Podcasts about intellectually

Stijn Schmitz welcomes David Hunter to the show. David Hunter is Chief Macro Strategist with Contrarian Macro Advisors. David provides a comprehensive macro outlook that anticipates a significant market transformation in the coming years. He believes the current market is in the late stages of a 43-year secular bull market, with a potential melt-up phase that could see the S&P 500 reaching 9,500 by mid-year or Labor Day. However, he warns of an impending “bust” that could result in an 80% market decline, potentially worse than the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Hunter’s analysis suggests a complex economic landscape where initial deflationary pressures will give way to potentially hyperinflationary conditions by the early 2030s. He anticipates central banks will be slow to respond to the economic downturn, potentially requiring up to 20 trillion in quantitative easing to stabilize the system. The federal balance sheet could expand from the current 6.5 trillion to as much as 30 trillion. Regarding asset classes, Hunter recommends a strategic approach to capital preservation. He believes the current investment mantra of “time in the market” will be insufficient and investors should consider carefully timing their exit from markets. He expects significant opportunities in commodities and industrial sectors, with potential dramatic price increases in oil, copper, and precious metals. For gold specifically, Hunter forecasts a potential rise to $6,800 this year and potentially $20,000 by the early 2030s. He views gold as a potential hedge against the massive economic restructuring he anticipates. His outlook extends to a potential systemic financial reset between 2033-2035, which he describes as the end of an 80-90 year economic supercycle. Hunter emphasizes that while the coming economic transformation will be challenging, it will also create new investment opportunities, particularly in industrial and commodity sectors. He advises investors to remain flexible and prepared for significant market disruptions. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:45 – Market Volatility Overview 00:02:52 – Melt-Up Scenario Explained 00:05:03 – Interest Rates Outlook 00:08:10 – Inflation and Money Supply 00:10:26 – Bust Phase Predictions 00:11:35 – Asset Performance Melt-Up 00:13:33 – Post-Melt-Up Recession 00:20:37 – Middle East Conflict Impact 00:24:20 – Oil Price Forecasts 00:27:10 – Investment Strategy Advice 00:38:03 – Gold and Commodities Future 00:42:50 – Gold During the Bust 00:44:06 – US Dollar and Gold Role 00:51:01 – Concluding Thoughts Guest Links: X: https://x.com/DaveHcontrarian David is Chief Macro Strategist with Contrarian Macro Advisors. He is an investment professional with 25 years of investment management experience and 21 years as a sell-side strategist with robust macroeconomic analysis and portfolio management expertise. His strong macro capabilities, combined with a contrarian philosophy, have allowed him to forecast economic cycles and spot market trends well ahead of the consensus. Intellectually honest, independent thinker comfortable with charting a course apart from the crowd.

Academically Challenging vs. Intellectually Stimulating - academically challenging is how most of school is set up, where things gets progressively more and more difficult. Intellectually stimulating is where students are challenged in their thinking. Which one is used more in school and how can we balance these?

How long can naked friends resist becoming lovers?By darrenr. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.“Breasts, yes. I want to show you my breasts,” Anna said, making a simple request that complicated everything.Jake instinctively glanced down at her chest, before wrenching his gaze back to her face. His mind raced in useless circles around a single thought: Danger!“But you have to promise to tell me if that would make you uncomfortable,” Anna said. “I can only ask you this favor because our friendship is both close and solidly non-romantic. I completely understand if my request is just too flippin' weird!”Jake had never been less comfortable in his life. This felt like a bad idea.He wanted it anyway.Feeling ashamed of himself, Jake forced himself to think. Anna wouldn't ask unless it was important to her. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, so he tried a joke. “Compared to eating the terrible chicken dinner you made last night, this sounds like a walk in the park.”Anna erupted in giggling. She was clearly nervous, but it was comforting to hear her infectious laugh. That, at least, felt normal.They met about a year ago, neighbors moving in on the same day. She had a kind face. If she wore makeup, it wasn't enough to notice. She was an inch taller, had brown eyes and long blonde hair–brilliantly shining blonde–always in a ponytail. Her face seemed to have only two states: stern concentration or an easy smile. She had a solid aspect to her figure but wasn't fat. Her tight jeans revealed strong legs and a substantial bottom that her height proportioned nicely. A baggy flannel shirt hid any details about her breasts.Although Jake tended to be shy, an endless conversation began during their second shared elevator trip. Her name was Aine, but she went by Anna. She liked hiking and tinkering with electronics. They both just moved into town and it was their first time living on their own. Anna did some kind of computer engineering work that sounded much cooler than the business analysis work he did. They both used Excel spreadsheets extensively for work and shared many of the same frustrations with its quirks. They liked a lot of the same video games and movies and had plenty to talk about.That first night they shared take-out at Jake's place, which was the start of Anna's habit of visiting constantly. Jake insisted on paying. To repay him, the next night Anna made dinner in his kitchen. Jake then reciprocated the following night. Neither of them was a very good cook, but it worked out. They ate dinner together nearly every day, alternating cooking and cleanup. Anna declared it was more efficient to share food between two people. She also decided Jake's pot, pan, and dish situation was better than hers, so they used his kitchen. Jake gave her the spare key to his apartment and she came and went as she pleased. He started to develop real feelings for her. This stopped when, after a week hanging out together, Anna mused on the merits of their relationship.“I'm glad we're neighbors,” Anna said that day. “We've only known each other a week, and yet I already feel like we've been friends for years.”“I feel the same way,” Jake had said.“Best of all,” she added in a moment burned into his memory, “Is we don't have a trace of romantic tension between us. We're free to just be friends without all that bullshit.”Jake let her comment pass without challenge. What else could he do? But it was a blow. All his romantic and erotic fantasies about her fizzled, impossible to sustain if she didn't feel the same. At least he did genuinely like her, mostly.The “mostly” came down to her presumptuousness. She saw that, obviously, it made sense for them to share Jake's kitchen. Obviously, it made sense for her to set up her electronics workbench in Jake's apartment, and hadn't even asked him. He didn't complain because he liked their dinner arrangement and liked seeing her build crazy electronics. She wasn't wrong in her actions; he just wished she'd ask first.Watching movies, playing video games, and discussing politics solidified their friendship. Jake was eventually able to suppress most of his unwelcome feelings about Anna. He tried his best to think of her as just a friend. A pal.Which made this request so upsetting. He was dismayed to find that his efforts over the past year had only hidden the shameful ember of carnal desire in his heart. Her words now rekindled it into a bright flame, unthinking and ravenous. He refused to let it burn this person he cared about.“Anna, wait.” Jake was surprised to hear the words coming out of his mouth. Concern returned to her face. “Are you sure about this? It's not that I don't want to see, you.”“Then why don't you shut up and let me show you?” Anna asked, laughing nervously.“Believe me, I'm wondering myself. I just, we've been neighbors for almost a year now, and I like to think we've become friends. However, I never got the sense you saw me as more than a friend, so this whole ‘I want you to see me naked' thing is a bit of a surprise. Not an unwelcome surprise, but, well, can you please spell it out for this dummy?”Anna looked down and sighed. “You're right, I owe you an explanation. Please, please be patient with me. This isn't easy.”“Deal,” Jake said in agreement. He leaned back on the couch and crossed his arms and legs in an exaggerated manner. “I'm extremely patient.”Anna took a deep breath. “When I was eighteen I had my first serious boyfriend, Andrew. We were making out, and I let him take my shirt and bra off. It was a mistake. He was a mistake. I don't know what I saw in him. The thing is, I have inverted nipples.” Anna turn away from Jake and began to shyly fidget. “He freaked out when he saw them. He didn't want to touch them anymore, didn't want to touch me. Looking back, I think he was just a nervous kid frightened by something he didn't understand. Still, it really hurt.”“Fucking hell, Andrew. What a massive asshole,” Jake said.Anna's face showed relief at his reaction. “Yes,” she agreed, “especially when he told his friends and started calling me ‘NN anna' for ‘No Nipple Anna.'”“No way!” Jake said. “What the fuck?”“High school can be rough, right? It's not even accurate. I have nipples, they just go in instead of out. I think the whole school eventually heard. Plenty of people 'accidentally' called me Nnanna, even a teacher once. I was devastated at the time, but I've tried to forget about him, about his reaction, about the taunting. I've dated a few guys over the years, though I've always ended it before things got, intimate. I've come to realize, on some level, I'm still ashamed of my body. I'm still afraid of a repeat of Andrew's reaction.”“That is some bullshit. No person should be ashamed of their body.”“Yes,” Anna agreed. “Intellectually, I know that. I've been telling myself for years. My trouble is the difference between knowing in my head and really feeling it in my heart. That's what I'm hoping you can help me with.”“Got it,” Jake said. “You want to show me your breasts, so I can NOT freak out.”“Exactly! Which sounds silly when you say it out loud. I know this is a weird favor to ask, I just, I feel safe with you.” Doubt returned to her face. “It's totally okay if you'd rather not do this. I don't want to guilt you into this.”“Anna, it's okay. Thank you for explaining. I understand, I think.”“Oh, come on, it's not a big deal,” Anna said, trying to sound casual. “Right?”Jake shook his head. “I disagree,” he said. “A friend sharing something deeply personal and fraught with shame, trusting me. It's a big deal.”Anna gazed into Jake's eyes, her breasts dominating his thoughts as they rose and fell with her breaths. He wondered if he saw more than friendship flickering in her eyes, but then it vanished.“Thank you,” she said. “Now that we've reached an understanding and decided on a course of action, we have another problem: I don't see how I can work up the courage to actually, um, do it.” Her voice got very quiet at the end as she looked down and chewed her lip. “It just seems impossibly weird and awkward to undress in front of you.” She gave his arm a gentle shove like she did when they played video games.Jake thought for a second.“Well I'm certainly not going to pressure you. But if you're set on doing this, then I have a suggestion: What if we both pretend you're fully clothed? I'll set up the video game. When you're ready, you come in dressed however you want, and we'll both just pretend everything is normal. We can play Mario Kart like we planned, all very normal and unremarkable.” Jake couldn't help smirking a little bit at this last sentence.Anna's face brightened. “I like that idea. That might work.”Jake stood up. “Off you go, then,” he pointed at his bedroom. “I'll just set up the game and you can join me when you're ready.” He faced the TV and grabbed the remote. “I hope you are prepared to get trounced,” he added.Anna departed for his bedroom. Jake's heart raced, and his hands trembled a bit. He tried some deep slow breaths. They didn't help much. He visualized the bedroom door behind him and the woman he expected to emerge any second.Jake was ashamed to feel an erection start at just the thought of seeing Anna's breasts. His friend was trusting him to help her! He had to master himself and come through for her. He had to.He heard Anna take a quiet step into the open doorway behind him. He dared not turn around.On an impulse he pulled his own shirt off and tossed it. While he was very aware his own skinny chest was completely unremarkable, he hoped this would make her a bit more comfortable.Then he did something he knew she hated. “I hope you don't mind, I'm just going to start the race. I'm choosing your character, yes, Bowser on the biggest car so you can't do anything but go in a straight line…”Anna's hand snatched the controller out of his as she dropped beside him on the couch.“Don't you dare!” she said, laughing.Jake kept his eyes locked on the TV screen, trying to act casual while his mind reeled at the bare breasts just visible at the corner of his eye. She had done it!Part of him wanted to turn and stare directly at the first bare breasts he'd met in person. A bigger part of him was simply proud of his friend's courage. She'd identified a source of needless shame and took steps to overcome it. Jake wanted to make this a positive experience for her.That didn't mean he didn't take in as much as he could without looking directly. In addition to taking off her shirt and bra, she had taken out her ponytail. She parted her hair on either side of her head, and let it fall down her front. Through this inadequate screen of hair he thrilled at an impression of pale roundness, and maybe a hint of pink?It helped to have the game to concentrate on, though his playing was shit. Anna was never one to sit still and just push buttons on the controller. She moved her whole body with each turn of the race car. He kept his gaze glued to the TV even though her constant movement tickled the outskirts of his vision mercilessly.After several races, Jake started to feel close to normal. His game-play was back up to the level of “respectable.” His erection calmed down. He still hadn't gotten a look at Anna's bare breasts sitting right next to him, but he also no longer had to struggle to keep his eyes locked forward. He felt relaxed and happy, having fun with his friend. More than happy, he felt buoyant. It was as if Anna's bare chest was a beacon radiating warmth, bathing his heart in contentment. Just knowing that she trusted him with this made him feel closer to her.When Anna won the next race, Jake decided to check on her. He put the controller down, tilted his head far back on the couch to make it clear he could only see the ceiling, and leaned in her direction with one hand to his mouth in a conspiratorial gesture. Whispering, he said, “How are you doing?”Anna mirrored his pose and whispered in response. “Really good, actually. How are you doing?”“Really good, too,” Jake said, afraid to reveal how much more than just 'good' he felt.Anna nodded slightly and then she sat up and resumed talking in a normal voice. “I'm going to get us glasses of water.” And with that she stood up and walked to the kitchen.Jake took in the sight of her bare back as she walked away from him. She was beautiful. He longed to touch her and hated himself for it. Momentarily, she would be walking back toward him, and he had to keep his eyes on the TV. He had to.She returned from the kitchen with two glasses of water. Instead of sitting she stood directly in front of him, blocking the TV, and held one out. Jake's efforts at gaze discipline went out the window as he was forced to look up at the glass, which she held at the exact elevation to be in line between his eyeballs and her breasts. Jake did his best to keep his eyes moving up to her face where he looked her in the eyes and said a hoarse “thank you” as he took the glass.Anna tilted her head far back to take drink. With her eyes toward the ceiling, Jake understood she was giving him permission to look.Jake's eyes widened as he took in the sight, and his composure left him. The rest of the room faded out of existence as his brain took in every detail.The slightly tan color of Anna's face and arms was thanks to the sun, for her bare shoulders and upper chest were paler. Her breasts were paler still and revealed a faint tracery of blue veins around her shapely contours. Her hair covered the promised inverted nipples, though he could see the edges of puffy pink areolas.On the one hand, this was just another part of his friend's body. His friend Anna happened to be a woman, women have breasts, and these were simply Anna's breasts. Up close like this, Jake could see the subtle details on her skin. The fine hairs, sprinkling of moles, and minor asymmetries stressed the reality of what he beheld, in contrast to the airbrushed breasts in porn. Intellectually, Jake knew in the big picture all breasts, all bodies, were ultimately unremarkable.On the other hand, Jake couldn't help feeling these particular breasts were magical beacons of beauty, acceptance, trust, and intimacy. Anna's breasts emanated waves of warmth that bathed his heart in joy and evoked feelings of affection and protectiveness. It pained him to think of all those years of being ashamed of her body, avoiding physical intimacy for fear of rejection.After an eternity of taking in this sight, Anna sat on the couch again. He fastened his eyes on the TV and tried to regain his composure.Jake felt a flash of pain on his arm as Anna playfully hit him with the back of her hand. “Come on, slowpoke, press 'A' so we can start the next race. I'm enjoying destroying you.”“Oops,” Jake said, resuming the game. And then, feeling daring, he added: “I don't know where my mind was.”It was hard to tell without turning his head, but he thought he saw her smile.They played a few more races until it was their usual bedtime for a work night.Anna stood up. “Well, we both have work tomorrow. Better call it a night.” She walked into Jake's bedroom and then returned dressed normally. The light in the room felt weaker without the shining warmth of her bare breasts. He fought to hide his disappointment.“G'night,” she said, walking to the door.Jake leaped up to meet her at the door. “Thanks for the fun evening,” he said. Then, his face reddening, “I mean the Mario Kart.”Anna laughed, her face blushing too. “Thank YOU!” Then, hesitating, “for everything.”When the door closed behind her, Jake's apartment felt cold, lonely, and dark.The next day at work, Jake had trouble getting anything done with visions of Anna's breasts dancing in his head. He missed the feeling of being with her when she was topless. But on his way home, a new worry arose: How awkward would it be when he saw her again tonight? There was no going back to how things had been before.Opening the door to his apartment, he heard Anna working in the kitchen.“Hey,” Jake called out.“Hey yourself,” Anna answered from the kitchen.Jake relaxed when he saw she was wearing a shirt, though not without a pang of disappointment. What had he expected? Idiot. Anna cut vegetables, wearing the circuit-board-print apron she liked.“Get the waters, I'm almost finished.”Jake tried to act normal but couldn't stop thinking about her breasts as he set the coffee table in front of the TV. Anna put down plates of chicken salad and sat beside him on the couch.Normally, at this point they would watch something on TV while they ate. The remote control was on the arm of the couch next to Anna, ignored.“How was work?” Anna asked.“Oh fine, pretty normal,” Jake lied. “You?”“Actually,” Anna said, “I had trouble focusing at work today.” She paused there, as if giving Jake an opportunity to say more.“To be honest,” Jake admitted, turning to look her in the eye, “I had the same problem.”“Was there something on your mind?” Anna asked.“Technically two things were on my mind,” Jake said.Anna burst out laughing. Relieved, Jake laughed too.“I want to thank you,” Anna said, “for being so patient with me last night. And kind. I was close to running out of the room in tears. You helped me keep it together.” She took his hand. “That was very kind of you. I feel like a burden of shame was lifted. Thank you.”Jake blushed.“What I hadn't expected, though…” Anna looked down. “What I hadn't expected was how much I enjoyed it.”Anna slowly raised her eyes to meet Jake's. Panic came rushing back. Did she want to do it again? Did Jake want that? Confused thoughts swirled in his head. Did he want to kiss Anna? Yes, but she didn't want that. Did he feel romantic thoughts about her? Yes, but she didn't want that either. Did he want to see her breasts again, despite all his misgivings? Yes. Most definitely yes.“Did you…” Anna was studying his face. “Did you enjoy it, too?”“YES!” Jake blurted out, not exactly playing it cool.Anna smiled. “Do you, do you mind if we do it again?”“I would love that,” Jake answered.Anna hesitated. “It made me feel better when you took your shirt off first.”Jake nearly tore his shirt in his rush to pull it off. Anna's eyes on his chest made his skin feel warm.After a moment of staring, Anna started to unbutton her shirt. Feeling emboldened by Anna's unguarded staring at him, Jake watched her fingers work. The anticipation was intense, and he felt a reckless swelling between his legs.“Excuse me,” Anna said sternly, “my eyes are up here.”Jake blanched and tore his gaze up at the ceiling, his heart pounding in panic and his dick shrinking in shame. Incoherent apologies spilled out of his mouth as he tried to repair the damage his eager eyes had done.“Whoa, whoa, it's okay, I was just joking!” Anna said quickly. “I've never seen anyone go so pale. Are you okay? Jake, you didn't do anything wrong. The whole point is for you to look at me.” She grabbed his shoulders. “Jake, please, I'm sorry, I was only trying to be funny.” She gently pulled on the back of his head until it was tilted down at her chest again. “Your respectful instincts are part of why I trust you. It's okay. I want you to look.”He watched her shirt rise and fall with each breath, and eventually his breathing matched hers. Anna released his head and resumed unbuttoning. She wasn't wearing a bra. After t

How long can naked friends resist becoming lovers?By darrenr. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.“Breasts, yes. I want to show you my breasts,” Anna said, making a simple request that complicated everything.Jake instinctively glanced down at her chest, before wrenching his gaze back to her face. His mind raced in useless circles around a single thought: Danger!“But you have to promise to tell me if that would make you uncomfortable,” Anna said. “I can only ask you this favor because our friendship is both close and solidly non-romantic. I completely understand if my request is just too flippin' weird!”Jake had never been less comfortable in his life. This felt like a bad idea.He wanted it anyway.Feeling ashamed of himself, Jake forced himself to think. Anna wouldn't ask unless it was important to her. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, so he tried a joke. “Compared to eating the terrible chicken dinner you made last night, this sounds like a walk in the park.”Anna erupted in giggling. She was clearly nervous, but it was comforting to hear her infectious laugh. That, at least, felt normal.They met about a year ago, neighbors moving in on the same day. She had a kind face. If she wore makeup, it wasn't enough to notice. She was an inch taller, had brown eyes and long blonde hair–brilliantly shining blonde–always in a ponytail. Her face seemed to have only two states: stern concentration or an easy smile. She had a solid aspect to her figure but wasn't fat. Her tight jeans revealed strong legs and a substantial bottom that her height proportioned nicely. A baggy flannel shirt hid any details about her breasts.Although Jake tended to be shy, an endless conversation began during their second shared elevator trip. Her name was Aine, but she went by Anna. She liked hiking and tinkering with electronics. They both just moved into town and it was their first time living on their own. Anna did some kind of computer engineering work that sounded much cooler than the business analysis work he did. They both used Excel spreadsheets extensively for work and shared many of the same frustrations with its quirks. They liked a lot of the same video games and movies and had plenty to talk about.That first night they shared take-out at Jake's place, which was the start of Anna's habit of visiting constantly. Jake insisted on paying. To repay him, the next night Anna made dinner in his kitchen. Jake then reciprocated the following night. Neither of them was a very good cook, but it worked out. They ate dinner together nearly every day, alternating cooking and cleanup. Anna declared it was more efficient to share food between two people. She also decided Jake's pot, pan, and dish situation was better than hers, so they used his kitchen. Jake gave her the spare key to his apartment and she came and went as she pleased. He started to develop real feelings for her. This stopped when, after a week hanging out together, Anna mused on the merits of their relationship.“I'm glad we're neighbors,” Anna said that day. “We've only known each other a week, and yet I already feel like we've been friends for years.”“I feel the same way,” Jake had said.“Best of all,” she added in a moment burned into his memory, “Is we don't have a trace of romantic tension between us. We're free to just be friends without all that bullshit.”Jake let her comment pass without challenge. What else could he do? But it was a blow. All his romantic and erotic fantasies about her fizzled, impossible to sustain if she didn't feel the same. At least he did genuinely like her, mostly.The “mostly” came down to her presumptuousness. She saw that, obviously, it made sense for them to share Jake's kitchen. Obviously, it made sense for her to set up her electronics workbench in Jake's apartment, and hadn't even asked him. He didn't complain because he liked their dinner arrangement and liked seeing her build crazy electronics. She wasn't wrong in her actions; he just wished she'd ask first.Watching movies, playing video games, and discussing politics solidified their friendship. Jake was eventually able to suppress most of his unwelcome feelings about Anna. He tried his best to think of her as just a friend. A pal.Which made this request so upsetting. He was dismayed to find that his efforts over the past year had only hidden the shameful ember of carnal desire in his heart. Her words now rekindled it into a bright flame, unthinking and ravenous. He refused to let it burn this person he cared about.“Anna, wait.” Jake was surprised to hear the words coming out of his mouth. Concern returned to her face. “Are you sure about this? It's not that I don't want to see, you.”“Then why don't you shut up and let me show you?” Anna asked, laughing nervously.“Believe me, I'm wondering myself. I just, we've been neighbors for almost a year now, and I like to think we've become friends. However, I never got the sense you saw me as more than a friend, so this whole ‘I want you to see me naked' thing is a bit of a surprise. Not an unwelcome surprise, but, well, can you please spell it out for this dummy?”Anna looked down and sighed. “You're right, I owe you an explanation. Please, please be patient with me. This isn't easy.”“Deal,” Jake said in agreement. He leaned back on the couch and crossed his arms and legs in an exaggerated manner. “I'm extremely patient.”Anna took a deep breath. “When I was eighteen I had my first serious boyfriend, Andrew. We were making out, and I let him take my shirt and bra off. It was a mistake. He was a mistake. I don't know what I saw in him. The thing is, I have inverted nipples.” Anna turn away from Jake and began to shyly fidget. “He freaked out when he saw them. He didn't want to touch them anymore, didn't want to touch me. Looking back, I think he was just a nervous kid frightened by something he didn't understand. Still, it really hurt.”“Fucking hell, Andrew. What a massive asshole,” Jake said.Anna's face showed relief at his reaction. “Yes,” she agreed, “especially when he told his friends and started calling me ‘NN anna' for ‘No Nipple Anna.'”“No way!” Jake said. “What the fuck?”“High school can be rough, right? It's not even accurate. I have nipples, they just go in instead of out. I think the whole school eventually heard. Plenty of people 'accidentally' called me Nnanna, even a teacher once. I was devastated at the time, but I've tried to forget about him, about his reaction, about the taunting. I've dated a few guys over the years, though I've always ended it before things got, intimate. I've come to realize, on some level, I'm still ashamed of my body. I'm still afraid of a repeat of Andrew's reaction.”“That is some bullshit. No person should be ashamed of their body.”“Yes,” Anna agreed. “Intellectually, I know that. I've been telling myself for years. My trouble is the difference between knowing in my head and really feeling it in my heart. That's what I'm hoping you can help me with.”“Got it,” Jake said. “You want to show me your breasts, so I can NOT freak out.”“Exactly! Which sounds silly when you say it out loud. I know this is a weird favor to ask, I just, I feel safe with you.” Doubt returned to her face. “It's totally okay if you'd rather not do this. I don't want to guilt you into this.”“Anna, it's okay. Thank you for explaining. I understand, I think.”“Oh, come on, it's not a big deal,” Anna said, trying to sound casual. “Right?”Jake shook his head. “I disagree,” he said. “A friend sharing something deeply personal and fraught with shame, trusting me. It's a big deal.”Anna gazed into Jake's eyes, her breasts dominating his thoughts as they rose and fell with her breaths. He wondered if he saw more than friendship flickering in her eyes, but then it vanished.“Thank you,” she said. “Now that we've reached an understanding and decided on a course of action, we have another problem: I don't see how I can work up the courage to actually, um, do it.” Her voice got very quiet at the end as she looked down and chewed her lip. “It just seems impossibly weird and awkward to undress in front of you.” She gave his arm a gentle shove like she did when they played video games.Jake thought for a second.“Well I'm certainly not going to pressure you. But if you're set on doing this, then I have a suggestion: What if we both pretend you're fully clothed? I'll set up the video game. When you're ready, you come in dressed however you want, and we'll both just pretend everything is normal. We can play Mario Kart like we planned, all very normal and unremarkable.” Jake couldn't help smirking a little bit at this last sentence.Anna's face brightened. “I like that idea. That might work.”Jake stood up. “Off you go, then,” he pointed at his bedroom. “I'll just set up the game and you can join me when you're ready.” He faced the TV and grabbed the remote. “I hope you are prepared to get trounced,” he added.Anna departed for his bedroom. Jake's heart raced, and his hands trembled a bit. He tried some deep slow breaths. They didn't help much. He visualized the bedroom door behind him and the woman he expected to emerge any second.Jake was ashamed to feel an erection start at just the thought of seeing Anna's breasts. His friend was trusting him to help her! He had to master himself and come through for her. He had to.He heard Anna take a quiet step into the open doorway behind him. He dared not turn around.On an impulse he pulled his own shirt off and tossed it. While he was very aware his own skinny chest was completely unremarkable, he hoped this would make her a bit more comfortable.Then he did something he knew she hated. “I hope you don't mind, I'm just going to start the race. I'm choosing your character, yes, Bowser on the biggest car so you can't do anything but go in a straight line…”Anna's hand snatched the controller out of his as she dropped beside him on the couch.“Don't you dare!” she said, laughing.Jake kept his eyes locked on the TV screen, trying to act casual while his mind reeled at the bare breasts just visible at the corner of his eye. She had done it!Part of him wanted to turn and stare directly at the first bare breasts he'd met in person. A bigger part of him was simply proud of his friend's courage. She'd identified a source of needless shame and took steps to overcome it. Jake wanted to make this a positive experience for her.That didn't mean he didn't take in as much as he could without looking directly. In addition to taking off her shirt and bra, she had taken out her ponytail. She parted her hair on either side of her head, and let it fall down her front. Through this inadequate screen of hair he thrilled at an impression of pale roundness, and maybe a hint of pink?It helped to have the game to concentrate on, though his playing was shit. Anna was never one to sit still and just push buttons on the controller. She moved her whole body with each turn of the race car. He kept his gaze glued to the TV even though her constant movement tickled the outskirts of his vision mercilessly.After several races, Jake started to feel close to normal. His game-play was back up to the level of “respectable.” His erection calmed down. He still hadn't gotten a look at Anna's bare breasts sitting right next to him, but he also no longer had to struggle to keep his eyes locked forward. He felt relaxed and happy, having fun with his friend. More than happy, he felt buoyant. It was as if Anna's bare chest was a beacon radiating warmth, bathing his heart in contentment. Just knowing that she trusted him with this made him feel closer to her.When Anna won the next race, Jake decided to check on her. He put the controller down, tilted his head far back on the couch to make it clear he could only see the ceiling, and leaned in her direction with one hand to his mouth in a conspiratorial gesture. Whispering, he said, “How are you doing?”Anna mirrored his pose and whispered in response. “Really good, actually. How are you doing?”“Really good, too,” Jake said, afraid to reveal how much more than just 'good' he felt.Anna nodded slightly and then she sat up and resumed talking in a normal voice. “I'm going to get us glasses of water.” And with that she stood up and walked to the kitchen.Jake took in the sight of her bare back as she walked away from him. She was beautiful. He longed to touch her and hated himself for it. Momentarily, she would be walking back toward him, and he had to keep his eyes on the TV. He had to.She returned from the kitchen with two glasses of water. Instead of sitting she stood directly in front of him, blocking the TV, and held one out. Jake's efforts at gaze discipline went out the window as he was forced to look up at the glass, which she held at the exact elevation to be in line between his eyeballs and her breasts. Jake did his best to keep his eyes moving up to her face where he looked her in the eyes and said a hoarse “thank you” as he took the glass.Anna tilted her head far back to take drink. With her eyes toward the ceiling, Jake understood she was giving him permission to look.Jake's eyes widened as he took in the sight, and his composure left him. The rest of the room faded out of existence as his brain took in every detail.The slightly tan color of Anna's face and arms was thanks to the sun, for her bare shoulders and upper chest were paler. Her breasts were paler still and revealed a faint tracery of blue veins around her shapely contours. Her hair covered the promised inverted nipples, though he could see the edges of puffy pink areolas.On the one hand, this was just another part of his friend's body. His friend Anna happened to be a woman, women have breasts, and these were simply Anna's breasts. Up close like this, Jake could see the subtle details on her skin. The fine hairs, sprinkling of moles, and minor asymmetries stressed the reality of what he beheld, in contrast to the airbrushed breasts in porn. Intellectually, Jake knew in the big picture all breasts, all bodies, were ultimately unremarkable.On the other hand, Jake couldn't help feeling these particular breasts were magical beacons of beauty, acceptance, trust, and intimacy. Anna's breasts emanated waves of warmth that bathed his heart in joy and evoked feelings of affection and protectiveness. It pained him to think of all those years of being ashamed of her body, avoiding physical intimacy for fear of rejection.After an eternity of taking in this sight, Anna sat on the couch again. He fastened his eyes on the TV and tried to regain his composure.Jake felt a flash of pain on his arm as Anna playfully hit him with the back of her hand. “Come on, slowpoke, press 'A' so we can start the next race. I'm enjoying destroying you.”“Oops,” Jake said, resuming the game. And then, feeling daring, he added: “I don't know where my mind was.”It was hard to tell without turning his head, but he thought he saw her smile.They played a few more races until it was their usual bedtime for a work night.Anna stood up. “Well, we both have work tomorrow. Better call it a night.” She walked into Jake's bedroom and then returned dressed normally. The light in the room felt weaker without the shining warmth of her bare breasts. He fought to hide his disappointment.“G'night,” she said, walking to the door.Jake leaped up to meet her at the door. “Thanks for the fun evening,” he said. Then, his face reddening, “I mean the Mario Kart.”Anna laughed, her face blushing too. “Thank YOU!” Then, hesitating, “for everything.”When the door closed behind her, Jake's apartment felt cold, lonely, and dark.The next day at work, Jake had trouble getting anything done with visions of Anna's breasts dancing in his head. He missed the feeling of being with her when she was topless. But on his way home, a new worry arose: How awkward would it be when he saw her again tonight? There was no going back to how things had been before.Opening the door to his apartment, he heard Anna working in the kitchen.“Hey,” Jake called out.“Hey yourself,” Anna answered from the kitchen.Jake relaxed when he saw she was wearing a shirt, though not without a pang of disappointment. What had he expected? Idiot. Anna cut vegetables, wearing the circuit-board-print apron she liked.“Get the waters, I'm almost finished.”Jake tried to act normal but couldn't stop thinking about her breasts as he set the coffee table in front of the TV. Anna put down plates of chicken salad and sat beside him on the couch.Normally, at this point they would watch something on TV while they ate. The remote control was on the arm of the couch next to Anna, ignored.“How was work?” Anna asked.“Oh fine, pretty normal,” Jake lied. “You?”“Actually,” Anna said, “I had trouble focusing at work today.” She paused there, as if giving Jake an opportunity to say more.“To be honest,” Jake admitted, turning to look her in the eye, “I had the same problem.”“Was there something on your mind?” Anna asked.“Technically two things were on my mind,” Jake said.Anna burst out laughing. Relieved, Jake laughed too.“I want to thank you,” Anna said, “for being so patient with me last night. And kind. I was close to running out of the room in tears. You helped me keep it together.” She took his hand. “That was very kind of you. I feel like a burden of shame was lifted. Thank you.”Jake blushed.“What I hadn't expected, though…” Anna looked down. “What I hadn't expected was how much I enjoyed it.”Anna slowly raised her eyes to meet Jake's. Panic came rushing back. Did she want to do it again? Did Jake want that? Confused thoughts swirled in his head. Did he want to kiss Anna? Yes, but she didn't want that. Did he feel romantic thoughts about her? Yes, but she didn't want that either. Did he want to see her breasts again, despite all his misgivings? Yes. Most definitely yes.“Did you…” Anna was studying his face. “Did you enjoy it, too?”“YES!” Jake blurted out, not exactly playing it cool.Anna smiled. “Do you, do you mind if we do it again?”“I would love that,” Jake answered.Anna hesitated. “It made me feel better when you took your shirt off first.”Jake nearly tore his shirt in his rush to pull it off. Anna's eyes on his chest made his skin feel warm.After a moment of staring, Anna started to unbutton her shirt. Feeling emboldened by Anna's unguarded staring at him, Jake watched her fingers work. The anticipation was intense, and he felt a reckless swelling between his legs.“Excuse me,” Anna said sternly, “my eyes are up here.”Jake blanched and tore his gaze up at the ceiling, his heart pounding in panic and his dick shrinking in shame. Incoherent apologies spilled out of his mouth as he tried to repair the damage his eager eyes had done.“Whoa, whoa, it's okay, I was just joking!” Anna said quickly. “I've never seen anyone go so pale. Are you okay? Jake, you didn't do anything wrong. The whole point is for you to look at me.” She grabbed his shoulders. “Jake, please, I'm sorry, I was only trying to be funny.” She gently pulled on the back of his head until it was tilted down at her chest again. “Your respectful instincts are part of why I trust you. It's okay. I want you to look.”He watched her shirt rise and fall with each breath, and eventually his breathing matched hers. Anna released his head and resumed unbuttoning. She wasn't wearing a bra. After t

How long can naked friends resist becoming lovers?By darrenr. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.“Breasts, yes. I want to show you my breasts,” Anna said, making a simple request that complicated everything.Jake instinctively glanced down at her chest, before wrenching his gaze back to her face. His mind raced in useless circles around a single thought: Danger!“But you have to promise to tell me if that would make you uncomfortable,” Anna said. “I can only ask you this favor because our friendship is both close and solidly non-romantic. I completely understand if my request is just too flippin' weird!”Jake had never been less comfortable in his life. This felt like a bad idea.He wanted it anyway.Feeling ashamed of himself, Jake forced himself to think. Anna wouldn't ask unless it was important to her. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, so he tried a joke. “Compared to eating the terrible chicken dinner you made last night, this sounds like a walk in the park.”Anna erupted in giggling. She was clearly nervous, but it was comforting to hear her infectious laugh. That, at least, felt normal.They met about a year ago, neighbors moving in on the same day. She had a kind face. If she wore makeup, it wasn't enough to notice. She was an inch taller, had brown eyes and long blonde hair–brilliantly shining blonde–always in a ponytail. Her face seemed to have only two states: stern concentration or an easy smile. She had a solid aspect to her figure but wasn't fat. Her tight jeans revealed strong legs and a substantial bottom that her height proportioned nicely. A baggy flannel shirt hid any details about her breasts.Although Jake tended to be shy, an endless conversation began during their second shared elevator trip. Her name was Aine, but she went by Anna. She liked hiking and tinkering with electronics. They both just moved into town and it was their first time living on their own. Anna did some kind of computer engineering work that sounded much cooler than the business analysis work he did. They both used Excel spreadsheets extensively for work and shared many of the same frustrations with its quirks. They liked a lot of the same video games and movies and had plenty to talk about.That first night they shared take-out at Jake's place, which was the start of Anna's habit of visiting constantly. Jake insisted on paying. To repay him, the next night Anna made dinner in his kitchen. Jake then reciprocated the following night. Neither of them was a very good cook, but it worked out. They ate dinner together nearly every day, alternating cooking and cleanup. Anna declared it was more efficient to share food between two people. She also decided Jake's pot, pan, and dish situation was better than hers, so they used his kitchen. Jake gave her the spare key to his apartment and she came and went as she pleased. He started to develop real feelings for her. This stopped when, after a week hanging out together, Anna mused on the merits of their relationship.“I'm glad we're neighbors,” Anna said that day. “We've only known each other a week, and yet I already feel like we've been friends for years.”“I feel the same way,” Jake had said.“Best of all,” she added in a moment burned into his memory, “Is we don't have a trace of romantic tension between us. We're free to just be friends without all that bullshit.”Jake let her comment pass without challenge. What else could he do? But it was a blow. All his romantic and erotic fantasies about her fizzled, impossible to sustain if she didn't feel the same. At least he did genuinely like her, mostly.The “mostly” came down to her presumptuousness. She saw that, obviously, it made sense for them to share Jake's kitchen. Obviously, it made sense for her to set up her electronics workbench in Jake's apartment, and hadn't even asked him. He didn't complain because he liked their dinner arrangement and liked seeing her build crazy electronics. She wasn't wrong in her actions; he just wished she'd ask first.Watching movies, playing video games, and discussing politics solidified their friendship. Jake was eventually able to suppress most of his unwelcome feelings about Anna. He tried his best to think of her as just a friend. A pal.Which made this request so upsetting. He was dismayed to find that his efforts over the past year had only hidden the shameful ember of carnal desire in his heart. Her words now rekindled it into a bright flame, unthinking and ravenous. He refused to let it burn this person he cared about.“Anna, wait.” Jake was surprised to hear the words coming out of his mouth. Concern returned to her face. “Are you sure about this? It's not that I don't want to see, you.”“Then why don't you shut up and let me show you?” Anna asked, laughing nervously.“Believe me, I'm wondering myself. I just, we've been neighbors for almost a year now, and I like to think we've become friends. However, I never got the sense you saw me as more than a friend, so this whole ‘I want you to see me naked' thing is a bit of a surprise. Not an unwelcome surprise, but, well, can you please spell it out for this dummy?”Anna looked down and sighed. “You're right, I owe you an explanation. Please, please be patient with me. This isn't easy.”“Deal,” Jake said in agreement. He leaned back on the couch and crossed his arms and legs in an exaggerated manner. “I'm extremely patient.”Anna took a deep breath. “When I was eighteen I had my first serious boyfriend, Andrew. We were making out, and I let him take my shirt and bra off. It was a mistake. He was a mistake. I don't know what I saw in him. The thing is, I have inverted nipples.” Anna turn away from Jake and began to shyly fidget. “He freaked out when he saw them. He didn't want to touch them anymore, didn't want to touch me. Looking back, I think he was just a nervous kid frightened by something he didn't understand. Still, it really hurt.”“Fucking hell, Andrew. What a massive asshole,” Jake said.Anna's face showed relief at his reaction. “Yes,” she agreed, “especially when he told his friends and started calling me ‘NN anna' for ‘No Nipple Anna.'”“No way!” Jake said. “What the fuck?”“High school can be rough, right? It's not even accurate. I have nipples, they just go in instead of out. I think the whole school eventually heard. Plenty of people 'accidentally' called me Nnanna, even a teacher once. I was devastated at the time, but I've tried to forget about him, about his reaction, about the taunting. I've dated a few guys over the years, though I've always ended it before things got, intimate. I've come to realize, on some level, I'm still ashamed of my body. I'm still afraid of a repeat of Andrew's reaction.”“That is some bullshit. No person should be ashamed of their body.”“Yes,” Anna agreed. “Intellectually, I know that. I've been telling myself for years. My trouble is the difference between knowing in my head and really feeling it in my heart. That's what I'm hoping you can help me with.”“Got it,” Jake said. “You want to show me your breasts, so I can NOT freak out.”“Exactly! Which sounds silly when you say it out loud. I know this is a weird favor to ask, I just, I feel safe with you.” Doubt returned to her face. “It's totally okay if you'd rather not do this. I don't want to guilt you into this.”“Anna, it's okay. Thank you for explaining. I understand, I think.”“Oh, come on, it's not a big deal,” Anna said, trying to sound casual. “Right?”Jake shook his head. “I disagree,” he said. “A friend sharing something deeply personal and fraught with shame, trusting me. It's a big deal.”Anna gazed into Jake's eyes, her breasts dominating his thoughts as they rose and fell with her breaths. He wondered if he saw more than friendship flickering in her eyes, but then it vanished.“Thank you,” she said. “Now that we've reached an understanding and decided on a course of action, we have another problem: I don't see how I can work up the courage to actually, um, do it.” Her voice got very quiet at the end as she looked down and chewed her lip. “It just seems impossibly weird and awkward to undress in front of you.” She gave his arm a gentle shove like she did when they played video games.Jake thought for a second.“Well I'm certainly not going to pressure you. But if you're set on doing this, then I have a suggestion: What if we both pretend you're fully clothed? I'll set up the video game. When you're ready, you come in dressed however you want, and we'll both just pretend everything is normal. We can play Mario Kart like we planned, all very normal and unremarkable.” Jake couldn't help smirking a little bit at this last sentence.Anna's face brightened. “I like that idea. That might work.”Jake stood up. “Off you go, then,” he pointed at his bedroom. “I'll just set up the game and you can join me when you're ready.” He faced the TV and grabbed the remote. “I hope you are prepared to get trounced,” he added.Anna departed for his bedroom. Jake's heart raced, and his hands trembled a bit. He tried some deep slow breaths. They didn't help much. He visualized the bedroom door behind him and the woman he expected to emerge any second.Jake was ashamed to feel an erection start at just the thought of seeing Anna's breasts. His friend was trusting him to help her! He had to master himself and come through for her. He had to.He heard Anna take a quiet step into the open doorway behind him. He dared not turn around.On an impulse he pulled his own shirt off and tossed it. While he was very aware his own skinny chest was completely unremarkable, he hoped this would make her a bit more comfortable.Then he did something he knew she hated. “I hope you don't mind, I'm just going to start the race. I'm choosing your character, yes, Bowser on the biggest car so you can't do anything but go in a straight line…”Anna's hand snatched the controller out of his as she dropped beside him on the couch.“Don't you dare!” she said, laughing.Jake kept his eyes locked on the TV screen, trying to act casual while his mind reeled at the bare breasts just visible at the corner of his eye. She had done it!Part of him wanted to turn and stare directly at the first bare breasts he'd met in person. A bigger part of him was simply proud of his friend's courage. She'd identified a source of needless shame and took steps to overcome it. Jake wanted to make this a positive experience for her.That didn't mean he didn't take in as much as he could without looking directly. In addition to taking off her shirt and bra, she had taken out her ponytail. She parted her hair on either side of her head, and let it fall down her front. Through this inadequate screen of hair he thrilled at an impression of pale roundness, and maybe a hint of pink?It helped to have the game to concentrate on, though his playing was shit. Anna was never one to sit still and just push buttons on the controller. She moved her whole body with each turn of the race car. He kept his gaze glued to the TV even though her constant movement tickled the outskirts of his vision mercilessly.After several races, Jake started to feel close to normal. His game-play was back up to the level of “respectable.” His erection calmed down. He still hadn't gotten a look at Anna's bare breasts sitting right next to him, but he also no longer had to struggle to keep his eyes locked forward. He felt relaxed and happy, having fun with his friend. More than happy, he felt buoyant. It was as if Anna's bare chest was a beacon radiating warmth, bathing his heart in contentment. Just knowing that she trusted him with this made him feel closer to her.When Anna won the next race, Jake decided to check on her. He put the controller down, tilted his head far back on the couch to make it clear he could only see the ceiling, and leaned in her direction with one hand to his mouth in a conspiratorial gesture. Whispering, he said, “How are you doing?”Anna mirrored his pose and whispered in response. “Really good, actually. How are you doing?”“Really good, too,” Jake said, afraid to reveal how much more than just 'good' he felt.Anna nodded slightly and then she sat up and resumed talking in a normal voice. “I'm going to get us glasses of water.” And with that she stood up and walked to the kitchen.Jake took in the sight of her bare back as she walked away from him. She was beautiful. He longed to touch her and hated himself for it. Momentarily, she would be walking back toward him, and he had to keep his eyes on the TV. He had to.She returned from the kitchen with two glasses of water. Instead of sitting she stood directly in front of him, blocking the TV, and held one out. Jake's efforts at gaze discipline went out the window as he was forced to look up at the glass, which she held at the exact elevation to be in line between his eyeballs and her breasts. Jake did his best to keep his eyes moving up to her face where he looked her in the eyes and said a hoarse “thank you” as he took the glass.Anna tilted her head far back to take drink. With her eyes toward the ceiling, Jake understood she was giving him permission to look.Jake's eyes widened as he took in the sight, and his composure left him. The rest of the room faded out of existence as his brain took in every detail.The slightly tan color of Anna's face and arms was thanks to the sun, for her bare shoulders and upper chest were paler. Her breasts were paler still and revealed a faint tracery of blue veins around her shapely contours. Her hair covered the promised inverted nipples, though he could see the edges of puffy pink areolas.On the one hand, this was just another part of his friend's body. His friend Anna happened to be a woman, women have breasts, and these were simply Anna's breasts. Up close like this, Jake could see the subtle details on her skin. The fine hairs, sprinkling of moles, and minor asymmetries stressed the reality of what he beheld, in contrast to the airbrushed breasts in porn. Intellectually, Jake knew in the big picture all breasts, all bodies, were ultimately unremarkable.On the other hand, Jake couldn't help feeling these particular breasts were magical beacons of beauty, acceptance, trust, and intimacy. Anna's breasts emanated waves of warmth that bathed his heart in joy and evoked feelings of affection and protectiveness. It pained him to think of all those years of being ashamed of her body, avoiding physical intimacy for fear of rejection.After an eternity of taking in this sight, Anna sat on the couch again. He fastened his eyes on the TV and tried to regain his composure.Jake felt a flash of pain on his arm as Anna playfully hit him with the back of her hand. “Come on, slowpoke, press 'A' so we can start the next race. I'm enjoying destroying you.”“Oops,” Jake said, resuming the game. And then, feeling daring, he added: “I don't know where my mind was.”It was hard to tell without turning his head, but he thought he saw her smile.They played a few more races until it was their usual bedtime for a work night.Anna stood up. “Well, we both have work tomorrow. Better call it a night.” She walked into Jake's bedroom and then returned dressed normally. The light in the room felt weaker without the shining warmth of her bare breasts. He fought to hide his disappointment.“G'night,” she said, walking to the door.Jake leaped up to meet her at the door. “Thanks for the fun evening,” he said. Then, his face reddening, “I mean the Mario Kart.”Anna laughed, her face blushing too. “Thank YOU!” Then, hesitating, “for everything.”When the door closed behind her, Jake's apartment felt cold, lonely, and dark.The next day at work, Jake had trouble getting anything done with visions of Anna's breasts dancing in his head. He missed the feeling of being with her when she was topless. But on his way home, a new worry arose: How awkward would it be when he saw her again tonight? There was no going back to how things had been before.Opening the door to his apartment, he heard Anna working in the kitchen.“Hey,” Jake called out.“Hey yourself,” Anna answered from the kitchen.Jake relaxed when he saw she was wearing a shirt, though not without a pang of disappointment. What had he expected? Idiot. Anna cut vegetables, wearing the circuit-board-print apron she liked.“Get the waters, I'm almost finished.”Jake tried to act normal but couldn't stop thinking about her breasts as he set the coffee table in front of the TV. Anna put down plates of chicken salad and sat beside him on the couch.Normally, at this point they would watch something on TV while they ate. The remote control was on the arm of the couch next to Anna, ignored.“How was work?” Anna asked.“Oh fine, pretty normal,” Jake lied. “You?”“Actually,” Anna said, “I had trouble focusing at work today.” She paused there, as if giving Jake an opportunity to say more.“To be honest,” Jake admitted, turning to look her in the eye, “I had the same problem.”“Was there something on your mind?” Anna asked.“Technically two things were on my mind,” Jake said.Anna burst out laughing. Relieved, Jake laughed too.“I want to thank you,” Anna said, “for being so patient with me last night. And kind. I was close to running out of the room in tears. You helped me keep it together.” She took his hand. “That was very kind of you. I feel like a burden of shame was lifted. Thank you.”Jake blushed.“What I hadn't expected, though…” Anna looked down. “What I hadn't expected was how much I enjoyed it.”Anna slowly raised her eyes to meet Jake's. Panic came rushing back. Did she want to do it again? Did Jake want that? Confused thoughts swirled in his head. Did he want to kiss Anna? Yes, but she didn't want that. Did he feel romantic thoughts about her? Yes, but she didn't want that either. Did he want to see her breasts again, despite all his misgivings? Yes. Most definitely yes.“Did you…” Anna was studying his face. “Did you enjoy it, too?”“YES!” Jake blurted out, not exactly playing it cool.Anna smiled. “Do you, do you mind if we do it again?”“I would love that,” Jake answered.Anna hesitated. “It made me feel better when you took your shirt off first.”Jake nearly tore his shirt in his rush to pull it off. Anna's eyes on his chest made his skin feel warm.After a moment of staring, Anna started to unbutton her shirt. Feeling emboldened by Anna's unguarded staring at him, Jake watched her fingers work. The anticipation was intense, and he felt a reckless swelling between his legs.“Excuse me,” Anna said sternly, “my eyes are up here.”Jake blanched and tore his gaze up at the ceiling, his heart pounding in panic and his dick shrinking in shame. Incoherent apologies spilled out of his mouth as he tried to repair the damage his eager eyes had done.“Whoa, whoa, it's okay, I was just joking!” Anna said quickly. “I've never seen anyone go so pale. Are you okay? Jake, you didn't do anything wrong. The whole point is for you to look at me.” She grabbed his shoulders. “Jake, please, I'm sorry, I was only trying to be funny.” She gently pulled on the back of his head until it was tilted down at her chest again. “Your respectful instincts are part of why I trust you. It's okay. I want you to look.”He watched her shirt rise and fall with each breath, and eventually his breathing matched hers. Anna released his head and resumed unbuttoning. She wasn't wearing a bra. After t

How long can naked friends resist becoming lovers?By darrenr. Listen to the ► Podcast at Steamy Stories.“Breasts, yes. I want to show you my breasts,” Anna said, making a simple request that complicated everything.Jake instinctively glanced down at her chest, before wrenching his gaze back to her face. His mind raced in useless circles around a single thought: Danger!“But you have to promise to tell me if that would make you uncomfortable,” Anna said. “I can only ask you this favor because our friendship is both close and solidly non-romantic. I completely understand if my request is just too flippin' weird!”Jake had never been less comfortable in his life. This felt like a bad idea.He wanted it anyway.Feeling ashamed of himself, Jake forced himself to think. Anna wouldn't ask unless it was important to her. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, so he tried a joke. “Compared to eating the terrible chicken dinner you made last night, this sounds like a walk in the park.”Anna erupted in giggling. She was clearly nervous, but it was comforting to hear her infectious laugh. That, at least, felt normal.They met about a year ago, neighbors moving in on the same day. She had a kind face. If she wore makeup, it wasn't enough to notice. She was an inch taller, had brown eyes and long blonde hair–brilliantly shining blonde–always in a ponytail. Her face seemed to have only two states: stern concentration or an easy smile. She had a solid aspect to her figure but wasn't fat. Her tight jeans revealed strong legs and a substantial bottom that her height proportioned nicely. A baggy flannel shirt hid any details about her breasts.Although Jake tended to be shy, an endless conversation began during their second shared elevator trip. Her name was Aine, but she went by Anna. She liked hiking and tinkering with electronics. They both just moved into town and it was their first time living on their own. Anna did some kind of computer engineering work that sounded much cooler than the business analysis work he did. They both used Excel spreadsheets extensively for work and shared many of the same frustrations with its quirks. They liked a lot of the same video games and movies and had plenty to talk about.That first night they shared take-out at Jake's place, which was the start of Anna's habit of visiting constantly. Jake insisted on paying. To repay him, the next night Anna made dinner in his kitchen. Jake then reciprocated the following night. Neither of them was a very good cook, but it worked out. They ate dinner together nearly every day, alternating cooking and cleanup. Anna declared it was more efficient to share food between two people. She also decided Jake's pot, pan, and dish situation was better than hers, so they used his kitchen. Jake gave her the spare key to his apartment and she came and went as she pleased. He started to develop real feelings for her. This stopped when, after a week hanging out together, Anna mused on the merits of their relationship.“I'm glad we're neighbors,” Anna said that day. “We've only known each other a week, and yet I already feel like we've been friends for years.”“I feel the same way,” Jake had said.“Best of all,” she added in a moment burned into his memory, “Is we don't have a trace of romantic tension between us. We're free to just be friends without all that bullshit.”Jake let her comment pass without challenge. What else could he do? But it was a blow. All his romantic and erotic fantasies about her fizzled, impossible to sustain if she didn't feel the same. At least he did genuinely like her, mostly.The “mostly” came down to her presumptuousness. She saw that, obviously, it made sense for them to share Jake's kitchen. Obviously, it made sense for her to set up her electronics workbench in Jake's apartment, and hadn't even asked him. He didn't complain because he liked their dinner arrangement and liked seeing her build crazy electronics. She wasn't wrong in her actions; he just wished she'd ask first.Watching movies, playing video games, and discussing politics solidified their friendship. Jake was eventually able to suppress most of his unwelcome feelings about Anna. He tried his best to think of her as just a friend. A pal.Which made this request so upsetting. He was dismayed to find that his efforts over the past year had only hidden the shameful ember of carnal desire in his heart. Her words now rekindled it into a bright flame, unthinking and ravenous. He refused to let it burn this person he cared about.“Anna, wait.” Jake was surprised to hear the words coming out of his mouth. Concern returned to her face. “Are you sure about this? It's not that I don't want to see, you.”“Then why don't you shut up and let me show you?” Anna asked, laughing nervously.“Believe me, I'm wondering myself. I just, we've been neighbors for almost a year now, and I like to think we've become friends. However, I never got the sense you saw me as more than a friend, so this whole ‘I want you to see me naked' thing is a bit of a surprise. Not an unwelcome surprise, but, well, can you please spell it out for this dummy?”Anna looked down and sighed. “You're right, I owe you an explanation. Please, please be patient with me. This isn't easy.”“Deal,” Jake said in agreement. He leaned back on the couch and crossed his arms and legs in an exaggerated manner. “I'm extremely patient.”Anna took a deep breath. “When I was eighteen I had my first serious boyfriend, Andrew. We were making out, and I let him take my shirt and bra off. It was a mistake. He was a mistake. I don't know what I saw in him. The thing is, I have inverted nipples.” Anna turn away from Jake and began to shyly fidget. “He freaked out when he saw them. He didn't want to touch them anymore, didn't want to touch me. Looking back, I think he was just a nervous kid frightened by something he didn't understand. Still, it really hurt.”“Fucking hell, Andrew. What a massive asshole,” Jake said.Anna's face showed relief at his reaction. “Yes,” she agreed, “especially when he told his friends and started calling me ‘NN anna' for ‘No Nipple Anna.'”“No way!” Jake said. “What the fuck?”“High school can be rough, right? It's not even accurate. I have nipples, they just go in instead of out. I think the whole school eventually heard. Plenty of people 'accidentally' called me Nnanna, even a teacher once. I was devastated at the time, but I've tried to forget about him, about his reaction, about the taunting. I've dated a few guys over the years, though I've always ended it before things got, intimate. I've come to realize, on some level, I'm still ashamed of my body. I'm still afraid of a repeat of Andrew's reaction.”“That is some bullshit. No person should be ashamed of their body.”“Yes,” Anna agreed. “Intellectually, I know that. I've been telling myself for years. My trouble is the difference between knowing in my head and really feeling it in my heart. That's what I'm hoping you can help me with.”“Got it,” Jake said. “You want to show me your breasts, so I can NOT freak out.”“Exactly! Which sounds silly when you say it out loud. I know this is a weird favor to ask, I just, I feel safe with you.” Doubt returned to her face. “It's totally okay if you'd rather not do this. I don't want to guilt you into this.”“Anna, it's okay. Thank you for explaining. I understand, I think.”“Oh, come on, it's not a big deal,” Anna said, trying to sound casual. “Right?”Jake shook his head. “I disagree,” he said. “A friend sharing something deeply personal and fraught with shame, trusting me. It's a big deal.”Anna gazed into Jake's eyes, her breasts dominating his thoughts as they rose and fell with her breaths. He wondered if he saw more than friendship flickering in her eyes, but then it vanished.“Thank you,” she said. “Now that we've reached an understanding and decided on a course of action, we have another problem: I don't see how I can work up the courage to actually, um, do it.” Her voice got very quiet at the end as she looked down and chewed her lip. “It just seems impossibly weird and awkward to undress in front of you.” She gave his arm a gentle shove like she did when they played video games.Jake thought for a second.“Well I'm certainly not going to pressure you. But if you're set on doing this, then I have a suggestion: What if we both pretend you're fully clothed? I'll set up the video game. When you're ready, you come in dressed however you want, and we'll both just pretend everything is normal. We can play Mario Kart like we planned, all very normal and unremarkable.” Jake couldn't help smirking a little bit at this last sentence.Anna's face brightened. “I like that idea. That might work.”Jake stood up. “Off you go, then,” he pointed at his bedroom. “I'll just set up the game and you can join me when you're ready.” He faced the TV and grabbed the remote. “I hope you are prepared to get trounced,” he added.Anna departed for his bedroom. Jake's heart raced, and his hands trembled a bit. He tried some deep slow breaths. They didn't help much. He visualized the bedroom door behind him and the woman he expected to emerge any second.Jake was ashamed to feel an erection start at just the thought of seeing Anna's breasts. His friend was trusting him to help her! He had to master himself and come through for her. He had to.He heard Anna take a quiet step into the open doorway behind him. He dared not turn around.On an impulse he pulled his own shirt off and tossed it. While he was very aware his own skinny chest was completely unremarkable, he hoped this would make her a bit more comfortable.Then he did something he knew she hated. “I hope you don't mind, I'm just going to start the race. I'm choosing your character, yes, Bowser on the biggest car so you can't do anything but go in a straight line…”Anna's hand snatched the controller out of his as she dropped beside him on the couch.“Don't you dare!” she said, laughing.Jake kept his eyes locked on the TV screen, trying to act casual while his mind reeled at the bare breasts just visible at the corner of his eye. She had done it!Part of him wanted to turn and stare directly at the first bare breasts he'd met in person. A bigger part of him was simply proud of his friend's courage. She'd identified a source of needless shame and took steps to overcome it. Jake wanted to make this a positive experience for her.That didn't mean he didn't take in as much as he could without looking directly. In addition to taking off her shirt and bra, she had taken out her ponytail. She parted her hair on either side of her head, and let it fall down her front. Through this inadequate screen of hair he thrilled at an impression of pale roundness, and maybe a hint of pink?It helped to have the game to concentrate on, though his playing was shit. Anna was never one to sit still and just push buttons on the controller. She moved her whole body with each turn of the race car. He kept his gaze glued to the TV even though her constant movement tickled the outskirts of his vision mercilessly.After several races, Jake started to feel close to normal. His game-play was back up to the level of “respectable.” His erection calmed down. He still hadn't gotten a look at Anna's bare breasts sitting right next to him, but he also no longer had to struggle to keep his eyes locked forward. He felt relaxed and happy, having fun with his friend. More than happy, he felt buoyant. It was as if Anna's bare chest was a beacon radiating warmth, bathing his heart in contentment. Just knowing that she trusted him with this made him feel closer to her.When Anna won the next race, Jake decided to check on her. He put the controller down, tilted his head far back on the couch to make it clear he could only see the ceiling, and leaned in her direction with one hand to his mouth in a conspiratorial gesture. Whispering, he said, “How are you doing?”Anna mirrored his pose and whispered in response. “Really good, actually. How are you doing?”“Really good, too,” Jake said, afraid to reveal how much more than just 'good' he felt.Anna nodded slightly and then she sat up and resumed talking in a normal voice. “I'm going to get us glasses of water.” And with that she stood up and walked to the kitchen.Jake took in the sight of her bare back as she walked away from him. She was beautiful. He longed to touch her and hated himself for it. Momentarily, she would be walking back toward him, and he had to keep his eyes on the TV. He had to.She returned from the kitchen with two glasses of water. Instead of sitting she stood directly in front of him, blocking the TV, and held one out. Jake's efforts at gaze discipline went out the window as he was forced to look up at the glass, which she held at the exact elevation to be in line between his eyeballs and her breasts. Jake did his best to keep his eyes moving up to her face where he looked her in the eyes and said a hoarse “thank you” as he took the glass.Anna tilted her head far back to take drink. With her eyes toward the ceiling, Jake understood she was giving him permission to look.Jake's eyes widened as he took in the sight, and his composure left him. The rest of the room faded out of existence as his brain took in every detail.The slightly tan color of Anna's face and arms was thanks to the sun, for her bare shoulders and upper chest were paler. Her breasts were paler still and revealed a faint tracery of blue veins around her shapely contours. Her hair covered the promised inverted nipples, though he could see the edges of puffy pink areolas.On the one hand, this was just another part of his friend's body. His friend Anna happened to be a woman, women have breasts, and these were simply Anna's breasts. Up close like this, Jake could see the subtle details on her skin. The fine hairs, sprinkling of moles, and minor asymmetries stressed the reality of what he beheld, in contrast to the airbrushed breasts in porn. Intellectually, Jake knew in the big picture all breasts, all bodies, were ultimately unremarkable.On the other hand, Jake couldn't help feeling these particular breasts were magical beacons of beauty, acceptance, trust, and intimacy. Anna's breasts emanated waves of warmth that bathed his heart in joy and evoked feelings of affection and protectiveness. It pained him to think of all those years of being ashamed of her body, avoiding physical intimacy for fear of rejection.After an eternity of taking in this sight, Anna sat on the couch again. He fastened his eyes on the TV and tried to regain his composure.Jake felt a flash of pain on his arm as Anna playfully hit him with the back of her hand. “Come on, slowpoke, press 'A' so we can start the next race. I'm enjoying destroying you.”“Oops,” Jake said, resuming the game. And then, feeling daring, he added: “I don't know where my mind was.”It was hard to tell without turning his head, but he thought he saw her smile.They played a few more races until it was their usual bedtime for a work night.Anna stood up. “Well, we both have work tomorrow. Better call it a night.” She walked into Jake's bedroom and then returned dressed normally. The light in the room felt weaker without the shining warmth of her bare breasts. He fought to hide his disappointment.“G'night,” she said, walking to the door.Jake leaped up to meet her at the door. “Thanks for the fun evening,” he said. Then, his face reddening, “I mean the Mario Kart.”Anna laughed, her face blushing too. “Thank YOU!” Then, hesitating, “for everything.”When the door closed behind her, Jake's apartment felt cold, lonely, and dark.The next day at work, Jake had trouble getting anything done with visions of Anna's breasts dancing in his head. He missed the feeling of being with her when she was topless. But on his way home, a new worry arose: How awkward would it be when he saw her again tonight? There was no going back to how things had been before.Opening the door to his apartment, he heard Anna working in the kitchen.“Hey,” Jake called out.“Hey yourself,” Anna answered from the kitchen.Jake relaxed when he saw she was wearing a shirt, though not without a pang of disappointment. What had he expected? Idiot. Anna cut vegetables, wearing the circuit-board-print apron she liked.“Get the waters, I'm almost finished.”Jake tried to act normal but couldn't stop thinking about her breasts as he set the coffee table in front of the TV. Anna put down plates of chicken salad and sat beside him on the couch.Normally, at this point they would watch something on TV while they ate. The remote control was on the arm of the couch next to Anna, ignored.“How was work?” Anna asked.“Oh fine, pretty normal,” Jake lied. “You?”“Actually,” Anna said, “I had trouble focusing at work today.” She paused there, as if giving Jake an opportunity to say more.“To be honest,” Jake admitted, turning to look her in the eye, “I had the same problem.”“Was there something on your mind?” Anna asked.“Technically two things were on my mind,” Jake said.Anna burst out laughing. Relieved, Jake laughed too.“I want to thank you,” Anna said, “for being so patient with me last night. And kind. I was close to running out of the room in tears. You helped me keep it together.” She took his hand. “That was very kind of you. I feel like a burden of shame was lifted. Thank you.”Jake blushed.“What I hadn't expected, though…” Anna looked down. “What I hadn't expected was how much I enjoyed it.”Anna slowly raised her eyes to meet Jake's. Panic came rushing back. Did she want to do it again? Did Jake want that? Confused thoughts swirled in his head. Did he want to kiss Anna? Yes, but she didn't want that. Did he feel romantic thoughts about her? Yes, but she didn't want that either. Did he want to see her breasts again, despite all his misgivings? Yes. Most definitely yes.“Did you…” Anna was studying his face. “Did you enjoy it, too?”“YES!” Jake blurted out, not exactly playing it cool.Anna smiled. “Do you, do you mind if we do it again?”“I would love that,” Jake answered.Anna hesitated. “It made me feel better when you took your shirt off first.”Jake nearly tore his shirt in his rush to pull it off. Anna's eyes on his chest made his skin feel warm.After a moment of staring, Anna started to unbutton her shirt. Feeling emboldened by Anna's unguarded staring at him, Jake watched her fingers work. The anticipation was intense, and he felt a reckless swelling between his legs.“Excuse me,” Anna said sternly, “my eyes are up here.”Jake blanched and tore his gaze up at the ceiling, his heart pounding in panic and his dick shrinking in shame. Incoherent apologies spilled out of his mouth as he tried to repair the damage his eager eyes had done.“Whoa, whoa, it's okay, I was just joking!” Anna said quickly. “I've never seen anyone go so pale. Are you okay? Jake, you didn't do anything wrong. The whole point is for you to look at me.” She grabbed his shoulders. “Jake, please, I'm sorry, I was only trying to be funny.” She gently pulled on the back of his head until it was tilted down at her chest again. “Your respectful instincts are part of why I trust you. It's okay. I want you to look.”He watched her shirt rise and fall with each breath, and eventually his breathing matched hers. Anna released his head and resumed unbuttoning. She wasn't wearing a bra. After t

Change happens on the level of emotion, not intellect

Why is that men with preferences, standards and boundaries are labeled insecure, jealous, controlling and toxic. But, when women have them, they're praised and labeled as self love and empowering?! Let's get into it. You all are cordially invited to witness magic. Intellectually aggressive, unapologetic, no holds barred, sucker-free, conversations stimulating only on #TheDisciplineTherapyPodcast

Thanks for listening to the podcast! If you are a first-time listener, welcome to the CMC family! Our heart behind this podcast is to serve, so we hope today's content equips and challenges you to be all that God has called you to be! If you would like to know more, please follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Wisdom for pastors seeking to preach and lead well in a post-Christian age.So much of our culture judges events in isolation — a single moment, a single failure, a single decision — detached from what led to it and what flows from it. But history doesn't work like that. Events emerge from long trajectories, and they reshape the future in ways no one fully controls or intends.We're joined by Archie Poulos, Head of the Ministry Department at Moore Theological College, to reflect on Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West by Andrew Wilson. Wilson's argument isn't that everything changed overnight in 1776, but that the events clustered around that year give us a window into the forces that have shaped the WEIRDER world we now inhabit — Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, Democratic, Ex-Christian and Romantic.We explore why reading history as an ecosystem rather than isolated episodes matters, why Romanticism isn't just a past movement but our present operating system, and how Christian faith — offers a deeper, more hopeful way to understand our moment.The Church Cohttp://www.thechurchco.com is a website and app platform built specifically for churches.  Anglican AidTo find out more about supporting Anglican Aid. Advertise on The Pastor's HeartTo advertise on The Pastor's Heart go to thepastorsheart.net/sponsorSupport the show

Some books are incredible experiences.They challenge us.They wreck us emotionally.They leave a permanent mark.And then… once is enough.In this episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim and Zach talk about fantasy, science fiction, and horror books they're genuinely glad they read, but have absolutely no desire to ever revisit. Not because they're bad. Not because they failed. But because they succeeded too well.We discuss:• Emotionally devastating reads• Intellectually exhausting masterpieces• Surprise heavyweights that hit harder than expected• Horror novels that did their job too well• Why rereadability is NOT the same thing as qualityThis is a reflective, conversation-driven episode about how we read, why we read, and how our relationship with books changes over time.

Matthew 13:53-58

In Scripture the apostle John writes, "And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not "(John 1:5). In Scripture “light” and “darkness” are very familiar symbols.Intellectually speaking, “light” refers to Biblical truth while “darkness” refers to error or falsehood. The Psalmist declared in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. Solomon writes in Proverbs 6:23, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life”. God's Word is like having a flashlight with you when you are walking are running in the dark of night or early morning hours. Morally speaking, “light” refers to holiness or purity, 1 John 1:5 it says that “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”. On the other hand, “darkness” refers to sin or wrongdoing as in Ephesians 4:17-19, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness”.This darkness has special significance in relationship to Satan (and his demonic cohorts), who rules the present spiritually dark world. John writes in 1 John 5:19, “and we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness”. The devil himself is identified as the “prince of the power of the air”, who promotes spiritual darkness and rebellion against God. Ephesians 2:2, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”.But John shines this blazing light of truth with the statement that “darkness comprehends it not”, meaning that darkness is not able to overcome or conquer the light. Jesus said in John 3:19-21, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God”.Just as a single candle can overcome a room filled with darkness, so also the powers of darkness have been overcome by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Reader, whoever you say that Jesus Christ is determines whether you are either in the light or in the darkness. Whom do you say that Jesus Christ is? SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com

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When new people find the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, they ask, "Where do I start?" While we'd love for you to go back to the beginning and take them all in, this is for those who need a quick catch-up. We're doing a Rapid Replay Series of condensed episodes, including the most popular episodes according to streams and downloads, as well as a few of our team's personal favorites.  This episode is a condensed version of Episode 004: Bioindividuality - A Freedom You've Never Known. (Click ⁠HERE⁠ for the full, original version instead.) In this episode, host Jamie Belz, FNTP, MHC, explains what "bioindividuality" is and how it entails the understanding, acceptance, and embodiment of the truth. There is no "one-size-fits-all" cookie-cutter approach to health and well-being. Each person is unique and, accordingly, in their approach to and pursuit of optimal wellness. Jamie then walks you through:  1.) Finding a trusted health liaison 2.) Doing a personal audit/health audit using the prompts (below) 3.) Setting goals 4.) Making an action plan/determining action steps 5.) Documenting what you're doing and tracking your findings This episode offers an alternative approach to traditional "New Year's resolutions" and the endless pit of programs, packages, and purchases you can make in pursuit of your wellness goals. This is so simple, it sounds complicated. Don't let it be! Grab a pen and paper, hit PLAY, and get started.  _______________ Your Personal Health Inventory / Health Audit (Listen to the audio first) Areas of Consideration Prompts Health Physical Mental/Emotional Spiritual Relationships Spouse/Significant Other/Life Partner Children Parents Siblings Extended Family Friends Neighbors Coworkers/Colleagues/Professional Associates Children's Networks (Teachers, Coaches, Friends' Parents) Environment Home Clean-Tidy Clean-Toxic (Mold, Cleaners, Off-Gassing, Wildfires, etc.) Enjoyable Comfortable Safe Lonely Overwhelming Affordable Hard Work Work Neighborhood Community Digital Space Finances Stability Relationship with money Debt Income Assets Retirement Insurance Charitable giving/Generosity Ability to Provide Career As Employee Job - Satisfaction, Enjoyment, Feel Appreciated, Feel Challenged, Income, Stress, Hours, Coworkers, Supervisor, Purpose, Challenge, Longevity, etc. Confidence, Satisfaction, Quality of Life Impact, Financials, Progress, etc. Education Exercise Diet Sleep Stress Sex Time Management Confidence Physically, Intellectually, Life Stage/Progress/Accomplishments, Productively, Relationally, etc.   Points of Consideration/Questions (for everything!) What's going well? What's not? How does it impact my energy? Is it draining or energizing? Does this increase or decrease stress? What am I proud of? What do I need more of? Less of? How am I feeling about that? What brings me the most joy? What seems to come naturally? Do I still need some healing in that area? Why do I avoid that? How satisfied am I with my performance on that? Is something too time consuming? What's the ROI on that? What feels unsettled? Where and when do I feel welcome? Appreciated? Loved? Encouraged? What should I be doing? What should I stop doing? Where am I seeing patterns? Why does that prompt negative self-talk? Who is getting the best of me? Worst of me? Why does that subject draw anxiety? When do I feel most inspired? ...now replace the "what" with "WHO" in these. ____________________ Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and connect with us! We appreciate you!  

Notes and Links to Cole Cuchna's Work     Cole Cuchna graduated from California State University with a degree in music composition. Cuchna graduated in 2015, pursued a short solo career, then worked as a barista. But his desire to bridge the classical and pop worlds persisted. He remembered his love of writing essays and conducting deep research about music. That coincided with the growing popularity of podcasting, which had been around for a decade. It was the perfect medium, he felt, for long-form analysis of an audio art.    Cole is the host and creator of Dissect Podcast, a music podcast which debuted in 2016. The podcast is renowned for its in-depth analysis of contemporary music. Dissect was named "Best podcast of 2017" by Quartz, and the following year was named "Best podcast of 2018" by The New York Times. Additionally, both Time magazine and The Guardian listed Dissect as one of the top 50 podcasts of 2018. 2025 marks the 13th season of Dissect.  Listen to Dissect Podcast   Watch Dissect Podcast on Netflix   Dissect Podcast Homepage   Dissect Podcast Wikipedia   Review of Dissect Podcast   At about 2:55, Cole explains plans for Dissect Podcast on Netflix, coming soon! At about 4:40, Cole responds to Pete's question about his own love of hip hop and transformative and formative music for him  At about 6:50, Cole underscores the “shared community” of skating growing up that welcomed “rappers” and “rockers” At about 8:30, Robin Branson, who put Pete on to Dissect (thanks, Robin), asks Cole about his view of himself as an “educator” At about 12:35, the two discuss Cole's research process and ideas of knowing the artist and his/her art At about 15:45, Pete shares a profound quote from Cole about the essence of music and music fandom At about 16:15, Cole responds to Pete's question about how he listens to music differently (or not) since he has become  At about 17:20, Cole expands upon the genesis for the podcast, dealing with Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly and his daughter's birth At about 19:00, a discussion of possible future hip hop heads alludes to a classic video At about 20:00, Cole outlines his average research time and his early research in the early days of the podcast At about 20:45, Cole explains what skills he had already developed in college music composition, and what skills he has learned/used in doing the podcast At about 22:20, Cole responds to Pete's question about how he picks an album At about 25:00, Pete details some of the great “subtlety and nuance” on the podcast At about 26:45, Cole expands on one of the show's “inside jokes” At about 27:45, Pete brings up “syncopation” in Radiohead's work in asking Cole about he balances sonic and lyrical jargon with digestible information for people who are not necessarily students of music theory  At about 32:15, Cole responds to Pete's question about what it's like to work with experts on individual artists in crafting his seasons  At about 34:25, Cole and Pete discuss the “side projects” that Cole has done involving standout artists and songs At about 36:20, Cole reflects on contemporary artists and his willingness to stay open to new sounds and talents At about 40:20, Cole talks about cool and beneficial feedback from the artists profiled on the podcast At about 41:40, Cole responds to Pete asking about “surreal” moments he's experienced in doing the podcast and offshoot projects  At about 42:40, Manifesting for a future Cole interview with Kendrick! At about 43:20, Cole shouts out the rapper who has “sealed the deal” for him as the G.O.A.T. At about 44:25, When's Frank Ocean gonna drop?      You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you're checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Jeff Pearlman, a recent guest, will be up at Chicago Review in the next week or so.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl      Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting Pete's one-man show, DIY podcast and extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    This month's Patreon bonus episode features an exploration of children's literature on standout writers from the show, including Robert Jones, Jr. and Javier Zamora, as well as Pete's cherished relationship with Levar Burton, Reading Rainbow, and libraries.    Pete has added a $1 a month tier for “Well-Wishers” and Cheerleaders of the Show.     This is a passion project, a DIY operation, and Pete would love for your help in promoting what he's convinced is a unique and spirited look at an often-ignored art form.    The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.     Please tune in for Episode 316 with Kiese Laymon, a Black southern writer from Jackson, Mississippi. He is the author of Long Division, which won the 2022 NAACP Image Award for fiction, and the essay collection, How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America, named a notable book of 2021 by the New York Times critics. Laymon's bestselling memoir, Heavy: An American Memoir, won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction, the Christopher Isherwood Prize for Autobiographical Prose, the Barnes and Noble Discovery Award, the Austen Riggs Erikson Prize for Excellence in Mental Health Media, and was named one of the 50 Best Memoirs of the Past 50 Years by The New York Times.    The episode airs on January 6.    Please go to ceasefiretoday.org, and/or https://act.uscpr.org/a/letaidin to call your congresspeople and demand an end to the forced famine and destruction of Gaza and the Gazan people.

Federal Reserve cuts interest rates a quarter of a percentage point. We will hear from the Chair and President Donald Trump and speak with The Hill's Business Editor Sylvan Lane (4); Speaker Mike Johnson presents a range of health care reform bills to House Republicans that could be voted on soon, but not among them is the Democrat's priority of extending expiring Affordable Care Act insurance premium enhanced subsidies; House passes the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA); Supreme Court hears arguments about how states should determine what makes a criminal defendant intellectually disabled and ineligible for the death penalty. We will talk about it with Ian Millhiser, Vox Media Supreme Court reporter (30); Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks at a Congressional Hanukah Menorah lighting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every church has an option in how they want to make their decisions, so does every life. Let's talk about this difference on this Monday morning. ​

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support.Let us help you find YOUR home in Portugal...Whether you are looking to BUY, RENT or SCOUT, reach out to Carl Munson and connect with the biggest and best network of professionals that have come together through Good Morning Portugal! over the last five years that have seen Portugal's meteoric rise in popularity.Simply contact Carl by phone/WhatsApp on (00 351) 913 590 303, email carl@carlmunson.com or enter your details at www.goodmorningportugal.com And join The Portugal Club FREE here - www.theportugalclub.com

Weltec is closing the only two courses for students with intellectual disabilities in the Wellington region. 

We all have our own beliefs, experiences and perspectives when it comes to time. Intellectually, we realize that time is an illusion. There's only the now moment and even though we experience it in a linear way, it's not actually moving. It's one of the more confusing aspects of our reality. So in this episode, Joshua thought it was about time that they explained what time really is. Schedule a call with Christy to learn about The Frredom Project - Click here To book a 55-minute connect call with Gary, click here

Rupture without Repair, and the Discomfort of Being Misunderstood   In this deeply personal episode, Patricia (she/her) unpacks the fallout from a neighborhood rupture and the painful loss of community connection. Through the lens of being autistic and AuDHD, she explores rejection sensitivity, communication breakdowns, friendship trauma, and why repair isn't always possible. She also shares how co-regulation, body doubling, Costco runs, and fierce family love provide grounding. This conversation is raw, tender, and validating for anyone who has struggled with being misunderstood as a neurodivergent person. WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE ·       The neighborhood rupture and how a joke led to exclusion from a community group ·       What happens when rupture and repair aren't possible in friendships ·       The autistic need for clarity, communication, and closure ·       Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and how silence feels like rejection ·       The PDA (persistent drive for autonomy) response to being left out ·       The pain of friendship trauma and feeling misunderstood ·       How autistic people process and loop on unresolved conflict ·       The role of community in belonging and nervous system regulation ·       Why body doubling and co-regulation help autistic/ADHD brains stay grounded ·       Finding comfort in Costco runs, small joys, and simple routines ·       Permission to need rest, wear earplugs, or retreat from sensory overwhelm ·       Generational differences in friendship and communication between neurodivergent people ·       Practicing adaptability through change (like moving workspaces at home) ·       The bittersweet truth: not all friendships are meant to last ·       Gratitude reframed through an autistic lens—how to find appreciation without bypassing pain SOUND BITES “For us, it felt like there was no space for human mistakes, no place for rupture and repair.” “This activated friendship trauma in me, and I've noticed my protective armor is up.” “Intellectually, I know this is fine. Emotionally, feeling misunderstood and powerless is really hard.” "You have a right to speak up." "Not all friendships last forever." "Life is messy. Friendships are messy." “Body doubling is such a beautiful way to borrow someone else's nervous system to regulate.” “Sensitivity is nothing to apologize for. It's how you're wired. You have the right to take up space.” SENSITIVITY IS NOTHING TO APOLOGIZE FOR; IT'S HOW YOUR BRAIN IS WIRED You are not broken. You were shaped by systems that weren't built for you. You deserve rest, joy, and support exactly as you are.   TOPICS COVERED (please adjust for addition of introduction) 00:00 Navigating Community Dynamics 08:42 The Impact of Silence and Rejection 17:06 Rupture, Repair, and the Complexity of Relationships 23:52 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments 29:13 Gratitude and Perspective on Life PODCAST HOST Patricia Young (she/her) was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 17 years, but she is now exclusively providing coaching. She knows what it's like to feel like an outcast, misfit, and truthteller.  Learning about the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), then learning she is AuDHD with a PDA profile, OCD and RSD, helped Patricia rewrite her history with a deeper understanding, appreciation, and a sense of self-compassion.  She created the podcasts Unapologetically Sensitive and Unapologetically AuDHD to help other neurodivergent folks know that they aren't alone, and that having a brain that is wired differently comes with amazing gifts, and some challenges.  Patricia works online globally working individually with people, and she teaches Online Courses for neurodivergent folks that focus on understanding what it means to be a sensitive neurodivergent. Topics covered include: self-care, self-compassion, boundaries, perfectionism, mindfulness, communication, and creating a lifestyle that honors you Patricia's website, podcast episodes and more: www.unapologeticallysensitive.com LINKS    To write a review in itunes: click on this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/unapologetically-sensitive/id1440433481?mt=2 select “listen on Apple Podcasts” chose “open in itunes” choose “ratings and reviews” click to rate the number of starts click “write a review” Website--www.unapologeticallysensitive.com Facebook-- https://www.facebook.com/Unapologetically-Sensitive-2296688923985657/ Closed/Private Facebook group Unapologetically Sensitive-- https://www.facebook.com/groups/2099705880047619/ Instagram-- https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticallysensitive/ Youtube-- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOE6fodj7RBdO3Iw0NrAllg/videos?view_as=subscriber Tik Tok--https://www.tiktok.com/@unapologeticallysensitiv Unapologetically AuDHD Podcast-- https://unapologeticallysensitive.com/unapologeticallyaudhd/ e-mail-- unapologeticallysensitive@gmail.com Show hashtag--#unapologeticallysensitive Music-- Gravel Dance by Andy Robinson www.andyrobinson.com  

"I go to the Girmitiya countries, like the Caribbean, South Africa, Mauritius, Fiji, at the same time, countries which are liberal democracies and western democracies and so on. I also visit Africa, but wherever I go, the educated professionals have all read and have been impacted by Rajiv ji's writings. In the modern times, I feel his books have given them the much needed intellectual material, written in a very intellectual way, meaning in a cogent academic way you can say, to present what they feel that something is wrong, but they cannot articulate and they don't know the background, they have no time to research and here is Rajiv ji presenting not one, not two, a series of books, one after another, very well researched, very well presented and I think that has given a framework for all such people, all over the world, in the Hindu diaspora."- Sri Saumitra Gokhale, Global Coordinator, The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh.Who Is Raising Your Children? - https://whoisraisingyourchildren.com/Battle For Consciousness Theory - http://battleforconsciousnesstheory.comSnakes in the Ganga - http://www.snakesintheganga.comVarna Jati Caste - http://www.varnajaticaste.comThe Battle For IIT's - http://www.battleforiits.comPower of future Machines - http://www.poweroffuturemachines.com10 heads of Ravana - http://www.tenheadsofravana.comTo support Infinity Foundation's projects including the continuation of such episodes and the research we do:इनफिनिटी फ़ौंडेशन की परियोजनाओं को अनुदान देने के लिए व इस प्रकार के एपिसोड और हमारे द्वारा किये जाने वाले शोध को जारी रखने के लिए: http://infinityfoundation.com/donate-2/

Daily Dose of Hope October 6, 2025   Scripture - John 3:1-21   Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We are so amazingly grateful for your grace and love.  Forgive us for the many times when we fall short, when we betray you, when we fail to be loving or faithful.  We want to grow stronger, Lord, but we can only do so through your power.  Lord, help us hear your voice.  In the next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers... In Jesus' Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  Currently, we are doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we begin a deep dive into John 3.   In today's text, we meet Nicodemus, who is a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council.  He is someone who is well-trained in Jewish law and tradition and held in high esteem in his community.  And he comes to see Jesus at night.  To me, it's interesting that the Scripture points this out.  Obviously, Nicodemus is intrigued by Jesus.  He has seen the miracles.  He has listened to Jesus' teaching.  He knows that Jesus knows God in some way, Nicodemus acknowledges that, but he is probably a bit leary of being connected with Jesus.  After all, what will the others think?   So we don't know if there is some pleasant chit chat between Jesus and Nicodemus, there may have been, but in the Scripture it seems that Jesus wastes no time --- he gets right to the point.  He says to Nicodemus, “no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born again.”  Then, there is that interesting back and forth dialogue in which Nicodemus says, “well, how in the world can someone enter into their mother's womb a second time?”  And Jesus doesn't even respond to that, he says it again “Dude, you can't get into the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.  You must be born again!”   Now, Nicodemus would have probably thought that salvation was his because he was born a Jew.  He was one of the “chosen people.”  Or, he would have thought salvation was his because he knew a whole lot about the law, he had accumulated a lot of information about God, and he was trying hard to apply it.   And Jesus is pushing back against that.  He says you must be born again, Nicodemus.  Yes, Nicodemus, you were born a Jew in your first birth but that isn't enough for you to be saved, to enter God's Kingdom.  Yes, Nicodemus, you have lots of information about God, you may even be a really good person, you may attend synagogue, but that isn't enough either.  Jesus is saying to Nicodemus, you have to be spiritually reborn. Jesus knew that Nicodemus needed a change of his heart—a spiritual transformation that could only come from above.   The phrase “born again” can be translated “born from above.”    What Jesus was saying to Nicodemus:  Just as your mother gave physical birth to you, if you want to receive salvation and have eternal life, you need the Holy Spirit to give you a spiritual birth. Jesus says, flesh gives birth to flesh but only the Spirit can give birth to spirit.  This rebirth is when we go from being spiritually dead to spiritually alive in Jesus Christ.  And there is a certain mystery to it.  Just as the wind exists in the earthly, physical realm but there is mystery to where it is going and coming from; so there is the same mystery with the Holy Spirit and how he moves and works.  How can this be?  That was the question Nicodemus asked.  Yeah, how can this be?   Let's unpack this a bit more.  When we were born the first time, we were born inclined to sin, inclined to make bad choices.  Think about a toddler.  Why do we have to put safety plugs in all our electrical outlets?  Because no matter how many times we say no, our little ones defy us and they go straight for that outlet.  Because they don't know what's best for them.  Our natural inclination is to do what we want to do.   From the time of the fall in Genesis to right now, this very second, we as human beings are sinful, broken people.  Look at our world.  We miss the mark of God's full intention for our lives.  Even when we are generally good people, we are far from perfect.  We still do things wrong, we hurt people's feelings, we are self-absorbed, we are fearful, we are weak, you get the idea.  Just being a good person is not enough.    This is the thing - our sin, our brokenness, creates a barrier between us and God.  God is holy, totally without sin, and we are a hot mess.  If you are out there right now and you are like, “I'm not a hot mess.”  I will boldly say to you, “Yes, you are.”  We all are.  And we can't jump that barrier between us and God.  Nothing we can do will close that gap.  Nothing.  No striving to be good.  No racking up spiritual merit badges.  Not being born into a Christian family or having a really strong Christian mama.    God made a way for us to be right with him, to eliminate that barrier.  God himself made a way for us to walk closely with him.  You know God's solution to our sin ---- Jesus.  (Today's Scripture includes John 3:16 ---- For God so loved the world, that he…)   Jesus was God with flesh on.  He came voluntarily to demonstrate a different way of doing life AND then he went to the cross.  He died on that Roman cross, serving as the final, ultimate sacrifice for sin.  You see, when Jesus died on the cross, his blood atoned for our sins.  For all of our sins.  So, if we believe in him, turn away from our old way of doing life, then we receive salvation.  We are spiritually reborn.  BORN AGAIN by the Spirit.  Jesus did the work and the Holy Spirit applies the blood.    You see, when we believe in Jesus Christ, God no longer sees our sin and our mess, he only sees the blood of Jesus.  Not only does this ensure that we get to spend eternity with Jesus, we receive new life right now, today.  We become new people, new creations (2 cor. 5:17).  The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God himself, comes and dwells within us, changing us from the inside out.  Being born again means: 1-       Acknowledging your sin, turning away from your old life and turning toward God (repentance) 2-       Saying yes to Jesus!  3-       Being filled with the Holy Spirit.    Sometimes, we fail to talk about this last piece and it is so, so, so important.  BORN AGAIN by the Spirit.  It's the Spirit that allows us to take that first cry of faith, “Jesus, I need you.  Jesus, you are Lord.”  (2 Cor. 12:3 … no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.). Remember, when we say yes to Jesus, the Spirit of the living God indwells us.  And there is POWER is that!  Jesus sending the Holy Spirit was how he intended to make his presence in this world real and evident.  It's the Holy Spirit that let's us know when we have done something wrong, convicts us of sin.  It's the Holy Spirit that helps us hear the voice of God.  It's the Holy Spirit that makes our faith real and dynamic and alive.  The Holy Spirit gives us boldness to proclaim the Gospel.    You can't have the Spirit of the Living God in you and not be changed.  If someone is a Christian atheist, then I'm thinking they don't have the Holy Spirit in them.  Intellectually consenting to the existence of God, intellectually assenting to the existence of Jesus, being a good person, attending church --- none of those things indicate true salvation, being born again.  And we are kidding ourselves when we think that's going to be enough.  We, as the church, have failed people, by allowing them to skid by a Christian atheists (A Christian atheist is someone who sees themselves as a Christian but it doesn't affect their life in any way.)  Well, at least he is attending church sometimes.  Well, at least he is a good guy.  Y'all that isn't enough.    Going to church does not make someone a Christian. Being a good person does not make someone a Christian. Believing in God does not make someone a Christian.    Believing in Jesus, repenting of your sins, and being filled with the Holy Spirit is what makes someone a Christian.  Period.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

If you’re not navigating your life through your values, what are you using?

In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King breaks down the professional development paradox in emergency management. As challenges grow more complex and interdependent, senior leaders are often stuck between outdated training models and increasing demands. Many find that after 15 years, professional growth slows, leaving them intellectually stranded. Kyle highlights the false choice between tactical training and generic leadership courses, and argues for a third path: intellectual infrastructure that connects seasoned professionals across fields. Drawing from research and real-world conversations, he challenges listeners to rethink how expertise evolves and why staying curious is essential. Show Highlights [00:53] Training cycles vs fast-moving demands [01:40] Fundamentals and cross-sector challenges [02:05] After-action reviews and slow adaptation [03:14] Climate, cyber, and supply chain risks [03:40] Generalist or tactical: a false choice [04:09] Two categories of development, and the gap [05:11] Burnout, low pay, and lack of strategy [06:20] The silo trap of deep expertise [07:33] Routine vs adaptive expertise [09:42] Why leadership programs fall short [11:06] The convergence of complexity and missing support [12:02] What intellectual infrastructure should provide [14:23] The Forum as a new model [16:00] When were you last curious about your field? If that question made you pause, you are not alone. Many experienced professionals are facing complex challenges with training models that no longer fit the realities they work in. The Forum at Crisis Lab was created to give senior leaders a space to learn with peers, test new ideas, and stay sharp in a changing environment.

Intellectually we know that science and the Catholic faith have to line up - but the world screams that they don't. Well, what if the world is wrong? What if science itself can prove that the Bible and the Christian faith is true? Join me in the next episode of Catholic Life Coach For Men as my guest Doug Ell and I talk about how we understand our faith in light of our scientific wisdom. This episode is a little bit different. Instead of purely being an interview, it's more like two scientists sitting around a campfire discussing theology. You can find Doug's books at https://countingtogod.com/ Also, I'm announcing my course on Anger. It's a collection of powerful ideas and exercises that will help you regain control of your temper - and protect those you love! You can find it here: St Joseph's Way God Bless, Michael P.S. If you find the podcast helpful, I encourage you to come check out what Life Coaching can do for you. Come to the Catholic Life Coach for Men website to learn more.

The Sermons on the Amount - Part 2  "Owner - A Question: Who is Lord Over All?" MESSAGE SUMMARY: This Sermon series assembles important Biblical references to all aspects of money and finances and their influence and impact on us; therefore,  helping us to apply these Scriptures to our lives today. The reason for this series is because money and possessions have captivated our culture. In Colossians 1:16, Paul establishes Jesus' Divinity and primacy: “For him {Jesus} all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.". Jesus is the Creator and owner of all things both Earthly and Universally. Also, the Psalmist, in Psalms 24:1-2, establishes the supremacy of God's “ownership” of all things: “The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.". God's aspects of “ownership” include our: 1) time – we can't change time or add time to a twenty-four-hour day or our earthly lives; 2) land – we are but passing through with only temporary stewardship for the land we occupy before our death; 3) animals – God created and owns all animal life; 4) gold, money and finances – as God tells us in Haggai 2:8: “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts.”; and 5) all that we possess (tangible and intangible) – health, mind, family heritage, creativity, bodies.   When we realize that Jesus owns everything, even though we have worked hard to obtain and enjoy the benefits of land, money, time and the other tangible and intangible components of our lives then and only then do we obtain a freedom to truly live our lives to the fullest. Everything that we “have” and “enjoy” is because of and from the ownership of God, as we are told in 1 Chronicles 29:14-15: “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.”. Jesus is either the Lord over all, or He is not the Lord at all! In the New Testament, the word “Lord” means the one that rules over us for our own good. In these times today, we must be intentional to have Jesus as the “Lord” over our lives, money and possessions. Intellectually, we must come to a place where we recognize and accept that Jesus is the owner. Most people in Western Christianity never come to this realization and acceptance of Jesus' ownership and “Lord” over all. The Lord wants to bless us and reward us while we recognize His ownership and use, to His name, of all that He has permitted us to use and possess in our lifetime. It helps to openly acknowledge God's ownership of all that we possess – acknowledge to God that we are in partnership with Him for all that He has permitted us to possess while we are on this earth. In his writings, Andrew Murray recommends guidelines that we: 1) receive all our money with thanksgiving and as coming from God; 2) lay everything down before God as belonging to Him; 3) let our dealings with money be a part of our spiritual life; and 4) make the study of the Word of God, relating to finances and money, become a key part of our lives.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 6:19-24; Colossians 1:15-20; Psalms 24:1-2; 2 Peter 3:8; Matthew 6:27; Leviticus 25:23; Daniel 4:17-30; Deuteronomy 8:18: Psalms 50:10; Matthew 6:26; Haggai 2:8; Job 1:20-21;   1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Chronicles 29:14-15. (Click the Bible References, in blue, below to read the full Bible text for these Scripture References.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “God Sees Jesus Followers as “In Christ”: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Most people don't like to think about death. Death is a really crucial thing to understand, because according to the Buddha our mind will continue to another life and we've got a long term goal of Buddhahood, which indeed could take us countless lifetimes, so you've got to have a very serious long term plan. Death is an extremely important stage in this development. As Lama Zopa Rinpoche says - actually if you want to help anybody in this life, the time they need you most, is at the time of death. There are two approaches to preparing for death. One is to live your life well, so that when death comes you are ready for it and relaxed. The second one is what to do during the months, weeks, days, and hours before death; at the time the breath stops, and three days after that. Why is it so important to help a person die well? Because at the time of death, the karmic seed planted in the mind of that person, that will determine their next life, is triggered as the death process starts. The crucial piece, and without this we won't be able to be ready for death, no matter how many people are helping us, the crucial one is how to live our lives. To see death in the framework of how to live your life, and that means we have to understand Buddha's views about karma, ethics, and the mind. Buddha's first teaching is about impermanence, that everything changes. We are impermanent. We have this very powerful deep view that clings to ourselves and things as unchanging. Intellectually we know it's not true, but if we look into our incredible fear of change, it's pretty evident. Atisha in his Lamrim text tells us that we need to realise impermanence, particularly the impermanence of death, his agenda is to give us a wake up call to not want to waste our lives, Death is definite, the time of death is uncertain, and at the time of death what is important - virtuous karmic seeds in our mind being triggered. That's the basis for good ethics in Buddhism.   The point of ethics is because that's what produces you. You are the beneficiary of your good ethics. You receive the results of your negative and positive actions. It's a natural law. It's best to think - I will die today, because we live in fear of death, we live in denial of it. You want to think about how death will come, so you don't waste this life. What does it mean not to waste this life - it's completely rooted in the view of karma and ethics, that you want to put as many positive seeds into your mind, because you're going to be living another life and you better prepare for it baby! Venerable Robina mentions Lama Zopa Rinpoche's book - ‘How to Face Death without Fear'. Questions about - what is nirvana, what is the fear of death, what hope do we have to realise emptiness, what is defined as the time of death, control over when you die, what determines when death comes, and prayers and practices? Tibet House US, New York, 30th April 2025. https://youtu.be/Rg1TYQIpIpM  

Next Tuesday the IHC - which advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of people with intellectual disabilities will offiicially launch its new report entitled The Cost of Exclusion.

On the June 10 edition: The state Supreme Court strikes down changes to State Election Board rules; Georgia's getting new area code; and a look at the challenges Georgians with intellectual disabilities face when it comes to housing.

We need your support today to upgrade the production of Modern-Day Debate. We need to purchase 4 camera lenses to capture quickly approaching in-person debates and future events in high-quality. These lenses aren't just gear; they're the key to bringing our big vision to life for millions of viewers. Link to our camera lens GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/1d78d5f6 Modern-Day Debate is launching our own 'Jubilee-style' video series called Outnumbered this June, 2025 and our base for recordings will be in Los Angeles. Email moderndaydebate@gmail.com if you'd be interested in participating as we will be doing casting soon. LINKS TO GUESTS:Dan Barker: https://ffrf.org/ Dan's book on free will mentioned during the debate: https://a.co/d/ciDs1WS Dan's book, Mere Morality, mentioned during the debate: https://a.co/d/0ez2A3g Stuart's socials: Instagram: Stuart_Knechtle Tiktok: Stuartknechtle Youtube: give me an answer with Stuart and Cliffe knechtle Facebook: Give Me An Answer OUR MERCH STORE: https://modern-day-debate.creator-spring.com/ LINKS TO OUR SOCIALS FOR UPDATES ON WHEN WE'LL BE HOSTING A DEBATE IN YOUR CITY: https://x.com/ModernDayDebate https://www.instagram.com/moderndaydebates/ https://www.facebook.com/ModernDayDebate https://www.patreon.com/ModernDayDebate https://discord.gg/ModernDayDebate ______________________________________________________________________________________ DISCLAIMER The views shared by guests on Modern-Day Debate are not necessarily representative of the views of Modern-Day Debate, James, or any university he has or has had any affiliation with. I'm (James) a Christian. If you ever want prayer or just someone to talk to (specifically over voice chat on Zoom) after a horrible day, please reach out and let me know. moderndaydebate@gmail.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ESPN fraud Pat McAfee (he completely forgets to use the F word on College GameDay but uses it on his own ESPN show)...what happened to KEEPIN' IT REAL?Flabby McAfee threw derision at prominent New York Knicks fans on the Indianapolis arena microphone ahead of the Pacers vs Knicks NBA playoffs game. He even threw some garbage language in his rant to further the notion that taking your kids to a ballgame is a skeezy proposition.Cranky faded pop singer John Cougar Mellencamp actually made a valid point by posting to social media that McAfee's boorish behavior does not project HOOSIER HOSPITALITY."I was embarrassed when somebody, under whose direction I don't know, called out some of the people who had made the trip from New York (to support the Knicks)...it was poor sportsmanship...I was not proud to be a Hoosier."Well done, Mellencamp.

Letting ourselves down is one of the deepest betrayals that we humans can experience. It feels like such a harsh gut punch when it is something we know we should have been able to do. After we let ourselves down in such a powerful way, our subconscious will do everything in its power, through resistance to take action so as to keep us safe. It reasons that since it was so painful to let ourselves down, the way to avoid that pain in the future is simply not to commit to something better. Intellectually we know this is a bad plan, but the resistance will persist, trying (and often succeeding) to hold us back. This week in the podcast we look at why we created this resistance, how to overcome it in the moment, and how to avoid it in the future. If you are serious about healing and transformation, clearing the resistance to making commitments to yourself is essential. Support the podcast! Http://tappingqanda.com/support Subscribe in: Apple Podcast | iPhone | Spotify | Pandora | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | YouTube

Celebrating Jesus Christ and His resurrection is Intellectually credible and makes hope effectual and transformational. Join Pastor Lance as we explore this reality.

Celebrating Jesus Christ and His resurrection is Intellectually credible and makes hope effectual and transformational. Join Pastor Lance as we explore this reality.

Intellectually honest responses to mounting anxiety surrounding PACs and government relations in today's DOGE era. From donor hesitation, C-suite skepticism, and the challenge of demonstrating value amid political chaos, David Schild and Adam Belmar offer practical strategies for communicating PAC importance to stakeholders, maintaining critical relationships during uncertainty, and reminding contributors that the serious, steady lawmakers—not the headline-grabbing firebrands—are where PAC support truly matters. A thoughtful guide for government affairs professionals seeking to maintain strategic focus when emotions run high.

How to CONTROL your MONEY EMOTIONALLY and INTELLECTUALLY by Faith Promise Church

In the first half, psychiatrist Carole Lieberman discussed the impact of UFO disclosure, and the potential reaction from Americans if and when proof of alien existence is revealed. Speaking of the increased drone reports in recent months, such as in New York and New Jersey, she expressed frustration over the government's inconsistent explanations regarding unidentified flying objects, stating, "The answers have been very different... none of them seemed like truth." Lieberman linked this lack of transparency to a growing sense of helplessness among the public, which she believes intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remarked, "We have just kind of given up our American spirit... feeling that we can't control things in our world."When asked about the nature of the drones, Lieberman speculated that they might not be extraterrestrial but rather advanced technology from either the US or China. Touching on the psychological impact of potential alien encounters, she suggested that societal trauma from recent events might affect emotional responses. "Intellectually, we can handle it... but emotionally, we have been beaten down." Individual reactions, she continued, would vary based on personal beliefs shaped by media portrayals of aliens, from optimistic depictions in films like "ET" to more sinister interpretations in classics like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." As to how she would help her clients come to terms with such a revelation, she would help them reframe their fears and explore their beliefs about aliens. "I would try to get people to think more positively about it, to give this situation a chance," she explained.-----------------In the latter half, astrologer and channeler Mercedes Arnús Arraut delved into the profound connections between astrology, consciousness, personal growth, and spirituality. She described astrology as "the study of planetary movements and their impact on Earth," emphasizing its role as a mirror reflecting our lives. Speaking of astrology's healing potential, she asserted that "the mind is what creates sickness in the body" and that understanding these patterns through astrology can lead to significant emotional and physical healing. On the topic of planetary alignments, she stated, "Whatever happens in the sky, we're going to feel it on planet Earth," reinforcing the idea that cosmic events can have profound effects on our collective consciousness, both positive and negative.Arraut said that astrology is referenced in the Bible, but many overlook this, as they don't know how to interpret these passages. She touched on her work as a channeler, which she said enhances her ability to do astrology readings. Highlighting the transformative power of astrology readings, she shared that many of her clients initially seek constant guidance but eventually realize the importance of self-discovery. "You cannot create such a dependency on astrology... you've got to build that source within yourself," she advised. Arraut also stressed the value of meditation and turning off the "monkey mind" in order to access deeper wisdom. During the last hour, she gave astrological readings for callers based on their birth dates.

In the first half, psychiatrist Carole Lieberman discussed the impact of UFO disclosure, and the potential reaction from Americans if and when proof of alien existence is revealed. Speaking of the increased drone reports in recent months, such as in New York and New Jersey, she expressed frustration over the government's inconsistent explanations regarding unidentified flying objects, stating, "The answers have been very different... none of them seemed like truth." Lieberman linked this lack of transparency to a growing sense of helplessness among the public, which she believes intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remarked, "We have just kind of given up our American spirit... feeling that we can't control things in our world."When asked about the nature of the drones, Lieberman speculated that they might not be extraterrestrial but rather advanced technology from either the US or China. Touching on the psychological impact of potential alien encounters, she suggested that societal trauma from recent events might affect emotional responses. "Intellectually, we can handle it... but emotionally, we have been beaten down." Individual reactions, she continued, would vary based on personal beliefs shaped by media portrayals of aliens, from optimistic depictions in films like "ET" to more sinister interpretations in classics like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." As to how she would help her clients come to terms with such a revelation, she would help them reframe their fears and explore their beliefs about aliens. "I would try to get people to think more positively about it, to give this situation a chance," she explained.-----------------In the latter half, astrologer and channeler Mercedes Arnús Arraut delved into the profound connections between astrology, consciousness, personal growth, and spirituality. She described astrology as "the study of planetary movements and their impact on Earth," emphasizing its role as a mirror reflecting our lives. Speaking of astrology's healing potential, she asserted that "the mind is what creates sickness in the body" and that understanding these patterns through astrology can lead to significant emotional and physical healing. On the topic of planetary alignments, she stated, "Whatever happens in the sky, we're going to feel it on planet Earth," reinforcing the idea that cosmic events can have profound effects on our collective consciousness, both positive and negative.Arraut said that astrology is referenced in the Bible, but many overlook this, as they don't know how to interpret these passages. She touched on her work as a channeler, which she said enhances her ability to do astrology readings. Highlighting the transformative power of astrology readings, she shared that many of her clients initially seek constant guidance but eventually realize the importance of self-discovery. "You cannot create such a dependency on astrology... you've got to build that source within yourself," she advised. Arraut also stressed the value of meditation and turning off the "monkey mind" in order to access deeper wisdom. During the last hour, she gave astrological readings for callers based on their birth dates.

In the first half, psychiatrist Carole Lieberman discussed the impact of UFO disclosure, and the potential reaction from Americans if and when proof of alien existence is revealed. Speaking of the increased drone reports in recent months, such as in New York and New Jersey, she expressed frustration over the government's inconsistent explanations regarding unidentified flying objects, stating, "The answers have been very different... none of them seemed like truth." Lieberman linked this lack of transparency to a growing sense of helplessness among the public, which she believes intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remarked, "We have just kind of given up our American spirit... feeling that we can't control things in our world."When asked about the nature of the drones, Lieberman speculated that they might not be extraterrestrial but rather advanced technology from either the US or China. Touching on the psychological impact of potential alien encounters, she suggested that societal trauma from recent events might affect emotional responses. "Intellectually, we can handle it... but emotionally, we have been beaten down." Individual reactions, she continued, would vary based on personal beliefs shaped by media portrayals of aliens, from optimistic depictions in films like "ET" to more sinister interpretations in classics like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." As to how she would help her clients come to terms with such a revelation, she would help them reframe their fears and explore their beliefs about aliens. "I would try to get people to think more positively about it, to give this situation a chance," she explained.-----------------In the latter half, astrologer and channeler Mercedes Arnús Arraut delved into the profound connections between astrology, consciousness, personal growth, and spirituality. She described astrology as "the study of planetary movements and their impact on Earth," emphasizing its role as a mirror reflecting our lives. Speaking of astrology's healing potential, she asserted that "the mind is what creates sickness in the body" and that understanding these patterns through astrology can lead to significant emotional and physical healing. On the topic of planetary alignments, she stated, "Whatever happens in the sky, we're going to feel it on planet Earth," reinforcing the idea that cosmic events can have profound effects on our collective consciousness, both positive and negative.Arraut said that astrology is referenced in the Bible, but many overlook this, as they don't know how to interpret these passages. She touched on her work as a channeler, which she said enhances her ability to do astrology readings. Highlighting the transformative power of astrology readings, she shared that many of her clients initially seek constant guidance but eventually realize the importance of self-discovery. "You cannot create such a dependency on astrology... you've got to build that source within yourself," she advised. Arraut also stressed the value of meditation and turning off the "monkey mind" in order to access deeper wisdom. During the last hour, she gave astrological readings for callers based on their birth dates.

In the first half, psychiatrist Carole Lieberman discussed the impact of UFO disclosure, and the potential reaction from Americans if and when proof of alien existence is revealed. Speaking of the increased drone reports in recent months, such as in New York and New Jersey, she expressed frustration over the government's inconsistent explanations regarding unidentified flying objects, stating, "The answers have been very different... none of them seemed like truth." Lieberman linked this lack of transparency to a growing sense of helplessness among the public, which she believes intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. She remarked, "We have just kind of given up our American spirit... feeling that we can't control things in our world."When asked about the nature of the drones, Lieberman speculated that they might not be extraterrestrial but rather advanced technology from either the US or China. Touching on the psychological impact of potential alien encounters, she suggested that societal trauma from recent events might affect emotional responses. "Intellectually, we can handle it... but emotionally, we have been beaten down." Individual reactions, she continued, would vary based on personal beliefs shaped by media portrayals of aliens, from optimistic depictions in films like "ET" to more sinister interpretations in classics like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." As to how she would help her clients come to terms with such a revelation, she would help them reframe their fears and explore their beliefs about aliens. "I would try to get people to think more positively about it, to give this situation a chance," she explained.-----------------In the latter half, astrologer and channeler Mercedes Arnús Arraut delved into the profound connections between astrology, consciousness, personal growth, and spirituality. She described astrology as "the study of planetary movements and their impact on Earth," emphasizing its role as a mirror reflecting our lives. Speaking of astrology's healing potential, she asserted that "the mind is what creates sickness in the body" and that understanding these patterns through astrology can lead to significant emotional and physical healing. On the topic of planetary alignments, she stated, "Whatever happens in the sky, we're going to feel it on planet Earth," reinforcing the idea that cosmic events can have profound effects on our collective consciousness, both positive and negative.Arraut said that astrology is referenced in the Bible, but many overlook this, as they don't know how to interpret these passages. She touched on her work as a channeler, which she said enhances her ability to do astrology readings. Highlighting the transformative power of astrology readings, she shared that many of her clients initially seek constant guidance but eventually realize the importance of self-discovery. "You cannot create such a dependency on astrology... you've got to build that source within yourself," she advised. Arraut also stressed the value of meditation and turning off the "monkey mind" in order to access deeper wisdom. During the last hour, she gave astrological readings for callers based on their birth dates.

Randy Blythe is the lead singer and songwriter for the heavy metal band, Lamb of God. He writes and sings, you might call it yelling...even growling, very angry, aggressive, and dark music. He has the sordid past you would expect. Severe alcoholism. Jail time for manslaughter charges. You might be surprised, or not, that he's the son of a Southern Baptist pastor. And Randy has just written his second book, called Just Beyond the Light: Making Peace with the Wars Inside Our Head. I was sent an advanced copy of the book and I found Randy to be an incredibly introspective, insightful and intellectually sober individual who I resonated with significantly. His music career started in punk rock and was very political and rebelling against society. Today however, Randy readily admits the one-sided judgement of it all. He says, “If something is worth believing in…a political, religious or humanitarian position…surely it should withstand rigorous examination from a rational, educated observer with critical thinking.” He goes on to say, “If you are unwilling to question your own beliefs and just accept them at face value…you are driven by fear." He shares that he finally realized, "his own head was lying to him" and the war inside his head and the incessant conflict was just his daily, constantly shifting perception of reality. I feel this is the war in all of our heads, and it's where my primary interest as of late is. Following is my conversation with Randy to dig into his experience and discuss our shared views on perception and reality. I found Randy incredibly thoughtful and humble, and am going to join him in Denver in a couple weeks during his national Spoken Word tour to get to know each other more. You can check out his book, Just Beyond the Light, and find him by searching for Randy Blythe. Sign up for your $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to start your free trial. Use my promo code WHATDRIVESYOU for 10% off on any CleanMyMac's subscription plans Join millions of Americans reaching their financial goals—starting at just $3/month! Get $25 towards your first stock purchase at get.stash.com/DRIVE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults: A Conversation with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 840) In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity, about the organization’s mission to support intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. Meg shares her passion for the […] The post Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults, with Meg Blackwood, InCommunity appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Empowering Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Adults: A Conversation with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 840) In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Meg Blackwood, CEO of InCommunity, about the organization’s mission to support intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. Meg shares her passion for the […]

Click Here to Get All Podcast Show Notes!Is selling evil, or is it the ultimate tool for empowerment? Sharran reveals how redefining sales can transform your business, build trust, and inspire action without sleaze or pressure.In this episode, Sharran dives into the controversial question: Is selling evil? He dismantles negative stereotypes about sales and shares a powerful definition that aligns with ethics and empowerment. Learn how to engage customers intellectually, inspire emotional commitment, and avoid common pitfalls like "commission breath." With examples and actionable insights, this episode will change how you think about sales and help you create meaningful, trust-based connections with your audience.Stop selling the wrong way. Tune in to discover how to sell with integrity and achieve better results.“How you sell is just a function of how you serve, and the only way to get that right is to have the right definition of selling.”- Sharran SrivatsaaTimestamps:01:08 - Redefining sales: A definition that changes everything02:57 - Intellectually engaging customers in future results04:46 - Overcoming mental blocks in the sales process07:39 - Why trust is the cornerstone of ethical selling10:09 - Emotional commitment: The key to inspiring action10:35 - How ethical selling leads to lasting customer loyalty15:51 - The real reason 60% of sales are lost17:20 - Why ethical sales is a tool for transformation17:54 - Why salespeople are the saviors of the universe19:33 - Why some salespeople manipulate customersResources:- Is Selling Evil? (animated video) by Joe Polish - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2ZXAhV8lzg- Grow Faster with Unicorn Assistants - hireyourunicorn.com- The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/- Top Agent Power Pack - https://sharran.activehosted.com/f/121- The 5am Club - https://sharran.com/5amclub/- Join the 10K Wisdom Private Partner Podcast, now available to you for free - https://www.highlandprime.com/optin-10k-wisdom- The Job of a CEO - https://www.highlandprime.com/download-job-of-ceo- Join Sharran's VIP Community -

Have a question you want answered? Submit it here!This episode was recorded in 2022.Kimberly is joined by a very special guest, her husband, Rob! This was the second time Rob joined the podcast so if you missed the first episode, make sure you go back and listen to the episode about Introverts vs. Extroverts.In this episode, they both discuss what intellectually attracted them to each other when they first met. You will hear Rob and Kimberly answer questions from the listeners about working on intellectual attraction with your spouse when you have no interest in the same hobbies or likes.This is a fun episode with lots of laughs and great perspectives from both spouses on being more intellectually attractive.Your Host: Kimberly Beam Holmes, Expert in Self-Improvement and RelationshipsKimberly Beam Holmes has applied her master's degree in psychology for over ten years, acting as the CEO of Marriage Helper & CEO and Creator of PIES University, being a wife and mother herself, and researching how attraction affects relationships. Her videos, podcasts, and following reach over 500,000 people a month who are making changes and becoming the best they can be.

As a young woman in an Islamic culture in Central Asia, Sara was drawn to stories of Jesus. He was a good man, she thought, one whose life matched his teachings. But how could Jesus be God? Sara wrestled deeply with this question in her search for truth. Intellectually, she found the Bible to be true, but she couldn't commit to everything it said. Eternal life was attractive, but the idea that Jesus was God was confusing to her. Sara poured herself into studying different religions, desperate to figure out how she could be confident she'd go to heaven when she died. She prayed, “God, there should be only one way to you.” Sara loved the Bible study she joined at a local church. She was attracted by the love Christians had for each other, even being willing to share their weaknesses and struggles. Everything about Jesus and his followers was attractive to Sara. After so much study and so many questions, Sara heard God's voice—speaking to her in her own language. “You need to make a decision.” She knew it was God himself speaking with love, authority, gentleness, and power. Sara remembered reading John 14:6 where Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and they life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Listen to hear how Sara came to understand Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for her sin and the peace he gave to overcome her anxieties. Join us next week to hear the price Sara paid for her faith in Christ. Never miss an episode of VOM Radio! Subscribe to the podcast.

Federal prosecutors have attempted to tie Indigenous political prisoner Leonard Peltier to the murder of fellow AIM activist, Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash. It is a frequent allegation that has relied on weak evidence and the charges of paid federal informants. In this episode, TRN Podcast co-host Nick Estes (@nickwestes) looks at several sources of information from key Indigenous activists who knew Leonard Peltier and Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash to the FBI's own knowledge of her murder at the time it happened and federal prosecutors' initial hesitancy to take up the case. Learn more here from a lecture by Ernesto Vigil at the University of Denver on May 6, 2023. Watch the video edition on The Red Nation Podcast YouTube channel The Red Nation Podcast is sustained by comrades and supporters like you. Power our work here: www.patreon.com/redmediapr ------ Below is the text of Hank Adams' 2020 Facebook post, shortly before his passing: Note: Adams is responding to a 2016 APTN article in which Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde apologizes to Anna Mae Aquash's family. December 14, 2020 Intellectually dishonest hate-monger Paul DeMain has reignited his campaign to assure denial of any Executive Clemency to LEONARD PELTIER, 76, at any time before Leonard's next scheduled Parole Hearing in Year 2024 with a continued misuse and abuse of the December 1975 gunshot death of ANNA MAE AQUASH and the unconscionable exploitation of Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash's children. Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde makes significant points in this 2016 article in which the 1975 Aquash death became the center point in President Barack Obama's decision to deny Clemency to Peltier: “I regret that my statement caused some hurt and pain and I apologize for the pain I caused her [Denise Maloney Pictou] and her family,” said Bellegarde. “That wasn't my intent.” Bellegarde said he still would like to see Peltier freed. He said the case is a separate issue from AIM's execution of Aquash. “I called for that (Peltier's release) because there is an injustice there,” said Bellegarde. “So I will continue to advocate for that.” Bellegarde said two previous AFN national chiefs have made the same call which is also backed by Amnesty International and prominent individuals like the Dalai Lama. Peltier was extradited from Canada to the U.S. in December 1976. Warren Allmand, Canada's solicitor general at the time of Peltier's extradition, has since stated the F.B.I submitted false information to have Peltier extradited." DeMain's posting of Aquash daughter Denise Maloney Pictou's December 12, 2020, renewed accusations against Leonard Peltier and DeMain's hated AIM organization [re-Posted here in Comment 1] are the beginning of a campaign to assure that 2020 President-Elect Joe Biden will not grant Executive Clemency to Leonard Peltier. In death and posthumously, Anna Mae has been made a sainted heroine. But between 1972 and November 14, 1975, Anna Mae's ways were AIM's ways. AIM's ways - good and bad - were without qualification or reservation Anna Mae's ways, by choice. At NCAI in November, American Indian Press Association's (AIPA) Richard LaCourse told me of his meeting with Dennis Banks, Leonard Peltier, Kamook Banks, and Anna Mae just before his coming to Portland for NCAI.. Anna Mae then had indicated no distress nor given any indication that she was being held prisoner or against her will. On November 14, 1975, the four AIM "leaders" only broke apart because of the Ontario, Oregon stopping of their [Marlon Brando] recreational vehicle by armed Oregon police. A couple days later, Leonard Peltier was transported (through Franks Landing) from Portland into British Columbia (by associates of mine, who did not inform me then of their activity). He spent the next month in the locale he was taken to and remained incommunicado with U.S. colleagues until later, at least until he traveled to Small Boy's camp in Alberta, Canada. That is where the RCMP and FBI picked up on Leonard - long after Anna Mae Aquash's death in the second week of December 1975. Memorandum in the FBI's Denver Office dated as early as December 19, 1975 disclosed Anna Mae Aquash had been killed - although the FBI would feign ignorance of the death and the corpse identity for more than the next three months. The December 1975 memos identified the killers as John "Boy" Graham, Arlo Looking Cloud, and Theda Nelson Clarke - although none of the three were indicted through the next 28 years. The Looking Cloud trial was held in December 2004; Graham's in 2010 - lapses of 29 and 35 years. Theda Nelson - a likely FBI Informant in December 1975 - (on mental competency findings) did not go to trial. Clark died at age 87 in 2011. Although a lead prosecutor opened the Leonard Peltier trial in Fargo, North Dakota on March 16, 1977 declaring: "AIM is not on trial."; both AIM and Leonard Peltier were made the main 'defendants' in the 2004 and 2010 trials for the killing of Anna Mae Aquash! If there was ever a case where all parties - prosecution, defense and all witnesses - acted in friendly collusion to 'convict' undefended and absent non-parties [1st Leonard Peltier; 2nd AIM] - the Looking Cloud and Graham trials were such cases. The fodder for the trial's conspiratorial claptrap largely was wrung from the mind and imagination of Paul DeMain in his relentless vendetta against AIM leaders and most creatively against Leonard Peltier. Many of his unsubstantiated claims were rejected by author Steven Hendricks when writing "The Unquiet Grave" (2007). DeMain "Timelines" for Anna Mae Pictou have since focused on the AIM Convention in New Mexico just prior to the Jumping Bull Compound deaths of FBI Agents on Pine Ridge on June 26, 1975 leading to the 1977 life sentence convictions of Peltier. The design is intended to prejudice considerations against any grant of parole or clemency for Peltier. Canada's Assembly of First Nation is correct in declaring the "execution" of Anna Mae Aquash and the pursuit of "freedom" for Leonard Peltier on compassionate and humanitarian grounds are "separate issues." They are correct in continuing their support for Executive Clemency through offices of both the Canadian Prime Minister and any U.S. President. What satisfaction can President Elect Biden derive from side-stepping all humanitarian and compassionate considerations for Leonard Peltier through a first term, deferring any favorable consideration to the scheduled Parole Hearing in 2024? The Pardons Office of a bureaucratic and prejudiced Justice Department housing the FBI has already failed the last four Presidents of the United States in this matter! Will retribution finally end if Leonard Peltier is still alive in 2024 and then 80 years old? Indians of Western Washington who transported Leonard Peltier to Canada on or about November 17, 1975, and Indians of British Columbia who hosted and concealed him for the next month or until beyond when the FBI first was informed of Anna Mae's death and the identity of her killers can attest to Leonard's movements and communications (record) that wholly absolve Leonard Peltier of any direct or indirect role in the December 1975 murder of Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash.