Podcasts about Humility

In this episode of Spiritual Unraveling, hosts Nate and Ashley explore the challenges of letting go of old patterns and coping mechanisms that no longer serve them. They discuss the journey of awakening to new realities, the dynamics of codependency, and the importance of grounding and authenticity. The conversation delves into the discomfort of change, the power of contrast in personal growth, and the necessity of purging old behaviors. Ultimately, they emphasize the significance of practicing humility and balance as a means to connect with one's true essence.

If love were easy, it wouldn't be a command. Pride wants to stand tall, but love kneels. Discover the three essential keys; humility, forgiveness, and obedience, that allow you to love even when it hurts today.

In this episode of Liftoff, I sit down with Jeanniey Walden to discuss the cornerstone of all success: self-awareness. I talk about how to get "hyper aggressive" in asking for feedback from the people closest to you and explain why you fight against the criticism you know is true. We also cover how I balance my professional ambition with personal growth by refusing to "overjudge" myself, and why I have an "extraordinary" relationship with myself. Finally, I give my best advice for emerging leaders, including why you should never choose money and why "peace of mind and lightness" is the real unlock to success. You'll learn about:The "amazing relationship" between humility and self-awarenessHow to get honest feedback and grow from itWhy you should put yourself on a pedestalMy advice: Never choose money over other factorsChoosing peace of mind over something "fancy" like a nicer car or watchWhy I don't get validation from my fame or followers

What does real leadership look like when the building is on fire…literally? In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend and guest host Michael Savage and a man whose life defines servant leadership at the highest level, Vice Admiral James W. Crawford III. Jim was inside the Pentagon on 9/11 when it was struck. He later helped advise on some of the most consequential military decisions of our generation. And today, he serves as President of Texas Southern University, shaping the next generation of leaders. This conversation is not about flashy leadership. It's not about titles, money, or Instagram fame. It's about character. It's about humility. It's about what you draw on when all eyes turn to you and the pressure is on. Jim said something that stopped me in my tracks. In times of stress, you either become who you are or you revert to your training. That day in the Pentagon changed the trajectory of his life. And yet, when he talks about it, you hear gratitude, not ego. Service, not self. We went deep into what leadership really demands. Humility as a shield against ego. Authenticity in unguarded moments. Mission first. People always. Jim opened up about imposter syndrome, about looking in the mirror at three stars on his uniform and still being astounded it was him. He shared how working on his grandfather's tobacco farm shaped his values, and why he chose education over seven figure corporate roles after retiring from the Navy. His answer was simple and powerful. Service does not end when the uniform comes off. If you are an entrepreneur, a founder, a CEO, a parent, or someone who simply wants to lead your life better, this is a masterclass. We talked about raising agile thinkers in an AI driven world. About how fear can freeze you if you let it. About why the best leaders are not the smartest person in the room, but the one who knows where their reservoir of strength comes from when the storm hits. Jim's reservoir is his faith. Yours might be something else. But you better know what it is. This episode reminded me why I started this show in the first place. Real leadership is about people and for people. And when you get that right, everything changes. Key Takeaways: Why humility is the leader's greatest shield against ego and arrogance What it means to be authentic in unguarded moments Mission first. People always. How to integrate both without burning out How to lead through crisis by reverting to your training and values Why constant learning and agility are essential in an AI driven world The importance of identifying your personal reservoir of strength before the storm comes How service can and should continue long after titles and uniforms are gone Share this with someone who wants to lead better, serve deeper, and live with greater purpose. Let's Max Out. Also don't miss out on MAXOUT2026: Once a year, I open my home for an intimate one-day experience unlike anything else I do. This year, I'm making it even smaller, just 15 to 18 people. Together, we'll dive deep into the exact strategies I use to plan, visualize, and design the best year of my life and yours. If you're ready to Max Out your future, join me at Maxout2026.com for a life-changing day you'll never forget.

We would love to hear from you! Please send us your comments here. --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYIn 2026's 'forever layoff' era, women leaders who master continuous improvement leadership outperform peers, reduce their layoff risk, and accelerate promotions. Olaf Boettger's 27-year Kaizen framework — courage, humility, discipline — turns daily small improvements into extraordinary career results.Key stat: Toyota workers are 2x more productive than competitors using this same system.? QUICK TAKEAWAYS•       Continuous improvement leadership doubles your career productivity vs. peers who stop learning•       The 3 capabilities every woman leader needs: courage to name problems, humility to keep learning, discipline to stay consistent•       Kaizen's daily 15-minute team meeting is directly applicable to your own career self-management•       GE's turnaround under Larry Culp proves CI works in any industry — finance, tech, healthcare, or your own career•       In 2026's 'forever layoff' climate, CI skills signal indispensable strategic value to any organizationIf you're a woman leader in 2026, the job market has changed dramatically — and not in your favor. Glassdoor's Worklife Trends report calls it the 'forever layoff': small, rolling cuts that never make headlines but keep talented executives in a constant state of anxiety. Meanwhile, AI is reshaping roles at every level, and the competition for standout positions has never been fiercer.As an executive coach with over 30 years of experience (MA, MFT, PCC) and host of the Women's Leadership Success Podcast — ranked in the top 1.5% globally with over 750,000 downloads — I've interviewed more than 144 of the world's top leadership experts. When I heard Olaf Boettger's approach to continuous improvement leadership, I immediately knew this was the missing framework most women leaders had never considered.Olaf spent 27 years at Procter & Gamble and Danaher — two of the most operationally excellent companies on earth — mastering the Japanese Kaizen philosophy. What he discovered translates directly to career acceleration: the same system that doubled Toyota's worker productivity and powered GE's biggest turnaround in American history can supercharge your leadership brand and make you the candidate no one can afford to pass over. The 2026 Career Reality: Why 'Working Hard' Is No Longer Enough The data is sobering for women leaders right now. According to Glassdoor's 2025 Workplace Trends report, small layoffs — under 50 people — now represent 51% of all job cuts, up from just 38% in 2015. These 'forever layoffs' create cultures of anxiety where talented women question their value daily.At the same time, female manager engagement dropped seven percentage points in 2025 alone — the steepest decline of any group, according to Gallup research. Women leaders are being asked to do more with less, carrying teams through AI disruption and RTO mandates, while their own career advancement stalls.The traditional answer — work harder, be more visible, volunteer for every high-profile project — simply isn't scaling. In a market where 45% of employers rate the job outlook as 'fair' at best, you need a completely different strategy. You need continuous improvement leadership. ? Ready to transform your career trajectory?  Download our FREE Leadership Branding Blueprint Accelerator and discover:•       A proven system to document your impact and accelerate promotions•       How to build a leadership brand that makes you the obvious choice•       A measurable framework for expanding your organizational influence•       Strategic positioning for high-visibility, career-defining initiatives•       The same approach Sabrina uses with Fortune 500 executives to 3x their promotion speed? GET YOUR FREE LEADERSHIP BRANDING BLUEPRINT ACCELERATOR What Is Continuous Improvement Leadership? The Kaizen Framework Explained Continuous improvement — known in Japanese as Kaizen, meaning 'change for the better' — originated at Toyota nearly 90 years ago. After World War II, with limited resources and a need to compete globally, Toyota developed a system to extract maximum quality and efficiency from every process. That system, now called the Toyota Production System, became the foundation of what we know as Lean, Six Sigma, and the Danaher Business System.For women leaders, continuous improvement leadership means applying these same principles to your career, your team, and your organization. It is not a one-time initiative or a January resolution. It is a daily practice — a permanent operating system.The Three Foundation PrinciplesOlaf distills continuous improvement leadership into three core principles:Kaizen — The belief that there is always a better way. This is not about being self-critical; it is about being growth-oriented. Every interaction, presentation, and leadership decision is an opportunity to iterate and improve.Go to Gemba — Go to the real place. Stop relying on slide decks and secondhand reports. As a leader, this means visiting your stakeholders, understanding what your team actually experiences day-to-day, and staying close to the work that creates value.Customer focus — Always anchor to what your 'customer' values. In a career context, your customers are your executive stakeholders, your team, and the business outcomes you're hired to deliver. Everything you do should be filtered through: does this add value for them?The Three Capabilities That Determine SuccessAccording to Olaf, your mindset determines everything. Leaders who succeed with continuous improvement possess three non-negotiable capabilities:CapabilityWhat It Looks Like in PracticeWhy Women Leaders Need It NowCOURAGEHonestly naming when your performance or your team's is 'red' — even when the culture rewards positivity over truth.In 2026's performance-pressured environment, leaders who surface problems first are seen as strategic — not weak.HUMILITYStaying open to learning regardless of your experience level. As Olaf says: the best leaders he's known, including P&G's CEO A.G. Lafley, were the most humble.Imposter syndrome tempts women to prove they already know everything. Humility is the counterintuitive superpower.DISCIPLINEShowing up for improvement consistently — not just in January. Committing to the decade, not the quarter.Career advancement compounds. The women who stand out in 2026 are those who have been quietly improving for years. The Business Case: What Continuous Improvement Leadership Actually Delivers For skeptics — and Olaf acknowledges that many leaders initially resist this approach — the numbers make a compelling argument. Toyota, the originator of this system, generates roughly twice the revenue per employee compared to its nearest competitors. Danaher, where Olaf spent the bulk of his career, has sustained approximately 15–16% compound annual growth for 40 consecutive years.The most visible example is GE's transformation under Larry Culp — the former Danaher CEO who took over when GE was in deep financial trouble. Using continuous improvement as the operating backbone, Culp and his teams executed what many consider one of the greatest corporate turnarounds in American business history, eventually splitting GE into three highly successful independent companies.On a practical level, Olaf shared a specific case study from a Danaher acquisition: a company delivering orders on time just 50% of the time. Using CI methodologies, that number rose to 95%. For context, if Amazon delivered your packages on time half the time, you'd stop using Amazon. A 45-percentage-point improvement is not incremental — it's transformational. TRY THIS NOW (10 Minutes)Apply Olaf's Red/Green method to your career right now: Identify one goal you have for your career this quarter (promotion, salary increase, high-visibility project).Set a specific target. Write your current actual. Color code it: are you green (on track) or red (below target)? If red — write one sentence explaining why.Then write one action you will take this week to close the gap. That's continuous improvement leadership in action. Do this every Monday.  How to Apply Continuous Improvement Leadership to Your Career in 2026 The beauty of Kaizen is that it scales from a Toyota factory floor to your personal career strategy. Here's how to translate Olaf's framework into your daily leadership practice:The 15-Minute Daily Leadership HuddleAt every Danaher facility, teams hold a 15-minute standing meeting every morning. They review five metrics — safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity — and ask: are we red or green? If red, why? Who does what by when?For your career, your five metrics might be: stakeholder relationships, project delivery, skill development, visibility, and team performance. A daily or weekly 10-minute self-check asking those same questions creates the discipline of continuous improvement at the individual level.Visual Management for Your CareerOlaf emphasizes making performance visible. In organizations, this means color-coded boards. For your career, this translates to maintaining a simple achievement tracker — a running document of your wins, metrics, and impact — that you review weekly. This directly feeds your Leadership Branding Blueprint and becomes the evidence base for promotion conversations.The Growth Mindset + Kaizen ConnectionOlaf's PhD research connected him deeply to Carol Dweck's work on fixed vs. growth mindsets. Dweck's research demonstrates that individuals who believe abilities can be developed through dedication consistently outperform those who believe talent is fixed. Continuous improvement is the operational expression of growth mindset — it gives you the system that turns that belief into measurable career results. Your 7-Step Continuous Improvement Career Action Plan Step 1 (10 min): Define your career target.

Everyone wants to be a billionaire. But almost no one understands what it takes to become a millionaire first. In this episode of the McIntyre Inc. Podcast, Michael and Brianna have an honest conversation about the real cost of building wealth — from the first $1M to the first $10M. No hype. No guru promises. Just real numbers, real lessons, and hard-earned perspective. Michael shares: -What it actually took to net his first million -Why the first $10M is the hardest -The danger of lifestyle inflation -Why most entrepreneurs never break through $1M -The difference between ego-driven wealth and legacy-driven wealth -Why stewardship matters more than declarations If you say you want to be a billionaire… are you willing to pay the price? This conversation is about process. Discipline. Humility. And building something that lasts.

I have a lot of anxiety and resentment present in me right now and in my never ending quest to understand how I got here, I turned to something truly holy: memes. They led me where I didn't expect, which was down a path of contemplation of what karma really means and how what I can get done in 15 minutes changes by the day. Key Takeaways:    [0:39] Having a lot of anxiety right now  [2:41] Toxic positivity  [3:27] Americanized karma is crap  [6:51] The Great Law [8:40] The Law of Creation  [10:11] The Law of Humility  [13:56] The Law of Personal Growth  [16:12] The Law of Responsibility  [18:05] The Law of Connection  [19:45] Hamlin's Razor  [20:43] The Peter Principle  [23:19] The Dunning Kruger Effect  [26:32] Parinson's Law [27:43] The Pareto Principle  [28:52] What law or principle stood out most for you? Connect with Barb:   Website   Facebook    Instagram   Be a guest on the podcast    YouTube   The Molly B Foundation  

Pride Versus Humility – April 18, 2026 by Percy Harrold

February 24th, 2026:  St Matthias - Build the Lofty Edifice of Sanctity on the Deep Foundation of Humility;  The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting;  St Matthias - Apostle Making Perfection;  Forgiveness in Lent;  St Matthias - Random Chance?

The Power Of Humility In The Eyes Of An All Powerful GodHumility - Freedom from pride and Arrogance

Why do people stay connected to church in a world where belief feels uncertain and worship can sometimes feel ordinary? In this episode of Together 4 Good, Pastor Nate sits down with Senior Ministries Co-Coordinator Pastor Jane Ritterson to talk about “thin spaces,” embodied prayer, doubt, death and dying, and why community still matters. This conversation explores the tension between belief and trust—and the quiet hope that God often shows up through other people.What You'll Learn:What “thin spaces” are and how they shape faithWhy embodied prayer can matter more than perfect wordsHow faith and doubt can coexist honestlyWhy church is grounding—even when it isn't excitingHow humility and community sustain us in hard seasonsIf this conversation resonated with you, like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who might be asking similar questions about faith, doubt, and community.Connect with Bethany:

What does James 1:9–11 really mean? Why does Scripture say, “Let the poor man glory in his exaltation” and compare the rich man to a fading flower? In this powerful Bible study, we unpack how humility is the key to God's grace and exaltation.James connects trials, wisdom, and humility in a way that challenges both the poor and the rich. Whether you're walking through financial struggle, personal testing, or spiritual pride, this message will show you how to glory in your exaltation and humble yourself before the Lord.God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. The choice is ours: humble ourselves, or let circumstances humble us.If you're searching for clarity on James 1, biblical humility, or how God lifts up the humble, this teaching will encourage and equip you.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share!

This week, we will be studying Mark 7:24-30 under the theme “Even Her.” We learn that God's grace crashes through every barrier — race, religion, reputation. We see a Savior who draws out bold faith and proves that the good news of Jesus overcomes all boundaries.Series Summary: Fast-paced, urgent, and relentlessly focused on Jesus, the Gospel of Mark shows us not just what Jesus said, but what he did. Written for a Roman world hungry for power, Mark introduces a surprising King - one who comes to serve, to suffer, and to give his life for many. Over the coming weeks, we'll walk this road with Jesus, from the wilderness to the cross, discovering how the Servant-King's actions reveal the true good news - and what it means to follow him as disciples who take up our own cross and trust him with our lives.Add St. Marcus as your church on the Church Center App!Fill out our online connection cardHow can we pray for you? If you'd like to leave an offering or monetary donation to our ministry please click here.

Got a question? Let us know!Made for Mondays | STEPSStep Seven: The PetitionThis week on Made for Mondays, Joe is joined by Heather, Jamey, and Tyler for a conversation centered on Step 7 in the STEPS journey: The Petition.After some weekend catch-up (yes, Olympics enthusiasm makes an appearance

And, we're off! Thanks, everybody, for giving our renewed Lectionary.pro format a try. Please continue to offer your comments and suggestions. Just like the original Lectionary Lab, we want to be helpful to working preachers. (“Jesus and Nicodemus”, from the Seventh-Day Adventist Bible Discussion page)RCL Readings: • Genesis 12:1–4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1–5, 13–17; John 3:1–17Text Summaries• Genesis 12: 1-4aGod calls Abram to leave home, security, and everything familiar, and to trust a promise he cannot yet see fulfilled. The promise is bigger than Abram's private future: through him, God intends blessing for all families of the earth. Abram's obedience is strikingly simple — “So Abram went” — and that trustful response becomes the model of covenant faith. In Lent, this text frames discipleship as movement: leaving old certainties, walking by promise, and trusting God's future over present control.• Psalm 121This psalm is a confession of trust for travelers, pilgrims, and anyone feeling exposed. Help does not come from the hills themselves, but from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. The psalm repeats God's “keeping” care: God watches over going out and coming in, by day and by night, now and forever. Rather than denying danger, it places vulnerability inside God's faithful attention. In a Lenten key, it teaches believers to pray honestly about risk while resting in the God who does not slumber.• Romans 4:1–5, 13–17Paul presents Abraham as the prototype of faith: righteousness comes through trusting God's promise, not through human achievement or law-keeping. If inheritance depended on performance, promise would collapse; instead, it rests on grace so that it can include all who share Abraham's faith. God is described as the One “who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist,” grounding Christian hope in God's creative power. During Lent, this text shifts the center from religious scorekeeping to grace-shaped trust and hope.• John 3:1–17Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, sincere yet confused, and Jesus tells him that entry into God's kingdom requires birth “from above” — a Spirit-given new beginning, not mere religious competence. Jesus draws on Israel's wilderness story (the lifted serpent) to show that healing and life come through looking in faith to what God provides. The passage climaxes in God's love for the world: the Son is given not to condemn but to save. For Lent, this gospel invites people out of spiritual nighttime into rebirth, faith, and the light of God's saving mercy.Major Themes1. Faith before sight, or perhaps through sight (looking) when our focus is on God2. Promise grounded in grace3. New birth, new life in Christ4. God's keeping care in uncertain journeys5. Salvation as gift, not achievementPreaching ArcThe Call → The Keeper → The Promise → The New Birth1. The Call (Genesis 12): God calls us forward before we have full clarity.2. The Keeper (Psalm 121): We are sustained on the road by God's watchful care.3. The Promise (Romans 4): Righteousness and the future are received by faith, not earned by performance.4. The New Birth (John 3): God doesn't just improve us; God makes us new in Christ.From uncertain beginnings to Spirit-born life, faith walks forward on promise, kept by grace.A Sermon Outline“Called Before We're Ready”Core Claim: God calls us forward by grace, keeps us on the road, and gives new life through Christ.1. Opening: the discomfort of being called into the unknown2. Genesis 12: Abram's yes before clarity3. Psalm 121: God keeps us while we travel4. Romans 4: promise by grace, received by faith5. John 3: new birth is God's work, not self-improvementApplication: one step of trust this weekClosing: we go because God is faithfulOne-sentence takeaway: In Christ, we are called, kept, and made new — so we can take the next faithful step even without full certainty.An Illustration: Does anybody remember the Dunkin' Donuts commercial that featured a bleary-eyed baker rising early every morning, saying, “Time to make the donuts?” Believe it or not, that's a basic illustration of faith in something intangible. A baker starts work at 2:00 a.m. There is no smell of fresh bread yet, no customers, no visible result — just measured ingredients, kneading, waiting, and trust in the process. Hours later, what was unseen becomes nourishment (of a sort) for many.Preaching Bridge: “Faith is often bakery work: done in the dark, trusted before dawn.” (Image from the Upper Room, Discipleship Study Guide)Narrative Lectionary Text: John 13:1-17Text SummaryAt the supper before his passion, Jesus rises, takes a towel, and washes the disciples' feet. Peter resists, then overcorrects, and Jesus teaches that receiving him means accepting this upside-down pattern of love. Jesus, their Lord and Teacher, performs a servant's task and commands them to do likewise. Greatness in his kingdom is expressed through humble, embodied service.Themes Present1. Servant leadership — authority in Jesus is expressed through self-giving care.2. Love made concrete — love is not sentiment; it takes the form of action.3. Receiving before doing — discipleship starts with letting Christ minister to us.4. Humility over status — the gospel dismantles rank-driven identity.5. Imitation of Christ — “as I have done for you” is the shape of Christian community.Preaching ArcIdentity → Humility → Command → Community1. Identity: Jesus knows who he is and where he is going.2. Humility: Secure in that identity, he kneels to wash feet.3. Command: “As I have done for you, you also should do.”4. Community: The church becomes recognizable by practical, mutual, humble love.Because Christ stoops to serve us, we are formed into a people who serve one another.A Sermon Outline“The Towel and the Basin”Core ClaimJesus redefines greatness through humble service, and discipleship means receiving his love and then embodying it toward others.Big MovementStatus → Surrender → Service → WitnessOutline (7–8 min)1. Opening: Our instinct for rank• We naturally measure importance by visibility and control.• Jesus gives a different picture at the table.2. John 13: The shock of the scene• Jesus knows who he is and where he is going.• Precisely from that security, he kneels and washes feet.• True authority is not threatened by service.3. Peter's resistance: Why this feels hard• Peter resists being served.• Discipleship begins with receiving grace, not performing for God.• We cannot give what we refuse to receive.4. “As I have done for you”• Jesus moves from act to command.• Foot washing as pattern: embodied, practical, inconvenient love.5. What this means for a small (or any) congregation• Hidden service is central ministry, not secondary work.• Church health is measured by how we treat one another in ordinary moments.• The towel may look like meals, rides, prayer, repair, listening, forgiveness.Application for the week• Receive: where do I need to let Christ serve and cleanse me?• Serve: one concrete act of humble care.• Repair: one relationship step that lowers pride and raises love.Closing• Jesus is most recognizable when kneeling with a towel.• The church is most faithful when it does the same.One-Sentence TakeawayIn Christ's kingdom, greatness looks like a towel and basin: we receive his love, then kneel to serve.An Illustration: “The CEO with a Mop”A story gets told in leadership circles about a company after a major event: everyone leaves, trash is everywhere, and the cleaning crew is short-handed. One employee comes in early and sees the CEO quietly pushing a mop and picking up cups. No announcement. No photo. No speech. Just service.That moment reshaped the office culture more than any memo did. People said, “If he can do that, none of us are above serving.”John 13 is deeper than leadership technique, but the point lands: Jesus, knowing exactly who he is, takes the towel. Real authority is not threatened by humility.Preaching bridge: In Christ's kingdom, the towel is not beneath us. The towel is how love becomes visible. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lectionarypro.substack.com

Dress yourself up in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. This “clothing” will draw attention to God in a good way. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

This lecture explores the profound teachings of Jesus as presented in Matthew 11:20-30, focusing on Jesus' denouncement of unrepentant towns and his invitation to those who are weary. The session begins with a reading that sets the stage for Jesus' criticism of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, towns that witnessed numerous miracles yet failed to turn to God. The lecturer, Ian, introduces this context by recounting a story from the life of Matt Canlis, who, while meeting with a skeptic from a small Scottish village, illustrated the significance of geographical proximity to miraculous events and the accountability that comes with it.Ian emphasizes that these towns had unprecedented access to Jesus and his teachings, making their rejection of his message particularly poignant. By juxtaposing these Galilean villages with notorious cities like Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom, Jesus underlines a critical biblical principle: with great knowledge comes great responsibility. The discussion invites listeners to reflect on their own context, especially in a nation like the United States, where access to the words and teachings of Jesus is unparalleled.The lecture transitions to a prayer from Jesus expressing gratitude for God revealing truths to the “childlike” while hiding them from the “wise.” This prayer shifts the tone from condemnation to affirmation, illustrating God's preference for humility and receptivity over intellectual pride. Ian draws parallels with historical and scriptural references, noting the consequences of a hardened heart towards God. The lecture stresses that genuine worship and relationship with God go beyond outward appearances and rituals; their essence lies in the condition of the heart.The focus then moves toward the invitation Jesus extends to the weary and heavy-laden. Ian elaborates on the concept of taking on Jesus' yoke, explaining its implications both as a metaphor for learning from him and as an invitation into a deeper relational dynamic with the God who provides rest. He articulates that this rest is not merely physical relief but an overarching peace that comes from trust in God's provision.Ian contrasts Jesus' yoke with the burdens of cultural expectations and personal struggles, urging participants to consider what yokes they might be carrying that leave them exhausted. He discusses the dual nature of Jesus as both humble and powerful, capable of bearing burdens while inviting believers into a partnership that offers rest and learning. The imagery of yoking together, especially a younger ox with an older one, illustrates the nature of this relationship—Jesus as the stronger partner who supports the believer in navigating life's challenges.As the lecture progresses, Ian invites listeners to engage with their own weariness, suggesting that coming to Jesus provides not just relief but guidance in learning to live in alignment with God's will. The session culminates with an invitation for prayer, allowing those feeling burdened an opportunity to seek support in the community and to step into the rest that Jesus promises.Ultimately, Ian emphasizes the importance of remaining receptive to God's voice and guidance, challenging listeners to approach their faith with the eagerness of a child ready to learn. The invitation to “come to me” is framed not just as a call to relief but as an entrance into a transformative relationship with Jesus, reinforcing the belief that he offers a fitting yoke that leads to true rest for the soul.

In this episode of Sales Is King, Dan sits down in the new Midtown Manhattan studio with Craig Bowman, SVP of Public Sector at Trellix and author of the new book Craft: CIA Elite Selling. Craig brings a wild career arc to the mic—from clandestine work with the CIA and the intelligence community to building high‑performing sales teams at Adobe and now leading public sector growth at scale.Craig unpacks how CIA tradecraft, “mission first” thinking, and AI can radically upgrade how you prospect, qualify, and win in complex B2B deals. Key topics coveredThe CIA recruitment story: from a mysterious hotel lobby interview, underground parking garages, and VCR‑filled rooms to landing his first role under commercial cover.Moving from intelligence to entrepreneurship: starting, scaling, and selling his own government contracting company, then returning post‑9/11 for a new mission.Jumping into sales at Adobe: how he was recruited, doubled his salary, and built a new intelligence division by deeply understanding the mission—not just the tech.“In the mud with the customer”: why Craig literally went to the southern border with CBP to understand the mission and coined his mantra about getting in the trenches.Influence maps vs org charts: why the real power sits with the “knuckle‑draggers” in the back of the room, not just the CIO, and how to find and engage true influencers.Frameworks without rigidity: his take on MEDDIC, Challenger, and why you coach the bottom half differently while using top performers as mentors to “shift the middle.”The AI inflection point: how he rewrote his book mid‑stream to integrate AI, and why he now spends 70% of his time using AI agents as a personal chief of staff.Craig's live AI workflow: daily scripts that summarize email, corporate updates, and account intel; auto‑generated dossiers, personas, and value hypotheses. The 90‑Second Takeover: how to send a pre‑meeting hypothesis of value, then open meetings with clarity, validation, and a working session instead of random discovery.Humility as a superpower: the intern experiment that proved “humility emails” beat cold calls, and why genuine curiosity and asking for help unlock meetings.AI from the buyer's side: why your customers are already using AI to shortlist vendors and how you should be using AI the same way to qualify where you can truly win.Metrics that actually matter: the question Craig asks every customer about how they'll measure value 7 months after buying—then how he uses that in MEDDIC the right way.The seven criteria of a successful seller: why he evaluates inputs (character, curiosity, rigor) rather than just outputs (pipeline, quota).Mentors and pivotal leaders: from his grandfather and tough college professor to powerful women leaders in the intelligence community and sales leaders like Ken Karsten.Who this episode is forEnterprise and public sector sellers trying to win complex, multi‑stakeholder deals.Sales leaders looking to blend frameworks like MEDDIC with modern AI and real coaching.Rev leaders who want their teams “in the mud with the customer” instead of stuck on Zoom.Listen for these takeawaysWhy you must deeply understand your customer's mission—and often physically go to the “border” or “boat”—before pitching technology.How to build influence maps, not just chase titles on an org chart.A tested AI + email play that interns used to book meetings your team “could never get.”A simple question that turns MEDDIC metrics from guesswork into a mutual accountability pact.Connect with CraigBook: Craft: CIA Elite Selling on Amazon (hardcover, ebook, and audiobook).Bonus material & AI scripts: unlock the members section using the book, or message Craig on LinkedIn if you bought the audio version.If you're tired of canned discovery, bad qualification, and random acts of prospecting, this conversation will change how you think about mission, AI, and what “elite selling” really looks like.

What do you do when faith feels dry, confusing, or emotionally barren—when God seems absent, or even uncomfortably near? In this episode of the Thinking Christian Podcast, Dr. James Spencer talks with Dr. Noelle Forlini-Byrte, author of God in the Desert: A Spiritual Theology of Wilderness in the Old Testament and part-time lecturer at Samford University, about the wilderness as a spiritual landscape for real Christians living real lives. Noelle shares how this book was “twenty years in the making,” beginning with her first spiritual formation class and early encounters with the mystics—especially St. John of the Cross and the theme of God’s “dark night” and felt absence. Those questions followed her into doctoral work in the Old Testament, where narratives like Jacob wrestling at the Jabbok, the exile, and Israel’s wilderness wanderings became a rich theological map for suffering, disorientation, and divine encounter. James and Noelle explore why the church often defaults to two unhealthy extremes: shallow, pithy “application” divorced from biblical context—or scholarship so clinical that it leaves the soul malnourished. Noelle argues that liturgy and scholarship must belong together: rigorous exegesis should not be an escape from spiritual formation, and devotional practices should not ignore the actual meaning of the text. The goal is not information alone, but a scripture-shaped life where God excavates the soul. Along the way, they discuss difficult Old Testament passages without smoothing out their discomfort—especially the wilderness as a place of testing (Deuteronomy 8) and purgation (Hosea 2). Noelle draws on the Christian mystical tradition to describe purgation as the stripping away of “self-made props,” the idolatries and illusions that quietly sustain us until wilderness exposes what we truly trust. One of the most resonant themes is acedia—the “noonday demon” from the desert tradition: spiritual weariness, malaise, and the temptation to give up when faith becomes costly and daily life grinds us down. James connects acedia to midlife, family pressures, and the subtle exhaustion that comes not from one tragedy, but from “death by a thousand cuts.” Noelle suggests that the very presence of these questions can be a sign of a deeper, weathered faith—because wilderness presupposes we are actually walking with God. The conversation closes with a challenge for the church today: humility, honest questions, and a willingness to let Scripture form us rather than simply confirm us. Faithful discipleship requires more than confidence—it requires wakefulness and the courage to bring our real lives before God. You can get God in the Desert: A Spiritual Theology of Wilderness in the Old Testament at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount) Subscribe to our YouTube channel

The difference between life and death is not lack of evidence — it is the posture of the heart. Pride resists Jesus. Humility receives Him. John 10:31-33 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are […]

Thank you for joining us online!  For more information and to connect with us, use the links below:https://tekoachurch.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tekoachurchTekoa Church meets on Sunday mornings at 10:30am2175 Lincoln AveSan Jose, CA 95125

Sermon: A Lesson on HumilityScripture: Matthew 18:1-9Speaker: Pastor Nick Williams

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Where Leaders Wash Feet | Jesus Rewrites Greatness with Humility Jesus Unplugged seriesIn this Sunday message from Divine Savior Church, Doral as part of the Jesus Unplugged series, we explore the Gospel of John 13:1–17 and the stunning moment Jesus washes His disciples' feet. In a world that pursues charisma, power, and influence, Jesus doesn't ascend a throne — He kneels with a towel. He shows that true leadership isn't about status, applause, or platforms, but about humble service and sacrificial love.Through the lens of Scripture, we'll see how Jesus unplugs our obsession with greatness and reveals a kingdom where glory is found in stooping low for others. We'll also consider how the Old Testament promise in Isaiah 42:1–4 and the example of Christ's obedience in Hebrews 5:5–9 deepen our understanding of servanthood.Support the showMoved to give? http://dschurch.link/givedoralFor more info about our church please visit our website: https://divinesaviorchurch.com/dscdor/

Srimad Bhagavatam [Bhagwat Katha] – Part 23 | Swami Mukundananda  Swamiji narrates the divine episode of Shree Ram and Sita's marriage, which conveys the timeless lesson that humility triumphs over pride. King Janak organized the swayamvar, where mighty kings and warriors attempted to lift and string Lord Shiva's bow. Despite their strength and arrogance, none succeeded.  When Shree Ram approached, He did so with complete humility and devotion. Effortlessly, He lifted and strung the bow, breaking it in the process. This act revealed that true strength lies not in pride or worldly power, but in surrender to God.  Swamiji emphasizes that the marriage of Ram and Sita symbolizes the union of dharma and devotion, teaching us that humility is the highest virtue that wins God's grace, while pride distances the soul from divinity.  About Swami Mukundananda:    Swami Mukundananda is a renowned spiritual leader, Vedic scholar, Bhakti saint, best‑selling author, and an international authority on the subject of mind management. He is the founder of the unique yogic system called JKYog. Swamiji holds distinguished degrees in Engineering and Management from IIT and IIM. Having taken the renounced order of life (sanyas), he is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, and has been sharing Vedic wisdom across the globe for decades. 

Just as there are darkened seasons in human history—times when the structures sustaining civilization collapse in on themselves and humanity finds itself stiff-fisted, grasping at brittle branches, slipping between worlds—so too is every individual subject to phases of undoing in the metamorphosis of a lifetime.Entering the chrysalis is rarely a matter of choice. We would resist if we could. One morning, we awaken with a pit in the stomach, a visceral unease that signals change even before we can name its source. Quite all of a sudden, we find we have entered a dream with no solid ground and no turning back. Loss feels imminent, along with the uncertainty of what comes next or how we will get there. We try to keep moving, mistaking busyness for control of circumstance. We hoist the blueprints of our former lives above our heads to keep them dry, trying to shore up what is already dissolving.We try very hard, as all creatures do, not to die. Yet for the caterpillar, entering the chrysalis is a form of programmed death—a gruesome act of self-digestion. What can the larva comprehend of its own metamorphosis as it surrenders to darkness and enzymatic dissolution? Before it can be reconstituted, the caterpillar's whole body must pupate—which is to say liquify. Epithelial cells breaking down, muscles and mandibles lysed by their own enzymes, the entire body reduced to a nutrient slurry.Every winter, nature takes this serious turn. Fallen leaves coil in on themselves, roots retreat, seeds release, and stillness wraps the living world. Here's orientation from a recent column in our cherished local magazine, the Santa Fe New Mexican —“In winter, our arid steppe climate shows us the value of leaving things alone. Grasses left standing become shelter. Seed heads become sustenance. Evergreen shrubs offer cover from wind and predators when the world feels most exposed. What looks untidy to us is, in fact, a carefully balanced system of protection and patience. The garden does not ask us to fix it in January—only to witness it.”The winter gardener knows not to try to fix such depression, but instead to witness and accompany the world beyond control. For the winter gardener recognizes the fallows as sanctuary, the outer casings of seed heads and pale grasses as fortresses of transformation, and death as a passage between birthing seasons. This is the winter gardener's regenerative faith.Similarly, with respect to human development, Jungian analyst and author Marion Woodman called the chrysalis “a twilight between past, present, and future,” a place where the psyche must “tolerate annihilation—just long enough for the new form to begin assembling itself.” She described the sojourn of life as a series of “border crossings between what we were and what we cannot yet imagine.”For the caterpillar, the dream of the butterfly is carried by imaginal cells—tiny, sac-like clusters that, through the primordial twilight of metamorphosis, give rise at last to compound eyes, scaled wings—a new and elegant anatomy. This is how a creature built for crawling holds within its body the imagination of flight.In his 1910 Oxford lecture, The Birth of Humility, anthropologist Robert Ranulph Marett described metamorphic thresholds as “psycho-physical,” when body and mind falter so that “latent energies [may] gather strength for activity on a fresh plane.”The most courageous way we can enter the chrysalis is with attunement. “Pause,” Marett wrote, “is the necessary condition of the development of all those higher purposes which make up the rational being.” James Baldwin attested that the darkest hour can “force a reconciliation between oneself and all one's pain and error.” We cannot will ourselves to grow, for transformation is an act of presence, not power. But within the privacy of our consciousness, with patience and attention, we can rediscover the forces shaping our evolution and develop faith in what is becoming.In Jungian terms, the collective mirrors the individual psyche: what deconstructs in the outer world—painfully, though necessarily—reflects what must be reimagined from within. Today, democratic principles and ecological balance are slipping from their axes. But, as Marett observed, “Not until the days of this period of chrysalis life have been painfully accomplished can [a person] emerge a new and glorified creature.”Some silent, imaginal knowledge within us already knows the way. Here in the high desert, the earliest bloomers will soon appear: proof that the intelligence of life has been preparing the ground, all along, for the resurrection of some new and common beauty.Together, we're making sense of what it means to be human in an era of radical change. Your presence here matters. Thank you for reading, sharing, ‘heart'ing, commenting, and subscribing to The Guest House.+ Join next month's yoga & meditation class on Thursday, Mar 12, at 9 am MT / 11 am ET. A replay will be shared via email shortly thereafter.+ Find me at YogaSource in Santa Fe every Wednesday morning, 9-10:15 am MT / 11 am-12:15 pm ET for Dynamic Practice. This class is fully analog—live and in person. Register through the studio here.+ I'll be returning to two beloved places to offer retreats with friends in the coming year: Beyul Retreat, in the pristine wilderness surrounding Aspen, Colorado, May 21-25, 2026, with Wendelin Scott; AND world-class Ballymaloe House in County Cork, Ireland, Sept 20-26, 2026, with Erin Doerwald. Each retreat will feature yoga, meditation, farm-to-table meals, and curated outings—plus rest, nurturance, and imagination. Just a few spots left. Check out all the details here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnparell.substack.com/subscribe

The Bus as Wayfinder: Body, Community, and the Ritual of Public TransportIn this episode, I stay on the bus long enough to understand that the journey is not a prelude, it's the ritual.For two years, I've taken public transport across West Cork to swim and train, partly to protect my health, partly to negotiate the quiet truths of aging. But somewhere between timetables and weather, something else happened: the bus became a moving room of community. Drivers who greet you like you matter. Passengers who carry entire biographies in shopping bags. Conversations that feel like “social media” without algorithms, attention offered instead of harvested.Together with my AI Co-Host Sophia, I reflect on how public transport can become a wayfinder, a teacher of patience, humility, and interdependence. And I tell the story of a ninety-two-year-old farmer I met at the Bandon bus stop, a life stitched together through routes, routines, and resilience, until absence became the final message.The episode closes with a song by Los Inorgánicos: “Timetable Hymn.”Detlef Schlich is a rock musician, podcaster, visual artist, filmmaker, ritual designer, and media archaeologist based in West Cork. He is recognised for his seminal work, including a scholarly examination of the intersections between shamanism, art, and digital culture, and his acclaimed video installation, Transodin's Tragedy. He primarily works in performance, photography, painting, sound, installations, and film. In his work, he reflects on the human condition and uses the digital shaman's methodology as an alter ego to create artwork. His media archaeology is a conceptual and practical exercise in uncovering the unique aesthetic, cultural, and political aspects of media in culture.WEBSITE LINKS WAW Official YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@WAWBand"The Niles Bittersweet Song" WAW BandcampSilent NightIn a world shadowed by conflict and unrest, we, Dirk Schlömer & Detlef Schlich, felt compelled to reinterpret 'Silent Night' to reflect the complexities and contradictions of modern life.https://studiomuskau.bandcamp.com/track/silent-nightWild Atlantic WayThis results from a trip to West Cork, Ireland, where the beautiful Coastal "Wild Atlantic Way" reaches along the whole west coast!https://studiomuskau.bandcamp.com/track/wild-atlantic-wayYOU TUBE*Silent Night Reimagined* A Multilayered Avant-Garde Journey by WAW aka Dirk Schlömer & Detlef Schlichhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAbytLSfgCwDetlef SchlichInstagramDetlef Schlich ArTEEtude I love West Cork Artists FacebookDetlef Schlich I love West Cork Artists Group ArTEEtudeYouTube Channelsvisual PodcastArTEEtudeCute Alien TV official WebsiteArTEEtude Detlef Schlich Det Design Tribal Loop Download here for free Detlef Schlich´s Essay about the Cause and Effect of Shamanism, Art and Digital Culturehttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/303749640_Shamanism_Art_and_Digital_Culture_Cause_and_EffectSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/arteetude-a-podcast-with-artists-by-detlef-schlich/donations

In this Debrief episode, as always we pull lessons out of the social media mess and apply them to real life. Let's start with a refreshing post-game interview where a reporter chooses encouragement over “gotcha” criticism, then pivots into Mark Manson's idea of the “emotional vampire” and why you must set boundaries without guilt. From there, the episode gets blunt about martial arts culture, especially modern jiu jitsu. Ego, posturing, toxic gym vibes, lack of curriculum, and performative toughness are driving people away. The takeaway is simple: respect matters, discipline starts before you step on the mat, and your character shows most when nobody is watching.Send a text

This Lent, we will journey with Jesus as he tells 6 parables on his way to the cross. We begin with Jesus dining at a Pharisee's home. When an unexpected guest arrives and begins to anoint Jesus' feet, the host judges her behavior as inappropriate. Jesus tells a short parable that reveals a new lens for us to consider when we make judgments - the lens of humility. [Luke 7:36-50]

1 Peter - You are to be humble as you interact with others, especially your elders, and humble before God, for only He can take care of you and exalt you in Christ.

Every small step counts towards positivity. Franciscan principles guide us in violent times. Humility allows for steadier courage. Nonviolence starts with our speech. Daily practices help maintain peace. Boundaries protect life and invite accountability. Forgiveness should lead to change. Peace is a communal effort, not just personal. Love can refuse harm while still being compassionate. Concrete actions are essential for real change. Produced, Edited and mixed by Paul R. Long, OFSFor further Information visit our Website OurWalkTogether.comor contact: PaulLongOFS@gmail.com

Get all set for the First Sunday of Lent with Father Byrd.SummaryJoin us as we explore the significance of Lent, the meaning of Ash Wednesday, and how to prepare spiritually for Easter. Our discussion covers the history of ashes, fasting rules, and practical tips for a meaningful Lent, all through engaging conversations and personal insights.Takeaways The significance of Ash Wednesday and the distribution of ashes.The biblical and historical origins of ashes and their symbolism.Rules and guidelines for fasting and abstinence during Lent.The spiritual purpose of giving things up and practicing self-denial.Jesus' temptation in the desert and lessons on spiritual warfare.The importance of humility, trust in God's grace, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.Practical tips for a meaningful and transformative Lent.The role of prayer, silence, and detachment in spiritual growth.The connection between Lent and Easter: preparation and renewal.Personal reflections and stories about living out Lent authentically.Chapters03:35 Reflections on Ash Wednesday and Temptation06:45 Understanding the Readings for Lent09:47 The Temptation of Jesus in the Desert12:41 Lessons from Jesus' Temptation15:34 The Role of Pride and Humility in Temptation18:47 The Importance of Grace in Our Lives21:42 Finding Balance Between Humility and Self-Doubt24:38 Cooperation with Grace and Action27:53 The Infinite Nature of God's Grace30:44 Logistical Questions About Lent33:30 Final Thoughts on Lent and Ash Wednesday

Brian From talks with author and counselor Ed Welch about his new book The Humility Project for Men. Together they explore why humility is often misunderstood as weakness, how pride shows up as insecurity and self-protection, and why true strength begins with listening to God. Ed offers practical, gospel-centered steps for cultivating humility—reminding men that real honor and contentment are found not in power, but in dependence on Christ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when uncertainty shakes the global economy, and investors start questioning where to put their money? In this episode, AFIRE CEO Gunnar Branson talks with Moody's Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi about slowing job growth, shifting trade and immigration policies, and the market volatility that has investors eyeing gold, silver, crypto, and real estate. Zandi highlights both the risks of a potential recession and the opportunities in U.S. commercial real estate, where prices have corrected significantly. The near term may present “bouts of real anxiety,” says Zandi, but in the long term, he adds, “I'm confident that we'll be fine.” LINKS Mentioned in the episode: Trump taps ex-Fed insider Warsh to lead world's top central bank https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-picks-former-fed-official-warsh-run-fed-2026-01-30/ To hear the globe's top experts discuss opportunities in US property markets, register for future AFIRE conferences: Summer Conference 2026 in Tokyo https://www.afire.org/events/tokyo26/ KEY MOMENTS 00:00 Introduction 00:36 Market uncertainty and investor confusion 00:56 Mark Zandi's background and perspective 02:19 Humility in today's economy 03:24 De-globalization and safe-haven assets 05:45 U.S. commercial real estate as opportunity 07:21 CRE market corrections and valuations 08:59 Relative attractiveness for international investors 10:29 Single-family rental market overview 11:54 Affordability challenges and workforce housing 14:37 Local variations and political complexity 15:16 Job growth stall and recession risk 17:33 Fed rate cuts and policy pressures 20:24 Long-term rates and equilibrium forecasts 22:22 Inflation concerns and consumer impact 25:35 AI, tech investment, and data center boom 26:42 Potential bubbles and market corrections 30:06 Long-term growth perspective for real estate 31:06 Bumps ahead: cyber events and AI oversight 32:35 Optimism: U.S. economy resilience 34:06 Historical perspective and maintaining cool heads

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text MessageLent doesn't open with a pep talk; it starts with ashes and the hard grace of honesty. We map a clear, three-step journey that trades vague resolutions for substance: Dante's Inferno to see sin in sharp relief, Father John Burns' Lift Up Your Heart to walk into repentance with trust, and Thomas à Kempis' The Imitation of Christ to practice quiet, durable holiness. Along the way, we sit with unforgettable Dante scenes that act like moral X-rays, explore why indifference is never neutral, and learn how a holy hatred of sin grows from mercy, not pride.Then we shift from diagnosis to accompaniment. Drawing on St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Burns offers a ten-day retreat you can repeat or stretch across the season. We talk about how to handle dryness, shame, and the stumbles that usually derail good intentions, reframing repentance as a steady return rather than a flawless run. Each day ends with one small response—an honest prayer, a concrete work of mercy, a needed apology—so transformation becomes practical and repeatable.Finally, we anchor life in the hidden path of The Imitation of Christ. Humility over spectacle. Detachment over approval. Union with Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, over restless striving. You'll leave with a simple plan: a few cantos of Inferno each week with an examen, a short retreat reading with one action, and a one-page chapter from à Kempis with three focused questions for your next 24 hours. Start with all three, or just begin with one. Ashes clear our sight; grace carries us forward; daily fidelity makes it stick.If this path helps you begin again, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. What's the first small step you'll take today?Key Points from the Episode:• Lent beginning with ashes and clarity about sin• Dante's Inferno as moral X-ray of disordered love• Practical weekly reading and examen prompts• Father John Burns' 10-day retreat as trusted guide• Repentance as trusting return after failure• Daily small responses: prayer, mercy, confession• The Imitation of Christ on humility and detachment• One chapter a day with three reflective questions• Integrating diagnosis, accompaniment, imitation• Start small, begin where you are, keep returningBe sure to check out our show page at teammojocademy.com, where we have everything we discussed in this podcast as well as other great resourcesOther resources: Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

He Must Increase: John 3:22–36In this episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane explore John 3:22–36, where John the Baptist humbly declares, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” As questions of comparison and influence arise, John's response reveals a powerful model of humility, joy, and surrender.Together, they unpack what it means to live a life that points to Jesus rather than elevates self, how identity is secured in Christ—not position—and why true joy is found in making much of Him. This passage invites us to examine our motives, release comparison, and embrace a faith that celebrates Christ's increase above all.____________________________________Connect with Jamie:Website: www.jamieklusacek.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacekConnect with Jane:Website: www.janewwilliams.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

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Welcome back, Encouragers, to the Be Encouraged Podcast!I'm so grateful you're here for Season 4: The Achieve Series.

SummaryThe professional speaking world and the personal development industry have been intertwined for decades. That overlap has created energy, inspiration, and transformation. It has also created hype, pseudoscience, and borrowed authority.In this solo episode, John explores where influence crosses into manipulation, why anecdotes are powerful but weak evidence, and how emotional intensity can lower scrutiny in a room.This is not an attack on personal development. It is a call for healthier boundaries, intellectual humility, and higher standards.If you are building a serious speaking business and care about long-term credibility, this episode is for you.In This EpisodeWhy persuasive speaking is inherently powerful and inherently vulnerable to abuseHow pseudoscience and “science-sounding” language spread on stagesThe role of TEDx in transferring perceived authorityWhy anecdotes move audiences but do not prove causationHow high emotion lowers scepticismThe difference between confidence and competenceWhat intellectual humility looks like in a keynoteHow integrity protects both your reputation and the professionKey IdeaCertainty sells.Nuance builds careers.If you want short-term applause, oversimplify.If you want long-term authority, raise your standards.CitationsCarl Sagan – “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence”Edward de Bono – 'How to Have a Beautiful Mind'Elizabeth Loftus – Research on memory distortionDiscussionIs the industry doing enough to distinguish between influence and manipulation? Where should speakers draw the line? What responsibility comes with the stage?Share your thoughts.Professional speaking does not need a hostile divorce from personal development. It needs healthier boundaries.CHAPTERS00:00 Influence With Integrity: Why This Episode Matters00:50 When Persuasion Meets Emotion: The Stage's Power (and Risk)01:13 Pseudoscience on Stage: ‘Quantum' Claims & Debunked Myths02:26 Anecdotes, Arousal & Bias: How Audiences Lower Their Guard03:56 Borrowed Credibility: TED/TEDx, Branding, and Authority Transfer04:45 The Industry Cost of Hype: Buyers Sceptical, Experts Exit05:46 Raising the Standard: Stories + Energy, But Check Your Sources06:48 Humility vs Certainty: Building Trust for the Long Game07:23 Closing: Question Everything + What's Next on the ShowVisit https://strategic-speaker.scoreapp.com to take the 2-minute Strategic Speaking Business Audit and find out what's blocking you from getting more bookings, re-bookings, referrals and bigger fees. There's a special surprise gift for everyone who completes the quiz.Want to get coached for free on the show? Fill in the form

Send a textTimothy Klund, aka TK, shares his journey from being an Air Force veteran to becoming a successful entrepreneur and community leader. He discusses the importance of relationships, the value of time, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. The conversation also delves into the origins of the Celebrity Softball Classic, emphasizing the significance of community and connection. TK's insights on spirituality, personal growth, and the necessity of hard work provide listeners with a roadmap for achieving their own success and fulfillment.-Quick Episode Summary:Air Force, leadership, resilience, relationships, faith, family, giving back, gratitude.-SEO Description:Air Force vet TK shares leadership, resilience, and the power of connection, plus stories from the Celebrity Softball Classic and lessons from life and business.-

Every night, join Father Joseph Matlak as he ends the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, and using the Douay-Rheims psalter for his reflections, Father Matlak guides you in prayer and shares a brief reflection and a thorough examination of conscience providing you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. ________________

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with virtuoso guitarist Angel Vivaldi to explore the intersection of artistry, authenticity, and perseverance. Angel shares insights from his recent tour with legendary guitarist Steve Morse, discusses his creative process behind concept albums like "Synapse," and reveals how he balances being 65% artist and 35% business. The conversation dives deep into topics ranging from working with difficult people and learning from enemies, to the role of AI in music, the importance of vulnerability, and why the only thing worse than living with regret is dying with it. This is a masterclass in commitment, creativity, and staying true to yourself in an industry that constantly demands compromise. Episode Highlights [2:14] Learning from Steve Morse's Humility and Reinvention - Angel describes touring with guitar legend Steve Morse and witnessing him reinvent his playing technique due to arthritis. Despite being one of the greatest guitarists alive, Morse remained humble enough to learn legato and tapping techniques from Angel, demonstrating that true mastery includes the willingness to continuously evolve. [20:59] The Muse and Discipline: Speaking Her Language - Angel shares his philosophy on creativity and the muse: "She has a lot of people to visit and she's gonna favor those who know how to speak her language. What is her language? Music." He explains why showing up consistently to practice—even without inspiration—is essential, because you're refining how you speak music so the muse can work through you. [39:44] The Synapse Album: Painting Studios and Neurotransmitters - Angel reveals the extreme creative process behind his concept album "Synapse," where each song represents a different neurotransmitter. He painted his studio a different color for each song (red for adrenaline, green for serotonin), changed scents, and even wrote at specific times of day to embody each neurochemical state—a process that nearly broke him but resulted in some of his most authentic work. [82:13] Learning from Your Enemies: Unfiltered Feedback - Angel offers a provocative perspective: "Your enemies have no stake in you liking them or them liking you. If you want unfiltered, uncensored, direct feedback on your flaws as a human being, look to your enemies." He explains how to parse criticism from adversaries to find genuine insights while filtering out projection and insecurity. Angel Vivaldi is an American virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, and producer who has been pushing the boundaries of instrumental guitar music since beginning his solo career in 2003. Self-taught from age 15, Angel has released multiple concept albums including "Universal Language," "Away With Words Parts 1 & 2," and "Synapse," each showcasing his unique blend of progressive metal, fusion, and melodic sensibility. Beyond his solo work, Angel is a multifaceted creative force—he's a cinematographer, fashion enthusiast, interior designer, and entrepreneur who founded Zenith Council, an artist services company helping musicians with branding, marketing, and creative vision. Recently, he toured as a guest guitarist with legendary Steve Morse, managing Morse's career while contributing rhythm guitar and content creation. Angel's approach to music and life embodies his belief that authenticity and vulnerability are the keys to creating art that truly resonates. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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SPONSORS: 1) CHEERS HEALTH: Same night out — way better morning with Cheers. For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code JULIAN at https://CheersHealth.com #Cheers #ad2 2) AMENTARA: www.amentara.com/go/JULIAN - Discount Code: JD22 for 22% off your FIRST order. 3) MIRACLE BRAND: Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://trymiracle.com/JULIAN and use code JULIAN to save over 40% and get a free 3-piece towel set. JOIN PATREON FOR EARLY UNCENSORED EPISODE RELEASES: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey WATCH PART 1 HERE: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5sKoh7cHdis895qcuBZbgi?si=53q5FcjGQhe_mT27HqUVkQ (***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ Jesse Hamel is a former Air Force Lt. Colonel & AC-130 Gunship Combat Aviator. He is now CEO of Victus Technologies, a drone warfare company he founded while studying at MIT. JESSE's LINKS: X: https://x.com/jhMITgunship VICTUS: https://www.getvictus.ai/ FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/ INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 00:00 – Evolution of Drone Warfare & Predator Origins 09:06 – Early Drone Problems, Hellfire & Ukraine Drones 19:06 – Cheap Mass Drones, AI & GPS Battlefield Threats 39:03 – Autonomy, Jamming, Directed Energy & Why Jesse Retired 52:39 – Russia / China Tech Race & Broken Defense Innovation Cycle 1:03:46 – Bureaucracy vs Startups & Fixing Military Innovation 1:13:50 – MIT Lessons, Humility & Building Agile Companies 1:22:46 – Why Jesse Rejected Big Defense Contractors 1:28:21 – GPS Warfare, Spoofing & Victus Solutions 1:38:36 – China Drone Race & Balloon Threats 1:48:32 – China Deception & US Drone Weakness 1:59:23 – China Investment, Data War & Machine Dominance 2:10:40 – Underwater Drones, Fravor & Underwater UFOs 2:15:59 – Spiritual Reality, Faith & Modern Disconnection 2:24:24 – Combat, Faith, WW3, WW4 & Cultural Decline 2:41:36 – Meritocracy, DEI Aftermath & Future Workforce 2:43:52 – Jesse's Work CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef - https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 385 - Jesse Hamel Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Read OnlineEven now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the LORD, your God. For gracious and merciful is he, slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. Joel 2:12–13Today, as we go forward in procession at Mass to be marked with ashes on our foreheads, we are reminded: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you will return.” Alternatively, the minister may say, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” What humbling words to hear.Do you desire to be humble? From a worldly perspective, humility is rarely esteemed as a virtue. However, those who are truly humble have a radiance that emanates from their souls. Even those who are deeply worldly often recognize the beauty of authentic humility. Among all the virtues we are called to cultivate, faith, hope, and charity are the greatest. No other virtue helps us grow in these three as effectively as humility.Humility is nothing other than seeing ourselves from God's perspective and embracing that truth. It allows us to shed false personas, along with any elevated or distorted images we might have of ourselves. In humility, we come to know who we truly are and live as God created us to be. Humility is the virtue of truth and integrity—seeing ourselves as we are in the mind of God and becoming that person.Imagine being able to look at your life and fully understand it in the way God does. This is the essence of humility. Moreover, humility enables us to embrace God's will, as it opens our eyes to the wisdom of His divine plan. It frees us from the deceptive desires that promise only fleeting happiness, dispels the fears that arise from believing lies, and reorders our desires so that we want only what God wills for us.The Scripture passage from the Prophet Joel is a powerful call to make this Lent a time of humility, repentance, penance, and transformation. As we are reminded of our mortality—“you are dust, and to dust you will return”—we are invited to adopt an eternal perspective, rather than a limited earthly one. Too often, we are tempted to live for the moment, to satisfy every craving, and to enjoy all that this world offers. Humility helps us turn our gaze away from passing earthly pleasures and focus on Heaven and eternal life.Lent is a time to return to the Lord with our whole hearts, “with fasting, and weeping, and mourning.” Fasting and penance are necessary to ensure that earthly desires do not dominate our ambitions. We must weep and mourn as we confront our sins, addictions, and worldly attachments that promise only fleeting satisfaction. Yet, God is a God of infinite mercy, “slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment.” His justice rightly punishes those who reject His mercy, but when we shed pride, sin, and worldliness, His mercy fulfills all justice and He withholds His punishment.As we begin our Lenten journey, reflect today on the words of the Prophet Joel as if they were spoken directly to you: “Even now, says the LORD, return to me with your whole heart...” Do not let this Lent pass you by. Enter it with a wholehearted commitment. “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” Face your soul with humility and confidence in God's mercy. Identify your sins, turn from them, do penance, pray, and seek holiness. If you do, God, in His great mercy, will transform your life in ways beyond your imagination. My merciful Lord, I repent of my sins with my whole heart and beg for the gift of humility so that I may see myself as You see me and change in the ways that You desire. I commit myself to You entirely and ask for Your abundant mercy this Lent. May I keep my eyes on Heaven and live for You alone. Jesus, I trust in You.ImageSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.