Podcasts about identify

Go to Go to https://www.learningleader.com/becoming to see the pre-order bonuses for The Price of Becoming This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. My Guest: Scott Galloway is the New York Times bestselling author of books including The Four, The Algebra of Happiness, Post Corona, Adrift, and The Algebra of Wealth.  Notes: Key Learnings Routine speeds up time, novelty slows it down. If you want life to go fast, just spend it alone and have a routine and never bust out of that routine. What makes life interesting is diversity in people, because people are complicated, and relationships are complicated. Lean into your emotions to slow time down. If you see something that moves you, stop, think about it, ask yourself why it moves you, and try to cement that moment in your brain. Otherwise, you're not sleepwalking through life; you're sleep sprinting. "The greatest wasted resource in history is good intentions that don't get articulated." No matter how famous someone is, they love affirmation as much as anybody else. Good thoughts that don't get articulated are wasted. Absorb when you're upset and lean into emotions, good and bad. This sort of marks the day and slows things down. Otherwise, if you get up every morning, do the same thing, eat the same thing, have the same relationship, the week's just gonna go really fast. Reverse engineer your success to things that aren't your fault. What are the things that played a role in your success that you had no control over? Your luck, your good fortune. For Scott: big government, assisted lunch, Pell Grants, University of California, technology financed by middle-class taxpayers, DARPA, the internet, deep pools of capital, and acceptance of failure. His mom told him he had value every day. Scott's mom, every day, implicitly and explicitly, told him and communicated to him that he had value. That builds a basic confidence that manifests in different ways: the confidence to fail, approach strangers, believe you're worthy of love, that you'll add value to a company, and that you can ask for tens of millions of dollars from someone. When good things happened, he used to call his mom. Whether it was getting a bonus at Morgan Stanley or striking up a conversation with a woman at Starbucks and getting her number, Scott used to call his mom. Your parents can bask in your victory, and you can brag to your parents, and it's okay. If there's no one there with you, it's like it didn't happen. Scott travels for business and stays at really nice hotels, and inevitably gets upgraded to the penthouse or the George V in Paris when he's alone. But if there's no one there with you, it's like it didn't happen. Celebrate victories, tell people how much they mean to you. You have to call your friends, celebrate their victories, celebrate your own, and tell people how much they mean to you. Every day, no matter what, tell your kids you're proud of them and love them. No matter how much Scott's kids piss him off, at some point, he finds a way to say, "I'm proud of you, and I love you immensely. You know that, right?" He hopes they have that same kind of base or pillar of confidence he had his whole life. Having someone tell you they believe in you every day works. You don't have to be a baller or successful. Just having someone in your life and every day telling them they mean a lot to you, they can't help but not believe you after a while. Being a leader isn't about being the smartest person in the room. Scott used to think being a leader was being the smartest person in the room, and he had trouble, especially with other men, thinking if he acknowledged someone else was doing a good job, somehow that made him less impressive. You have so much currency as a founder or manager. If you're in a management or leadership role, much less a founder, you have so much currency to pull someone into a conference room and say, "You were outstanding in that meeting" or "I just read this, and I love this paragraph. God, where did you come up with this idea?" You literally see these people just light up. "If you're thinking it, say it." The instant you're thinking something positive about somebody, just tell them, text them, call them. Don't wait. We have a tendency to think other people are telepathic, that they must sense we think they're wonderful. No, they don't sense it. Articulate it. When you're on your deathbed, you're not gonna think "I gave too much praise at work and told too many people how much they meant to me." Young people need watering. If you don't give young people feedback and praise when they deserve it, it's like having a ton of capital and not spending it. Especially with young people, they need watering. Feedback is incredible compensation. Whenever someone does something good, Scott tries to remind himself via email. Then, when he does their review at the end of the year, it's like, " Wow, this dude is paying attention. That is a form of compensation. Give thoughtful reviews that show you understand them. Tell them what they need to develop to get to the next level. Pay for the courses they need. They're a single mom who needs flexibility and wants to make more money. That's compensation. "Become a clip machine." Certain people are clip machines: James Clear, Morgan Housel, Kat Cole, Scott Galloway. These are people who communicate ideas in ways that are instantly shareable and memorable. For leaders, becoming an effective communicator isn't optional anymore. You need to be able to inspire and move people. The ability to write well is the stem of storytelling. It forces you to manage your thoughts and think things through. It's difficult to be a great storyteller if you can't write at a competent level. Rank yourself across every medium and go deep on one. Look at every medium (texting, LinkedIn, short form video, TikTok, long form writing, speaking), rank yourself, listen to yourself, decide what your specialty is, and then go very deep into one. Figure out your medium and commit to being in the top 1%. Challenge yourself to be in the top 10% within a year, the top 1% within three years. Identify which medium you have skills in, then challenge yourself. If you're in the top 6,000 podcasts out of 600,000 that put out content every week, you're in the top 1%. "Social media may make you want to shower after you use it, but it's frightening how powerful it is." In terms of economic power and influence, it's frightening how powerful social media is right now. If you're a young person and you want to be influential or economically secure, you need to master it. Storytelling is the enduring skill to give your kids. Scott's core competence is storytelling. His superpower is attracting and retaining people who help leverage his skills. The most radical act in a capitalist society is not participation. Scott started Resist and Unsubscribe because action absorbs anxiety. He was sick of being virtuous and courageous on a keyboard or a mic and wanted to do something. "Ready, fire, fucking aim on this thing called life." Scott wants to dance like no one is watching. He's gonna be dead soon, and it's all going really fast. He doesn't want to look back and think about losing sponsors or what people thought was stupid. He wants to think, "Right on, I tried to do something." He wants to be that guy who was unafraid, who showed up with a carpool to try and make a difference. Your spending or lack thereof is a weapon hiding in plain sight. The government most quickly responded six years ago during COVID, not because tens of thousands of people were dying, but because the GDP crashed 31%. The president backs away from plans when the bond market or stock market goes down. Even a gnat on an elephant matters. Even if it's just a gnat on an elephant, enough gnats will take down an elephant. If you have economic security and people who love you unconditionally, you have an obligation to speak out. Sam Harris has this great saying: if you have economic security and people who love you unconditionally, then you have an obligation to speak out and speak your mind, because most people don't have that luxury. Do what makes you feel good about yourself. It's not easy being mediocre-looking; it takes real effort. Scott grew up very skinny with bad acne and thinks maybe he's a little too focused or self-conscious about his looks. America is ageist, and looks matter. New York is the ultimate tip of the spear for a capitalist society, and it's optimized for two people: hot women and rich guys. For everyone else, it's a soul-crushing experience. We can talk about the way the world should be and the way the world is. That's the way the world is. Start working out. Scott coaches young men: start working out. It's good for your head. It shows women and employers you're in shape, not just because it looks good (which it does), but because it reflects how you show up, that you have discipline, that you can commit to something. The rule of threes puts you in the top 5% of attractiveness. If you work out three times a week or more, if you spend at least 30 hours a week working outside of the house, and put yourself in the company of strangers (church group, nonprofits, sports league), just by doing those three things, you put yourself in the top 5% of attractiveness of young males. Anyone who's had great yeses has had a shit ton of no's. If you can be in the top 5% and learn how to mourn and move on from rejection, at some point, you'll be voluntarily celibate, which is awesome. There were hundreds of no's for you to get to a top podcast. You get used to no. No one has the right to a living or to reproduce. If you want to score above your class economically or romantically, get out a big spoon and get ready to eat shit. It's what everyone of us has done. "I'm constantly worried about my boys now." Scott didn't worry about his kids when they were little unless they were sick - they were safe and home. Now he's worried about them all the time: are they doing okay at school? Is the quiet one okay? His champagne toast moment would be celebrating his son's first year of college going well - having fun, a good friend group, a couple of dates, football games, and gearing up for sophomore year. Reflection Questions What things played a role in your success that you had no control over? Your luck, your good fortune. How does reverse engineering to those things change your perspective? Who in your life needs to hear that you're proud of them and that they mean a lot to you? When's the last time you actually said it? Rank yourself across every medium you participate in (texting, LinkedIn, video, writing, speaking). What's your specialty? Are you willing to commit to being in the top 1% of that medium within three years? More Learning #578: Scott Galloway - The Algebra of Wealth #492: Scott Galloway - Finding What You're Good At #396: Scott Galloway - Turning Crisis Into Opportunity Podcast Chapters 00:00 Preorder my new book! 02:45 Meet Scott Galloway 04:13 Resilience To Criticism 05:43 Slowing Time With Novelty 08:43 Scott's Mom Building Confidence 14:52 Use Praise As a Leadership Currency 24:27 Becoming A Great Storyteller 31:06 Resist And Unsubscribe Origins 35:35 What Comes Next 37:13 Facing Both Backlash and Support 39:45 Living Unafraid 41:23 Why Sell Prof G? 42:37 Building Enterprise Value 46:46 The Openness of Cosmetic Surgery  48:47 The World's View on the Physical 50:42 Rule of Threes for Men 53:11 Scott's Champagne Toast 56:52 The Belief of Reasonable Politics  58:10 Where to Find Scott Online 01:02:14 EOPC

Sign Up Free Mini E-Courses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Mini Courses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign Up for Prayer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Orbis Prayer Ministry Network – Receive prayer for healing, prophecy, inner healing and deliverance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠In this episode of God Is Not a Theory, Ken Fish joins from Germany, where he is teaching on the Kingdom of God and training disciples in a practical, New Testament model.The conversation shifts into a deep and direct teaching on false teachers, false prophets, and false apostles—not just as theological categories, but as real spiritual influences with tangible effects.Ken explains that false teaching is not simply incorrect doctrine—it can be empowered by deceiving spirits that influence both belief and behavior. Drawing from Scripture, he outlines how these influences operate and how believers can recognize them.Key topics include:Why the Kingdom of God has a defined biblical meaning, not a flexible modern interpretationWhat a true disciple actually is—learning not only what Jesus taught, but doing what He didHow false teachers introduce destructive ideas rooted in spiritual deceptionThe role of greed, sensuality, and personal ambition in spreading false teachingHow false prophets can appear trustworthy while ultimately leading people away from truthWhy fruit over time—not first impressions—reveals authenticityThe reality of false apostles and how spiritual authority can be misusedHow false teaching can lead to real-world consequences, including emotional, mental, and even physical effectsWhy discernment requires both biblical knowledge and spiritual awarenessKen also shares multiple real-life ministry examples, including:A man healed of schizophrenia after renouncing false prophetic influenceA woman healed after rejecting false doctrine she had held for yearsDeliverance from spiritual oppression connected to false leadership structuresThe episode emphasizes that discernment is not optional—it is essential. Believers are called not to fear, but to test what they hear, examine fruit, and remain grounded in Scripture.How to Engage with Orbis:- Check out Ken's book,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ On the Road with the Holy Spirit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: https://a.co/d/0OVIIA0- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Partner with Orbis Financially⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Give - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Download the app: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠App - Orbis Ministries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠ Are you interested in learning about Holy Spirit-led ministry? Visit Orbis School of Ministry at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homepage | Orbis School of Ministry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email our Registrar, Jo McKay, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jo@orbisminstries.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠ Upcoming Orbis Ministries overseas ministry trips are posted on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠orbisministries.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ under the Train tab- Join an International Ministry Trip link behind the registration/login portal.- Do you want to join Ken's private Facebook discussion group, "God is not a Theory?" Please send a Facebook Direct Message to Bryan Orbis and a friend request to be added to it.

Why do MedTech companies with strong products, solid evidence, and good distributors still fail to expand internationally?Most founders assume international expansion fails because of product, evidence, or partners. In reality, it's often how they're thinking about the market that's holding them back.In this episode, Hakeem breaks down the three mindset mistakes that quietly derail global growth — and shows how those assumptions shape your positioning, your sales, and ultimately your ability to generate scalable revenue across markets.By listening, you'll:Identify the three mindset traps that lead to poor decisions and stalled international expansionLearn how to distinguish between sales problems and adoption problems in new marketsApply a simple framework to make faster, better decisions without waiting for perfect informationPress play now to fix the thinking that could be silently slowing your international MedTech growth.Book a 30min Healthcare Export Accelerator discovery callMessage me via DM on LinkedinThis podcast is for clinicians turning medical devices into real businesses, with practical insight on go to market strategy, exporting, and scaling in international MedTech.

A practical Spirit-led technique for authenticembodiment, enabling you to connect with Reiki as a living presence rather than a hierarchical system or mental framework. Reiki isn't just energy. It has a Spirit of its own - aliving intelligence and wise ally waiting for your direct connection.In this episode, I'm sharing a practical Spirit-ledtechnique you can integrate into your own practice. We'll explore why this shift matters for reclaiming your spiritual sovereignty, identify the gaps mainstream Reiki training leaves behind, and walk you through the unrestrictive technique itself - so you can meet the Spirit of Reiki energy as it uniquely presents for you (irrespective of any previous Reiki experience).If you've felt something was missing in your connection, practise or teaching pathway; if you've sensed there's a deeper, more authentic connection available; if you're done performing someone else's system and are called to reclaim your own Spirit-led Reiki - this episode is for you.5 KEY THINGS YOU'LL DISCOVER BY THE END OF THE EPISODE✅ Why Spiritual Sovereignty Matters in Your Reiki Practice - Understand how mainstream Reiki's permission - based access (attunements, lineage hierarchies, cultural frameworks that don't align with you) can fragment your connection, and how direct Spiritual relationship with Reiki energy reclaims your power.✅ How to Meet the Spirit of Reiki as a Living Intelligence - Learn the practical Spirit-led journeying technique to access non-ordinary reality and establish an authentic, personalrelationship with Reiki energy - one that's uniquely yours, not borrowed from someone else's cultural or spiritual lineage.✅ The Animistic Approach to Reiki (Non-Hierarchical Connection) - Discover what it means to relate to Reiki as having its own spiritual essence, dissolving the idea that access requires permission from a "higher" authority, and how this fundamentally shifts your entire practice.✅ How to Identify & Fill the Gaps Mainstream Training Left Behind - Recognize the specific questions and frustrations your training didn't address - from authenticity and intuitiveclarity to merging modalities and preventing energetic absorption - and know where to begin answering them for yourself.✅ The Difference Between Theory-Based Learning and Embodied Spiritual Connection - Understand whymainstream classroom Reiki only covers one-third of the equation (mental body), and how Spirit-led journeying activates emotional body (intuitive clarity) andSpiritual body (direct relationship with Reiki's Spirit and your guides & Spiritual self).Spirit-led Reiki Pathway open for enrollment: https://www.reikiredefined.com/spirit-led-reiki-pathway/Lifting the Veil on Reiki Free workshop: https://www.reikiredefined.com/lifting-the-veil-on-reiki/Free PDFs to compliment this podcast:https://www.reikiredefined.com/free-how-to-guides/Free community: https://www.reikiredefined.com/free-community/Get my free updates straight to your inbox: https://reiki-redefined.kit.com/6629991732You'll find me most on Tiktok @reikiredefined

Do you feel a deep pull to help people, make a difference, and serve with purpose—but aren't sure who exactly you're meant to help? Are you a spiritual woman entrepreneur ready to grow your soul-led business, but stuck guessing who your ideal client is? This episode is your roadmap to clarity, impact, and confidence.In this episode, I teach you how to:Define your ideal client and understand exactly who you're here to serveLearn why clarity around your client is the fastest way to grow your online businessUse the triple-niche strategy to attract aligned clients and stop wasting time guessingSee real-life examples of my students creating transformational “I help” statementsTake actionable steps today to define your client avatar, niche down, and serve your dream clientsRecognize how your life story is your purpose, and how serving others multiplies your impact and incomeIf you've been struggling to clarify who to help, feeling overwhelmed, or trying to grow your soul-led business without a clear plan, this episode will show you exactly how to serve with purpose, clarity, and soul-alignment.

Welcome to another episode of Founders Club! On this episode we'll be talking to Sam Wegert about Co-Living Real Estate Investing For Massive Cash Flow!   Connect with Founders Club Host Oliver Graf on Instagram: @OliverGraf360   In this episode of Founders Club, host Oliver Graf sits down with real estate investor Sam Wegert, who has built 200+ co-living rental units across the U.S. Sam breaks down how the co-living real estate strategy is bringing serious cash flow back to rental investing in today's market.   Do me a solid and…   Leave a 5 star review!   Find me on Instagram: @OliverGraf360   Founders Club TikTok: @FoundersClubPodcast   Subscribe to my YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/c/OliverGrafTV   Get on my VIP email list and get new episodes of Founders Club straight to you inbox: http://eepurl.com/g_L2Ev   Book me to speak: https://olivergraf.tv/speaking   Book a 1-on1 coaching session: https://calendly.com/olivergraf360/vip   JOIN OUR NATIONWIDE REAL ESTATE TEAM: https://www.100commissionrealestate.com --- TIME STAMPS 00:00 Co-Living Real Estate Strategy Introduction 00:40 Meet Sam Wegert – 200+ Co-Living Doors Built 02:00 Why Co-Living Is Bringing Cash Flow Back to Real Estate 04:20 What Is Co-Living Real Estate Investing? 06:00 Co-Living vs Traditional Rental Property Cash Flow 09:20 How to Identify the Perfect Co-Living Property 11:00 Square Footage Formula for More Rental Bedrooms 12:20 Neighborhoods That Work Best for Co-Living 14:00 Parking, Bathrooms, and Layout Considerations 15:30 How to Find Co-Living Deals on the MLS 17:10 Best Cities and Markets for Co-Living Investing 22:00 Converting Single Family Homes Into Co-Living Rentals 25:30 Tenant Management Systems for Co-Living Houses 30:20 Avoiding Tenant Conflicts and House Rules 39:00 Pricing Rooms and Filling Vacancies Fast

Do you ever wonder who you really are and why you're here? In this powerful message, we dive into the life of John the Baptist through John 1 to uncover timeless truths about identity. Learn how to: Know who you are not – avoid false labels and distractions. Understand why you are here – embrace your God-given purpose. Recognize who Jesus is – the ultimate key to your true identity. Let John's example guide you to live confidently in your God-given calling and step fully into the life you were created for.

Send a textIn this powerful episode of Soulful Self-Care Conversations, Pearl welcomes Janet Therese, intuitive guide and mentor for inner alignment, who helps individuals reconnect with their divine presence, clear limiting stories, and step into a more expansive, aligned life.This conversation dives deep into intuition, energy, trauma, alignment, and what it truly means to live from your highest self—not from fear, conditioning, or outdated beliefs.

*In this episode, you'll discover a three-step framework for exposing the unconscious patterns quietly running your life and learn exactly how to flip each one.* ## Episode Summary In this episode, I introduce a very helpful life transformation framework called “Identity Inversion.” It's a simple exercise I designed (based on my own self-experimentation!) for identifying unconscious patterns, habits, and identity traps that are keeping you from becoming the best version of your broken self. Using two relatable examples (a man addicted to the gym for self-worth and a woman addicted to productivity for approval), I’ll walk you through a three-step process: describe the pattern in a paragraph, name its redemptive opposite in a sentence, then distill it into a single word that becomes the key to redrawing your identity. Next week, so you can get a really concrete idea of what this looks like, I’ll share my own 10 identity inversions. ## Question of the Day

Are your ad campaigns crumbling? Is your marketplace becoming too competitive to turn a profit? In this episode, marketing legend Frank Kern breaks down the primary reason most ad campaigns fail: rushing the sale. Frank introduces the concept of the "Three Piles" of prospects and explains why the most lucrative opportunities lie not in the immediate buyers, but in the massive "middle pile" that your competitors are completely ignoring. Key Takeaways The "Right Now" Trap: Most advertisers fight over the 3% of people ready to buy today, leading to sky-high costs and thin margins. The Power of the Middle Pile: The largest segment of your market consists of people who will buy in the next 60 days to one year. This pile is less competitive and far more profitable. Intent-Based Branding: A strategy focused on demonstrating value by actually helping people before asking for money. The Long-Form Video Strategy: Use educational content to identify interested prospects and lower your acquisition costs. The Framework: Intent-Based Branding Frank outlines a simple but effective workflow for capturing the market: Identify the Audience: Pinpoint the "middle pile" of prospects. Analyze Needs: Ask what they want, what their frustrations are, and what emotions are tied to those frustrations. Demonstrate Value: Create long-form video content that solves a problem or demonstrates your expertise. Measure Resonance: Use social media metrics (view costs) to see if your message is landing. Low cost = high resonance. The Retargeting Phase: Once a prospect consumes a specific percentage of your content, move them into a retargeting database to receive direct offers. Memorable Quotes "Transforming your business isn't about doing a million different things. It's about finding one big thing and then leveraging that." "Demonstrate you can help them by actually helping them."  

➡️ Get the full show notes and episode breakdown at Biology of Trauma® Podcast - Is the Need to Always Be “Good” a Trauma Response? What does your body do with guilt it can never undo?  Have you ever done everything right — and still felt something unresolved living in your body? Maybe it's not a dramatic story. Maybe it's just a moment you can't stop replaying. A decision you can't forgive yourself for. A version of you that acted against your own values — and your nervous system never got the memo that it's over. That's what this episode is about. Gregg Ward accidentally took someone's life at 18. For 46 years, it lived in his body — flushed skin, tense shoulders, a loop that no amount of success, service, or self-improvement could stop. In this conversation with Dr. Aimie, he shares what moral injury actually is, why the body keeps reliving a story with no ending, and how movement became his nervous system's path through what therapy alone couldn't reach. This is not a story about grief resolved. It's a story about grief metabolized. And the moment the burden finally lifted — not when the pain disappeared, but when the purpose stopped being about him. If something in you has never fully quieted — no matter how much work you've done — this conversation was made for you. Gregg Ward is the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Respectful Leadership. He is a global speaker, thought leader, and bestselling author. Gregg's TEDx San Diego talk has been selected for TED Global publication. Resources/Guides: Centerforrespectfulleadership.org — Gregg Ward — Center for Respectful Leadership Confessions of An Accidental Killer — Gregg Ward — TEDx San Diego hyacinthfellowship.org —  Hyacinth Fellowship The Biology of Trauma®Book by Dr. Aimie Apigian — Where you can read Section 2 —  starting with chapter 6 which explains the mechanism by which the body keeps score, even of regret. Free Guide: Steps to Identify and Heal Trauma by Dr. Aimie Apigian Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 35: 5 Ways How Polyvagal Theory Helps With Trauma Work with Stephen Porges Episode 76: Polyvagal Theory: Become an Active Operator of Your Nervous System During Grief with Deb Dana Episode 114: The Science Behind Why We Can't 'Get Over' Loss And How to Grieve with Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor Episode 124: Grief and Gut Health: Is It Just Emotional or Something More? Episode 126: Neuroception Explained: How Your Nervous System Decides What's Safe and Why It Matters for Healing Episode 127: Why Your Body Is Wired for Danger: Understanding Trauma's Impact on Your Nervous System Episode 135: The Hidden Difference Between Stress and Trauma In How The Body Keeps Score Episode 138: Why Your Body Holds On When Your Mind Has Healed with Dr. Aimie Apigian

On this episode, Ryan Dull is joined by John Heyliger, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Lockheed Martin. They discuss how one of the world's largest defense organizations is modernizing talent acquisition, shifting toward skills-based hiring, embedding AI into recruiter workflows and tying TA outcomes directly to business performance. John shares practical insights on workforce planning, operational excellence, and what it takes to evolve from recruiter to strategic talent advisor.Key Takeaways:00:00 Introduction.01:00 John's journey to talent acquisition and the roles that shaped his path. 03:00 Lockheed Martin's scale, footprint and annual hiring volume.04:00 The team modernizes HR and TA with a new ATS and HCM rollout, plus broader enterprise transformation and AI enablement.05:00 TA success metrics go beyond time to fill, including candidate quality signals and funnel efficiency.07:00 Tying recruiting speed to business outcomes — including faster hiring, enabling faster revenue recognition in some programs.08:00 Short-term priorities include AI readiness, recruiter productivity gains, candidate experience and skills-based assessment pilots.10:00 Candidate fraud and AI-generated résumés increase the need for stronger selection, detection and assessment practices.12:00 Skills-based transformation requires “skills, roles and mobility.” 14:00 AI skill matching introduces adoption risks on both ends: too much skepticism or too much trust in the matching output.18:00 Workforce planning is a strategic advantage when the business owns demand and HR owns supply, reducing reactive TA.Resources Mentioned:John Heyligerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stem-workforce-transformation-data/Lockheed Martinhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/lockheed-martin/Josh Bersinhttps://joshbersin.com/talent-acquisition-revolution/This episode is brought to you by Sagemark HR.Sagemark HR can help you:✔ Improve your talent practices and make better, more informed people decisions.After 20+ years of experience leading Recruiting and Talent Acquisition across a wide variety of industries, I've seen enough hires (over 100,000 to date) to know that hiring decisions truly can make or break an organization.✔ Identify opportunities to not only improve your talent practices, but also delivering tangible business results.We understand every organization is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all magic solution. So we listen first and identify the gaps and sticking points in your current process before ever recommending a solution.✔ Bridge the gap from “traditional” to modern recruiting, without the painful learning curve.We believe recruiting, talent, and HR technology is a deep well of untapped business potential, and our mission is to help you identify and implement those hiring tools in a way that works for you.If you're interested in learning more, you can reach me at:www.sagemarkhr.com✉ ryan.dull@sagemarkhr.com#Talent #Recruiting #HRTech

This episode of the Achieve Results Now podcast features hosts Mark Cardone and Theron Feidt discussing the mechanics of energy management. Moving beyond basic nutrition and exercise, they dive into a three-step blueprint designed to help high achievers reclaim their focus, optimize their daily schedule, and end the day with intention. The High-Performance Energy Blueprint Step 1: Execute the "Power 30" Deep Work Block The "Power 30" is about quality over quantity. Instead of staring at a screen for hours, dedicate a focused window to the task that truly moves the needle. Identify the "Needle-Mover": Pick your most important project (e.g., writing that book or planning a business shift). Complete Isolation: Turn off all notifications and put your phone away. Avoid being "reactive" to emails. The 30-Minute Rule: While some prefer 60 or 90 minutes, a 30-minute block allows for a quick physical reset (stretching or walking) before diving back in. Step 2: Conduct a 48-Hour Energy Audit Energy is finite; you need to know where yours is going. Mark and Theron suggest tracking your activities for two days to identify your "Energy Vampires." The +/- System: Mark tasks with a plus (+) if they energize you or a minus (-) if they drain you. Delete, Delegate, or Empower: If a task drains you, ask if it can be deleted. If not, delegate it. Pro Tip: Shift your mindset from "delegation" to "empowerment." Find someone who actually enjoys the tasks you dislike (like the "pizza crust vs. cheese" analogy) to help them grow while freeing up your time. Strategic Optimization: Schedule your hardest, most creative tasks during your peak energy windows (e.g., mornings for Mark) and save "busy work" for your low-energy slumps. Step 3: Implement a "Digital Sunset" How you end your day determines how you start the next one. Set a Hard Stop: Establish a firm time (e.g., 10:00 PM) where all work-related communication ends. No more "late-night heroics" on email. The One-Hour Reset: Use the final hour before bed for "analog" activities; reading a physical book, journaling, or practicing gratitude. Avoid the "scrolling trap." The Pre-Game Download: Write down your #1 objective for tomorrow before you go to sleep. This closes the "open loops" in your brain, allowing for better rest and a faster start the next morning. Key Takeaway You don't need elite genetics to be successful; you need above-average habits. By managing your mechanics, not just your clock, you can create consistent energy to achieve life-shifting results. Resources Mentioned: Book: Ignite Results (Available at AchieveResultsNow.com) Community: facebook.com/achieveresultsnow ARN Suggested Reading: Blessings In the Bullshit: A Guided Journal for Finding the BEST In Every Day – by Mark Cardone & Theron Feidt https://www.amazon.com/Blessings-Bullshit-Guided-Journal-Finding/dp/B09FP35ZXX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=blessings+in+the+bullshit&qid=1632233840&sr=8-1 Full List of Recommended Books: https://www.achieveresultsnow.com/readers-are-leaders Questions? 1.   Do you have a question you want answered in a future podcast? 2.   Go to www.AchieveResultsNow.com to submit. Connect with Us: Get access to some of the great resources that we use at: www.AchieveResultsNow.com/success-store www.AchieveResultsNow.com www.facebook.com/achieveresultsnow www.twitter.com/nowachieve Thank you for listening to the Achieve Results NOW! Podcast.  The podcast that gives you immediate actions you can take to start seeing life shifting results NOW!

Jaspreet Singh drops a warning most people aren't ready to hear: we're entering the fifth industrial revolution, and AI will demand every worker do the job of ten people within five years. He explains why the traditional path of getting a good job, investing in a 401k, and buying a house is no longer enough to retire comfortably when you need $1.5 million just for a basic retirement. The conversation cuts through the financial education you never received in school, revealing why your bank account isn't paying you interest but charging you for the privilege of holding your money. Jaspreet breaks down his three-phase wealth system: getting money through smart financial foundations, growing money by investing where wealth is moving in the economy, and protecting money through legal tax strategies and asset protection. Most importantly, he challenges the toxic belief that money is evil or that wanting wealth makes you a bad person, reframing financial success as a tool for serving others and creating the freedom to live life on your terms. The Greatness Playbook: The Wealth Building Edition Briefs.co Minority Mindset on YouTube In this episode you will: Recognize why AI will require you to perform the work of ten people within the next three years or risk losing your job to someone who can Implement the 75-15-10 money system that automatically builds wealth by limiting spending to 75% of income while investing and saving the rest Identify how your bank is actually charging you interest through inflation while claiming to pay you returns on your savings Transform your tax burden by understanding the three income categories and using business structures to legally reduce what you owe Shift from the scarcity mindset that keeps you broke to the abundance belief that money is unlimited and you deserve to build wealth For more information go to https://lewishowes.com/1902 For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960 Follow The Daily Motivation for essential highlights from The School of Greatness More SOG episodes we think you'll love: Lewis Howes [SOLO] Brendon Burchard Vivian Tu Get more from Lewis! Get my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Get The Greatness Mindset audiobook on SpotifyText Lewis AIYouTubeInstagramWebsiteTiktokFacebookX Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What makes a character so compelling that readers will forgive almost anything about the plot? How do you move beyond vague flaws and generic descriptions to create people who feel pulled from real life? In this solo episode, I share 15 actionable tips for writing deep characters, curated from past interviews on the podcast. In the intro, thoughts from London Book Fair [Instagram reel @jfpennauthor; Publishing Perspectives; Audible; Spotify]; Insights from a 7-figure author business [BookBub]. This show is supported by my Patrons. Join my Community and get articles, discounts, and extra audio and video tutorials on writing craft, author business, and AI tools, at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn This episode has been created from previous episodes of The Creative Penn Podcast, curated by Joanna Penn, as well as chapters from How to Write a Novel: From Idea to Book. Links to the individual episodes are included in the transcript below. In this episode: Master the ‘Believe, Care, Invest' trifecta, how to hook readers on the very first page Define the Dramatic Question: Who is your character when the chips are down? Absolute specificity. Why “she's controlling” isn't good enough Understand the Heroine's Journey, strength through connection, not solo action Use ‘Metaphor Families' to anchor dialogue and give every character a distinctive voice Find the Diagnostic Detail, the moments that prove a character is real Writing pain onto the page without writing memoir Write diverse characters as real people, not stereotypes or plot devices Give your protagonist a morally neutral ‘hero' status. Compelling beats likeable. Build vibrant side characters for series longevity and spin-off potential Use voice as a rhythmic tool Link character and plot until they're inseparable Why discovery writers can write out of order and still build deep character Find the sensory details that make characters live and breathe More help with how to write fiction here, or in my book, How to Write a Novel. Writing Characters: 15 Tips for Writing Deep Character in Your Fiction In today's episode, I'm sharing fifteen tips for writing deep characters, synthesised from some of the most insightful interviews on The Creative Penn Podcast over the past few years, combined with what I've learned across more than forty books of my own. I'll be referencing episodes with Matt Bird, Will Storr, Gail Carriger, Barbara Nickless, and Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. I'll also draw on my own book, How to Write a Novel, which covers these fundamentals in detail. Whether you're writing your first novel or your fiftieth, whether you're a plotter or a discovery writer like me, these tips will help you create characters that readers believe in, care about, and invest in—and keep coming back for more. Let's get into it. 1. Master the ‘Believe, Care, Invest' Trifecta When I spoke with Matt Bird on episode 624, he laid out the three things you need to achieve on the very first page of your book or in the first ten minutes of a film. He calls it “Believe, Care, and Invest.” First, the reader must believe the character is a real person, somehow proving they are not a cardboard imitation of a human being, not just a generic type walking through a generic plot. Second, the reader must care about the character's circumstances. And third, the reader must invest in the character's ability to solve the story's central problem. Matt used The Hunger Games as his primary example, and it's brilliant. On the very first page, we believe Katniss's voice. Suzanne Collins writes in first person with a staccato rhythm—lots of periods, short declarative sentences—that immediately grounds us in a survivalist mentality. We care because Katniss is starving. She's protecting her little sister. And we invest because she is out there bow hunting, which Matt pointed out is one of the most badass things a character can do. She even kills a lynx two pages in and sells the pelt. We invest in her resourcefulness and grit before the plot has even begun. Matt was very clear that this has nothing to do with the character being “likable.” He said his subtitle, Writing a Hero Anyone Will Love, doesn't mean the character has to be a good person. He described “hero” as both gender-neutral and morally neutral. A hero can be totally evil or totally good. What matters is that we believe, care, and invest. He demonstrated this beautifully by breaking down the first ten minutes of WeCrashed, where the characters of Adam and Rebekah Neumann are absolutely not likable, but we are completely hooked. Adam steals his neighbour's Chinese food through a carefully orchestrated con involving an imaginary beer. It's not admirable behaviour, but the tradecraft involved, as Matt put it—using a term from spy movies—makes us invest in him. We see a character trying to solve the big problem of his life, which is that he's poor and wants to be rich, and we want to see if he can pull it off. Actionable step: Go to the first page of your current work in progress. Does it achieve all three? Does the reader believe this is a real person with a distinctive voice? Do they care about the character's circumstances? And do they invest in the character's ability to handle what's coming? If even one of those three is missing, that's your revision priority. 2. Define the Dramatic Question: Who Are They Really? Will Storr, author of The Science of Storytelling, came on episode 490 and gave one of the most powerful frameworks I've ever heard for character-driven fiction. He explained that the human brain evolved language primarily to swap social information—in other words, to gossip. We are wired to monitor other people, to ask the question: who is this person when the chips are down? That's what Will calls the Dramatic Question, and it's what he believes lies at the heart of all compelling storytelling. It's not a question about plot. It's a question about the character's soul. And every scene in your novel should force the character to answer it. His example of Lawrence of Arabia is unforgettable. The Dramatic Question for the entire film is: who are you, Lawrence? Are you ordinary or are you extraordinary? At the beginning, Lawrence is a cocky, rebellious young soldier who believes his rebelliousness makes him superior. Every iconic scene in that three-hour film tests that belief. Sometimes Lawrence acts as though he truly is extraordinary—leading the Arabs into battle, being hailed as a god—and sometimes the world strips him bare and he sees himself as ordinary. Because it's a tragedy, he never overcomes his flaw. He doubles down on his belief that he's extraordinary until he becomes monstrous, culminating in that iconic scene where he lifts a bloody dagger and sees his own reflection with horror. Will also used Jaws to demonstrate how this works in a pure action thriller. Brody's dramatic question is simple: are you going to be old Brody who is terrified of the water, or new Brody who can overcome that fear? Every scene where the shark appears is really asking that question. And the last moment of the film isn't the shark blowing up. It's Brody swimming back through the water, saying he used to be scared of the water and he can't imagine why. Actionable step: Write down the Dramatic Question for your protagonist in a single sentence. Is it “Are you ordinary or extraordinary?” or “Are you brave enough to love again?” or “Will you sacrifice your principles for survival?” If you can't answer this with specificity, your character might still be a sketch rather than a person. 3. Get rid of Vague Flaws, and use Absolute Specificity This was one of Will Storr's most important points. He said that vague thinking about characters is really the enemy. When he teaches workshops and asks writers to describe their character's flaw, most of them say something like “they're very controlling.” And Will's response is: that's not good enough. Everyone is controlling. How are they controlling? What's the specific mechanism? He gave the example of a profile he read of Theresa May during the UK's Brexit chaos. Someone who knew her said that Theresa May's problem was that she always thinks she's the only adult in every room she goes into. Will said that stopped him in his tracks because it's so precise. If you define a character with that level of specificity, you can take them and put them in any genre, any situation—a spaceship, a Victorian drawing room, a school playground—and you will know exactly how they're going to behave. The same applies to Arthur Miller's Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, as Will described it: a man who believes absolutely in capitalistic success and the idea that when you die, you're going to be weighed on a scale, just as God weighs you for sin, but now you're weighed for success. That's not a vague flaw. That's a worldview you can drop into any story and watch it combust. Will made another counterintuitive point that I found really valuable: writers often think that piling on multiple traits will create a complex character, but the opposite is true. Starting with one highly specific flaw and running it through the demands of a relentless plot is what generates complexity. You end up with a far more nuanced, original character than if you'd started with a laundry list of vague attributes. Actionable step: Take your protagonist's flaw and pressure-test it. Is it specific enough that you could place this character in any situation and predict their behaviour? If you're stuck at “she's stubborn” or “he's insecure,” keep pushing. What kind of stubborn? What kind of insecure? Find the diagnostic sentence—the Theresa May level of precision. 4. Understand the Heroine's Journey: Strength Through Connection Gail Carriger came on episode 550 to discuss her nonfiction book, The Heroine's Journey, and it completely reframed how I think about some of my own fiction. Gail explained that the core difference between the Hero's Journey and the Heroine's Journey comes down to how strength and victory are defined. The Hero's Journey is about strength through solo action. The hero must be continually isolated to get stronger. He goes out of civilisation, faces strife alone, and achieves victory through physical prowess and self-actualisation. The Heroine's Journey is the opposite. The heroine achieves her goals by activating a network. She's a delegator, a general. She identifies where she can't do something alone, finds the people who can help, and portions out the work for mutual gain. Gail put it simply: the heroine is very good at asking for help, which our culture tends to devalue but which is actually a powerful form of strength. Crucially, Gail stressed that gender is irrelevant to which journey you're writing. Her go-to examples are striking: the recent Wonder Woman film is practically a beat-for-beat hero's journey—Gilgamesh on screen, as Gail described it. Meanwhile, Harry Potter, both the first book and the series as a whole, is a classic heroine's journey. Harry's power comes from his network—Dumbledore's Army, the Order of the Phoenix, his friendships with Ron and Hermione. He doesn't defeat Voldemort alone. He defeats Voldemort because of love and connection. This distinction has real practical consequences for writers. If you're writing a hero's journey and you hit writer's block, Gail said, the solution is usually to isolate your hero further and pile on more strife. But if you're writing a heroine's journey, the solution is probably to throw a new character into the scene—someone who has advice to offer or a skill the heroine lacks. The actual solutions to writer's block are different depending on which narrative you're writing. As I reflected on my own work, I realised that my ARKANE thriller protagonist, Morgan Sierra, follows a hero's journey—she's a solo operative, a lone wolf like Jack Reacher or James Bond. But my Mapwalker fantasy series follows a heroine's journey, with Sienna and her group of friends working together. I hadn't consciously chosen those paths; the stories led me there. But understanding the framework helps me write more intentionally now. Actionable step: Identify which journey your protagonist is on. Does your character gain strength by being alone (hero) or by building connections (heroine)? This will inform every plot decision you make, from how they face obstacles to how your story ends. 5. Use ‘Metaphor Families' to Anchor Dialogue and Voice One of the most practical techniques Matt Bird shared on episode 624 is the idea of assigning each character a “metaphor family”—a specific well of language that they draw from. This gives each character a distinctive voice that goes beyond accent or dialect. Matt explained how in The Wire, one of the most beloved TV shows of all time, every character has a different metaphor family. What struck him was that Omar, this iconic character, never utters a single curse word in the entire series. His metaphor family is pirate. He talks about parlays, uses language that feels like it belongs in Pirates of the Caribbean, and it creates this incredible ironic counterpoint against his urban setting. It tells us immediately that this is a character who sees himself in a tradition of people that doesn't match his immediate surroundings. Matt also referenced the UK version of The Office, where Gareth works at a paper company but aspires to the military. So all of his language is drawn from a military metaphor family. He doesn't talk about filing and photocopying; he talks about tactics and discipline and being on the front line. This tells us that the character has a life and dreams beyond the immediate scene—and it's the gap between aspiration and reality that makes him both funny and believable. He pointed out that a metaphor family sometimes comes from a character's background, but it's often more interesting when it comes from their aspirations. What does your character want to be? What world do they fantasise about inhabiting? That's where their language should come from. In Star Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a spiritual hermit, but his metaphor family is military. He uses the language of generals and commanders, and that ironic counterpoint is part of what makes him feel so rich. Actionable step: Assign each of your main characters a metaphor family. It could be based on their job, their background, or—more interestingly—their secret aspirations. Then go through your dialogue and make sure each character is consistently drawing from that well of language. If two characters sound the same when you strip away the dialogue tags, this is the fix. 6. Find the Diagnostic Detail: The Diagonal Toast Avoid clichéd character tags—the random scar, the eye patch, the mysterious limp—unless they serve a deep narrative purpose. Matt Bird on episode 624 was very funny about this: he pointed out that Nick Fury, Odin, and eventually Thor all have eye patches in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Eye patches are done, he said. You cannot do eye patches anymore. Instead, look for what I'm calling the “diagonal toast” detail, after a scene Matt described from Captain Marvel. In the film, Captain Marvel is trying to determine whether Nick Fury is who he says he is. She asks him to prove he isn't a shapeshifting alien. Fury shares biographical details—his history, his mother—but then she pushes further and says, name one more thing you couldn't possibly have made up about yourself. And Fury says: if toast is cut diagonally, I can't eat it. Matt said that detail is gold for a writer because it feels pulled from a real life. You can pull it from your own life and gift it to your characters, and the reader can tell it's not manufactured. He gave another example from The Sopranos: Tony Soprano's mother won't answer the phone after dark. The show's creator, David Chase, confirmed on the DVD commentary that this came from his own mother, who genuinely would not answer the phone after dark and couldn't explain why. Matt's practical advice was to keep a journal. Write down the strange, specific things that people do or say. Mine your own life for those hyper-specific details. You just need one per book. In my own writing, I've used this approach. In my ARKANE thrillers, my character Morgan Sierra has always been Angelina Jolie in my mind—specifically Jolie in Lara Croft or Mr and Mrs Smith. And Blake Daniel in my crime thriller series was based on Jesse Williams from Grey's Anatomy. I paste pictures of actors into my Scrivener projects. It helps with visuals, but also with the sense of the character, their energy and physicality. But visual details only take you so far. It's the behavioural quirks—the diagonal toast moments—that make a character feel genuinely alive. That said, physical character tags can work brilliantly when they serve the story. As I discuss in How to Write a Novel, Robert Galbraith's Cormoran Strike is an amputee, and his pain and the physical challenges of his prosthesis are a key part of every story—it's not a cosmetic detail, it's woven into the action and the character's psychology. My character Blake Daniel always wears gloves to cover the scars on his hands, which provides an angle into his wounded past as well as a visual cue for the reader. And of course, Harry Potter's lightning-shaped scar isn't just a mark—it's a direct connection to his nemesis and the mythology of the entire series. The rule of thumb is: if the tag tells us something about the character's interior life or connects to the plot, it's earning its place. If it's just there to make the character visually distinctive, it's probably a crutch. Game of Thrones takes character tags further with the family houses, each with their own mottos and sigils. The Starks say “Winter is coming” and their sigil is a dire wolf. Those aren't just labels—they're worldview made visible. Actionable step: Start a “diagonal toast” notebook. Every time you notice something strange and specific about someone's behaviour—something that feels too real to be made up—write it down. Then gift it to a character who needs more texture. 7. Displace Your Own Trauma into the Work Barbara Nickless shared something deeply personal on episode 732 that fundamentally changed how I think about putting pain onto the page. While starting At First Light, the first book in her Dr. Evan Wilding series, she lost her son to epilepsy—something called SUDEP, Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy. One day he was there, and the next day he was gone. Barbara said that writing helped her cope with the trauma, that doing a deep dive into Old English literature and the Viking Age for the book's research became a lifeline. But here's what's important: she didn't give Dr. Evan Wilding her exact trauma. Evan Wilding is four feet five inches, and Barbara described how he has to walk through a world that won't adjust to him. That's its own form of learning to cope when circumstances are beyond your control. She displaced her genuine grief into the character's different but parallel struggle. When I asked her about the difference between writing for therapy and writing for an audience, she drew on her experience teaching creative writing to veterans through a collaboration between the US Department of Defense and the National Endowment for the Arts. She said she's found that she can pour her heartache into her characters and process it through them, even when writing professionally, and that the genuine emotion is what touches readers. We've all been through our own losses and griefs, so seeing how a character copes can be deeply meaningful. I've always found that putting my own pain onto the page is the most direct way to connect with a reader's soul. My character Morgan Sierra's musings on religion and the supernatural are often my own. Her restlessness, her fascination with the darker edges of faith—those come from me. But her Krav Maga fighting skills and her ability to kill the bad guys are definitely her own. That gap between what's mine and what's hers is where the fiction lives. Barbara also said something on that episode that I wrote down and stuck on my wall. She said the act of producing itself is a balm to the soul. I've been thinking about that ever since. On my own wall, I have “Measure your life by what you create.” Different words, same truth. Actionable step: If you're carrying something heavy—grief, anger, fear, regret—consider how you might displace it into a character's different but emotionally parallel struggle. Don't copy your exact situation; transform it. The emotion will be genuine, and the reader will feel it. 8. Write Diverse Characters as Real People When I spoke with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer on episode 673—Sarah is Choctaw and a historical fiction author honoured by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian—she offered a perspective that every fiction writer needs to hear. The key message was to move away from stereotypes. Don't write your American Indian character as the “Wise Guide” who exists solely to dispense mystic wisdom to the white protagonist. Don't limit diverse characters to historical settings, as though they only exist in the past. Place them in normal, contemporary roles. Your spaceship captain, your forensic scientist, your small-town baker—any of them can be American Indian, or Nigerian, or Japanese, and their heritage should be a lived-in part of their identity, not the sole reason they exist in the story. I write international thrillers and dark fantasy, and my fiction is populated with characters from all over the world. I have a multi-cultural family and I've lived in many places and travelled widely, so I've met, worked with, and had relationships with people from different cultures. I find story ideas through travel, and if I set my books in a certain place, then the story is naturally populated with the people who live there. As I discuss in my book, How to Write a Novel, the world is a diverse place, so your fiction needs to be populated with all kinds of people. If I only populated my fiction with characters like me, they would be boring novels. There are many dimensions of difference—race, nationality, sex, age, body type, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, class, culture, education level—and even then, don't assume that similar types of people think the same way. Some authors worry they will make mistakes. We live in a time of outrage, and some authors have been criticised for writing outside their own experience. So is it too dangerous to try? Of course not. The media amplifies outliers, and most authors include diverse characters in every book without causing offence because they work hard to get it right. It's about awareness, research, and intent. Actionable step: Audit the cast of your current work in progress. Have you written a mono-cultural perspective for all of them? If so, consider who could bring a different background, perspective, or set of cultural specifics to the story. Not as a token addition, but as a real person with a real life. 9. Respect Tribal and Cultural Specificity Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer on episode 673 was emphatic about one thing: never treat diverse groups as monolithic. If you're writing a Native American character, you must research the specific nation. Choctaw is not Navajo, just as British is not French. Sarah described the distinct cultural markers of the Choctaw people—the diamond pattern you'll see on traditional shirts and dresses, which represents the diamondback rattlesnake. They have distinct dances and songs. She said that if she saw someone in traditional dress at a distance, she would know whether they were Choctaw based on what they were wearing. She encouraged writers who want to write specifically about a nation to get to know those people. Go to events, go to a powwow, learn about the individual culture. She noted that a big misconception is that American Indians exist only in the past—she stressed that they are still here, still living their cultures, and fiction should reflect that present reality. I took a similar approach when writing Destroyer of Worlds, which is set mostly in India. I read books about Hindu myth, watched documentaries about the sadhus, and had one of my Indian readers from Mumbai check my cultural references. For Risen Gods, set in New Zealand with a young Maori protagonist, I studied books about Maori mythology and fiction by Maori authors, and had a male Maori reader check for cultural issues. Research is simply an act of empathy. The practical takeaway is this: if you're going to include a character from a specific cultural background, do the work. Use specific cultural details rather than generic signifiers. Sarah talked about how even she fell into stereotypes when she was first writing, until her mother pointed them out. If someone from within a culture can fall into those traps, the rest of us certainly can. Do the research, try your best, ask for help, and apologise if you need to. Actionable step: If you're writing a character from a specific culture, identify three to five sensory or behavioural details that are particular to that culture—not the generic version, but the real, researched, lived-in version. Consider hiring a sensitivity reader from that community to check your work. 10. Give Your Protagonist a Morally Neutral ‘Hero' Status Matt Bird was clear about this on episode 624: the word “hero” simply means the protagonist, the person we follow through the story. It's a functional role, not a moral label. We don't have to like them. We don't even have to root for their goals in a moral sense. We just have to find them compelling enough to invest our attention in their problem-solving. Think of Succession, where every member of the Roy family is varying degrees of awful, and yet the show was utterly compelling. Or WeCrashed, where Adam Neumann is a narcissistic con artist, but we can't look away because he's trying to solve the enormous problem of building an empire from nothing, and the tradecraft he employs is fascinating. As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, readers must want to spend time with your characters. They don't have to be lovable or even likable—that will depend on your genre and story choices—but they have to be captivating enough that we want to spend time with them. A character who is trying to solve a massive problem will naturally draw investment from the audience, even if we wouldn't want to have tea with them. Will Storr extended this idea by pointing out that the audience will actually root for a character to solve their problem even if the audience doesn't actually want the character's goal to be achieved in the real world. We don't really want more billionaires, but we invested in Adam Neumann's rise because that was the problem the story posed, and our brains are wired to invest in problem-solving. This connects to something deeper: what does your character want, and why? As I explore in How to Write a Novel, desire operates on multiple levels. Take a character like Phil, who joins the military during wartime. On the surface, she wants to serve her country. But she also wants to escape her dead-end town and learn new skills. Deeper still, her father and grandfather served, and by joining up, she hopes to finally earn their respect. And perhaps deepest of all, her father died on a mission under mysterious circumstances, and she wants to find out what happened from the inside. That layering of motivation is what turns a flat character into a three-dimensional one. The audience doesn't need to be told all of this explicitly. It can emerge through action, dialogue, and the choices the character makes under pressure. But you, the writer, need to know it. You need to know what your character really wants deep down, because that desire—more than any external plot device—is what drives the story forward. And your antagonist needs the same depth. They also want something, often diametrically opposed to your protagonist, and they need a reason that makes sense to them. In my ARKANE thriller Tree of Life, my antagonist is the heiress of a Brazilian mining empire who wants to restore the Earth to its original state to atone for the destruction caused by her father's company. She's part of a radical ecological group who believe the only way to restore Nature is to end all human life. It's extreme, but in an era of climate change, it's a motivation readers can understand—even if they disagree with the solution. Actionable step: If you're struggling to make a morally grey character work, make sure their problem is big enough and their methods are specific and interesting enough that we invest in the how, even if we're ambivalent about the what. 11. Build Vibrant Side Characters Gail Carriger made a point on episode 550 that was equal parts craft advice and business strategy. In a Heroine's Journey model, side characters aren't just fodder to be killed off to motivate the hero. They form a network. And because you don't have to kill them—unlike in a hero's journey, where allies are often betrayed or removed so the hero can be further isolated—you can pick up those side characters and give them their own books. Gail said this creates a really voracious reader base. You write one series with vivid side characters, and then readers fall in love with those side characters and want their stories. So you write spin-offs. The romance genre does this brilliantly—think of the Bridgerton books, where each sibling gets their own novel. The side character in one book becomes the protagonist in the next. Barbara Nickless experienced this firsthand with her Dr. Evan Wilding series. She has River Wilding, Evan's adventurous brother, and Diana, the axe-throwing research assistant, and her editor has already expressed interest in a spin-off series with those characters. Barbara described creating characters she wants to spend time with, or characters who give her nightmares but also intrigue her. That's the dual test: are they interesting enough for you to write, and interesting enough for readers to demand more? As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, characters that span series can deepen the reader's relationship with them as you expand their backstory into new plots. Readers will remember the character more than the plot or the book title, and look forward to the next instalment because they want more time with those people. British crime author Angela Marsons described it as readers feeling like returning to her characters is like putting on a pair of old slippers. Actionable step: Look at your supporting cast. Is there a side character who is vivid enough to carry their own story? If not, what could you add—a specific hobby, a distinct voice, a compelling backstory—that would make readers want more of them? 12. Use Voice as a Rhythmic Tool Voice is one of the most important elements of novel writing, and Matt Bird helped me think about it in a technical, mechanical way that I found really useful. He pointed out that the ratio of periods to commas defines a character's internal reality. A staccato rhythm—lots of periods, short sentences—suggests a character who is certain, grounded, or perhaps survivalist and traumatised. Katniss in The Hunger Games has a period-heavy voice. She's in survival mode. She doesn't have time for complexity or qualification. A flowing, comma-heavy style suggests someone more academic, more nuanced, or possibly more scattered and manipulative. The character who qualifies everything, who adds sub-clauses and digressions, is a different kind of person from the character who speaks in declarations. This is something you can actually measure. Pull up a passage of your character's dialogue or internal monologue and count the periods versus the commas. If the rhythm doesn't match who the character is supposed to be, you've found a mismatch you can fix. Sentence length is the heartbeat of your character's persona. And voice extends beyond rhythm to the words themselves. As I discussed in the metaphor families tip, each character should draw from a distinctive well of language. But voice also encompasses their relationship to silence. Some characters talk around the thing they mean; others say it straight. Some are self-deprecating; others are blunt to the point of rudeness. All of these choices are character choices, not just style choices. I find it useful to read my dialogue aloud—and not just to check for naturalness, but to hear whether each character sounds distinct. If you could swap dialogue lines between two characters and nobody would notice, you have a voice problem. One practical test: cover the dialogue tags and see if you can tell who's speaking from the words alone. Actionable step: Choose a key passage from your protagonist's point of view and read it aloud. Does the rhythm match the character? A soldier under fire should not sound like a philosophy professor at a wine tasting. Adjust the ratio of periods to commas until the voice feels right. 13. Link Character and Plot Until They're Inseparable Will Storr made the case on episode 490 that the number one problem he sees in the writing he encounters—in workshops, in submissions, even in published books—is that the characters and the plots are unconnected. There's a story happening, and there are people in it, but the story isn't a product of who those people are. He said a story should be like life. In our lives, the plots are intimately connected to who we are as characters. The goals we pursue, the obstacles we face, the same problems that keep recurring—these are products of our personalities, our flaws, our specific ways of being in the world. His framework is that your plot should be designed specifically to plot against your character. You've got a character with a particular flaw; the plot exists to test that flaw over and over until the character either transforms or doubles down and explodes. Jaws is the perfect example. Brody is afraid of water. A shark shows up in the coastal town he's responsible for protecting. The entire plot is engineered to force him to confront the one thing he cannot face. Will pointed out that the whole plot of Jaws is structured around Brody's flaw. It begins with the shark arriving, the midpoint is when Brody finally gets the courage to go into the water, and the very final scene isn't the shark blowing up—it's Brody swimming back through the water. Even a film that's ninety-eight percent action is, at its core, structured around a character with a character flaw. This is the standard I aspire to in my own work, even in my action-heavy thrillers. The external plot should be a mirror of the internal struggle. When those two are aligned, the story becomes irresistible. Will also made an important point about series fiction, which is where most commercial authors live. I asked him how this works when your character can't be transformed at the end of every book because there has to be a next book. His answer was elegant: you don't cure them. Episodic TV characters like Fleabag or David Brent or Basil Fawlty never truly change—and the fact that they don't change is actually the source of the comedy. But every episode throws a new story event at them that tests and exposes their flaw. You just keep throwing story events at them again and again. That's a soap opera, a sitcom, and a book series. As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, character flaws are aspects of personality that affect the person so much that facing and overcoming them becomes central to the plot. In Jaws, the protagonist Brody is afraid of the water, but he has to overcome that flaw to destroy the killer shark and save the town. But remember, your characters should feel like real people, so never define them purely by their flaws. The character addicted to painkillers might also be a brilliant and successful female lawyer who gets up at four in the morning to work out at the gym, likes eighties music, and volunteers at the local dog shelter at weekends. Character wounds are different from flaws. They're formed from life experience and are part of your character's backstory—traumatic events that happened before the events of your novel but shape the character's reactions in the present. In my ARKANE thrillers, Morgan Sierra's husband Elian died in her arms during a military operation. This happened before the series begins, but her memories of it recur when she faces a firefight, and she struggles to find happiness again for fear of losing someone she loves once more. And then there's the perennial advice: show, don't tell. Most writers have heard this so many times that it's easy to nod and then promptly write scenes that tell rather than show. Basically, you need to reveal your character through action and dialogue, rather than explanation. In my thriller Day of the Vikings, Morgan Sierra fights a Neo-Viking in the halls of the British Museum and brings him down with Krav Maga. That fight scene isn't just about showing action. It opens up questions about her backstory, demonstrates character, and moves the plot forward. Telling would be something like: “Morgan was an expert in Krav Maga.” Showing is the reader discovering it through the scene itself. Actionable step: Look at the main plot events of your novel. For each major turning point, ask: does this scene specifically test my protagonist's flaw? If not, can you redesign the scene so that it does? The tighter the connection between character and plot, the more powerful the story. 14. The ‘Maestra' Approach: Write Out of Order If you're a discovery writer like me, you may feel like the deep character work I've been describing sounds more suited to plotters. But Barbara Nickless gave me a beautiful metaphor on episode 732 that reframes it entirely. Barbara described her evolving writing process as being like a maestra standing in front of an orchestra. Sometimes you bring in the horns—a certain theme—and sometimes you bring in the strings—a certain character—and sometimes you turn to the soloist. It's a more organic and jumping-around process than linear writing, and Barbara said she's only recently given herself permission to work this way. When I told her that I use Scrivener to write in scenes out of order and then drag and drop them into a structure later, she was genuinely intrigued. And this is how I've always worked. I'll see the story in my mind like a movie trailer—flashes of the big emotional scenes, the pivotal confrontations, the moments of revelation—and I write those first. I don't know how they hang together until quite late in the process. Then I'll move scenes around, print the whole thing out, and figure out the connective tissue. The point is that discovery writers can absolutely build deep characters. Sometimes writing the big emotional scenes first is how you discover who the character is before you fill in the rest. You don't need a twenty-page character worksheet or a 200-page outline like Jeffery Deaver. You need to be willing to follow the character into the unknown and trust that the structure will emerge. As Barbara said, she writes to know what she's thinking. That's the discovery writer's credo. And I would add: I write to know who my characters are. Actionable step: If you're stuck on your current chapter, skip it. Write the scene that's burning in your imagination, even if it's from the middle or the end. That scene might be the key to unlocking who your character really is. 15. Use Research to Help with Empathy Research shouldn't just be about factual accuracy—it's a tool for finding the sensory details that create empathy. Barbara Nickless described research as almost an excuse to explore things that fascinate her, and I feel exactly the same way. I would go so far as to say that writing is an excuse for me to explore the things that interest me. Barbara and I both travel for our stories. For her Dr. Evan Wilding books, she did deep research into Old English literature and the Viking Age. For my thriller End of Days, I transcribed hours of video from Appalachian snake-handling churches on YouTube to understand the worldview of the worshippers, because my antagonist was brought up in that tradition. I couldn't just make that up. I had to hear their language, feel their conviction, understand why they would hold venomous serpents as an act of faith. Barbara also mentioned getting to Israel and the West Bank for research, and I've been to both places too. Finding that one specific sensory detail—the smell of a particular location, the specific way an expert handles a tool, the sound of a particular kind of music—makes the character's life feel lived-in. It's the difference between a character who is described as living in a place and a character who inhabits it. As I wrote in How to Write a Novel, don't write what you know. Write what you want to learn about. I love research. It's part of why I'm an author in the first place. I take any excuse to dive into a world different from my own. Research using books, films, podcasts, and travel, and focus particularly on sources produced by people from the worldview you want to understand. Actionable step: For your next piece of character research, go beyond reading. Watch a documentary, visit a location, talk to someone who lives the experience. Find one sensory detail—a smell, a sound, a texture—that you couldn't have invented. That detail will make your character feel real. Bonus: Measure Your Life by What You Create In an age of AI and a tsunami of content, your ultimate brand protection is the quality of your human creation. Barbara Nickless said that the act of producing itself is a balm to the soul, and I believe that with every fibre of my being. Don't be afraid to take that step back, like I did with my deadlifting. Take the time to master these deeper craft skills. It might feel like you're slowing down or going backwards by not chasing the latest marketing trend, but it's the only way to step forward into a sustainable, high-quality career. Your characters are your signature. No AI can replicate the specificity of your lived experience, the emotional truth of your displaced trauma, or the sensory details you've gathered from a life of curiosity and travel. Those are yours. Pour them into your characters, and they will resonate for years to come. Actionable Takeaway: Identify the Dramatic Question for your current protagonist. Can you state it in a single sentence with the kind of specificity Will Storr described? Is it as clear as “Are you ordinary or extraordinary?” or “Are you the only adult in the room?” If you can't answer it with that kind of precision, your character might still be a sketch. Give them a diagonal toast moment today. Find the one hyper-specific detail that proves they are not an imitation of life. And then ask yourself: does your plot test your character's flaw in every major scene? If you can align those two things—a precisely defined character and a plot that exists to test them—you will have a story that readers cannot put down. References and Deep Dives The episodes I've referenced today are all available with full transcripts at TheCreativePenn.com: Episode 732 — Facing Fears, and Writing Unique Characters with Barbara Nickless Episode 673 — Writing Choctaw Characters and Diversity in Fiction with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer Episode 624 — Writing Characters with Matt Bird Episode 550 — The Heroine's Journey with Gail Carriger Episode 490 — How Character Flaws Shape Story with Will Storr Books mentioned: The Secrets of Character: Writing a Hero Anyone Will Love by Matt Bird The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr The Heroine's Journey by Gail Carriger How to Write a Novel: From Idea to Book by Joanna Penn You can find all my books for authors at CreativePennBooks.com and my fiction and memoir at JFPennBooks.com Happy writing! How was this episode created? This episode was initiated created by NotebookLM based on YouTube videos of the episodes linked above from YouTube/TheCreativePenn, plus my text chapters on character from How to Write a Novel. NotebookLM created a blog post from the material and then I expanded it and fact checked it with Claude.ai 4.6 Opus, and then I used my voice clone at ElevenLabs to narrate it. The post Writing Characters: 15 Actionable Tips For Writing Deep Character first appeared on The Creative Penn.

In this episode, Eric and his colleagues discuss the necessity of defining specific goals when attending professional conferences. While staying at a unique headquarters in San Antonio for the Sponsor Games, the group emphasizes that most attendees fail to see a return on investment because they lack a strategic game plan. Triplet explains his methods for proactive networking, such as using intentional "elevator pitches" and analyzing a room to identify valuable assets. The conversation highlights the importance of building authentic, long-term brand partnerships rather than seeking superficial sponsorships. The Podhouse group asserts that successful event attendance requires disciplined execution and a clear vision of what defines success before the trip even begins. Key Takeaways: Define exactly what success looks like before attending an event to ensure you achieve a measurable return on your investment of time and money. Develop a concise elevator pitch that clearly explains your value proposition to capture interest within the first few seconds of a conversation. Focus on building long-term, loyal partnerships with brands and collaborators rather than chasing short-term or superficial deals. Identify and lean into a specific niche to differentiate yourself from competitors and attract a more dedicated and relevant audience. Approach networking with intentionality by asking open-ended questions and proactively seeking out individuals who align with your strategic goals.

This week we're bringing Jason Earle, founder and CEO of GotMold?, back on our podcast to uncover the hidden health impacts of mold exposure. After discovering that mold in his childhood home was the root cause of his severe allergies and asthma, Jason left a successful Wall Street career to help families identify and solve indoor air quality problems. He explains why using bleach on mold can actually make the problem worse and why the key is removing mold, not just trying to kill it. The conversation dives into how to identify a true mold problem using simple cues like what you can see, smell, and feel, along with insights on testing methods, humidifiers, VOCs, and finding the source of contamination. We also explore bigger-picture health topics including limbic retraining, the Cell Danger Response, and Jason's philosophy that optimal health comes down to “air, food, and attitude.” Jason Earle is a man on a mission. An adoring father of two boys, incurable entrepreneur and indoor air quality crusader, he is the founder & CEO of GOT MOLD?, and the creator of the GOT MOLD?® Test Kit. The realization that his moldy childhood home was the underlying cause of his extreme allergies and asthma, led him into the healthy home business in 2002, leaving behind a successful career on Wall Street. Over the last two decades, Jason has personally performed countless sick building investigations, solving many medical mysteries along the way, helping thousands of families recover their health and peace of mind. He has been featured or appeared on Good Morning America, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Dr. Oz Show, Entrepreneur, Wired, and more.SHOW NOTES:0:40 Welcome to the podcast3:04 About Jason Earle4:03 Welcome him to the show!4:51 What happens when we use bleach on mold8:05 Bleach chemical composition12:36 Why you need to clean it, not kill it13:45 Mold in your toilet15:24 Mold growth vs a mold problem18:10 How much mold is too much?20:11 3 Steps: See, Smell, Feel22:08 Humidifier 10124:45 VOCs & Musty odors28:31 Air vs Dust sampling37:25 No false negative38:19 *CALOCURB*40:09 *APOLLO NEURO*42:15 Finding the source43:09 Self-directed Mold Assessment 46:40 Next-gen sequencing48:48 Mold sensor50:08 Mycotoxin testing58:09 Air on airplanes1:02:58 Looking for mold in a new home1:08:08 “Air, Food & Attitude”1:15:05 Limbic Retraining1:18:59 Cell Danger Response1:23:35 Where to find him1:24:52 Thanks for tuning in!RESOURCES:Calocurb - code: RENEE10Apollo Neuro - code: BIOHACKERBABESWebsite: GotMold?Get your test kitFREE E-BookIG: @gotmoldFB: GotMoldEp 227: Understanding Mold Exposure & RisksSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/biohacker-babes-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

If you feel like you've tried everything for your hormones… and nothing seems to stick, this episode is for you. Supplements. Diet changes. Gut protocols. Hormone support. Stress management. You do the research, follow the plan, and maybe feel better for a little while. But eventually the symptoms come back. That's because most women are treating symptoms instead of identifying the underlying hormone pattern driving them. And until you identify that pattern, it's easy to keep chasing solutions that only work temporarily. In this episode, I explain why hormone protocols often stop working and how to start identifying the real patterns behind hormone imbalance. In This Episode • Why treating symptoms alone rarely fixes hormone issues • The difference between root cause and recurring hormone patterns • Why probiotics and gut supplements often miss the real issue • How constipation and gut dysfunction can recycle estrogen in the body • How cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, and gut health all interact • Why hormone programs that worked years ago may stop working now Many women assume they have estrogen dominance or a gut issue when the real driver may actually be stress hormones or cortisol dysfunction. And until that primary pattern is addressed, everything else becomes guesswork. Join the Hormone & Gut Pattern Identification Workshop If you want help identifying the actual hormone or gut pattern driving your symptoms, I'm hosting a live workshop where we break this down step-by-step. In this 90-minute workshop, you'll learn how to: • Identify your dominant hormone or gut pattern • Understand why previous protocols didn't work • Learn which system needs to be stabilized first • Know which labs actually confirm what's happening in your body • Stop stacking random supplements and guessing

Jesse Kirshbaum from The Nue Agency joins this week. Episode 667: We ask so many questions about AI this week! Jesse Kirshbaum from The Nue Agency joins this week. Apple Music recently announced that they will be adding meta tags to music to identify the use of AI, but… it is on the content creator […]

You don't see more yellow cars because there are more yellow cars. You see them because you're finally looking. I ordered a new MacBook and spent half my morning staring out the window at every truck that drove by. That's when it hit me — I never notice UPS trucks until I'm expecting one. And that's not just a delivery problem. That's a life problem. In episode #1490, I break down the Yellow Car Theory and what it reveals about where your focus is actually pointed — because whatever you're looking for, you're going to find. The question is whether you're hunting for opportunities or rehearsing obstacles. What you're focused on is what's coming for you. Hit play. Then check your lens. Who This Episode Is For If your mind spends more time on the hurdles than the finish line — this one's for you. Key Takeaways Your brain finds what it's trained to look for — focus on opportunity and you'll see opportunity everywhere The Yellow Car Theory isn't magic. It's proof that attention is the most powerful thing you control Focusing on obstacles doesn't prepare you for them — it invites more of them into your line of sight Your mind takes everything you tell it seriously. What you say to yourself is a directive, not a suggestion Energy spent on things outside your control is energy stolen from everything inside it Questions for Reflection If someone transcribed your thoughts today, would they show a mind focused on the finish line — or the hurdle? What yellow car have you been training your mind to miss because fear or doubt keeps hijacking the lens? Where are you wasting energy on things you cannot control — and what could that energy build if redirected? Action Steps Define your yellow car today. Write down the one opportunity, goal, or outcome you want to start seeing more of — then deliberately look for evidence of it every day this week. Every time you catch yourself focused on an obstacle, pause and reframe: what do I want to happen here instead? Identify one thing in your life you've been frustrated about that is completely outside your control. Make a decision right now to redirect that energy somewhere it can actually move something. Featured Quote "What you're looking at is what you're going to find. Focus on the good yellow cars in your life — and pursue those."

Guest: Rina M. Sanghavi, MD, MBA, FAAP, NASPGHAN-F Director, Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility Program, Director, Revenue Cycle Optimization and Documentation Efficiency Director, Office of Faculty Engagement and Wellbeing Professor of Pediatrics UT Southwestern Medical Center, Children Health Childrens Medical Center Dallas   CEU objectives for this episode: Describe the developmental differences between preterm and full-term infant gastrointestinal systems. Identify three key factors that disrupt microbiome development in premature infants. List three clinical signs that differentiate physiologic reflux from concerning gastrointestinal symptoms in infants. This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.  

People First: Rethinking Economic Development with Maggie Strong Economic development has long focused on transactions—deals, incentives, and projects. But the communities thriving today are doing something different: they're putting people at the center of the strategy. In this episode of the Develop This! Podcast, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Maggie Strong, founder of Strong Consulting, to explore how authentic community engagement can unlock stronger, more sustainable economic growth. With nearly two decades of experience in economic development strategy, marketing, and community visioning, Maggie shares practical insights from her work helping rural and small-town communities build momentum through relationships, trust, and shared ownership of local initiatives. The conversation dives into the shift from traditional top-down planning to people-centered development, why many engagement efforts fail, and how leaders can build genuine community buy-in that turns plans into movements. You'll also hear lessons from a revitalization effort in Quincy, Illinois, where authentic engagement helped transform a corridor revitalization effort into a community-driven success story. If you're an economic developer looking to move beyond check-the-box engagement and create lasting impact, this episode offers practical ideas you can put to work right away. Key Topics Covered The shift from transactional to people-centered economic development Why trust and relationships are critical infrastructure for community growth The difference between authentic engagement and transactional engagement Practical ways to overcome public meeting fatigue How community buy-in turns plans into real momentum Lessons from downtown corridor revitalization in Quincy, Illinois Key Frameworks Discussed People-Centered Development A strategy that prioritizes relationships, shared ownership, and inclusive participation to create sustainable growth. Trust-Based Community Engagement Building authentic relationships that allow communities to move from planning to action. Practical Takeaways for Economic Developers ✔ Have three genuine conversations with community members in the next 30 days.✔ Share back what you heard using visual summaries or simple storytelling.✔ Identify community champions who can sustain momentum beyond the planning process.✔ Focus less on meetings and more on meaningful interactions. Memorable Sound Bites "Trust is the foundation of community growth."

In our upside-down world, Jesus is unpopular. So when we choose to identify with him, he won't forget it!Find out more about NewSpring Church in Wichita, Kansas, at newspring.org.

What if your customer decided to work with you before you even sent the quote? In trade and construction businesses, quoting often turns into a price comparison game—contractor A vs. contractor B vs. contractor C. But the real advantage happens much earlier. In this episode, you'll discover how the meet-and-greet stage of your sales process can shift the entire dynamic, helping customers choose you before the quoting battle even begins. If you want fewer price wars and more confident clients ready to move forward, this conversation will change how you approach your first meeting.By listening to this episode, you'll learn how to:Build a genuine connection with customers that creates trust from the very first meeting.Ask the right questions to uncover what truly matters and deliver real value during the conversation.Identify the non-negotiable decision criteria so your proposal speaks directly to what wins the job.Press play now to learn the three simple strategies that can turn your next meet-and-greet into a “hell yes” before the quote is even sent.New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Book in your ‘Free Quote Audit' nowTo see how we've helped business grow their sales:Read Client ResultsWatch TestimonialsOr email Ben if you would like to get in touch: hello@strongersalesteams.comThis podcast helps the entrepreneur, founder, CEO, and business owner in the trade, construction and industry segments, regain focus, build confidence, and achieve measurable results through powerful sales training, effective sales strategy, and expert sales coaching—guiding every sales leader, sales manager, and sales team in mastering the sales process, optimizing the sales pipeline, and driving business growth while fostering leadership, balance, and freedom amidst overwhelm, stress, and potential burnout, creating lasting peace of mind and smarter decision making for every California business and Australia business ready to scale up with excellence in sales management.

In this powerful and science-forward episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, host Matt Sabatello sits down with Amy Proal, PhD, a leading microbiologist whose work is reshaping how the medical community understands chronic Lyme disease, post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD), ME/CFS, and Long COVID. Dr. Proal brings a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, lived experience with chronic illness, and real-world clinical integration, offering listeners clarity on why so many patients remain sick long after standard treatment ends — and what science is finally doing about it.

If you've ever looked around your home and thought, “This used to feel like me… but now it doesn't anymore,” this episode is for you. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing a real Decorating SOS call with Rebecca, a homeowner who's ready to evolve her style. She's transitioning away from the farmhouse trend and moving toward something more timeless, classic, and elevated—with warmth, coziness, and layered design decisions that feel intentional rather than trendy. Her goal? A Southern transitional home that feels polished, welcoming, and thoughtfully put together. But like so many women I work with, Rebecca found herself stuck between two styles—unsure what to keep, what to change, and how to move forward without making expensive mistakes. Inside this call, you'll hear how we: • Clarify what Southern transitional really means in real life • Identify which farmhouse pieces can stay—and which ones are holding the room back • Talk through simple ways to elevate a space without starting over • Discuss how layering textures, materials, and color creates a more timeless feel • Create a clear decorating direction so every future decision becomes easier If you've ever wondered what it's actually like to get personalized decorating help, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how quickly clarity can happen when you have the right guidance. And if you're ready for that kind of clarity in your own home, I've created something special. For the next couple of days, the Spring Room Reset Bundle is available at a special price. Inside the bundle you'll get: • Two Decorating SOS Calls with me • Three months inside The Collective for continued learning and support • My Redecorating Roadmap to help you prioritize projects and spend your decorating budget wisely It's the perfect combination of personalized guidance, design education, and a step-by-step plan so you can finally create a home that feels cohesive, cozy, and unmistakably yours. But the sale is only happening for a few more days.

Your computer might be chatting with hundreds of servers right now, including sites you might not expect, without you knowing! I'll show you free tools that let you see what your machine is up to online.

Download: Identify And Regulate WorksheetHave you ever felt a whirlwind of emotions but couldn't pin down exactly what you were feeling? You're not alone. Many people, especially those on the road to recovery, struggle to identify their emotions. This episode of "The Addicted Mind" podcast dives into the crucial skill of recognizing and naming our feelings.Hosts Duane and Eric explore why pinpointing emotions is so important, especially for those battling addiction. They explain that many people used substances or behaviors to cope with overwhelming or confusing feelings. Learning to identify emotions is a key step in breaking free from destructive cycles.The hosts introduce a practical tool: asking yourself specific questions to figure out which emotion you're experiencing. They walk through examples for emotions like fear, envy, anger, shame, and guilt. By answering these targeted questions, listeners can better understand their emotional state.Duane and Eric stress that accurately identifying emotions is crucial for "checking the facts" – a method discussed in a previous episode. Once you know what you're feeling, you can examine if your emotional response fits the situation. This allows you to "adjust the volume" of your emotions – either dialing them up or down as needed.The hosts share real-life examples of how this process has helped people. In one case, a client realized they were feeling shame rather than guilt, leading to a breakthrough in their healing journey.Listeners are encouraged to practice this skill and to join a live "deep dive" session for more in-depth learning. The hosts also offer a downloadable worksheet to help listeners work through identifying different emotions on their own.Download: Identify And Regulate WorksheetKey TopicsThe importance of identifying specific emotions in recoveryUsing targeted questions to pinpoint emotionsExamples of questions for fear, envy, anger, shame, and guiltHow emotion identification connects to "checking the facts"Real-life impacts of accurately naming emotionsResources for further learning and practiceTimestamps0:00 - Introduction and importance of emotion identification2:43 - Connection to previous "Check the Facts" episode5:43 - Exploring fear as an emotion7:10 - Discussing envy and its complexities8:05 - Examining anger and its various triggers10:13 - Distinguishing between shame and guilt13:43 - Closing thoughts and resources for listenersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Frank breaks down the psychology of the offer using a desert analogy: If you are an unattractive, "vile" person with a terrible personality, but you're selling hot dogs to 100 starving people in the middle of the Sahara, your sales skills don't matter.   Key Takeaways The Offer is King: If the proposition is awesome enough, your personality or lack of "salesyness" won't stop the deal. Take Away the Pain: Success comes from finding out what people really want and removing the friction of making the decision. Qualify to Win: Frank declines about 65-70% of people who want to talk to him. He only speaks with businesses that are already successful ($500k+ yearly) to ensure he can actually deliver results. The "Rainmaker" Close: Stop pitching and start helping. Identify the "one big thing" the client needs and simply ask, "Want me to help you with that?" The Rainmaker Process Get in front of the right people: Target those who meet specific criteria (successful businesses with deployable assets). Offer free help: Set aside time to solve a problem for them for free to prove your value upfront. Reverse the Flow: Let the results of that free help be the driver for why they want to pay you. Episode Results: By using this method, Frank acquired 43 private clients paying a collective $1.3 million per year—all without "chasing" a single one. Visit FrankKern.com/class for more insights on high-level business strategy.

Providing Medical Care During Civil Unrest 1. Opening Brief introduction of the episode Define civil unrest contexts: Protests Riots Mass demonstrations Politically charged gatherings Why medical care becomes complicated in these environments: EMS access delays Crowd density Law enforcement operations Environmental hazards Emphasize guiding principles: Personal safety first Situational awareness Know your limits 2. Understanding the Operational Environment What makes civil unrest medically unique Unpredictable crowd movement Law enforcement presence and tactics Noise, confusion, and sensory overload Limited ambulance access Common operational constraints Blocked streets Limited lighting Communication disruption Delayed EMS response Situational awareness basics Know entry and exit routes Stay on the edge of crowds Avoid getting boxed in 3. The Most Common Injuries Seen in Civil Unrest Blunt Trauma Common causes: Falls Being pushed or trampled Baton strikes Thrown objects These injuries can range from minor bruising to serious head injury or internal bleeding. What to look for Pain or swelling Deformity suggesting fracture Difficulty moving a limb Head injury symptoms: Confusion Vomiting Severe headache Loss of consciousness Basic treatment Move the person out of the crowd if possible Apply ice or cold pack if available Immobilize injured limbs with a sling or improvised splint For suspected head injury, keep the person still and monitor mental status If symptoms worsen (confusion, vomiting, severe pain), they need EMS evaluation Key reminder for listeners Blunt trauma in chaotic environments often gets ignored — but head injuries and internal bleeding can worsen over time. Lacerations Common causes: Broken glass Debris Improvised projectiles What to look for External bleeding Deep cuts with visible tissue Embedded debris Bleeding that soaks through clothing Basic treatment Put on gloves if available Apply direct pressure with gauze or cloth If bleeding continues, use a compression bandage For severe extremity bleeding, apply a tourniquet Cover the wound with a clean dressing Additional considerations Do not remove deeply embedded objects If the wound is large or continues bleeding, the patient needs hospital care Key reminder The vast majority of life-threatening bleeding can be controlled withpressure and time. Respiratory Irritants Common exposures: Tear gas (CS) Pepper spray (OC) Smoke from fires These agents cause severe irritation but are usually temporary. Common symptoms Burning eyes Tearing Skin irritation Coughing Shortness of breath Disorientation Basic treatment Move the person to fresh air immediately Encourage slow breathing Flush eyes with copious water or saline Remove contaminated clothing if heavily exposed Avoid rubbing eyes or skin Important notes Oils, lotions, or milk can sometimes trap irritants against the skin Most symptoms improve within 15–30 minutes once exposure stops Red flags requiring EMS Severe breathing difficulty Asthma attack Persistent confusion Heat and Dehydration Common causes: Long hours outdoors Heavy clothing or gear Stress and exertion Limited access to water Symptoms Dizziness Weakness Headache Nausea Muscle cramps Heavy sweating Basic treatment Move the person out of the sun or crowd Have them sit or lie down Provide water or electrolyte fluids Use cooling measures Shade Wet cloths Fanning Red flags for heat stroke Confusion Collapse Hot dry skin Seizures Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Psychological Stress Reactions Crowd environments can trigger intense emotional reactions. Common presentations: Panic attacks Hyperventilation Acute anxiety Disorientation What to look for Rapid breathing Shaking Crying Feeling unable to escape the crowd Basic treatment Move the person to a quieter, safer space Speak calmly and reassure them Encourage slow breathing Inhale through the nose Exhale slowly through the mouth Help them regain orientation and control Often, simply removing the person from the chaotic environment dramatically improves symptoms. “The key point here is that most injuries in these environments are not exotic trauma cases. They're the same things EMS treats every day — bleeding, falls, heat illness, and panic — but they're happening in a chaotic environment where help may take longer to arrive.” 4. Basic Medical Kit for High-Risk Gatherings Emphasize compact, discreet gear. Essentials Nitrile gloves Gauze / compression bandage Tourniquet Saline or water for eye irrigation Simple airway mask Electrolyte packets Small flashlight Optional but useful Chest seal Trauma shears Space blanket Eye protection Basic first aid medications Practical considerations Avoid large visible medical packs Keep supplies distributed in pockets Maintain mobility 5. Working Around Law Enforcement and EMS Key points: Identify yourself if providing care Follow lawful orders immediately Avoid interfering with police operations Know when to disengage Discuss that: EMS may stage until scenes are secure Civilian aid may be temporary bridging care 6. When NOT to Intervene (Important Ethical Section) Situations where civilians should not attempt treatment: Active violence nearby Crowd crush risk Presence of chemical agents without protection Situations beyond training Reinforce: “You cannot help anyone if you become a patient.” 7. Closing Reinforce three takeaways: Personal safety comes first Simple medical skills save lives Preparation matters Invite listeners to: Get first aid training Carry basic medical kits Learn situational awareness   Medical Gear Outfitters Use Code CIVILIANMEDICAL for 10% off   Skinny Medic - @SkinnyMedic | @skinny_medic | Medical Gear Outfitters   Bobby - @rstantontx | @bobby_wales  

                                          In today's episode on The 25% Rule: Build a Lighthouse Business (Without Burnout), Erin Bradley shares: Freedom has a feeling. The goal isn't "do more to feel better." It's designing a business plan that feels so good you naturally take action — without dread, resistance, or procrastination. Start with your "WHO" before tactics. If you're operating from "I'll take any client," you'll often attract (and tolerate) misaligned relationships that drain your energy and blur your boundaries. Use the "25% Rule" to stay emotionally steady. 25% of people will love you no matter what, 25% won't, and 50% are in the middle. When someone doesn't choose you, it doesn't have to be personal — "not my 25%." Organize your CRM like a garden. Identify the "hell yes" people first — those who energize you. You can still market to everyone, but be deeply intentional with the 25% you truly love serving. Replace "sales pressure" with a catalyst for real conversation. When you lead with value and curiosity (not an agenda), you become magnetic — like a lighthouse. The right people find you.                                           About Erin Bradley Erin Bradley is a speaker and business coach, bestselling author, and host of the real estate podcast Pursuing Freedom. As a mortgage lender, Erin learned the hard way just how hard entrepreneurship and success in sales can be. From flat broke to 6 figures, and then to burnout, Erin and her team have been through it all! Erin operates under the mindset that you never give up, and you never settle, in life or in business. Anything is possible when you have the right mindset, great systems, and an amazing team. Erin is passionate about helping others design their ideal life, then create a business that is a vehicle to support that lifestyle, rather than rob you of it. And she's on a mission to help you believe in, and achieve your biggest dreams! How to Connect With Erin Bradley Business Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PursuingFreedomOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuingfreedomofficial/ LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-bradley/ Recommended Resources  Complimentary Happiness & Fulfillment Assessment: https://pursuingfreedom.com/happiness Pursuing Freedom Collective: https://pursuingfreedom.com/collective Pursuing Freedom Academy: https://pursuingfreedom.com/academy Get a copy of Pursuing Freedom on Amazon here. Subscribe to the Pursuing Freedom podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your podcatcher of choice for weekly inspiration and strategies.

Please visit answersincme.com/860/240201375-replay to participate, download slides and supporting materials, complete the post test, and get a certificate. Presented by James Michael Ramsahai, BSc, MD, PhD, FRCPC and Nan Zhao, BSc, MD, FRCPC. In this activity, experts in managing severe eosinophilic asthma discuss evidence-based strategies for personalizing biologic therapy, reducing steroid burden, and optimizing treatment in the setting of overlapping eosinophilic diseases. Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to: Identify strategies to individualize the selection of biologic therapies for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma based on the latest clinical and real-world evidence; Evaluate the implications of real-world data on biologic therapies for addressing airway remodeling and airway plugging; Develop steroid-sparing treatment plans and monitoring strategies for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma; and Formulate treatment plans to adjust the use of biologic therapies in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma and overlapping eosinophilic comorbidities.

Join Brent Daniels and Rafael Cortez as they share their tried-and-tested strategies for thriving in a competitive real estate market. In this episode, they'll provide you with a blueprint that you can replicate to achieve success in your own real estate business. Grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes as they reveal their secrets to consistently generating more deals and bigger profits. If you're ready to accelerate your wins with Brent's help, be sure to check out his TTP training program today.---------Show notes:(0:51) Beginning of today's episode(1:33) Grab a pen and paper to jot down your notes.(2:07) Envision your ideal self - what qualities and characteristics do you aspire to have?(3:14) Define what brings you joy and fulfillment in your life.(5:40) Identify the aspects of your business that are within your control.(6:40) Reflect on what factors have the greatest impact on your success.(7:24) Prioritize what is most important in your current situation.(9:04) Remember that small victories and daily accomplishments contribute to larger successes in the long run.----------Resources:To speak with Brent or one of our other expert coaches call (281) 835-4201 or schedule your free discovery call here to learn about our mentorship programs and become part of the TribeGo to Wholesalingincgroup.com to become part of one of the fastest growing Facebook communities in the Wholesaling space. Get all of your burning Wholesaling questions answered, gain access to JV partnerships, and connect with other "success minded" Rhinos in the community.It's 100% free to join. The opportunities in this community are endless, what are you waiting for?

Retirement planning questions often intersect with global markets, tax decisions, and long-term investing strategy. In this episode of the Retire Sooner Podcast, Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase examine listener questions while exploring how portfolio diversification, retirement readiness, and disciplined investing may help shape long-term financial planning. • Evaluate international vs. U.S. stocks when considering portfolio diversification and the potential influence of recency bias in investment decisions. • Assess global market trends and examine how diversified asset allocation may support a long-term retirement investing strategy. • Clarify narratives about the U.S. dollar's global reserve status and consider how central bank actions and global currency dynamics may influence markets. • Consider how owning large multinational companies in a U.S. portfolio may already provide meaningful international economic exposure. • Review how portfolio rebalancing may reposition a diversified investment portfolio when previously underperforming asset classes begin to recover. • Measure retirement readiness by evaluating total net worth and applying the “Rich Ratio” framework—assets divided by spending needs. • Examine how pension income, debt freedom, and lifestyle spending may influence long-term retirement stability. • Compare nondeductible IRA contributions with taxable brokerage accounts when evaluating tax treatment and long-term investment flexibility. • Evaluate strategies for managing financial windfalls, including the tradeoffs between mortgage payoff and directing additional savings toward long-term investments. • Identify foundational investing principles for young adults building wealth early in their careers, particularly when monthly investing contributions may fluctuate. Listen and subscribe to the Retire Sooner Podcast to hear Wes Moss and Christa DiBiase explore ongoing conversations about retirement planning, investment strategy, and long-term financial independence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Beliefs That Shape Our Behavior One of the most frustrating experiences in life is knowing exactly what to do, but still not doing it. If you've ever tried to quit drinking, build a new habit, improve your health, or pursue a goal and found yourself slipping back into old patterns, you're not alone. In this episode, I talk with behavioral design expert and bestselling author Nir Eyal about why this happens. The answer isn't a lack of knowledge. It's BELIEF. The Motivation Triangle Nir explains that motivation isn't just about wanting something. It's actually built on three elements: Behavior Benefit Belief If we don't believe the effort will work—or if we don't believe we're capable of change—our motivation collapses. We might know exactly what to do, but something inside stops us from taking action. This is why so many people struggle with the knowledge-action gap. The Power of Beliefs One of the most powerful ideas Nir shares is this: Beliefs are tools, not truths. Most of us assume our beliefs are facts. But many beliefs are simply interpretations we've repeated so often they feel true. And those beliefs shape everything: What we notice How we interpret events What actions we take This is why two people can experience the same situation and come away with completely different conclusions. Pain vs. Suffering Another important distinction we discuss is the difference between pain and suffering. Pain is a signal. Suffering is the interpretation of that signal. When we believe discomfort is unbearable, we escape it—often through unhealthy behaviors. But when we learn to reinterpret discomfort, we gain the ability to stay present instead of reacting impulsively. Persistence Is the Real Secret One fascinating study Nir shares involved rats swimming in water. Normally they gave up after about 15 minutes. But when the researchers briefly rescued them and then returned them to the water, the rats kept swimming for 60 hours. The only thing that changed was their belief that rescue might be possible. That belief unlocked persistence. And persistence is what ultimately determines success. Action Steps If you want to apply these ideas in your life, start with these steps: Identify a belief that might be limiting you. Ask yourself if it's absolutely true. Consider alternative explanations. Notice how that belief affects your behavior. Experiment with a more empowering belief. When we change our beliefs, we often change our actions—and our lives. Books Mentioned Beyond Belief — Nir Eyal Indistractable — Nir Eyal   Guest Website:

What if the biggest obstacle standing between you and your next level... is you? In this raw and revealing episode of PivotMe, April Garcia pulls back the curtain on the silent success killer that most high achievers never see coming — self-sabotage. If you've ever wondered why you keep getting in your own way, this episode will hand you the mirror you didn't know you needed. Key Takeaways: Self-Sabotage is the Core Problem: April establishes self-sabotage as the central theme of PivotMe — and for good reason. Until you identify the behaviors quietly undermining your progress, no strategy, system, or hustle will get you where you want to go. Why It's Hard to See in Yourself: It's often easier to spot self-sabotage in others than in ourselves. April explores why our blind spots are so stubbornly... blind — and what it takes to finally see them clearly. Your Success Depends on It: Controlling self-sabotaging behavior isn't a soft skill — it's directly tied to your results. April connects the dots between inner patterns and outer outcomes. Three Flavors of Self-Sabotage: Perfectionism: The pursuit of perfect is often the enemy of done. April unpacks how perfectionism is less about high standards and more about fear — fear of failure, judgment, and being exposed. White Knight Syndrome: Constantly rescuing others from their problems feels noble, but it's often a clever way to avoid your own. April breaks down the allure of being everyone's hero and the cost it carries. Creative Avoidance: This one's sneaky. It looks like productivity — you're busy, you're checking boxes — but you're intentionally steering clear of the high-value tasks that actually move the needle. Awareness is the First Step: You can't change what you can't see. April emphasizes that awareness isn't just helpful — it's the gateway to making a different choice. The Challenge: April closes with a direct call to action: identify your personal flavor of self-sabotage and build a plan to break the pattern. You're not stuck. You're just choosing — and you can choose differently. Notable Quotes: "Self-sabotage doesn't announce itself. It disguises itself as perfectionism, helpfulness, and busyness." — April Garcia "Awareness without action is just entertainment. See it, own it, change it." — April Garcia Actionable Items: Honestly audit your week — where did you stall, over-perfect, rescue someone, or stay "busy" to avoid something important? Identify which of the three forms of self-sabotage shows up most in your life: perfectionism, white knighting, or creative avoidance. Name one high-value task you've been avoiding and schedule it as your first priority tomorrow. Share your self-sabotage pattern with one trusted person who will hold you accountable. Write down what your life looks like if you stop self-sabotaging for 90 days — and read it every morning. ---------------- Ready to take this work beyond the podcast? Join us at Collaborate 2026, our once-a-year, in-person transformational experience in Grass Valley, California. Spend 2.5 powerful days gaining clarity, building momentum, and doing the deep work alongside growth-minded leaders. Early Bird pricing ends March 31st, and seats are limited. Reserve yours at www.theaprilgarcia.com/collaborate.

When you go into business, you work really hard to get things going, but as you achieve success, the business takes over your life, right? You want to keep growing your business, but you can't work more. You're already exhausted and stretched too thin. If you're tired of being the fixer, the one with the fallback plan, and the one who holds it all together, you are not alone! If you're like most business owners we work with, you have revenue coming in, but you are still not profitable. You struggle to make payroll and attract profitable clients that you enjoy working with. This is why we created the Tap the Potential solution: a step-by-step, simple framework to increase your profitability while working fewer hours so that you can take your life back from your business. On average, our clients experience a 716% increase in time off, a 215% increase in profit, and a 55% increase in owners' pay—all within 12 months. In this episode, Melissa Kay and Dr. Sabrina Starling reveal why most small businesses hit a growth plateau, the hidden reason revenue increases don't lead to profit, why entrepreneurs stay stuck in survival mode, how working less can actually increase profitability, and the simple framework successful business owners use to reclaim their time. If you're ready to take your life back from your business, this episode will show you the path forward.Profit by Design is a Tap the Potential production. Show Highlights:Reasons for a growth plateau in small businesses: trying to do it alone, hiring the wrong people, and mishandling the revenue needed to growUnderstanding the hidden costs in payroll for the wrong peopleDesign your business to be sustainably profitable.The business owner's blind spots contribute to growth plateaus.Revenue doesn't equal profitability. Apply the 80/20 rule.Identify your PITA (“Pain in the assets”) clients.Our Better Business Better Life Jumpstart reveals the best profitability secrets!We are not like typical business coaches! The Tap the Potential solution teaches you how to work fewer hours with a focused intention that frees up your time.From Dr. Sabrina, the one action business owners can take today: “Do less. Ask, what's the one thing I can do today that will have the greatest impact to make other things easier or unnecessary while driving the profitability of my business?”Sign up for the Better Business Better Life Jumpstart today!Resources:Join our Jumpstart beginning April 7th! Learn how to:Free up 10 hours per week.Pay yourself an additional $50K this year.Take an extra week of vacation.Enroll now for Leadership Bootcamp! The next session begins in April.Take our Better Business Better Life Assessment to determine your level of burnout and receive a complimentary call with the next steps you need to take in your business to support your life. Click here!Ready to take your life back from your business? Want more time for what matters most and more money in your bank account than ever? Book a call with us today!Mentioned in this episode:Registration Is Open for Leadership Bootcamp!Turn your A-players into your strategic thinking partners who are taking one thing after another off your plate. You don't have to do this alone. Register here: https://tapthepotential.com/leadership

Today's bonus episode inside The Shift Podcast is the replay from Day 3 of The Shift Preview Calls, where we talked about something that impacts every area of your life.Decluttering your brain.Most people think they are stuck because they don't know what to do.But more often, the real problem is a cluttered mind.Too many thoughts.Too much second guessing.Too much mental noise.When your brain is cluttered, everything feels harder.Decisions take longer.Energy drains faster.Momentum slows down.In this training you will learn how to:​ Identify the thoughts that are slowing you down​ Separate facts from the stories your brain is telling you​ Create thoughts that give you energy instead of taking it​ Make decisions from a managed mindYou will also get to listen to a powerful live coaching example, where someone receives coaching on the anxiety he is experiencing during his job search and interviews.You'll see how coaching helps him navigate uncertainty and create confidence in himself in real time.This is what real coaching looks like.If you are someone who likes to listen and learn on the go, this replay is perfect for you.And if this conversation resonates with you, the next step is stepping inside The Shift.Click link below to join The Shift and get all the details.Let's Shift into the life you LOVE.Rewatch Day 3 Here Join The Shift + Get Bonus

In this episode, Aaron shares a practical three-step system for overcoming adversity, emphasizing the importance of mindset, reflection, and action. This approach helps listeners build resilience, learn from challenges, and maintain momentum in both business and life. sound bites"Conquering adversity is the recipe for success.""Identify patterns that lead to adversity.""Pause, reflect, and then act quickly."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Aarons's Adversity Framework01:45 The Importance of Conquering Adversity in Business and Life02:58 Step 1: Analyzing and Learning from Challenges03:49 Recognizing Patterns and Decision Traps04:46 Step 2: Reflection and Pattern Recognition05:37 The Power of Pause and Perspective06:28 Step 3: Taking Action and Moving Forward07:18 The Role of Quick Decision-Making08:12 Avoiding Overanalysis and Overthinking09:02 Implementing the System in Daily Life09:52 The Value of a Support Network and Prayer10:44 Final Tips for Mastering Adversity and Staying Resilient

Bryan Amos from Omni Group joins the Old Capital Real Estate Investing Podcast to discuss the growing importance of physical due diligence in multifamily investing. Apartment investing can sometimes feel like buying a melting ice cube—it must be properly maintained to retain value. For the past 15 years, the standard strategy was simple: buy a value-add property, invest in renovations, and raise rents. But today, with property values declining and transactions slowing, many apartments are not being updated or maintained, creating serious challenges for buyers. Bryan shares insights from his experience as an engineer and commercial general contractor, explaining how thorough inspections and accurate property condition assessments help investors: • Identify deferred maintenance • Accurately estimate capital expenditures • Avoid costly surprises Join the March 27th Old Capital Bus Tour: OldCapitalPodcast.com Contact Bryan Amos: bryanamos@theomnigroup.com Ready to unlock the potential of multifamily syndications? Learn how Michael Becker's proven real estate syndication strategies can help you grow wealth and build long-term financial success. Visit SPIADVISORY.COM to start your journey today.

From installing network cards as a teenager to navigating four successful exits across decades of tech evolution, Raj Singh shares lessons on acquisition timing, building buyer relationships, and the emotional journey founders experience after selling. Raj Singh is VP of Product at Mozilla, leading new zero-to-one product initiatives. He joined Mozilla in 2022 via acquisition of his startup Pulse (AI meeting summarization). Previously, he co-founded Tempo AI (acquired by Salesforce 2015), All the Cooks (acquired by CookPad), and served as VP of Business Development at Skyfire (acquired by Opera). WHAT YOU'LL LEARN You'll discover why exit windows matter more than plans, how to build relationships with potential acquirers years in advance, the four emotional stages after selling, why 80-85% of acquisitions are CEO-driven, and how founder fatigue is the number two reason startups fail. RAJ'S JOURNEY Raj's entrepreneurial instincts showed up early. Before college, he installed network cards in friends' computers for students heading to dorms. Desktop computers didn't have Ethernet ports back then, so he bought cards from Fry's Electronics, installed them, set up drivers, and charged for the service. His first substantive deal came during the dot-com crash, a net-zero acquisition in the early video codec era around 2000. He's since navigated four exits across radically different market conditions: the dot-com crash, 2008 financial crisis, COVID, and today's landscape. Each taught him something different about timing, negotiation, and integration. "What worked yesterday doesn't work today." THE SERIAL EXIT OPERATOR Raj's perspective comes from exiting companies during each major market cycle, giving him pattern recognition most founders never develop. At Mozilla, he's thrived leading products like Mozilla Solo (AI website builder) and Postful (social media management), finding ways to keep learning within a larger organization. KEY INSIGHTS Exit windows exist and close. Miss one, and the next might not emerge for 3-8 years. Founder fatigue is the number two reason startups fail. The hardest question: can you push through for another five years? Build acquisition relationships years in advance. Identify your 10 most likely buyers on day one. Check in every six months with no intent to sell. Acquisitions are about timing. If your timing doesn't align with a buyer's executive off-site decision, you could be off by six months and it won't happen. The emotional journey: relief when the deal closes, regret within days, inspired to make it the best acquisition ever, then acceptance it's not your company anymore. FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/rajsingh FOR MORE ON RAJ SINGH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajansingh/ Email: raj@rajansingh.com Twitter/X: @rajansingh Threads: @rajansingh FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! Episode Highlights with Timestamps:[00:06:37] - Introduction: Raj Singh's bio and background [00:08:28] - Childhood computer interest and early entrepreneurial instincts [00:08:54] - First side hustle: Installing network cards for college students [00:12:07] - First substantive deal during dot-com crash [00:13:30] - Evolution of startup ecosystem: from Chamber of Commerce books to today [00:21:24] - Journey to Mozilla via Pulse acquisition [00:24:03] - Why staying at Mozilla works: continuous learning and challenge [00:32:10] - All the Cooks exit during Y Combinator three-day decision window [00:35:53] - Tempo AI monetization struggles and Salesforce acquisition [00:39:23] - Four emotional stages after acquisition: relief, regret, inspired, acceptance [00:43:07] - Exit windows and why timing matters more than plans [00:43:32] - Founder fatigue as number two reason startups fail [00:48:19] - Building relationships with 10 potential acquirers from day one [00:50:42] - When incumbents enter your category (market acceleration) [00:51:05] - Enterprise multiple winners versus consumer winner-take-all [00:51:31] - Current work at Mozilla: Solo and Postful products [00:52:53] - What freedom means: choosing where to spend time Guest Bio: Raj Singh is VP of Product at Mozilla, leading zero-to-one product initiatives. He joined via acquisition of Pulse (AI meeting tools) in 2022. Previously: co-founder/CEO Tempo AI (acquired by Salesforce 2015), co-founder All the Cooks (acquired by CookPad), VP Business Development at Skyfire (acquired by Opera). BS in computer engineering from Cal Poly. Host Bio: Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Show Description: Do you want your business to grow faster? The DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer reveals how successful entrepreneurs and business leaders use strategic deals to accelerate growth. From large mergers and acquisitions to capital raising, joint ventures, strategic alliances, real estate deals, and more, this show discusses the full spectrum of deal-driven growth strategies. Get the confidence to pursue deals that will help your company scale faster. Related Episodes:Episode 328 - Richard Manders: Serial Acquisitions and Scaling Through M&A Episode 350 - Tom Dillon: Understanding Business Valuation and Exit Planning Realities Episode 325 - Kelly Finnell: Using ESOPs in Ownership Succession Planning Episode 330 - Pete Mohr: Building Enterprise Value and Exit Readiness Episode 339 - Equitizing Key Employees and Succession Planning Strategies Social Media: Follow DealQuest Podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Follow Raj Singh: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajansingh/ Twitter/X: @rajansingh Threads: @rajansingh Keywords/Tags:startup exits, M&A timing, acquisition strategy, multiple exits, founder fatigue, exit windows, serial entrepreneur, Salesforce acquisition, Mozilla products, Tempo AI, enterprise versus consumer, building acquisition relationships, CEO-driven acquisitions, emotional journey after exit, strategic buyer relationships, All the Cooks, CookPad acquisition, Pulse acquisition, tech evolution, startup integration, venture capital, exit readiness, founder burnout, M&A strategy, tech acquisitions

Do you have a product-based business? Are you selling products via an Etsy store, in a pop-up shop or a retail store? Are you selling one-off products online? Adding a subscription box to your existing business is a no-brainer and can offer you so many benefits!  Adding a subscription box provides:  A stable, predictable revenue stream - recurring payments benefit your business in so many ways, including stabilizing your cash flow.   Customer loyalty - subscribers have committed to regularly purchasing products from you.  Increased lifetime value (LTV) - do you know the LTV of your customers? My subscribers stay for an average of 18 months, generating thousands of dollars of revenue each.  Opportunities for cross-selling and upselling - pair your box items with additional one-off items from your shop.  Scalability - packing and shipping 500 of the same thing is much more efficient than 500 different orders.  Have I convinced you to add a subscription box to your business?  I have 5 simple steps to follow to make it happen.  Identify your best customers: Who are they?  How often do they shop with you?  Take a look at your top 20 customers and dial into who they are.  Identify your best-sellers: What categories are your best sellers?  What do people buy from you repeatedly?  What are people asking for more of?  Set your pricing structure: What is your average order value (AOV)? What is the AOV of your top 100 customers?  Price your subscription box in that range.  Create exclusivity and scarcity:  What are the benefits of being a subscriber?  Make items only available in the box.  Make them only available by subscription.  Create FOMO with your customer base - make them want to be part of something exclusive.   Create a great user experience:  Are your website and the checkout process clear and easy to follow?   Make it easy for people to update or cancel their subscriptions.  Provide a higher level of customer service - remember your subscribers are the VIPs of your business.  A bonus piece of advice, which is really the best piece of advice, is to talk about your subscription box a LOT. If you want to create a business that is 75% recurring revenue instead of depending on one-off sales, you've got to make it the main thing in your business. And that means talking about it… a lot!  Join me for this episode to learn how having a subscription box can change the game for your business. Predictable inventory, better cash flow, monthly recurring revenue, and more. Follow 5 simple steps to get started today!  Join me in all the places:  ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Launch Your Box with Sarah Website⁠  Are you ready for ⁠Launch Your Box⁠? Our complete training program walks you step by step through how to start, launch, and grow your subscription box business. ⁠Join ⁠today!

Big O talks Bam 031126

PURCHASE THIS PODCOURSE! If you are a therapist or counselor looking for continuing education, check out my NBCC Approved $5 Podcourses and other continuing education offerings.Plus, get your first Podcourse half off. In this 60-minute NBCC-approved podcourse, I'm joined by Michelle Page, PharmD, to explore perimenopause and menopause as neuroendocrine developmental transitions that significantly influence mood, sleep, cognition, stress regulation, relationships, and identity. We break down the clinical definitions of perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, discuss common and underrecognized symptom presentations, and examine how hormonal variability may contribute to new-onset anxiety, mood instability, sleep disruption, and relational strain in midlife clients. We also explore differential diagnosis considerations, interdisciplinary referral thresholds, and practical psychotherapy interventions that remain within scope of practice. When you purchase this podcourse, you will also receive a Clinical Companion Guide, which includes a structured Menopause-Informed Clinical Formulation Model, differential diagnosis considerations, expanded symptom awareness, and applied case studies to support real-world clinical integration. This training supports therapists in recognizing menopause-related symptom clusters, differentiating endocrine-driven presentations from primary psychiatric disorders, and collaborating effectively with menopause-informed medical providers. Our hope is that you'll walk away with fresh strategies you can integrate into your clinical work right away and you can also earn one NBCC continuing education contact hour by completing this Podcourse. Michelle's other Podcourse: Beyond Digestion: How Your Gut Influences Your Mental Health

The storm isn't your problem. Your foundation is. This morning my dog walked through pouring rain without flinching — until his feet hit a puddle. Soaking wet from head to toe, but the one thing he couldn't handle was unstable footing. And I realized standing there in the rain — he's figured out something most people never do. In episode #1487, I break down why storms aren't the threat you think they are, what it actually means to have a foundation that holds, and the one question you need to ask yourself to find out if yours is solid. The weather isn't changing. The question is what you're standing on when it hits. Hit play. Then check your foundation. Who This Episode Is For If every storm in life seems to shake you to your core — this one's for you. Key Takeaways Storms are unavoidable — stop trying to find a life with only sunny days and start building a foundation that holds in any weather Adversity isn't a detour from growth — it's the condition that produces it Storm chasers are real — don't be the person manufacturing drama just to have something to complain about A fast ascent built on a cracked foundation always gets exposed — the house always falls Your foundation is revealed by one thing: are you the same person when life is good as when it gets hard? Questions for Reflection When adversity hits, do you become a different person — or does your foundation hold? What is your foundation actually built on right now — faith, identity, values — and is it solid enough to stand on when things get icy? Are you chasing storms and calling it struggle, or are you genuinely building through the hard seasons? Action Steps Write down three things you stand for — not goals, not titles — core beliefs that define who you are regardless of circumstances. Think back to the last major storm in your life. Did your foundation hold? Identify exactly where it cracked and start reinforcing there. Find one area of your life where you've been focused on the weather instead of the footing. Shift your energy to the foundation this week. Featured Quote "When you know who you are and you're solid in your foundation, you can look at any storm life throws your way and say — it's just rain."

This week, learn the five critical steps you need to take immediately after purchasing a multifamily property. From setting up your ownership structure and bank accounts to notifying tenants, coordinating utilities, managing vendors, and communicating with investors, this episode walks through the operational moves that turn a successful closing into a well-run investment.      Make sure to download our free guide, 7 Questions Every Passive Investor Should Ask, here.     Key Takeaways Establish your business structure and operating bank accounts before beginning property operations  Clearly notify residents about new management and communicate rent payment processes early  Transfer utilities and confirm billing responsibilities to avoid inheriting previous owner expenses  Identify and evaluate existing vendors such as landscaping, maintenance, and service providers  Set clear expectations with residents to establish standards under new ownership  Communicate proactively with investors and partners about closing updates and future reporting      Topics Planning Before You Take Ownership Begin planning operational decisions before closing on the property  Determine whether you will self-manage or hire a property management company  Establishing Your Business Structure Decide whether the property will operate under a new LLC or existing entity  Open bank accounts to collect rent and pay expenses through the business entity  Communicating With Residents Notify tenants about the ownership transition and who to contact for maintenance or concerns  Provide clear instructions on rent payment methods such as ACH, checks, or money orders  Managing Utilities and Operational Infrastructure Transfer utilities such as water, sewer, gas, and electricity into the correct accounts  Confirm responsibility for common-area utilities or tenant-paid services  Reviewing Vendors and Service Providers Identify contractors and service providers already working on the property  Evaluate existing contracts for services like landscaping, snow removal, and maintenance  Setting Expectations for Residents Address unresolved maintenance issues quickly to establish credibility  Demonstrate higher operational standards under new ownership  Communicating With Investors and Partners Notify partners and passive investors when the deal officially closes  Set expectations around communication cadence, reporting, and distributions     

In this episode, we explore what to do when the weight of uncertainty and overwhelm makes it hard to think, create, or move forward. We open with the legendary survival story of Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition, drawing practical lessons about leadership, adaptability, and creative resilience. When everything spins out of control, it's not about getting back to what we've lost—it's about reframing the mission and determining the next right move.We dig deep into how overwhelm isn't just a productivity hiccup, but a genuine threat to creativity and motivation. Drawing on personal experiences and years working with creative leaders, we share three actionable moves for anyone feeling stuck, anxious, or creatively compressed. These aren't quick fixes; they're mental models and practices to help talented professionals regain clarity and get unstuck, even when the path ahead is anything but clear.Five Key Learnings from This Episode:Redefine Success in the Moment: When circumstances change, don't cling to old goals. Instead, ask, “What does winning look like now, with what I have?”Shrink the Target: Limit your field of view. Focus on the one thing you can accomplish today that will make everything else easier or less necessary.Name What's Actually Wrong: Overwhelm is often a symptom of unrecognized fear or unresolved tension. Identify and write down the specific issue that's weighing on you.Protect a Pocket of Presence: Carve out uninterrupted time—just 20 minutes—to be alone with your thoughts. This helps your mind recover, make connections, and surface what really matters.Remember, Overwhelm Means You Care: Feeling overwhelmed isn't failing; it's a sign that you're carrying meaningful responsibility. You don't need to solve everything at once. Clarity and small wins create the momentum to move forward.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.

Most people think they know where their money goes each month… but when they actually run an expense audit, they find hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars quietly leaking out of their budget. Today we're walking through how to run a simple expense audit, how to find those leaks, and how to use a "value matrix" to decide what's worth keeping—and what's quietly draining your life and your wallet. Key Tactical Takeaways Conduct an Expense Audit: Review your expenses for February to March to identify spending leaks. Utilize the Value Matrix: Categorize expenses into high/low joy and high/low cost to optimize spending. Regular Check-ins: Establish a routine of auditing and reflecting on your spending habits to refine financial strategies over time. Core Rules & Formulas Rule/Formulas Description Expense Audit Evaluate your spending regularly to identify leaks or unnecessary expenditures. Value Matrix A four-quadrant tool to assess expenses based on joy and cost:   - High Joy, Low Cost (Best)   - High Joy, High Cost (Consider optimizing)   - Low Joy, Low Cost (Keep but examine)   - Low Joy, High Cost (Cut or trim) Save 50% Rule Aim for a 50% savings rate to ensure financial security and independence. Tools, Accounts, or Strategies Mentioned Tool/Strategy Description Expense Audit Challenge Community initiative to assess spending from February to March. Value Matrix Tool for analyzing expenses to prioritize spending based on joy and cost. YNAB (You Need A Budget) Budgeting tool that tracks spending efficiently; useful for expense audits. Monarch Money Expense tracking tool integrated with financial accounts for easier audits. Resources & References ChooseFI Community Platform Take Action Start Your Expense Audit: Begin reviewing your expenses now to uncover potential leaks. Engage with the Community: Share your audit findings and strategies on the ChooseFI platform. Utilize the Value Matrix: Apply this framework to reflect on your spending and make informed decisions. Listen to Episode 586 for more details on initiating your expense audit and understanding its importance.

Pat Lencioni discusses how to tap into your genius to make work more fulfilling and energizing.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) How to stop feeling ashamed of your weaknesses2) The six types of working genius3) The real reason why so many professionals are burning outSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1135 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT PAT — Pat is one of the founders of The Table Group and is the pioneer of the organizational health movement. He is the author of 13 books, which have sold over 9 million copies and been translated into more than 30 languages.As President of the Table Group, Pat spends his time speaking and writing about leadership, teamwork, and organizational health and consulting with executives and their teams. After more than twenty years in print, his classic book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, remains a fixture on national best-seller lists. His most recent book, The Six Types of Working Genius, was released in September 2022, and he is also the host of the popular business podcast, At The Table with Patrick Lencioni.• Assessment: Working Genius Assessment (use code: AWESOME for 20% off)• Book: The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team• Podcast: At the Table Podcast• Podcast: The Working Genius Podcast• Website: TableGroup.com• Website: WorkingGenius.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Book: Be Healed by Bob Schuchts• Book: Brother Odd: An Odd Thomas Novel by Dean Koontz• Past episode: 552: The Foundational Principle that Separates Good Leaders from Bad Ones with Pat Lencioni• Past episode: 707: Amy Edmondson on How to Build Thriving Teams with Psychological Safety— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Monarch.com. Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME.• Vanguard. Give your clients consistent results year in and year out with vanguard.com/AUDIO• Shopify. Sign up for your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/betterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.