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Episode Summary: On this week's podcast, we're celebrating the 3rd anniversary of Your Hope-Filled Perspective where we offer you a Biblically-based Hope-Filled Perspective. This week, we're sharing the 6 episodes that you downloaded the most over the past year. To introduce a snippet of each one, I'll share a bit about what I liked about each episode. I find it interesting that the top 6 episodes of the past year come down to knowing who we are and paying attention to our mindset.  Thank you so much for tuning in each week! Without you, this program wouldn't exist!  And, now for the featured episodes. Quotables from each episode: In episode 115, we talked with Kris Reece about How To Train Your Brain to Trust God. You'll get to hear a bit about her story and what led her to become so passionate about helping others to train their brain to trust God. Listen to her episode here: How To Train Your Brain to Trust God Kris also shared her 4 step process that shows you how to renew your mind and put an end to toxic thinking: Toxic Thinking: Take Control of Your Thoughts In episode 29, How To Help Someone with Depression, I recorded with my husband, Scott. We cover so many helpful topics including common signs & symptoms, helpful things to do, what to say, and what not to say. Listen to that episode here: How To Help Someone with Depression I have written prolifically about depression on my blog. Just search for “depression” in the search bar. I also include links to resources below. In episode 131, we talked with Erica Wiggenhorn about How to Untangle Yourself from the Fear of Inadequacy. Many people struggle with fear of inadequacy or the imposter syndrome and don't even know it. Earlier in my career, I certainly did, but I didn't want to. That's why I was so grateful for Erica's wisdom and insight. Listen to that episode here: How to Untangle Yourself from the Fear of Inadequacy. Erica also shares the secret she learned for understanding your worth and recognizing your true value: The Secret to Understanding Your Worth In Episode 116, we talked with Tina Yeager about Hope for Overcoming Shame or Discouragement. I absolutely loved my interview with Tina regarding how to overcome shame or discouragement, because when the enemy can't defeat us, he tries to discourage us. Tina vulnerably shared from her own personal and professional experiences, so you'd know she knows. Listen to that episode here:  Hope for Overcoming Shame or Discouragement Tina also shared encouragement for those struggling in silence with shame and discouragement, significance and identity issues in this article: Struggling in Silence with Shame and Discouragement In Episode 130, we talked with Amy Joob about How To Get Unstuck in Life and Move Forward. Many people have written to me during the last couple of years, lamenting how stuck they feel, despite their desire to move on to bigger and better things. Amy Joob and her husband faced that same thing during the Covid Pandemic. She shares how they moved forward. Listen to that episode here: How To Get Unstuck in Life and Move Forward Amy also shares how she moved forward from fears and hurts that had kept her stuck here: Are You Stuck? Right Alignment Will Get You Unstuck! In Episode 125, we spoke with Marcia Ramsland about how to keep our life and mind decluttered by Getting Organized and Staying Organized.  I have benefited from Marcia's wisdom, and so appreciate how simple she breaks down tasks to make them more manageable and sustainable. Listen to that episode here: How To Get Organized and Stay Organized Marcia is an organizing pro, even more so around the holidays! She shared her top 10 Organizing Tips for Fall to Start Your Holidays Off Right I hope you've enjoyed today's anniversary episode. It was so much fun to dive into those episodes that were most popular with our listeners. When we consider that God tells us how important it is to take every thought captive, these six episodes do exactly that. For future episodes, we'd love to know what you enjoy, the guests you've loved, and the topics you'd like us to cover. Resources: Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award How To Help a Depressed Loved One free eBook My new book, available now on Pre-Order: Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube About Dr. Michelle Bengtson: Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, a national and international media resource on mental health, and the author of the bestselling, multi-award-winning books Hope Prevails and the Hope Prevails Bible Study. Her book Breaking Anxiety's Grip won the 2020 AWSA Golden Scroll Book of the Year and the 2021 Christian Literary Reader's Choice Award in four different categories. She is also the host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope-Filled Perspective. A board-certified clinical neuropsychologist in private practice for more than twenty years, Dr. Bengtson blogs regularly and offers a wide variety of resources on her website, DrMichelleB.com. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: We all want a peaceful Christmas, but, “life gets busy.” Sometimes we're forced to slow down, and guess what? We discover we actually CAN let go of some of the tasks and duties that not only weigh us down, but also steal our peace. Last week, on episode 139 How To Let Go of the Anxiety and Overwhelm of the Holiday Season, we talked about the fact that in order to create a more peaceful holiday season, we need to remember who the source of our peace is. We also started talking about ways to recognize and reduce our expectations of ourselves and others in order to experience less worry and anxiety and more of His peace during the holidays. So often Paul addressed the people in his letters by saying “Grace and peace to you from God our father through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God wants us to experience His peace, But we cannot experience true peace apart from God's presence.” So much worry, fear, and anxiety are a result of trying to maintain control of things that we cannot control. And we certainly cannot control others' expectations. If all the holidays preparations are a burden to you, whose expectations are you trying to live up to? Consider sitting the family down to determine what expectations they have. If you didn't do ____, it wouldn't feel like Christmas to them. This could mean just sending digital Christmas cards instead of physically mailing cards. Or perhaps you reduce your baking to just baking the family's absolute favorite treats. Consider lessening the amount of decorating you do to the favorite décor for your family. You might also consider cutting back on the holiday meals to just the favorite dishes or buying a precooked meal to reduce the stress you encounter during the holiday season. Limiting the gift giving not only simplifies things, but helps you be a good steward of what God has given you, and lets you enjoy people over presents. Assess why you do what you do? Is it because you're trying to live up to someone else's expectations? Is it bringing you joy or draining yourself of joy? In our gift giving, I think it's so important to teach our children that Christmas isn't about them, but about the greatest gift God could ever give in the birth of His son. And it's great to take a lesson from the wisemen and limit our gift giving to those that are the most special way to communicate our love to each other. We try so hard to set the perfect table, cook the perfect meal, and give the perfect gifts. But one great gift to give others is to release them from our expectations of how they will respond. They will never live up to the expectations in our mind anyway. Another way to maintain peace during the holidays is to choose our focus. It's crucial that we focus on maintaining our healthy routines during the holidays. Consider continuing to make time for a daily quiet time, getting in your regular exercise, make rest a priority, and eat well. But it's also important to maintain a nightly routine: review your calendar for the next day or two so you aren't taken by surprise the next day, record the new tasks that come up that must be completed, consider reading an advent reading or similar devotion each evening before going to bed, and pray thanking God for what He enabled you to do during the day and giving him your cares for all your tomorrows. Another way to choose our focus is to limit technology during the holiday season. It'll free up your time to get some of the holiday specific tasks completed. Another way to choose our focus is to limit negativity, and negative inputs. Also consider helping those who are alone or are going through a hard time during the holidays. Even when you are feeling down, you'd be surprised how helping others will encourage your own heart and bring a sense of peace to your heart and mind. Quotables from the episode: We cannot experience true peace apart from God's presence. In our gift giving, I think it's so important to teach our children that Christmas isn't about them, but about the greatest gift God could ever give in the birth of His son. Even when you are feeling down, you'd be surprised how helping others will encourage your own heart and bring a sense of peace to your heart and mind. Scripture References: Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Isaiah 26:3 “He will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on thee.” Luke 6:31 “Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Philippians 4:6-7 “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. THEN you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Recommended Resources:   Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host:  http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression," the award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study,” and the award-winning “Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises.” She has been a board certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to help others be all God created them to be. Using sound practical tools, she affirms worth and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of thirty-two years have two teenage sons and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com and is on most social media platforms. She is also a popular podcast show host of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” at   Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host:  http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression," the award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study,” and the award-winning “Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises.” She has been a board certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to help others be all God created them to be. Using sound practical tools, she affirms worth and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of thirty-two years have two teenage sons and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com and is on most social media platforms. She is also a popular podcast show host of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” at https://apple.co/2madPRo Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: What if I told you that you really can let go of the anxiety and overwhelm of the holiday season with some simple ways to create more peace? It's true. My husband, Scott, and I have been there and we're sharing some simple changes that will help you celebrate Christmas from a peaceful place. The holidays are a busy time where we experience an increase in stress, commitments, and chaos. But what we really want is to be able to experience the holiday joy while keeping our peace. Helpful Tips to Enjoy the Holiday Season with Peace: Don't we all desire a more peaceful holiday season? From November first until the decorations come down sometime in January, and then the credit card bills start coming in, stress and anxiety rise and with it, our peace dwindles. What a shame when the reason for the holiday is the celebration of the Prince of Peace. Sometimes we go into the holidays with expectations we have of ourselves, expectations we have of others, and feeling the weight of expectations others have of us. After my mother died, I felt the weight of being the new matriarch of the family, and the pressure to do things the way my mother had done it. But over time, I realized that living up to those spoken or unspoken expectations was stealing my peace and joy during a time when the commercials and Hallmark movies tell us should be the most wonderful time of the year. 1) It's so crucial that we remember who the source of our peace is. If we were to really understand the nature of God, not only would we not have to worry about peace, but all the other worldly concerns we have would go away. Jesus came not just as our savior, but also the Prince of Peace. In my newest book, “Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises,” one of the chapters talks about “God Is” our peace. We sacrifice our peace when we take our eyes off God and put our focus on the circumstances going on around us. A regular discipline of spending time with God and in His word, will remind us of who we are in Him. During the holiday season before you do any of the holiday tasks, take a moment, stop where you are and mentally go through the list of who you are and who the source of your peace is. When we realize how much God cares for us, and the fact that nothing takes Him by surprise, we can rest in His peace. One way to remember the source of peace, is remembering Jesus only had three years on this earth to complete his heavenly mission, his kingdom assignment. Yet, we never saw Jesus running from appointment to appointment. He walked everywhere, and He walked at the pace God set for Him. We sacrifice our peace because we make a long list of to do's that we think we must get done each day. We can get caught up in anxiety when we think of all the demands we put on ourselves. Yet Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. What if we started off the day asking God what HE wants us to do today? We've been invited to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. It's something we get to do. Sometimes the most important thing on our agenda is seeing the people around us. 2) It's important to assess and reduce our expectations on ourselves and others. We can try so hard to buy the perfect gift, to cook the perfect meal, or set the most elegant dinner table. But we cannot control how others will respond to our best efforts. In the familiar story about Jesus visiting Mary and Martha, I'm grateful that Jesus didn't say that what Martha was doing wasn't important. In fact, scripture said that Martha was doing the preparations that needed to be done. But Martha sacrificed her peace by worrying about all the details, whereas Mary kept her peace because she made Jesus her priority. Too often we continue rituals and traditions because we feel like that's what is expected of us. But when we do, we sacrifice our peace. We want to spend time around the table not focused on the details, but on creating memories for our families to enjoy. Quotables from the episode: To enjoy a more peaceful holiday season, it's crucial that we remember the source of our peace Sometimes we preach the loudest just by taking time for the person in front of us. To enjoy a more peaceful holiday season, It's important to assess and reduce our expectations on ourselves and others. Scripture References: Isaiah 9:6 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Luke 10:40-42 “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' ‘Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host:  http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression," the award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study,” and the award-winning “Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises.” She has been a board certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to help others be all God created them to be. Using sound practical tools, she affirms worth and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of thirty-two years have two teenage sons and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com and is on most social media platforms. She is also a popular podcast show host of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” at https://apple.co/2madPRo Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: This is my birthday week, and in this episode, I wanted to give back to you, our faithful listener. I share what was the impetus for my daily social media “Today is a good day…” devotions. With age often comes wisdom. In this episode, I decided to focus on the lies that we often believe, and truths from the Bible about our identity. Quotables from the episode: As long as God is still on His throne, today is a good day for a good day. The lies we believe about ourselves limit us from fulfilling God’s calling for our lives. What matters most is knowing what God says about us and believing that over the lies of the enemy. If we weren’t imperfect we wouldn’t need a Savior. The worth of something is determined by the price we are willing to pay for it. Jesus thought we were so worthy that He paid the price of His life for us. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s love. Scripture References: Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together - spirit, soul, and body - and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. Song of Solomon 2:16a My beloved is mine and I am his. Ephesians 1:5-6 “having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He [a]made us accepted in the Beloved.” Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: How do you put the world on halt, and tell those you’ve committed to that you just can’t do? How do you draw the line between enough and too much? Who determines what is adequate and appropriate and when we cross the line to excessive? Have you ever wrestled with any of those questions? I think it’s common for us to hope for, and even strive for, a picture-perfect Norman Rockwell Christmas. But the reality is, that picture is fictitious and the longer we strive for that, the more exhausted we become, and the less we enjoy the holidays. Today we’re going to be talking about stressing less at Christmas. Quotables from the episode: So much of our stress at Christmas comes from several key areas: Keeping tradition for tradition sake People pleasing Unrealistic & often unvoiced expectations of ourselves and others Trying to prove something to someone (or yourself) It’s easy to talk about Christmas and refocusing on Christ at Christmas but what does that look like? Resting in His presence Spending time with The Gift (Jesus) and The Gift Giver (Our Heavenly Father) Letting Him take care of us Trading in our to-do list for rest Recognizing what the busyness means/truly reflects Practical Tips for Stressing Less This Christmas: Let each family member choose ONE kind of cookie to be baked and let them help make them Let the lights on the tree, and Christmas cards received, be the tree decorations Let the wrapping of the gifts be the love with which they were purchased Make the Christmas dinner be comprised of each family member’s favorite dish Consider catering the Christmas meal Resolve to be okay with paper plates and napkins so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with the people you love A hope-filled perspective for a less stressful Christmas: God doesn’t put these heavy burdens on us God invites us into His rest, not for Him but for our benefit God offers us the chance to choose His rest, but He doesn’t force us Fewer expectations means fewer disappointments Scripture References: Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Hebrews 4:1 “God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it…” Recommended Resources: Ways to Create a More Peaceful Christmas Quit Striving for the Picture Perfect Christmas When Doing Less is Actually Doing More at Christmas How to Relieve Stress This Christmas What I Really Want This Christmas Content at Christmas Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, we’re going to be talking about how to be thankful for the little things in life when the big things seem to be falling down around us. I remember a time when God spoke to my heart and was really challenging me to examine my heart and answer the question, do I trust God in ALL things? Today, as we approach what is generally considered a holiday at which time we give thanks, He challenges us to thank Him for ALL things. This is a tall order. So we’re going to be talking about how to do that. Quotables from the episode: One of the best ways to be thankful for the little things is to remember the grateful prayers of our children. It’s easy to thank God when things are going well. It’s a sacrifice to thank God when things are hard. How can we flip the narrative in our mind and be thankful for the hard situations? The snoring means he is breathing, the dirty socks on the floor mean our children are home, the dishes in the sink mean we have food to eat. Looking at the lack of others will stir gratitude in our hearts for what we have that others don’t. This is a very unusual year. Sometimes it isn’t just a matter of what we have to be thankful for, but who we can be thankful to. Tips for practicing gratitude when you don’t feel like it: Appreciate the kindness of others Shift your focus away from the pain Be thankful for learning opportunities (more tips given in the podcast) God honors our gratitude, our thankfulness, our praise, especially when it is an offering and we don’t “feel like it.” Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Matthew 18:3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Recommended Resources: Thanksgiving: Thoughts on Gratitude Thanksgiving: The Not so Little Things   Gratitude Over Grumbling 6 Ways to Practice Gratitude When You Are Depressed A Surprising Lesson in Gratitude Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: This is the anniversary series of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective.”    Specifically, we are discussing the concept of “Perspective” and how our perspective impacts how we cope in times of stress and crisis, as well as how our perspective impacts our attitudes, our thoughts, and our behaviors. Your perspective will: determine your attitudes and your actions. dictate what others notice about you. either attract others to or distract others from you. Ezekiel experienced a vision that changed his perspective (Ezekiel chapters 1-3) Our perspective will largely determine our focus, and what we focus on grows. If our perspective is one of doom and gloom, we will focus on the negative in the world. If our perspective is one that believes God will provide, we will be grateful and still experience peace and joy in the midst of difficulty. We need to shift our perspective from we have to vs we get to. Changing our perspective is often not an easy thing to do. It’s often based in the foundation of how we were raised, or how we’ve been treated in the past, and at the root of things, what we believe. When we believe the character of God, we will have a perspective that reflects that. But when we believe the lies of the enemy, our perspective, and thus our attitudes, actions, and words will reflect that. God is good: He only provides good things for His children. God is faithful: He has seen us through every difficult situation 100% of the time. God is trustworthy: He does not lie and always keeps His promises. God is loving: God acts out of love for His children. God is forgiving: If we humble ourselves and pray, confessing our sins to God, He is faithful to forgive us our sins. God is FOR us: His will is good, pleasing, and perfect for each of us. What does it mean to take every thought captive intentionally think about what we are thinking about pray and ask God to reveal any blind spots ask if it lines up with God’s word rebuke anything that doesn’t agree with God’s word replace it with God’s truth ask the Holy Spirit to continually remind you of all truth The question we all have to ask ourselves today is: what is my perspective and is it good, true, and holy? Quotables from the episode: Our perspective will largely determine our focus, and what we focus on grows. “we have to” vs “we get to.” What is my perspective, and is it good, true, and holy? Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 2:16 “For ‘Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?’ But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will. 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, we’re in the third of our four-part anniversary series, taking apart the title “Your Hope-Filled Perspective.” Today we’re looking at the word FILLED: what it means, what role we play, what choices we have, and what consequences there will be for such choices. We have a choice of what to be filled with, but we will all be filled with something. Words of Christ--Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. “filling” is a sub-theme of the Bible It is a CHARACTERISTIC of God’s work In creation In redemption Definitions Heb: Fulness, abundance, to accomplish, complete, confirm, SATISFY, replenish Greek: make full, fill up, abound, liberally supply You can’t be neutral—you WILL be filled with something.  What will you choose to be filled with? What will you choose to be filled with?? Quotables from the episode: Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. What we are filled with, will come out when we are squeezed. Even an empty pitcher is filled with something, even if it’s only air. “Filling” is a characteristic of God’s work in creation and in redemption. What will you choose to be filled with? Scripture References: 2 Chronicles 7:1 “The glory of the Lord filled the house …” Psalm 71:8 “Let my mouth be filled with thy praise…” Psalm 72:19 “… let the whole earth be filled with his glory” Psalm 104:28 “thou openest thy hand, they are filled with good” Proverbs 14:14 (KJV, para) “The faithless in heart shall be filled with his own ways. 2 Kings 24… Manasseh “…filled Jerusalem w innocent blood” Ezra 9:11 “…filled the land w uncleanness…” Ecclesiastes 6:7 “All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.” Romans 1:29 “… being filled with all unrighteousness…” Job 16:8 (KJV) “…thou hast filled me with wrinkles …” Isaiah 55:1-2 “Come, all of you who thirst, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without cost! Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will be FILLED with the richest of foods…” Romans 12:2 (KJV) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” Matthew 5:6 (KJV) “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Back by popular demand, Engineering Influence welcomes the Chief Economist with Dodge Data and Analytics, Richard Branch, to discuss the economic outlook for the nation and the engineering industry.  Transcript:Host:Welcome to another edition of Engineering Influence, a podcast from the American Council of Engineering Companies. Today. We're very pleased to welcome back to the program Richard Branch, Chief Economist with Dodge Data and Analytics to talk about the economy. Richard was on last month, and it was a very popular show talking about the macroeconomic situation in America, and given the fact that we're into June, and it seems like every month seems to be a different year in 2020, we wanted to have him back on. Richard, thank you again for coming back on the show.Richard Branch :A pleasure to be here. Thanks again. It was great to hear that people found hearing from an economist and in this day and age a positive thing. So, so that's certainly a good news.Host:Yeah, it's not exactly the dismal science anymore this time. More people want to know what's happening and I really want to start out the conversation because, you know, we're recording this on Friday, the 5th of June and today, the Labor Department came out with some surprising numbers. They found that the unemployment rate actually decreased a slight bit. We actually had job creation of 2.5 million jobs in May, which outperformed a recent survey by economists at Dow Jones who actually anticipated a drop in employment by 8.3 million jobs. So we have a 13.3% not wonderful unemployment rate, but it's better than we expected. Then we have other news, the airlines are starting to expand capacity. The theme parks in Florida, for example, Universal is opening. Disney's going to be opening. It seems like we're turning a corner. Is that, is that too much wishful thinking or what are you seeing right now?Richard Branch :Okay. I think when we look back on this crisis, May will have turned out to be the low point. And I think today's numbers are just an indication that we're now in the recovery phase. It happened a little bit earlier than we had anticipated. We had figured that job creation would start again in June. But as you mentioned, the main numbers coming in at plus 2.5 million, a huge upside surprise, and as state and local areas continue to reopen and loosen those rules on, on business activity and whatnot hiring we'll certainly keep moving forward. But not to be a wet blanket on today's number. But you know, between March and April, we lost well over 21 million jobs. So today's addition, certainly a positive step, particularly in the construction industry, the construction industry added back 464,000 jobs this morning following a million job loss in April. So you know, that that recovery though is going to be a very long and slow process and it just fraught with pitfalls. You know, the easy lifting will come first with, with those huge negative numbers in April that the big changes will come early. But once we get we continue to think that once we get into the back half of this year, that that growth will continue to move forward, but at a pretty slow pace.Host:Yeah. And it's interesting because we just recently launched a research Institute, which was a separate arm of ACEC, and they've been doing some business impact surveys since really the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic....tracking different indicators. And our most recent survey came back end of last week. And it showed that one fourth of our firms that were surveyed roughly 22% of respondents reported having business areas that are outperforming now, which is a significant increase from April. And they've seen some growth in the COVID-19 area of business, healthcare and the like, it seems like it's turning that corner. But as you mentioned, you know, at large recovering from this is not going to be an overnight kind of thing. It's gonna be a building process. Do you think that it's extending know a little bit further into 2021? Or do you think that we might be able to see a little bit of a, you know, recouping some of our losses before the end of the calendar year?Richard Branch :I think overall for the economy I think obviously the economy will contract this year. You know, we're still looking at a potentially 20 plus percent decline in GDP in the second quarter. That will be difficult to make up in the second half of the year. In terms of employment, you know, it's probably not going to be until mid to late 21 or possibly into early 20, 22, when we start seeing all the jobs that we've lost in March and April added back. In terms of construction, I think it's, it's, it's a mixed bag. I think there will be some sectors that will absolutely outperform and surprise on the upside and, and potentially getting back to by the end of the year, getting back to levels that we've seen prior to the crisis. But, you know, I continue to think that this will be, you know, one of the big questions is, is what's the shape of recovery, you know, and it's what letter of the alphabet are you going to choose to define that shape? The L the w the V a I think a V shape recovery here, even with today's job numbers is still asking a lot. I think that's, that's a big uptick,Host:Maybe a W....Richard Branch :Could be potentially a w - the one that I've heard recently that I enjoyed was the Nike swoosh.Richard Branch :That, you know, the slope would be fairly sharp on the upside, you know, where we are now adding those jobs back quickly, but, but then as time goes on, that curve starts to flat now, and all of this is of course pending any future fiscal stimulus. So in our forecast, we we've included no future fiscal stimulus programs, even though they're likely to come. It, it just, you know, we need to see something that has a pretty good chance of passing through the House, the Senate and, and receiving presidential approval. So should there be fiscal stimulus, you know, a phase four phase five of five, six, that could certainly alter that trajectory in that shape of recovery, but barring fiscal stimulus, further fiscal stimulus that, that recovery in the second half of the year will be slow.Host:And I think that what you just said kind of reflects the thinking of our membership, because one of the questions that we asked in that survey was essentially, you know, what sector do you think is going to recover first? And it was really a, it was a split decision. I mean, there there's, there's no agreement on whether the private sector, the public sector, when it, when it comes to engineering, design, construction is going to recover. You know, we had essentially... yeah, roughly, you know, it was kind of 50 50. Is there anything in, in, in your research that would indicate one sector recovering earlier than the other? Does it, is it still too early to tell? I know that, you know, Congress has something to say about this, about exactly what's going to be in that next if we do have one phase four stimulus you know, what are your thoughts on, on who's going to get there first?Richard Branch :I think it's, that's a very nuanced conversation because I don't think it's broad based that public will do better than private or private will do better than public over the next several months. I do think that certain areas of private construction have the ability to bounce back quicker than others. You know, single fam is certainly outperforming expectations warehouse construction especially those big eCommerce fulfillment sites, I think have a potential significant upside data centers, but other sides of public or private construction, or are going to suffer. Retail. Hotels. And then even the office sector, the speculative side of the office sector, it seems the trend now that we're a month or two into this crisis the trend towards working from home seems to be continuing in terms of, you know, I just within the past couple weeks, Facebook and Twitter have essentially announced plans that they're going to incentivize workers to stay at home..Host:And Facebook is going to index salary to the areas where the people live. Exactly. Which is even more interesting because, you know, then that way that'll keep some people in those higher - those more expensive areas. Yeah. I guess this is the kind of thing that's going to be fueling academic papers for a while.Richard Branch :Yes.Host:I, I doubt that there was a handle and, and, and, and on exactly how much of an impact and how lasting an impact the shift to remote work and just the way that people are going to be interacting with the built environment. It's really hard to write policy now for something that we just don't know what the impacts are going to be. And I would imagine from the, financial analytical side, and then also from just the economic side, it's hard to get a handle on exactly what that impact's going to be long term.Richard Branch :Absolutely. You know, that the office market has gone through such undulations over time. You know, from, from everybody back in the old days, you know, everybody having their own office too, be more open space environments and, and the beginning of the gig economy and people working from home more and telecommuting and whatnot to now this, I think, well, that is a potential downside. I do think there's, there's some upside there as well in terms of design elements and improving office design and air circulation and air handling and whatnot. So you know, I think even in that downturn, or even in that systemic shift in an office market, I still think there is incredible potential there for construction.Host:For the industry right now, you know, Congress is in the midst of handling a number of issues, but one of the things that continues to move at least in the Senate and now in the house, cause this week Chairman DeFazio released his concept - his surface transportation bill and any set a date, he said, July is when he wants to have a floor vote, which would be very wishful. You know, fast-tracked kind of wishful thinking because you're just given schedule, but how important would getting a surface bill, a longterm surface bill be to the industry you know, what kind of impact do you think that would, would have either speculative just kind of injecting some confidence back into the economy and then just the real dollars and cents project work.Richard Branch :It's critical. It provides not only the clarity to state and local areas in terms of future funding, but of course there's just a huge positive force in terms of injecting dollars into the system. I was just this morning reading a report that ARTBA but put out the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, and their research found that in fiscal year 2018, they estimate that States were able to take 30 point $8 billion in federal highway funding and translate that into $66 billion in actual highway improvements.Richard Branch :So taking some federal money, lumping it with the States. And so there's a huge multiplier there. So that might be limited in the cycle, just with the pressure that state and local areas are feeling in terms of revenues and whatnot in this crisis. But it just goes to show that that getting that low hanging fruit of the reauthorization of the FAST Act through as quickly as possible is a necessity yeah. In terms of the construction industry.Host:Yeah. And as we mentioned yet, I think last time we kind of talked about the whole concept of shovel ready and, and how that, you know, the approach - It appears the Congress is taking now what you know is more thoughtful and longterm than looking at the immediate payoff of saying, okay, well, we're going to put X amount of money of stimulus and we're going to create, you know, these immediate jobs. The longterm infrastructure investment would create that sustained job growth and kind of extend that multiplier. And, you know, I guess for any of the policy people out there who listen to our podcast, we try to get them to listen by sending it to them as much as possible, what message would you give to them as they put together kind of a proposal for a longterm infrastructure bill?Richard Branch :Think big. This is not a time in our opinion to quibble over dollars and cents even with today's job numbers, even with the positive trend in initial claims you know, this is, this is a time to, to dig in with the construction industry and get projects moving. And you know, there, there will be issues of course, over the longer terms in terms of debt and whatnot with the U S economy, but people are out of work. The construction industry is, is a great litmus to get that economy moving again, especially as state and local areas that are suffering and, and so think big and get it done sooner rather than later.Host:Absolutely. Well, is there anything else going on from your world, from your perspective that, that are listeners should know about now? Or is it, is it just kind of pay attention to the news and keep abreast on what's what's going on?Richard Branch :Sure. Well, I think when we spoke last and I can't recall if we had released our April construction starts data yeah. At that point. But our April data for construction activity was as suspected. It was pretty weak in total construction starts, fell close to 25% from March to April, it does look like as we look at the May data and we're still cycling through that, the quality control aspect of it. But it does look like the May data we'll show a slight increase in nonresidential building construction activity from April to May. So again, another sign that the potential that the bottom of this cycle was probably in May, and just this morning, we released our leading indicator of construction, the Dodge Momentum Index, which was essentially flat compared to April. So these are projects when they first enter the very earliest stages of planning for nonresidential building. It was essentially flat in mid April. So I'll take that as a good sign. You know, back in the recession, the Great Recession, I guess we have to call it just to differentiate it. Back in the Great Recession, the DMI fell sharply and over a long period of time. Yeah. So far over the last couple of months, the DMI is only down by about 10 or 12%.Richard Branch :So it shows us that there are still a lot of projects early in the pipeline for a nonresidential building. So again, a positive note that as the economy starts to reopen and as rules on construction are relaxed that there are a lot of projects in the pipeline ready to move forward.Host:Yeah. And that's good. And that, again, for any of our members listening for anyone listening, you can access those indices and the reports at construction.com and the really good detailed information to have if you're a business leader or you're someone interested in the sector the data that you have up on that site and that Dodge produces is extremely useful. So I encourage people to go and check that out.Host:Well, I do appreciate you coming back on the show, Richard, because it's always good to do a, do a check in, especially when you see all these, you know, these numbers flying around and you get an unexpected jobs figures in the midst of a pandemic and everything else going on to kind of get an update and see where things are. And I do hope to have you on again, in a couple of in a couple of weeks to see if anything's changed.Richard Branch :You're right. This, this was after so many months of, of talking to our clients and the press and, and about bad news. It's good to finally see a little bit of a light at the end of the tunnel. So always happy to be here and a pleasure talking to you. And I hope you stay safe and healthy.Host:You as well, stay safe, stay healthy. And again, thank you. That's Richard Branch, he's the Chief Economist for Dodge Data and Analytics - www.construction.com is where to find him. And this has been Engineering Influence from ACEC.

Episode Summary: This is the second in a four-part anniversary series of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective.”    Specifically, today we are discussing the concept of “Hope.” What is hope, how do we get it and how do we display it? And what isn’t it? The Bible has two uses for the term HOPE One is simple but ungrounded expectation that something specific may happen—closest to English vernacular understanding. Second is a CONFIDENCE that something anticipated will come to pass. What is the difference between FAITH and HOPE?  The Bible talks about both, and sometimes the same word is used. The concepts are very closely related. Best illustration: a child is told by her parents that they will be taking her to DisneyWorld soon. FAITH is the quiet confidence that her parents are being truthful and that the promised visit will happen. HOPE is the excited expectancy of the promised visit that has the child bouncing off the walls. FAITH is the basis for HOPE. What are the characteristics of HOPE? Forward looking Positive Expectant/anticipatory of something longed for Patient Focused on sufficiency and abundance ACTIVE HOPE is ACTIVE, it requires PREPARATION.  Think of the Disney example. As the child ANTICIPATES, she will engage in various activities that illustrate this expectancy. In our culture and language, HOPE is understood in a  very passive context—we don’t grant it much power in our lives, yet both the NT and the OT point to HOPE as crucial to our daily existence. HOPE is closely paralleled to FEAR Forward looking Expectant—of something dreaded Negative instead of positive Based on anxiety or worry instead of faith Focused on inadequacy & loss Quotables from the episode: Emil Brunner— “What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life.” FAITH is the basis for HOPE. Hope is active. Our hope is grounded in the overwhelming abundance and goodness of God. Scripture References: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope.” David in Psalms linked his HOPE in God with courage and strength (Ps 31:24) Paul also (Rom 5:5) describes the abundance and fulfilling nature of HOPE. Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

You're welcome to the FRAGRANCE OF THE SPIRIT PODCAST... EPISODE 18 I'm Pst Alo Olatokunboh Akin, your Host *For you to fulfill the mandate of Heaven on your life, you must attract the attention of people* (because the mandate of heaven on your life is geared towards men) and *to attract attention, your fragrance must be active and effective* *Any man or woman called by God is called for men* , in other words, you're called to attend to people in the world but it will be an error if your life is not attracting the attention of the people you're sent to, I want to let you know that *the seed to attract those that you have been sent to is inside of you.* Every seed that is planted must be watered, nurtured and taken care of by the planter, while the sun (giving energy) and air (giving carbon dioxide) (both in the unseen aspect) also play their role, you must therefore put in your effort, be open to and submit to the Holy Spirit to play His own role in the supernatural dimension of your life God bless you with the Fragrance of the Spirit Pastor Dr Alo Olatokunboh Akin Anchor Man Transformation Hour Network International, Nigeria 08052930044 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode Summary: This is our one year anniversary of producing the Your Hope-Filled Perspective podcast. And we are so thankful to you, our listeners and our viewers for tuning in with us each week as we seek to provide you with a biblically based hope-filled perspective. We thank you for the gift you have given us in terms of your reviews, subscribing to the podcast, and sharing it with others. We started this podcast, and continue this podcast out of a desire to serve you. To bring you a hope-filled perspective for the trials you encounter in your daily life. Because our focus is YOU and YOUR needs, we’d love to hear what topics and guests YOU would like to hear in upcoming episodes. Quotables from the episode: She not only shared her story, but she taught us about how to pray, into the courtroom of heaven. We have an enemy. He's our adversary. And he's our accuser. And so he accuses us day and night to God, who's our ultimate judge. God wants us to use wisdom and to trust him in all things Yet, God has revealed himself personally to each believer. Jesus was an individual, and He cared for the individual. We don't have to fight on a war on two fronts, a front of the earthly issues that are going on and front on the spiritual internal issues that are going on as a believer. Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode, we talk in depth about how we can fight anxious thoughts and win. Forty million American adults suffer from anxiety, while 264 million suffer worldwide. Chances are, even if you don’t suffer with anxiety, you know many friends and loved ones who do. In this episode, we’re going to talk about how to win over fearful and anxious thoughts. The first thing to remember is that we are in a battle, and the enemy of our soul doesn’t play fair. Secondly, we have to recognize that it is the enemy who tempts us with worry, fear, and anxiety. So often the thoughts we have aren’t even our thoughts. But if we don’t actively take them captive, and compare them to God’s word, we all too often readily accept them. Did you know that you can actually talk back to anxiety? You can! In this episode, we talk at length about how to talk back to worry, fear, and anxiety, and reclaim a much more peaceful life. Quotables from the episode: You can talk back to anxiety and make it leave! If we want to rid ourselves of worry, fear, and anxiety, we’ve got to separate the facts from God’s truth. God’s truth always trumps the facts.  Scripture References: John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy, but I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode, we talk in depth about the third weapon God gives us to defeat anxiety: a sound mind. When God says He has given us a sound mind to defeat worry, fear, and anxiety, we can get excited because we have been given the mind of Christ. Before Jesus started his earthly ministry, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness for 40 days and nights. There he was repeatedly tempted by the enemy. It was Jesus’s sound mind that allowed Him to defeat the enemy and not give in to temptation. He knew the word of God and He used it to refute the enemy’s temptation.  We too can refute the enemy’s temptation for worry, fear, and anxiety by using the sound mind God gave us, coupled with the word of God. Psalm 112:8 tells us, “They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” With a sound mind, you are hopeful and confident. In this episode, we discuss how we access and use our sound mind in order to defeat worry, fear, and anxiety in our lives. Quotables from the episode: With a sound mind, you are hopeful and confident. Part of using our sound mind to refute worry, fear, and anxiety, is standing on God’s word.  Scripture References: Psalm 112:8 tells us, “They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6 “So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode, we talk in-depth about the second weapon God gives us to defeat anxiety: His perfect love. John 15:9 tells us, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” In order to remain in God’s love, we must first accept that He gives His love, and we must then receive it for ourselves. But His love is crucial for defeating worry, fear, and anxiety in our lives. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” In this episode, we discuss the things we know to be true about God’s love and the many ways that we can access God’s love to defeat worry, fear, and anxiety in our lives. Quotables from the episode: One of the greatest issues I witnessed in my private practice was of individuals thinking they were unlovable, and not truly knowing how much God loves them. When we realize that we are loved by the God of the universe and that out of love for us He protects us, comforts us, fights for us, etc., then we can face any situation without worry, fear, or anxiety.  Scripture References: John 15:9 tells us, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” 1 John 4:8 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode we talk in-depth about one of the weapons God gives us to defeat anxiety: Power.  There are many ways for Christ followers to appropriate God’s power. Romans 8:11 tells us, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” We have been given the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead, yet too many believers are walking around powerless, not appropriating His power. In this episode we discuss the many ways that we can access God’s power to defeat worry, fear, and anxiety in our lives. Quotables from the episode: The first of three key weapons that God has given us to defeat anxiety is His power.  Too many Christ followers don’t appropriate the power that God has made available to them.  Scripture References: Revelation 12:10 “…now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ, for the accuser…has been thrown down. Romans 8:11 “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been in the middle of a special series of podcasts about defeating anxiety during times of crisis. In this episode, we break down worry, fear, anxiety, and crises, and how they are different, and how they each impinge on our lives. Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow and be anxious for nothing. He never said “except when my bank account dips, or when the toilet paper runs out, or when you have to work or go to school online.” Anxiety results from living in a place of dread instead of victory. When we become anxious, we have projected dread into our situation. That brings with it an endless supply of “what ifs?” So much of our anxiety comes from us wanting to have control, but the reality is that we have very little control, but God is in control and He isn’t going to wrestle us for it. In this episode, we continue to discuss how to defeat anxiety especially in times of crisis. Quotables from the episode: Fear is an emotional response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is apprehension and anticipation of some future event. Worry is thinking about problems or fears that may never even come to pass. Worry creeps, anxiety seeps, and crises explode. Faith entails having the courage to give God control. True peace is not the absence of trouble but resting in the sovereignty of God in the midst of it.  Scripture References: Luke 12:26 “And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?” Philippians 4:9 “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of Peace will be with you.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promisesby Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depressionby Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Studyby Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: With the Coronavirus outbreak, the world is facing astronomical amounts of worry, fear, and anxiety. In episode 50, we discussed ways of defeating anxiety during a crisis like the Coronavirus. In this episode, Scott and I discuss more practical tips to exchange worry, fear, and anxiety for peace during a crisis. Trusting God is key! Quotables from the episode: It’s important not to run on our feelings, during times of crises, but rather, to stand on truth. Instead of saying, “I have to” we can shift the perspective and say “I get to…” For example, instead of I have to stay in the house for the next two weeks or longer you say, I get to spend quality time with my family. Let’s take this opportunity to do some new things, to look at the situation from a new perspective, to consider our feelings and how our feelings are often grounded in the lies that we believe. The truth is, God is still in control. Fear is really the emotional response to either a real or a perceived imminent threat, something that might happen right away. Anxiety is really an abnormal or overwhelming sense of apprehension in anticipation of a future event that may or may not ever happen. Worry is thinking about a problem or fears over something that could happen. Worry is our thoughts about an unknown future. My concern is that when we allow anxiety, worry, fear to rule and reign in our heart and our mind, we lose the chance to respond rationally, and we lose our peace. God tells us in His Word, be anxious for nothing; do not worry about tomorrow; do not be afraid. God knows what's going on in the world today. I believe that what has allowed us to get through these recent circumstances is being able to look back and recognize where God has been faithful each and every time before. Peace really comes from living in the present and remembering what has already been accomplished in the past, to assure us of our future. We tend to approach life thinking, “Show me, then I'll trust you.” But God tells us to “trust Him, then he'll show us.” Trusting God really takes the responsibility for the outcome off our shoulders and places it on God’s. How do we trust God? T-Take God at His Word (Numbers 23:19) R-Rest in His presence and promises (Matthew 11:28-30) U-Understand the outcome doesn’t depend on us S-Acknowledge that God is Sovereign (Psalm 84:11) T-Turn to the testimony of previous experiences (Revelation 12:11) An attitude of gratitude when we recognize all that God has already blessed us with amazing blessings makes it easier to trust Him. God inhabits the praises of his people. Find ways to praise Him during this time. Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promisesby Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depressionby Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Studyby Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: We’ve been doing a series on the podcast recently of episodes all related to helping defeat anxiety during times of crisis. Given what so many of us have been experiencing with the current crisis and the disruption of anything normal, it would be natural to realize that our children’s lives are being significantly impacted as well, and this may breed worry, fear, and anxiety. This episode is about how to help a teenager with anxiety during a crisis. Join me as I interview my teenager, Bryce. We discuss ways that help us understand worry, fear, and anxiety in our teens and children and what we and they can do about anxiety. For many of our children, the Coronavirus is the first major crisis they have ever had to face, at least on such a global level. This episode is unique in that I have the opportunity to interview a teenager to help understand their perspective and what they might be doing to try to manage the emotional impact that crises have on them. While this episode was recorded during the COVID19 pandemic, the truths contained therein are applicable regardless of the situation prompting a child’s anxiety. Quotables from the episode: Coronavirus didn’t take God by surprise, and He promises He knows the plans He has for us: to prosper us and not to harm us, plans for a hope and a future! Scripture References: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” 1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube   About the Host About Dr. Bengtson Dr. Bengtson studied neuroscience and is board certified in clinical neuropsychology. She established her own clinical practice in the Dallas area. From her professional and personal life, she recognized a deep lack of understanding of the call to “renew our minds” and the transformational effects a robust understanding of this has on our physical and mental health and outlook. Dr. Bengtson lives to foster regeneration and renew life in her listeners. She recognizes brokenness in her life and others’ and offers steps we can take as we walk with Christ through the thin places. Dr. Bengtson authored the award-winning “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and its award-winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.”  Her third award-winning book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises,” released in 2019 (Revell). She blogs at DrMichelleB.com and is a frequent guest on Fox News Radio and speaks at conferences and churches internationally.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: Everyone will fight challenges and trials at some point in their life, and at the time of this recording, the world is facing the Coronavirus outbreak, and with that has come astronomical amounts of worry, fear, and anxiety. In this episode, we discuss ways to defeat anxiety during a crisis like the Coronavirus. This may be the first real crisis our children have had to face in their lifetimes, and it’s important for us to remember that they will take their cues for how to respond to crisis from watching and listening to us. In today’s society, our ready access to news and information can fuel anxiety. In our current situation, we need time to absorb this, but that is made difficult because the information is changing day by day, or sometimes hour by hour. It’s important not to run on our feelings, during times of crises, but rather, to stand on truth. Quotables from the episode: We need to absorb this. Anxiety comes because we want to know it all. We want to control it all. We want to influence it all…but we can’t. Our feelings are really just the outward manifestation of the thoughts we believe. We may not be able to control the situation, but we can choose our response to the situation. Scripture References: Exodus 20:2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.” Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Recommended Resources: Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Engineering Influence sat down with Tom Topolski, Parsons' EVP for Infrastructure Business Development to discuss the company's rigorous ethics and compliance program and being recognized as one of the world's most ethical companies by the Ethisphere Institute.Transcript:Host:Welcome back to another episode of Engineering Influence, a podcast by the American Council of Engineering Companies. Now America's engineering industry is engaged in a daily effort to improve the lives of every American, but how they go about doing that work is just as important as the work itself, which really brings us to today's topic - the importance of ethics in business and the role of compliance and how that plays in corporate success.Host:And I'm really pleased to be joined by my guest today. Tom Topolski. He's the Executive Vice President for Infrastructure Business Development at Parsons. In his role, Tom oversees efforts to achieve top and bottom line growth by identifying market opportunities to extend Parsons' infrastructure portfolio. And really what sets Tom apart from many of his peers in the industry is - especially in business development - is the fact that he is also a Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional and serves on Parsons' ethics committee.Host:And that is interesting in itself. But beyond that, Parsons for the 11th year running was just named one of Ethisphere's most ethical companies in the world. And it's not a small, small honor. It's something that is, that is very, very competitive and very highly sought after. So 11 years in a row, first time Parsons has won it as a public company. And it's great to have Tom on the show today to talk about the award and also just kind of the outlook that the company has on ethics, compliance, you know, business practices and why it's so important for the engineering industry and why it just helps, you know, accentuate what we do. So, Tom, thank you for being on.Tom Topolski:Jeff, thank you very much for having me. It's a pleasure to be here. Yeah, it's just great to have the opportunity to talk to you about this.Host:Could you tell us a little bit about what you, what you do at Parsons?Tom Topolski:Well, as you mentioned, I'm the Executive Vice President for Strategy and Business Development across our critical infrastructure business. So that includes all modes of critical infrastructure. It's highway, bridge, rail and transit, aviation ports and marine, smart cities, intelligent transportation systems. You know, the gamut of - Parsons is very much a full service company providing services from the conceptual planning feasibility studies through to design, construction, asset management.Host:So really it's that whole infrastructure portfolio that you cover.Tom Topolski:Right, and solutions. And I think why ethics and compliance is really important in that space too is people take it for granted, right? But everybody uses some form of transportation to get where they are today, Right?Host:Exactly.Tom Topolski:We serve hundreds of millions of people when you think about it in terms of the infrastructure, right? Whether it's people driving on our roads using our bridges, riding on the Metro system, using an airport. And so there's a lot of public trust that's put into making sure those structures are designed properly, they're constructed properly and that they're safe.Host:Absolutely. I mean Parsons is an international company. You do business around the world. You have about 10,000 employees, I think is...Host:16,000 employees.Tom Topolski:How, how important is it to drill the message down of doing business in an ethical way, especially when you're dealing with other countries that have different rules and regulations and practices on business?Tom Topolski:Well, Jeff, let me give you a couple of good examples. I was running our business in the middle East for a number of years and I can give you two examples that is, that I'm particularly proud of and I've always used these as ethics and compliance moments when we start meetings and so forth. In one case there was a country in the middle East after nine 11 that they started to surveil communications. And they were basically looking to see if there was money laundering going on for any terrorism activities, things like that. I don't know if they ever found that, but what they did find was a very large corruption scheme at one of the public works authorities. And what I'm proud of without going into a lot of details is that our company was the only one in our peer group, our company that not even had anyone questioned.Tom Topolski:So what that told me, I mean, every one of our other competitors either had their managing directors deported, put in jail, people were questioned top to bottom, but we weren't even questioned. So what that said to me was not only did we have the tone at the top correct, but it was the mood in the middle and the buzz at the bottom as they say in the compliance industry, that it was in our DNA, that we didn't get involved in any of those kinds of activities. Another example was in a, in the middle East was when we participated in a design competition and we spent a lot of money on that. When you're doing a design competition, you have to come up with the concept design, the architecture of it and so forth. As the procurement proceeded, we and I was called to a meeting with the director of the public works department. At that time I realized that it was not going to be a transparent procurement and essentially said that we would withdraw from the competition. And again, what's important wasn't my decision on that. But when I called the president of our global business unit, I had full support. It wasn't like, Tom, are you crazy? Get back in, you know, I have the full support. And so again, it's a culture right top to bottom. Everybody knows to do the right thing. And I think that's one of the things that's always differentiated Parsons in the industry.Host:For our members. I mean we have firms of varying sizes. We have, you know, of course, solo to small practitioners all the way up to Parsons and your peers in the international space. And we had one of our executive committee members on a couple programs ago when he was talking about leadership. He's the, he's the chairman of another firm out of Michigan. And he, he was really talking about the need to kind of drill down through all the layers to try to get a when he was talking about business, it's more of the vision, strategic vision. And I guess it's the same for really an ethics and compliance program.Tom Topolski:Let me give you another good example of how you apply that and how you build up the client trust. Also going back to the middle East, and this is about 18 or 20 years ago. So it's not a new thing with Parsons. It's been in our DNA I think really since the inception of the company. But in Dubai when there was just massive construction going on, well and it's continued, we introduced the concept of integral abutment bridges. And so by doing that, we reduce the cost of bridge construction by about 50% with reduced quantities, which we demonstrated. But more importantly to it was the life cycle cost. Because when you're using integral abutments, you eliminate the need for the expansion joints and the bearings in most cases. So from a life cost, from a maintenance cost is greatly reduced. Now in doing that and why this is important is our design was on a percentage of constructed value. So we actually reduced our design fee by doing that quite substantially. But the client could obviously see what we were doing. We earned the trust and ultimately ended up with a tremendous amount of market share because they knew they could count on Parsons to do the right thing and you know, create the most efficient and effective design for them considering life cycle.Host:Absolutely. Yeah. As a lasting effort if you can prove that you're doing things right.Tom Topolski:Yeah. And especially where you're really, again, you're using it, it's the public trust, right. And it's using money in the public interest. And so if you can demonstrate that you're using that, those funds again for the beneficial purpose of the project, delivering it as efficiently as you can. I do think that no better way to gain trust.Host:Yeah, absolutely. And an award like Ethisphere is, like I said, it's a, it's a sought after award. Some of the most recognizable brands in the world are our recipients. And you are just one of, I think one of two engineering firms that actually were named. And what does that mean for your role in business development to be able to go out to potential clients to potential markets and be able to say, you know, we were able to achieve this thing.Tom Topolski:I think it means a lot. It's a, it's a huge differentiator. And I think what adds to that is that we've done it 11 years in a row. So it shows that we, it's not just something that we've decided to do because it was seen as something that was important in a given year. No, it demonstrates, I think, the ongoing commitment that just like our commitment to health and safety, environment, quality, sustainability, innovation, all of those core values, integrity, ethics and compliance is central to the way that we conduct ourselves, the way we do our business. And it is, it's it, yeah. As you know, very well winning the Ethisphere recognition. It's, it's not an easy task. I mean, there, it is a very rigorous process. So it demonstrates the commitment amongst all the 16,000 of my peers. Yeah. Yeah.Host:And from your position, both as a certified ethics professional and then also on the on on the ethics committee at Parsons for if you were, if there was a firm there that was looking to either revise or to strengthen its own compliance program and you know, what, what are some of the top things they should keep in mind if they were to do that?Tom Topolski:Great question Jeff. And I think because I've seen the other side of it, of firms that really haven't had quite the same commitment that Parsons has always had. I believe having someone, for example, I and indeed I may be the only a business development professional in our peer group who has a CCPI. But what it does is it demonstrates to the larger population the commitment that ethics and compliance is not here as a police force or an enforcement. No, it's rather we are here working with you to address concerns. You may have to address questions. You may have to ensure that we're imparting what it means to do business with integrity.Tom Topolski:You know, to have the highest commitment to ethics. So having people from the business to, so for example, having me on the ethics committee, I know what it's like to run the business. I know what it's like to pursue with a procurement processes like or challenges come up so I can add a lot of value rather than just having somebody on the ethics and compliance compliance side who hasn't necessarily been in the operation. So we on the committee, we have two other of my colleagues. We have the EVP for corporate operations and then we also have a VP for corporate compliance operations. So it's a very tight group. We interact with each other on a daily basis, reviewing questions that come up, cases that come up. And the other thing that I always try to do too is I get the FCPA blog.Tom Topolski:I don't know if you've ever heard of it. And so what I do is I share the FCPA blog, not all the time because then it's overload and people can look out of this perfunctory. But I give a good example when there was a Houston Astros scandal with the, with the cheating and the world series, and there was some articles about that and the FCPA blog. I was really delighted actually about the amount of dialogue that came out once I forwarded that article. And people expressed personal, very passionate stories about how it affected them because they were Houston Astros fans and so forth. But it's in that way, I believe that you build up the culture and people recognize, look, I need to not only do this from my peers, I need to do it for myself. Right? I mean, can you imagine if you had a compliance issue, right?Tom Topolski:And you had to, you know, you had to, you lost your job or worse, you had, maybe you, you know, had a criminal case against you. How do you face your family, your friends, you know it's you never get your reputation back after something like that.Host:And kind of a shameless plug for our webinars, but we actually do have a webinar available that, that focuses on FCPA compliance. Bill Steinman who contributes to the FCPA blog, actually, it actually held that webinar. So that's up there for members. If you want to go take a look, that's the foreign corrupt practices act. Of course that's more international work. Of course. But still, you know it's a body of law, which is the DOJ is doing a lot to enforce increasingly. SoTom Topolski:Just like to let people know if they didn't know I last year in 2019, it was a record year for DOD DOJ enforcement of the FCPA violations, $2.6 billion dollars. So you know, even when we always talk about health and safety, of course the overall overarching objective is to make sure everybody goes home at least as healthy or more healthy than they were when they started out. But the same but the results. So of course the financial impact of it, right? Cause you don't want workman's compensation claims and so forth. Same thing with ethics and compliance. We want to do things the right way, but there is I, if you look in our peer group of all the firms that have either gone out of business or have become acquired that aren't on the map, firms that have had compliance issues tend to not survive it.Tom Topolski:You know, because the fines are steep. Then you tack on the legal costs associated with that, the lost opportunity costs. It can kill the firm and you need to think about, you know, the jobs lost reputational issues.Host:It's not an add on. It has to be a core business practice.Tom Topolski:Yeah, you can't. And again, that's why you know, it is kind of glib to say tone at the top, mood in the middle, buzz at the bottom. But, but the point of that is, is to really drive home to everybody that it has to be in the DNA and that people can't just give a wink and a nod. You really, you have to believe it. You have to. And that's what's wonderful about Parsons too. It's always, you know, I've been with the company 12 years, over two stents and I missed the company while I was away because I did miss that really strong commitment. But I've always seen it from the earliest days I was with the company through to today right from our chairman, our board all the way through to people out in the field. People take it seriously and and believe in it. And you can feel that.Host:Yeah. Well I wanna I want to take advantage of your expertise also in business development because some, some wider industry questions because we always try to get a handle on where things are trending and wanted to get an idea from you from your perspective looking at the infrastructure space and and, and where do you think technology is taking us? Where do you think the, you know, the next 10 years lays for firms or the industry doing work in the public sector? And, and you know, where's technology going? What's Parson's kind of looking at? How are you positioning yourselves?Tom Topolski:Great question. I, I liked it. Well, first of all, I, what I always say to people too, I feel very fortunate to be in this business at this time because I think it's the most exciting time in our industry and probably over a hundred years. And you know, if you really look back, it was just over a hundred years ago that automobiles started to really take hold and have mass you know, ownership and replace the horse and buggy. And I think that right now the opportunities are immense. I liked it. I think Parsons with our focus on technology, our focus on innovation, always our quest for doing things better. You know, making it things more efficient and effective position us where the nexus between the traditional infrastructure, which we had been doing for over 75 years and technology enabled infrastructure. You look at construction, you're going to more modular construction, you're going to drones, robotics, you know, for example, if it's signaling in a subway system, right?Tom Topolski:It's easier to have a robot go into some of those confined spaces than put people at risk. It's more efficient. And you know, again, sometimes there's labor shortages as well. So I think you'll begin to see more robotics in some ways, scheduling and programming, artificial intelligence coming into play. But I think some of the big transitions are, you know, you look at the smartphone, right? 10 years ago, if I held out a smartphone and said, you're going to be able to do your banking on that, you're going to be able to call a taxi on that. You're getting kind of all your videos, your music on that. You'd say you're crazy, right? Yeah. But think of the disruption that the smart phone has had on so many different industries, right? So I think Uber and Lyft are the first stage of getting us to connected and autonomous vehicles.Tom Topolski:Now, right now, the impact is more traffic, but the convenience factor of Uber and Lyft, it took hold immediately, right? I mean, people adapted to that. They're willing to spend a little bit more money for the convenience and comfort. So the next step, and I think where we'll begin to really realize the benefits is when we do have the adoption of more autonomous vehicles. And I don't think that that's that far away. And I think the combination of that with electric vehicles as well is going to be transformational. And then a lot of it, what we, I always like to say I'm an airport is really a city with runways. And so I think that's another place where you can incubate a lot of the smart cities technologies that you can then more broadly apply across two cities and States. And so it's an exciting time for us.Tom Topolski:And I think I'm, I'm delighted to be with Parsons because I think with the technology we have, we're incredibly well positioned to capitalize on the trends and shape the trends. In fact, absolutely. I think that, that, that sentiment is shared that technology is going to unlock a whole host of new opportunities for the industry regardless of size. Well, just as an example to think about airports, again going back there, you know, if you look at manufacturing and if you ever watch a manufacturing floor, most of that has robotics, right? Whether it's bringing parts, whatever, you know it's a very, very automated. If you look at the air side in particular, there's no reason why a lot of those activities couldn't be automated that are now you know, where you have people driving around on your, so from a safety factor and efficiency factor to automate the air side, I think we're not far away from something like that.Host:Yeah. And that's, that's something which from a policy side ACEC has been working with the airports is the facility charge. It's getting that increased so that airports can look to make investments in physical plant.Tom Topolski:We hope to work with ACEC on the land side as well because I think there is a massive opportunities for them.Host:Without question, without question. We've got, we have a, we have a great opportunity for a, for a long term and substantial infrastructure bill and hopefully one that does take advantage of policy and policy pro projects and, and, and kind of test beds for bringing a lot of this from, from the drawing boards in the reality.Tom Topolski:And, and Jeff, I think what we need to do, you talked about policy and funding and I think what we really hope to do working with the AECC in concert is, is ring fencing the funding because sometimes it, it, it's we don't have that consistent funding, right?Tom Topolski:We're always sort of wondering, is a transportation bill going to be passed? Is there enough funding? Is chasing our tail in one way. And so consequently, if you look and you compare us globally, we've fallen behind and our infrastructure is in pretty dire shape. So we really need that focus and making sure that the funding is there, that it's consistent and allows us to really do her job and deliver infrastructure that again, will serve millions of people every day. Without fail. Yeah. And that's one of the things we always take to the Hill when we have meetings is, you know, our industry are a bunch of problem solvers. We know there's a problem and there's a solution and the solution just has to involve longterm predictive, sustainable funding to actually get this stuff done. Think about it, right? You look at, I don't know if you're aware, but the average travel speed in Manhattan during peak commute hours is about four and a half miles an hour.Tom Topolski:Okay. So think of the economic impact that has where you can't move people and goods effectively and efficiently. So this is a, it's things like that and there are ways to solve it. And I do think technology is going to end up being a big part of improving congestion.Host:Well it's, I think we should a good place to leave it off there. I'd love to have you back on the program later. We can kind of expand on this and maybe get into specific areas of infrastructure that have great promise. But again Tom Topolski, thank you so much for being onto the show on the show today with us. Talking about ethics compliance. Congratulations on the award. We'll have a link to that in the show notes and again just great having you on and thank you so much.Tom Topolski:Jeff, It's been my pleasure. Thanks for having me. 

Episode Summary: If you have ever experienced an unforeseen trial and wondered how God could possibly use it for good, then this episode is the perfect show for you. I talk with my guest, Gina Kelly, about how God can use the absolute worst circumstances in our life for good and for His glory. My guest today experienced a significant tragedy as a young child that threatened her life. Doctors expected her to either die, or to have significant brain injury and to never walk or talk again. You’ll want to hear her story and what she learned about God’s faithfulness. Even in our most difficult circumstances, God can use them to comfort others who are going through difficult trials. During those times, God will show us how He can be trusted. Children can be so cruel to other children who are different in some way, but when we can maintain our faith in God, they will come to see that and admire it. And God will bring circumstances in our lives to help us value our own differences. Furthermore, God will use our differences for His glory. God truly does give beauty for ashes, and what the enemy intends for harm, God will use for good. Sometimes God uses our adversity to help us learn that He can be trusted. Ultimately God has to be our source of hope, and our source of peace, and our source of confidence. The enemy is defeated by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. So our testimony has the power to impact the lives of others. Quotables from the episode: God is big enough and patient enough to handle our reactions to our trials. Healing often starts when others love on us and speak truth into our lives. God will use our differences for His glory. God truly does give beauty for ashes, and what the enemy intends for harm, God will use for good. Sometimes God uses our adversity to help us learn that He can be trusted. Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Recommended Resources: Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award The Faithfulness of God Our God is Greater God Will See You Through Trusting God in Hard Times -7 Lessons Learned About Gina Kelly Gina Latta Kelly is wife to her husband Brian, and mother to her two teenagers, Joy and Joseph. She works as a pediatric physical therapist in an outpatient clinic and also does some contract work in a cyber school system where she lives in south central Pennsylvania. She served as a missionary in Peru, South America prior to getting married. Gina says she still feels as if she left a piece of her heart in Peru with the families she worked with when she was there. Gina loves to be active and breaking boards in TaeKwonDo is one of her favorite ways to spend a Friday night. Gina and her family serve in their church by teaching the 4 and 5-year-old Sunday School class. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book HopePrevails /  Website  /  Blog  / Facebook / Facebook Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn /  Instagram  / Pinterest / YouTube  

Engineering Influence welcomes Adam Klatzkin, who is vice president, business development - iTwin Services at Bentley Systems, to talk about digital twin technology and its accelerating impact on the engineering industry.Host: Hi, this is Gerry Donohue with ACEC with another episode of the Engineering Influence podcast. One of the most exciting technological developments in the A/E/C space in recent years has been the digital twin and Bentley Systems is a leader in this field. To learn more about it, we're talking today with Adam Klatzkin who is Bentley’s Vice President, Business Development - iTwin Services. His team is responsible for the firm's digital twin cloud services for enterprise infrastructure engineering. Welcome, Mr. Klatzkin. How are you?Adam Klatzkin: Great, thanks for having me, Gerry. I'm excited to be here today and to talk to you about digital twins.Host:Great. So, so to give me and the listeners a firm foundation into what we're talking about, what exactly is a digital twin?Adam Klatzkin: So to try to very simply describe it as a digital asset that you can trust represents a physical asset as it exists today. And typically they are joined together and kept in sync. So you can leverage the digital twin to understand what's happening with the real-world assets in real-time; to have visibility into the real-world asset without having to leave an office; to collaborate easier around it and more effectively with distributed teams or stakeholders; and ultimately to make more informed decisions that lead to better performance. It might be a better project performance if you're designing or constructing the asset. It might be better operational performance if the asset already exists. But that, that's the end goal and the value to come out of it. I'll also mention that of course as a twin that relationship is in and should be symbiotic between the digital and physical assets.Adam Klatzkin: You can imagine this continuous feedback loop of sorts. The analysis and insights that happen within the digital twin become actions and interventions that feedback to the physical asset and result in outcomes or changes the feedback to the digital twin. And that cycle just continues. And there are lessons to be learned in mind and the impacts of decisions that are made along the way can be digitally captured. So ultimately an organization that leverages digital twins is not only going to reduce costs and risks for a single asset, but that digital transformation can allow them to optimize performance across an entire portfolio and future projects as well based on the lessons that have been learned.Host: Well, that's, that's quite comprehensive. To take it down to just a single project, for example, a bridge, how would an engineering firm use a digital twin in the design and construction of a bridge?Adam Klatzkin: So that's it's a great question, but to answer it honestly, I'd like to start with kind of the ugly truth and challenge some of the ugly truths and challenges of an infrastructure digital twin for any type of engineering project--a bridge being one--to better understand what you would need and how you would work with it. So the concept of digital twins isn't new. It has been used in manufacturing for years, but why haven't they really been adopted in infrastructure? One ugly truth is the data. Engineering projects tend to have massive amounts of data. We've seen bridge projects that have multiple design tools in play by trade or discipline. There are modeling tools, geotechnical, structural, beyond just the design tools. There's are tools for and data for analytics and simulations, scheduling, resource management. The list goes on.Adam Klatzkin: All of that data is siloed. It's all typically understood by a single application or expert users and not available in other contexts. Even worse, engineering projects have tons of change in them and that change is relentless. It's the nature of an engineering project. If there wasn't change happening, then the project isn't progressing. So that's one ugly truth. The data is a mess. The second is, no one vendor could ever provide a digital twin that was locked into their ecosystem. If we consider that bridge example and I said there are many different tools in play, we've seen many projects that use a combination of Bentley products and our competitors. There may be AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bentley OpenRoads, Bentley OpenBridge Designer. All may be used on the same project and others as well.Adam Klatzkin: So even get started with it a digital twin or even get started a digital print platform is needed to address those ugly truths. And that platform needs to be able to align and federate data together with all this data coming from those many different vendors. And the platform can't just handle the relentless change but it has to leverage it to provide better change management and insights based on the impacts of changes that are occurring. So Bentley has introduced a platform that addresses these challenges, iModel.js. That's our foundational development platform and iTwin services, which is our commercial offering built on the platform. And our philosophy around this is openness, open in every regard, open to any tool by any vendor, any repository where data may reside. And we've even open-sourced the platform itself.Adam Klatzkin: So to come back to that example of the bridge digital twin platform, addressing those challenges and context to a bridge. You would consider that they'd be very early on in planning. The most important thing to understand for the engineering team through the twin would be the physical location, the site where that bridge is going to be designed, engineered, ultimately constructed. So reality capture could be used via drones to establish a 3D-mesh. That's one example. There are other ways to get reality data too. That could be combined together with map data, terrain data, and all brought together in the context of a digital twin that is the basis and leveraged for planning. This gives anyone at any location access to the true site conditions. Those drones can be flown as often as necessary to keep that digital twin. That's just a reality model right now, continuously surveyed and synchronized. And now as design and engineering progresses, the files that are created from design tools today, they'll likely reside in a connected data environment like ProjectWise, Bentley’s offering there.Adam Klatzkin: And connections are established between the digital twin and the files in the connected data environment, the design files, through things that we happen to call bridges, an overloaded term in this context, but they are also the bridges that bridge data from the connected data environment into the twin. They understand the native formats that are in play in all those silos. They detect changes as those changes occur. They make those changes available in the digital twin and they align all of that disparate data together into a single digital representation of that physical bridge that you're engineering. And as these changes come into the twin, because as I said relentless change, as they come into the twin, the twin itself can validate the trustworthiness of that data through data quality services. And this is all automated, validated against codes and standards and whatever other rules the engineering team might want to dream up as well.Adam Klatzkin: Immediately the engineering team can start recognizing the benefits through workflows such as integrated coordination and design reviews where they've got all of the richness of not just having the mirror of what they're designing against the physical reality, but understanding what has changed across all this disparate data that's been aligned together. What changed? When did it change? Why? Where? They can do clash detection against that continuously up-to-date twin and they can do issue resolution. So you get all those benefits in easy web-based accessibility without requiring any installed software. They can make it available to clients for communication to the public stakeholders or whoever else may need access as well.Adam Klatzkin: And then they can start to introduce connections to other systems and information, like for instance, maybe there's a risk register or database in play, hazards and such, that they can connect that information into the digital twin and have it for visual sharing and, and recognition. They can run simulations against the digital twin. They can run insights and analytics to understand, "Okay, with these changes that occurred over the last period of time since our last coordinated design review, what's the impact of those changes on our costs, on our schedule, on risks," and have those dashboards recognized through the twin. But most importantly, as they go through this entire process, it's not intended to be disruptive. Those engineers and designers are still using the tools and the systems that they use today, they get the added benefit of the twin at being complementary to those systems where everything's being brought together for those integrated workflows.Host: And just so I understand, right? So if the contractor is using a different system it would automate whenever they input something into their system, it would automatically move over into the Bentley iTwin system and be available to everyone else on the teamAdam Klatzkin: That is absolutely correct. Of course, it does have to be configured that way. But that's correct.Host: So there's really no extra work. There's no extra inputting. Anything you input into your own system if everything's configured correctly works its way into the twin automatically.Adam Klatzkin: Not disruptive. No extra manual intervention. No duplication of data.Host: So you mentioned earlier that one of the reasons why digital twins haven't really made it deeply into the engineering industry so far has been just the huge amounts of data. How far and how deeply into the industry have twins come? Have you a lot of clients out there? A lot of potential?Adam Klatzkin: There are a lot of clients, a lot of potential. There is no doubt. It is an emerging technology. Anecdotally I can tell you there isn't a single firm that I or our teams here I've spoken with, that isn't exploring or implementing their digital twin strategy. But there's also some interesting third-party research showing that the digital twin market in very short order is actually going to surpass that of BIM. Now, that doesn't mean BIM is going away. It has incredible value and that the market is going to continue to grow at a respectable rate, but digital twins don't replace it. They complement it. They advance it. And they enable further digital transformation. The use of cases, workflows, benefits are much more unbounded in a digital twin than they are in BIM, which is a static file representation at a moment in time.Adam Klatzkin: Those projections and that research show that in 2024, the BIM market size will be $13.2 billion in U. S. dollars with an 18% growth rate. While in 2025, they're skewed by a year, the digital twin market will be $29.1 billion with a 37% growth rate. If you look at the charts, it's amazing where they intersect and the rate at which digital twins continues to grow. As for today's adoption and initiatives that are out there, again, this independent research, not by Bentley, is showing that of all the digital twin initiatives that they've surveyed, about 16% of those are being driven by engineering and engineering firms; 33% of them are being driven by operations and owners; and the remainder of those initiatives are being driven by supply chain, finance and others.Adam Klatzkin: So it is definitely skewed right now towards owners and operators driving it, but there's a significant drive within engineering services firms directly. Leading the way by industry penetration of digital twins is transportation. They have the most, again in the same survey, they have the most digital twin projects that are implemented, budgeted or planned within the next three years. Transportation is definitely a leader and that seems to be followed closely by plant design, particularly oil and gas and chemical and then metals and mining.Host: All, all those things you mentioned are big, big projects, a big infrastructure project, a big factory project. Is there some sort of size limitation for when a digital twin is effective or either affordable or can you do it on a small project as well as a big project?Adam Klatzkin: From our perspective, the commercial model scales. It's not an inhibitor for any size project. And the benefits certainly apply to all ranges as well. But as far as penetration in the market, those were the areas that seem to see the most activity underway, the industries and types of assets that see the most activity underway right now.Host: When I was reading about this in the stuff that Bentley's written about digital twins, a statement that came up that sort of struck me was that a digital twin is a connection of data sources. Would you talk about that?Adam Klatzkin: Or, yeah. If we go back to those ugly truths that I mentioned earlier. A project or asset may have different sources of truth for information. That source of truth may be some bespoke database, it may be an enterprise database and maybe a design file. It may be a connected data environment involved that is a collection of those sources of truth of information. A digital twin should not be a source of truth. It's a view of truth. You can also look at it at a single pane of glass. That's another descriptive term we like to use. The digital twin needs to be a federation of all the relevant information and data sources wherever they reside, brought together into this single pane of glass. It would be a losing proposition to say that data needed to move somewhere else in order to create a digital twin and, and we chatted about that earlier in this discussion as well.Adam Klatzkin: Generally, we're talking about three types of data sources across an asset life cycle and the connections that might be formed: ET, IT and OT. Data coming from engineering technologies, informational technologies, and operational technologies. The digital twin needs to federate all of this to make information easily accessible in that single pane of glass for immersive visualization, for analytics, for improved decision making. So those are the types of connections and data sources that we're we're talking about. And, you know, just to give you some examples, engineering is definitely obvious, but we say OT operational data, we're talking about data coming from IOT feeds, sensors, cameras, etc. And informational or IT data, we're talking about data coming from asset registries, maintenance records and inspection records, and such.Host: For a digital twin to work, does everyone have to be playing the game or can a team work if one member doesn't play?Adam Klatzkin: So, sure it can work if one member doesn't play. I guess it depends on the team you're referring to. Are you referring to the engineering team? Which team do you have in mind?Host: The project team, I guess would be, with all the different players that need to collaborate. To go back to our earlier example, to build a bridge, if one of the designers or one of the constructors decides not to play, can it still work?Adam Klatzkin: It can still work. The value is only going to be great as the data that has been federated into the twin. So, if there are members that are keeping data out of it. There will be constraints on maximizing the value of all of the asset data in creating that digital representation of a physical thing you're trying to design and build. But it's absolutely still viable. And actually, our premise is to get started easily and quickly with the data you have at hand. There are use cases that can be developed out around it and you'll recognize more value as more data is connected into the system.Host: Another thing that that you had in your documents, which was sort of an intriguing statement, was that opportunity and optimism are the value that a digital twin can bring to the infrastructure industry. I was struck by the word optimism as well as opportunity. What are you saying there?Adam Klatzkin: We're seeing digital twins really present a new business opportunity for engineering services firms that have been exciting, exciting to us and exciting to them. And I say this anecdotally, from the many conversations I and our teams here have had with these accounts. We're talking to many that see it as a way to create new business opportunities and to deal with challenges such as an aging workforce, the labor shortage, shrinking profit margins, etc. There's an opportunity not just to do things more effectively and efficiently, but also an opportunity to create a new business model where they start delivering digital twin services to clients and therefore expand more into operations and maintenance, particularly from a data perspective. So to create that digital twin hand it over, but also maintain it into the future because it doesn't magically maintain itself.Adam Klatzkin: There's effort involved in curating and continuing to grow the connections of information that may be accessible or pop up over time into this digital twin. So these firms are looking at the opportunity to kind of maximize the value of all of the owner's data into operations, provide digital leadership and transformation to the owner during operations. And they're really focused on following that data and maximizing the value of it over the entire asset life cycle. Pace pays dividends for the entire life of that asset. And the reality is somebody is going to do this. As I said, 33% of the penetration to date is being driven by owners. They're interested. So someone is going to do it. Who else is better situated than the engineering firms that have created the content. They understand the data best. It really distinguishes them from a run-of-the-mill systems integrator that's going to raise their hand and fill that void if nobody else is there to do it. So that is what is generating a lot of the opportunity and optimism around the value of digital twins beyond just the efficiencies that they'll introduce to existing processes in engineering.Host: And I would think another benefit of that would be you're maintaining the relationship with that client after the project is over. And that maintaining that relationship opens you up for potential business opportunities with that client in the long term.Adam Klatzkin: Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes.Host: For firms looking to use a digital twin, Bentley recommends being flexible. What do you mean by being flexible in this context?Adam Klatzkin: There are certainly multiple perspectives from which to look at flexibility. One is we have to recognize that digital twins are emerging technology. This is not a mature solution that's been in the market for years. This is something that is being developed at cloud speed at the moment. And that comes with the recognition that change is going to happen quickly. The services that Bentley is pushing out, this isn't an old school product that's going through monolithic releases once a year. We're pushing out new functionality on a regular basis, fixes and new functionality. So there has to be flexibility from an organization's perspective in how to keep on top and to learn and to increase their maturity with this technology as new capabilities are introduced. So flexibility to learn and pick up quickly what's coming out.Adam Klatzkin: The second aspect I'd say for flexibility is in the use cases, scenarios and connections that you may establish and use. The digital twin is a Swiss army knife of sorts, so there are different things that you could consider and benefits that could be recognized and you should have flexibility in continuously evaluating those and your benefits over time. The third is, as I said earlier, we have an open-source platform for digital twins that we call iModel js. It's a development platform. Many engineering firms have their own in-house development teams, and if you do, so you should have the flexibility in those teams, evaluating the platform, leveraging how you might develop out automation integrations to bespoke systems or other systems if you have them, and new tooling you could add, even creating your own IP around the digital twin using this platform.Adam Klatzkin: And then the last thing I'll say about flexibility is it's great to have a vision and a long-term plan, but don't focus on conquering the world from day one. You can get started quickly and easily with a digital twin on some scenarios and use cases that will bring immediate benefits. Find those lighthouse projects, get started, and understand the technology. And the long-term plan will certainly come out of that. But as this technology is emerging, things are going to change and you have to have the flexibility to adapt.Host: In talking about this technology changing, you used the term "cloud speed." It's a rapidly changing technology. Where do you see it going in the next few years, beyond growing rapidly?Adam Klatzkin: I'm most excited about is the potential, if I hone in on one, is the potential for machine learning. The amount of data that will be collected within the digital twin, due to all of the changes, everything that's being connected into the digital twin is going to make it very easy to take some things that may previously have required a lot of manual effort and to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning in order to do those. Particularly I'm interested in the lessons learned that can be gleaned from a portfolio of projects and applying those to future projects. Identifying trends and patterns that resulted in mistakes or cost increases or safety incidents and leveraging machine learning to flag future projects as those types of scenarios come up again and to flag those in advance and provide early indicators.Adam Klatzkin: But there is tons of opportunity for machine learning against this technology. That's certainly an area where I see this going in the next few years and it's going to add tremendous value. And the last thing I'll add there is, going back to the previous question on flexibility and where this is moving, it is incredibly important to get started quickly. Because there are many organizations that have already adopted. And if you have concerns and decide to let others lead the way and figure it out before you do, you're going to be left behind. And the potential business implications and benefits of changing business models around digital twins, if you miss the mark there, it could be catastrophic for your firm. So I really encourage everyone to start taking a look at digital twins, find that low hanging fruit, find those lighthouse projects and get started now.Host: Well, I would agree with you after having listened to what these are and learning so much. It seems to me to be the future. I really appreciate your taking the time to speak with us. Thank you so much. 

Episode Summary: Holidays are a busy time, and we experience an increase in stress, commitments, and chaos. But what we really want is to be able to experience the holiday joy while keeping our peace. Today we’re going to discuss some practical ways to keep our peace during the holiday season. Don’t we all desire a more peaceful holiday season? From November first until the decorations come down sometime in January, and then the credit card bills start coming in, stress and anxiety rise and with it, our peace dwindles. What a shame when the reason for the holiday is the celebration of the Prince of Peace What if I told you that you really can let go of some of the anxiety and overwhelm of the holiday season with some simple ways to create a more peaceful holiday season? It’s true. I’ve been there, and have been so grateful for making some simple changes so that I could celebrate from a peaceful place. You can too as you read about ways to create a more peaceful holiday season. Sometimes we go into the holidays with expectations we have of ourselves, expectations we have of others, and feeling the weight of expectations others have of us. After my mother died, I felt the weight of being the new matriarch of the family, and the pressure to do things the way my mother had done it. But over time, I realized that living up to those spoken or unspoken expectations was stealing my peace and joy during a time when the commercials and Hallmark movies tell us should be the most wonderful time of the year. 1. It’s so crucial that we remember who the source of our peace is. If we were to really understand the nature of God, not only would we not have to worry about peace, but all the other worldly concerns we have would go away. Jesus came not just as our savior, but also the Prince of Peace. In my newest book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises,” one of the chapters talks about “God Is” our peace. We sacrifice our peace when we take our eyes off God and put our focus on the circumstances going on around us.   A regular discipline of spending time with God and in His word, will remind us of who we are in Him. During the holiday season before you do any of the holiday tasks, take a moment, stop where you are and mentally go through the list of who you are and who the source of your peace is.  When we realize how much God cares for us, and the fact that nothing takes Him by surprise, we can rest in His peace. One way to remember the source of peace, is remembering Jesus only had three years on this earth to complete his heavenly mission, his kingdom assignment. Yet, we never saw Jesus running from appointment to appointment. He walked everywhere, and He walked at the pace God set for Him. We sacrifice our peace because we make a long list of to do’s that we think we must get done each day. We can get caught up in anxiety when we think of all the demands we put on ourselves. Yet Jesus said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. What if we started off the day asking God what HE wants us to do today? We’ve been invited to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. It’s something we get to do. Sometimes the most important thing on our agenda is seeing the people around us. 2. It’s important to assess and reduce our expectations on ourselves and others. We can try so hard to buy the perfect gift, to cook the perfect meal, or set the most elegant dinner table. But we cannot control how others will respond to our best efforts. In the familiar story about Jesus visiting Mary and Martha, I’m grateful that Jesus didn’t say that what Martha was doing wasn’t important. In fact, scripture said that Martha was doing the preparations that needed to be done. But Martha sacrificed her peace by worrying about all the details, whereas Mary kept her peace because she made Jesus her priority. Too often we continue rituals and traditions because we feel like that’s what is expected of us. But when we do, we sacrifice our peace. We want to spend time around the table not focused on the details, but on creating memories for our families to enjoy. Quotables from the episode: To enjoy a more peaceful holiday season, it’s crucial that we remember the source of our peace. Sometimes we preach the loudest just by taking time for the person in front of us. To enjoy a more peaceful holiday season, It’s important to assess and reduce our expectations on ourselves and others. Scripture References: Isaiah 9:6 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Luke 10:40-42 “But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Recommended Resources:  “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N Breaking Anxiety’s Grip free study guide https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip-study-guide/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host:  http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and the award winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study” and the soon to be released “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” (Sept 2019). She has been a board certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to help others be all God created them to be. Using sound practical tools, she affirms worth and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of thirty-two years have two teenage sons and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com and is on most social media platforms. She is also a popular podcast show host of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson” at https://apple.co/2madPRo Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary: I’ve got some exciting news to share with my listeners and readers this week! So many of you have asked for it, and it’s finally here! We’re announcing the soon to be released book that YOU asked me to write, to help you in your struggles with worry, fear, and anxiety. Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises will be released by Baker Revell on September 17, 2019. This book is truly a gift from my heart. It was written with you in mind, much like my first book, “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression”, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip is written from a dual perspective of a doctor who has treated thousands of patients with anxiety, and as a fellow sufferer. As I began to really research for this book, however, God revealed to me that worry, fear, and anxiety are not our portion; peace is. He came to give us peace.  In Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, I share what worry, fear, and anxiety are, where they come from, and what tools we can use to conquer them. I want to encourage you to go pre-order the book now because we have some amazing pre-order bonuses bundled together to give you for free to everyone who pre-orders before September 16, 2019. We are offering digital downloads of the Fear No More Declaration, 3 Beautiful word art prints, 3 fun adult coloring pages, the Spotify link that includes all the songs included in the Recommended Play List at the end of every chapter. The pre-order bundle also includes a digital download of an original painting by Emily Curiak titled “The Price of Peace,” as well as the digital download of Recover: Rest, Relax, Revive, and Rejuvenate playlist with 6 originally composed piano tracks by award-winning composer, producer, and pianist Jamar Jones. In coming weeks, we’ll talk more about worry, fear, and anxiety: what is it, where does it come from, and what do we do about it. But for now, I just wanted to share this exciting news and invite you to come along on the journey with me. Quotables from the episode: We all struggle with worry, fear, and anxiety to some degree, and we’ve come to accept it as normal; that’s why it’s considered the common cold of mental illness. Worry, fear, and anxiety are not your portion, peace is.  Scripture References: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:23 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 KJ "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 Recommended Resources: https://drmichellebengtson.com/announcing-breaking-anxietys-grip/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/breaking-anxietys-grip/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/pre-order/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/15-bible-verses-when-you-need-peace/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-control-worry-fear-and-anxiety-to-keep-your-peace/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/keeping-peace-when-life-falls-apart/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/scriptures-combat-worry-fear-anxiety/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/talk-back-to-anxiety/ “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson https://amzn.to/2ZSTP4N “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46 Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Dr. Michelle Bengtson About Dr. Bengtson Dr. Bengtson studied neuroscience and is board certified in clinical neuropsychology. She established her own clinical practice in the Dallas area. From her professional and personal life, she recognized a deep lack of understanding of the call to “renew our minds” and the transformational effects a robust understanding of this has on our physical and mental health and outlook. Dr. Bengtson lives to foster regeneration and renew life in her listeners. She recognizes brokenness in her life and others’ and offers steps we can take as we walk with Christ through the thin places.   Dr. Bengtson authored the award-winning “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and its award-winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.”  Her third book, “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” will be available in September 2019 (Revell). She blogs at DrMichelleB.com and maintains a Monday morning radio show and podcast at GraceandTruthRadio.world. She is a frequent guest on Fox News Radio and speaks at conferences and churches internationally. For more, find her at www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Air Date: August 15, 2019

Episode Summary: If you have ever gone through a difficult trial that you hadn’t anticipated, or given an unexpected diagnosis, then today is the perfect show for you. Today we’re going to be talking about how to maintain our hope when unexpected news like a devastating medical diagnosis turns your life upside down. We’ll specifically discuss hope for the fight against cancer. In this episode, Scott Bengtson shares about some of the very difficult life circumstances that turned our lives upside down, from a long-distance commuter marriage for several years to his fight against cancer with a very poor prognosis. He reflected on how his upbringing resurfaced during those times to provide him a foundation on which he could rest his hope despite what doctors warned would be his fate.  We also discussed tips for how we chose to navigate those treacherous waters, while minimizing the negativity in our lives and focusing on what we knew to be true.  Scott and I discussed the importance of knowing what you believe before crisis hits because that is no time to try to determine what you think is true. You must cement your beliefs before you fight against cancer. We also talked about the importance of guarding our hearts and minds, and what exactly that means. We also shared things that people said or did that were of help and encouragement, as well as things that were said or done which were not helpful. Scott ended the broadcast sharing his perspective about how to maintain hope in the difficult times, and reminded us that doctors are just human, and they give their best estimates but that God cannot be put in a box or limited to humanly derived statistics. Quotables from the episode: Tears are liquid prayers. Life may be difficult, but successes still happen. Sometimes we hold on to hope by doing what you know to do. There were many days of discouragement and fear, filled with many anguished prayers. A lot of those days were valley days. But what got us through those dark days was knowing who he was, who his Father was, and how we could go to Him in honest prayers, and we had the privilege to worship Him. The trials we experienced didn’t change the truth that we knew. It is often not living day by day, but depending on God moment by moment. You have to know what you believe before a crisis hits, because that is what you will fall back on when crisis hits. It would have been easier to get through those trials if we had understood the power of our words, and the importance of guarding our minds. We made the decision to no longer watch the evening news or take the daily newspaper because we wanted to limit the negativity that entered our home. We are now less likely to allow people to speak negative things to or over us. And now we are more careful about what we say to others. When someone is going through a trial or devastating diagnosis, your presence is more important than your words. Limit your questions because it can be very wearing to have to answer the same questions repeatedly. In the book of Job, he experienced so many devastating hardships. Job’s friends came and sat with him for 7 days in his time of grief. Yet they got in trouble when they opened their mouths. Don’t say to a person in a crisis situation, “If you need anything, let me know.” If you think of something that might be helpful, just do it. They will appreciate it. Be consistent in your presence and your support.   Scripture References: Philippians 4:1, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” Philippians 4:8, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”   Recommended Resources: https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-how-to-not-be-friend-to-someone-with-cancer-part-1/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-cancer-part-2/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/practical-grace-how-to-be-friend-to-someone-with-cancer-part-3/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-support-someone-with-cancer/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/10-lessons-learned-after-being-diagnosed-with-cancer/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-day-i-was-diagnosed-with-cancer-18-promises-when-crisis-hits/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/the-cancer-in-each-of-us/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/what-cancer-taught-me-about-the-church/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-even-in-cancer/ https://drmichellebengtson.com/how-testimonies-in-bible-bolster-faith-during-hard-times/ “Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2zB0e7J “Hope Prevails Bible Study” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award https://amzn.to/2yMdN46   Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: To order Hope Prevails: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/ Website: https://drmichellebengtson.com/ Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/blog/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellebengtson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drbhopeprevails/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson Radio Show Host: http://graceandtruthradio.world/shows/your-hope-filled-perspective/ Guest: Scott Bengtson Scott earned his electrical engineering degree from Georgia Tech University. He spent the better part of his career in telecommunications. He has been married to his wife, Michelle for 31 years, and together they have two children: one who is a junior in college, and the other a junior in high school. He is a 3-time cancer survivor and gives God all the glory. In his spare time, Scott leads a men’s Bible study and serves in his local church. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Air Date:  July 22, 2019

Tree nuts are filled with high-quality nutrients, such as vitamin E, fiber, and phytochemicals. Dr. Patrick Bering discusses how tree nuts can decrease heart disease risk, particularly in people who have diabetes.   TRANSCRIPT Intro: MedStar Washington Hospital Center presents Medical Intel where our healthcare team shares health and wellness insights and gives you the inside story on advances in medicine. Host: We’re speaking with Dr. Patrick Bering, a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Bering. Dr. Bering: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure. Host: Today we’re discussing how eating nuts may lead to lower heart disease risk for people with diabetes. According to one study, people with diabetes who ate at least five small servings of nuts a week were 17% less likely to develop heart disease. Dr. Bering, what do you make of these results? Dr. Bering: These results are very interesting, and they seem to add to our understanding of how diet plays a key role in our risk or avoidance of cardiovascular disease. These studies were observational in nature, meaning that they relied on self-reporting from a group of patients, but they were perspective, enrolling patients at a younger stage in their life and then, following up along with them over time to see whether or not they developed any heart disease. I think that they’re very exciting and add to our understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet, especially for our patients who have already developed diabetes. Host: Why do you think these expanded on our understanding of what we already know? Dr. Bering: Nuts are an interesting topic. There’ve been some health conditions where nuts were thought to be a food to avoid and that’s been debunked with time. That includes things like diverticulosis, which is a condition of your large intestine. One of the cornerstones of a very popular diet that is practiced by people in the Mediterranean region is the Mediterranean Diet. From our observations, populations who eat a Mediterranean diet have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. One of the key constituents of the Mediterranean Diet is actually the inclusion of nuts for regular consumption as part of their usual diet. Host: Why are nuts so beneficial to our health? Dr. Bering: Nuts are jam packed with lots of quality nutrients. They have unsaturated fatty acids. They have plant chemicals that are called phytochemicals. They have fiber. Certain vitamins including vitamin E and folic acid. They also have important minerals for our body like calcium, potassium and magnesium. They are really jam packed with all these great nutrients, great nutritional benefit. And, because of that, we get a lot of bang for our buck, so to speak, when we consume nuts. Host: The study’s authors mentioned that tree nuts were especially associated with lower heart disease risks. What do you think makes tree nuts particularly beneficial for people with diabetes who want to lower their heart disease risk? Dr. Bering: It’s interesting that this was seen more with tree nuts than other kinds of nuts. It’s important to note that probably one of the most popular nuts, so to speak, is the peanut, which is not a true nut, it’s a legume and it grows underground. Tree nuts grow above ground and they seem to have more of these high-quality nutrients that are beneficial to our health, especially for patients with diabetes. Certain of these minerals, fibers and chemicals are more likely to provide anti-inflammatory effects, and inflammation and diabetes is one of the key driving forces of a lot of the complications in the eye and the kidneys and the vasculature. Host: For people with diabetes who want to lower their heart disease risk, what kind of nuts do you recommend? Dr. Bering: That’s a great question. There are so many good ones out there. I think almonds are a great one, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, pine nuts or hazelnuts. And, you can get very creative in the ways that you incorporate these into your diet. My wife, who is a dietician and provides my expert advice at home, will often incorporate nuts either into our breakfast with some yogurt or will add it to a salad as a way to provide some extra texture, crunch and flavor to something that we’re eating. I think there are many great examples of recipes out there, especially with the internet, where you can see how incorporating these into your diet can be helpful. Another thing is that they’re also easy to transport and so they’re a good snack on the go if you’re a little bit hungry and a much healthier option than more food of convenience or junk food. Host: Are there any potential downsides for people with diabetes when they start incorporating nuts into their diets? Dr. Bering: It is important to recognize things like portion of nuts is, as well as what salt content they may have. For example, a usual guideline is that one serving of nuts is about a third of a cup. And, if you eat much more than that, you can actually be eating too many nuts. So, you want to make sure that portion control is an important part of your diet. Secondly, some nuts come pre-salted or pre-flavored and many of these flavorings contain salt in them. For patients with diabetes who may have other problems with their kidneys or their heart disease, it’s important to note the salt content and to prefer buying nuts that are unsalted. If you want to add additional flavor to your nuts down the line, you can often use a unsalted preparation in order to give them extra flavor. Host: Nuts have been shown to lower high blood pressure. What is it about nuts that lowers high blood pressure? Dr. Bering: That’s still something that’s under a little bit of some investigation, but it seems to be partly the anti-inflammatory effects, there inclusion of unsaturated fatty acids and, most importantly, probably the potassium content. A diet that’s rich in potassium is often one that is very useful at controlling high blood pressure. Potassium is a key component in our diet at making sure that we control blood pressure. Host: What other diet tips should people with diabetes follow to prevent heart disease? Dr. Bering: As we talked about before, I think portion control is a very big issue. Many of our portions that we receive outside the home or that we see in advertisements are much too large for what we should actually be consuming. And so, following recommendations, either on the American Heart Association website or the CDC, as far as what a certain portion of different nutrients is, can be very important. As I said before, an optimal portion of nuts when consumed a few days a week or, in this study, up to five days a week, is about a third of a cup. Additionally, a great thing to keep in mind and very simple is that ultra-processed foods - and, what I mean by that is foods that don’t look like anything that occurs in nature - those are foods that often have the worst health effects. Those are foods that have a lot of sugar-enriched sweetening or artificial sweeteners and colors and those are often the foods that lead to adverse cardiovascular health or obesity-related illnesses, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. Host: Why is MedStar Washington Hospital Center the best place to seek care for heart disease? Dr. Bering: We have a very comprehensive and passionate team that loves to serve their community here in the DMV. We have experts in every level of care, from primary care to preventative care as well as to emergency care, if you happen to have the misfortune of suffering from cardiovascular disease. I’m very honored to work with my colleagues, who inspire me every day. But, most inspiring to all of us is our interactions with the patients whom we serve. Host: Could you share a story where a patient with diabetes started following a healthier diet and experienced a decrease in their heart disease risk factors? Dr. Bering: Yes. Interestingly, I recently had the pleasure of taking care of a young man who was obese and had high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which were more recently diagnosed. He unfortunately came to the hospital with a small heart attack. But, after treating the heart attack, he made really positive health changes in his life. He started doing a cardiac rehab program, exercising on a regular basis, and made positive dietary changes, cutting out a lot of the food of convenience - things like fast foods or snacks that are not natural and are these ultra-processed foods. Since then, he’s lost a good deal of weight, says that he’s much happier and has improved energy and overall quality of life. He’s made great progress and it’s a nice journey to go on with him together, to help support him and his improved cardiovascular health.  Host: Thanks for joining us today, Dr. Bering. Dr. Bering: Thank you. I appreciate it. Conclusion: Thanks for listening to Medical Intel with MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Find more podcasts from our healthcare team by visiting medstarwashington.org/podcast or subscribing in iTunes or iHeartRadio.

Interview with Paul de Gelder Adventurer, Shark-attack survivor, Shark week Host “For the first week, I still had a thought that maybe I’ll keep my leg and I was just goal oriented. I was like ok, I’m missing my hand, I processed that. There’s nothing I can do about that but if I keep my leg, maybe life can go on as normal." As if he’s come right out of a Hollywood action blockbuster, the Australian native went from a drug-fueled youth to Army Paratrooper and Navy Clearance Diver, to battling for survival during a bull shark attack in Sydney Harbor. Now he roams the world searching for adventure as an advocate for the very creatures that nearly took his life and he’s not afraid to spill some more blood along the way. IG @PauldeGelder Website PauldeGelder.com GOOD AF Podcast hosted by Matthew Nadu is sponsored by Good Guy Wellness

Excess skin after weight loss surgery can be purely a cosmetic issue for some patients. But for others, excess skin causes rashes, infections and irritation.  Dr. Alexandra Zubowicz discusses how skin reduction surgery can help.   TRANSCRIPT Intro: MedStar Washington Hospital Center presents Medical Intel where our healthcare team shares health and wellness insights and gives you the inside story on advances in medicine. Host: Thanks for joining us today. We’re talking to Dr. Alexandra Zubowicz, a bariatric surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Welcome Dr. Zubowicz. Dr. Alexandra Zubowicz: Thank you for having me. Host: Today we’re talking about what people can expect after weight loss surgery when it comes to excess skin. Dr. Zubowicz, why does excess skin remain when you lose a lot of weight? Dr. Zubowicz: So, essentially the skin is a covering, so as people lose all that fat underneath the skin, the skin can lag behind. Now, younger people tend not to have as much of an issue with it because your skin’s more elastic and can stretch back and forth, but especially as you age, which is why you start to develop wrinkles, your skin loses elasticity, so when you lose hundreds of pounds, you have that skin that just can’t bounce back. Everyone will have some excess skin to some degree, however, not everyone has a problem with it. Some people have the excess skin and it doesn’t bother them.  Some people have the excess skin and it’s extremely irritating. So, really there’s wide variations in the amount of excess skin and then the extent to which that excess skin causes issues. Host: When we’re talking excess skin, are we talking about a little bit of bagging and hanging, or are we talking about a lot of skin? How could you put that in perspective? Dr. Zubowicz: So, both. It depends again on lots of different factors—genetics, age, how much weight you lose—but, you can have just a little bit of overhang, up to a point where we remove 40, 50, 60 pounds of excess skin. Host: That’s a lot of skin. Dr. Zubowicz: Yes. Host: I can imagine somebody that’s been through this journey—they’re really transforming what they look like already. And then, do you find when patients get to this stage where they’re talking about having this excess skin taken care of—what is their emotional mindset? Dr. Zubowicz: Some people don’t care at all about the excess skin, either because they don’t have much or it just doesn’t cause issues. For the people that do have issues from the excess skin, it can be extremely debilitating. It can cause severe rashes, it makes it hard for certain types of clothing to fit, it can be painful and irritating, especially when you’re exercising. I don’t think it’s anything that would ever cause someone to say they wish they hadn’t gotten the surgery, because once they lose all that weight, they feel so much better, their joints don’t hurt, they can start exercising, but it’s definitely something that not an insignificant number of people who get bariatric surgery want to get taken care of. Host: I think a lot of people might think about the cosmetic implications of it, so you know, what does it look like, but you mentioned also rashes and some pain associated with that. Could you elaborate on that a little bit? Dr. Zubowicz: So, one, obviously there’s the cosmetics of it, but then having all that excess skin creates a warm, wet environment, so people get yeast infections or bacterial infections under the skin folds. From an insurance standpoint, it’s for those reasons that we can get at least the abdominal excess skin covered by insurance. Host: For an individual who maybe it doesn’t bother them so much to have that extra skin, what do you recommend that they do so they can fit in their clothes or so that they can avoid some of those complications? Dr. Zubowicz: So, main thing is keeping the area clean, keeping it dry.  You can use different kinds of powders. There’s anti-fungal powders you can put to help prevent the rashes or help clear up the rashes if you are having issues with rashes. Host: So, it’s compression type support garments? Dr. Zubowicz: Exactly, yeah, that can basically suck everything in and keep it up and keep it tight. Host: For folks who it does bother them, what sort of procedures are available to help remove that extra skin? Dr. Zubowicz: Skin reduction surgery, now that we’re doing more and more of the bariatric surgery, is becoming more and more prevalent with all the plastic surgeons and I do recommend going to someone who’s specifically trained in doing plastic surgery and does these types of procedures a lot.  And we usually recommend waiting at least a year after bariatric surgery before getting anything surgically done because you don’t want to get the procedure done, get the excess skin, then lose another 30, 40, 50 pounds and then you’re kind of back where you started. In terms of the procedure itself we actually physically cut out that excess skin.   Host: What does the scarring look like from that, and what’s the recovery time? Dr. Zubowicz: The scar of the abdomen is like a C-section scar. We keep it right at the bikini line, and try to minimize it. The scarring on the legs and arms, we try to keep it on the inside.  Now, there definitely are scars, but that’s why I stress going to someone, a plastic surgeon, who does this kind of procedure a lot because you can minimize those scars. And the cosmetic result is definitely superior to having that excess skin if you do have large amounts of it. Host: How much weight does an individual have to lose to have that kind of excess skin? Dr. Zubowicz: I’d say probably in excess of 80 to 100 pounds or more. Again, age and genetics play a huge role, but you’re really not going to see horrible amounts of excess skin unless you’re at the 80-100 pound mark. Host: Of the patients that you treat with bariatric surgery, what percentage of those would you estimate do go on to get that excess skin removed? Dr. Zubowicz: I’d estimate it at probably 20 to 30 percent. Again, some people don’t have excess skin problems, especially the younger patients, and some people, unfortunately, it’s a cost prohibitive thing, and some people that just don’t, it doesn’t bother them. Host: Do you find more men or women prefer to do this, or is it about equal? Dr. Zubowicz: About equal. Host: Are there any complications to the skin reduction surgery, and what makes MedStar Washington Hospital Center the place to go for that? Dr. Zubowicz: The major risk to getting this surgery would be a wound infection. Otherwise, it’s a pretty uncomplicated procedure, and then, just the risk of undergoing general anesthesia, but because of all the weight loss, usually these people are coming in much healthier than when they came in for their original bariatric surgery. So, I would say the wound infection would be the main thing that you have to worry about. In terms of coming to Washington Hospital Center, because we do so much bariatric surgery here, our plastic surgeons are very well versed in the excess skin removal. So, we work in partnership with them very closely to allow the full gamut of bariatric procedures and that’s both the actual bariatric surgery as well as the skin reduction surgery and anything that goes along with weight loss surgery. Host: So, in 2017, we’re still living in that, uh, reality show nightmare or world, however you want to look at it. There are a couple of shows out on tv right now that focus on the skin reduction surgery. Is this something, do you think, that increases people’s awareness that such a procedure is available? Dr. Zubowicz: I absolutely think it’s gonna grow in popularity, because more and more people are, uh, seeing how beneficial weight loss surgery is, and with the rise of weight loss surgery, is gonna come the rise of the excess skin removal surgeries. Host: Do you have any compelling stories of patients that you’ve worked with who, you know, were really struggling with this excess skin problem and then went on to have the procedure? Dr. Zubowicz: Yes, I’ve had several patients that get the skin reduction surgery and they definitely liked the cosmetic benefit from it can be tremendously helpful from a cosmetic standpoint, and then also, they don’t get the rashes, it helps free them up in terms of mobility, they can exercise more, and then, on top of that, you’re also losing some more weight almost instantaneously by taking off all those extra pounds of excess skin. Host: Is there anything that you really want the community at large here in DC to know about either bariatric surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center or the skin reduction procedure? Dr. Zubowicz: I think it’s very important to go to an actual bariatric center, like we have at Washington Hospital Center, where you have not only the surgeon, but you have dieticians, you have psychologists, you have plastic surgeons, you have all the people that go together to make weight loss surgery a success. Because the surgery alone isn’t going to do anything. It’s all the lifestyle changes that come along with the weight loss surgery. And then, in addition to that, having people that are knowledgeable about all the things such as excess skin after the surgery that you can only know if you continue to follow your patients long term, which we follow our patients for life after the surgery. One of the most common questions is cost. So, insurance, and obviously it varies by the type of insurance you have, but for the most part insurance will cover what’s called the abdominoplasty, so or a panniculectomy, where we take off the excess skin of the abdomen. For approval standpoint, you need to show that you’re having issues from that, and those are things like rashes and irritation, etc. And, you know, as long as you let your surgeon know, or your primary doctor know, afterwards and we document it, we can do a pretty good job at getting that covered for our patients and that’s another reason why it’s good to go to someone who does this a lot, because they have, you know, established relationships with different insurance companies and we know the documentation we need to get that covered by insurance.  Legs and arms are not covered, at least not as of yet.  I think that’s something that will change down the road because it doesn’t make any sense, because you’re going to have the same exact issues with excess skin on your arms and legs as you do with your abdomen. But, in terms of arms and legs, it’s about $10,000, eight to $10,000 for arms, eight to $10,000 for legs. So, it’s not inexpensive, which is why I think one of the biggest reasons why people don’t end up getting the surgery after the excess weight loss, at least the arms and legs. Host: Thanks for joining us today, Dr. Zubowicz. Dr. Zubowicz: Thank you for having me. Conclusion: Thanks for listening to Medical Intel with MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Find more podcasts from our healthcare team by visiting medstarwashington.org/podcast or subscribing in iTunes or iHeartRadio.

During Stephen Friedman’s tenure at MTV, social impact drove many business decisions that ended up cementing the network as the cultural home for the millennial generation. In this episode, he explains the first step businesses should take to embrace social action, and how more listening and empathy can inspire breakthroughs for leaders at any level. Stephen, an Emmy and Peabody award-winning creator of social impact campaigns, is the Societal Impact Advisor at SYPartners. Previously, Stephen was the President of MTV for seven years, where he spearheaded the network's successful transformation, resulting in more top-rated series for young viewers than any other network (including Teen Mom, Catfish, and Jersey Shore.) During his 18 years at the network, he created MTV’s social impact department, launched mtvU and led MTV2, MTV.com and LOGO to record highs. Host: For the past twenty years, Tom Andrews has been helping Chief Executives lead their organizations through transformation, most recently as the President of SYPartners’ Organizational Transformation practice. He has recently founded a new organization, TJA Leadership, which integrates leadership development into organizational and cultural transformation. Tom has helped design leadership curricula for GE’s Management Development Institute at Crotonville and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and regularly speaks at Fortune 100 companies and other high-performance organizations. https://www.sypartners.com/leader/stephen-friedman/

PET-CT scans provide detailed information on where cancer is located, whether it’s spreading and if treatments are working. Dr. Carlos Garcia explains how this test works, what to expect if you’re having one and how your doctor uses the results.   TRANSCRIPT Intro: MedStar Washington Hospital Center presents Medical Intel where our healthcare team shares health and wellness insights and gives you the inside story on advances in medicine. Host: Thanks for joining us today. We’re talking to Dr. Carlos Garcia, Medical Director of Nuclear Medicine at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Today, we’re talking about the benefits of PET CT scanner. Dr. Garcia, what is a PET CT scanner and when is it used? Dr. Garcia: So, a PET CT scanner is kind of a gold standard for cancer imaging. Just like in the past it was called a CAT scan, now they’re called CT scans, are for anatomic imaging of multiple causes, whether they’re cancer or not. PET CT is 99.9 percent dedicated to cancer imaging. The difference between a PET scanner and a CT scanner is that a PET scanner will rely on the cells being alive and consuming a specific type of substance that makes them show up on the scan. This substance is normally either produced or it circulates in your body. And we add radiation to it and that’s why we can see it on the images. So, it’s a combination now of anatomic imaging from the CT portion of the exam and functional or metabolic imaging from the PET portion of the exam. PET stands for positron emission tomography. Positrons are just basically an energy source that will, you know, produce an amount of radiation that we can translate into images, and the more active a cell is--especially the cancer cells tend to be more active than normal cells--the more they’re going to emit this type of energy, the more they’re going to take up this type of radioactive substance that they would normally not, and that’s how they show up in a more avid, or they light up on the scan, if you will.          Host: So, how is the substance introduced to this other substance that you mentioned in order for it to show up on the PET scan? Dr. Garcia: So, what we do is we make the patient the source of the radiation. We inject the patient with a modified version of glucose, which is the most common one; that’s why I am going to use that as an example. It’s called fludeoxyglucose, or FDG for short. You’ll see that many of our exams have acronyms for that same reason. It’s kind of a hard, long word. So, we inject the patient with this glucose substance, and all the cells in the body normally will use glucose as energy. Cells that replicate faster or grow out of control, as cancer cells do, will use more glucose because they require more energy to sustain this growth pattern. So, the cells that take up more glucose will take up more of the radioactive glucose that we have injected into the patient, and that’s why they will shine in comparison to the background of normal cells. These cells will look bigger, darker and brighter because they just take up more of the radioactive substance that we tricked the body into taking because it doesn’t know it’s radioactive; it just thinks it’s glucose.   Host: So, what are the advantages of combining a PET scan with a CT scan for cancer? Dr. Garcia: For many, many years, when we did not have PET images available, we only used CT imaging, which could provide us only with an anatomic version of whatever is going on inside the body. The problem with this is sometimes you can see a tumor—we’ll just use that as an example, and only the inner portion of the tumor might be where all the cancer is, and the rest of it might be just inflammation resulting from the presence of that cancer or tumor. The PET scan can differentiate that sometimes. It can show you what is the actual size of the live tumor inside of a structure that might be, let’s say for example, 5 cm larger, but it’s not all tumor. This helps in many ways to guide the therapy. One of the main applications of knowing this difference between what is functional or what is metabolically alive versus just the anatomy, is that when you apply this to radiation purposes for treatment, for example, the radiation field that will be attached, I’m sorry, that will be used for that particular tumor will only be the size of the part of the tumor, or the part of the mass, that is actually alive, so you can actually make it a little more circumscribed and more directed. So that’s one of the applications when you talk about it. Now it’s called all hybrid imaging--that is the gold standard nowadays of all cancer or oncologic imaging. And now the new hybrid imaging scanners like the ones that we have here, will overlap these images, and they’re called fused activity, and you can definitely see the background and over the background of anatomy overlap with the cells that are actively replicating that turn out to be cancer cells.      Host: So, having the fused images really provides a deeper layer and a deeper perspective for both the imaging team and the physician. Does the patient also get the chance to see those images? Dr. Garcia: When we have the opportunity to show the images to the patients, by all means. Nine out of 10 times, the physicians that have ordered the tests are comfortable with the patients knowing the results. We always want to extend the courtesy of the referring physician to be directly involved with the patient and them communicate the results, but we have had scenarios in which the patients are very comfortable knowing and they are very, very well versed in their own disease process, as it should be nowadays, and we are happy to show them the images. The overlapping of the anatomic portion of it and the live cell, the metabolic portion of it, it completely takes away from having to even point at the screen. Everything becomes very, very obvious and you can use different color schemes to bring out certain cell types, so it makes a picture worth a million words instead of a thousand words. And all the physicians within the hospital, they have the opportunity to be able to see these images on Enterprise-wide imaging viewer that they have access to as well. So, that makes our job very easy. Even though they’re always welcome to come to the reading room and have us show them the images directly, we can have phone conversations, them looking at the exact same images that we are looking at, and we can tell them slice number and position, and target everything they need to know. Host: Are there certain cancer types for which PET CT scan is most applicable or certain body parts that are easier to do? Dr. Garcia: That’s an excellent question because, for a long time, PET CT imaging was considered to be the, you know, savior for all types of cancer, and that unfortunately is not true. It has limitations and then it has indications that make it much more favorable. So, off the top of my head, I can tell you the top three indications that we use it here at the hospital are for breast cancer, lung cancer and lymphoma.  So, these tend to be tumors that are very metabolically active. When I say metabolically active, it means that they have a tendency to take up more glucose than normal cells would, than other types of cancer would, so as long as they take up this increased amount of glucose, they will be brighter on the images and they will really stand out from the background, making the ability to detect them much, much easier. Host: It really makes the cancer sound like a living thing and like a living disease, if you will, as opposed to just this abstract. Dr. Garcia: I’m going to actually start using that way of explaining it because that actually sounds exactly right. That is, it’s a live being that has a mind of its own sometimes, and our job is to be able to detect it early, be able to apply what we see to a treatment program, and then, after the treatment program, be able to monitor the response to the therapy by seeing whether that activity that translates into a lot of glucose uptake, seeing if it went down, meaning the number of cells is going down based on the therapy. If you have less amount of cells, it’ll be less glucose that will be taken up and the shine on the exam, if you will, will decrease over time.  So, we measure, we have units to measure the intensity of this activity and we use them very specifically, you know, to monitor the response to therapy because those units should go down as the number of cells within the cancer start dying as a result of the therapy.         Host: If my doctor tells me that I would need a PET CT scan, what should I expect from that appointment? What will that process look like? Dr. Garcia: So, the first thing that you’re going to do is you’ll be contacted by one of our staff members from the PET CT Center, and they’re going to ask you to prepare your body to be able to absorb the glucose better, and that’s going to require for you to be fasting for at least six hours prior to the examination. So, the first glucose that you will receive, meaning the first source of energy that your body that has now been without food or drink for six hours, it will be starving. So, you prepare the body to eat something, and then the first thing that it sees is the glucose. And like I said before, it doesn’t know that it’s radioactive. It just thinks it’s glucose, so it’ll latch onto it immediately, and that way you won’t have any competition with glucose from your diet, I mean, which are carbs basically from your diet, competing for a space to latch onto certain cells. So, everything that you will have will be radioactive glucose it’ll latch on. And you arrive to the center. We give you the injection. It’s going to an intravenous injection in your arm. You’ll sit in a quiet room for anywhere between 40 or 60 minutes, and the reason why you want the quiet room is because you don’t want any stimulus to any organ in your body, so we’ll get you in a nice warm-temperature room, you’ll relax, and then about after 60 minutes from that, we will place you in the PET CT camera, and with the new cameras, the amount of time that you will spend under the camera is a lot less, so you’re looking at anywhere between a 20 to 30-minute scan from the level of your eyes down to your mid thighs. And once you conclude that portion of the exam, then the images get sent over to the radiology reading room, to the nuclear medicine reading room, for interpretation.    Host: How does that doctor then use the imaging to suggest treatment for me? Dr. Garcia: So, we use a staging system, and I’m going to just use cancer, you know, as an example, which is the majority of the reasons why you do a PET CT scan. There’s a staging system to know how far or how advanced, your cancer is. And depending on how advanced your cancer is, the treatment modalities will change. Let’s use, for example, if we have a patient with lung cancer and they have a small lesion in a very circumscribed area and nothing anywhere else because the PET scan did not show that there was spread to any other organ in the body, then, in these particular cases, one of the treatment modalities might be surgery, for example. You know, I’m not a surgeon, but this is, you know like, this is, you know, one of the treatment modalities, one of the treatment options would be surgery. If, for example, the same patient has that same spot in the lung, but also has spots in his liver, also has spots in his bones, surgery may no longer be an option and a more systemic approach is necessary, meaning something, a form of therapy that will apply to your entire body since there has been spread.  So, it can guide the clinician to knowing what the treatment options are for the patient, and that opens the discussion, you know, with the patient that these are now your options and this is your staging, you know, this is what we consider it to be. Because nowadays patients will do a lot of research on their own, and they come in asking you, you know, like, what is my stage? Am I stage I or stage II? What are my options based on these stages? So, that’s really, really what helps to kind of tell the patient where they are and what their options are.   Host: So, really mapping the progress of that tumor through the body and then the patient’s progress, thereafter, is mapped by the images. Dr. Garcia: Correct. Mapping is a good word to use specifically for this because you will do a PET scan in various clinical phases. One of them is going to be for initial diagnosis. If a patient comes in and has an x-ray and they see a small spot on his lung, that could qualify him for having a PET scan, and they’ll isolate a nodule. Then, after that, they will apply whatever treatment option is available to the patient based on the images, and then you will have another PET scan after the therapy has been installed to monitor treatment response. So, there’s an initial treatment strategy and then a subsequent treatment strategy. That’s how PET scan is divided nowadays.  So, it’s early, it’s a very important early on in the initial staging and diagnosis, and also in the monitoring treatment response phase to see if it all cleared up, if it’s spread more, or if it’s actually regressed completely. And we see patients that sometimes showed up in their doctor’s office with a small tickle in their throat. And it turned out, then they went over to their ear, nose and throat doctor, and they saw a little growth--you know, a little something, a little bulging inside their throat. And when they ordered a PET scan for this, it turned out that it was not just in that little spot, but it was in many other areas within their neck or within their chest. And, like I said, you know, once you know that, it’ll change the treatment options, but I can say definitely, this is something that I share with my colleagues, is that you sometimes, you know, you get, your day brightens up, when you compare it to a study before that showed a tremendous amount of disease, and after chemotherapy or radiation, it’s all gone. So, it’s always nice to have that dramatic effect when you see live cancer cells everywhere and all these cells are dormant--you know, they disappeared basically. We call them night and day scans.     Host: For many imaging tests, patients have asked questions about or have been concerned about the level of radiation to which they’re exposed. How does the PET CT radiation dose compare to MRI or another imaging?   Dr. Garcia: That’s an excellent question because that is the one thing that people will worry about a lot is radiation exposure. Yes, PET scanning alone will produce much higher radiation exposure than a chest X-ray, but you have to think about the amount of information that comes as a result of that, you know, slightly over, you know, the normal degree of exposure. People sometimes don’t understand that you just by standing around, you know, are getting a little bit of radiation from nature. And living in Denver for a year, you actually get more radiation than by having a PET scan. So, it all depends, you know, like on what kind of information you get out of it. When you do CT imaging of certain parts of your body, depending on what part of your body you’re going to image, that part of your body gets an amount of radiation. PET scanning is the injected dose that will distribute throughout your body, so the dose that you receive will be spread out through your entire body, and that is, in essence, less of a dose to each organ in your body than if you only imaged one particular area at a time. So, it is a little bit more than CT alone if you only did CT imaging, but again the risk, benefit, and the amount of information you get for only a small amount of extra radiation, which is very, very below what the maximum amount of radiation you can receive in a year is, you know, is a wealth of knowledge.   Host: Are there any patients for whom PET CT scan just is not an option because of either the radiation dose or another complication? Dr. Garcia: Actually, I can’t think off the top of my head of a case in which you could not use a PET scan. We more, we more will see it in cancers that either don’t take up glucose, radioactive glucose, so it’s not the appropriate test for that particular type of cancer. Other limitations, of course, are that it has been proven through many, many studies that it is not the best examination for that particular type of cancer. There are some types of diseases that we wish we could use them on there, for those, but it’s not approved to be used for those cases. Host: Thank you so much for joining us today. Dr. Garcia: Oh, it’s my pleasure. Thank you for having me. Conclusion: Thanks for listening to Medical Intel with MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Find more podcasts from our healthcare team by visiting medstarwashington.org/podcast or subscribing in iTunes or iHeartRadio.

בדרך כלל המילה "מטאל" מעלה בנו קונוטציות כגון רעש, צרחות, מתים, גופות, שטן, כלב גוסס, אונס קבוצתי, פיל קרקס ועודד מנשה. אבל מה עם קצת אהבה? לכבוד ה-Valentine's Day, מת על מטאל לוקחים אתכם בעקבות שירי האהבה של המטאל. האהבה לרעש, האהבה לצרחות, אהבה למתים, אהבה לגופות, אהבה לשטן, לכלב גוסס, לאונס קבוצתי וכן גם לפיל קרקס. עם זאת לא נמצאו שירי אהבה העוסקים בעודד מנשה. » :והנה מבחר שירי האהבה שבחרנו עבורכם « 1. Strapping Young Lad – Love 2. Caliban – Love Song 3. Judas Priest – Turbo Lover 4. Lordi – Cadaver Lover 5. Bleeding Through – Love in Slow Motion 6. Marylin Manson – The Love Song 7. (Samael – I Love the Dead (Alice Cooper cover 8. Sentenced – For the Love I Bear 9. Satan's Host – For the love of Satan 10. Firewind – Kill in the Name of Love

CMT Gets the Best of Both Worlds as Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus Host the '2008 CMT Music Awards' The Queen is Back Legendary Singer Songwriter -- Donna Summer is Back With a New Studio Album --Crayons in Stores May 2008 on Burgundy Records/Sony BMG Chrysler LLC Honors Spike Lee with the Sixth Annual Behind the Lens Award Stage and Screen Superstar and Country Icon Reba McEntire to Host For the 10th Time the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Country Music's Party of the Year(TM)

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