, mental health considerations, and the importance of personal responsibility.Join the conversation as we explore how AI technology is being exploited for manipulation and fraud, and the lessons we can all learn from this tragic case. Don't miss Matthew's insights into victim responsibility, scam awareness, and protecting ourselves from this growing epidemic.If you enjoy true crime, psychological twists, and deep dives into current events, make sure to subscribe, like, and share this video! For more unfiltered thoughts and stories, check out Matthew's Substack for exclusive content.Links:

In this episode of Wake Up, Look Up, Pastor Zach shares a surprising “Productivity Hack” rooted in Scripture. While culture pushes constant hustle and endless to-do lists, he reveals a biblical rhythm that leads to true fruitfulness without burnout. This conversation offers practical wisdom and spiritual insight, reminding believers that lasting productivity flows from abiding in Jesus.Have an article you'd like Pastor Zach to discuss? Email us at wakeup@ccchapel.com!

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.I am chatting with homemaker, writer, podcaster and baker of bread, Abigail Dodds. I was so honored when Abigail agreed to come on The Art of Home and share her unique story of home with us. She's been married to Tom for 23 years and they have 5 kids ranging from 21-12. In the margins of her vibrant Homelife, Abigail writes books and co-hosts the Home Fires podcast.We chat about so many fun things and Abigail's love of home and high view of God's design for womanhood shines through the stories and the wisdom she shares. NOTES & LINKSConnect with AbigailHome Fires Podcast | Apple | Spotify Instagram @abigail_doddsBooks by Abigail(A)Typical Woman; Free, Whole, and Called in ChristBread of Life; Savoring the All-Satisfying Goodness of Jesus through the Art of Bread MakingA Student's Guide to WomanhoodMentioned in This Episode:S1:E1 Homemaker Portrait | Dana Schamberger Blog Post with 3 free recipes!MM #9 | Read Great Books with Friends, Start a Virtual Book ClubLe Crueset Cookbook, OrangeSupport the showHOMEMAKING RESOURCES Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum Newsletter Archive JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide SUPPORT & CONNECT Review | Love The Podcast Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email Follow | Follow The Podcast Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support

Is insurance a safety net—or just another trap in fine print? Ben brings his fresh wounds from dealing with home, life, and auto policies to the mic, and the Common Folk crew doesn't hold back. If you've ever battled with an adjuster, fought a claim, or just wondered what you're really paying for each month, this episode is for you.Show notes & Sponsor links:https://barnowl.tech/

Welcome to the Financial Freedom & Wealth Trailblazers Podcast! In today's episode, we'll help introverted women grow in their corporate careers while successfully balancing the demands of a busy home life.Sylvahna is a recruitment professional and career coach with 10+ years of experience in the field. Also being an introvert, she specializes in helping introverted, ambitious career women in corporate getting clear on their personal brand, implementing it on LinkedIn, and starting networking in a way that makes them comfortable. She has helped over hundreds of women getting their next big career opportunity by utilizing their personal brand. Just because you're an introvert, it doesn't mean that you have to take the backseat.Connect with Sylvahna Here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvahnamulderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fierce.careersPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xt9sW9PDzgWry4zokdS0d?si=865b5c7146db47feWebsite: https://www.fiercecareers.coGrab the freebie here: https://fiercecareers82197.ac-page.com/personal-branding-powermap===================================If you enjoyed this episode, remember to hit the like button and subscribe. Then share this episode with your friends.Thanks for watching the Financial Freedom & Wealth  Trailblazers Podcast. This podcast is part of the Digital Trailblazer family of podcasts. To learn more about Digital Trailblazer and what we do to help entrepreneurs, go to DigitalTrailblazer.com.Are you a coach, consultant, expert, or online course creator? Then we'd love to invite you to our FREE Facebook Group where you can learn the best strategies to land more high-ticket clients and customers. QUICK LINKS: APPLY TO BE FEATURED: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/podcast-guest-applicationDIGITAL TRAILBLAZER: https://digitaltrailblazer.com/

Send us a textGood philosophy makes clear: the power called ‘imagination' has a dramatic while often unnoticed influence in our life. It is central in forming our thoughts and desires. Recognizing this truth gives practical direction for rethinking daily practices for ourselves, our children, and all our loved ones, starting in our home.https://life-craft.org/

A new MP3 sermon from First Christian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Home Life: Listen Up, Kids! Subtitle: Daily 180 Speaker: Dr. T. J. Gentry Broadcaster: First Christian Church Event: Devotional Date: 8/6/2025 Bible: Colossians 3:20 Length: 3 min.

In this episode of I AM HOME, host Tyler Wisecup and cohost Becca Sudbeck sit down with standout Nebraska Huskers softball player Talia Tokheim. Known for her grit on the field and being grounded off it, Talia opens up about her journey through injuries, maintaining a championship mindset, and how she balances the intensity of college athletics with creating a meaningful home life. Listeners will gain insights into her daily routines, family traditions, and personal style in both her game and in her living space. Whether you're an athlete, a fan, or someone seeking inspiration on resilience and home-life harmony, this episode delivers a fun blend of sports and soul. Resources: nfm.com/podcast

I (Alia) love learning about and gaining inspiration from the routines that others use to keep their homes and families running. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 routines that have been helpful in my home and inviting you to consider areas in your own life that could benefit from a simple, brand-new routine. For the written version and related links, please visit https://LearnDoBecome.com/Episode293 Join us for our Free training, "How to Finally Stop Drowning in Piles": https://learndobecome.com/aff/?p=Ldbyt&w=organize Get Your Free LearnDoBecome Welcome Kit Here: https://LearnDoBecome.com/Welcome Subscribe to the LearnDoBecome Radio Podcast: https://LearnDoBecome.com/Radio Subscribe to the LearnDoBecome YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/LearnDoBecome Join the LearnDoBecome Free Community Facebook Group: https://LearnDoBecome.com/FBfamily Follow @LearnDoBecome on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/LearnDoBecome Follow our LearnDoBecome Facebook Page: https://Facebook.com/LearnDoBecome Discover our "Steps to Everyday Productivity" (STEP) Program: https://LearnDoBecome.com/STEPprogram Start Your Free Trial of the ARISE Membership with April and Eric: https://LearnDoBecome.com/ARISE

Inside the Mind of Asa Ellerup: FBI Profiler Breaks Down the Gilgo Beach Killer's Home Life In this special full-length edition of Hidden Killers, Tony Brueski is joined by Robin Dreeke—retired FBI Special Agent and former chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program—for a masterclass in psychological profiling, emotional survival, and the terrifying ease with which evil can thrive inside a family home. Together, they dissect the marriage between Asa Ellerup and accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann. Through footage from Peacock's documentary, The Gilgo Beach Killer: Secrets of a Serial Killer, Robin examines Asa's emotional patterns, her lack of curiosity, and what her devotion may reveal about how Rex was able to live a double life for decades without raising alarm. From their earliest days together—when Rex “saved” Asa from a difficult divorce—to the secret gun vault in the basement she never questioned, every detail is unpacked through the lens of behavioral science. Why did Asa never ask what her husband did during those long weekends alone? Why did she trust him so completely, even when DNA evidence tied her family to the victims? We also explore the conflicted voice of Victoria Heuermann, their daughter, who is caught between love and revulsion. Like Kerri Rawson, daughter of BTK, Victoria must now reconcile the man who built her a dollhouse with the man now accused of horrific crimes. Robin Dreeke breaks down how manipulation, grooming, denial, and emotional projection form the perfect storm for long-term concealment—and how that storm unraveled in one Long Island household. This isn't just about a killer. It's about the people who lived with him. And what they may have known—or refused to see.   Hashtags: #RexHeuermann #AsaEllerup #VictoriaHeuermann #GilgoBeach #FBIProfiler #RobinDreeke #PeacockDocumentary #SerialKillerWife #TrueCrimePodcast #HiddenKillers Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872  

Inside the Mind of Asa Ellerup: FBI Profiler Breaks Down the Gilgo Beach Killer's Home Life In this special full-length edition of Hidden Killers, Tony Brueski is joined by Robin Dreeke—retired FBI Special Agent and former chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program—for a masterclass in psychological profiling, emotional survival, and the terrifying ease with which evil can thrive inside a family home. Together, they dissect the marriage between Asa Ellerup and accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann. Through footage from Peacock's documentary, The Gilgo Beach Killer: Secrets of a Serial Killer, Robin examines Asa's emotional patterns, her lack of curiosity, and what her devotion may reveal about how Rex was able to live a double life for decades without raising alarm. From their earliest days together—when Rex “saved” Asa from a difficult divorce—to the secret gun vault in the basement she never questioned, every detail is unpacked through the lens of behavioral science. Why did Asa never ask what her husband did during those long weekends alone? Why did she trust him so completely, even when DNA evidence tied her family to the victims? We also explore the conflicted voice of Victoria Heuermann, their daughter, who is caught between love and revulsion. Like Kerri Rawson, daughter of BTK, Victoria must now reconcile the man who built her a dollhouse with the man now accused of horrific crimes. Robin Dreeke breaks down how manipulation, grooming, denial, and emotional projection form the perfect storm for long-term concealment—and how that storm unraveled in one Long Island household. This isn't just about a killer. It's about the people who lived with him. And what they may have known—or refused to see.   Hashtags: #RexHeuermann #AsaEllerup #VictoriaHeuermann #GilgoBeach #FBIProfiler #RobinDreeke #PeacockDocumentary #SerialKillerWife #TrueCrimePodcast #HiddenKillers Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video?  Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Homelife, dreams and more Scott Wolf. Plus so many other things, it's almost TOO good? 

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Annie Yatch. A leadership and performance coach specializing in helping high-achieving entrepreneurs balance business growth with personal fulfillment. The discussion focused on leadership, relationships, and overcoming subconscious barriers to success.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Annie Yatch. A leadership and performance coach specializing in helping high-achieving entrepreneurs balance business growth with personal fulfillment. The discussion focused on leadership, relationships, and overcoming subconscious barriers to success.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Annie Yatch. A leadership and performance coach specializing in helping high-achieving entrepreneurs balance business growth with personal fulfillment. The discussion focused on leadership, relationships, and overcoming subconscious barriers to success.