Podcasts about Honda Civic

One of our listeners came up with the perfect first date question. You might want to steal this one once you hear it! Get your 2nd Date Update Merch For A Cause HERE!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our listeners came up with the perfect first date question. You might want to steal this one once you hear it! Get your 2nd Date Update Merch For A Cause HERE!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#600: Jillian Johnsrud was falling apart. After suffering a miscarriage, she couldn't pull herself together to return to her job as a youth pastor in DC. She decided to take a month off. That unexpected break became Jillian's first "mini-retirement" — a deliberate step away from work for at least 30 days to focus on something meaningful.  Today, Jillian is a mom of six who has taken more than a dozen mini-retirements with her kids, who currently range in age from 8 to 17.  During her first mini-retirement, she and her best friend piled into her green Honda Civic and drove from DC to Seattle, leaving her 13-year-old son Micah at home with her husband. A couple years later, Jillian took Micah, then 15, to Glacier National Park in Montana for another mini-retirement. They saw mountain goats, kayaked together, and swam in ice-cold waters.  This trip created irreplaceable memories. Sadly, Micah died six years later.  His death changed how Jillian sees time. She now understands that meaningful moments don't wait for perfect timing - they either happen now or vanish forever.  Waiting for "someday" might mean missing chances forever.  This drives her philosophy about mini retirements — life contains fleeting seasons that we either embrace now or miss entirely. "To be able to share those memories with him there is priceless," Jillian tells us. This understanding shapes her approach with her other children too. From a 10-week road trip to 10 national parks in a pop-up camper to a recent six-month journey across the eastern United States with her five younger children (now ages 8-17), Jillian prioritizes experiences that fit each season of family life. Planning your own mini retirement? Jillian recommends focusing on four key areas: managing your time (pick just 2-3 priorities), addressing career logistics (craft a compelling story for your employer), saving money (about 6.5 percent of your income for a month off every other year), and preparing for emotional revelations. Jillian emphasizes the importance of separating your mini retirement fund from long-term retirement savings. This separate fund, which she calls the "in-between bucket," allows you to spend freely on experiences now rather than postponing all enjoyment until traditional retirement age. As Jillian puts it: "You can't postpone every good thing in your life." Timestamps: Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths. (0:00) Introduction to mini-retirements (0:59) Definition of mini-retirement: stepping away from work for 30+ days to focus on something meaningful (3:03) Jillian shares her first mini-retirement story after experiencing personal loss (8:28) Taking time off to enjoy important life moments before they pass (12:12) Jillian's trip to Glacier National Park with her son Micah before he passed away (20:33) Four components of planning a mini-retirement: time, career, finances, unexpected challenges (34:14) Time management: choosing 2-3 clear goals rather than trying to do everything (42:39) Career strategies: how to present your mini-retirement to employers (1:01:29) Financial planning: saving 6.5% of income for monthly breaks every other year (1:14:34) Handling unexpected challenges that arise during your time off (1:20:01) How mini-retirements reveal personal issues you've avoided through work (1:33:32) Jillian's recent family adventures with five children Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What actually happens when you work with a financial advisor? At Root Financial, we've built a carefully structured team model to ensure every client gets consistent, exceptional service regardless of which advisor they're paired with.Unlike products (think identical Honda Civics or iPhones at any retailer), financial advice is inherently personal and can vary dramatically between advisors. We've solved this challenge by creating a four-person service team for every client: a Client Service Associate handling operations, an Associate Financial Advisor supporting and learning, a Lead Financial Advisor delivering personalized recommendations, and a Senior Financial Advisor providing advanced expertise while coaching the team.This structure isn't just organizational—it's the foundation of our entire client experience. When Associate Advisors take detailed notes, for example, it allows Lead Advisors to be fully present in conversations rather than documenting. As one team member put it: "Taking notes allows me to be fully present in that conversation."Rather than simply hiring "free agent" advisors with varying approaches, we've developed our own farm system. We carefully select talented professionals with the right character and potential, then develop them through our comprehensive training programs. Each advisor progresses through clearly defined levels with specific requirements—time in role, licensing, CFP designation, and successful completion of Root's investment and planning curricula.The goal? Creating advisors who've "learned the rules like a pro so they can break them like an artist." This Picasso-inspired philosophy means our team masters the fundamentals, then adapts them creatively to help clients optimize not just for wealth, but for a life well-lived.This behind-the-scenes structure might seem technical, but it's precisely what allows us to deliver consistent excellence. When you work with Root, you're not just getting one advisor—you're getting an entire team crafted to ensure your experience reflects our core belief: money should be a tool for getting the most out of life.Want to discover if our approach aligns with your needs? Visit rootfinancial.com and click "see if we're a fit" to start the conversation.Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy HereGet access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy hereAri Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence. “Early Retirement – Financial Freedom” is a podcast produced by Root Financial Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser. The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. I may reference planning situations based on real client experiences, but they've been simplified for clarity. Always consult your own financial advisor before making decisions. Listening to this podcast does not create or imply an advisory relationship with Root Financial. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Testimonials and endorsements do not reflect all client experiences and are not compensated. Learn more at our website or by reviewing our Form ADV at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1020: We're breaking down retail sales insights for March (not just auto) driven by pre-tariff buying sprees as we dive into data from Cars Commerce's latest Q1 report. We also talk about a household brand that helps people build things, diving into helping them be more engaged gamers. Show Notes with links:Market data is in for March and it was the 6th highest March for new car sales since 1976 largely driven by pre-tariff buying. Our friends at Cars Commerce is making these insights available for free in their Q1 Industry Insights ReportMarch sales grew 11% YoY, pushing the Q1 average up 4.8% YoY despite January and February being up only 1%Average new-car prices hold steady at ~$49,000 for the last 18 months which is holding at 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels.Trade-in values are expected to rise in the coming months, fueled by anticipated increases in new-car prices driven by tariffs.$30-$49K cars are now the fastest growing segment as tariffs threaten sub-$30K Inventory89% of sub-30k vehicles are made outside the USOnly the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and the soon to be discontinued Chevy Malibu are made in the USTesla and non-Tesla EV search intensity is trending toward parity for the first time as Tesla searches dropped 11% YoYRetail sales made a strong rebound in March, rising 1.4% from February to $734.9 billion, with automotive leading the pack. But inflation fears and consumer sentiment paint a more complex picture for future spending.Retail sales jumped 4.6% year over year, with a sharp March rebound after February's weak 0.2% gain.Auto and parts dealers led the way, up 5.3%, tightening new and used vehicle inventories.Inflation dropped for the first time since May 2020, but tariffs threaten future price hikes.Consumer sentiment fell 11% in April to 50.8, the fourth straight monthly decline.“The consumer is not feeling great given the confusion of policy announcements from Washington,” said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz.Lowe's is embedding itself directly into the sports gaming world through EA Sports titles as the home improvement giant targets younger, gaming-savvy audiences where they already spend time.Lowe's branding will appear in games like Madden, College Football 26, and EA Sports FC.A “Stadium Pulse” feature will showcase Lowe's during intense in-game moments.Players can earn in-game perks tied to MyLowe's Rewards in future Ultimate Team challenges.eMarketer found that interstitial ads, or full-screen advertisements displayed during natural breaks in a user's experience — such as between levels in a game — are often skipped by gamers, but opt-in video ads “that offer an incentive to click, like an in-game reward, can succeed, but it depends on how valuable the reward is.”Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Send us a textObviously I can't speak on this topic... I am joined by 2024 SCCC TCA Champion Eric Kunz (@erickunz.racing) to talk about his story and QUICK transition from karts to TCA champion in his Honda Civic. He's got some great tips for us FWD racers out there! If you like what you hear... please share the podcast with friends. 

In this episode, Matt and Irlanne discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal updates to current events and automotive news. They share insights on the automotive industry, including fraud in car purchases, the restructuring of Advanced Auto Parts, and the shift of Honda Civic production to the US. The conversation also touches on social issues, political commentary, and the importance of being informed consumers in both the automotive and food industries. The hosts emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in various sectors, encouraging listeners to ask questions and stay aware of their surroundings.MINNECT US @ https://app.minnect.com/expert/MatthewPollard#WOMEN #empower #WOMEN REACH OUT TO IRLANNE FOR COACHING AND CONSULTING TODAY IRLANNE@PTLAUTOWORKS.COM#automotive #news, #social #issues, #car #buying #tips, #insurance #claims, #fraud #in #dealerships, #honda #civic #production, #advanced #podcast #auto #parts, #political #commentary, #cultural #observations, #corporate #responsibility

Earl and his team answer various caller questions and responds to incoming text messages. Earl's female mystery shopper, Agent Lightning travels to south Florida, to visit a local Honda dealer to see what they have on the lot and how much over sticker they will charge for a new 2025 Honda Civic on their car lot.Earl Stewart is the owner of Earl Stewart Toyota in North Palm Beach, Florida, one of the largest Toyota dealerships in the southeastern U.S. He is also a consumer advocate who shares his knowledge spanning 50+ years about the car industry through a weekly newspaper column and radio show. Each week Earl provides his audience with valuable tips that prevent them from "getting ripped off by a car dealer".Earl has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, U.S. News and World Report, Business Week, and other major publications. He has also made numerous appearances on CNN, Fox News, CBS, and other news networks. He is frequently called upon by local and national media to comment on major trends and newsworthy events occurring in today's rapidly changing auto industry. You can learn more by going to Earl's videos on www.youtube.com/earloncars, subscribing to his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/earloncars, and reading his blog posts at www.earloncars.com.To purchase Earl's book, “Confessions of a Recovering Car Dealer”, go to www.earlsbook.com. This will forward to Earl's Amazon page to complete your purchase. All proceeds from the book go to Big Dog Ranch Rescue. For more information or to adopt the dog you have seen today or any of their other dogs, please visit their website at www.bdrr.org.“Disclosure: Earl Stewart is a Toyota dealer and directly and indirectly competes with the subjects of the Mystery Shopping Reports. He honestly and accurately reports the experiences of the shoppers and does not influence their findings. As a matter of fact, based on the results of the many Mystery Shopping Reports he has conducted, there are more dealers on the Recommended Dealer List than on the Not Recommended List he maintains on www.GoodDealerBadDealerList.com”

Die LeasingMarkt.de Deals:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://log42.com/l/deals⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecki erklärt mal eben den Audi A6 etron als bestes Elektroauto des Monats. Jan erzählt von seinem Trip nach Lappland im MAN eTGX Elektro-LKW, dazu sprechen wir noch über Telsa, die Elektroauto-Fürderung und Jans Testwagen der Renault Espace Hybrid und der Honda Civic eHEV.Und falls Du Ecki Video noch nicht gesehen hast, hier ist der Link: https://youtu.be/2GT8eMY5tQE

En este nuevo episodio te hablare sobre la decisión que tomo la marca Honda con la producción del próximo Civic, entre otras noticias Te invito a que me sigas en mis redes:Instagram: @JAvo_Automotive Youtube: @javoautomotive4725

Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson react to Lamont Roach Jr.'s draw decision vs. Gervonta "Tank" Davis, Comedy legend Earthquake joining the show, and much more!04:00 - Tank vs. Roach fight23:50 - Man clowned for gifting Honda Civic to woman28:33 - Comedian Earthquake joins the show44:15 - Reward for being a good father?(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.)#Volume #ClubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back to Richmond.  Heart Shaped Tubs.  Meat Raffles!  Ken Rosenthal and the History of Panera.  Hal Sperlich / Mustang / Mini-Van.  The new Honda Civic. City Bank.  Earl Weaver and Analytics before there were Analytics. Credits: Talent:  Tamsen Granger and Dan Abuhoff Special Guest:  Cindy Gompert Engineer:  Ellie Suttmeier Art:  Zeke Abuhoff

Shoot us a Text.Today is our fearless leader Paul J Daly's birthday! So we gave him the morning off and tapped in producer Nathan Southwick. We're talking all about the new Canada and Mexico tariffs that put pressure on the automotive supply chains, plus the top depreciating cars and how Google is pushing to achieve artificial general intelligence.Show Notes with links:The U.S. has enacted 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, throwing the highly integrated North American production network into turmoil.The tariffs, effective today, March 4, apply to all imports except Canadian energy products, which face a lower 10% duty. Canada and Mexico both responded with their own tariffs.Industry experts predict vehicle prices could rise between $4,000 and $10,000, with Ford CEO Jim Farley cautioning that prolonged tariffs could "blow a hole in the U.S. industry that we have never seen."Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association said that there is potential for U.S. and Canadian auto production to revert to "2020 pandemic-level idling and temporary layoffs within the week.”Key auto models at risk include the Toyota RAV4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevrolet Equinox and Blazer, and the Honda Civic and CR-V, while European automakers with manufacturing in Mexico, including Volkswagen, Stellantis, and BMW, saw their stocks drop sharplyThe STOXX Europe 600 Automobiles and Parts index fell 3.8% and Continental AG, a major supplier, saw an 8.4% drop in shares.Used Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles saw the steepest depreciation of any cars in 2024, according to Fast Company's analysis of CarGurus data.Model Y prices dropped 25.5%, while Model 3 prices fell 25% from January 2024 to January 2025.Comparatively, the Nissan Maxima only dropped 5.2%, and the Ford Mustang declined 5%.Full Top 10: Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, Land Rover Range Rover, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Chevrolet Express Cargo, Ford Transit Connect, RAM ProMaster, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Ford Expedition, all with over 19% depreciationGoogle co-founder Sergey Brin is back and pushing Google DeepMind (GDM) teams to accelerate their progress toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). In a newly released memo, Brin outlines the urgency and expectations for Google's AI teams.Brin emphasizes the need for 60-hour work weeks, daily office attendance, and faster execution by prioritizing simple solutions, code efficiency, and small-scale experiments for faster iteration.He calls for a shift away from “nanny products” and urges teams to “trust our users” more.Brin, who has no formal role at Google beyond a board seat, stepped in over the head of Google DeepMind, Demis Hassabis, signaling the urgency of the AGI race."I think we have all the ingredients to wHosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Hiya, Barbaras! We're finally embarking on the huge undertaking that is covering the Stephen King classic and 2017 re-adaptation of IT! We introduce a new version of Pennywise, make everyone afraid of Honda Civics, and discuss that sewer scene that was never gonna make it into the movie!Support "They're Coming to Get You" on Patreon.https://www.patreon.com/TheyreComingtoGetYou

Driving the latest Honda Civic hatchback – a model that has evolved since the first generation arrived in 1972 – a small car that established a very strong reputation - the current series refreshed for 2025, the entry petrol engine retired, now in two hybrid variants plus the potent turbo Type R for performance buffs. The entry Civic Hybrid e:HEV- L $49,990 drive-away and the better-equipped Civic e:HEV-LX $55,900 drive-away which I drove. These latest Civics getting small mid- life styling updates - a new grille and bumper, new alloy wheels and a revised range of colours. Inside connected services have been updated with a new Google-based infotainment system. Overall, a very compelling small car package with engaging driving dynamics with clever internal packaging – roomy and well equipped in the e:HEV-LX with full leather interior, power front seats, full panoramic sunroof with power blind, and wireless phone charging. The 2.0-litre petrol engine joined by a two-motor hybrid system driving the front wheels via an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid powertrain prioritises electric running, the petrol engine kicking in only under load, and the transition is seamless. This Honda Civic feels premium in look and feel – simply one of the best new cars I’ve tested in the last 12 months. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Driving the recently upgraded Honda Civic e:HEV-LX five door hatch at $55,900 drive-away not inexpensive but this is one very impressive small hybrid hatchback, highly equipped, frugal and with very engaging dynamics. A 2-0 litre petrol engine with two motor hybrid assistance driving through an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid power train most impressive, prioritising electric power and the move to petrol power under a heavier throttle is seamless quiet and refined. As I said earlier this is one of the best new cars I’ve driven in the last 12 months. Economy, in mainly city driving an impressive 5.0L/100km on 91 grade petrol. Battery charging when coasting and braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel shift paddles. And on top of 11 airbags a full suite of active safety elements via Honda Sensing technology. The drive experience engaging – on 18- inch alloy wheels with premium Michelin Pilot Sport tyres the driving dynamics are first class. Yes, it’s a little pricey at $55,900 drive-away but the Honda Civic e- HEV-L is loaded with equipment apart from a tyre repair kit and no spare wheel. Warranty five-years unlimited km warranty, battery warranty 8 years with service costs class leading – Just $597 over three years. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson react to a man being clowned for gifting a woman a Honda Civic. Later, Unc and Ocho are joined by comedy legend Earthquake, the guys react to a viral story about a father being paid by his baby mama and much more!05:35 - Man clowned for gifting Honda Civic to woman16:05 - Earthquake joins the show30:43 - Father gets paid to be a good father34:20 - $30 lunch debate continued40:25 - Master P new Director of Basketball Operations at University of New Orleans43:40 - Q&Ayyy(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.)#Volume #ClubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tale of firsts, set on a rainy camping trip, among young friends.Based on a post by Josh stone, in 2 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at My First Time. The Night StormSurrounded by flimsy, billowing nylon, the wind howled outside. The fly sheet occasionally touching the inner when the buffeting storm blew strongly enough, and patches of damp were beginning to appear where the outside was attempting to breach the inner. The light was fading outside and somehow the dankness of the evening was everywhere within. He stayed at the campsite while the others had headed for the village in the coast of Southwest Ireland. Local lads had told of a party, beer, and ‘opportunity'.Inside her large nylon tent with him, she also lay, the two rather unknown to one another. Her head at the far end, and his head near the zips, forming the door. Their two sleeping bags were zipped up, and they were each warm and safe, escaping as they had into the nearest dry tent they found. Her tent.The severe weather overtook the two after the rest of the group had departed for a party, in the village.There was a silent tension, which neither of them could quite understand. Cordial talk of home, of family and of newly forming college friendships. The trip was planned by just a few of those participating. But by word of mouth the invites expanded the event, until it became a motley crew of friends-of-friends-of-friends. She was invited by her friend next door, who was a cousin of the guy who invited a guy who invited him. Even the travel was done in a loose caravan. He drove his own SUV. She caught a ride in her neighbor's Honda Civic.Conversation flowed easily enough; but their bodies were somehow tense, his legs were restless.To break the growing silence, he shuffled out of his sleeping bag and explained that he was going to fetch water and his ‘head torch'. A flashlight gadget mounted to an elastic headband, for hands-free illumination. Was there anything she wanted?His tent was damaged when a pole snapped. They quickly grabbed his ‘essentials and took refuge in her ‘family tent' which she had all to herself.The others would be away for hours yet. Who knows if the other tents will survive this barrage?Arriving back, he carefully unzipped her tent door, He removed his boots and waterproofs, just inside; so as to keep them as dry as possible, and to prevent any remaining dry contents of the tent from getting wet. A ritual he had become so used to these last few days, of the perpetual Irish rain. As he entered the main section of the tent, a shiver ran down his spine as a drip fell down his face from his soaking wet hair.“Thank you for staying back at camp. I'm not sure how I'd feel about this weather, if I was alone on this strange coastline.” She said.“I wonder how the group is doing, and how bad the weather is where they are?” He wondered aloud.“Maybe they got in a jealous fight with some local guys, and are all now safe and sobering up in the county jail?” she giggled.She was watching his faint silhouette through the gloom. Then she sat up, holding out a slightly damp towel and rubbing his wet head. He collapsed on his bag, still shivering. He lay for a moment, noticing his head was near to hers this time; sensing her eyes on him, without looking himself. She pulled his open bag up over his body and to his chin. Then settled back into her own cocoon.The rain had increased its percussive hammering; at once deafening and consoling. Silence fell once more.After some time, she raised her arm above her head, stretching slightly with a yawn. He did the same. Held above, unsteady, arms began to move towards one another. Tiredness was mentioned, the rain, wondering how the party was going. Slowly, slowly, their hands met in mid-air. Fingers wrapped gently around fingers, a cold palm met a warm palm. He now understood the tension for the first time.Arms began to ache, held up as they were. They were lowered between bodies, bodies were turned towards one another in symmetrical, silent adjustment. The light was now so dim that little could be made out in the dark of the tent, but he didn't reach for his torch. They lay there for perhaps an hour, hand in hand, completely still and without a word uttered. He thawed out, warmed up, relaxed.She felt the sensuality of the moment, and deeply waited. At some point, they both noticed the breath of the other, first in the rise and fall of chests, and then in breath on cheeks, breath on lips. They became synchronous, breathing deeply, imagining each other's face, only centimeters away from their own. At some point their lips finally met.Both he and she were filled with the yearning of youth, yet relaxed and warm, protected from the elements, protected by each other. Their kiss was deep and relaxed. Her full lips parted and her tongue slipped slowly into his mouth, sensing for the first time his heat, his desire. His senses awakened, he became aware of the smell of wood smoke on their clothes, the smell of her hair.He brought a hand up to her neck, felt her dark hair between his fingers as he held her close. Their tongues explored each other's lips, their faces and necks, and the pouring rain disappeared amidst their enjoyment. She shifted her body, unzipping her sleeping bag and pulling his leg across, his between hers. She put a hand on the small of his back, he mirrored her movements. His hand glancing across her back, feeling ribbed cotton of her top, her skin beneath. Her hand gliding up. under his flannel shirt, tingling his bare skin.On they kissed, their mouths wet and hot. Somehow, without either being aware, their bodies were now pressing together more, as he put his hand gently over her ass. His denim jeans became slightly stiff as he moved his hand, feeling the contours of her behind. He felt her thigh press ever so gently around his own, felt as his cock began to respond to her movement. This was what he had been hoping for, what he had imagined so many times, back in the city. Her movements became more and more definite, and his confidence grew. Her hands were on his ass now, and he sensed her need for more.His hand went up her side smoothly, in one movement. He felt the bottom of her bra and the bulge of her small breasts beneath her vest top. Her breathing began to deepen as his thumb cupped her. Full breast.In a graceful motion, she arched her back and lifted off her top, then settled back down, flat on her back. Without any self-awareness, his body rolled on his side, to fill the vacuum left by her re-positioning. He could feel the slightly elastic cotton material of her bra more clearly under his fingers now. He felt the plain hem as the cotton dipped towards the middle of her chest. She was perfectly formed, her breast fitting perfectly into his hand. As his fingers reached the underwire of her bra, he reached into the other side, feeling the flesh of her breast for the first time. She jumped as his hand brushed over her nipple, her tongue pushing further into his mouth as they embraced.Fingers retracted slightly, and his index finger and thumb held her tiny nipple gently. It was hard and clearly sensitive, judging by her reactions, and the skin around it was the softest he had ever felt. His erection was now clearly felt by both of them.He fumbled as he attempted to unclip her bra, only to discover the absence of any back clips at all.She came to the rescue, reaching into the valley between her orbs, and flicking the front clasp in a swift release. The stretch cloth cups swiftly retracted, instantly stripping her tits of any further obstructions.She was laughing with him as she lifted it over her arms. With the strappy garment out of the way, she reached her far hand around his shoulder, and leveraged her torso and hips, so the two were pressing their pelvises against each other, still clothed and getting hotter.In the dimness of the evening, neither of them was able to see each other. Now he would have to explore by touch alone. Neither could benefit from the facial expressions of the other. Their actions stood alone, in expressing desire and pleasure.Her pelvis was rocking backwards and forwards against him in a slow and steady rhythm as he lowered his head to affectionately kiss each of her nipples. Less noticeable was his ascent over her body. He lay above her, his body arched as his lips and tongue explored first one, and then the other. The skin around her nipples began to wrinkle and tighten. His elbows propped his torso up, while his hands held two perfect orbs, as she breathily told him how good it felt.As he sucked her, she felt his sucking on her nipples deeply across her body. In her breast, in her stomach, between her legs.When she could stand no more, she pulled him over and before he knew it, he was flat on his back, just inches from the sidewall of the tent, and she was once again kissing him deeply.Her hands found his defined chest, before plunging downwards, toward his waist.He grimaced and her weight on his cock became a discomfort.As her pelvis twerked aggressively, she felt his erection through his trousers for the first time. Instinctively she shuffled down on his thighs, as her hand reached his bound up cock.He subconsciously pinched her nipples hard, and her fingers pinched his phallic crown.They broke to re-center themselves in the center of the tent. Then she knelt straddling his thighs. She was now knelt and vertical, over his thighs, and fumbling to find his zipper waistband snap.. Her gentle movements up and down his erection became more and more confident, and she took his hand, guiding it to her still-clothed crotch..He had heard about girls getting hot, but he was still astonished at how much warmth was radiating from her. He could feel the shape of her vulva beneath her jeans, could feel her athletic legs as they joined her torso. Suddenly there was a desperation in the tent. Both she and he became impatient to explore further. She finally unsnapped and unzipped his barrier, and pulled his trousers open. He arched to raise his ass off the floor. She quickly slid his jeans down to his ankles. Meanwhile he removed his top.As he was doing, so she sat back and unbuttoned her jeans, slipping them over her slim hips, then sat back while she drew her legs up, to finish removing the tight, form-fitting blue jeans. Her knees were now raised in the tent as she pulled the tight denim over her ankles. He pictured what she would look like, imagined her legs now free for him to explore. She leaned back, supported by her extended arms, while she enjoyed his explorations.He took her foot, still raised towards her chest, and traced her smooth leg up her calf, past her knee. He felt as the flesh softened on the underside of her thigh, felt as it curved up towards her ass cheek.And then he felt them. Her pants were as he had imagined. Plain, thin snug cotton from the feel of them. He cupped her buttocks in both hands. In the pitch dark he was feeling her open her hips up so his hands could feel the inside of her thighs. The unspoken invite compelled him to reach inwards, to feel the edge of her knickers.He was not at all certain. He'd heard others talk of course, had read things. But he had never been able to do this before. A surge of anxiety suddenly flooded his body. Uncertainty threatened to take over.As if by instinct, she took charge. Taking his hand, she moved it across her vulva, rested it on the hot mound which was beneath the thin layer of cotton stretched across it. He felt her thin pubic hairs beneath, the damp line forming where he knew her opening lay.He moved his fingers across the place where he imagined her clitoris would be. That's when he felt her cleft, the softening of her, the point at which his finger was able to press a little deeper, where the resistance of her crotch gave way to heat and openness. He stroked in small circles, finding a rhythm and the right place. He was quickly learning by her breathing and subtle movement. Her soft panting was a good indication of her enjoyment, his insecurity beginning to disappear.She slid both her hands up is thighs, then felt the tight fabric of his boxers. Gently feeling the ascending contours, she fingers met at the apex, when she heard his groan.He saw none of this, lying there in the deep darkness of this rainy night. But the soft touch disappeared from his phallic crown. Then he felt two soft hands on his inner thighs. They explored the caverns under his loose boxer shorts, until they again met at the maypole of this holiday.Her thumbs rubbed the underside of his rigid mast, while her index fingers gently petted his wide spongy crown.The hefty and labored breathing instinctively counseled her to redirect her affections.She slid the fingers of both her hands down, around his hairy sack. While she elevated the package, both her thumbs explored the enclosed contents. Two plump meatballs responded to her thumbs' manipulation. She even explored the cords and tubes which came from the balls and exited up into his pelvis.Then she extracted both hands and slid them up over his remaining garment. At the top of his hips, she firmly hooked the waistband and pulled at his boxer shorts, thus releasing his erection in the cold of the tent. He felt as one hand cupped his balls, massaging him slowly, as the other hand wrapped his naked cock again. He feared he would not be able to hold on, but his focus on her enjoyment and the temperature of the tent helped him push this urging aside for now.She explored his textures and shapes with her thumb. He groaned and sat up, as she began to move her hand up and down his cock. She felt every detail of his length, his foreskin, the tip of him wet with precum now on her thumb.She lifted her knees up once more, enabling him to pull her panties over her hips and up her legs, as carefully as he could. He was on his knees as her legs extended out, now finally free of restrictive fabrics.She pulled him against her bosom as she laid her legs down to his side, and they lay beside one another. He cupped her bare ass with one hand, while his other arm wrapped under her shoulder, to stroke her back.He was feeling his cock upwardly pressed between their hot bodies on the mess of sleeping bags. Their kiss was more open and natural than before. They lay together, her breasts against his bare chest. Again her hips began to move, his leg upper leg between hers. Her upper leg slowly came up and her lower leg hooked around his ass, so they could move as one. And this time, his movements matched hers. His hard cock rubbing against her soft downy pubic hair. It was exquisite.His hands reached around her toned ass until he felt her warmth, and his fingers traced the edge of her soft outer labia, her tender skin covered with fine hairs. She rotated her hips back, giving his fingers increased access, and his heart raced as he felt up to where they met once more above her clitoris. Her tongue licked the nape of his neck as he began, ever so tentatively, to circle her nub with his finger. Then his thumb began slipping ever so slightly between her hot folds. He had never felt anything so sublime. He felt her tiny clit grow beneath his finger, the wetness on his finger gliding across, around, within.Her wetness was like hot syrup, slippery and inviting. He was desperate to explore.Sensing his desire, she rolled onto her back, allowing her legs to part slightly. He got to his knees once again, still making love as a blind man. He stroked her legs gently, following her contours from both her knees up to her vulva. He felt the soft line of pubic hair and used both hands to offer the softest line around her now-engorged lips. As his fingers met at her clitoris, he allowed his left hand to part her a little, his right feeling her wetness fully for the first time, and she nearly came immediately when his finger slipped easily into her tight cunt.He shuffled astride her body a little, allowing her hands to reach him once more, at the moment she drew a finger from the base of his cock all the way to his tip. His sack nuzzled between her crotch, his pole elevated like the canon of a battleship.He scooted back down a bit, to further explore the dark cave of her womb, where he discovered the hot ridges of muscle within her body as she tilted her hips towards him. He heard her pant as he began to move his finger inside her. Her one hand came to her clitoris, to accent his strokes, while her other hand embraced and stroked slowly on his erection as he began to understand how to please her.Her right hand now rubbing her clitoris vigorously. She told him to add another finger, and the sounds became louder, her voice, his voice, the wetness between her legs as his fingers moved within. In the dark and with the others miles away, there was no need to hold back.His fingers working in and out of her soaking hole, and he felt her muscles contract around his digits as her pace grew more and more frantic on his cock. "I'm going to come" she cried in a guttural voice he hadn't heard before, and her legs began to shake as she lifted her ass up towards him. He felt as she squeezed his fingers with her strong vaginal muscles and surge after surge of contractions around his fingers were matched with her squeezing of his cock as she choked it. As she shouted, he groaned. His senses lost equilibrium as his hips began to tingle. Then a pressure hit his cock and streams of his seed flowed from him. She felt the heat of his semen as it landed in strings across her stomach and groin.They collapsed in an exhausted embrace. His fingers slipped from her cunt, and she released his scepter, as their orgasms pervaded.He laid over her, with a thin layer of semen allowing their torsos to slip and slide. Their breathing steadied as they kissed once more, a first time for both of them, the evening's pleasures replaying in both of their minds as they drifted into dreams, the rain still hammering on the tent and the wind howling around them as they slept.He awoke in a tangle of limbs and clothes. It was now light outside the tent, but there was no sign of life from the others yet. The rain had stopped and he noticed the special quiet that often emerges after a storm. Then, he noticed how cold he was.Gathering her sleeping bag around them both, he pulled her close, her body was warmer than his. His hands held her tanned shoulder, the muscles of her upper back flexing slightly as she brought herself towards him in her slumber.She rolled him onto his back, then rested her head on his bare chest. The thick sleeping bag pulled up over both their heads.He felt as her breasts pressed against his chest, her twitch he moved his hand to the small of her back. He began to doze off, half asleep once more, and yet he couldn't help but imagine, to remember the night before, and to fantasize about what might lie ahead.She was next to stir. Her brown eyes opened, taking in the man she had allowed to be so close last night. A private smile, a finger on his blonde eyebrow, tracing the shape of his angular face, his nose. And now he awoke, their eyes meeting as each pulled the other closer in the cold.She felt as his hand moved lower, cupping her ass softly as she sighed. Morning greetings were made, eye contact holding, smiles being shared.They kissed with the softness of morning, the urgency of the night before now gone. Each looked into the others' eyes as their lips parted, their tongues meeting in a slow and comforting silence. Their kiss lasted a long time. Neither could tell exactly how long, but he was warm after a while, they both were. Their hands explored backs, legs, necks. She felt the enlargement as he became hard, her wetness returning.They both held their breaths as they heard the outer zip of the other tents being undone. The sounds of waking humans, of weary friends beginning to emerge from their tents, of questions being asked.Morning fantasies faced a detour for the two of them, without words spoken, they hugged tightly, in resignation of their mutual disappointment.He offered to get up and make breakfast. She watched him get dressed as she regathered covers around her body. Saw his erection, his cock, for the first time. She rested her head on her hand, propped up at the elbow. She was staring with a glint of admiration in her visage. The turgid cock was slightly longer than she had imagined, not too girthy, but beautifully formed.He was conscious of her eyes on him, feeling both excited and nervous. He turned to her, just glimpsing her small hard nipples before she winked and covered herself completely with the sleeping bag. She was disappointed at his leaving.The others straggled to rise and gather. The conversation over breakfast was stilted and slow. Heads were fuzzy and it took a long time for the stories of the previous night to begin to be told.The party, those girls, the long walk home as the sun was coming up. Nobody asked the remnant couple about their night. They were glad, exchanging glances, winks, and smiles; as eggs were fried and tea consumed. The day got off to a slow start. It was clear this was to be the pace of the day, a new couple out of sync with the rest of the group. As most lounged around, lazily; attempting to dry wet clothes after last night's deluge, they prepared to explore.She slipped her hand into his as they walked towards the dunes, their bodies side-by-side, a magic tension building once more between them. The warm greyness of the morning was comforting and they walked for some miles up the desolate shore, not a person to be seen, sandpipers and oystercatchers the only accompaniment to the gentle wash of the tide and their conversation. They stopped to listen, facing out towards America, all those thousands of miles away, felt the wind in their faces, became aware of their heartbeats.She suggested it, and he was unsure at first, but soon, they were both laughing as they dropped their bundles, stripped their layers, and ran, towards the sea. She in her tee shirt and pants, he in his boxers. They charged into the waves, feeling the cold saltwater as it slapped their legs, their hips, their stomachs, and for what felt like minutes, but was probably merely seconds, they swam, shouting and laughing, splashing and catching their breath as the freezing water tried to take it away. He watched as she dove in, her beautiful figure, her black hair sleek against her long neck. It was exhilarating for them both, a chance to be excited, stimulated.He ran, chased by her, back to the shallows, back to the sand. They headed back to their bags amongst the grassed-over dunes where the wind was kinder and where they felt enclosed once more. She saw goosebumps on his shoulders, his skin red from the salt and the cold, water dripping down his cheeks.He watched her as she watched him, observing her dark nipples, hard with the cold, capping the bulge of her breasts under her white cotton tee shirt. They were even more beautiful than he had imagined from touch alone.Small, firm, well-defined, perfectly in proportion. His eyes glanced downwards and he noticed her knickers had also become sheer in the water. Her pubic hair was clearly visible to him beneath. He saw the red lines her knickers had left on her thighs before she had pulled them up, defining the curve of her mons more clearly than before, and he followed her tanned legs down to her slender ankles, her small feet. They watched one another for some time, not a word spoken, and without any sense of self-consciousness. Each taking the other in, with a sort of shivering curiosity that neither had experienced before.She eventually reached for her bag and began to rifle around for towels. They stood facing each other and wrapped themselves in a single large bath sheet. The instant warmth a welcome contrast to the sea air against their skin. Instinctively he placed his hands on her hips, feeling her cold fingers on the small of his back.To be continued in part 2, Based on a post by Josh stone for Literotica.

A tale of firsts, set on a rainy camping trip, among young friends.Based on a post by Josh stone, in 2 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at My First Time. The Night StormSurrounded by flimsy, billowing nylon, the wind howled outside. The fly sheet occasionally touching the inner when the buffeting storm blew strongly enough, and patches of damp were beginning to appear where the outside was attempting to breach the inner. The light was fading outside and somehow the dankness of the evening was everywhere within. He stayed at the campsite while the others had headed for the village in the coast of Southwest Ireland. Local lads had told of a party, beer, and ‘opportunity'.Inside her large nylon tent with him, she also lay, the two rather unknown to one another. Her head at the far end, and his head near the zips, forming the door. Their two sleeping bags were zipped up, and they were each warm and safe, escaping as they had into the nearest dry tent they found. Her tent.The severe weather overtook the two after the rest of the group had departed for a party, in the village.There was a silent tension, which neither of them could quite understand. Cordial talk of home, of family and of newly forming college friendships. The trip was planned by just a few of those participating. But by word of mouth the invites expanded the event, until it became a motley crew of friends-of-friends-of-friends. She was invited by her friend next door, who was a cousin of the guy who invited a guy who invited him. Even the travel was done in a loose caravan. He drove his own SUV. She caught a ride in her neighbor's Honda Civic.Conversation flowed easily enough; but their bodies were somehow tense, his legs were restless.To break the growing silence, he shuffled out of his sleeping bag and explained that he was going to fetch water and his ‘head torch'. A flashlight gadget mounted to an elastic headband, for hands-free illumination. Was there anything she wanted?His tent was damaged when a pole snapped. They quickly grabbed his ‘essentials and took refuge in her ‘family tent' which she had all to herself.The others would be away for hours yet. Who knows if the other tents will survive this barrage?Arriving back, he carefully unzipped her tent door, He removed his boots and waterproofs, just inside; so as to keep them as dry as possible, and to prevent any remaining dry contents of the tent from getting wet. A ritual he had become so used to these last few days, of the perpetual Irish rain. As he entered the main section of the tent, a shiver ran down his spine as a drip fell down his face from his soaking wet hair.“Thank you for staying back at camp. I'm not sure how I'd feel about this weather, if I was alone on this strange coastline.” She said.“I wonder how the group is doing, and how bad the weather is where they are?” He wondered aloud.“Maybe they got in a jealous fight with some local guys, and are all now safe and sobering up in the county jail?” she giggled.She was watching his faint silhouette through the gloom. Then she sat up, holding out a slightly damp towel and rubbing his wet head. He collapsed on his bag, still shivering. He lay for a moment, noticing his head was near to hers this time; sensing her eyes on him, without looking himself. She pulled his open bag up over his body and to his chin. Then settled back into her own cocoon.The rain had increased its percussive hammering; at once deafening and consoling. Silence fell once more.After some time, she raised her arm above her head, stretching slightly with a yawn. He did the same. Held above, unsteady, arms began to move towards one another. Tiredness was mentioned, the rain, wondering how the party was going. Slowly, slowly, their hands met in mid-air. Fingers wrapped gently around fingers, a cold palm met a warm palm. He now understood the tension for the first time.Arms began to ache, held up as they were. They were lowered between bodies, bodies were turned towards one another in symmetrical, silent adjustment. The light was now so dim that little could be made out in the dark of the tent, but he didn't reach for his torch. They lay there for perhaps an hour, hand in hand, completely still and without a word uttered. He thawed out, warmed up, relaxed.She felt the sensuality of the moment, and deeply waited. At some point, they both noticed the breath of the other, first in the rise and fall of chests, and then in breath on cheeks, breath on lips. They became synchronous, breathing deeply, imagining each other's face, only centimeters away from their own. At some point their lips finally met.Both he and she were filled with the yearning of youth, yet relaxed and warm, protected from the elements, protected by each other. Their kiss was deep and relaxed. Her full lips parted and her tongue slipped slowly into his mouth, sensing for the first time his heat, his desire. His senses awakened, he became aware of the smell of wood smoke on their clothes, the smell of her hair.He brought a hand up to her neck, felt her dark hair between his fingers as he held her close. Their tongues explored each other's lips, their faces and necks, and the pouring rain disappeared amidst their enjoyment. She shifted her body, unzipping her sleeping bag and pulling his leg across, his between hers. She put a hand on the small of his back, he mirrored her movements. His hand glancing across her back, feeling ribbed cotton of her top, her skin beneath. Her hand gliding up. under his flannel shirt, tingling his bare skin.On they kissed, their mouths wet and hot. Somehow, without either being aware, their bodies were now pressing together more, as he put his hand gently over her ass. His denim jeans became slightly stiff as he moved his hand, feeling the contours of her behind. He felt her thigh press ever so gently around his own, felt as his cock began to respond to her movement. This was what he had been hoping for, what he had imagined so many times, back in the city. Her movements became more and more definite, and his confidence grew. Her hands were on his ass now, and he sensed her need for more.His hand went up her side smoothly, in one movement. He felt the bottom of her bra and the bulge of her small breasts beneath her vest top. Her breathing began to deepen as his thumb cupped her. Full breast.In a graceful motion, she arched her back and lifted off her top, then settled back down, flat on her back. Without any self-awareness, his body rolled on his side, to fill the vacuum left by her re-positioning. He could feel the slightly elastic cotton material of her bra more clearly under his fingers now. He felt the plain hem as the cotton dipped towards the middle of her chest. She was perfectly formed, her breast fitting perfectly into his hand. As his fingers reached the underwire of her bra, he reached into the other side, feeling the flesh of her breast for the first time. She jumped as his hand brushed over her nipple, her tongue pushing further into his mouth as they embraced.Fingers retracted slightly, and his index finger and thumb held her tiny nipple gently. It was hard and clearly sensitive, judging by her reactions, and the skin around it was the softest he had ever felt. His erection was now clearly felt by both of them.He fumbled as he attempted to unclip her bra, only to discover the absence of any back clips at all.She came to the rescue, reaching into the valley between her orbs, and flicking the front clasp in a swift release. The stretch cloth cups swiftly retracted, instantly stripping her tits of any further obstructions.She was laughing with him as she lifted it over her arms. With the strappy garment out of the way, she reached her far hand around his shoulder, and leveraged her torso and hips, so the two were pressing their pelvises against each other, still clothed and getting hotter.In the dimness of the evening, neither of them was able to see each other. Now he would have to explore by touch alone. Neither could benefit from the facial expressions of the other. Their actions stood alone, in expressing desire and pleasure.Her pelvis was rocking backwards and forwards against him in a slow and steady rhythm as he lowered his head to affectionately kiss each of her nipples. Less noticeable was his ascent over her body. He lay above her, his body arched as his lips and tongue explored first one, and then the other. The skin around her nipples began to wrinkle and tighten. His elbows propped his torso up, while his hands held two perfect orbs, as she breathily told him how good it felt.As he sucked her, she felt his sucking on her nipples deeply across her body. In her breast, in her stomach, between her legs.When she could stand no more, she pulled him over and before he knew it, he was flat on his back, just inches from the sidewall of the tent, and she was once again kissing him deeply.Her hands found his defined chest, before plunging downwards, toward his waist.He grimaced and her weight on his cock became a discomfort.As her pelvis twerked aggressively, she felt his erection through his trousers for the first time. Instinctively she shuffled down on his thighs, as her hand reached his bound up cock.He subconsciously pinched her nipples hard, and her fingers pinched his phallic crown.They broke to re-center themselves in the center of the tent. Then she knelt straddling his thighs. She was now knelt and vertical, over his thighs, and fumbling to find his zipper waistband snap.. Her gentle movements up and down his erection became more and more confident, and she took his hand, guiding it to her still-clothed crotch..He had heard about girls getting hot, but he was still astonished at how much warmth was radiating from her. He could feel the shape of her vulva beneath her jeans, could feel her athletic legs as they joined her torso. Suddenly there was a desperation in the tent. Both she and he became impatient to explore further. She finally unsnapped and unzipped his barrier, and pulled his trousers open. He arched to raise his ass off the floor. She quickly slid his jeans down to his ankles. Meanwhile he removed his top.As he was doing, so she sat back and unbuttoned her jeans, slipping them over her slim hips, then sat back while she drew her legs up, to finish removing the tight, form-fitting blue jeans. Her knees were now raised in the tent as she pulled the tight denim over her ankles. He pictured what she would look like, imagined her legs now free for him to explore. She leaned back, supported by her extended arms, while she enjoyed his explorations.He took her foot, still raised towards her chest, and traced her smooth leg up her calf, past her knee. He felt as the flesh softened on the underside of her thigh, felt as it curved up towards her ass cheek.And then he felt them. Her pants were as he had imagined. Plain, thin snug cotton from the feel of them. He cupped her buttocks in both hands. In the pitch dark he was feeling her open her hips up so his hands could feel the inside of her thighs. The unspoken invite compelled him to reach inwards, to feel the edge of her knickers.He was not at all certain. He'd heard others talk of course, had read things. But he had never been able to do this before. A surge of anxiety suddenly flooded his body. Uncertainty threatened to take over.As if by instinct, she took charge. Taking his hand, she moved it across her vulva, rested it on the hot mound which was beneath the thin layer of cotton stretched across it. He felt her thin pubic hairs beneath, the damp line forming where he knew her opening lay.He moved his fingers across the place where he imagined her clitoris would be. That's when he felt her cleft, the softening of her, the point at which his finger was able to press a little deeper, where the resistance of her crotch gave way to heat and openness. He stroked in small circles, finding a rhythm and the right place. He was quickly learning by her breathing and subtle movement. Her soft panting was a good indication of her enjoyment, his insecurity beginning to disappear.She slid both her hands up is thighs, then felt the tight fabric of his boxers. Gently feeling the ascending contours, she fingers met at the apex, when she heard his groan.He saw none of this, lying there in the deep darkness of this rainy night. But the soft touch disappeared from his phallic crown. Then he felt two soft hands on his inner thighs. They explored the caverns under his loose boxer shorts, until they again met at the maypole of this holiday.Her thumbs rubbed the underside of his rigid mast, while her index fingers gently petted his wide spongy crown.The hefty and labored breathing instinctively counseled her to redirect her affections.She slid the fingers of both her hands down, around his hairy sack. While she elevated the package, both her thumbs explored the enclosed contents. Two plump meatballs responded to her thumbs' manipulation. She even explored the cords and tubes which came from the balls and exited up into his pelvis.Then she extracted both hands and slid them up over his remaining garment. At the top of his hips, she firmly hooked the waistband and pulled at his boxer shorts, thus releasing his erection in the cold of the tent. He felt as one hand cupped his balls, massaging him slowly, as the other hand wrapped his naked cock again. He feared he would not be able to hold on, but his focus on her enjoyment and the temperature of the tent helped him push this urging aside for now.She explored his textures and shapes with her thumb. He groaned and sat up, as she began to move her hand up and down his cock. She felt every detail of his length, his foreskin, the tip of him wet with precum now on her thumb.She lifted her knees up once more, enabling him to pull her panties over her hips and up her legs, as carefully as he could. He was on his knees as her legs extended out, now finally free of restrictive fabrics.She pulled him against her bosom as she laid her legs down to his side, and they lay beside one another. He cupped her bare ass with one hand, while his other arm wrapped under her shoulder, to stroke her back.He was feeling his cock upwardly pressed between their hot bodies on the mess of sleeping bags. Their kiss was more open and natural than before. They lay together, her breasts against his bare chest. Again her hips began to move, his leg upper leg between hers. Her upper leg slowly came up and her lower leg hooked around his ass, so they could move as one. And this time, his movements matched hers. His hard cock rubbing against her soft downy pubic hair. It was exquisite.His hands reached around her toned ass until he felt her warmth, and his fingers traced the edge of her soft outer labia, her tender skin covered with fine hairs. She rotated her hips back, giving his fingers increased access, and his heart raced as he felt up to where they met once more above her clitoris. Her tongue licked the nape of his neck as he began, ever so tentatively, to circle her nub with his finger. Then his thumb began slipping ever so slightly between her hot folds. He had never felt anything so sublime. He felt her tiny clit grow beneath his finger, the wetness on his finger gliding across, around, within.Her wetness was like hot syrup, slippery and inviting. He was desperate to explore.Sensing his desire, she rolled onto her back, allowing her legs to part slightly. He got to his knees once again, still making love as a blind man. He stroked her legs gently, following her contours from both her knees up to her vulva. He felt the soft line of pubic hair and used both hands to offer the softest line around her now-engorged lips. As his fingers met at her clitoris, he allowed his left hand to part her a little, his right feeling her wetness fully for the first time, and she nearly came immediately when his finger slipped easily into her tight cunt.He shuffled astride her body a little, allowing her hands to reach him once more, at the moment she drew a finger from the base of his cock all the way to his tip. His sack nuzzled between her crotch, his pole elevated like the canon of a battleship.He scooted back down a bit, to further explore the dark cave of her womb, where he discovered the hot ridges of muscle within her body as she tilted her hips towards him. He heard her pant as he began to move his finger inside her. Her one hand came to her clitoris, to accent his strokes, while her other hand embraced and stroked slowly on his erection as he began to understand how to please her.Her right hand now rubbing her clitoris vigorously. She told him to add another finger, and the sounds became louder, her voice, his voice, the wetness between her legs as his fingers moved within. In the dark and with the others miles away, there was no need to hold back.His fingers working in and out of her soaking hole, and he felt her muscles contract around his digits as her pace grew more and more frantic on his cock. "I'm going to come" she cried in a guttural voice he hadn't heard before, and her legs began to shake as she lifted her ass up towards him. He felt as she squeezed his fingers with her strong vaginal muscles and surge after surge of contractions around his fingers were matched with her squeezing of his cock as she choked it. As she shouted, he groaned. His senses lost equilibrium as his hips began to tingle. Then a pressure hit his cock and streams of his seed flowed from him. She felt the heat of his semen as it landed in strings across her stomach and groin.They collapsed in an exhausted embrace. His fingers slipped from her cunt, and she released his scepter, as their orgasms pervaded.He laid over her, with a thin layer of semen allowing their torsos to slip and slide. Their breathing steadied as they kissed once more, a first time for both of them, the evening's pleasures replaying in both of their minds as they drifted into dreams, the rain still hammering on the tent and the wind howling around them as they slept.He awoke in a tangle of limbs and clothes. It was now light outside the tent, but there was no sign of life from the others yet. The rain had stopped and he noticed the special quiet that often emerges after a storm. Then, he noticed how cold he was.Gathering her sleeping bag around them both, he pulled her close, her body was warmer than his. His hands held her tanned shoulder, the muscles of her upper back flexing slightly as she brought herself towards him in her slumber.She rolled him onto his back, then rested her head on his bare chest. The thick sleeping bag pulled up over both their heads.He felt as her breasts pressed against his chest, her twitch he moved his hand to the small of her back. He began to doze off, half asleep once more, and yet he couldn't help but imagine, to remember the night before, and to fantasize about what might lie ahead.She was next to stir. Her brown eyes opened, taking in the man she had allowed to be so close last night. A private smile, a finger on his blonde eyebrow, tracing the shape of his angular face, his nose. And now he awoke, their eyes meeting as each pulled the other closer in the cold.She felt as his hand moved lower, cupping her ass softly as she sighed. Morning greetings were made, eye contact holding, smiles being shared.They kissed with the softness of morning, the urgency of the night before now gone. Each looked into the others' eyes as their lips parted, their tongues meeting in a slow and comforting silence. Their kiss lasted a long time. Neither could tell exactly how long, but he was warm after a while, they both were. Their hands explored backs, legs, necks. She felt the enlargement as he became hard, her wetness returning.They both held their breaths as they heard the outer zip of the other tents being undone. The sounds of waking humans, of weary friends beginning to emerge from their tents, of questions being asked.Morning fantasies faced a detour for the two of them, without words spoken, they hugged tightly, in resignation of their mutual disappointment.He offered to get up and make breakfast. She watched him get dressed as she regathered covers around her body. Saw his erection, his cock, for the first time. She rested her head on her hand, propped up at the elbow. She was staring with a glint of admiration in her visage. The turgid cock was slightly longer than she had imagined, not too girthy, but beautifully formed.He was conscious of her eyes on him, feeling both excited and nervous. He turned to her, just glimpsing her small hard nipples before she winked and covered herself completely with the sleeping bag. She was disappointed at his leaving.The others straggled to rise and gather. The conversation over breakfast was stilted and slow. Heads were fuzzy and it took a long time for the stories of the previous night to begin to be told.The party, those girls, the long walk home as the sun was coming up. Nobody asked the remnant couple about their night. They were glad, exchanging glances, winks, and smiles; as eggs were fried and tea consumed. The day got off to a slow start. It was clear this was to be the pace of the day, a new couple out of sync with the rest of the group. As most lounged around, lazily; attempting to dry wet clothes after last night's deluge, they prepared to explore.She slipped her hand into his as they walked towards the dunes, their bodies side-by-side, a magic tension building once more between them. The warm greyness of the morning was comforting and they walked for some miles up the desolate shore, not a person to be seen, sandpipers and oystercatchers the only accompaniment to the gentle wash of the tide and their conversation. They stopped to listen, facing out towards America, all those thousands of miles away, felt the wind in their faces, became aware of their heartbeats.She suggested it, and he was unsure at first, but soon, they were both laughing as they dropped their bundles, stripped their layers, and ran, towards the sea. She in her tee shirt and pants, he in his boxers. They charged into the waves, feeling the cold saltwater as it slapped their legs, their hips, their stomachs, and for what felt like minutes, but was probably merely seconds, they swam, shouting and laughing, splashing and catching their breath as the freezing water tried to take it away. He watched as she dove in, her beautiful figure, her black hair sleek against her long neck. It was exhilarating for them both, a chance to be excited, stimulated.He ran, chased by her, back to the shallows, back to the sand. They headed back to their bags amongst the grassed-over dunes where the wind was kinder and where they felt enclosed once more. She saw goosebumps on his shoulders, his skin red from the salt and the cold, water dripping down his cheeks.He watched her as she watched him, observing her dark nipples, hard with the cold, capping the bulge of her breasts under her white cotton tee shirt. They were even more beautiful than he had imagined from touch alone.Small, firm, well-defined, perfectly in proportion. His eyes glanced downwards and he noticed her knickers had also become sheer in the water. Her pubic hair was clearly visible to him beneath. He saw the red lines her knickers had left on her thighs before she had pulled them up, defining the curve of her mons more clearly than before, and he followed her tanned legs down to her slender ankles, her small feet. They watched one another for some time, not a word spoken, and without any sense of self-consciousness. Each taking the other in, with a sort of shivering curiosity that neither had experienced before.She eventually reached for her bag and began to rifle around for towels. They stood facing each other and wrapped themselves in a single large bath sheet. The instant warmth a welcome contrast to the sea air against their skin. Instinctively he placed his hands on her hips, feeling her cold fingers on the small of his back.To be continued in part 2, Based on a post by Josh stone for Literotica.

For the first hour of Race Central with Kurt Hansen, Kurt breaks down the big race comming up in Atlanta.  Kurt then welcomes in his good friend Paul Dollenbach to talk about the Trans Am hall of fame. And to finish up the hour Kurt gives a car review on the 2024 Honda Civic type R.  

En este podcast contamos con la colaboración de Airbnb. Te voy a contar algunas experiencias que he tenido disfrutando de sus servicios, que seguro te van dar buenas ideas a la hora de viajar. Me llegó un mensaje de Facebook: Mis compañeros del colegio, de cuando tenía 16 años, iban a hacer una página. Vi algunas fotos y… ¡que horror! ¡Que viejos estaban todas y todos! Bueno, todas y todos no… los había que habían envejecido bien… pues con los coches pasa los mismo… Los coches que han seguido muy radicales siguiendo una moda, envejecen por lo general más. Un ejemplo son los coches norteamericanos de los 50 y 60 con sus prominentes aletas, cuando los aviones y la conquista del espacio estaban de moda… ahora se le ve muy viejos… con encanto, pero muy viejos. Por el otro extremo, hubo una era de coches “cuadrados”, buscando aprovechamiento del espacio e ignorando la aerodinámica, caso por ejemplo de nuestro Seat 124, una autentica caja de zapatos con su encanto, pero muy viejo. Hay marcas continuistas, para mí el mayor ejemplo son las alemanas, sobre todo Audi, Mercedes y VW, que no suelen asumir mucho riesgo en su diseño. Cuando son nuevos nunca son coches “rompedores” pero envejecen bien… Y, por último, los buenos diseños son más duraderos, porque al margen de la moda coches bien proporcionados, sin líneas extremas, pero bellas… envejecen mejor. Una advertencia: Me he centrado, con alguna rara excepción, en coches más o menos accesibles porque entre superdeportivos los hay que son eternos… pero es más fácil… un Ferrari F40 nunca envejecerá, pero con coche digamos que “asequibles” es más difícil. Ya está bien de teoría, vamos con la práctica… esta es mi lista e coches que han envejecido bien. Y además les doy nota: Un 0 es que han envejecido mal, un 10 es que han envejecido muy bien… y en esta lista no hay notas peores que un 8…. 1. Alfa Romeo Brera (2005). Que Giugiaro es un mago, nadie lo duda. Mi nota es un 8,5. 2. Alfa Romeo 156 (1996). El coche que para mí marcó un punto de inflexión en la recuperación de la marca. Mi nota es un 8. 3. Audi TT (1998). El primer TT era en su momento arriesgado, pero triunfó. Mi nota es un 8. 4. BMW E36 (1990). Todo un clásico… que se mantiene muy joven. Mi nota es un 9. 5. BMW Z8 (2000). Un modelo que se sale un poco de la medía, pues en su tiempo era muy caro… y ahora lo es más. Mi nota es un 8. 6. Dodge Viper (1991). Sigue haciendo girar las cabezas a su paso… Mi nota es un 9. 7. Fiat 500 (2007). La prueba de que este coche no ha envejecido es que sigue fabricándose casi con la misme estética. Mi nota es un 9. 8. Ford Focus (1998). Por supuesto me refiero a la primera generación, la de 1998…Mi nota es un 8,5. 9. Honda Civic (1992). El Civic de la “Quinta Generación”, a sus 33 años, está como decía mi madre, ¡hecho un chaval! Mi nota es un 9. 10. Honda S2000 (1999). ¡Ojalá se siguiese fabricando ahora! El coche iba de maravilla y sigue siendo así. Mi nota es un ¡10! 11. Mazda RX7 (1992). Hablamos de la tercera generación, un cocher con una brizna de estilo “manga” muy japones. Mi nota es un 9,5. 12. Mercedes-Benz W124 (1984). Mirad bien este coche…¿de verdad aparenta su edad? ¡Nada menos que 41 años! Mi nota es un… ¡un 10! 12+1. Mini BMW (2000). Un caso similar al del Fiat 500: Un coche que envejece muy bien tratándose de un remake. Mi nota es un 9. 14. Nissan 350 Z (2002). No, este coche no ha envejecido bien… sencillamente, no ha envejecido. Mi nota es un… ¡10! 15. Saab 9000 (1984). Un coche con nada menos que 40 años, de marca desaparecida… y que me parece que no desentona entre el tráfico actual… Mi nota es un 9. Conclusión. Ya sé que me he dejado coches fuera. Os llamará la atención que no estén los Porsche 911 o el VW Golf… pero s que todos son un poco más de lo mismo y me parecían muy evidentes.

Unlock the secrets to maximizing your automotive investment with our special guest, John Vincent from US News and World Report. As we explore some of the best cars for your money, John spills the beans on US News' ranking criteria, revealing how price, quality, and ownership costs shape their list. We kick things off with an unexpected appreciation for the quiet performance and value of the Buick Invista and Chevy Trax. Nostalgia hits as we reminisce about the Honda Civic's evolution alongside its larger sibling, the Accord, marking the brand's compelling resurgence. With anecdotes and insider knowledge, this episode paints a vivid picture of today's dynamic automotive market and its implications for savvy consumers.Shift gears as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of minivans and SUVs, putting the spotlight on the stalwart Honda Odyssey and its rivals, the Chrysler Pacifica and Toyota Sienna. Our journey isn't limited to combustion engines; we steer into the realm of electric SUVs, featuring the Hyundai Kona and the Honda Passport's enduring design. Opinions fly as we discuss the polarizing aesthetics of the Kia Telluride, juxtaposed with the embrace of the Kia Soul's spaciousness. To round out the ride, we cruise down memory lane, reminiscing about the Chevrolet Caprice Classic and pivotal moments in auto history, weaving Tex-Mex dining and racing events into the rich tapestry of automotive culture. Join us for an episode that promises a revved-up mix of history, humor, and hard-hitting insights.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!ProAm Auto AccessoriesProAm Auto Accessories: "THE" place to go to find exclusive and hard to find parts and accessories!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time Car Talk any time? In Wheel Time Car Talk is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTimeCarTalk where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk and check out our live broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12noonCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Car Talk podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk

In this episode we recommend an EV for:  • a family moving to Portugal who want an EV that looks like a normal car  • a viewer deciding between an older Nissan Leaf and a high-mileage Honda Civic   • and another viewer looking for an affordable used EV with beaucoup giddyup

Episode 203: In this episode, Mark is joined by Hip Hop artist Louie Sincere. We discuss his new project entitled "Sincero". We also talk about his coming up in Framingham, Massachusetts, the concept for his album, Honda Civics, Asics, musical influences and much more. Check out Louie Sincere on Bandcamp-https://louiesincere.bandcamp.com/album/sincero-2Mark also pays tribute to the passing of his friend and radio show host, Brian "Flyin' B" Stinson. A new song from Musik G and The Underground Army "It's Going Down" featuring Whirlwind D, King Topaz, Danjah Stand Clear and DJ Modesty is featured in the segment, dedicated to Brian and his show "Fusion Radio".This episode is dedicated to the memory of Brian "Flyin B" StinsonCheck out our sponsor Super 7, for the latest in action figures and merch featuring pop culture icons. Click the link for the latest figures and more- https://super7.com/INFINITEBANTERPODCAST

Miracles can happen on Christmas Eve.Based on a post by auguy86, in 2 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at My First Time. Ken Dix flipped through the TV guide at a moderate pace; “500 channels, and nothing but Christmas specials on.”Finding nothing but disappointment at every turn. As it was Christmas Eve, every show was a mushy feel-good romp spouting lines about family and goodwill to others. None of that spoke to Ken in the slightest.“Ken?” a voice came from the kitchen.“What's up, Mom?”“I've got my hands full with making everything for dinner tonight, but I'm going to run short on a couple of ingredients,” Helen Dix said, poking her head into the living room. “Can you run to the store real quick for me please?”“Sure thing,” Ken replied, seeing as he had nothing better to do.“Great, thank you. I made a list on the counter for you. The store should be open for another hour or two. The main things would be the eggs; I don't have enough to finish my famous chess pie. If they have tea by the gallon, grab one sweet and one unsweet. The rest are great if you find them, but not essential.”“Got it,” Ken said as he took the list from the counter.Heading out to his car, Ken cranked up his Honda Civic and pulled out of the driveway. As he made his way into town, Ken reflected on his current situation. Though he loved his mom, being home for the holidays was always nerve-wracking for him. His hometown of Alpharetta, Georgia was crawling with former high school classmates of his, people he'd just as soon never see again. But up at MIT, he was actually among peers that he could relate to on an intellectual level. Not that he'd made that many friends up there. As a nineteen-year-old freshman, he was still stuck in the same boring math and science classes as everyone else. He couldn't wait until he could start his health sciences training. Maybe then he could meet some decent people, perhaps of the female variety.Ken soon arrived in the parking lot of the local Kroger. It was soon obvious that the place was packed with last-minute shoppers, all trying to find that one final ingredient they were missing. Locking his car, Ken sauntered into the store, grabbing a shopping basket along the way. He found the shelves of the store well picked over, striking out on the nonessential items on his mom's list. Making his way to the drinks aisle, he was pleased to see that the store was keeping the gallon jugs of tea well stocked for the holidays, and picked up a pair.Ken soon arrived in the refrigerated section of the store. Almost every shelf was empty, but he did manage to find one last carton of six eggs, just what his mom needed. Depositing the carton in his shopping basket, Ken made his way back to the front of the store, checking out in the express lane. He gripped the shopping bags tightly, being careful that the eggs weren't harmed from the swinging of the bags. Arriving back in the parking lot, he was pleasantly surprised to see one of his former classmates, Jacqueline Brown. As he approached, she saw him coming.“Ken? Kenneth Dix?”She was extremely pretty, as was befitting one of the most popular girls in school, and kept her chestnut-brown hair cut just below her jawline. Her soft, warm facial features and bubbly personality belied the sharp intellect hiding underneath. She and Ken had been partners a few times in various subjects, and he had helped craft her entrance essay to the University of Washington. This earned her a full ride scholarship. In spite of her popularity, they had worked well together, and Ken even dared to call her a friend, at least in his own mind. They had never hung out on a social basis; her circle of friends would never have let her live that down. Still, times had changed. They were both out of high school, after all. What could it hurt to ask?“Jacqueline? Wow, I never thought I'd see you back here. Thought you escaped to cooler climates?”“Yeah, Seattle is nice, but nothing beats Christmas at home,” she replied, adjusting her UW sweatshirt. “You back for the same reason?”“Uh huh. Mom pretty much insisted. She won't settle for anything less than a full family gathering on Christmas Eve. I'm just grabbing a few last things for her. But yeah, it's great seeing you again. You, uh, you look good.”“Um; thanks,” she replied with hesitation.“I'm, uh, gonna be home for a couple of weeks. Would you want to, I don't know, hang out sometime? Maybe grab a bite to eat? My treat.”“Well, Ken, that's sweet of you to ask.” she said almost to herself. As she paused, her eyes suddenly lit up as if she had gotten an idea. “Alright! Here, let me give you my number.” She scribbled a series of digits down on a scrap piece of paper, writing her name next to them. “I'll, um, talk to you later, I guess?”“Sounds great!”Ken couldn't believe it; he had actually done it! He had asked out the prettiest girl he had ever known! Moreover, she had given him her number! Things were definitely looking up.“Dick!” a voice behind them yelled.Ken turned, immediately recognizing Jason Brown, Jacqueline's fraternal twin brother, along with his two flunkies, Brian and Barrett Sullivan. Jason had been the star quarterback at his high school, and the Sullivan boys were his best offensive linemen. They often served as his muscle off the football field, as well. Ken was intimately familiar with these three, as they had made it their mission in high school to make his life a living hell. Being stuffed in lockers, having his wallet stolen, all were commonplace with them. The three approached, attempting to appear imposing, which they were from the perspective of the ever-scrawny Ken.“I've got nothing to say to you guys,” Ken muttered as they approached.“Well I've got something to say to you, Mr. Kenny Dick,” Jason growled.“Just shut up and leave me alone,” Ken replied, his blood boiling at the use of Jason's longtime nickname for him.“No! You shut the fuck up and listen!” Jason said, grabbing Ken by the collar of his tee-shirt and flinging him against his car. In the process, Ken dropped his shopping bags, the jugs of tea landing directly on the egg carton.“Jason! Stop it!” Jacqueline protested.Undeterred, Jason threatened. “Listen fuck-wad, you stay the hell away from my sister!”“She's an adult, dickhead! She can have anyone she wants as a friend!” Ken protested.“You don't belong on the same Planet as her! You're nothing'! A pathetic sack of guts your dumbass mother decided to give a name to! Know what? Just do us all a favor and drop dead!”Enraged at the insult to his mom, Ken swung a wild haymaker at his assailant, but Jason was more than ready, pinning Ken's arm back against his car. Jason then delivered a crushing punch to Ken's gut, dropping him down to his knees. Before leaving, Jason knelt down next to his gasping victim.“Next time, I won't be so nice. Next time; I might just kill you myself. See ya around. Dick.” Turning to his sister, Jason said, “Come on, time to go home.”Jacqueline looked down at the pitiful form of Ken before muttering, “Sorry, Ken.”The trio of boys sauntered off across the parking lot, laughing and high-fiving at their antics. Jacqueline followed right behind them. Ken picked himself up and inspected his groceries, discovering the crushed eggs in his bag. Swearing and cursing, he grabbed the misshapen carton and went to throw it in a nearby trash can.“No chess pie tonight.”As Ken returned to his car and began his drive home, Jason and his flunkies watched on from his car, still pleased with their efforts.“You shouldn't have done that,” Jacqueline said in a lecturing tone.Jason turned to face his sister. “I do what I gotta do, Jacqueline. That fuck-wad has no business getting friendly with you. He needs to learn his place.”“Be that as it may, I can take care of myself,” she replied firmly.“Take care of yourself? Wait; you didn't?”“I did. Jason, someday you'll learn that there are more subtle and effective ways to ward off undesirables. Trust me, Ken won't bother me ever again.”Back at Home.Upon arriving back home, Ken couldn't bring himself to tell his mom about the incident with the eggs. He instead told her that the store had run out altogether. She had spent many sleepless nights in the past worrying about the constant bullying her son was subjected to in school. Ken didn't want to give her anything else to worry about. By this time, has uncles had started arriving, and the living room was soon filled with the sounds of football games. In Ken's mind, these were no more thought provoking that the mindless Christmas specials he had found earlier. Ken went up to his room to take a hot shower, as well as get some alone time in the process. As he stripped down, he saw a bruise beginning to form on his stomach from Jason's punch. He winced in pain as he touched the tender skin.Shit; that's not going away for a while.Ken took some Tylenol for the pain before stepping into the shower. The hot water helped relax his body, and the steam gradually built up, clearing his mind a bit. He finished after a while and, after making sure his door was shut, flopped facedown onto his bed. After laying there for around an hour or so, his mom finally called him down to rejoin the family for dinner.Taking his seat at the table, Ken glanced around the room at his various family members. His mom had two older brothers, Lee and Stan. Though Lee was tall and still relatively youthful looking at forty-five, Stan was shorter and beginning to bald as he approached fifty. Still, both of them had one notable thing in common as far as Ken was concerned: they were both still jocks at heart. Ken had never known his father; it had always just been him and his mom. He could tell that his uncles tried to be male role models for him, but their efforts were usually ill-conceived attempts to “man him up.” Never once did they understand his introverted tendencies, and always tried to get him to be more of a people person. After a while, Ken stopped paying their advice any attention.It was striking to Ken how similar Lee and Stan's families were. They had both married beautiful, blonde cheerleaders, and now both had sixteen-year-old daughters, both of whom were among the most popular girls in school. It all sickened Ken; they were just perpetuating the stereotype of pretty and popular being the be-all, end-all in life. As the family ate, Ken remained silent for the most part. The adults were engrossed in discussions about their jobs, and the two daughters were giggling and playing on their phones the entire time. None of this was relevant to Ken.“You know, I saw something interesting today,” Lee said as dessert was being brought out. “I was at Kroger filling up my car, and saw you in the main parking lot, Ken. Looked like you were, uh, having some words with a few guys out there.”Shit! He saw that?Not wanting to worry his mom, Ken replied, “It; it was nothing.”“Nothing, eh? Is that why that punk punched you in the gut?”With a worried look on her face, Helen asked, “Ken, sweetie, what is he talking about?” She walked around the table to Ken's seat and lifted up his shirt, seeing the bruise on his abdomen. “Was it that Jason boy again?”“Mom, just let it go.”“No! Ken, you know I worry about you!”“You worry about Me? I think you need to worry more about your brother!” Ken shouted, his anger exploding at last. “Right, Uncle Lee? Come on, you see your own nephew being ganged up on in a parking lot, yet you do nothing to help him out?!”“A man's gotta learn to fight his own battles,” Lee replied in a calm voice.“No. You want to know what a man does? A man sticks up for his Family! No. Matter. What! You stood there and watched your own nephew get beaten up. That says a hell of a lot more about you than it does me. And if that's family; I don't want any part of this one.”Without a word, Ken stood and left the dining room. He then grabbed his MIT hoodie and headed for the front door. As he was about to get into his car and drive off, he saw to his frustration that his uncles' cars were parked in the driveway behind him, blocking him in. Cursing under his breath, he prepared to leave on foot.“Ken! Come back inside, please!” Helen called after him, running down the driveway.“No. I've got to go out; clear my head.”“Ken, it's Christmas Eve. Please, come be with your family.”“Mom, aside from you, not a single person in that house feels like family to me,” Ken replied coldly. “I'll; I'll call you after while.”Ken walked off into the cold Georgia night, not knowing for sure where to go or what to do. Nobody else was out, as they were all at home with their families. Remembering the square in historic downtown Alpharetta, he decided to head in that direction. Maybe the quiet walk would do him some good.Arriving in the town square, Ken walked along the sidewalks for a bit, peering into the darkened windows of the various shops and restaurants. Everything looked so different to him with everyone gone for the day; it all seemed so peaceful. As he continued to walk, he soon saw City Hall in the distance. In front of the building was a large green space, which was teeming with a surprising amount of activity for it being Christmas Eve. Ken moved closer, now spying a large gathering of people sitting on picnic blankets, all bundled up in coats and hats. Ahead of them, a large screen projected the classic film, It's a Wonderful Life.Though Ken was never into the Christmas cheer, as it were, he felt strangely drawn to watch a few minutes of the film from a distance. He soon began to regret that decision, as the movie had reached the point where George Baily had an arrest warrant out for him, lashing out at his family in anger. Watching him get drunk and punched in a bar fight, Ken began to feel sick with anger. Despite all his efforts to help better the world around him, the universe conspired against George Baily; just as it seemed to be conspiring against Ken. Unable to watch a moment more, he turned and walked into the nearby park.Again alone with his thoughts, Ken sat on a bench near the fountain in the center of the park. He contemplated many things, as he often did in solitude. He thought about his piss poor excuse for a family, intent on changing him into what they say he should be. If only they could love him as he is. He thought about Jason Brown, a perpetual asshole that managed to get all the beautiful women his heart desired. If only the universe would serve up his just desserts, rather than conspiring against Ken. Sighing in frustration, he stuffed his freezing hands into his jeans pockets.Jacqueline!Feeling the scrap of paper still in his pocket, Ken suddenly felt a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dreary day. He needed something, anything to lift his spirits, and hearing her kind, sweet voice might just do it. Hell, he didn't even care anymore if she was interested in him in a romantic sense; he just needed someone to listen and understand him. Digging out his phone, he dialed the number. After a single ring, a message began to play, seeming to be read by a game show host.“Congratulations! You've reached Live 95.5 FM's world-famous Loser Line! Live 95.5; featuring the best entertainment in Seattle! If you've reached this message, you have attempted to hit on a girl Way out of your league! That poor young lady wants nothing to do with you, but you just couldn't help creeping on her! That's where we come in! Now you know what a loser you really are! So leave the girl alone, loser! You're doing everyone a favor! If you'd like to leave a message for the world-famous Loser Line, begin speaking at the tone!”Beep!Ken hung up the phone in quiet disbelief. How could he have been so wrong about Jacqueline? They had worked so well together in school, and he even considered her a friend! She always spoke so kindly to him, how could this have happened? Was she really as nasty and shallow as her dumbass brother? Was she really just that good of an actress? As he pondered all this, Ken's rage finally exploded out of him.“That two-faced bitch! Who the fuck does she think she is?! I trusted her! Hell, she would never have gotten a full scholarship without my help! All I ever did was Like her! And after all that, she doesn't even have the decency to turn me down to my face?! What The Fucking Hell? At least her brother was honest about his disdain. She's far worse! I can't imagine how evil she'd be if a person actually offended her?”Slumping back down onto the park bench, every thought that entered Ken's mind brought him lower. Jason was an ass, but then again, he didn't know how to act any different. Uncle Lee was a moron, but then again, he had no malicious intent. But Jacqueline; she was the last straw. He had trusted her, opened up to her, and she repaid him by committing the single most cruel and senseless act Ken could ever imagine. Everything was crashing down around him. As he continued to sulk, Jason's words entered into his mind once more.“I should just do everyone a favor and drop dead; is that what you want, Jacqueline? Seems like you agree with your brother, or you wouldn't have given me that number.”Ken reached into his pocket, withdrawing a folding knife. It had been a high school graduation present to him from his grandfather, before he passed a few months later. A far cry from the typical Swiss Army knife, he unfolded the shiny, four-inch blade, which stood in beautiful contrast to the wooden handle. Inscribed in the wood were Ken's initials. He had not used it for anything yet, never had any need to. As he stared at his reflection in the blade, Ken kept replaying Jason's cruel words in his mind, to do the world a favor and drop dead.“Maybe that's not such a bad idea.” Ken mumbled.Just as he took a firm grip on the handle, preparing to take the knife to his throat, an unfamiliar voice came from off to the side.“Hey!”Gabrielle's Christmas night.Gabrielle Libertine relaxed in a lawn chair, savoring the crisp, cold air of Christmas Eve. This was her favorite time of the year, and being able to enjoy an outdoor showing of her favorite Christmas film, It's a Wonderful Life, made it even better. It all fit in perfectly with her life philosophy: live for happiness. Not only her own, but as much as could be had for the world around her too.“You want the moon? Just say the word, and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.”“Oh, Jimmy Stewart, you charmer you.” Gabby sighed.Soon, her emotions welled up as the hopeless romantic that was George Bailey began to succumb to the pressures and injustices of life. He had blamed his own uncle for destroying their business, lashed out at his wife and children in anger, and gone crawling to his hated rival for a loan. The hardest scenes for her to watch were always the bar fight and the car crash. Still, she always stuck it out. The best was yet to come.Just as George stood atop the bridge, Gabby caught sight of something out of the corner of her eye. A young man of about nineteen or twenty was watching the movie from a distance away, leaning against a tree near the road. His face twisted in angst as he saw the pain on display in the film, and he soon spun around, walking into the nearby park. Gabby couldn't explain why, but something compelled her to follow him and make sure he was okay.Collecting her lawn chair, she walked along the perimeter of the green space, soon arriving at the entrance to the park. As she went, she began to hear angry shouting up ahead of her; it sounded like the young man was in distress. After a few minutes, she came upon the fountain situated in the center of the park. On a bench sat the man from earlier, appearing to be deep in thought. By the glow of the lamppost, Gabby could now get a good look at him. He appeared to be of average height, maybe 5'7”, and had shaggy black hair that seemed a bit unkempt. Still, it's color shone in the light of the park, and his white skin provided for quite a striking appearance. A pair of black horn-rimmed glasses framed his face, which combined with his red MIT hoodie to project a very specific image into Gabby's mind. He had to be incredibly intelligent.As she studied him, she saw the young man pull an object out of the pocket of his jeans. Catching a glimpse of something reflective, she could now see that he was holding a small folding knife. Gabby tensed up and wondered if she should run, but soon decided against it; he didn't seem to have even noticed her presence. In fact, the way he looked at the knife was quite unsettling. It was as if he saw that little blade as his best friend in the world. She knew the look in his eyes. She knew what would happen in a moment if she did nothing. Taking a deep breath, Gabby decided to act.“Hey.”Intervention.Ken was startled by the unfamiliar voice. Looking up, he now saw a woman in her early twenties standing across the way. She gazed at him with intent, but for what reason he did not know. Looking back at her, Ken's typical awkwardness began to kick in, as he could see that she was quite beautiful. Dressed warmly in a black winter coat and blue jeans, she wore a grey knit cap over her long blonde hair. Upon first glance, she appeared to be of some sort of Scandinavian descent, or perhaps German, though Ken couldn't be sure. His mouth went dry as he tried to find the words to speak.“Everything okay?” she asked.“Uh; fine. Why do you, um; why do you ask?”Smiling, she replied, “I saw you over on the green, watching the movie. By the look on your face, you were having a tough time with it. When I saw you walk off towards the park, I felt I should come and see if anything was wrong.”“No, nothing's wrong.”“Good. Then I shouldn't be concerned about the way you're looking at that knife of yours, right?”Shaking his head, Ken answered, “I'm not going to hurt you. Promise.”“That's not what I'm concerned about.”“Wha; what do you mean?” Ken asked, his eyes growing wide.“I've seen that look before,” she said, taking a couple of steps closer. “I am, sadly, all too familiar with it. You were about to hurt yourself, weren't you?”“You don't know a thing about me, lady,” Ken muttered, preparing to leave.“I don't have to know anything about you to be concerned,” she fired back.“Concerned,” Ken snorted. “How could you be concerned about me? You don't even know me!”“Easily rectified. Gabrielle Libertine. My friends call me Gabby,” she said, sticking out her hand with a warm smile. When he didn't respond, she smirked and continued, “This is the part where you tell me your name.”Sighing, he replied, “Ken. Ken Dix.”“A pleasure, Ken,” she said as they shook hands.“So; Gabrielle, eh? You supposed to be my Clarence or something?”With a playful gasp, she responded, “Oh my God! Does that mean you're Jimmy Stewart?! I've had the biggest crush on you for Years!”Ken gave a nervous laugh. “Alright, alright, I walked into that one. But in all seriousness.”“No, I'm not a Guardian Angel or the Word of God or anything like that. Just an average person like you.” Motioning to the bench, she asked, “May I?”“Sure, I guess,” Ken answered, scooting to the edge.“Thanks.” Taking a seat, she continued, “So tell me this, Ken: why would you want to hurt, maybe kill yourself?”His face twisted in pain. “You don't want to know.”“I do. Believe me, I do.”Sighing with reluctance, Ken relented and began to tell Gabby of the events of the day. He started with Jacqueline and Jason, then the confrontation with his uncle, and finally the fake phone number showing Jacqueline's true colors. Through it all, Gabby sat in silence, maintaining eye contact and nodding whenever appropriate. At last, he finished his story, and Gabby could feel her heart breaking within her chest.“Ken; I'm so sorry. I can feel the pain in your voice. No one deserves what you've gone through today. I know it's of little help, but I do understand what you're going through.”“Understand?” Ken said, incredulous. “How could a girl like you understand any of this? I mean, look at you. You're gorgeous, and I bet you've always been popular. Just like Jacqueline. Just like Jason. Just like Uncle Lee. None of you could ever imagine the world I live in.”With a stern look on her face, she replied, “I'm going to choose to let that slide, considering everything you've told me. Still, you need to know that what you just said was quite hurtful. Almost as hurtful as the things that have been said to you today.”Ken recoiled. He knew she was right. “I'm; I'm sorry. You're right; I should never have said that. You've been nothing but nice to me tonight.”“Apology accepted,” Gabby said with a smile. “Humility is a rare trait in men these days. Hang on to that.”Ken thought she might be mocking him, but bit his tongue nonetheless. He had already insulted her once, and he wasn't going to chance a second time.Seeking to turn the conversation to happier topics, she asked, “M I T, huh? You're an awful long way from home, aren't you?”“Huh? Oh, the hoodie. Yeah, I'm a freshman there this year, just home on break right now.”“Nice. Major?”“Health sciences. I want to go to medical school after MIT, though I'm still figuring out a specialty.”“Plenty of time to decide that. I'm sure you'll find the right career path,” she said with a grin.As nice as it was to talk about a familiar topic, a few things still bugged Ken's mind to no end. “I still can't figure it out; why would Jacqueline do this?”Frowning, Gabby replied, “Some people are cruel. Often the ones that are the cruelest disguise it with a kind, warm public demeanor. Jacqueline sounds like she fits that mold to a T.”“And she hid it all that time while we were in school?”“You were useful at the time, in her mind. She wasn't going to chance losing that. Once she got what she needed, she had no more reason to hide her true feelings.”“Yeah, but still. Why be all friendly to me in the store?”“In her twisted mind, she probably felt she was doing you a favor. She wanted to ensure you never tried to contact her again. To a cruel person like her; that's her idea of doing you a kindness,” Gabby replied sadly. “We just have to hope that there's enough real kindness in this world to counteract such cruelty.”Now noticing a silver cross hanging from her neck, Ken pointed to it and asked, “I guess this the part where you start lecturing me about suicide? That I'm being selfish and trying to go against God's plan?”“No,” she replied with simplicity.“No?”“No. Ken, I meant it when I said that I've seen that look before. I know better than most that suicidal thoughts are rarely that simple. There's no switch that can turn them off. It's a tide that must be turned back, bit by bit.”Stunned, Ken started to see that this woman understood what was important in life. Realizing he still had the knife in his hand, he folded it closed and put it back in his pocket.“Bit by bit,” she said with a smile. “My car's around the corner. Is there somewhere I can take you? Where do you live?”“I'm not going home. Not yet,” Ken replied. “Not with my uncles still there.”“No problem. I'm not going to force you.” Thinking a moment, she continued, “It's pretty cold out here. Why don't you come back to my place for a bit?”“That's; unnecessary. I'm fine on my own.”“Nice try, but no cigar,” she said. “I'm not leaving you alone with that knife, mister. And I'm certainly not leaving you alone on Christmas Eve. Nobody should be alone for the holidays.”“Thanks, but; won't your husband mind?”“He would, if I were married.”“Boyfriend?”“Nope, just my townhouse and me. Pretty cozy, all things considered. No problems with you coming over, but I do have one condition.”“And what's that?”Smirking, Gabby replied, “You call your mom right now and tell her you're okay.”Hesitating a moment, Ken soon relented. “Fine.” Tapping his phone, Ken waited as it rang. “Hey Mom, it's me; Yeah, I'm okay; No, seriously. I'm fine; Yeah I'm just hanging with a friend. I probably won't be back ‘til tomorrow; I will; Love you too; Bye.”“See? Now that wasn't so bad, was it?” Gabby teased him.Eying her, Ken asked. “You're seriously okay with bringing me to your home?”“Positive.”Taking his hand, Gabby led him to her car.Gabby's guest.The drive had been silent for the most part. Ken was still trying to comprehend everything that was happening. Who was this woman? Why would she go to such great lengths for a stranger she didn't even know? Gabby seemed to pick up on this, refraining from prodding him for any further conversation. She could tell he was still processing the events of the day. Soon, they arrived at her townhouse complex and pulled into her garage.“Come on in, make yourself at home,” she said as she turned on the lights. “Can I offer you something to drink? Coffee? Hot chocolate?”“Hot chocolate sounds good, thanks.”“Coming right up!”As she hung her hat and jacket up on a rack, Ken couldn't help but stare. He now saw that she wasn't just a pretty face; her entire body was sublime. She wore a tight burgundy sweater and a pair of tight, form-fitting jeans. This ensemble only served to accent her body even further. Her hourglass figure was delectable, her slim waist contrasting with her curvy hips and ample bust. She was also just as tall as him, perhaps a bit taller, with legs for miles. Though Ken had fantasized about some of his classmates, none of them could come anywhere close to Gabby. She was a woman, not a girl, and in the prime of her life no less.“Here you go,” she said, handing Ken a mug.After blowing on the hot drink, he took a sip, feeling the warm liquid spreading through his body. “Thanks,” he sighed.“No problem,” she replied with a smile. “Come on, let's go relax in the den.”She led him into an intimate area with a sofa and a loveseat. The only illumination came from the twinkling multicolored lights on her Christmas tree in the corner. As Ken took in the relaxing surroundings, smelling the delicious scent of her Frazier fir tree, Gabby stepped over to the fireplace opposite the sofa. Flipping a switch, she soon had a comfortable fire roaring from the gas logs. She then sat on the sofa, placing her mug on the side table and patting the spot next to her.“Come sit. I promise I don't bite,” she said with a playful grin.“Um, okay.” he mumbled, scooting as close to the armrest as he could to give Gabby plenty of space.“Tell me about M I T,” she inquired. “You mentioned you want to go into health sciences. Does that include medical school?”“Uh, yeah with any luck. Harvard would be my top choice, but I don't know if I could afford it. But assuming so, my dream has always been to be a brain surgeon.”“Brain surgeon?! That's so cool! They're like; the most badass of all the badass doctors! Not just surgeons, brain surgeons!” Gabby gushed.“It's, uh, not that big a deal,” Ken replied as he blushed with embarrassment.“Well, I could totally see you as a brain surgeon. Don't ever give up on it.”“Thanks.”“So, what then for you, Dr. Dix? What happens once you reach your dream?”Ken began to feel a strange amount of comfort with this woman, and started to open up to her. “Honestly; I don't know. I mean even if I become a brain surgeon, I'm still hopeless around girls. Maybe Jason's right. I'm gonna die a virgin.” Realizing what he had confessed to her, he turned to Gabby and blurted out, “Not that it's your problem, or anything. S-sorry, I just; I shouldn't have gone that far.”Gabby just smiled and moved closer to him, brushing her hand against his arm.“Don't worry about it. You have goals, both personal and professional, but aren't sure exactly how to achieve them. So you're a virgin. That's nothing to be embarrassed about, and it's healthy to express your anxiety about it. That can help you overcome your fears. In all seriousness, I think you underestimate yourself, Ken.”“Underestimate myself?”“Of course,” Gabby replied. “You're smart, considerate, polite, you even held the car door for me earlier! Any girl you'd want to be with is gonna swoon at traits like that. I can also tell that you still think of yourself as unattractive, but I disagree. You wear glasses, yes, but that doesn't make you a dork. Your hair is a little shaggy, but not greasy or anything. You may not have a tan, but your skin complexion is damn near flawless. You have nothing to be ashamed of, be it your looks or your personality.”“You're about the only woman who thinks so,” he sighed.“Doubtful, but if it's that big a worry for you, I can give you a couple of pointers, if you like.”“Um, oh, okay I guess.”“Great! Okay, so you definitely give off the ‘geek' vibe, but that's not a bad thing. Don't fight it; own it.”“How?”“Well, you can make just some slight alterations to your outward appearance that can change the way others see you. For example, you could switch to wire-framed glasses instead of your horn-rimmed ones. Your hair is a great color, and would do well in a short, clean-cut style, if I do say so myself. You can also change out your usual t-shirts for some casual polo shirts.”“So; the secret to getting women to notice me is to change who I am?” Ken asked, feeling more than a little offended.Cocking her eyebrow, Gabby replied, “Are you saying your glasses, hair length, and shirt choices define who you are?”“Oh, uh; fair point,” Ken conceded.“See? Humility. Such a rare quality these days,” Gabby said with a grin. “To be honest, all the changes I suggested are things my brother did a couple of years back. He was a complete geek, maybe even bigger than you. The poor boy was helpless around the fairer sex. But after he made these changes, he no longer came off as the socially awkward geek. He came off as a self-assured, confident geek, one who loves himself for who he is. I see that potential in you, Ken.” Grabbing her iPad from the side table, she pulled up a couple of pictures for him. “See? Here's before. And here's after.”“Woah,” Ken marveled. He could see the drastic difference. The guy hadn't done anything to make himself stronger or bulkier, nothing to increase his manliness, but the things he did change just popped in all the right ways. Was it really that simple?“That's great and all, but can new clothes and a haircut get rid of social awkwardness? I still don't have even a shred of confidence around women,” Ken said.“They can help, but a change in your mental confidence is completely based on your willpower. You have to love yourself as much as you want others to love you. If you don't, everyone else will pick up on it.”“Knew there was a catch.”Gabby bit her lip in frustration. There had to be a way she could give him the confidence boost he needed to love himself, but how? Getting one somewhat crazy idea, she moved closer to Ken.“I'm guessing from your previous statements that; you've never kissed a girl before. Is that right Ken?”Poor Ken Dix didn't even know what had hit him. Here he was, sitting with the most beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on, and the unthinkable was beginning to happen. She was moving closer, running her fingers through his hair, and now wanted to know if he'd ever been kissed! This was too much, way beyond any of his hottest dreams. Unable to find the words to respond, he managed to slowly nod his head.“Close your eyes,” she instructed in her sweet voice. When he only blinked in reply, she whispered, “Close; your eyes, Ken. Trust me.”Guided by an unseen force, Ken felt compelled to obey her. His eyes finally fluttered closed, and his breathing became more labored in anticipation of what was to come. A small part of him doubted that she was being truthful, thinking that she'd fake him out just like Jacqueline had. Those doubts were soon quashed, as he felt the warm sensation of Gabby's face leaning close to his. He could feel her breathing. He could smell her perfume. If there was a God, Ken prayed, then and there; that He could make this incredible moment last forever.After what felt like eons, Gabby finally released their building tension and touched her lips to Ken's. Her kiss was soft at first, allowing him to savor the new sensations he was feeling. Ken was so terrified and excited all at once that he could barely even move his lips in reply. Not that it mattered to Gabby. She had expected his fear, and made sure to keep her technique simple yet enjoyable. After around thirty seconds, she withdrew at last, her face aglow in the Christmas tree light.“Wow,” Ken managed to mutter as he opened his eyes. He soon noticed that he couldn't see Gabby at all; his glasses had fogged up from their kiss.“Here, let's just take these off,” Gabby said with a giggle. She slipped his glasses off and laid them on her side table. “Now then, since we've gotten your first kiss out of the way, ready to really dive in?”“Dive in to what?” Ken asked, his nerves beginning to fray.“Kissing, silly! You do know there's much more to it than what we just did, right?”“More?”“Of course! Look, one day you'll get the prime opportunity to kiss a special lady, and I want you to be ready when that chance comes.”To be continued in part 2, based on a post by auguy86, in 2 parts for Sex Stories.

00:00 Introductions 01:03  Plane Crash 03:42 DEI 09:39 Harvey Weinstein  11:03 Chinese Incels 16:01 Dank Demoss 19:15 Anti-Abortion States 21:12 Tariffs —The crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 is a tragedy. There's no other way to describe it.  Families are devastated, and will forever be changed. So, naturally, the media is trying to cash in any way they can. Clickbait headlines are generally awful, but when they're used to take advantage of something this horrific, it makes people want to believe in hell, that the “reporters” might burn their for their sins. Gibson Johns—if that's a real person an not a handle given to an article written by AI—and E! News (which should be in quote, “News”) cashed in my offering a scary headline about a chilling photo by one of the victims of the crash, a teenage boy who will be missed by his parents for the rest of their lives.  It's disgusting, and Jake has special words regarding the “reporters” who seek out families after a tragedy. —Speaking of cashing in on a tragedy, Donald Trump once again showed his complete inability to lead with grace, or compassion, turning an awful situation into an opportunity to rally his political base using anger, an ignorance. Blaming the crash on DEI right out of the gate was a bold move, but red meat the dumbest of the dumb could lap up like the dogs they are. In an interesting twist, however, he threw “dwarfism” into the mix as one of the reasons the plane crash happened.  Interesting. —A couple episodes back, Jake said Harvey got out of jail.  nathan was dumbfounded, “How did I miss that?!?” Turns out, nathan missed nothing! Harvey is still locked up in Rikers Island, just like he deserves to be. —Oh, China… You best America in so many ways—bullet trains, airports, education… and now, INCELS. Yes, while our INCELS go on rampages, and hurt people, yours go look at panda bears. Dammit, China. Stop being better than us. —Dank Demoss is rapper who hates several things: salads, walking, and reality. Dank weighs 489 pounds, and thinks that if she orders a Lyft, she should be able to get into whatever arrives, be it a Honda Civic, or a Mini Cooper.  When her ride arrived, the driver took one look at her and said, “Nope. My shocks and tires can't take that kind of abuse,” and locked her out. Naturally, this caused Dank to have a “come to Jesus” moment, where she turned her life around, began eating right, and exercising. Of COURSE I'm kidding. She's suing Lyft, because personal responsibility doesn't exist. —Is an exodus taking place from states with impossibly restrictive bans on women's health? The Los Angeles times thinks so. Why? Because speculation, that's why. In an article heavy on thoughts and light on facts, it is opined that a less than 1% population departure from states more interested in fairy tales than medicine, means it's got to be because of a political wedge issue. Great job, Los Angeles Times. Way to waste column space.  —Well, things are gonna get interesting.  Despite anyone and everyone with an IQ above that of your average turnip understanding that tariffs make things more expensive for the consumers of the country applying said tariffs, Donald Trump announced 25% additions to Mexican and Canadian goods, and 10% on Chinese imports. What was the immediate reaction? Trillion-dollar hedge funds started taking out massive shorts on the American Economy. In 2008, a few wise men beat the crap out of the banks and made hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars off their stupidity. Now, the American people will lose, and rich look to get richer. Yay. Idiots on Parade: we mock the news, so you don't have to. Tune in and get your giggle on. Find Jake at @jakevevera Find nathan at nathantimmel.com

"DOME with bamfomania" is the greatest freestyle-rap/comedy podcast IN THE WORLD. If the beat drops while you're talking about it... you gotta rap about it. This week, we are joined by Rakim Alnur, a rapper and hip-hop producer based in Los Angeles. We get into the latest from Elon Musk, rappers that are out of the closet, Cam Newton, robots, Honda Civics, bad airlines, and more. Also freestyles! If you would like to support the show, get access to episodes early, bonus episodes, and other content weekly, sign up https://patreon.com/DOMEwithbamfomania Beats & Links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11A0R-SB9jEAsqgdqbYfGeWN8hKfLIdMEkZCjZuYR_kQ/edit?usp=sharing Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rakimalnur/ https://www.instagram.com/bamfomania/ https://www.instagram.com/sultansatire/ https://www.instagram.com/bubbawhyy/ Listen to "DOME with bamfomania" on all podcast platforms: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dome-with-bamfomania/id1601495349 https://open.spotify.com/show/2IMnymbj1RU5U0NVXYLH9T?si=3ffba705f3a24e8f https://soundcloud.com/bamfdome Listen to bamfomania music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1w5Z3rwfh4BOU78BKZgFbk?si=rQB7uhH_SKmYrzYyI_Kvkg Listen to Sultan Satire music on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fvxByDc6w4Q49dcl9AKYS?si=LWa1-oSnQYmVZB1_qTKzTg If you enjoy this content please like, comment, subscribe and share

Can a sleek design reminiscent of high-tech electric vehicles coexist with the simplicity of a traditional engine? Find out as we explore the 2025 Kia K4, a car that elegantly bridges these worlds with its modern aesthetics and impressive fuel efficiency. For those seeking a commuter's dream without the electric charge, the Kia K4, with its 2.0-liter engine and affordable price tag, makes a compelling case. We break down why it stands tall against competitors like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, especially for those needing a second car that blends style with practicality.Power meets luxury in our deep dive into the Hummer EV SUV's 3X trim. With a jaw-dropping 830 horsepower and opulent interior features, this SUV promises an exhilarating ride both on city streets and rugged terrains. We navigate through its high-tech capabilities, comparing it with rivals like the Rivian R1S and Tesla Cybertruck, and consider whether it justifies its premium price. For those dreaming of adventure with all the comforts of a high-end vehicle, this segment offers insights into the ultimate blend of performance and luxury.Finally, we turn our attention to the driving needs of senior citizens, spotlighting cars that prioritize comfort and ease of use. From the Mazda CX-5 to the ever-reliable Toyota Camry, we highlight the best choices for older drivers. Alongside this, we reminisce about the storied history of the North American International Auto Show and share a chuckle over Tata Motors' branding challenges. It's a mix of insightful reviews, nostalgic reflections, and a touch of humor, making for an engaging discussion on all things automotive.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!ProAm Auto AccessoriesProAm Auto Accessories: "THE" place to go to find exclusive and hard to find parts and accessories!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time Car Talk any time? In Wheel Time Car Talk is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTimeCarTalk where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Car Talk and check out our live broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12noonCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Car Talk podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Car Talk, email us at info@inwheeltime.comTags: In Wheel Time, automotive car talk show, car talk, Live car talk show, In Wheel Time Car Talk

The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid has been named North American Car of the Year, and nobody knows more about the car and process than NACTOY jurors Jack Nerad and Matt DeLorenzo, who host and co-host this week's show. They'll take you behind the scenes to discuss not only the winning vehicle but also the procedures that resulted in the choice of Honda's highly popular compact car. At the same time, Nerad and DeLorenzo will offer long looks at the winners of the North American Utility of the Year and North American Truck of the Year — the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz and the 2025 Ford Ranger. You'll hear commentary on these vehicles you won't get anywhere else. In our interview segment this week, you'll also hear a discussion you won't hear anywhere else. Russell Wager, Kia America's vice president of marketing, is our guest. Jack Nerad sat down with him to talk about the opportunities and challenges presented as the country transitions from the Biden years to the Trump era. Speaking of Biden, as one of his last acts in office, he and his Administration essentially banned Chinese-built cars from entering the U.S. market and, at the same time, banned vehicles with Chinese technology and hardware. We'll discuss the ramifications of that coming up. In our road test segment, guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo will detail the special virtues of the 2025 Infiniti QX55, and Jack Nerad will provide an in-depth report on the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric — a vehicle that might be the best value among battery-electric vehicles right now. Listener Question of the Week “It seems like electric cars are more expensive than gasoline vehicles, but some people tell me that you can quickly make up the difference because they cost much less to own and operate. Is that true or are folks just blowing smoke?” Rudy, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Matt DeLorenzo's Book Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo's terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad's Guide to EV Ownership. Special Offer Jack is now offering his suspense novel, Dance in the Dark, for just $.99, a $9.00 saving from its original published price of $9.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price. Brought to you by: • DrivingToday.com • Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance. • EMLandsea.com, publisher of Dance in the Dark. We have a lot of shows for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don't forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we'll like you forever. America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad's latest book, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com             Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Show 03:00 North American Car of the Year Discussion 09:16 Banning Chinese Vehicles: National Security Concerns 10:25 Honda's Aggressive Strategy in the Market 11:10 Matt's Book on Affordable Electric Vehicles 12:48 Road Test: 2025 Infiniti QX55 Review 17:00 Road Test: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric Review 25:55 Exclusive Interview: Kia Marketing VP Russell Wager 39:30 Listener Question: Cost of Electric Vehicles vs Gasoline Vehicles Keywords automotive, electric vehicles, North American Car of the Year, Honda, Chinese vehicles, 2025 Infiniti QX55, 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric, car reviews, automotive news, EV ownership Summary In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Matt DeLorenzo discuss various automotive topics, including the North American Car of the Year awards, the implications of the Biden administration's ban on Chinese-built vehicles, Honda's renewed market strategies, and insights from Matt's book on affordable electric vehicles. They also review the Infiniti QX55 and the Hyundai Kona Electric, highlighting their features and market positioning.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a fairly common feature in production vehicles from the Honda Civic to the Ford F-150. It's shown to have a material impact on preventing impacts. But according to new research, some AEB systems may contain worrisome blind spots.The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just released findings from its recent research into the effects of high-visibility clothing – like the reflective gear worn by construction workers and runners – on AEB systems. While reflective clothing can substantially help human drivers spot people on or near the road, especially while driving at night, it seems to have the opposite effect on some AEB systems.

In the Philippine context, parricide refers to the crime of killing one's own parent, ascendant grandparent or great-grandparent, or other close relatives such as a child, spouse, or sibling, as specified under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines.Specifically, Article 246 of the RPC defines parricide as the unlawful killing of a father, mother, child, or any of the direct descendants or ascendants, or a spouse.In our episode for today, we will tackle one of the least discussed parricide cases that happened in the 2010s.On November 28, 2012, the authorities discovered the body of 49-year-old Marilou Jorge in the trunk of her gold Honda Civic parked near her home in North Matrix Ville Subdivision, Caloocan City.Earlier that day, residents in the area complained to village officials about an unpleasant smell coming from what they described at the time as an abandoned vehicle.Little did they know at the time that the authorities would stumble upon a case that has more questions than answers.CONNECT WITH US▸ https://linktr.ee/phmurderstoriesHere are links to our social media accounts, case photos, episode notes, and sources!YOUTUBE▸ http://www.youtube.com/phmurderstoriesDISCORD SERVER▸ https://bit.ly/3n38TuhIG CHANNEL▸ https://ig.me/j/AbaOmN2HytgKay0F/SUPPORT OUR SHOW ON PATREON▸ http://www.patreon.com/phmurderstories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Click here to send a text to Christian and Doug with your contact infoSpecial thanks to PBS Newshour for connecting us with Weber State University, enabling us to interview a dynamic student/instructor duo from the Automotive Technology Program. Join us as we talk with Makenna and Brandon as they rev up their engines and drive into the fascinating realm of automotive education. Makenna shares her joy of wrenching on steering and suspension with her dad, while Brandon reminisces about restoring a 1979 Z28 Camaro with his father. We spotlight the automotive programs at Weber State University, a wellspring of skilled technicians since the 1920s. Experience the evolution of automotive technology through personal tales that highlight the enduring allure of classic cars and the profound impact of hands-on learning.Get ready for a high-speed adventure as we explore turbocharging tales and the everyday magic of keeping beloved cars on the road. Hear the exhilarating story of transforming a white Chevy Beretta Z26 and the ongoing challenge of maintaining a Tesla Model 3. Makenna shares her humorous transition from the "Exploder," a 2004 Ford Explorer, to her trusty Honda Civic, "Maverick." She also recounts her thrilling experience at the SEMA auto show in Las Vegas, giving you a glimpse into the vibrant world of automotive enthusiasts. Buckle up for a ride filled with passion, nostalgia, and the joy of automotive adventures. The episode highlights the innovative automotive program at Weber State University, showcasing the hands-on learning experiences offered to students. Makenna and Brandon share their journeys and emphasize the importance of merging technology with traditional automotive skills, as well as promoting inclusivity within the program.Listener Poll - What should Brandon name his 1979 Camaro Z28 ?Learn more about Weber State University's Automotive Technology Program and coverage by PBS News Hour:https://www.weber.edu/Majors/automotive-technology.htmlhttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-the-next-generation-of-auto-techs-is-preparing-for-the-electric-vehicle-transition#womeninautomotive #weberstateuniversity #automotivetechnology #pbsnewshour #sema #carsloved #carcast #toallthecarsivelovedbefore #everycartellsastory #evercarhasaculture #fordexplorer #camaroz28 #pbsnewshour #fordexploder #chevyberetta  #chevyberetta #weberautoRemember to Follow/Subscribe and visit https://linktr.ee/carsloved to find all of our episodes and latest content.

Jessica has a surprise to start the new year. All my friends are buying the exact same Honda Civic that I have. And, evidently there's a potato cartel, and it's causing big problems. Enjoy.New episodes are released every Tuesday. If you want to interact with the show, we have a voice mailbox. Call 818-336-1146 and leave feedback, or just complain, and maybe I'll use it in a future broadcast.https://www.icancomplain.com/TEXT THE RAINWATER HOTLINE

Shoot us a Text.The end of the year is finally here, and so we're looking back, covering the top 10 best-selling vehicles of 2024. Plus, we talk about a unique $0 down and $0 monthly payment Fiat lease as well as reflect on some of our most memorable moments.Show Notes with links:Hybrid electric-gas cars had a banner year in 2024, achieving record sales. With a shift in buyer demographics, these vehicles bridged the gap for consumers seeking efficiency and practicality without fully committing to electric vehicles.A shift from early adopters to budget-conscious shoppers drove hybrid demand. Many buyers appreciated the lower costs and simpler integration into daily life compared to EVs.Here are 2024's top 10 best-selling vehicles. 10. Chevy Equinox. 9. Honda Civic 8. Nissan Rogue 7. Toyota Camry 6. Toyota Corolla 5. Tesla Model Y (only true EV on the list) 4. Chevy Silverado 1500 3. Honda CR-V 2. Toyota RAV4 1. Ford F-150 (America's best-selling vehicle for 47 years, with 20% of buyers opting for the hybrid version)The top three all have hybrid options that did especially well this year, and about half of all RAV4 and CR-V sales are hybrids, according to Edmunds.“Hybrids this year became an extremely easy default decision for someone who doesn't want to go full electric but wants basically 70% or 80% of benefits” said Ivan Drury of Edmunds.Who says driving electric has to break the bank? A Fiat dealership in Colorado pulled off the seemingly impossible: a lease deal on the 2024 Fiat 500e that truly costs $0 down and $0 a month. The deal covers a 27-month term, 10,000 miles per year, with just $1,300 in state taxes and fees due upfront.Larry H. Miller Chrysler-Dodge-Ram-Fiat Denver moved over 60 cars in three days, using over $15,000 in federal and state incentives, plus factory discounts, to enable this unheard-of lease offer.Colorado's state incentives decrease in 2025, and federal EV credits are under scrutiny, meaning deals like this are less likely in the future.David Gluckman of Car & Driver leased one of the cars, and commented on the dealership's challenges with such a unique agreement: “I was warned, apologetically, that there was a chance I might have to re-sign some of the paperwork because the dealer's computer system didn't know how to handle a lease with no payment… A funny formality: They still had to run a credit check to confirm my ability to (not) pay.”As we close out the year, we look back at some of our most memorable moments. Let us know yours by commenting below!Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email

Jason and Derek review their top 10 best (and worst) experiences behind the wheel in 2024. Everything from ulta-rare Porsches, to open-air Lamborghinis, manual-swapped Mercedes (and Ferraris), supercars, hypercars, rally icons, and more! === The Carmudgeon Show Sponsor, Vredestein Tires: https://www.vredestein.com/ Click here to join the Hagerty Driver's Club: https://bit.ly/Join-HDC-Cammisa-Rev === Christmas comes early for us this year (but not quite in time for this episode) in the form of 6 brand new sets of dutch rubber courtesy of our sponsor, Vredestein Tires!  The Curmudgeon's then continue with a discussion about each Carmudgeon's Grandmother's vehicular preferences, which included the likes of the Ford Pinto, AMC Pacer, ‘87 Chevy Cavalier, Saturn SL1, ‘99 Nissan Sentra, Dodge Aries K-car, Dodge Duster 340, and Buick Wildcat.  Then we briefly revel in some sweet, sweet vindication after Car and Driver named the Tesla Model 3 to their 10 Best list, but rejected the G20 BMW 3-Series (as it had the F30 before it) and specifically the G80 M3. The Cadillac CT4 and CT5 Blackwing both made this list, alongside a handful of perennial stalwarts like the Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and GR86/BRZ twins. Afterwards, we recount hanging with Jay Leno while filming 3 separate episodes of Jay Leno's Garage featuring Jason's Mk2 VW Scirocco 16V, E30 BMW 325i Touring, and E31 850 CSi.  And finally, it's time to talk best drives of the year! The boys loved three Ferraris: the 296 GTB, 360 Challenge Stradale (manual-swapped), and F50. Plus one car from Enzo's nemesis: the Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster.  Then, Jason and Derek include wwo Porsches: the 992.1-chassis 911 S/T and 964 Carrera RS 3.8. Both the Bugatti EB110 GT and Veyron made the list, as did another Piëch-era favorite: the VW XL1.  Speaking of VWs, the 1964 Beetle and new ID.Buzz both made the cut as well. What would a Carmudgeon episode be without a smattering of Mercedes products? The W209 CLK63 Black Series (manual-converted), W201 190E 2.5-16, C126 560SEC, and a W124 300E with a Mosselman twin-turbo kit and Zender body!  Two EVs even made the list: the incredible Lucid Air Sapphire and spunky Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Plus some exquisite lightweights: the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint 1300, Lotus Exige V6 Cup, and Lancia Stratos. The worst drives of the year? That honor goes to the disappointing Pagani Zonda and 4-cylinder W206 Mercedes-AMG C63. We end wondering how to rack up miles behind the wheel of our favorite vintage cars safely. One thing we can all agree we need? More time off!   Happy Holidays! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast goes full hybrid this week! After a brief conversation describing the type of friendship they possess and cherish, Sami and Benjamin dive right into the world of Honda Hybrids. Sami starts the episode off with the 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring, a responsive, efficient and well equipped sedan that is easy to like, if it weren't for one pesky little issue: the price. Then Benjamin brightens up the discussion by bringing up the 2025 Honda Civic Sedan Hybrid, which uses much of the same running gear, but somehow whiffed on its infotainment system. Benjamin investigates as to whether he's the problem here, or if Honda has a wider software issue to resolve. Thanks for listening!

Criminals keep coming up with new schemes to part car owners from their vehicles. In this video, you'll learn about yet another trick car thieves use to snatch your car from right under your nose. You'll also find out which cars are targeted the most frequently. TIMESTAMPS: How many cars are stolen in US daily 1:06 The states with the highest rate of car theft 1:38 The most targeted cars 2:10 When the largest number of car thefts occur 2:28 A ruse with money on your windshield 3:06 Kyri Viehman story 4:16 How you can detect a threat 5:14 Other criminal schemes 5:50 How you can avoid your car theft 7:49 #cartheft #cartricks Music: https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/... SUMMARY: According to the FBI's statistics, 2 cars are stolen every minute in the US. This adds up to almost 3,000 cars a day! According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the most targeted cars are the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Ford pickups, Chevrolet pickups, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Dodge pickups, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Impala, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The largest number of car thefts occur on Halloween, followed by Labor Day. On New Year's Day, the chances of losing your car are also pretty high. As soon as you get out of your car to get a closer look at this mysterious banknote, criminals will jump into action. They will get into your car and drive off at record-breaking speed. Walk around your car to check if anything is amiss before you unlock it and start the engine. One sure sign that you're in danger is an almost empty parking lot and another car parked next to yours with somebody sitting inside. A car thief may bump against your car to check if you have an alarm. Many car alarms are so sensitive that a loud motorbike or a rumbling truck can set them off. Some criminals cause car accidents on purpose. For example, they hit another car at the traffic lights. Sometimes you make the life of car thieves much easier without realizing it. Lots of people keep their spare keys inside their car or in a special magnetic box attached to the underside of their vehicle. Don't leave your spare keys inside your car! Keep them at home, or ask your family members or friends to look after them. And make sure there isn't a set of spare keys in your car that you know nothing about. Subscribe to Bright Side : https://goo.gl/rQTJZz ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Social Media: Facebook:   / brightside   Instagram:   / brightgram   5-Minute Crafts Youtube: https://www.goo.gl/8JVmuC ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more videos and articles visit: http://www.brightside.me/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sammie joins me this week to reflect on her eventful year. We discuss her recent car accident and lessons learned from navigating the car-buying process, focusing on reliable options like Honda Civics and Subarus. Sammie also shares her experiences as a high school library paraprofessional, offering insights into working with teens and the role of technology in education. We delve into online job hunting, using tools like Indeed and ChatGPT for resume building, and explore the blend of Mac and PC technology in schools. Join us for a conversation about growth, career development, and the evolving role of tech in

Sammie joins me this week to reflect on her eventful year. We discuss her recent car accident and lessons learned from navigating the car-buying process, focusing on reliable options like Honda Civics and Subarus. Sammie also shares her experiences as a high school library paraprofessional, offering insights into working with teens and the role of technology in education. We delve into online job hunting, using tools like Indeed and ChatGPT for resume building, and explore the blend of Mac and PC technology in schools. Join us for a conversation about growth, career development, and the evolving role of tech in

It's Tuesday, Nov. 5 — Election Day. Polls are open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. A Crow Wing County woman is marking 74 years of service as an election judge.The man accused of killing five young women in a high-speed crash along Lake Street last year rejected a plea deal Monday and will go to trial in February. Derrick Thompson was allegedly driving a rented SUV when he exited Interstate 35W and crashed into a Honda Civic, killing the women inside as they were running errands ahead of a friend's wedding.This is an MPR News morning update, hosted by Phil Picardi. Music by Gary Meister.Find these headlines and more at mprnews.org.'I thought it would be fun.' 92-year-old election judge has served voters for 7 decadesRead the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or RSS.

Can Agile tools really teach you Agile practices, or are they just supporting players? Join Brian and Steve Spearman as they unpack the myths surrounding tools like Jira and discover why the process should always come before the tool. Overview In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Steve Spearman debunk common myths about Agile tools, with a special focus on Jira. They stress that tools are not a replacement for Agile principles, and the process should guide the choice of tools, not the reverse. The conversation dives into how Agile tools can enhance transparency, why communication is key to effective Agile practices, and the importance of adapting tools to fit unique team workflows. References and resources mentioned in the show: Steve Spearman #43: Cultivating Agile Team Culture in a Virtual World with Richard Cheng #29: Influencing Up with Scott Dunn #71: The World of DevOps with Carlos Nunez Jira Miro Mural Trello SAFe LeSS Certified ScrumMaster® Training and Scrum Certification Certified Scrum Product Owner® Training Mountain Goat Software Certified Scrum and Agile Training Schedule Join the Agile Mentors Community Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is SVP of coaching and training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Steve Spearman is a Certified Scrum Trainer® and Agile coach, passionate about helping teams thrive, drive business improvements, and master the art of managing change. With expertise in Agile training, scaled Agile, and leadership, Steve empowers organizations to navigate their Agile journeys smoothly and effectively. Auto-generated Transcript: Brian (00:00) Welcome in Agile Mentors. We're back for another episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast. I'm with you as always, Brian Milner. And today I have a very good friend of mine, a mentor of mine, Mr. Steve Spearman is with me. Welcome to the podcast, Steve. Steve (00:14) Thank you, Brian. It's great to be here with you. Nice to see you. Brian (00:17) Nice to see you as well. Yeah, Steve helped me out when I was trying to become a CST and I got to learn a lot from him, watching him teach his classes. So he's a pro. He's a CST, he's a coach and trainer and if you're interested, I recommend his classes. I think he's an excellent trainer and would have no hesitation sending anyone to one of Steve's classes. We wanted to have Steve on because we had this topic that got, actually, this is a listener suggestion. So we're always happy to take listener suggestions. And this is one that one of you sent in saying that you wanted us to kind of dive into and discuss a little bit about myths that are out there about Agile tools. So Steve, what does that mean to you? are some of the, is there a main kind of myth that you? you've heard more often than others about Agile tools. Steve (01:16) I think, Brian, the one we hear all the time, right, is this one that essentially Jira is Agile, right? And we're like, well, Jira is a very popular tool for people to use with Agile. It's might or might not be like most of us who do this. That may not be our favorite, honestly, but it is very popular for some pretty good reasons. So that's, I think, the most common one. And then just the idea that somehow it gets to the confusion people have about being a methodology and stuff, right? That essentially, if you just would implement the tool, then you'd be doing Scrum well, right? And that would be the important thing when in fact, I think most of our recommendations would be a little bit the opposite of that, right? Which is to come up with your own approach to doing things in Scrum and then maybe figure out a tool that helps you with that. Brian (02:06) Yeah, I agree. I've heard that quite often. And I've encountered organizations in my career where I'll ask them if they're Agile or if they are familiar with or no Agile. yeah, we have JIRA. OK, well, not quite what I was asking, but I appreciate the sentiment. But yeah, I mean, I agree. There's probably some mixed reviews on that as a tool. Steve (02:24) Yeah. Brian (02:36) I mean, personally, I'll say I've used it to run, you know, Agile organizations before. I'm not a hater of it. I think it's fine. I think it works. I mean, I don't know what your opinion here is, Steve, but people often ask me if there's a tool I recommend to kind of run projects and. You know, my standard answer is there's not one that I think is better and outshines all the rest. I think they all have their strengths and weaknesses and you just kind of have to tweak and adjust them to make them match, you know, your process. But that's the key, right? Is that process over the tool. Steve (03:17) Yeah. I've, you know, Jira I think is popular for a lot of reasons. One is, usually it's about half the per seat cost of a lot of the other ones. And so that for a lot of companies right there, that's that's a pretty big factor thing. I liked about it. Maybe similar to your experience, Brian was that if you're a little bit more of a techie, it's pretty programmable. You can go in and you could tweak it and you can make it do all kinds of things. And so that's maybe it's strength and it's weakness that it takes a little more investment, but you can do quite a bit with. Brian (03:47) Yeah, I agree. It is pretty flexible. The main thing I try to tell people who use it and are asking about, this going to be viable? Will it work for our purposes? The main thing I think they have to understand is the history of it. The Jira is really a bug tracking software. Well, let me be clear. It was created as a bug tracking software, right? Right. Steve (04:12) Yeah, ticketing system in general, yeah. Brian (04:15) Right, a ticket system. And when you know that, and then you get into the nomenclature and you look at the layout of how everything is within it, that makes sense. can see, cause you know, like the standard thing there is an issue, right? There's different issue types, but the standard thing is an issue. Well, that's because it was meant to handle support issues. Steve (04:35) Yeah. And also the, you know, we commonly use the word tasks, of course, in Scrum, not an official thing, but a very common thing we talk about. And Jira speak is subtasks. And that's just history again, of, know, where it came from. And, you know, a long, long time ago, you had to have a plugin to Jira to do Agile. It was originally called, I believe, Grasshopper many, many years ago. And then they ended up just calling it like Jira Agile for a very long time. And then as... Brian (04:57) Yep. Steve (05:04) it became a bigger and bigger piece of their market, they just kind of wrapped it all up in JIRA now, I think. Brian (05:09) Yeah, we both been around long enough to have been part of those days. So I remember those very well. Yeah, I mean, like I said, I think JIRA will do a fine job for you if that's what you're with. wouldn't, you some organizations using it, I wouldn't say, by all means stop and use something else. I think you can make it work. I think you just have to look at it and say, all right, I understand this is based on this. So now I just need to configure it and adapt it. really for the process we want to do. And I know from my standpoint, I've used it multiple times where when you configure it the right way, it will handle things the way that you, at least from my perspective, the way I usually think is the right way to implement it with a team or an organization. So it works. I can make it work. It just takes some tweaking. I guess for mine, but yeah, it's not Agile. It's not being Agile just because you're using Jira. Steve (06:11) Yeah, and it's kind of the good and the bad thing about tools. think people like them because, you know, I can assign people tickets and things like that, you know, and so like, you know, people, it's clear who's got things and stuff. That's also a weakness though, too, because it, you might say, all I have to do is assign it in the tool and I don't have to talk to you now. I just say, look, you, I signed you this ticket or something. And that's not great from my perspective. And then the other one is that when you, when you, change states and things in the tool. That lets everybody know where things are, and that's good, and it gives you tons of reports and things, and people like those. But it's also less visual than a lot of us are, which back in the day, we liked sticky notes on a board. I that was the thing. That was the thing. And so what I'm leaning toward myself a little more these days is tools like Muro and Mural and so forth that are very visual, and they're often sticky note-based kind of things. Brian (06:55) Yeah. Steve (07:09) And that allows you to do a lot of the stuff we used to do physically, but they don't have the same reporting capabilities. And so that's where we get these trade-offs that I think we're going to see with these tools. Brian (07:22) Yeah, I agree. I agree. Yeah. I'm, I'm, I'm the same way. And in fact, you know, when I said that earlier, someone asked me what my favorite tool is, you know, I said, my default answer is usually I don't have a favorite, but, if they push me, what I'll tell them is my favorite is just no cards or post-it notes, you know, like that's really, that's really what I, I have found works best. But, yeah, something like Miro or mural, I think is a, is a great, kind of virtual replacement for that. Cause it's just so open. and you can configure it however you want. It's not going to pull a report for you. You have to understand that. But it is the equivalent of having a virtual wipe. Steve (08:05) Exactly. And that's just, it's kind of a halfway physical feeling thing for our virtual world, which I think is helpful. Another interesting thing that I haven't played with a lot myself is that I know now in Miro, a sticky note in Miro can now be tied directly to a ticket in Jira. And so effectively you could have like the backend framework of Jira with a pretty front end on top of it or something is kind of how that looks like to me. So Brian (08:23) wow. Steve (08:32) I think that's got some promise maybe to give us both that physical thing that some of us miss while still having that reporting structure that a lot of our companies kind of want. Brian (08:41) Yeah, that's awesome. Yeah, that speaks to what you were saying earlier about that it's highly configurable. can make it do a lot of things. You just have to get into the guts of it a little bit. Steve (08:52) You know, another thing about the tool market here, know, Brian, I was just looking this up, not like I knew this, but apparently it's a $5 billion market this year, Agile tool, and it is projected to go up to 13 in the next 10 or 12 years. So it's serious money. And this is why there are so many players now, right? I mean, the number of tools out there now is just, I've lost track of them. I know it's easily 20 plus tools out there. Now there are... Brian (08:57) Haha. Steve (09:19) Certainly the most common ones that we think about, Jira is probably number one. Asana comes up a lot. Rally is a long time one that comes up quite a bit. Interestingly, one of our biggest ones from years ago that did such great reporting out on the network for us and great Agile materials was version one. It was a super, super popular one. Brian (09:43) Yeah. Steve (09:45) And when you look now, they are a fairly small player percentage-wise in the market. So there's been a lot of shifting here. And of course, Microsoft shops tend to go toward Microsoft tools. And so there's that factor that goes on here, too. So it's not trivial to figure out which tool you would want to use here. Brian (10:02) Yeah, that often drives a lot of even discussion in the classes, I know, from people who say, what do you, you know, they'll bring up a term like feature and say, what's, how does Scrum define? Well, Scrum doesn't define what a feature is, you know, like that's, that's a term that comes from your tool. And, know, that your tool might have a definition for it, but you know, Scrum doesn't. So, yeah. Steve (10:23) One of the challenges I think is also that because scaled Agile has become such a big factor these days, almost all the tools have adopted their terminology. so terms like epics and features and things, most of these come from scaled Agile. And if you're doing scaled Agile, that's great, right? If you're not, it can be a little confusing. So for example, I think it was, Mike Cohn maybe, who said that epic, he famously defined as being a story too big to fit into a script. That was sort of the definition of an epic. And now in most of the tools, an epic is something giant that you have a handful of in three months or something. So yeah, there is some terminology confusion out there now as well. Brian (11:16) Yeah, which may have all come from just the tools. You hit on something a little bit earlier that I had as one of my kind of common myths here around tools. And that was that these Agile tools replace the need for just the typical communication that we have. Because as you said, I can assign something to someone else. that way, I don't have to talk to them. I just put it in their queue. And it's there. And I think that's a huge myth here with the Agile tools is, you know, my, my, my goal with any kind of tool, whether it's a software tool or whether it's a, a template or something that I'm using for a specific thing, like story mapping or whatever, my, my goal for any of those things is that it drives conversation, right? That it is an encourager of conversation, not that it is something that takes away from or detracts. from conversation and communication. So I think that's a big myth sometimes is that people, even if it's unspoken, right, there's just sort of with some people an assumption that because the tool communicates and because the tool can communicate between people, I don't have to actually talk to anyone. And that's that couldn't be further from the truth to do Scrum well. Steve (12:33) I think it gets us to another subtle thing in the scrum that you know scrum that could say more clearly maybe than it does. But that is shown as a good pattern in our pattern site, you know, the one called scrumplop.org. The idea that we should swarm as teams, you know, is something that I think a lot of us feel is a really important concept. And swarming is this kind of strange idea that says you know, don't give everybody their own work item and then just say disappear, go do it, you know, good luck. Instead, we try to work more closely like teams on the same items, divided up, work together closely. And this of course involves a lot of communication, a lot of needing to talk to each other. And so sometimes people say, well, can we just send out a Slack message or something, you know, every now and then and say, hey, you know, I'm done with mine. You can, but I think it's sort of missing the the really cool back and forth of a true swarming culture where it's like, hey, is anybody ready to pick up a piece of code and run the testing on this one? I'm gonna move on to the next one. Swarming was this idea of doing things in short cycles and gets into issues of test-driven development and things like this. so none of the tools really help you with that concept at all. And they may even hurt you with it little bit, in my opinion. Brian (13:49) Yeah, absolutely agree. And I'm absolutely on board with you. I think that's such a vital component of it. I tell people in classes, you know, I know sometimes people get a little frustrated with sports analogies, but I tell them, you know, Scrum is a sports analogy at its core. You know, it's a rugby thing. the other thing I kind of think about is if you've ever gone to see, and I know lots of us have done this in our life, but you've ever seen a kid sport kind of team sport. If you ever stand on the sidelines of a kid's soccer or most of you out there, most of the world would say football. But you know, if you ever stand on a side of a field like that, what the coaches are constantly yelling at the kids is talk to each other, right? Communicate, talk to each other. And they recognize, you you recognize in that kind of a team sport how important it is to, you know, call for the ball or or just let people know where you are or where you're going. And that same thing is what we want with our Scrum teams. We want people to be able to just constantly talk to each other. So you're right. I think sometimes the tool might actually get in the way of that communication and just could create some communication problems. Which tool are we talking on? Which tool do I look for for that kind of a conversation or whatever? And it just can get lost in the shuffle sometimes. Steve (15:13) You know, the rugby analogy is such a core one for us, but it's getting to be kind of old history now because the whole rugby analogy came out of this original lean paper, right? Long, long time ago. And the reason they chose rugby, you know, is one of the reasons they chose rugby. Rugby is such an interactive thing. So unlike American football where, you know, you run down the field and you can, you know, you can only throw the ball once and then you run and try not to get tackled. In rugby, you throw the ball back and forth constantly. Continuous interaction and basically the guys from Toyota said look we got to learn to treat our teams like rugby teams When they're on the field don't be on the sideline yelling throw it to Brian You know let them figure it out themselves, and that's the whole concept of a self-managing team Which you know is a really big concept for us in scrum and one that a lot of companies struggle with Brian (15:54) You By the way, if there was anything being yelled with my name on it from the sideline, would not be throw it to Brian. It would be don't throw it to Brian. That would be the response. Yeah, absolutely agree. What else, Steve? What other kind of myths have you heard or do you commonly hear about Agile tools? Steve (16:24) I think one of them is the idea that there is a right tool because there are real pros and cons to all the tools and some of them are much more advanced than others and yet some of them are a lot more expensive than others. Some of them are tuned for people who work in Microsoft shops. Some of them are tied to particular tools like GitHub or something like that. So figuring out the right tool is a non-trivial exercise, I guess is what I would say. And especially if you're going to wedge yourself to a tool, I think doing some prototyping, some research. The good news is the vast majority of them have free versions. You can go out and try. I often get asked things like, are you going to teach us Jira in this class or something? And the answer is no. No, I'm not. It's just one of 20 plus tools. But the other thing is that The good news is tools are a lot simpler than Scrum and Agile are. Scrum and Agile are tricky, they're subtle, they're hard to understand. They're a lot about humans and interactions and patterns and these tricky things. Tools are relatively straightforward and there are free videos on how to use Jira out there. There's a public version of it you can go get and it's true for the others too. So anybody who's really looking for a tool, that'd be my recommendation. Go out and... Find a few of popular ones, go check them out, get a free version, watch some videos. I don't think you'll probably find you a class for that. Brian (17:54) Yeah, I agree. I mean, and if you do, know, you know, again, don't want to make this sound like we're only talking about Jira, but I know for things like that, I've seen, you know, meetup groups that are dedicated to those purposes that you can find on like meetup.com or other things where you can, you know, maybe go once a month or so and learn something about it for free. So there's lots of stuff like that that's out there. But yeah, I absolutely agree that, you know, As I said, I don't recommend one specific tool. And I think the thing that's kind of really important there when you're selecting a tool is to know what your process is first. Don't get the tool to set your process, find what your process should be, and then find the tool that's going to fit with that. It's the whole individuals and interactions over processes and tools. We don't want the tool to drive what we do. And unfortunately, I've been a part of several organizations where, hey, we use this tool and the tool only works this way. So that's the way we work, whether it's right or wrong for us. And that's just a terrible way going about it. Steve (19:03) Yeah. And unfortunately, most of the tools do force you to some degree into their approach, right? Because there is a struggle, I'm sure, for toolmakers between you could make it completely general, like here's some sticky notes, just go do whatever with them, you know, which is kind of what you do with a Miro or a Miro board. But most of them have tried to make it more, you know, you do this and then you do this and then you do this and it kind of leads you through it. And that seems like it would be helpful, right? But at the same time, it means they've already decided that the right sequence is to do this and to do this and to do this. And so just got to watch out for when is the tool prescribing your approach and when is it there to facilitate your approach. Brian (19:50) Yeah, I agree. I'll tell you another one that I've heard quite often that I always kind of makes the hair on my spine kind of stand on end is when people seem to take this approach that the Agile tool itself is going to teach them how to become Agile. You know, it's kind of akin to the idea of because we have Jira, we're Agile or some, you know, fill in the blank or whatever tool it is that you would be using. But yeah, I've seen different teams or organizations that take that approach of, well, we're buying this software. And so we'll learn by using this software how to be Agile because it's an Agile tool. It's an Agile software. So everything we need will just be, we'll come by osmosis because we have this tool in place. yeah, I found that to be just a terrible approach. If you don't have some kind of a some guide, right? If you don't have somebody to guide you through that in any way, shape or form, then you're lost in the wilderness. You just don't have anyone to help you find your way. And the fact that you have a tool that could be useful doesn't mean it's going to teach you how to be useful, right? You have to know, knowing Agile is not knowing the tool. Steve (21:11) It's like, imagine going to a Ferrari dealer and deciding you're going to buy a Ferrari. And you've driven a Honda Civic, so you feel pretty comfortable with driving. And they give you a 10-minute overview of the dashboard of the Ferrari that you just purchased. And they say, I hear you're planning on racing professionally next month. Good luck with that. Brian (21:17) Right. Steve (21:37) And because I can sort of drive the car, I can therefore win races, you know, at the, no, right? No. So now we both are going to be a little biased here as trainers, obviously, but I think we pretty strongly feel like without somebody to help guide you through the subtleties of things like Scrum and Agile thinking, you may let the tools dictate and that's not the intent at all. It should be your team comes up with what makes your team be amazing. Brian (21:48) Right. Steve (22:05) And we own our own processes in Scrum, right? That's a key concept is that Scrum tries not to dictate processes and it wants you to continually evolve them. And so even the thinking that says there's a right way to do it is actually incorrect Agile thinking. so, yeah, tools are not gonna be a lot of Brian (22:24) Yeah, I agree. We might be a little biased because of what we do, but you know, I like your analogy. I'll give you another one. if you are just because you buy a parachute doesn't mean you know how to skydive, right? And no one would would buy a parachute and think, I know everything. Just I'll just use it and I'll learn how to do it because I'll jump out the plane and you know, I'll learn how to skydive. Well, no, you go through training. figure it out, you probably do a lot of tests and things, so that by the time you get up there, you know exactly what you're doing. you've gone through all the safety checks and all those other kind of things. Nobody would see those things as being synonymous, but somehow we do that in the Agile community sometimes, as we see the tool as synonymous with knowing Agile. Steve (23:12) It's a really good example, though I like the parachute. I have never parachuted because I find it terrifying. But if you were going to be a skydiver, this is an area where there is a high cost of failure. It's like one of these things where a certain kind of failure you can only do once because you won't have a second opportunity. And so one of the things that is kind of an integral idea in Agile thinking is that we like to make Brian (23:18) Neither have I. You Steve (23:41) experimentation and failure inexpensive. And so one of the whole concepts of why we often encourage things like short sprints and scrum is the idea that we want you to feel free to experiment with your processes and to make mistakes. And I'm sure many of you out there have heard the fail fast thing we say all the time, right? And all of this comes out of this mindset of making failure affordable and learning part of the culture. And so all of that is very different than any of these kind of instruction-based follow a tool sheet, follow a standard methodology of Agile or something. None of that is really the right thinking according to the way the Agile Scrum people see the world. Brian (24:26) Yeah, I agree. Any others that have crossed your path that you would call out? Steve (24:33) You know, it's really hard to avoid the thousand pound gorilla here, which is safe, because safe has so dictated the tools and things that you just have to think through that. I don't want to get us off into scaling, because that's obviously another very large conversation of its own. I have come to think of safe this way. that scaled Agile is as Agile as many large companies can tolerate. Which is to say, it's not my favorite, but it is very prevalent out there. And so, you know, in some cases, you're not going to have a choice, right? Your company will have dictated a thing, whether it's safe or whether it's whatever it is. And just be aware that that decision is also reasonably tightly tied to these tools and things because... You know, you can get a really nice lightweight tool like say Trello, which is, you know, even free sometimes still. And that can be perfectly acceptable in, you know, nice small scrum team environments. But if you're going to do, you know, giant, you know, release train planning exercises, and you want the ability to put all this stuff into tools, then that will constrain you to a certain class of tools. Now it's a lot of them these days, but just be aware that how you choose to approach this and how heavy of a method you use. will also impact your tool choices. Brian (26:00) Yeah, I agree. I don't want to get, I know we're not going to dive off into the pros and cons of safe, but the kind of picture in my head that I always think about with safe is it's kind of like one of those Swiss Army knives that has a million different blades and attachments and things in there. It's designed to solve any possible problem. that you could encounter in that arena. you know, just like when you use a Swiss Army knife, you don't open all of them up and say, all right, well, I got to try to use them all at once. You find the one that you need and you use that one. So I don't think it's a problem to have the choice to use these various things. And when I've talked to really, you know, lifelong, safe trainers that really are successful with this, I find a similar attitude from them that it's not intended for you to have to implement every component. It's intended for you to find the things that fix the problems that you're encountering and then implement those things. And if you start to encounter other new problems, well, there's other parts of the framework that you can implement then that will help solve those issues for you. And I think that's one of the mistakes people make with SAFe sometimes is that they just You know, they take the whole, it's all or nothing. And while Scrum does say, hey, you have to implement all of this or you don't get the benefits of it, SAFe, I don't believe says that. At least I haven't heard trainers say that who teach it. So, yeah, yeah. Steve (27:43) It's more like a smorgasbord effectively, right? know, if you know different choices and maybe it's worth saying a word about why that is compared to because Scrum tries so hard to be a minimalist framework that it's sort of like saying, you know, I could choose not to eat vegetables and you know, that could be a good choice for me and the answer is no, that's not a good choice for you it turns out. You know, so Scrum, because it tries to tell you so little, it's basically telling you the stuff that is basically essential. You you just can't get along without it. So it's a super minimalist framework. Some of you, I'm sure, are familiar with what happened in the last version of the Scrum Guide, where, you know, typically, like with SAFe, when they add a new one, it gets bigger and bigger and bigger over time, right? And they add more and more details. And that's what people love about SAFe, right? You can go open up a page. and click on a keyword and open up another massive page of exactly how to do everything. And Scrum has taken the exact opposite philosophy to make it the most minimal framework they could. And they actually went from 18 pages to 13 pages in the last version of the Scrum Guide, taking all of the advice out, basically. And so we're just looking at two very different philosophies here. So Scrum is a minimalist framework. SAFe is the... I guess the Swiss army knife, if you will. I would like to say one comment about a Swiss army knife. I used to carry those many years ago, but essentially you have every tool in them and none of them are great, right? So every one of them is basically a tuned down version of the tool. So yeah, there's a corkscrew in there. It's not a very good corkscrew. And yes, there's a screwdriver in there. It's not a very good screwdriver. Brian (29:06) Ha ha ha. Steve (29:29) So I think sometimes over time we start to learn that you should have the right tool for the right job and not try to get by with the Swiss Army. Brian (29:38) Yeah, always whenever I saw, you know, whenever I would see a Swiss Army knife that would have the the kind of saw component of it, I always think, you know, it's it's it's it's, you know, two inches, three inches long. What kind of tree am I going to saw through? Steve (29:53) you have to be desperate, right? This would be like, I'm cutting my parachute cord or something, but. Brian (29:57) Right, exactly. Exactly. Well, I'll throw one more and then we'll we can call this. But there's one that I've heard that I just thought was I don't hear this as often, but I have started to hear it more. And that's just sort of it's kind of an attitude. It's this attitude of, hey, we're having a problem with and seems specifically around transparency. Right. The team is not being transparent. We're not having much transparency into how the work is going on. And so sometimes I've heard people kind of take this attitude of, well, you know, we're gonna implement this tool. And so by default, we're gonna increase our transparency, because now we're using this tool. And I would caution people on that as well, say that that's not true at all. You know, it's the old phrase we used in computers, you know, way, way back when I was in elementary school was garbage in garbage out. And I think that applies to our tools as well, you know. We can get greater transparency through a tool, but it takes the right input. It takes the right effort. And you could still have the attitude of, I'm going to obscure the way that the work is really happening and do that through any tool. So the tool itself, I don't think it's going to do that. The tool could help you with it, but you have to deliberately seek that out. Steve (31:21) You know, I, it's such a mindset for me, this concept of things like transparency and how that relates to how we work as a team and swarming concepts and all these things kind of come together to make scrum a really an effective thing. And the problem sometimes is when you try to force things, it has the opposite effect. I'm, don't disagree with the scrum authors very often, but I very much do with what they did with the daily scrum, you know, and the daily scrum. used to have the three questions, And the three questions, you know, what did you do yesterday? What am I going to do today? You know, do I have any impediments? And then they made it longer. They added more words to it to try to clarify things, which was just more structure effectively. And then finally, in the last version of the Scrum Guide, they threw out the three questions. And I was really happy to see those go. because they sounded like a status report. And so guess what was happening to most organizations? They think of the Daily Scrum as a status report, which developers hate. And now as soon as there's this status call, then the managers are talking and they say, hey, did you hear there's a daily status call we can come to? And now they start coming to another meeting. And now you have completely destroyed the concept of this really simple meeting, which was effectively just to let team members coordinate their plans for the day. It's kind of a swarming based thing. And so it makes beautiful sense once you understand that, but it's misunderstood 90 % of the time because it just sounded like status. Brian (32:55) Now, but hey, pass the plate, because I'm a member of that church. I agree with you on that wholeheartedly. I've always said that, you know, I think it's just one of the things I try to tell people to come through classes. Hey, Scrum Masters, if you don't remember anything else about these events, right? If you forget, you know, six months from now, what the exact time box is on something, I'm not as concerned with that. Make sure you understand the purpose of each one. Make sure that you embed that and print that in your memory. I know what each of these meetings is there for, why we are meeting in that situation. And if you know that, then I don't care about the format. The format will flow from that, but we're accomplishing this purpose and we're gonna figure out the best way to do it. Steve (33:42) Yep, and we can even take that back to the tools and say, can make most tools work, right? As long as you get the freedom to use it as you, as a team, see fit. You know, one of the guys, the guy who created the kind of the opposite end of the spectrum scaling approach, Craig Larmann with LESS, he says, why do you need more than just a shared Google Doc to do everything? You know, why couldn't you just have your, you know, all your stuff up there in a spreadsheet and, know, good enough for what you needed to have visible and you can generate a few reports and maybe that's all you need and maybe you don't need a heavy tool. that, you know, so there's a spectrum of possibilities. Brian (34:21) Yeah, I mean, when teams started out, there weren't any tools, and that's what everyone was using, was things like that. So, yes, it's entirely possible. Very cheap. And you don't have to be a big organization. You don't have to have a massive budget for software. can use the tools available to you and get by very well. Well, this has been great. I really appreciate you taking the time, Steve. I love this discussion, and I hope that... Steve (34:43) Absolutely. Brian (34:51) For our listener who suggested this, that we kind of hit the nail on the head and gave you what you were hoping for in this one. But yeah, when it comes to Agile tools, Agile should drive the tool, not the other way around. The tool shouldn't drive how you do Agile. And I think that's kind of where I would sum it up. Any last thoughts? Steve (35:10) So if I was going to quote Craig Larvin one more time here, less is more sometimes. And so the concept of minimalism and being more about how you and your team work together and how your meetings work and how you respect each other and how you learn how to work effectively together, way more important than your tools. ideally, let your approaches dictate the tool. Try not to let the tool dictate your approaches. Brian (35:40) Awesome, yeah, completely agree. If you've been listening to Steve and feel like, I really clicked with that guy, I really resonate with the ways he's speaking on this stuff, I encourage you check out his course schedule. You can find that at the Scrum Alliance website and see what courses he's teaching and sign up for one. Because as I said, Steve's an excellent instructor. So Steve, thank you so much for coming on the podcast. Steve (36:04) Thanks, Brian. It's been a pleasure to be here with you.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit knoxmccoy.substack.comIn this episode, Knox McCoy and Jason Waterfalls discuss the recent upsets in college football, including Vanderbilt's surprising victory over Alabama. They share personal stories from a wedding weekend that took an unexpected turn involving a naked woman in a Honda Civic. The duo also reviews new TV shows, highlighting their preferences and recommendat…

How to Support the Rob Skinner Podcast.  If you would like to help support my mission to multiply disciples, leaders and churches, click here:  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/robskinner Today I'm talking about the tools you need to become a multiplying disciple.  When you think of a mechanic, a home builder or a surgeon, you naturally think of the tools they need to accomplish their task.  If you want to build the Kingdom, save lives for eternity and repair and supercharge your relationship with God, you will need to invest in tools that will help you get the job done.  I'm going to share some of the tools that have helped me the most. Transcript for: The Tools of a Multiplying Disciple My 1997 Honda Civic needed a new clutch.  It was slipping and my mechanic friend told me it was going to cost a couple of thousand dollars to replace.  That was more than I had at the time and so I decided I would do it myself.  I've never been much of a “shade tree mechanic.”  I had changed the oil a few times and that was about it.  I started asking around and a few people in the church encouraged me to try doing it myself and two older brothers said that would help me and offer advice.  The problem was that I didn't have any tools to work on a car.  I was told to go to Harbor Freight Tool Store.  Harbor Freight is like Toys “R” Us for men.  It's got every tool for every job you can imagine, painting, car repair, car body work, house repair.  If you have a project, you need to go to Harbor Freight.  My wife absolutely hates the store as much as I dislike walking into a Hobby Lobby home goods store or an Ulta cosmetics store.  I walked into Harbor Freight and bought everything I needed to change the clutch, a floor jack, jack stands, a clutch pulling tool, a wheeled floor crawler for getting under the car and a 300-piece mechanics tool set with all the wrenches and sockets I needed for any car job.  It took me about a week to change the clutch.  With the advice of the two older brothers and hours of watching YouTube videos, I finally got it back together and back on the road.  It was a fantastic feeling.  Not just having an operating car again, but viewing myself as a person who is capable of fixing mechanical problems.  All I needed was good advice and the right tools for the job. Becoming a multiplying disciple also demands the right tools if you want to be successful in walking with God and saving souls.  The Apostle Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2 to, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”  Timothy needed to prepare for the work he was called to do.  He needed to have the right life, doctrine and tools necessary to get God's will done.  If you want to grow in your spiritual skills, you need to get the right tools for the job.  Here are the ones that help me the most: ·         The first thing to buy when building your spiritual tool kit is a paper study Bible.  God's word is by far the most powerful tool on your tool belt.  As I shared earlier, I started with a Zondervan Study Bible that had commentary notes embedded below the scriptures.  It increased my comprehension of God's word dramatically.  You don't need a combined commentary/Bible, but a large, easy to read Bible will provide you the space to take notes, highlight and dig into.  ·         Good books and spiritual books.  Look at how valuable books were to Paul in 1 Timothy 4:13, “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.”  I already covered this in an earlier chapter, but a few classic books and biographies will inspire and equip you. ·         Bible App.  The Bible App is a great free resource that combines in one location tools that in the past demanded multiple tools.  It works as a great concordance so you can find scriptures.  I use it when I don't have my paper Bible with me.  I probably use it the most for listening when I go for a walk in the morning.  I like having the Bible read to me and that is the way most people in the past “read” the Bible.  It also offers many other Bible study tools and series that I rarely use. ·         Gospel Study Series.  I rarely leave the house without my Bible and “Disciple's Handbook.”  This is a book printed in the nineties that includes a gospel study series that covers the first principles of the faith.  Whenever I lead a Bible study, I use it to guide my discussion.  The version I have has a leather cover and was printed in the Philippines.  If you want to multiply disciples, you need a tool for guiding a seeker from initial interest to belief, repentance, baptism and the first year of discipleship.  There are also first principles apps that can be used.  ·         One volume commentary.  My friend, John Lusk, gave me a one-volume commentary when I was a younger Christian.  It was incredibly helpful in getting deeper into God's word and offered more insight than the study Bible I had.  I would recommend one like the “New Bible Commentary” by Gordon J. Wenham.  Instead of multiple volumes, it covers the entire Bible in one book.  ·         Commentary set.  Once you are ready to move on from a one-volume commentary and you are starting to prepare Bible discussions and sermons, you will need multi-volume commentaries.  I have several that I used in preparing my Sunday sermons.  The first one I start with is the Tyndale New Testament Commentary set.  This series is inexpensive and basic, but it's very readable and offers a great first approach to any New Testament passage.  The second commentary I read after the Tyndale is The New International Commentary on the Old and New Testament.  These commentaries are too expensive to buy in a set, so when I'm preparing to go through a series on Genesis or Matthew, I buy that specific volume that covers the book or letter I'm preaching on.  It offers great insight and a modern writing style.  The third commentary set I read in preparing for a sermon is the Pulpit Commentary Set.  This set was written in the late 1800's and it's prose can be a little tough to read at times, but I love it because it is written for preachers in particular.  It offers sermon outlines, ideas, illustrations and applications that are super handy for sermon preparation.  Some of my friends don't like this series because it's a little more difficult to read, but it's always my last reference before preaching a good sermon.  Many times, it has helped me come up with outlining and providing subject headings for a particular passage.  You can buy the entire series for a little over $400.  I bought it in the early 90's for $199.  ·         Audible.com.  Leaders are readers.  Often the only way I can find the time to read the books I'm in is by listening to them.  The best service I've found is Audible.com.  I listen to great books while walking, working out or driving.  Another benefit is that my family can share my audio library with me. ·         Journal.  I've gone back and forth between paper journals and digital.  Most recently I've kept a journal on a Microsoft Word document.  I started it in 2017 and use the same file and just keep adding to it.  This file has grown to over 700 pages   I borrowed the following questions from Tim Ferris and expanded them a little.  They serve as an outline and memory jogger: §  I am grateful for: §  Daily affirmations, I am… §  Three amazing things that happened yesterday §  How could I have made yesterday better? §  Goals §  What would make today great? §  10 ideas This takes me about five minutes and helps me keep track of where I'm trying to go in my life and what I can work on.  My advice is to use whatever journaling tool that you will actually use and stick with. ·         Clipboard and yellow pad.  I can't really function without my clipboard and yellow lined pad.  This is as “old school” as it gets.  The reason I like it is that I'm a chronic list person.  When I sit at my desk and meditate or pray, I keep it next to me with a pen and when the Spirit brings up an idea, I immediately write it down on my pad so I won't forget it.  I'm not a naturally organized person and without writing things down, I often forget what I need to get done.  Studies show that writing things down by hand actually improves your memory and recall.  A Chinese proberb says, “The faintest ink is more powerful than the strongest memory.”  You can use your phone or phone app or something else, but whenever God gives you an idea, make sure you take that thought captive and put in on paper or somewhere you can recall it later.  ·         G-2 pens.  I've tried all sorts of different pens and have landed on the Pilot G-2 07 blue pen as my favorite.  It's inexpensive and super smooth flowing.  I buy them in a large bundle from Amazon.  ·         3x5 cards.  I absolutely love 3x5 cards.  They can't be beat for versatility and utility.  I use them to keep track of the people I'm reaching out to.  I don't like putting people's names into my phone until they get baptized because it's so easy to get lost in my contacts.  I write someone's name down, their phone number and what I know about them and then every time I call, text or study with them I put the date.  I have 3x5 cards from people I met, followed up with, studied with and baptized.  It's so encouraging.  I also use them for memory scriptures and inspiring quotes.  I use them often at our midweek gatherings when I ask for prayer requests or ideas for the ministry.  They are super cheap, disposable and incredibly portable and helpful. ·         Invitation cards.  Invitation cards make it much easier to share your faith.  There is so much natural reluctance to reaching out that I can't imagine going without this handy tool.  I read a book on evangelism that compared it to handing out tickets to heaven.  One card can change a life.  Yet, without an invitation card, you are forced to rely on your natural conversational skill and inventiveness to get into a conversation and then steer it toward God.  With a card it's as simple as, “Hi, I go to a great church and I'd love for you to come!”  If the person has any openness, they may take that first step.  ·         Freedom.  Freedom.to is a web blocking software that I use to increase my ability to focus.  If I want to write a book, prepare a sermon or podcast, or do anything else that demands sustained attention, the first thing I do is turn on Freedom for 45 minutes and it keeps me from going to distracting or damaging websites.  It's a game-changer for me and one I'd recommend to anyone who wants to be able to concentrate on big projects. ·         Ear Plugs.  I can't live without Mack's Ultra Soft earplugs.  I started using these when my wife allowed our pug, FSBO “Fizbo”, to sleep on our bed at night.  He had a nasty snore and I got into the habit of using earplugs.  I found out they are also incredibly handy for screening out other noise when I'm working at my desk.  I need tools that keep me focused on my work.  They are very cheap and super handy.  The only problem is that my new pug, “Rocky”, slips into my office and eats the ear plugs.  I wonder where they all went and then I find them in my back yard after they have passed undigested through her GI tract! ·         Walking shoes.  I've gotten into the habit recently of walking for three miles.  It accomplishes three things at once.  It's good exercise and burns around 300 calories.  I listen to the Bible on audio for the first thirty minutes and then I pray on the thirty minute return leg.  You need good walking shoes.  I'm currently using Hokas, but I also like any Nike running shoe brand. ·         Airbuds.  Airbuds create time in your life that you didn't know existed.  Time while driving, working out, walking or working is time you can be learning or developing new skills.  I rarely turn on my car without first plugging in my Airbuds and turning on a book on Audible.  I recently finished a 130+ hour listen to “The Decline and Fall of The Roman Empire” by Edward Gibbon.  There is no way I'd have time to read this 2,100 page monster if it were in book form, but I can fit it into the “cracks” in my life and benefit from great writing and excellent narrators.  Prioritize reading over listening to music. ·         Purity accountability software.  I use accountable2you.com software to provide “guard rails” against pornography on the internet.  It sends a weekly report to a couple of friends showing my viewing habits.  I wish I didn't need accountability but here's how God views the human heart, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”  Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT. I know God will hold me accountable.  I need to hold myself accountable. ·         Private location.  Every disciple needs a private place to meet with God.  You need your own desk or chair that gives you the privacy and space to connect with God.  I like a good desk and even enjoy having sidewalls that keep me focused on the work at hand.  A cubicle style of desk assists in concentration. ·         A good desk that is organized.  I can't get anything done if my desk is dirty.  I have to keep everything as organized as possible. ·         Spiritual and personal development conferences.  In the summer of 2022, prior to our family of churches' World Discipleship Summit in Orlando, I also attended a church leadership conference that was happening the week before.  I learned some things and gained some fresh insights.  Though theologically there are some differences, I want to learn from people who are growing and developing their skills.  Pay the money and travel wherever needed to grow personally.  You can learn from so many different people and sources.  These are only some of the tools that I use to help me walk with God and seek and save the lost.  Don't be afraid of investing in yourself and your walk with God.  I read somewhere that you should spend 3% of your income on tools for your personal development.  Anything you spend on yourself to grow closer to God and save souls is an investment that has dividends reaching into eternity.  Don't hesitate to spend.  I hope this will help you to invest in tools to help you grow. 

Prospect camp is over, training camp is in full swing, and Wild on 7th is back, baby! Join us as we kick off hockey season with two of the Wild's hottest prospects, Riley Heidt and Hunter Haight. You'll see them both at the face-off dot, you might see them both in Canada, or even at the cottage, the cabin, or the lake home, but the similarities probably end there! Gas up your Honda Civics and tune in for a preseason pod in mid-season form.

Is our country in a civics education crisis? We got your thoughts. Fabiola Mendez & Elsa Mosquera are our guests for Live Music Friday this week, ahead of the free Fiesta en la Plaza taking place throughout Latinx Heritage Month in Boston. Ela is the co-founder of Agora Cultural Architects, who organized the festival. Fabiola is an award-winning cuatro player.Boston Globe reporters Jessica Bartlett & Mark Arsenault talk about their latest Spotlight reporting on Ralph de la Torre and the collapse of Steward Health Care.Transportation secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt joins for her first-ever interview on BPR. She talks about ongoing projects for MassDOT like the East-West Coast Rail, Cape Cod Bridges, the Allston Multimodal project and more. Then we read your texts on the court case between an estranged couple fighting over who gets to keep the $70,000 diamond engagement ring. Retired federal judge Nancy Gertner joins us from her "she-shed" in the woods and reacts to new GOP efforts to block mail-in ballots in swing states, a New York appeals court rejecting two new attempts by Trump to lift his gag order in his hush money case. And, she has thoughts on the engagement ring case. Then we opened the phone lines to debate the merits and pitfalls of kids getting cut during sport tryouts. 

Kiera encourages practices to send out end-of-year benefit letters now, just in time for the slow-down in September. As a bonus, she includes the lingo those letters can include. Episode resources: Reach out to Kiera Tune Into DAT's Monthly Webinar Practice Momentum Group Consulting Subscribe to The Dental A-Team podcast Become Dental A-Team Platinum! Review the podcast Transcript: Kiera Dent (00:00.634) Hello, Dental A Team listeners. This is Kiera and welcome I hope you guys are doing so incredible and I hope that you guys just remember how great life is for you and That we're so lucky and blessed to be living in the day that we are and that we're able to be a part of dentistry And it's kind of crazy to be podcasting again. I took a little bit of time for myself I had some things come up and so it's kind of fun to be back to the podcast world and just mad kudos to our team So you guys today I wanted to give you a quick tip   to hopefully help you not have a suck -tem -ber as it has been known in the industry for years. I have an office, shout out to them, they know who they are and they call themselves the slam dunk September. And so how do you prevent that suck -tem -ber now to ensure that you have that slam dunk September? And if it's not September for you, maybe it's October, but typically around fall, things tend to be a little bit more slow. People are getting back to school.   The holidays are coming up and so people are kind of in this funky zone. feel like September is really that like shifting. It's a shifting from summer to fall. It's a shifting from being in summer, going back to school. It's a shifting from summertime into end of your holidays. And so how can we ensure that you guys are truly successful and set up for that? And it's a very simple tip that I think is so relevant for you just to put on your radar and to remind you. And sometimes you may have heard   Sometimes you'll hear things on the podcast that maybe we've talked about in the past I try really hard to give you guys new podcasts all the time But I think one of the most important things is just for us to remember things that we know to set them on automatic cadences So we don't have to remember as much and that we can become very proficient and efficient are the things that I like to do So before we get into that, I just want to say thank you for being a podcast listener. Thank you for being a part of my life Thank you for being people that I know rally in dentistry and are here and committed to   making changes into dentistry. And I just want to ask you to please go leave that review for us. Share this with a friend, put it in a Facebook place, on a post, in an Instagram question, share it with people when they ask questions. You guys know you can always go to TheDentalATeam.com, click on our podcast page and be sure to search any of your questions, any of your topics. And I guarantee you in the almost 900 episodes we have that there will be answers and solutions for you. If you're like me and you prefer it to be a little bit easier.   Kiera Dent (02:20.642) Be sure to just email us Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. We can help you, we can reach out with you, you can join our family. We have virtual, we've got group, and we've got one -on -one consulting options for you. So really trying to accommodate all the budgets out there and all the styles and preferences and just really wanting to make sure you feel supported. I know the world can feel a little funny right now. The world can feel a little uncertain. What is going to happen with the election? What's going to happen with our patients? What's happening with insurances?   What's happening with the turnover? Am I going to have a team? I think all those questions really having a coach to guide you to give that guidance. I know I lean on my coach all the time and that's honestly why I'm obsessed with consulting our practices and being on coaching calls today. Just being able to help guide them and give them that sounding board and giving them tips and advice and shortcuts really I think is a helpful thing. And so that's really what we're about at Dental A Team. And if that inspires you, if you feel like maybe there is an easier path we've helped.   offices from startup to selling to transitions to multi -practice ownership. So whatever your path, whatever your journey is, Dental A Team's not a one size fits all. Dental A Team is here to support you, your team and your ultimate goals and desires. And we do it from people who have been there, done that and done it successfully many times over. And so really that's our goal. That's our love. And that's our obsession is you giving you and your team the happiness, the ease. Now that doesn't come without you having to put in the work too. Some people just think that we're a magic diet pill and we're not.   but we do try to eliminate the stress and make it easy for you. today, like I said, let's help you guys not have that September. Let's help you have that amazing September. And one of the easiest things is to, think it's so funny as a society, we send our end of year benefit letters at the end of the year, right? And I thought about it. Most people have already been to the dentist come August, especially mid August. We are past that six month mark. July was   A lot of people's benefits are either partially used, some of them are maxed, but most of them still have some insurance remaining. And I think it's so silly that we send out our end of year benefit letters in October. I did the exact same thing, but then I started thinking, well, if we have a hard September and we're going to be sending out end of year benefit letters in October, could we not combine the two and be able to, utilize that? And so, just something to think about. I don't think there's anything wrong with sending at least seven letters and also incorporating   Kiera Dent (04:40.886) Phone calls in it as well kind of like our reactivation of two two two. So two weeks two months Excuse me two days two weeks two months is how we like to reactivate patients You could do the same thing with reactivation and we could be sending it out say in August September October November And then we really start hitting it in November harder But something I found when I was sending letters is my October November December are pretty darn busy And it was my September that was very light and so why not send these   mid August. We're going to try and get this released early for you guys. So you're catching this podcast right at the time and sending out these email blasts of a use it or lose it or early bird gets the worm or let's schedule on your time schedule, not when it's packed. Or why don't you take advantage of the benefits that your insurance gave you instead of having it go back to your insurance company or Hey, our schedules get really, really busy or specifically targeting certain cases right now where you can go through your own scheduled treatment plans and look for them.   and see what you can do for them to be able to get them in on your schedules. And I just think it's something where we, I think end of year benefit letters came because our September's were slow. And so I'm like, why not be proactive? Why not set in our schedule that in August every year we start sending letters. And so there are a couple letter templates that we've been doing for some of our offices. And of course our offices get VIP. We share everything with them on the podcast. I will definitely give you guys a sample of it for sure, but.   Like one blast could be like dear patient name. Can you believe it's the end of the year is already approaching Halloween will be here before you know it and we're going to be into fall spice and pumpkin spice and making this up because this one's specifically for the New Year's ball drop. That's a little bit closer to end of year, but you could be saying like right now like truly pumpkin spice seasons about to be upon us knowing that time flies when we're all having so much fun. We wanted to take a moment to remind you that your dental care is a top priority. If you're seeing our practice as a patient with dental insurance now is the time to get   Most insurance plans renew annually, that's what the air quotes, renew annually in January and run on a use it or lose it motto. Don't waste what you've got. If you have a cleaning to reserve or maybe dental treatment that's been recommended, let's help you find the best day and time to use what you've got left on your insurance plan. Like we said, pumpkin spice is going to be here before we know it. Call and reserve your next appointment with us. We want to make sure that we can accommodate your schedule before our schedules get packed. Look forward to seeing you soon. regards, best regards to your dental office.   Kiera Dent (07:04.824) So something as simple, I love to correlate my emails with the holidays that are coming around. So it could be like, no tricks, just treats. Let's get you scheduled today. Or you could do something around like, it's pumpkin spice day. Be sure to use up your benefits. Or you can say like, it's time to give like gratitude. Could you imagine what your life would be like without teeth? We get to smile, we get to speak, we get to eat. Like all these things like Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without our teeth.   let's be sure we're taking care of them. So you really can play into some fun things, make them fun letters that your patients will be reading, and do something where, again, we're doing a benefit. I understand that it's going to benefit you as a practice for September, but truly as a patient wasting money on insurance, I think is the dumbest thing that they can ever do. Like that is Kiera's rant where I will go off on that because I just think it's, it's so unfortunate. People pay their premiums, people pay for their insurance and yet we don't use our insurance and   What happens is that money goes back to the insurance companies and that patient who paid their premiums, they're not able to maximize it. Now, if your patients have already maxed out, that's okay. Depending upon the state that you're in, some offices, again, it's state laws, so be sure to look into your state laws. Some stay in network, so they'll still honor the insurance fees. And if you're a state that does that, I always tell the patients like, hey, your insurance company gets to change every single year. They get to be doing things differently. And I would hate for   to legitimately have them come up with a policy and a plan next year that doesn't cover the treatment. We know this year, right here, right now, that this is what your insurance company is covering. Let's maximize the discounts that you still get. I explained to patients the difference between dental insurance and medical insurance. Dental insurance is like a coupon. They give us a bucket of money is another way to describe it. And once that money is gone, that's all we can use.   But medical insurance, we pay our deductible and then they cover the rest. so dental insurance is very different and we want to make sure we maximize it, utilize it, and then also get the discounts and benefits that come along with it. Because again, it's just a cute fun plan and let's make sure that we're getting everything on sale. Prices do go up next year for us and also for insurances, not your amount that they're going to cover, but the differences of what they will cover. And they often do change that from year to year. So we know today, we know we've got treatment, more treatments coming next year.   Kiera Dent (09:23.79) So let's maximize and utilize those benefits. Now, if you're a state that doesn't do that and you actually go into your office fees, totally fine. We let them know we've maximized and utilized all of your benefits. Let's make sure we get the treatment done today because treatment will come up and we don't want it to stack up on you and it will never be cheaper or more predictable than it is today. So really helping your patients realize like we're proactive. I remember when I was dating my husband, I drove a 97 Honda Civic, it was cherry red.   I called her Rosie Anne named after my mower on my family's lawn business. I mowed lawns all growing up and I named my mower Rosie Anne. She was red as well and hence my car became Rosie Anne. I remember my husband, I was in college and like money just felt tight and I remember my window broke one time and I told my husband, said, I just don't know if I want to fix it. And he gave me something that I thought of so much. said, Kiera, always fix it when it happens because more things will break down.   our teeth are like, they're not like cars, but they are continually breaking down. Our bodies are continually breaking down. Cars are breaking down. and he said, always fix it because otherwise it just becomes more expensive. And I thought about that. Think about my window would break and then, you know, the AC breaks and then the clutch goes out and then the windshield wiper needs to be replaced in, you know, when we do it in small chunks, it doesn't seem as drastic, but think about our patients, the patients who come and get their small little fillings fixed. it's, know, a couple hundred dollars here.   versus our patients who have put off dental care for so long, and then they come in and they have these giant treatment plans that are 30 ,000 plus to get their mouths back to where they were. I think being proactive and taking care of them while they're small is something that we can do as a huge benefit to our patients. so helping our patients understand like, no, we wanna help you be proactive because it's smaller, we get to preserve more tooth. And I don't know, I have such a passion for teeth, clearly, that's why I do what I do.   But just helping our patients realize like our teeth like I said really truly are I think the It's funny. I say the mouthpiece to your soul, but it really is it's the way we smile It's the way we communicate the way we eat and enjoy food without our teeth It really would make it quite hard and the confidence that's there with it as well And so I think even if your patients might not prioritize it as much as you do Helping them see that like hey as problems come up because they're going to continue   Kiera Dent (11:48.396) Our bodies are going to continue to get older. Our teeth are going to continue to age with us. And so let's be proactive on it now. So that's really how I'm able to help patients. And I think as long as we're not basing it on insurance, we're using insurance as a coupon. We're using it as a way to help our patients get the treatment done that's necessary. But at the end of the day, they're worth it. And being able to have that confidence, being able to have their teeth long term. Jason, my husband, his grandma.   gave him some great advice. She was much older and she said one of the greatest things she's so grateful she did for herself was to take care of her teeth. She said, Jason, I want you to floss every night and I want you to brush your teeth. And she died many years later. She was well into her nineties and she had all of her original teeth. And she said she was so grateful because she was still able to maintain a high quality of life. She's able to still smile with confidence. And she said she was so grateful.   that she was able to take care of her teeth. And that's something that she told all of her grandkids to do is make sure you prioritize and take care of your teeth. And so again, I think hearing from wiser generations than us, people that have lived through things, if as we get older, to be able to maintain and sustain our teeth, to be able to take care of them now, to be able to help our patients take care of them while they're small still, small little fillings, different things, really is such a blessing that we can give their older selves as well. And so,   I think right now this is a great time for us to be sending out those end of year benefit letters to help our patients know that now is the time. Let's get you in before our schedules get swamped and we're not able to accommodate you. And then also schedulers, make sure you're proactive. Let's not just throw in any patient because guess what? When everybody wants to come in, we get to pick and choose who we schedule. That's called supply and demand. And if we don't have as much supply of appointment spots, then the demand is for the patients that are going to ultimately   need it and also we prioritize different procedures in there as well. And this is why we start telling them in August, mid August, come in, we want to help you. So when they're calling me in December, my schedule is full. We're not making our lives crazy because I believe that everybody gets to make choices and choices do have consequences and rewards. And so let's reward our early bird patients. Let's get the word out. Let's share them with   Kiera Dent (13:56.514) That way you and your practice have a slam dunk September, not a September. I would love to hear from you. I'd love to hear how your slam dunk September is going. I'd love to hear things that you're doing to be proactive. Some people are throwing in Invisalign days. Other people are looking for back to school specials that they can do to really start pumping those. But I believe practices who are proactive and prepared are the practices who thrive with ease.   Those who don't are the ones that are reactive and they're always struggling. So which type of a practice are you going to be? Let me know, email me in Hello@TheDentalATeam.com. And as always, thanks for listening. I'll catch you next time on The Dental A Team Podcast.

One of our listeners came up with the perfect first date question. You might want to steal this one once you hear it in a new Second Date podcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our listeners came up with the perfect first date question. You might want to steal this one once you hear it in a new Second Date podcast!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 20, 2024 is: amiable • AY-mee-uh-bul • adjective Someone or something described as amiable is friendly and agreeable. // Both children have amiable dispositions, which makes them easy to travel with. See the entry > Examples: "An amiable, Honda Civic–driving, bird-watching Everyman in shorts and glasses, Gary somehow turns out to be the perfect fake assassin." — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 24 May 2024 Did you know? Amiable has its roots in amīcus the Latin word for "friend," and can ultimately be traced back to the verb amare, meaning "to love." English has been friendly with amiable since the 14th century, at which time it meant "pleasing" or "admirable" (a sense that is now obsolete). The current, familiar senses of "generally agreeable" and "friendly and sociable" came centuries later. Amare has also given English speakers such words as amative and amorous (both meaning "strongly moved by love"), amour ("a usually illicit love affair"), and even amateur (which originally meant "admirer"). And that's just the tip of the amare iceberg: its influence on Romance languages is nothing short of integral. The Spanish word for "friendship" is amistad, the French word for "friend" is ami, and the Italian word for "love"? That's amore.

This week, Cal talks about the death of a bear, a man, and a Honda Civic. He also covers calling in mountain lions while turkey hunting, state and federal legislation, poachers and so much more.  Connect with Cal and MeatEater Cal on Instagram and Twitter MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Cal's Week in Review MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.