Podcasts about initiatives

Today's guest is Amy Callinan, MSN, RN, CCDS, educator, clinical documentation integrity, at Presbyterian Healthcare Services, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our intro and outro music for the ACDIS Podcast is “medianoche” by Dee Yan-Kay and our ad music is “Take Me Higher” by Jahzzar, both obtained from the Free Music Archive. Have questions about today's show or ideas for a future episode? Contact the ACDIS team at info@acdis.org. Want to submit a question for a future "listener questions" episode? Fill out this brief form!  CEU info: Each ACDIS Podcast episode offers 0.5 ACDIS CEU which can be used toward recertifying your CCDS or CCDS-O credential for those who listen to the show in the first four days from the time of publication. To receive your 0.5 CEU, go to the show page on acdis.org, by clicking on the “ACDIS Podcast” link located under the “Free Resources” tab. To take the evaluation, click the most recent episode from the list on the podcast homepage, view the podcast recording at the bottom of that show page, and click the live link at the very end after the music has ended. Your certificate will be automatically emailed to you upon submitting the brief evaluation. (Note: If you are listening via a podcast app, click this link to go directly to the show page on acdis.org: https://acdis.org/acdis-podcast/collaborative-cdi-initiatives-and-special-projects) Note: To ensure your certificate reaches you and does not get trapped in your organization's spam filters, please use a personal email address when completing the CEU evaluation form. The cut-off for today's episode CEU is Sunday, February 1, at 11:00 p.m. Eastern. After that point, the CEU period will close, and you will not be eligible for the 0.5 CEU for this week's episode. Today's sponsor: Today's show is brought to you by the 2026 ACDIS Pocket Guide, available to order today! Learn more by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3V1Z0gQ ACDIS update: Apply to serve on an ACDIS board or committee by January 31! (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/January-2026-Committees) Submit your articles to the March/April edition of the CDI Journal by February 1! (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDI-journal) Make sure to take advantage of the ACDIS conference room block rate by March 27! (https://bit.ly/4qeFWdh) Register for the 2026 ACDIS conference, and the associated pre-conference events, today! (https://bit.ly/4qeFWdh)

Attend the 2026 Summit Conference: https://get.biggerpockets.com/passivepocketssummit2026/ It's our “2026 State of PassivePockets.” Chris Lopez (now lead host, alongside co-hosts Jim Pfeifer and Paul Shannon) shares highlights from the 2025 member survey (96% accredited; 91% already LPs), explains why our Net Promoter Score jumped from -4 (2024) to 44 (2025), and unveils three big initiatives for 2026: (1) community-driven resources that go deep on due diligence—starting with debt funds; (2) using the community's pooled volume to negotiate better investor terms; and (3) doubling down on what's working—Sponsor Ratings & Reviews, LP Deal Reviews, the podcast, and a more active private forum. You'll also hear what members fear most (losing capital), what they want most (steady cash flow), and which asset classes they're targeting (multifamily and debt tied for #1). Key Takeaways Who we are: 96% accredited; 91% already in syndications/funds NPS turnaround: from -4 ('24) ➜ 44 ('25); top positives—education, trust, community Biggest pain points: pricing clarity, forum engagement, and site navigation- on our roadmap What members fear most: capital loss (72%); what they want most: steady cash flow (~30%) 2026 focus #1: Debt investing: series of pods, forums, expert panels, and a living DD checklist 2026 focus #2: Better terms: leverage pooled community capital for lower mins / improved share classes 2026 focus #3: Do more of what works: more Sponsor Ratings & Reviews + LP Deal Reviews + member spotlights Asset allocation pulse: multifamily & debt tied for top interest; industrial, MHP, self-storage next Host update: Chris Lopez assumes lead-host role; Jim passes the torch and remains co-host with Paul Get involved: post sponsor reviews, join the forum threads, and help shape the checklists we'll all use Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational purposes only. All host and participant opinions are their own. Investment in any asset, real estate included, involves risk, so use your best judgment and consult qualified advisors before investing. You should only risk capital you can afford to lose. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain paid advertisements or other promotional materials for real estate investment advisers, investment funds, and investment opportunities, which should not be interpreted as a recommendation, endorsement, or testimonial by PassivePockets, LLC or any of its affiliates. Viewers must conduct their own due diligence and consider their own financial situations before engaging with any advertised offerings, products, or services. PassivePockets, LLC disclaims all liability for direct, indirect, consequential, or other damages arising out of reliance on information and advertisements presented in this podcast.

In this episode of Gov Tech Today, Russell Lowery and Jennifer Saha delve into the recently released governor's budget, focusing on its implications for technology initiatives. They discuss the significant role of AI, legacy system updates, and the governor's approach to AI regulation. The duo also explores state procurement changes, including the growing use of RFI2 and the introduction of climate-aligned contracts. With insights on the Middle Mile Broadband initiative and the complexity of state budgets, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of California's tech and budget landscape.00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:13 Governor's Budget Overview01:45 AI's Role in the Budget03:09 AI Regulation and Legislation05:59 Cybersecurity and Staffing Issues07:41 Middle Mile Broadband Initiative11:14 State Procurement Changes17:28 Climate-Aligned Contracts and Final Thoughts 

In this episode, Cambria Allen-Ratzlaff, Interim CEO at the PRI, is joined by Mark Anson, Chair of the Investment Committee, and Hershel Harper, Chief Investment Officer at the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust. A PRI signatory since 2010, the Trust has long been recognised for its leadership in responsible investment, stewardship and manager engagement.Together, they explore how a large, closed pension plan integrates responsible investment into fiduciary decision-making, covering human capital management, energy transition risks, data centres, manager selection and the role of ESG data.OverviewDrawing on decades of experience across public pensions, endowments and foundations, Mark and Hershel reflect on how responsible investment has evolved from a niche concern to a core part of managing long-term risk and return.The conversation highlights how the Trust approaches stewardship not as a values exercise, but as a practical way to strengthen governance, resilience and performance, always grounded in its obligation to deliver healthcare benefits for retirees.Detailed CoverageHuman capital as a core assetThe guests discuss why workforce practices, board quality and leadership development are material investment issues. From employee training and compensation to board diversity and skills, effective human capital management is framed as fundamental to long-term value creation.Collective engagement and investor leadershipMark and Hershel explain why large asset owners must collaborate to drive change. Initiatives such as the Midwest Investors Diversity Initiative demonstrate how coordinated engagement can improve board diversity and corporate sustainability while supporting better business outcomes.Energy, water and data-centre riskThe discussion turns to energy policy and the growing demand driven by AI and data centres. The guests outline how the Trust evaluates resource efficiency, water use, worker safety and community impact, recognising the need for “all-of-the-above” energy solutions delivered responsibly.Manager selection and Capital ConnectHershel introduces Capital Connect, the Trust's forum designed to broaden access to diverse and emerging managers. Both guests stress that expanding the opportunity set improves risk-adjusted returns, and that investing with diverse managers is not concessionary, but disciplined and performance-driven.ESG data, fiduciary duty and decision-makingMark and Hershel reflect on their recent research into fiduciary responsibility and inconsistent ESG data. They explain why ESG ratings vary so widely, and why asset owners must first define their objectives, regulatory constraints and risk priorities before selecting data tools.Context mattersA recurring theme is that responsible investment is contextual. Different investors (pension funds, endowments, foundations) face different liabilities, regulations and time horizons, shaping how ESG considerations are applied in practice.For more information about making the case for responsible investment, check out our database: https://public.unpri.org/investment-tools/investment-case-databaseChapters00:00 - Introduction & Backgrounds03:29 - Human Capital Management & Board Diversity08:55 - Midwest Investor Diversity Initiative11:41 - Energy Policy & Data Centers18:17 - Water Resources & Community Impact19:39 - Capital Connect & Diverse Managers26:40 - Fiduciary Dilemma & ESG...

Host Bill Radke discusses the week’s news with the founder of Earth Finance, and former member of the Washington state House and Senate Reuven Carlyle, Washington Policy Center Communications Director David Boze, and KUOW politics reporter, and co-host of Sound Politics podcast Scott GreenstoneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Roots of Success, Chris Psencik welcomes Lex Mason from Weathermatic for a candid conversation on the systems, strategies, and tech elevating the landscape industry. Discover the secret to hitting the coveted 20% revenue mark for irrigation repairs, streamline your inspection processes, and learn direct-from-the-trenches tips to boost productivity and retain top talent—even in a labor crunch. Plus, hear how team development and focused innovation are shaping the road to 2026, and get a sneak peek at SmartCon—a premier industry event. For business owners ready to maximize resources and drive results, this episode delivers both motivation and a practical roadmap. THE BIG IDEA:  Focus drives profitability KEY MOMENTS: [03:37] "Streamlining Irrigation Operations Efficiency" [07:49] "Evaluating Operations Beyond Controllers" [09:41] "Irrigation Revenue and Maintenance Insights" [15:59] "Measure to Manage Effectively" [18:20] Streamlining Repairs with Kit Pricing [20:49] "Improving Performance Through Simplicity" [25:14] "Be a Champion of Initiatives" [29:28] "Driving Engagement Through Alignment" [33:45] "Evaluate, Question, Align, Maximize" [34:18] "Consultative Sales and Training" QUESTIONS WE ANSWER What strategies can be used to grow pre-approval limits for irrigation repairs, and why does it matter for field efficiency? How does upgrading operational processes in an irrigation division impact labor productivity and business profitability? What role does technology, especially automation and API integrations, play in streamlining the workflow from field inspection to billing? Why is tracking the penetration rate of irrigation repairs in relation to maintenance contract value considered a "golden metric"? What are the main benefits of implementing monthly irrigation inspections compared to seasonal startup and shutdown practices? In what ways can standardizing the inspection process and utilizing field management dashboards lead to better accountability and team performance? How has repair kit pricing improved efficiency for irrigation departments, and what parallels exist with the automotive industry? What are the risks for landscape businesses that delay adopting technology to optimize their operations and preserve profit margins? Why is champion development within a team critical for implementing new initiatives and advancing career growth in a landscape business? How does participating in industry events, peer networks, and cause-driven initiatives add value to both business performance and community impact?

Taco Pope, County Administrator of Nassau County, Florida, joins host Steve Vancore to reflect on his 20-year journey from urban planner to county leader. He explains how his background in planning has shaped his approach to managing one of Florida's fastest-growing counties, where long-term vision, infrastructure, and water management are central concerns.Pope shares insights into Nassau County's rapid transformation, particularly in areas near Jacksonville and Amelia Island. He discusses how population growth and in-migration have brought new expectations, shifted voting patterns, and increased the urgency for proactive planning. Initiatives like the 2050 Vision Plan and the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Program are examples of how the county is balancing growth with quality of life.

Zhan Chen outlines ICMA's engagement with members and regulators on the implications of the SEC's US Treasury clearing mandate and market readiness challenges.

How do companies turn data into real enterprise value - not just dashboards, pilots, and AI theater? In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, Dave speaks with Ritavan, author of the award-winning book Data Impact and creator of the SLASOG framework, about why so many data and AI initiatives fail - and what leaders should do differently if they actually want results. Rather than chasing buzzwords or “digital transformation” for its own sake, Ritavan challenges leadership teams to treat data as a strategic asset for value creation. He explains how different economic paradigms - from hunter-gatherers to industrial firms to digital natives - shape how organizations extract value, and why legacy companies often underestimate their proprietary advantages. The conversation explores: Why most data and AI programs collapse under groupthink and misaligned incentives How companies like Walmart leveraged physical assets, customer demand, and scale to build defensible data advantages The dangers of chasing “quick wins” instead of compounding value Why KPIs must be context-specific to strategy, not borrowed from competitors Ritavan also breaks down his six-step SLASOG framework - Save, Leverage, Align, Simplify, Optimize, Grow - and shares practical guidance for leadership teams on aligning talent, culture, and first-principles thinking around long-term value creation. If your data strategy feels like “spray and pray,” this episode will help you identify where to start, how to uncover asymmetric advantages, and how to think about data the way investors and buyers do. About Our Guest: Ritavan is an entrepreneurial technology leader and over the past decade he has built and scaled data-driven solutions that have impacted billions of euros. He has authored peer-reviewed papers, given invited keynotes & workshops at global conferences, and holds an international patent. Ritavan is known for his first principles approach to data-driven value creation across industries. https://ritavan.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Data-Impact-businesses-LEVERAGE-SIMPLIFY/dp/178133921X/ About the Host: Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and entrepreneurs reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.    Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.    He's on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people's contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company's most valuable asset.” Dave's book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions. He's also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.  

This week on the Chamber Podcast, Rob sits down with Steve Grech, CEO of LOC Credit Union, and Stephanie Hamlin, Community Impact Manager, to talk about what it really means to be a community-first financial institution. With 90 years of history and more than 50 years serving Livingston County, LOC focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well, from affordable car loans and home equity lending to strong digital banking paired with real human relationships. Steve shares how LOC differentiates itself in a crowded financial market through thoughtful lending practices and service-driven culture, while Stephanie highlights the credit union's deep investment in financial education, school partnerships, and local programs that build confidence from elementary school through adulthood. The conversation offers a clear look at how staying focused, accessible, and people-centered helps LOC strengthen both financial health and community trust. 00:00 LOC Credit Union's Journey 03:12 What Makes LOC Unique? 06:00 Building Trust Through Relationships 09:15 Financial Literacy in Schools 12:22 2026 Initiatives and Community Engagement 15:15 Lending Wider and Deeper Show Links Learn more about the Brighton Chamber by visiting our website. Website: https://www.brightoncoc.org/  Guest Links Website: https://www.loccreditunion.com/ Guest Info: LOC celebrated our 90th Anniversary in 2025 with 6 locations across Livingston, Oakland and Wayne Counties. We like to think LOC stands for Lender of Choice for Auto Loans & Home Equity Loans while focusing on delivering five-star member service.   Our Brighton Branch opened in June of 2024 and is located on Grand River Avenue just outside of downtown, next to Planet Fitness and AutoZone.  We have had a presence in Livingston County for 50 years. In 1976 we opened in Howell and have been at our current location on Grand River since 1997. Our current Hartland location opened in 2007 at Old 23 and M59. As we continue to invest in Livingston County, we will be building a full-service branch with a drive thru in 2026. This branch will be adjacent to the Hartland Target parking lot.  Community Sponsorships and Volunteer Involvement:  In 2024 we partnered with Bountiful Harvest when we made large financial donation upon the opening of the Brighton branch in 2024. We continue to support their mission by providing an annual cereal drive where the donations stay right here in Livingston County and our staff volunteers at the food bank.  Brighton, Howell and Hartland - Athletic Business Sponsorships  Brighton Chamber Efforts and Events- the Farmer's Market Flower Day- Bouquet Building Station, Volunteering at Chamber Events such as the Smokin Blues and Brighton Holiday Glow Reindeer Game Sponsorship.  For the third year in a row, we sponsored the Tunnel of Lights at the Millpond Bridge for the community to enjoy a seasonable photo opportunity. Financial Literacy and Education Efforts The Community Impact Team provides a variety of financial education classroom experiences for grades K -12. Creating hands on experiences that give students a solid foundation for the real world. We also operate 19 student-run credit unions across Farmington and Livingston County that give students an independent interactive experience with banking and managing money.

Today's arms race looks a little different from those of the past. Under the Trump administration, the US Department of War (DoW) is deploying generative AI to millions of employees in order to maintain a strategic edge over our global adversaries. Sarah Guo and Elad Gil sit down with Emil Michael, the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering of the United States, to discuss the radical technological transformation of the US military. Emil outlines the architecture and launch of GenAI.mil, a DoW internal AI platform powered by Gemini and Grok that reached over one million unique users in its first 30 days. He also highlights critical technology priorities for national security, including hypersonics, direct energy, and autonomous drone swarms. Together, they also explore the urgent need to rebuild the American defense industrial base and end dependency on foreign supply chains for critical materials, as well as how Emil is recruiting the next generation of “fixer-builder” workers to serve their country in government.  Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to show@no-priors.com Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil | @USWREMichael | @DoWCTO Chapters: 00:00 – Cold Open 00:00 – Emil Michael Introduction 00:58 – Emil's Role at the Department of War 05:22 – Innovation Priorities for the DoW 08:27 – Shift Toward Autonomous Defense Technologies 10:41 – Identifying Common Needs Across the DoW 12:02 – Architecting GenAI.mil 13:48 – Applied AI Initiatives at the DoW 15:57 – The Future of Warfare 17:55 – Recruiting for DoW 19:33 – Arsenal of Freedom Tour 22:25 – Opportunities for Entrepreneurs at DoW 25:49 – Speeding Up and Scaling DoW Initiatives 28:37 – Innovation in Defense Tech 30:00 – Change Management in Government 32:09 – Rebuilding the Defense Industrial Base 37:27 – Initiatives and Opportunities at the Office of Strategic Capital 41:41 – Lessons from Emil's Government Experience 44:30 – Conclusion

After three decades working to deliver easy, fast and cost-effective patient experiences through technology, Ryan Howells is more optimistic about the future than he's ever been before.At a time when healthcare has been at the center of polarizing and partisan politics, Ryan is focused on an area foundational to digital health that he says draws consensus across party lines: data exchange and interoperability. Freely moving data can unlock innovation in technology, payment models, and regulation to make healthcare work better for everyone, and Ryan is extremely encouraged by the openness to ideas and volume of activity he's seeing from the second Trump Administration in these areas.As Principal at Leavitt Partners since 2015, Ryan collaborates with the private sector, the White House, Congress, HHS, and the VHA to improve health care nationwide. For the past ten years, he has also led the CARIN Alliance, a bi-partisan, multi-sector alliance uniting industry leaders to advance the adoption of consumer-directed exchange across the U.S.In January 2023, Ryan joined Keith Figlioli on the podcast to discuss the myriad of new possibilities emerging in healthcare as a result of better access to data. In this episode, he recounts the progress and obstacles since that conversation, but more importantly, helps unpack the flurry of new activity.Topics Ryan and Keith covered include:ACCESS & TEMPO. These are the latest examples of two new government programs that Ryan believes will remove barriers to innovation. ACCESS is a CMS initiative that now makes it possible for technology companies to bill Medicare directly for digital health services – and get paid only when patients achieve specific, measurable clinical outcomes. Ryan explains how ACCESS is a breakthrough for transparency and has the potential to change contracting for digital health vendors as health system may now ask to share risk. TEMPO is a program from the FDA that complements ACCESS by allowing participating companies to bypass traditional device clearance processes through “enforcement discretion,” provided they share real time data with the FDA. Ryan explains how this oversight lowers cost and complexity for startups and accelerates the path to market for new digital health solutions.Removing administrative roadblocks. In early 2025, Ryan's team at Leavitt Partners published a paper titled, “Kill the Clipboard” that offered recommendations to cut administrative costs, lower the burden on consumers and providers, and modernize the health care data exchange ecosystem. Ryan discussed recommendations like the need for stronger enforcement of information blocking rules and suggestions for the government to change its certification program to focus on APIs, versus functionality of EHRs. He explained how these things would allow health systems to control their own data, build cloud-based workflows, and integrate with payers and innovative companies more easily.Linchpins for data liquidity. Ryan believes that achieving true data liquidity in healthcare requires three foundational elements: a cloud-based data store, an API endpoint, and robust digital identity credentials. With these in place, he says organizations can exchange data securely and efficiently, supporting everything from public health to quality measurement and pharmacy exchange. He says these are the linchpins to finally achieve the data liquidity needed for innovation, interoperability, and improved patient outcomes.To hear Ryan and Keith discuss these topics and more, listen to this episode of Healthcare is Hard: A Podcast for

Why do organisations keep repeating the same mistakes when it comes to hybrid work - and are they now doing the same with AI? That's the question Brian Elliott, one of the most respected voices on the future of work, explores in this episode of the Digital HR Leaders podcast. In this episode, host David Green sits down with Brian to unpack why the hybrid and return-to-office debate continues to create tension between leaders and employees, despite years of data and experience, and the striking parallels between how organisations handled hybrid work and how many are now approaching AI adoption. Tune in and learn: Why the hybrid and return-to-office debate continues to divide leaders and employees What the evidence says about making hybrid work effective for both people and the business The similarities between hybrid work decisions and today's AI adoption challenges How AI is changing entry-level roles and long-term talent pipelines The biggest barriers organisations face when trying to change long-established ways of working Why leadership behaviour ultimately determines whether change sticks This episode is sponsored by Worklytics. Worklytics helps leaders understand how work actually happens with data-driven insights into collaboration, productivity and AI adoption. By analysing real work patterns - from meetings to tool usage - they empower teams to work = Learn more at worklytics.co/ai Link to resources: Five leadership lessons for "tough" CEOs The burnout age The job market and AI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Chiera, SVP of marketing and advertising with CCA Global, and Kemp Harr discuss recent homeowner research indicating pent up demand for flooring and other marketing initiatives for CCA in 2026. Listen to the interview, taped at the group's winter meeting in Denver, for more information.

I'm sharing the standards, the strategy, and the unseen work it takes to keep building BPN the right way. This episode includes the 2026 “Burn the Boats” manifesto, our five key initiatives, and the standards behind quality and product development going into 2026.CHAPTERS0:00: Intro 7:53: 2026 Brand Manifesto: Burn the Boats 17:25: 5 Key Initiatives (Overview) 18:44: Initiative #1: Unique Brand Positioning 25:36: Initiative #2: Intentional Product Development 30:45: Initiative #3: BPN Podcast Network Expansion 31:19: Initiative #4: Strategic Channel Strategy 36:34: Initiative #5: Position the Business for Scale 1:00:52: Quality Systems You Don't See 1:14:27: The Truth About Grass-Fed Whey Isolate ORDER MY BOOK HERE:⁠https://www.amazon.com/Go-One-More-Intentional-Life-Changing/dp/1637746210⁠FOLLOW:Become a BPN member FOR FREE - Unlock 20% off FOR LIFE⁠https://bpn.team/member⁠IG: ⁠instagram.com/nickbarefitness/⁠YT: ⁠youtube.com/@nickbarefitness

Trump Admin Goes Nuclear, Launches Criminal Investigation of Private Federal Reserve! 47 Also Launches Multiple Populist Initiatives, Bans BlackRock From Buying Up Family Homes, Kills Taxes On Small Loan Interest

In this episode, Jeffrey discusses how to evaluate competing initiativesEach week, Jeffrey will be sharing his knowledge on Service Delivery (Mondays) and Service Management (Thursdays). Jeffrey is the founder of Service Management Leadership, an IT consulting firm specializing in Service Management, Asset Management, CIO Advisory, and Business Continuity services.  The firm's website is www.servicemanagement.us.  Jeffrey has been in the industry for 30 years and brings a practical perspective to the discussions. He is an accomplished author with seven acclaimed books in the subject area and a popular YouTube channel with approximately 1,500 videos on various topics.  Also, please follow the Service Management Leadership LinkedIn page.

Episode OverviewClinical health psychologist Peter Mintir Amadu explains the hidden mental health emergency affecting nearly 500 women accused of witchcraft in Northern Ghana and the innovative model transforming their lives.Women accused of witchcraft face a devastating reality: up to 90% suffer from severe depression, PTSD rates exceed 80%, and many live in camps for over 20 years. They've lost everything: family, livelihood, dignity, and hope.But mental health support alone isn't enough. As one survivor told Amadu: "I can sleep now, but when I wake up, I'm hungry. What happens to me?"Initiatives that combine mental health intervention with economic empowerment, creating sustainable change through advocacy, rehabilitation, therapy, livelihood training, and community engagement is being explored. This locally-developed model addresses both psychological trauma and practical survival needs.Ghana faces a 98% mental health treatment gap with fewer than 200 psychologists for 30+ million people. Yet TOLEC is proving that culturally-grounded, resource-conscious solutions can work, from teletherapy programs to training religious leaders as mental health advocates.TOLEC's work extends to prison mental health, maternal psychological care, youth substance abuse prevention, and school-based interventions, all driven by data and local innovation.International collaboration opportunities exist in capacity building, research partnerships, digital health technology, and advocacy. The model is ready to scale. What's needed is global support for local expertise.For organizations seeking meaningful partnerships in African mental health innovation, culturally-responsive trauma care, or women's empowerment initiatives.Keywords: mental health innovation Africa, witchcraft accusations Ghana, trauma-informed development, sustainable mental health programs, international mental health partnerships, women's rights Ghana, community psychology, teletherapy developing countries#MentalHealthInnovation #GlobalMentalHealth #WomensEmpowerment #AfricanSolutions #EndWitchcraftAccusations #TraumaCareLinksTotal Life Enhancement Center, GhanaAmnesty International, GhanaEnd Witch HuntsWhy Witch Hunts are not just a Dark Chapter from the PastINAWARAInternational Alliance to End Witch Hunts

5pm: Top Stories Recap / Updates // Brian Heywood qualified 2 initiatives for Nov 2026 ballot // Washington State’s Tax Blitz // Washington's 95% nicotine tax drives customers across state lines to Idaho // Lawsuit claims BNSF illegally placed boulders to block homeless camps in Vancouver // Mercer Island Police take serving and protecting to a new level with DoorDash delivery // Video Guest – Talking Sports With Ry // Here’s who No. 1-seed Seahawks could face in NFL playoffs as dust settles // Ex-Seahawks coach Pete Carroll fired by Raiders // Letters

Lieutenant Wendi Franklin of the Evergreen Park Police Department joins us to talk about current police initiatives, recent local crimes and how you can protect yourself from the bad guys. Professional Organizer Colleen Klimczak tries to give good advice for making progress in the new year as Chris explains why some people need to simply "re-apply" in 2026.  Video version on YouTube! Get the latest news and information concerning everything going on in and around Evergreen Park and stay connected to your neighbors! Evergreen Park residents join Chris Lanuti at his basement bar each week. Listen, interact & get all of your free subscription options at theEPpodcast.com​!

Episode #461: “I think this time, there is even more hope for a fundamental shift and change in [Myanmar],” says Gus Miclat, co-founder of Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID). He contrasts today's Myanmar resistance with earlier elite-led struggles, seeing in it the potential for “a more systemic change.”Miclat traces his activism to high school protests in the Philippines, sharpened during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s dictatorship. He became a journalist, educator, and organizer, later co-founding IID in 1988 to build “South-South solidarity” linking democracy and liberation movements across Asia. Early work focused on East Timor, where IID organized the landmark 1994 Asia-Pacific Conference, defying government pressure and catalyzing a coalition that contributed to Timor's eventual independence.In 2000, IID turned to peacebuilding in Mindanao, helping to bring civil society into negotiations that led to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. That experience informs IID's renewed engagement in Myanmar since the 2021 coup, which Miclat views as uniquely promising because of grassroots leadership, ethnic unity, and what he calls a new “culture of care” among activists.Miclat highlights initiatives such as exchanges between Rohingya women leaders and displaced women in Marawi, which bridge local struggles with regional advocacy. He also stresses the need to adapt activism to authoritarianism's resurgence, harnessing social media without losing sight of real-world organizing. His focus is always, first and foremost, centered in the importance of people being mobilized and acting, and not on institutions, governments or media attention.“Even the smallest act,” he says, “is part of a larger effort. A little wound in your pinky is felt by your entire body… Healing one scar helps heal the whole.”

I'm thrilled to share some exciting insights from our latest podcast episode, where I had the pleasure of interviewing Sam Gibson, the visionary founder and CEO of Hadron Energy. Sam's pioneering work in developing 10-megawatt micro reactors is set to revolutionize the energy landscape, particularly for data centers, industrial applications, and national security. Here's a sneak peek into our conversation:Key Takeaways from the Episode:Sam's Journey into Nuclear Energy:Inspired by his father's work and a childhood fascination with Iron Man 2, Sam's passion for mechanical engineering and clean energy led him to nuclear power.Despite being one of the youngest executives in the field, Sam's fresh perspective is driving innovation in an industry traditionally dominated by older generations.The Vision for Micro Reactors:Hadron Energy is bridging a significant market gap by developing scalable, factory-fabricated 10-megawatt light water micro reactors.These reactors are designed to be efficient, safe, and commercially viable, leveraging proven technology used in existing U.S. reactors.Overcoming Challenges:Sam's journey wasn't easy—starting solo, he traveled cross-country to pitch his concept, facing skepticism and regulatory hurdles.Persistence paid off, and now Hadron Energy is gaining traction with strong interest from data centers, industrial operators, and government entities.Technology and Market Differentiation:Hadron's micro reactors offer a modular, scalable solution, reducing risks and costs associated with traditional large nuclear plants.This approach is particularly attractive to data centers and industrial operators needing reliable, carbon-free baseload power.Demand Drivers:The growing energy needs of data centers, driven by AI infrastructure, and the push for decarbonization in various sectors are fueling demand for Hadron's reactors.National security considerations also underscore the strategic importance of reliable baseload power.Policy and National Security:Favorable policies, like the ADVANCE Act, aim to triple U.S. nuclear capacity by 2050, aligning government incentives with industry goals.Initiatives like Project Janus highlight the critical role of micro reactors in national security.Leadership and Company Culture:Sam's leadership style focuses on servant leadership, fostering a collaborative environment where the best ideas win.Hadron's culture prioritizes safety, technical excellence, and an engineering-first approach, essential for their deep tech focus.Advice for Founders and Investors:Sam advises aspiring founders to identify a unique value proposition and commit to navigating complex regulatory landscapes.For investors, understanding the technical and regulatory nuances of nuclear technology is crucial for long-term, predictable investments.Looking Ahead:Sam envisions Hadron Energy operating a manufacturing facility producing mass-manufactured micro reactors, with licenses for deployment in the U.S. and internationally.The company aims to significantly contribute to a larger nuclear industry, meeting the growing demand for clean, reliable energy.Why You Should ListenSend us a textConnect with Kip on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kipknippel/Watch Bite-Sized Clips on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@capitalistculture/shorts

The National Institute of Standards and Technology drives many cyber workforce and education initiatives under the NICE program. And for the last decade, Rodney Petersen has been the familiar face in charge of leading NICE. Petersen is retiring at the start of the new year. He recently sat down with Federal News Network's Justin Doubleday to discuss the evolution of the cyber workforce during his time in government and what comes next in the age of artificial intelligence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's YOUR time to #EdUp with Dr. Anne Leftwich, Associate Vice President for Learning Technologies, & Dr. Justin Hodgson, Strategic Director of GenAI, Faculty Initiatives, Indiana UniversityIn this episode, part of our Academic Integrity Series, sponsored by ⁠Integrity4EducationYOUR cohost is Thomas Fetsch, CEO, Integrity4EducationYOUR host is ⁠Elvin Freytes⁠How does a university respond to a 30% increase in academic misconduct cases by transforming faculty from reactive policing to proactive AI empowerment through programs like the Digital Gardener Initiative & the Generative AI Faculty Fellows Program?What happens when faculty development becomes a game where professors complete challenges & compete while learning to use AI as a partner in teaching, research & service?How can higher education partner with tech companies to influence AI model training & ensure data reflects thoughtful consideration of humanity's best interests rather than just sources like Reddit?Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠& ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at ⁠The EdUp Experience⁠We make education YOUR business!P.S. Want to get early, ad-free access & exclusive leadership content to help support the show? Then ⁠⁠​subscribe today​⁠⁠ to lock in YOUR $5.99/m lifetime supporters rate! This offer ends December 31, 2025!

He may have announced that he'll not seek reelection next year, but U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse still has things he feels need to get done before he leaves office, like the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

In this conversation, Jim McDonald and firefighter Chad Dillon delve into deeper topics surrounding mental health, community, and self-expression through photography and music. They discuss Chad's journey from firefighting to founding the nonprofit, Ruted Above, aimed at fostering community connections and safe spaces for expression. The conversation highlights the importance of therapy, the impact of culture on personal growth, and the role of art in healing. They also touch on the significance of manifesting goals and the influence of music and tattoos in their lives.You can find Chad and his new non-profit on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ruted_above/  Chapters00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past03:00 The Journey into Photography and Culture05:53 Exploring Mental Health and Personal Growth09:12 The Impact of Community and Expression12:07 Building a Nonprofit: Rooted Above15:05 The Art of Photography and Its Evolution18:01 The Importance of Community and Connection27:04 The Art of Photography and Personal Expression29:16 Building Community Through Events and Nonprofits32:06 The Search for Belonging in a Negative World33:50 Mental Health and Identity in First Responders37:41 The Impact of Technology on Human Connection41:18 Tattoos: Personal Stories and Meanings45:02 Manifesting Goals and Building Community48:26 Music as Motivation and Personal GrowthJoin our Discord for free at goodcompanydiscord.com!Check out our gym (Third Street Barbell) at ThirdStreetBarbell.com https://www.thirdstreetbarbell.com/!Check out our podcast website: 50percentfacts.com https://www.50percentfacts.com/50% Facts is a Spreaker Prime podcast on OCN – the Obscure Celebrity Network.Hosted by Jim McDonald (@thejimmcd). https://www.instagram.com/thejimmcd/Produced by Jim McDonaldProduction assistance by Sebastian Brambila.Theme by Aaron Moore.Show art by Joseph Manzo (@jmanzo523)  Check out our gym (Third Street Barbell) at ThirdStreetBarbell.com https://www.thirdstreetbarbell.com/!  Check out our podcast website: 50percentfacts.com https://www.50percentfacts.com/  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/50-facts-with-silent-mike-jim-mcd--5538735/support.

In the third episode of our ‘Cyber Security De-mystified Podcast Series', Steve Ramsden, President Information Security at Intertek meets with guest speaker Irfan Hemani -Deputy Director for UK Cyber Security & Resilience Policy at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology –  DSIT to talk about UK Govt initiatives aiming to strengthen cyber resilience and what this means for UK organisations.Speakers:Steven Ramsden:  President of Information Security at IntertekIrfan Hemani : Deputy Director for UK Cyber Security & Resilience Policy,  DSITFollow us on- Intertek's Assurance In Action || Twitter || LinkedIn.

WMAL GUEST: STEPHANIE HARIDOPOLOS (Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor in Surgeon General’s Office) on New Treatments and Diagnostics WEBSITE: HHS.gov/About/Leadership/Stephanie-Haridopolos BIO: Former Primary Care Physician Leading Health Policy Efforts Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Omny Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, December 16, 2025 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if we could predict how chemicals affect human lungs without using animals? In this episode of Sounds of Science, Mary McElroy, Head of Discovery Toxicology and Pharmacology at Charles River, joins us to explore a groundbreaking collaboration with MatTek Life Sciences. Together, they're pioneering human-relevant, non-animal models that could revolutionize inhalation toxicology. From 3D lung tissues to computational dosimetry, discover how science is catching its breath and moving toward a safer, more ethical future. Show NotesInhalation Toxicology | Charles River Mini Organs Offer Alternative Method for Predicting Drug Safety and Efficacy Alternative Methods Advancement Project | Charles River Charles River, in Collaboration with MatTek Corporation, Awarded Grant from the Foundation for Chemistry Research and Initiatives to Advance Research Alternatives 

War-War: NATO Provocations and American Detachment from Europe — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius reports on escalating aggressive rhetoric from NATO and fortification initiatives throughout the Baltic region, questioning whether these military deployments constitute "false flag" provocations deliberately designed to entrap the United Statesin direct warfare with Russia. Germanicus contends that European elites are systematically manufacturing an external Russian crisis to maintain institutional power and governmental legitimacy against ascending populist movements and deep-seated fear of abandonment by the new American "Emperor." Germanicus draws a historical parallel to the permanent schism of the Roman Empire in 395 AD, characterizing the United States as the prosperous, militarily secure Eastern Empire (Byzantine Constantinople) and contemporary Europe as the economically weak, militarily collapsing Western Empire facing irreversible institutional decay. Germanicus argues that just as Constantinople eventually ceased attempting to save the disintegrating Western Empire from Vandal invasions and territorial collapse, the United States is strategically detaching from European geopolitical failures, recognizing that continued military commitment represents strategic wastage of American resources without corresponding security benefit. Germanicus emphasizes that European strategic incompetence and political cowardice render European salvation impossible through Americanmilitary intervention, making strategic withdrawal the rational American policy response. 1944 GOLD BEACH H-HOUR

Wie schafft man es als Studierendenteam, eine der bekanntesten KI-Communities Europas aufzubauen – inklusive großer Events, Research-Kooperationen und richtig hands-on Projekten?

12-13-25See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PREVIEW — Anatol Lieven — Baltic States Fortifications and the Improbability of Russian Invasion. Lieven discusses Baltic state border fortification initiatives responding to legitimate security anxieties generated by Russian military operations in Ukraine and historic patterns of Russian territorial expansion and sphere-of-influence assertions. Lievenargues, however, that an actual Russian military invasion of NATO member states remains strategically improbable because attacking alliance members would catastrophically ruin Putin's geopolitical objectives by forcibly uniting Western powers in collective defense and risking direct great-power nuclear confrontation, rather than achieving Putin'sapparent goal of dividing European cohesion and fractioning the transatlantic alliance through coercive diplomacy and limited military operations short of direct NATO engagement. 1913

In the second hour of The Clay Edwards Show, host Clay Edwards welcomes Brad White, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), for an in-depth discussion on infrastructure challenges and progress. Sponsored by A-1 Gear and Auto, the interview covers work zone safety amid driver distractions like cell phones, with Brad emphasizing the need for patience as "every barrel represents progress" and sharing stories of MDOT workers injured or killed on the job. They delve into the long-standing issue of copper theft from interstate streetlights along I-20, I-55, and I-220 in Jackson's high-crime areas, noting how thieves have repeatedly stripped wiring, leaving dangerous dark stretches. Brad explains MDOT's solutions, including tamper-proof boxes with notifications, partnerships with law enforcement (like Capitol Police), and an ongoing study for advanced designs, potentially including solar options or elevated components, to protect taxpayer investments costing millions in repairs.   The conversation shifts to positive developments, such as record funding from the legislature enabling major projects: widening I-55 from Madison to Gluckstadt with a new Reunion interchange, expansions on Highway 98, I-20 in Warren County, and others like Highway 15 and Lakeland Drive. Brad highlights litter removal efforts, costing millions annually, and promotes MDOT's inmate litter program available to all counties and municipalities. He addresses listener questions on widening Highway 471 in Rankin County (under consideration) and the decline in visible inmate cleanups (due to local partnerships). Throughout, Brad praises legislative support under Governor Reeves, which has infused over $1 billion into capacity projects, reversing decades of underfunding to build safer, more efficient roads for economic growth and public safety. The segment underscores MDOT's role in Mississippi's future, blending critiques of societal issues like littering with optimism about ongoing transformations.  

Let's Go Washington has released a new signature update after 78 days of gathering on two statewide initiatives and says it is pushing well beyond the minimum to guard against stolen or damaged petitions. The group reports 315,979 signatures for Initiative IL26‑638, which backers describe as protecting fairness in girls sports, and 289,571 signatures for IL26‑001, aimed at strengthening communication between parents and schools. Campaign Manager Darren Littell says supporters are “turning out in droves” and that LGW is confident both measures will qualify for the Legislature, while volunteers are being urged to keep collecting through January and to use secure drop‑off options later this month. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/lets-go-washington-issues-initiatives-signature-count-update/#WashingtonState #LetsGoWashington #Initiatives #ParentalRights #GirlsSports #Politics

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: American Hospital Association, “AHA, other file suit to block unlawful 340B changes threatening patient care,” December 1, 2025, https://www.aha.org/news/headline/2025-12-01-aha-others-file-suit-block-unlawful-340b-changes-threatening-patient-care. Bridget Early, “Home health providers hit with Medicare pay cut,” December 1, 2025, https://www.modernhealthcare.com/politics-regulation/mh-medicare-home-health-pay-2026-cms/#, Modern Healthcare. Celli Horstman, Arnav Shah, “The State of Rural Primary Care in the United States,” November 17, 2025, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2025/nov/state-rural-primary-care-united-states?mkt_tok=NzEwLVpMTC02NTEAAAGeOB9y6SbuBxye3wQ7igjy1BVe5GMJxaV9fCloFJmQfS-T6mbVfjH7QWw88rhSoHiy3G1b3YS0OFamdkSiphiBb7XyLWJP3BOoGozzQcWDe1J4qOk, The Commonwealth Fund. Erica Cerutti, “The state of rural primary care: 4 notes,” November 19, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/hospital-physician-relationships/the-state-of-rural-primary-care-4-notes/, Becker's Clinical Leadership. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.

On this week's episode of Inside West Virginia Politics, our guests join Rick Johnson to discuss empty businesses, morning radio and workforce initiatives.

Guest Kurt Couchman, Senior Fellow of Fiscal Policy with Americans for Prosperity, joins to discuss his latest testimony in Congress on a balanced budget bill. Could we work towards cutting federal spending and balancing the federal budget? Discussion of tariff revenue, federal income tax, and wasteful spending in Government.  Mayor Elect Mamdani of NYC looks to end cleaning up homeless camps in New York. Are we about to see a repeat of LA with tent cities? Discussion of policy changes from Trump vs Mamdani.  Pearl Harbor remembrance weekend, and remembering the war against socialism, fascism, and tyranny. 

Steve Wunker, the Managing Director of New Markets Advisors, a global consulting firm that helps ambitious innovators find their next wave of growth joins Enterprise … Read more The post Why AI Initiatives Are Falling Flat and the Biology Lesson That Can Save Them appeared first on Top Entrepreneurs Podcast | Enterprise Podcast Network.

This episode continues our special series featuring the Animal Policy Alliance, showcasing how policy advocates are creating institutional change for animals across America. Jodi Gruhn of Wholesome Minnesota, Judy Wolf of Animal Protection New Mexico, and Brenna Anderst of the Animal Policy Alliance discuss their collaborative strategies to increase plant-based food accessibility in schools and government institutions while building powerful coalitions…

PREVIEW — Mary Anastasia O'Grady — Lingering Capital Controls Spook Investors in Argentina. O'Grady reports that despite President Milei's substantial deregulation initiatives, lingering Argentine capital control mechanisms continue systematically deterring foreign investors who harbor justified fears regarding restrictions on capital extraction and currency repatriation. O'Grady documents that previous Argentine administrations implemented draconian capital restrictions, deploying customs enforcement mechanisms including canine detection units on Uruguayan river ferries to prevent illegal capital flight. O'Grady emphasizes that investor communities remain chronically cautious regarding potential reimposition of capital controls by future political administrations, creating structural investor hesitation despite Milei's demonstrated commitment to economic liberalization and market-based reforms. 1950 TANGO IN BUENOS AIRES

This opinion from Let's Go Washington details a leaked Washington Education Association meeting about opposing LGW's initiatives, raising sharp questions about girls' sports fairness, school transparency with parents, and the union's funding and internal communications. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/opinion/opinion-wea-secret-meeting-about-opposing-the-initiatives-gets-leaked/ #WashingtonState #WEA #LetsGoWashington #GirlsSports #ParentalRights

The Mark Cox Morning Show covered a mix of national politics, finance, and human interest stories across its four hours. The show opened with local weather and commutes, viral pop culture moments, and discussions on the Trump administration, border security, and cultural licensing controversies. Attention then shifted to national defense and U.S. actions against narco-terrorist drug operations, highlighting Pete Hegseth's support for lethal action against drug traffickers, the sinking of drug boats, and the political and media responses to these operations, including debates over War Powers Act requirements. The program also tackled TSA enforcement and Real ID compliance, noting potential fees and logistical challenges for travelers. Later segments featured interviews with Jimmy Failla, who analyzed the Democratic Party's reactions to national security issues, political elections, and broader cultural trends, followed by Taylor Riggs breaking down the stock market, Federal Reserve policy, and the Dell family's $6.25 billion investment in children's accounts, emphasizing financial literacy, compound interest, and long-term wealth-building for young Americans. The show concluded with a heartwarming story of 88-year-old Army veteran Ed Bombas, whose GoFundMe raised over $1 million to secure his retirement after losing his pension, highlighting community generosity and the impact of collective action.

In this episode, we join Martin Butler M1MRB, Caryn Eve Murray KD2GUT and  Edmund Spicer M0MNG to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin Butler (M6BOY) rounds up the news in brief, and the episode's feature is Krampus event and Yaseu UK We would like to thank Pete Leng (ZL4TE), Daniel Robson (GM6CMQ) and our monthly and annual subscription donors for keeping the podcast advert free. To donate, please visit - http://www.icqpodcast.com/donate Happy 12th Birthday to AO-73 (FUNcube-1) Neural Codec Called 'Milestone' for Digital Voice Pirate Radio Broadcaster Agrees To $7,200 Payment Opinion: futureGEO is the Most Important Amateur Radio Initiative of this Decade. Why is no one Talking About it? Yasme Grant Supports Hams' Initiatives at Bangladesh Universities Santa Net Returns for 20th Consecutive Year The RSGB Accessibility Champion FT8 Warning to UK Hams

Joyce discusses the DOJ secretly collecting phone records of opponents of the Biden Administration and how the DOJ has been weaponized against Republican politicians. She talks about the depth at which democrat lawmakers have been supporting protests against President Trump's initiatives including bailing protesters out of jail. Joyce talks about the left claiming to be oppressed by capitalism while overlooking how capitalism as served them. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Negotiations in the COP 30 climate talks are continuing in Belem, Brazil. The headlines are focusing on the divisions between countries that are shaping this year's climate talks. But despite the doom and gloom, there are some practical steps being taken to support the transition towards lower-carbon energy. There may be a notable lack of significant new pledges. But making a pledge is the easy part. Implementation is always harder, and that is the focus for COP30.At COP28 in Dubai two years ago, a goal was set to double the pace of global energy efficiency gains, from 2% a year to over 4% a year. Can we hit that goal, and what will it mean if we do?To debate those questions, Ed Crooks and regular guest Amy Myers Jaffe are joined by Bob Hinkle, whose company Metrus Energy develops and finances efficiency and building energy upgrades across the US. Bob is there at the talks in Belem, and gives his perspective on the mood at the meeting. The presence of American businesses at the conference this year is definitely reduced compared to other recent COPs. But Bob still thinks it was well worth him going. He explains what he gets out of attending the COP, why energy efficiency has a vital role to play in cutting emissions, and why he is still optimistic about climate action.Another initiative that came out of COP28 was the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (ODGC): a group of more than 50 of the world's largest oil and gas companies, which aim to reach near-zero methane emissions and end routine flaring by 2030. Bjorn Otto Sverdrup is head of the secretariat for the OGDC, and he joins us having just returned from Belem.Bjorn Otto tells Amy and Ed that there has been some real progress in the industry. The 12 leading international companies that are members of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative have reported some positive numbers: their methane emissions are down 62%, routine flaring is down 72%, and there's been a 24% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions.There is still huge potential for cutting in total greenhouse gas emissions by curbing methane leakage and routine flaring worldwide. How can we make more progress? Bjorn explains the scale of the opportunity, the real-world constraints, and the growing role of new technology including satellites and AI in detecting leaks. Keep following the Energy Gang for more news and insight as COP30 wraps. Next week we'll talk about what happed, what was promised, what didn't happen, and what to expect on climate action in 2026.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) initiatives aren't just “the right thing to do”, they can also save companies real dollars, particularly if they're investing in data centers and other infrastructure. Join Jonathan Ciccio, Continuous Improvement Manager for The Siemon Company, as we discuss The Siemon Company’s ESG initiatives. The Siemon Company has been in business for... Read more »

Story of the Week (DR):Walmart CEO Doug McMillon to retire in January and US operations chief John Furner will take over MMOn February 1, 2026, Mr. McMillon will continue in his capacity as an executive officer of the Company, he will report to the Chairman of the Board of Directors and he will continue to be employed as an associate of the Company through January 31, 2027. Mr. McMillon will also continue his service as a director on the Board until the June 2026 Annual Shareholders' MeetingJohn Furner, 51, a longtime insider and head of Walmart's U.S. operations, will take over. Furner, who started with the company in 1993, has more than 30 years in a variety of leadership roles across all three of Walmart's operating segments, including six years as the head of Walmart's U.S. business.Walmart Announces John Furner as President and Chief Executive Officer and DirectorGreg Penner still chair: Greg is only the third person, after his father-in-law, Rob Walton, and company founder, Sam Walton, to serve in this position.Doug's quotes on stakeholder capitalism:"We simply won't be here if we don't take care of the very things that allow us to exist: our associates, customers, suppliers, and the planet. That's not up for debate.""I think the growing interest in stakeholder capitalism stems from companies genuinely invested in doing good for our world, because it's the right thing to do and because businesses who take this approach are stronger.""Big problems don't rest on the shoulders of government or corporations alone... We need to reinvent capitalism.""Retailers will only survive if their business creates shared value that benefits shareholders and society... Basically, we'll design retail and other businesses so that all stakeholders (as many as possible) benefit: customers, associates/employees, shareholders, the communities we serve, and those in the supply chain."Under McMillon's leadership, Walmart has grown both top-line sales and profits. Its stock price is up 400% over the last decade. McMillon also led significant investments in both technology and labor, which are paying off for the company.Let women (or a black woman) do the work: Compensation Committee, led by chair Carla Harris and Marissa Mayer, are in control of succession planningJapan's Takaichi Says Firms Focusing Too Much on ShareholdersPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi: “I think there has been a trend of too much focus on shareholders. I will revise the corporate governance code to encourage companies to appropriately distribute resources not just to shareholders but to employees.”Takaichi added that she considered the excessive hoarding of capital by firms to be a problem, and said she wanted firms to effectively use it to invest in people including through wage hikes: “I would like to see firms conduct business not just thinking about clients, but also considering their contribution to the broader society.”Disney ditches 'diversity' and 'DEI' in business report for the first time since 2019In the company's 2025 Form 10-K filed after its recent Q4 meeting, the words "diversity," "inclusion," "DEI" or "diversity, equity and inclusion," appeared zero times. While the term "equity" appeared about 130 times, it was only used in a financial context.By contrast, the company's 2024 SEC filing included a dedicated section on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)."Our DEI objectives are to build and sustain teams that reflect the life experiences of our audiences, while employing and supporting a diverse array of voices in our creative and production teams," the 2024 report read.Initiatives under that DEI section included programs to engage "creative executives from underrepresented backgrounds" and "over 100 employee-led groups which represent and support the diverse communities that make up our global workforce."Earlier this year, Disney also removed two of its DEI programs, "Reimagine Tomorrow" and "The Disney Look," from its 2024 SEC 10-K report. The "Reimagine Tomorrow" program came under scrutiny after a 2022 meeting the program hosted featured a Disney executive touting her "not-at-all-secret gay agenda."A few other Disney headlines this week:Disney CEO Bob Iger wants people to use AI to make their own content for Disney+Disney is losing millions a day in its fight with YouTube TVDisney's CEO Sequel Isn't Having a Hollywood EndingActivist investor pushes Cracker Barrel shareholders to oust DEI specialistActivist investor Sardar Biglari intensified his campaign against Cracker Barrel's leadership, urging shareholders to vote against CEO Julie Felss Masino and board member Gilbert Dávila in the company's upcoming annual meeting.Two major proxy advisory firms, Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis, also urged shareholders to vote against one or more Cracker Barrel directors over concerns about performance and the company's controversial August rebrand.ISS and Glass Lewis advised shareholders to vote against Dávila, a marketing and diversity specialist who serves as the chair of the compensation committee. Glass Lewis also recommended a vote against Jody Bilney, who chairs the company's nominating and corporate governance committee.Neither proxy firm recommended ousting the CEO.Biglari has launched eight proxy fights in 15 yearsLetter to shareholders: only one stated reason to get rid of Davila: “And why does Mr. Dávila, the board's so-called multicultural marketing expert who signed off on this debacle, deserve re-election?”Goodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Should we really blame billionaires for our own financial struggles? In fact, more Americans say yesPeople increasingly see extreme wealth as contributing to an unfair society, and that sentiment is especially high with Gen Z and millennials.Sixty-seven percent said billionaires are “creating more of an unfair society,” an eight-point increase from the 2024 survey. Should the law limit wealth accumulation? Even Republicans have gone up 12% since last year to just under 50%MM: Netflix CTO says the company has no 'formal performance reviews'Assholiest Which Asshole Do You Blame of the Week (MM):Rivian just doubled its CEO's salary and gave him a $4.6B pay packageChair of the Comp committee Sanford Schwartz, who has 2% influence thanks to CEO Robert Scaringe's dual class dictatorship - the 8K announcing the new pay package blames the Comp committee: “On November 6, 2025, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Rivian Automotive, Inc. [...] granted an option to purchase up to 36,500,000 shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock to Dr. Robert J. Scaringe.” They also wrote: “The foregoing summary of the terms of the 2025 CEO Award does not purport to be complete”, so we don't really know what the targets are anyway…Schwartz is an exec at Cox Enterprises - who invested $350m in Rivian in 2022“My hope is with the skills that we have,” says Cox president Sandy Schwartz, “and with all the things that we're learning, that we'll be the chief wholesale remarketer for all Rivians someday.”DR: Robert Scaringe, who, in addition to leading his money losing company Rivian, has Altman/Musked not one, but TWO separate spinoff companies (Mind Robotics, where he's on the board and owns 10% of the company, and does robots, and a “micromobility” spinoff called Also, Inc where Scaringe is Also Also on that board)Scaringe did get not one, but THREE degreesHe once estimated he spent “about 5%” of his time with his wife and three kids - they divorced this yearDual class shares, with which Scaringe can vote out the entire board if they DON'T give him whatever comp plan he wants?Elon Musk, who perfected the art of the meme compensation which this basically copies, but maybe worse?22,000,000 shares (60%) in 11 tranches for meeting share price targets between $40 and $140 per share - MEME IT UP BABY!7,250,000 shares in 3 tranches to make income7,250,000 shares in 3 tranches for cash flowMaybe Scaringe plans on a meme campaign to get that price up, get paid, then use the money on his OTHER new spinoff companiesVerizon to Cut About 15,000 JobsOLD NEW CEO Dan Shulman, who was lead independent director and on the board with the old CEO for 7 yearsHe first penned his welcome memo to employees by saying, “The biggest competitive advantage we have is our team.” He followed it with his first earnings call 20 days later with some more inspiration for employees: “To fund our investments in growth, we must significantly cut costs. We will reduce our cost to serve, streamline our operating model and be much more capital efficient.”Everyone loves hearing “you've been fired so we can be more capital efficient”DR: NEW OLD CEO Hans Vestberg, who is still on the board as a “special advisor”His farewell post said, “I've dedicated my life… the last nine years almost… to Verizon. It's an amazing company, amazing employees.”Vestberg once said in an interview he's been keeping a daily score of his emotional state for more than a decade, and when he scores himself below a certain level, he takes no meetings.I wonder if having your ex-lead director as a human body shield for firing 15,000 humans rates as a 7 out of 10?Chair of the Human Resources Committee of the board, Laxman Narasimhan, who has himself experienced being cut from his job as CEO of StarbucksVerizon employees, for costing too muchActivist investor pushes Cracker Barrel shareholders to oust DEI specialistThe CEO Julie Felss Masino, who is the leader and must have chosen to destroy the company by expanding its reach beyond white, overall wearing octogenarians.The DEI specialist - Gilbert Davila - who clearly DEI'ed the logo since his speciality is DEI and he is brown.Sardar Biglari, the “activist” that no one cares about, since he's pushing to vote against CEO Masino (a woman!) and Davila (a brown man!) using the 40% bot-driven outrage machine online as his excuseSardar's letter to investors on November 6 included this reasoning for voting against Davila, who is a diversity marketing expert and has been on the board since 2020: “And why does Mr. Dávila, the board's so-called multicultural marketing expert who signed off on this debacle, deserve re-election?” - that's it, that's his entire reasoning.Sardar's other winning holdings include Steak n' Shake, Maxim magazine, and Jack in the Box, all very popular and not at all pointlessDR: ISS and Glass Lewis, who not only suggested a vote for Masino but AGAINST Davila (because racism?), but GL actually suggested ALSO voting against Jody Bilney (chair of nom and a woman) - WHO WAS PUT THERE BY SARDAR BIGLARI in 2022Headliniest of the WeekDR: No one leaving New York City because of Mamdani, say two top real estate CEOsMM: Why Palantir CEO Alex Karp exhumed the 'whole yard' of his childhood homeRosebud… sorry, Rosita… his childhood dog. And no, that's not a joke - the dog was named Rosita (not Rosebud) and he wanted to rebury it at his New Hampshire homeThe university professors who owned Karp's childhood home "initially balked" at his request. Ultimately, they agreed, he wrote, and "Karp subsequently made a donation to the university where they taught.""Rosita played a tremendous role in our life," the Palantir CEO said. "It was more like, she's very, very high IQ. It was honestly more like a human than a dog." - also, the dog did NOT graduate from an elite universityWho Won the Week?DR: Jason Turner, a Walmart management associate who made $174k last year and is the brother-in-law of new Walmart CEO John Furner.MM: Shoppers at Costco, because Target just rolled this out:Target launches ‘10-4' training, encouraging workers to smile at customersIf employees are 10 feet away from a shopper, they should smile, make eye contact and wave. However, if they are within four feet of the shopper, they should personally greet the guest, smile and initiate a warm and helpful interactionAs if no one shopping there was the fault of employees not smilingAlso, US, because Trump is investigating getting rid of shareholder voting!PredictionsDR: ISS and Glass Lewis announce a “We Give Up 2026” policy where any director who could be blamed for something because they have black or brown skin gets an automatic “vote against” recommendation. MM: Does a window seat on a plane need a window? United Airlines says not. Yes, United Airlines is arguing against a lawsuit brought by people who bought a window seat but there was no window, that a window seat doesn't literally mean has a window. Prediction: Danone claims its Silk Almond Milk remove the “Contains Almonds” warning from the label and puts out a press release that almond milk does not literally mean almonds, it's more like almond-like-milk-colored-drink.

Send us a textIn this episode from the CHNC 2025 Symposium, The Incubator welcomes Briana Bertoni and Gene Pallotto to discuss the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium's (CHNC) CIQI program and its ongoing quality improvement initiatives. They share results from Project Home, a multicenter effort to increase human milk use at discharge—highlighting how transport teams, unified family education, and cultural awareness helped drive progress. The next phase takes a flexible “choose-your-own-adventure” approach, empowering NICUs to target unplanned extubations, nosocomial infections, or oral feeding readiness. With benchmarking, data support, and shared learning, CHNC continues to help diverse teams improve outcomes and shorten NICU stays across the networkSupport the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!