Podcasts about Jenga

Oliver Dauert is the founder of Wildya, a consultancy helping nature NGOs and nature businesses grow their impact by getting better at marketing, sales, and personal branding. A Berlin native who wanted to be an elephant seal at age five, Oliver studied business specifically to understand how to change the systems driving the biodiversity crisis. After two years of pivots — from eco-anxiety coaching to corporate consulting — Wildya has found its focus helping the people already doing the work get more attention, more customers, and more resources.In this episode, Oliver and Tom discuss:The Jenga tower explanation of why biodiversity loss threatens everything we've built as a civilizationWhy Oliver chose business over marine biology — and whether he regrets itHow he built a community of tens of thousands on LinkedIn by being a messenger rather than a marketerThe business model behind Wildya, from free LinkedIn content to paid bootcamps and one-on-one consultingWhy the CSRD rollback and Trump's reelection killed his corporate pivot — and why the timing was just wrongWhat "rewilding your backyard" actually looks like, and the three steps any individual or business can take todayWhy biodiversity is a long-term business investment, not a cost — and how compounding returns apply to nature just as they do to capitalThe IUCN tool that shows you exactly what's threatening species within 50 kilometers of your homeThe butterfly that nested on his Berlin balcony and what it taught him about positive feedback loopsWhy personal branding isn't self-promotion — and why the messenger matters less than the messageResources mentioned:1% for the Planet directory: www.onepercentfortheplanet.orgIUCN Red List species threat tool: www.iucnredlist.orgWildya community: wildya.com

Luttsy and Susie are in LA for 'G'day USA' while Nick is Home Alone in BrisbaneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast recently held their annual Cookie Count 'n' Go. The regional council wants to sell more than one million boxes of cookies this year.

Ambie and Crystal discuss a couple games they played recently, including Trajan, The Gang, and Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated. Then we talk about what we would put in our board game go bags (if we had them) to take to gatherings that aren't necessarily about board games. 0:00-Intro 0:39-Announcements 2:10-Recent Games - Trajan 10:38-The Gang 18:42-Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated 20:08-BG Go Bags 28:58-Outro 30:02-Bloopers Join our discord Support us directly at https://ko-fi.com/boardgameblitz Or shop at our merch store or our Amazon Storefront This episode was sponsored by Grey Fox Games. Use the code "BLITZ2026" to get 10% off your entire cart. Consolidated Links For the full show notes visit our site at http://www.boardgameblitz.com/posts/431

Fathom was built on the assumption that transcription would become commoditized and generative models would steadily improve. Rather than training proprietary models, Richard focused on building the infrastructure around them and waiting for model capabilities to reach the right threshold.In this conversation, he explains why AI has made effort and impact harder to predict, and why that shifts product development from roadmap execution toward experimentation. He describes separating an exploratory AI team from core engineering, structuring that team to prototype and write specs, and expecting a meaningful portion of experiments not to work.Richard introduces his Jenga model for AI development, testing different models and use cases to find where resistance is lowest. He also discusses the operational realities of rapid model updates, hallucination rates, and what he calls the LLM treadmill.The discussion explores qualitative QA, organizational design, buy versus build decisions, and why leadership taste plays an increasingly important role as AI lowers the barrier to generating outputs.Key takeaways: Estimating effort and impact is becoming harderAs model capabilities improve quickly, features that require months today may take far less time in the near future. This makes traditional planning assumptions less stable.Product development increasingly resembles R&DWith shifting capabilities and uncertain outcomes, teams must experiment, prototype, and iterate rather than rely solely on long term roadmaps.Organizational structure must reflect experimentationSeparating exploratory AI work from core engineering can allow faster iteration while maintaining stability elsewhere.Rapid model updates create operational pressureFrequent improvements and changing performance levels can require teams to revisit and adjust features more often than in traditional software cycles.Qualitative judgment plays a larger roleAs AI lowers the cost of generating outputs, evaluating quality and deciding what to ship becomes increasingly important.Fathom: fathom.aiFathom LinkedIn: linkedin/company/fathom-video/Richard's LinkedIn: linkedin/in/rrwhite/00:00 Intro: Why AI Breaks Roadmaps00:19 Meet Richard White (Fathom AI)02:16 From Roadmaps to R&D04:49 Designing AI Teams for Speed07:11 The Jenga Model09:56 Failing 50% & AI Team Psychology13:40 LLMs as Interns & Anti-Planning21:01 QA, Data Pain & Developing Taste24:59 Executive Taste & Culture Rules27:20 Reacting to AI Waves28:50 Fathom's 4-Step Product Plan30:47 What New Models Unlock32:13 From Scribe to Second Brain40:32 Build vs Buy in AI45:32 The Debrief

Welcome to Season 11 of All The Feelings: Still Adulting, where Pete and Tommy prove that being a grown-up is just an elaborate prank we're all somehow still falling for.This week: The culinary industrial complex.Pete wages a one-man war against grocery store architecture while searching for a discontinued cookie with the fervor of someone who's lost far more than a snack. Tommy confronts his mageirocophobia (the fear of cooking—yes, it's real), learns he's been a Meat Man, discovers he's aging into his Fish Era, and finally—finally—figures out how to freeze leftovers without creating a Jenga tower of regret in his freezer.Also: the theological implications of coriander, and why the death of the Choco Taco is actually about mortality.It's 45 minutes of two adults realizing that "What's for dinner?" is the most existentially terrifying question in the English language.Merch Drop: We're Aging Into Our Fish Era • The Omega-3 Wars are Coming for US ALL. ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. Visit allthefeelings.fum/join to learn more!

Will the lowering returns on violence along with digital wealth storage lead to an exodus?In Episode #514 of ' Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: The Sovereign Individual book (1997) highly recommended by Bitcoiners, early chapters bogged in Y2K angst versus strikingly prescient calls on digital money, decentralised media and the emerging cyber economy, how portable digital wealth might change the return on violence, what sovereignty means when nation-states still control critical infrastructure, historical arcs the book frames well (church cohesion and bloat, the rise of nation-states, industrial-era labour leverage) and where its predictions remain wavy, why megapolitics is way more interesting than regular politics and whether we will eventually see the demise of the nation state. No boostagrams or support for this week, the beanie remains off!Stan Link: https://stan.store/meremortalsTimeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:12) Why this book is famous in Bitcoin circles(00:03:21) A shaky start: Y2K anxiety and dated worries(00:07:24) Did they really predict Bitcoin? Tech hits and misses(00:11:14) Core thesis: becoming sovereign and limits of the nation state(00:13:32) What the book mostly covers: history and the rise of states(00:16:05) Have nation states fractured? Power, wealth, and timelines(00:18:39) Tech predictions vs social change: flying cars to hoverboards(00:22:45) Numbers vs life: the underestimated intangibles of place(00:25:01) Mobility is hard: visas, citizenship, and places that want you(00:28:58) Libertarian reactions and margin notes in the library copy(00:35:03) Evolution, brutality, and who loses in a sovereign-first world(00:39:41) Public goods dilemma: bins, buses, roads, and who pays(00:41:07) Free market hopes vs missing pure libertarian examples(00:45:15) Effective vs efficient government and outsourcing to markets(00:50:50) Boostagram Lounge and live chat banter (skating and humour)(00:53:02) Key idea 1: Returns on violence across societal stages(00:56:54) Key idea 2: The churchs early positive role and later bloat(01:00:48) From fiefdoms to nation states: merchants, money, and armies(01:05:09) Tech stacks of state power: cannonballs, printing presses, ledgers(01:10:14) Can states still crush you? Blacklists, access, and workarounds(01:17:12) Anonymity needs crowds: mixing, privacy coins, and cash claims(01:20:19) Verdict on portability: harder to police digital than physical(01:25:59) The Jenga tower of ideas: keeping what sticks(01:27:55) New vocabulary: Megapolitical and thinking above politics(01:31:14) Final thoughts, sign-off, and when to listen live Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

What happens when a high-achieving corporate lawyer is forced to choose between financial stability and her health?In this powerful episode of Press Pause, Ishani opens up about quitting her job, battling burnout, healing her body, losing her dog, navigating divorce, and building Moody — a femtech startup tackling the gender health gap.We talk about:• Standing up for yourself in your 30s• Choosing healing over hustle• Why strangers support you more than friends• The emotional cost of being “the strong one”• Faith, feminine & masculine energy• Building a women's health startup in DubaiThis episode is honest, emotional, and deeply relatable for every woman juggling ambition, responsibility, and identity.Watch till the end — the Jenga game gets real.Please visit my website to get more information: https://www.jouhaynaalmheiri.com/press-pause-with-jouhayna

Donny dares Bob to eat a worm. What a nightmare! Or is it? Average Boy has to figure out how to save the day and encourage a new girl in town named Maeve. While Bob begins this episode like a Jenga tower during an earthquake—a little shaky—he ends with his feet on solid ground. You also won’t want to miss a listener from Australia who asks a question . . . and a riddle. Click here to see the new Average Boy book title and cover! Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain access to books, devotionals, subscriptions to Clubhouse Magazine, and much more! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to The Official Average Boy Podcast, please give us your feedback.

Donny dares Bob to eat a worm. What a nightmare! Or is it? Average Boy has to figure out how to save the day and encourage a new girl in town named Maeve. While Bob begins this episode like a Jenga tower during an earthquakea little shakyhe ends with his feet on solid ground. You also won't want to miss a listener from Australia who asks a question . . . and a riddle. Click here to see the new Average Boy book title and cover! Click here to visit the Average Boy Store to gain access to books, devotionals, subscriptions to Clubhouse Magazine, and much more! We'd love to hear from you! Visit our Homepage to leave us a voicemail. If you enjoyed listening to The Official Average Boy Podcast, please give us your feedback. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1443/29?v=20251111

Tune in to EPISODE TWO of STUDY BREAK with SEE! STUDY BREAK is a student-success driven UAB podcast by Student Engagement & Enrichment, hosted by SEE Undergraduate Assistant Olivia Scarbrough and Mandy Hunt, diving into real conversations about student success: from student/life wins, stress-busting strategies, and finding your fit on campus, to SEE mentorship and building the best UAB experience for you! In this episode, Mandy and Olivia welcome Vivica Parker. Come take a "study break" and talk balancing school, life, work, and all the jengas of life as a UAB student! Want to get involved with STUDY BREAK with SEE? Comment below or reach out to kmwakefi@uab.edu! Produced by Kendall Wakefield Co-Produced and Hosted by Mandy Hunt & Olivia Scarbrough Co-Edited by Garett Heinemann

Alright, folks, grab your headphones and settle in because we're diving deep into the wild world of home improvement with the fabulous Wendy Glaister from Wendy Glaister Interiors. We're chatting about the oh-so-important dance between contractors and designers and how they can work together to keep projects running smoother than a freshly waxed floor. Spoiler alert: it turns out communication is the unsung hero here, because if you don't talk it out, you might as well be playing a game of telephone with a bunch of toddlers. We'll tackle the chaos that can come from not having everyone on the same page, and trust me, you don't want your renovation saga ending up on a reality TV show for all the wrong reasons. So kick back, relax, and let's figure out how to keep the drama on the stage and out of your home! When it comes to home improvement, the dynamic between contractors, designers, and homeowners can often resemble a high-stakes game of Jenga: one wrong move, and everything comes crashing down. Eric G and John Dudley, your friendly neighborhood home improvement gurus, sit down with the ever-charismatic Wendy Glaister of Wendy Glaister Interiors to unravel this chaotic relationship. They dive into the art of collaboration—how to transform that potential Jenga tower into a well-oiled machine. Spoiler alert: it's all about communication and mutual respect. Wendy shares her wisdom on getting everyone on the same page from the get-go. Because let's be honest, starting off on the wrong foot can lead to a project that ends up on the next episode of ‘Worse Renovations Ever'—and nobody wants that. In this lively banter, the trio discusses the importance of setting expectations and building a rapport between the homeowner, designer, and contractor. Wendy emphasizes the need to park egos at the door—because nothing says ‘disaster' like a clash of creative visions. As they explore the intricate dance of design and construction, they also highlight the absurdity of how often these roles become adversarial rather than collaborative. You'll hear tales of past projects that went south and learn how to avoid being the unsuspecting homeowner caught in the crossfire. This episode is packed with tips, humor, and real talk about the remodeling jungle, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to dive into a home project with their sanity intact.Takeaways:Designers and contractors must work together from the project's start for smooth sailing.Communication is key; homeowners need to voice concerns immediately to avoid issues later.The 'superhero complex' can derail projects; collaboration is better than competition.Ego can ruin great designs; mutual respect among team members is essential.Hiring a designer and a contractor simultaneously can prevent costly mistakes down the line.Setting expectations and creating a friendly environment fosters creativity and problem-solving.Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early

Shifting Gears at the Crossroads: How to Prepare for Disruption and Navigate Life's Major Transitions Wondering how can companies prepare for disruption — or to Transform Disruption Into Success? In Shifting Gears at the Crossroads, author DJ Hefflin shares a powerful, faith-based roadmap drawn from his own professional, personal, and ministry shifts. This book answers key questions like what do you mean by disruption, what's a positive word for disruption (think transformation, pivot, or breakthrough), and what's a professional way to say messed up when life throws curveballs. If you're facing a career crossroad, questioning what is considered a career path, or exploring what does career explorer mean, this guide is for you. The future of work demands preparing for disruption — only about 20% of people are financially ready for even a six-month shift, and far fewer see it coming. DJ Hefflin, through Crossroads Professional Building, Crossroads Professional Coaching, and Crossroads Professional Counseling insights, built this book on real experiences to help you thrive amid change. Why “Shifting Gears at the Crossroads” Was Written DJ Hefflin created this book to guide people through life's major transitions with a practical, step-by-step process for managing change and turning setbacks into setups for success. The Four Foundational “F's” The core revolves around balancing faith, family, fitness, and finances — like Jenga blocks holding up a stable life. When one wobbles (especially faith during tough times), the others can collapse, requiring intentional rebuilding. Repositioning: The Strategic Step Back Moving from disruption (point A) to your desired outcome (point B) often means a temporary "backwards" move — a repositioning investment in status or income that's essential for long-term growth, not failure. Anticipating Disruption Spot early signs by tracking current events, economic trends, industry changes, mergers, and personal signals like relationship quality, fulfillment, and communication patterns. Vision, Mission, and Core Identity Define your vision (long-term aspiration) and mission (daily actions). Write them down as an anchor during chaos to stay aligned and make better decisions. Service and Daily Introspection True success comes from serving others (sowing and reaping). Commit to 30 minutes of daily introspection, prayer, or meditation to connect actions to your bigger goals and boost productivity. What's Next: A Season of Acceleration DJ Hefflin's upcoming follow-up, Shifting Gears in the Crossroads: A Season of Acceleration, builds on this foundation. After repositioning, rebuilding, and realizing your potential, enter a phase of accelerated impact in your calling, society, and service to others. Ready to navigate your career crossroad with clarity and faith? Grab Shifting Gears at the Crossroads today and start preparing for whatever transformation comes next. Subscribe for more on the future of work, preparing for disruption, and career pivots. Comment below: What's your biggest current crossroad?  

This morning, we have Brian Oliva sharing with us about - What's Holding It Together? Join us in the conversation. This is the audio podcast.

SEASON 6 PREMIER! For the first episode of Season 6, Stephen and Mark visit one of their favorite destinations, the end of the world.  They'll meander their way toward it in the novel Wanderers by Chuck Wendig. A trip to the apocalypse needs an appropriately named beverage.  Tonight's bourbon is Bloody Butcher by Whiskey Acres.

"Rusty wheelbarrow? How do we do that?" - Nick Listen live on the Nova Player. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to Seasoned Sessions! This week, we talk about the AFCON final, with Senegal winning against Morocco, relaxers being linked to fibroids and cancer, and more. Get in touch with us at ⁠@seasonedsessionspod,⁠ ⁠@adaenechi,⁠ and ⁠@its_hanifahh⁠. Have a great week!

This week we're like Socrates in the forum with everyone trying to figure out how to emulate a Jenga tower in Roll20... it's Niko's first 3 TTRPG Mechnáge-à-Trois! This one is about Table-top Roleplaying Games, so no list of mechs discussed. Instead, we dive deep into the genre itself with these selections! All images: on our website. Content warnings for this episode: [Warfare, child soldiers, genocide, and mental health crisis.] On the Shoulders of Giants is hosted by Alice (she/her), Brian (he/they), and Niko (she/her). Join OSG's Discord here Obligation-free tip jar on Ko-Fi Hang out with us on Twitch! You can find us on Bluesky @osgpod, YouTube @osg_pod, and Tumblr @osg-pod. Visit our website at osgpod.com and send questions/feedback to questions@osgpod.com. Our theme is “She Loves Your Fusion” by PartyFactor. Other royalty-free sound effects also sourced from Pixabay. Any and all clips of copyrighted media are included for transformative use in commentary, and On the Shoulders of Giants makes no claim of ownership on any sampled audio. Shoutout to free_soundcommunity also on Pixabay for the extra SFX used in this episode. If you've read this far, please consider leaving us a 5-star review on your podcatcher of choice. It really means a lot!

Kennt ihr das, wenn ihr eine App auf dem Homescreen neusortiert und trotzdem immer wieder auf den Button drückt? Die einen nennen es Muscle Memory, wir sagen: Entzugserscheinungen. Und wieso dieses Suchtverhalten problematisch ist, wieso YouTube die Megamacht ist, die sogar jetzt die BBC bezirzen kann und wohin junge Leute und Businessmenschen nun gehen - alles heute. ➡️ Netzpolitik zur Umfrage, wen ein Social Media-Verbot beträfe - Eltern und junge Menschen: [https://netzpolitik.org/2026/875-eltern-und-kinder-befragt-social-media-verbot-ist-nicht-die-beste-loesung/](https://netzpolitik.org/2026/875-eltern-und-kinder-befragt-social-media-verbot-ist-nicht-die-beste-loesung/) ➡️ Einladungscode zu LYNQ ([https://lynq.me](https://lynq.me/)): GYFFB3 (im App Store und Play Store) Kapitelmarken, KI-unterstützt 00:00:00 - Hallo Simon! 00:00:43 - Housekeeping 00:11:50 - TikToks Altersverifizierung in Europa 00:15:20 - Neues zum Social Media-Verbot in Australien 00:21:11 - Studie zu Social-Media-Regeln in Deutschland 00:27:01 - Roblox' Altersverifizierung 00:32:20 - Jenga! 00:34:57 - Die Plattformstrategie der BBC 00:41:00 - YouTube lockert Werberichtlinien 00:44:57 - 2016core 00:47:05 - Disneys Threads-Debakel 00:49:51 - Funktionen und Emotionen

Your 60-second money minute. Today's topic: The Jenga Economy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bitcoin is currently testing critical psychological support. After a rejection near the $95,000 mark earlier this week, the "bearish Jenga" has begun. We explore the $84,000 "safety net" and whether this is a healthy correction or the start of a deeper retracement.

Life on purpose - Pt. 1 - Jenga by

Ever wondered what beer chemistry, emo vampires, and broom mechanics have in common? Neither did we—until this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast! We're diving deep into RPG madness, from the grimy charm of Shadow Dark to the chaos of Warhammer's magic (spoiler: it's messy). Then, we tackle Symbaroum, where sweeping is serious business, and Vison, the perfect game for overachieving detectives. Horror fans, brace yourselves! It's eldritch chills with Call of Cthulhu, slapstick terror with Pulp Cthulhu, and Appalachian nightmares with Old Gods of Appalachia. Oh, and don't forget Vampire: The Masquerade, where brooding has never been so stylish. Summary Join the RPGBOT hosts as they embark on a tabletop odyssey filled with epic quests, fermented wisdom, and dice-fueled shenanigans! In this episode, they sip on the heady brew of beer chemistry before stumbling into the Old-School Renaissance of Shadow Dark—where dungeons are grim, and death is always just a dice roll away. The adventure takes a quirky turn with Symbaroum, a game where sweeping mechanics finally get their moment in the spotlight, and spirals into the arcane depths of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay's magic systems (spoiler: it's like herding chaotic cats). Mystery lovers, rejoice! They dissect Vison, an RPG that dares players to think—and maybe overthink—its clever puzzles. For horror fans, it's a double feature: Call of Cthulhu's sanity-shattering frights meet Pulp Cthulhu's lighthearted antics (think Indiana Jones with an eldritch twist). The hosts then dive fang-first into Vampire: The Masquerade and the brooding drama of World of Darkness, where players face the ultimate challenge: emo roleplay. To cap it off, the crew gets their candles snuffed out in Ten Candles and pulled into the spine-tingling Appalachian horrors of Old Gods of Appalachia. Whether you're rolling a nat 20 or a nat 1, this episode celebrates RPGs in all their weird, wonderful glory. Links Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times Achtung Cthulhu Adventures in Rokugan Alien RPG ALIEN RPG - A review ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34 All Flesh Must Be Eaten Apocalypse World Battletech Bladerunner Call of Cthulhu Candela Obscura Colostle CY_BORG Cyberpunk Red Cypher Core Rulebook Death in Space Death in Space – A review Delta Green Doctor Who RPG Doctors and Daleks FFG Star Wars Fallout RPG Forbidden Lands Genesys Core Rulebook Imperium Maledictum Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review Legend of the Five Rings Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e Marvel Multiverse RPG Masks Mork Borg Mörk Borg - A Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32 Numenera Old Gods of Appalachia Pirate Borg Pulp Cthulhu Ruins of Symbaroum Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46 Shadowdark RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne Shadowrun Symbaroum The One Ring 2e The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review The Walking Dead RPG Vaesen Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen Vampire: The Masquerade How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Werewolf: The Apocalypse SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF Episode Takeaways Game Mechanics & Themes Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay features a risky, intricate magic system and expansive character creation options. OSR games bring simplicity and nostalgia reminiscent of early D&D. SimBroom introduces corruption mechanics that shape gameplay. High-risk, high-reward gameplay boosts player engagement. RPGs offer unique themes and mechanics, expanding gameplay possibilities. Dragonbane lets players embody whimsical characters, like ducks. Shadow Dark thrives on time pressure and quick decision-making. Vison focuses on solving mysteries over combat, creating unique narratives. World of Darkness emphasizes personal horror and the burden of being a monster. Call of Cthulhu delivers cosmic horror with sanity mechanics, while Pulp Cthulhu adds action-oriented flair. Horror RPGs, like Old Gods of Appalachia and Ten Candles, use innovative mechanics to amplify tension. Dread, with its Jenga tower, brings suspense into the physical realm. Character Creation & Player Experience Brewing beer involves mastering sugar and fermentation processes. Transitioning from dungeon fantasy to darker themes in RPGs can challenge players. Vampire RPGs often introduce disempowerment and moral dilemmas, such as the dangerous Diablerie mechanic. Character survival in horror RPGs often hinges on player choices and narrative decisions. Game Selection & Exploration Selecting games often involves collaboration and even dice rolls. Exploring lesser-known RPGs enriches the gaming experience and storytelling. The RPG landscape is vast, with many innovative games to explore. Exploring different RPGs can enhance storytelling and player engagement. Resources & Community Engagement The chapter on mysteries in Vison's rulebook is a valuable resource for any TTRPG. Rubrics can help evaluate RPG mechanics and themes effectively. Community ratings and reviews play a key role in podcast growth. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Ever wondered what beer chemistry, emo vampires, and broom mechanics have in common? Neither did we—until this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast! We're diving deep into RPG madness, from the grimy charm of Shadow Dark to the chaos of Warhammer's magic (spoiler: it's messy). Then, we tackle Symbaroum, where sweeping is serious business, and Vison, the perfect game for overachieving detectives. Horror fans, brace yourselves! It's eldritch chills with Call of Cthulhu, slapstick terror with Pulp Cthulhu, and Appalachian nightmares with Old Gods of Appalachia. Oh, and don't forget Vampire: The Masquerade, where brooding has never been so stylish. Summary Join the RPGBOT hosts as they embark on a tabletop odyssey filled with epic quests, fermented wisdom, and dice-fueled shenanigans! In this episode, they sip on the heady brew of beer chemistry before stumbling into the Old-School Renaissance of Shadow Dark—where dungeons are grim, and death is always just a dice roll away. The adventure takes a quirky turn with Symbaroum, a game where sweeping mechanics finally get their moment in the spotlight, and spirals into the arcane depths of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay's magic systems (spoiler: it's like herding chaotic cats). Mystery lovers, rejoice! They dissect Vison, an RPG that dares players to think—and maybe overthink—its clever puzzles. For horror fans, it's a double feature: Call of Cthulhu's sanity-shattering frights meet Pulp Cthulhu's lighthearted antics (think Indiana Jones with an eldritch twist). The hosts then dive fang-first into Vampire: The Masquerade and the brooding drama of World of Darkness, where players face the ultimate challenge: emo roleplay. To cap it off, the crew gets their candles snuffed out in Ten Candles and pulled into the spine-tingling Appalachian horrors of Old Gods of Appalachia. Whether you're rolling a nat 20 or a nat 1, this episode celebrates RPGs in all their weird, wonderful glory. Links Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times Achtung Cthulhu Adventures in Rokugan Alien RPG ALIEN RPG - A review ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34 All Flesh Must Be Eaten Apocalypse World Battletech Bladerunner Call of Cthulhu Candela Obscura Colostle CY_BORG Cyberpunk Red Cypher Core Rulebook Death in Space Death in Space – A review Delta Green Doctor Who RPG Doctors and Daleks FFG Star Wars Fallout RPG Forbidden Lands Genesys Core Rulebook Imperium Maledictum Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review Legend of the Five Rings Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e Marvel Multiverse RPG Masks Mork Borg Mörk Borg - A Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32 Numenera Old Gods of Appalachia Pirate Borg Pulp Cthulhu Ruins of Symbaroum Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46 Shadowdark RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne Shadowrun Symbaroum The One Ring 2e The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review The Walking Dead RPG Vaesen Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen Vampire: The Masquerade How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Werewolf: The Apocalypse SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF Episode Takeaways Game Mechanics & Themes Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay features a risky, intricate magic system and expansive character creation options. OSR games bring simplicity and nostalgia reminiscent of early D&D. SimBroom introduces corruption mechanics that shape gameplay. High-risk, high-reward gameplay boosts player engagement. RPGs offer unique themes and mechanics, expanding gameplay possibilities. Dragonbane lets players embody whimsical characters, like ducks. Shadow Dark thrives on time pressure and quick decision-making. Vison focuses on solving mysteries over combat, creating unique narratives. World of Darkness emphasizes personal horror and the burden of being a monster. Call of Cthulhu delivers cosmic horror with sanity mechanics, while Pulp Cthulhu adds action-oriented flair. Horror RPGs, like Old Gods of Appalachia and Ten Candles, use innovative mechanics to amplify tension. Dread, with its Jenga tower, brings suspense into the physical realm. Character Creation & Player Experience Brewing beer involves mastering sugar and fermentation processes. Transitioning from dungeon fantasy to darker themes in RPGs can challenge players. Vampire RPGs often introduce disempowerment and moral dilemmas, such as the dangerous Diablerie mechanic. Character survival in horror RPGs often hinges on player choices and narrative decisions. Game Selection & Exploration Selecting games often involves collaboration and even dice rolls. Exploring lesser-known RPGs enriches the gaming experience and storytelling. The RPG landscape is vast, with many innovative games to explore. Exploring different RPGs can enhance storytelling and player engagement. Resources & Community Engagement The chapter on mysteries in Vison's rulebook is a valuable resource for any TTRPG. Rubrics can help evaluate RPG mechanics and themes effectively. Community ratings and reviews play a key role in podcast growth. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon, where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games Twitter: @GravenAshes YouTube@ashravenmedia Randall James @JackAmateur Amateurjack.com Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati

Make Morality Mainstream Again The adultification of teen fiction has intentionally Frankensteined books for teens into cesspools of ideological normalization. A while ago, I met a mother and her daughter, the latter of whom I hadn't seen in several years. On the cusp of turning twelve, she'd obviously grown in the time since, and, her mother proudly informed me, had become quite the reader. Indeed, the girl held quite a thick book in her hand. Which was it? The girl showed me the cover. I turned to the mother. “Do you know what your daughter is reading?” She'd figured telling her eleven-year-old she could read whatever was marked 14+ was a safe enough guardrail for appropriate content. As reading is an experience between book and reader, the mother wouldn't have seen what her daughter was taking in. She couldn't either know that her daughter's book was familiar not because it was something I'd read but because it was something I wouldn't. Worse, she thought she could trust the institution. THE READING DILEMMA Parents want kids to read, but as most can't keep up with their reading habits, they don't fully realize what's being allowed, even promoted, in books for young readers. As with other once vaunted institutions, the publishing world has morphed in ways many aren't fully aware of. Over a decade ago, I signed my first contract for Young Adult (YA) fiction. Before and since, I've watched the genre boom through the stages of audience demographic to viable business. Throughout, YA has expanded from books for teens to a genre unto itself, attracting talented writers, lucrative contracts, and the golden goose of Hollywood adaptations. YA is officially for readers 14-18 years (and up). However, as it's after Middle Grade (8-12 years), tweens are frequent readers, plus many eleven-year-olds reading up. There is “lower” and “upper” YA, but they're unofficial categories for libraries or writers specific about their target audience. Most retailers and publishers categorize all teen books under the general YA umbrella. NA, New Adult, mainly written for college-aged readers into their early twenties, is often sheltered under the YA umbrella too. Alongside the wider publishing industry, YA has changed significantly over the years, reflecting broader shifts in society. What follows isn't an analysis on talent or quality but content, as something about words in a book makes what's written more real, valid, romantic, admirable, aspirational. Thus, the intent is to shed light on some of the many topic and imagery that are included in books for young readers. At risk that this won't earn me any friends in publishing (at best), here's some of what I've seen: DEVOLUTION OF YA FICTION Growth of the YA audience/genre is an objective benefit, logical as it is to increase methods for targeting potential customers. As YA has increased in business and position, its morphing into genre unto itself has attracted many adults readers. As a YA author, I read mainly within my market and see the appeal for adult readers considering how well the genre's developed. The migration of older readers to YA is certainly one of the many reasons it's been so adultified. Other factors include the poisonous stranglehold ideological tentacles have on many aspects of culture, entertainment, and education. The shifts adults have finally caught onto in adult fiction and film have infected literature for younger audiences, picture books through YA. A quick example, originally, romantic comedies centered on a man and woman who clashed at the outset, then eventually found their way to each other at the end. The story would build to some romantic declaration, then a kiss. Anyone who's been watching knows that there's now a whole lot of touching that happens before any romantic declaration occurs. Longer, more frequent kisses are only second to scenes of the pair sleeping together before deciding how they really feel about each other. All this is becoming commonplace in YA. What was once cutesy stories about a high school girl chasing a crush has now become stories featuring a whole lot of other firsts, even seconds, and then some. The devolution of YA is a result of purposeful normalization and reshaping of societal norms through manipulatively emotional appeals by writers, agents, and editors. On average, books from larger publishing houses take roughly eighteen months to two years to evolve from contract to product on the shelf. To say, story trends are set in motion well before their rise in popularity. Whatever the view on agents as gatekeepers to the larger houses, publishers only publish so many books in a year, an amount significantly less than all the people who want to be published. Hence, agents act as preliminary filters for editors, whittling down potential authors to relatively more manageable numbers. An agent must really believe in a writer and project to nab one of those few spots. Like most creative fields, writing is highly subjective, so in addition to general quality, each agent and editor has preferences for stories they want to work with. They're also usually pretty clear about what they're looking for, so part of the progression of change can be traced back to what's being requested. CHARACTER INCLUSION CHECKLISTS When I first entered the “querying trenches,” wish lists from agents mainly specified genres and their various offshoots. Although ideologies make a home in all genres, most were subtler, more akin to a light sprinkling than the deluge of today. Within a few short years, wish lists changed. Unofficial “checklists” appeared in the now familiar cancerous categories of equity, representation, marginalization, and other socialist pseudonyms. Nonfiction for teens is dominated by activism, coming out, and adaptations of left-wing figures' biographies. Rather than prioritize quality, potential, uniqueness, the new gatekeeping is often focused on the inclusion of certain ideologies. For the first while, emphasis was on strong female characters, an odd request considering the YA market is dominated by female writers and readers. Previous character portrayal thus had little to do with some imagined patriarchal oppression. Now, female characters are “fierce”, projections of feminist fantasies celebrating girl bosses who are objectively pushy, uncooperative, obnoxious, self-righteous, and/or highly unrealistic. Somehow, they capture the most desirable love interest, a magical combination of masculinity and emotional vulnerability, who is inexplicably un-neutered by support of her domineering principles. Frequently, the girl makes the first move. Worse than overbearing feminism is unrealistic portrayals of a girl's physical abilities accompanied by most unsavory rage and wrath and anger. Supposedly, these traits aren't anathema to the gorgeous guys (when it is a guy) these girls miraculously attract. Unless there's a moth to flame metaphor here, it's a lie to pretend wrath is a healthy attraction. This well reflects the move away from what's become so-last-century stories featuring underdogs who searched deep for courage and heart to overcome challenges, raising up others alongside themselves. A time when character development focused on, well, character. More wholesome stories have been replaced with a self-proclaimed oppressed burning with self-righteous rage and violence. Such characters have seeped into fantasy for adults as well, most notably in armies featuring female combat soldiers and warriors without special powers, who somehow go toe-to-toe if not best male counterparts. Often this sort of matchup is shown as some cunning of smallness, agility, and destruction of arrogant male condescension. Never mind that such fighting is highly unrealistic, and any male is rightly confident if paired against a woman in physical combat. No amount of small body darting or ingenuity will save a girl from the full force of one landed male punch. The unquestioned portrayal of women able to best men in physical combat is worrying considering the real possibility of a reader confusing fact with fiction. Besides, a country which sends its women to war will no longer exist, as it's a country with males but not men. The current not-so-secret of major houses is that a book doesn't have a high chance of getting published if it doesn't check certain markers, especially for midlist and debut authors, though A-listers are not immune. A Caucasian is hardly allowed to write a story featuring a so-called BIPOC, but a straight author must somehow include the ever-expanding gay-bcs, and it must be in a positive light. Some authors were always writing these characters, which at least reflects acting of their own volition. For the rest, many didn't start until required. Because of the careful wording around these ideologies, many don't speak out against these practices so as not to appear hateful and bigoted. The mandated appearance of so-called marginalized and under-represented in stories lest the author risk erasing…someone, somehow also operates along these lines. Although, apparently, only very specific groups are at risk of disappearing. These standards are ridiculous in their least damaging iterations. How many so-anointed BIPOC were consulted over their standard portrayals? How can every individual of every minority be consulted for approval, and who chooses which faction decides? How many Latinos, speakers of gendered language, agreed to Latinx and Latine? Christian characters in mainstream publishing are rarely portrayed as steadfast believers or even rebels rediscovering faith. Jewish stories usually feature a character who's “lived experience” is assimilation, so the character is of a religion but doesn't represent it. A real portrayal of the true beliefs these characters come from would not align with the world mainstream publishing wants to shape. Even more ludicrous is that “disabled” and “neurodivergent” are considered identities, as if a physical or medical condition is cause for new labeling. The approach used to be that you are still you, worthy of respect and consideration, despite these conditions. In the glorified world of the self-hyphenate, the world of we-are-our-self-declared-identity, it's the foremost feature mentioned, with accompanying expectation of praise and exaltation, regardless of an individual's character or behavior. Don't confuse the argument against the labeling with the individuals, because they are separable. Worse than the tokenism is the reduction of individuals to secondary characteristics. Is this really the first thing you have to say about yourself, the most essential thing to know? When did it become norm to turn skin color or medical condition or physical ability into a character trait, the very notion of which says that anyone in this group must be viewed primarily through this lens, as if each is exactly the same? How myopic. How belittling. Following the cue set by movies, books for teens also morphed from cutesy rom-coms to ideological showcases. Unsurprisingly, there's been the introduction of the stereotypical gay best friend. Then storylines focusing on coming out or discovering someone close was gay, with accompanying template for writing them. The one coming out is always the strong one, the resilient one, though much language must be banned lest they be offended or erased, so their strength is dependent upon a carefully constructed bubble. Not only is inclusion necessary but happiness is the only possible, deliberately portrayed reaction. Never mind if some or all of it runs counter to a writer's religious beliefs. Moreover, “I'm not sure how I feel about this, but I'll still treat you with respect” was never an acceptable response. And it is an acceptable response in all manner of situations, unless you exorcise it in efforts to forcibly shape a particular worldview. Additionally, the attitude is that since you can't tell me who to love, and loving this person makes me happy, you must not only ally but champion me. Why is it offensive to present different acceptable, respectful reactions to teens? Who exactly is erased if this character isn't presented at all? As before, don't confuse the argument against mandate with the individuals. The contention isn't about love, but about religion protecting the sanctity of romantic relationships and marriage, a religious practice since the dawn of time, as seen across centuries and civilizations. Marriage is described as sanctified and holy, because it's Divine in nature, and thereby under the domain of the religious. If it's just a contract, then of course any government can regulate it. It’s disingenuous to deny that such enforcement clashes with the very nature of what writing is about. It shuts down discussion, then subverts it entirely by pretending there's nothing to debate. That shouldn't be a source of pride for publishing, but deepest shame. In their efforts to supposedly widen the window of story matter, they've narrowed the frames and tinted the panes to exclude suddenly unacceptable voices entirely. PORNOGRAPHY AND CONSENT Compounded upon all this, most books are no longer relatively clean romances building to a single kiss, as every stage of the relationship has become more explicit. Some scenes are akin to manuals, containing the sort of imagery once the sole province of steamy romances. When efforts are rightly made to remove these books from shelves, screeches of censorship! erasure! representation! resound. We wouldn't, and shouldn't, tolerate any adult approaching a kid on the street and telling stories with such description, nor should we allow it from close friends or family. Authors do not hold special status in this, no matter what the screechers screech. Taking such books off shelves isn't an indication of bigotry, intolerance, hatred, or erasure, but moral obligation. The counterargument from writers, agents, and editors is that explicit detail is necessary because of something to do with “lived experiences” and consent. First, if kids are doing it anyway, then adults definitely needn't assist. Second, consent is not quite the magical word society would have us believe. Third, “everyone has different experiences” is not a reason for writing graphic content, and the replacement of “intimacy” with “experience” is largely responsible for why relationships are in the gutter and leaving people unfulfilled. Intimacy is something private between two individuals; experience is a vague euphemism to pass off what should matter as transitory, despite irrevocable effects. It's difficult to imagine in an age when phones, cameras, and microphones track a person everywhere, but there was once an ideal called privacy, and the intimate was part of it. Pushback also leads to defenses of “sexuality,” another way of saying adults want to teach kids all kinds of ways to pursue these “experiences”. Changing the wording doesn't alter the nature but does allow immoral actors to force celebration of their fantasies and fetishes. The wrongness is incontestable, though not surprising from those who promote polyamory for teens and romantic relationships between humans and demons or other ungodly creatures. The feeble argument for writing scenes of teens sleeping together is they must see what consent looks like. Again, authors do not hold special status or exemption. There is no strong enough argument for writing scenes for teens in which one character undresses another and verbally asks permission every step of the way. Especially because the new trend seems to be the girl not only “consenting”, but also a burning I want this. If she wants, this wording implies, then she must have, abandoning all reason and morality. Consent has become an excuse for all sorts of undesirable, immoral, even illegal behavior, but mutual agreement is supposed to make it okay. This isn't the behavior we should be promoting for teens; we should be giving them better things, bigger ideas to think about. Worst of all, why is any adult writing about two sixteen-year-olds sleeping together? A teenager, no matter how mature, is still developing and while smart and clever not really old enough to fully understand what she's “consenting” to, and is probably being taken advantage of. We treat eighteen with the same magical power as consent, as if any age should be sleeping around, even if legalese only extends so far. Teen pregnancy, abortion overall, would hardly be an issue if everyone stopped sleeping with people they shouldn't. Any adherent to morality knows this, though morality is just another thing scuttled from teen fiction. G-dless ideology is the new morality; immoral, manmade gods have replaced G-d; lust is the new love; sexuality excuse for pornography; perceived racism and misogyny validation for violence and rage. Many are we who did not consent to this. These scenes are in teen films as well, though how many parents know this in an age of individual devices? Adults pretending to be teens take each other's clothes off before a camera for real tweens, teens, and/or adults to watch. Please explain in clear and simple language why this is not a form of pornography. What absolutely vital role does this scene have in advancing the story? Consent is not enough. Wanting is not enough. We're encouraging teens to turn their bodies into used cars, dented, scraped, scarred, and baggage laden, for what? Why is this hollowing out of self and morality good? This serves no benefit for teens and the overall state of relationships. Consent has become an excuse for all sorts of undesirable, immoral, even illegal behavior, but we're supposed to think that everyone agreeing makes whatever they agree to okay. It's incredibly obvious that feminism and the sexual revolution didn't free women, but chain them in a prison of animalistic, unsatisfying desire, dooming them to jadedness, frustration, and loneliness. But they're so responsible! So mature! By such logic, a responsible sixteen-year-old should be able to buy guns, alcohol, and drugs. But identity! No, identity doesn't mandate a book with graphic imagery, nor is it “sexuality” or “feeling seen” or any other term you hide behind. Witness the tattered remains of social morality that writers do not balk at writing this for teens. They should balk at writing this for anyone. Once we recognized that betterment came through battling temptations. It is not difficult to see how the enforced normalization of all this was also an effective ridding of undesirable shame. Not only have we banished feeling bad, we've enforced celebration of what shame once kept in line. But they'll never be prepared! How did any of us get here if none of this existed for millennia? But look at the sales! Many people also bought rock pets. Deviants and defenders will attempt to claim that (a) this sort of stuff always existed, which isn't really a reason for its continuance, and (b) previous generations were undoubtedly stifled in their inability to express their true selves. Perhaps. And yet, previous generations built civilization, with significantly less medical prescriptions too. Previous generations were better at family and community, meaning and purpose. We have “experiences.” But this is what married people do! Some writers introduce a faux or rushed marriage into the plot, perhaps because their weakening moral compass prevents writing an explicit scene between unmarried characters. Marrying the characters and making them eighteen doesn't magically okay writing this for teens. Everyone does it—indeed there are many common bodily functions which shouldn't be demonstrated in public—isn't either reason enough. Pressures to include these scenes is evidenced by authors long regarded as “clean” storytellers, authors who won't swear or indulge in graphic or gratuitous content, authors who clearly express Christian beliefs in their acknowledgements, writing them too. Would they give this book to their priest? To a young church member? Would they read the scene aloud for family or friends or the very teens they write for? If even the professed religious authors do not have the fortitude to oppose this, if even they can be convinced of the supposed validity, then gone is the bulwark protecting children from the psychological and moral damage resulting from these scenes. But inclusivity! We must reflect the world around them! Considering what's in these books, all should pray teens aren't seeing this around them. Either way, that doesn't excuse writing about it. Moreover, cries for inclusivity from those shutting down differing opinions are inherently without substance. True inclusivity is achieved when stories focus on universal truths and laudatory values shared by all. The fundamental argument is that “could” is not “should”, and the only reliable arbiter between the two is Divinely-based morality. Current permissiveness is only possible in a society which worked for decades to expunge religion from its vital foundational position and influence. The demonization piled atop its degradation was simple insurance that the moral truths of religion wouldn't interfere with the newly established secular order. We can still be good people, they claimed. Witness the tattered remains. Allowing, championing, this sort of writing has not made us better, and instead of listening to concerns, activists and proponents double down. Need you any proof of the separation between ethics and morality and elitism and academia, scroll through an article or two in defense of these scenes. The more “educated” the individual, the twisted the pretzel of rationalization. Rational lies, all of them. These lies are prominently center of the new crusade against so-called “book banning,” although the books are still available at retailers and publishers. Fueled by self-righteous hysteria, activists take great pride in influencing state legislatures to enact decrees against book bans in protection of “lived experiences,” representation, and the like. If a teen doesn't see two boys or girls or more sleeping together, so the thinking goes, then they face imminent, unspecified harm, never mind that their sacred voice has been quashed. They claim BIPOC and queer authors are specifically targeted, failing to mention it's the content not the author rejected. Somehow the bigots are the ones who don't want kids reduced to “sexuality”, while the tolerant are the ones who do. Need anyone ask if these protections extend to writers who don't align or even disagree with their worldview? I'd say these books are better suited for adults, but adults are despairing of the unreadability of books in their categories too. And that aside from the targeted “decolonization” of books and authors that adults, especially men, enjoyed reading. From the myriad of books extant, no plot was ever turned, no story ever dependent upon an explicit scene, in the bedroom or elsewhere. Neither does such render the work art or literature, but rather indecent and abhorrent. Parents struggle to encourage their kids to read when such are the books available. ELIMINATING THE WEST For some time, agents have specifically requested non-western narratives, histories, and legends. Atop the deteriorating state of the current education system, teens aren't being presented with a fictionalized character in history, which may thereby spark interest and curiosity in real history. No wonder they know so little of the past when they're not offered history at all. What does make it in represents very select time periods. Other permitted historical fiction is alternative histories where the past is magicked or reimagined, almost always in some gender swapped way. While alternative histories can be creative, the lack of regular historical fiction seems to indicate the only permitted history is a remade one. Otherwise, most of western history isn't on shelves because no one wants to represent it. Which means no one's fighting for it to be published. Which means young readers aren't given glimpses into the past that made this present and will highly influence the future. And this from those who claim large swaths of the population don't properly teach history. The same who pushed the fabricated and widely debunked lie that slavery was unique to the west, the only culture who actively sought to end it. The same who have yet to consider the absolute necessity of mandating schools to teach the true horrors of communism done right. The same who have a monochrome view of colonization and chameleon approach to the faux oppressed-oppressor narrative. A rather high volume of Asian-based stories, histories, and mythologies fill the market instead. The proliferation of Asian and other eastern fiction isn't objectively concerning, but it's deliberate increase alongside western stories' deliberate decrease is. It's less an expansion of viewpoints and more a supplanting of anything west. I grew up reading historical fiction, but there's a dearth on shelves for teen readers, who must see where we come from through the eyes of characters resembling our ancestors. Instead of walking through time in their shoes and understanding their struggles in the context of when they lived, we project modern ideologies upon the one protagonist somehow vastly ahead of her time. It's deliberately false and disconnects readers from the world that created the one we live in. Whatever your opinion of our world, it was formed in those histories, and we cannot appreciate the present without understanding the world that made it. MENTAL HEALTH Another major trend in teen fiction is the focus on the broad category of mental health, its emergence unsurprising considering the uptick in modern society. Whatever the viewpoint on diagnoses, the truth is that the ones calling for greater awareness have much to do with having caused the issues. Teens living in the most prosperous, free society that ever was should not have such measures of mental health struggles, yet they do. Skim the messaging of the last several decades and it's no wonder why. Teens are raised on a bombardment of lies and damaging viewpoints resulting in a precarious Jenga structure at their foundation. For decades they've been told they can sleep around without lasting consequence, negating the need to build deep, lasting, exclusive relationships. Families, a fundamental source of meaning and grounding, have been shoved aside for the faux glory of sleeping with whomever, whenever, and the new solution of “found family”. Just because a pill supposedly prevents biological consequences doesn't mean a different sort of toll hasn't been exacted. And that follows the perpetual degradation of dress, reducing the entirety of an individual to a form as valued or devalued as any other physical object. Added to the disrespect of the body is the incessant, unfounded claim that “climate change” is going to destroy the planet by…well, soon. Never mind that we're doing better than before, and all predictions have been proven wrong. Imagine what continual doom and gloom does to the mental state of a teenager already grappling with ping-ponging hormones, who should be presented with optimism for the future they're about old enough to create. Well, we have a pill for that too. Teens have been told the American dream is gone by those who set out to destroy it, that American greatness isn't worth dreaming about by those who recolored it a nightmare. Hobbies and collected skills, the work of their own hands, have been shunted for social media trends and unfettered internet access. Phones are given to younger and younger kids, so they don't grow up in the tangible, real world but an algorithmic, digital one. Inevitably, the worst of that world affects them. They're told that they're hated, feared for the way they were born. They're told they're not even who they've been since birth, basic facts purposely turned into issues and doubts to shake the foundation of self. Those most adamant about the contrived need for teens to discover identity are the most diligent at axing their very roots. The response to the mental health crisis, the jadedness, the internal turmoil they've helped facilitate by destroying the enduring, reliable fabric of society is to encourage more of the same empty, hollowing behaviors. Atop all this is never-ending rage, rage, rage. At the base is the deliberate removal of religion. No matter an individual's choice of observance, religion undeniably provides what liberal society and decadence cannot; meaning. Eternal, enduring meaning. The knowing that you're more than a clump of cells passing through this timespan, because you are an integral link in a chain reaching back millennia. Your ancestors didn't endure hardships or fight to build civilization so you could be the end of the line, but so you could gratefully take your place in it. You and your actions matter. Not because you're a political vote or celebrated community, but because you were made in the image of G-d Who woke you today as there's something only you can do in His world. What effect would the proliferation of this messaging in literature have on the mental state of the youth? And for those pontificating about diversity and inclusion, who in truth only want different skin colors espousing the same beliefs, there is no greater unifier than religion. Belief in a higher power unites individuals of different backgrounds, colors, and, most valuably, opinions, in ways no mandate or ideology ever can. While lengthy, the above in no way encompasses all the changes, reasons, and effects pertaining to the devolution of teen fiction. And, as the focus is not on talent but content, it can be shifted as easily as it was before. You may disagree with everything I've written. You may accuse me of jealousy, hatred, bigotry, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, erasure, et al. I only encourage you to look for yourself. Peruse bookstore aisles; click through new releases; check who's getting awards. What do your eyes see?

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History episodes from the BBC World Service. We learn about how Play-Doh evolved from a cleaning product to a childhood favourite and the creation of one of the best-selling board games of all time, Catan. Our guest is the editor of Toy World Magazine, Caroline Tonks, who takes us through the history of toy crazes. We also hear about the invention of the hoverboard, and how the Tamagotchi allowed people to have their own virtual pet. Plus, how the family favourite game, Jenga, was born in 1970s Ghana. And our Sporting Witness looks at how a piece of software revolutionised the game of football through data analysis. Contributors: Peg Roberts – daughter of Kay Zufall Benjamin Teuber – son of Catan inventor Klaus Teuber Caroline Tonks – editor of Toy World Magazine Shane Chen – the inventor of the hoverboard Akihiro Yokoi – the inventor of the Tamgotchi Leslie Scott – the creator of the game Jenga Ramm Mylavaganam – inventor of ProZone(Photo: The Tamagotchi was introduced in 1996 and is one of the best-selling toys in history. Credit: Reuters)

Send us a textSome holiday seasons feel light and sparkly… and others feel like emotional Jenga, one wobble away from toppling the whole tower.If that resonates, you're in the right place. This episode is your grounding place, a reminder that the holidays don't need you to perform, perfect, or push. They're inviting you to connect.Today, Carol and Alex unwrap the real gift of the season: connection, with the people you love, with your community, and most importantly, with yourself. Whether you're surrounded by family or celebrating quietly, this conversation helps you lean into presence rather than pressure, intention rather than hustle.If you've found yourself feeling lonely, overstimulated, guilty, overwhelmed, or just a little out of sync with the holiday spirit, this episode gently guides you back to what matters most… starting with remembering that you matter.In this episode, we explore:Why meaningful connection starts with being rather than doingHow self-approval fuels deeper relationships (and prevents burnout)Simple ways to feel connected even if family is far awayHow to interrupt loneliness or isolation with micro-moments of outreachCreative ways to build connection with kids by meeting them at their levelHeart-opening questions you can ask during gatherings to spark meaningful conversationsThe neuroscience behind connection, energy, and why you matter more than you realizeHow to set boundaries and protect your emotional well-being during a full seasonWhy leaders (yes, you) play a powerful role in shaping the emotional tone of a roomPractical ways to create joy and presence no matter what your holiday looks likeThis episode is a soft landing place, a reminder that you don't need to earn your worth, fix everything, or hold the season together. You simply get to show up as you are, breathe, and receive connection in big and small ways.✨ Let this be your permission slip:You matter. You are worthy. You deserve joy, presence, and love—today and every day.Whether you're listening on Christmas Day or catching up afterward, we hope this conversation fills your cup and brings warmth to your heart.Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and sending you so much love and connection.

It's just over 30 years since the brick game was introduced to the world at a department store in London. Made of 54 wooden blocks stacked into a tower in rows of three by three, each player takes a turn to remove a block from the tower and place it at the top. When the tower falls, the game is over. Surya Elango speaks to its British designer Leslie Scott about how a family game that started in her parent's home in 1970s Ghana, became an international hit.By 1986, the game was successfully introduced into the North America market at a time when video games were taking off. It's now in the US National Toy Hall of Fame having sold millions worldwide. Leslie went on to create 40 other games. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.(Photo: Leslie Scott with a jenga set in 1983. Credit: Sue Macpherson ARPS.)

If you are a high-achieving founder or leader, you know the feeling of hitting a level of success only to realize: The person I've become no longer fits the life I built. Maybe you're restless, feeling a deep pull toward what comes next, but you are stuck between the fear of getting it wrong and the clarity of your true intuition.Today we welcome Sara Anderson, an executive coach and communication strategist who works with women leaders on presence, resonance, and personal power. Sara's journey - from corporate tech to acting to coaching - gives her a unique perspective on the necessary, often uncomfortable work of stepping into a new identity.In this episode, you'll learn about:The core limiting belief you need to unlearn: How to distinguish between authentic desire and what you think will make you look impressive.The power of reframing fear: Why feeling scared isn't "wrong," but a sign you are meeting your edge.The Jenga Game of Identity: How to approach major life transitions by making small shifts instead of forcing a full, disruptive overhaul.The importance of internal growth metrics over external praise (sales, likes, applause).Tactical ways to regulate your nervous system daily, even if you struggle with consistency or have ADHD.Why protecting your "baby ideas" from fear-based projections is critical for women leaders and recovering people-pleasers.The power of magnetism: How repelling the wrong opportunities and people is just as important as attracting the right ones.Why awareness without judgment is the key to escaping the perfectionist, all-or-nothing trap.Episode Timestamps:00:03:00 – The initial belief you need to unlearn to step into your next version.00:05:00 – The struggle to discern between fear and intuition.00:08:00 – How to get out of your own way: Why the mindset that got you here won't get you there.00:09:00 – Defining and using internal metrics of success.00:11:00 – Simple, tactical ways to regulate your nervous system when you feel overwhelmed.00:15:00 – How to approach major life transitions like a Jenga game (small shifts vs. overhaul).00:18:00 – Navigating the friction when your network is accustomed to an old version of you.00:22:00 – The shift from being polished and "good" to being authentic and magnetic.00:25:00 – Final advice: Why the journey is forever, and why you should lead with compassion.About Sara Anderson: Website: https://saraanderson.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraanderson/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.anderson___/Let's Work Together:Book a 90-Minute Clarity CallToday's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We'd love to have you!For Real on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcastHosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

In an era where consumers gather inspiration everywhere else, branded eCommerce sites face an existential crisis: prove your utility or become irrelevant. This episode examines how consumer expectations have shifted toward "get me what I want, when and how I want it," with 58% finding returns the most frustrating aspect of online shopping. We dissect why guest checkout remains a universal pain point and how brands can differentiate through seamless utility rather than flashy features.The Foundational Basis Matters MostKey takeaways:eCommerce sites have evolved from discovery engines to confirmation engines—customers arrive with pre-baked decisions seeking reassurance, not persuasion.Speed, clarity, and consistency are the new table stakes. Flashy features mean nothing if your site is slow, your checkout is clunky, or your shipping policy is unclear.Personalization should be engagement-based, not identity-based. Customers want relevance without creepiness—focus on their behavior in the moment, not invasive tracking.AI is an enabler, not the answer. Use it to understand cross-platform touchpoints and customer frustrations, not as a magic bullet for conversion. [00:04:06] "By the time they land on your site, they have pretty much created an idea of who you are, of what you offer, of what your product is. It's more on the choice confirmation bias...they don't want to be challenged. They just want to be reassured that they made the right decision." – Felipe Pose[00:14:00] "The role of the website has become more about clarity and reassurance, and not about communicating everything that you are, everything that you do, everything that you provide." – Felipe Pose[00:20:33] "I think that is one of the most powerful insights that we have gathered from many reports...they don't want to be really over targeted. They don't want identity based personalization. It's more based on what I want in this moment. What do I need from you? It's personalization based on engagement." – Felipe Pose[00:29:11] "If you are playing like a Jenga game...if you don't have a really strong foundation, if you don't have a site that is working correctly, a site that has some really slow pages, you have an unclear shipping policy...those are the things that will end up moving the needle the more." – Felipe Pose[00:32:46] "It's all about being prepared for the future and really understanding. Do I have everything I need today to be prepared for that? Because if you are on a really slow platform, something that is not scalable, you will not have a good experience today, even more so in 2026." – Felipe PoseAssociated Links:Check out Future Commerce on YouTubeCheck out Future Commerce+ for exclusive content and save on merch and printSubscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jenny Bristow and Senior Digital Producer Suzie Schmitt of Hedy & Hopp discuss the pervasive, yet often misunderstood, risks of tech dependencies for healthcare marketers. They explain what happens when single points of failure like AWS and Cloudflare experience outages, examine the instability of the internet's open-source foundation, and explain why these issues uniquely impact healthcare organizations. Learn actionable steps to create, document, and execute a disaster plan to mitigate operational and compliance risks.Episode notes:Understanding Tech Dependency Risks: How the internet's "Jenga tower" of dependencies creates massive ripple effects from a single breakCloud Monopolies and Backup Strategy: The risk of relying on three major cloud providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) and the need to have your website backup on a separate infrastructure from your production environmentThe Open-Source Developer Issue: The unsustainability of large enterprises depending on unpaid, volunteer open-source developersCloudflare Explained: How this intermediary service facilitates a secure and faster internet, and what happens when it failsThe Responsibility of Covered Entities: The HIPAA breach notification clock starts when an outage occurs, so it's important to clearly document the timeline of eventsCreating a Disaster Plan and Crisis Communication Strategy: The necessity of defining roles and establishing a communication plan for an inevitable failureDocumenting Dependencies: Steps to list and track all dependencies so that you can quickly assess if an outage impacts your websiteMarketing's Role in Security: Why outage communication falls to the marketing team and the need for close alignment with IT on the disaster planConnect with Jenny:Email: jenny@hedyandhopp.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennybristow/Connect with Suzie:Email: suzie.schmitt@hedyandhopp.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzie-schmitt/ If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love to hear your feedback! Please consider leaving us a review on your preferred listening platform and sharing it with others.

Joseph Puglisi made his mark on Modern very emphatically this RC season, developing the Jeskai list that took his Scrapheap teammate Vinnie Fino to the trophy in Houston (beating his brother John in the finals) and reviving the Izzet Opal/Cutter deck for his own finals appearance in Vegas - but he may not even be the best player in his own household! Before jetting off for an extended victory lap in Japan, he drops by to glaze his brother/team and discuss how he and they manage to ambush formats (and the English language...) so often.  Jenga vs Slop

The melt-up economy isn't a victory lap, it's the part of the horror movie where everyone thinks the monster is gone because the music gets quiet. Markets keep ripping, consumers keep spending money they don't have, and the Fed is out here pretending their “pivot” wasn't telegraphed like an amateur magician revealing the trick before the reveal. And meanwhile, everyone's acting shocked that AI is destroying jobs when we've been screaming for a year that replacing humans with silicon brains might come with a little collateral damage.➡️ But sure... recession? “What recession?” That's the vibe. America is basically stress-shopping its way through warning signs big enough to put on billboards. Confidence surveys are collapsing, savings are gone, debt is exploding, and the only thing holding this whole Jenga tower up is hope… and hope is not a strategy we endorse. If a soft landing actually happens, it'll be the first miracle the Fed has pulled off without breaking something in the process. Buckle up because the data says there is turbulence ahead, even if the captain keeps smiling.

Peter Atwater, one of the leading voices on confidence-driven behavior in markets and society, joins Lance Roberts to share how certainty, control, and herd mentality shape every major trend investors face today. Lance and Peter discuss The Confidence Map, why people behave differently when they're in the "comfort zone" versus the "stress center," and how these shifts explain the rise of speculative investing, the bifurcated K-shaped economy, and the growing disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street. Atwater explores how consumer confidence is driving AI enthusiasm, why the workplace has split between white-collar and blue-collar realities since Covid, and what it will take to move the U.S. back to a non-K-shaped economy. We also dive into Maslow's hierarchy, the collapse of social trust, and what happens when possibility starts to feel like threat. For investors, Atwater lays out what assets are "ice cold or lukewarm," why scrutiny and confidence move in opposite directions, and what to own when today's hot spots finally cool off. We also examine ETFs, gamified trading, the tragedy of benchmarking, and how declining confidence reshapes moral behavior in the markets. 0:00 - INTRO 0:18 - Who is Peter Atwater? 1:10 - Understanding the Behavior of the Herd 2:32 - More Certainty & Control 3:48 - The Confidence Map - The Box Chart - Comfort Zone vs Stress Center 7:03 - Consumer Confidence Metrics & the AI Space 9:24 - The Bifurcated Economy & The K-Shape; White Collar vs Blue Collar Workers During Covid 12:12 - Getting back to a non-K Economy - Looking at the cumulative impact on the economy Maslow's Hierarchy of Need - we need to start at the bottom, make those at the top more aware of what's happening around them 16:48 - What policy should be implemented to accomplish this? How to create income caps on provider side? The K-shaped economy creates slaves to two masters. 19:40 - The Mandami Effect & the risk to our system - the Bottom is really purple, not red or blue 22:35 - The Problem with the Federal Reserve Re-thinking Trickle-down Economics 24:05 - What Happens when Social Trust Collapses - Concern About AI - the furthest thing away from Main Street; when possibility begins to look like threat. 27:24 - The Economy is like a top-heavy Jenga tower, with a circle of flows instead of columns of support Reconsideration of multi-colored pie charts as measures of mood; 31:11 - What should investors own today that are ice-cold or lukewarm; Plan for what you'd like to have happen, but prepare for what you cannot imagine. Where will the money go when the hot spots cool? Scrutiny & Confidence are inversely related What do you own that's tangible? (How to test for confidence) The tragedy of Benchmarking 34:17 - Looking at ETF creation - how to look at sentiment The creation of a gambling environment in investing - the gamification of the markets 37:00 - As confidence falls, the moral compass changes The more you trade, the less money you make. 39:19 - The industry has moved to preying on investors instead of helping them 40:18 - Plan for what you can imagine, be prepared for what you cannot Panic is a reason to be optimistic 41:38 - How Certainty and Control apply at the individual level - Closing thoughts #PeterAtwater #BehavioralFinance #KShapedEconomy #InvestorPsychology #AIandMarkets

Thanksgiving horror story on the Weekly Spooky podcast: a snow-dusted asylum turns festive decorations and Jenga games into a slasher-mystery nightmare. Patients go missing. A “therapy” session ends in blood. And seven broken teeth point to a cover-up thicker than gravy. If you're craving holiday horror, asylum terror, and killer-on-the-loose suspense for your Thanksgiving drive—or to hide from family after pie—this episode's your perfect Black-Friday binge. 7 Teeth — by David O'Hanlon.

We all know what it feels like when life starts to wobble—like a Jenga tower losing its pieces. Colossians 1:15–20 reminds us why: Jesus isn't meant to be just part of our lives; He's the center who holds all things together. When work, relationships, or even good causes become our foundation, we end up unstable and exhausted. But when Christ is supreme—sustaining every moment and anchoring every part of our lives—we find a stability that cannot be shaken and a rest our souls have been craving.

We all know what it feels like when life starts to wobble—like a Jenga tower losing its pieces. Colossians 1:15–20 reminds us why: Jesus isn't meant to be just part of our lives; He's the center who holds all things together. When work, relationships, or even good causes become our foundation, we end up unstable and exhausted. But when Christ is supreme—sustaining every moment and anchoring every part of our lives—we find a stability that cannot be shaken and a rest our souls have been craving.

⚠️ Cloudflare Internet Outage; Adobe x Semrush Deal: Tech Dependency vs Business Website Strategy with Favour Obasi-Ike | Sign up for exclusive SEO insights.This is Marketing Club Clubhouse discussion, primarily focusing on the widespread impact of a recent Cloudflare outage that affected numerous popular platforms like ChatGPT, Spotify, Uber, and Zoom. Favour Obasi-ike uses this event to emphasize the importance of business continuity and operational redundancy, urging listeners to research and select robust platforms for their own enterprises to mitigate the risks of future outages. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon the rapidly changing tech industry landscape, including the significant Adobe acquisition of Semrush and the competitive moves of companies like Canva, prompting audience commentary on the potential implications of these corporate shifts on product quality and market strategy. 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It exposed hidden vulnerabilities and surprising dynamics within the tech ecosystem we all depend on. This article distills the three most impactful lessons learned from that single event.1. The Internet Isn't a Cloud, It's a Jenga TowerThe Centralization SurpriseThe core lesson from the Cloudflare outage was the shocking revelation of just how centralized our decentralized-seeming internet truly is. The popular image of the internet is a resilient, distributed network, but the reality is that a small number of foundational companies form the base of a massive Jenga tower. When a key block like Cloudflare was jostled, users quickly discovered that dozens of different services were all pointing "towards one direction," revealing a hidden single point of failure. Seemingly stable pieces higher up—from your design software to your ride-share app—began to wobble.This one incident impacted a staggering list of applications, highlighting the sheer diversity of services reliant on a single piece of infrastructure: Canva, Archive of Our Own, Canvas, Character AI, ChatGPT, Claude AI, Dayforce, Google Store, Grinder, IKEA, Indeed, League of Legends, Letterboxed, OpenAI, Quizlet, Rover, Spotify, Square, Truth Social, Uber, and Zoom. For the average user, this means the digital services that feel distinct and independent are, in fact, far more fragile and codependent than they appear.2. While You Were Offline, Big Tech Made Some Bizarre MovesA Bizarre Acquisition Amidst the ChaosWhile the digital world was grappling with the outage, news broke that Adobe was acquiring SEO tool Semrush for $1.9 billion. This development, happening alongside the infrastructure chaos, sparked widespread confusion and skepticism. As many in the tech community noted, Semrush "has nothing to do with creative" software, which is Adobe's core domain.The concern was palpable, with one community member expressing a common fear:"I really hope this Semrush acquisition doesn't affect quality and support. Big corporation buyouts [rarely succeed]."The analysis behind this seemingly strange move points to the disruptive force of artificial intelligence. The theory is that as AI reshapes search and content creation, traditional SEO tools are finding it harder to maintain their dominance. This acquisition could be Adobe's strategic, if unconventional, response to that industry pressure. This trend of unexpected competition is visible elsewhere, with platforms like Canva making aggressive moves into video editing, putting them in direct competition with Adobe. The outage served as a backdrop to a tech landscape that is shifting in unpredictable ways.3. Your Business is More Vulnerable Than You Think (But Outages Can Make You Stronger)The Resilience ImperativeFor businesses and professionals, the outage was not an abstract problem. The impact was immediate: one professional reported their AI-powered Fathom note-taker for Zoom failed to load, even while the Zoom call itself was active—a perfect example of a hidden dependency crippling a critical workflow. The sudden inability to access essential tools forces a critical business question to the surface:"...if ChatGPT is down and that's what I use and now I can't use it for the first four hours of my day... How can I use 50% of my time to maximize 100% of my opportunity?"The core advice is to reframe these events not as mere problems to be weathered but as invaluable opportunities for strategic review. Business owners should use these moments to ask what platforms they truly rely on, research the stability of those systems, and begin building more resilient workflows.This is the "bow and arrow" principle applied to business strategy. An outage forces you to pull back, assess your tools, and re-aim. This forced pause, while painful, is precisely what allows you to launch forward with a more resilient, deliberate, and ultimately stronger operational foundation, turning a negative event into a catalyst for positive change.Conclusion: A New Lens for a Digital WorldThis single outage taught us more than just who owns the internet's plumbing. It revealed the hidden fragility of our digital infrastructure, highlighted the unpredictable strategies of tech giants under pressure, and underscored the personal and professional imperative for building resilience. It showed that the platforms we use every day are interconnected in ways we rarely see until something breaks.The next time your favorite app goes down, will you just see an inconvenience, or will you see a chance to re-evaluate the digital foundation your work and life are built on?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carl Quintanilla, Sara Eisen, and David Faber kicked off the hour with fresh economic data and a look at the big week ahead for Wall Street - before getting into whether we're in a "Jenga Tower" economy with one market strategist arguing yes. Plus: Berkshire Hathaway out with a big bet on Google... The details, this hour. And is it time to take a look at the smallcaps? Hear one Goldman portfolio manager's top picks for what's been a volatile trade this month.  Also in focus: the bitcoin breakdown - as prices struggle to hold onto gains for the year... And what you need to know about the FAA's rollback of flight restrictions, starting today.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

-Black lesbian Hyman (real name!) schools effeminate pol Scott Wiener on locker room safety after a trans assault – victimhood Jenga topples as DEI pyramid implodes live on air.  -Guest Mary Walter joins via Newsmax hotline, cackling over dystopian Vegas housekeeping Olympics, dying baby names (RIP Karen & Gary), and paid Chicago agitators vanishing at 1 PM when the cash clock hits zero. Today's podcast is sponsored by :GET FRESH OLIVE OIL : Try real farm fresh olive oils for FREE plus $1 dollar shipping at http://GetFreshRobCarson.com BEAM DREAM POWDER : Improve your health by improving your sleep! Get 40% off this sleep supplement by using code NEWSMAX at http://shopbeam.com/Newsmax WEBROOT : Live a better digital life with Webroot Total Protection. Rob Carson Show listeners get 60% off at http://webroot.com/Newsmax BIRCH GOLD - Protect and grow your retirement savings with gold. Text ROB to 98 98 98 for your FREE information kit! To call in and speak with Rob Carson live on the show, dial 1-800-922-6680 between the hours of 12 Noon and 3:00 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday…E-mail Rob Carson at : RobCarsonShow@gmail.com Musical parodies provided by Jim Gossett (www.patreon.com/JimGossettComedy) Listen to Newsmax LIVE and see our entire podcast lineup at http://Newsmax.com/Listen Make the switch to NEWSMAX today! Get your 15 day free trial of NEWSMAX+ at http://NewsmaxPlus.com Looking for NEWSMAX caps, tees, mugs & more? Check out the Newsmax merchandise shop at : http://nws.mx/shop Follow NEWSMAX on Social Media:  -Facebook: http://nws.mx/FB  -X/Twitter: http://nws.mx/twitter -Instagram: http://nws.mx/IG -YouTube: https://youtube.com/NewsmaxTV -Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsmaxTV -TRUTH Social: https://truthsocial.com/@NEWSMAX -GETTR: https://gettr.com/user/newsmax -Threads: http://threads.net/@NEWSMAX  -Telegram: http://t.me/newsmax  -BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/newsmax.com -Parler: http://app.parler.com/newsmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! Today, I'm taking you behind the scenes of successful small groups and sharing how to set them up for success. We'll talk about how to engage your students, keep sessions organized, and measure their progress with ease. Small groups are a key Tier 2 intervention and an important part of a layered approach to student support. In this episode, you'll learn everything you need to know to start and lead small groups with confidence. How to Set Up Counseling Groups Identify students using referrals, previous counseling data, or needs assessments. Choose group size (4–6 students is ideal) and keep age and behavioral needs in mind. Plan for 6–8 sessions, around 30 minutes each, and consider holidays or school events when scheduling. Set up a welcoming group space with privacy for journaling and reflection. Send home permission slips and coordinate schedules with teachers. Organize your materials: individual folders, crafts, worksheets, sign-in sheets, and a group folder with rules and games. Keep a digital spreadsheet or counseling log to track attendance and progress. How to Lead Engaging Small Groups Begin each session with group rules and a feelings check. Focus on what students should do rather than what they shouldn't. Incorporate icebreakers like bingo, Jenga, "sides of the room," or Simon Says to build connection and teamwork. Introduce your main concept with a mini-lesson, video, or poster. Use interactive activities like role play, crafts, flipbooks, sorting games, or discussion cards. End with a journal reflection or quick self-assessment to encourage personal growth and track student progress. By creating structured yet flexible small groups, you can provide meaningful support and help students grow socially and emotionally. Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube   More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!  

Politics: Chuck Schumer faces Democratic revolt over a GOP shutdown deal; eight Senate Democrats vote with Republicans, sacrificing ACA subsidies to reopen government.White House Chaos: Trump asks the Supreme Court to keep food aid frozen, then pardons Giuliani and his 2020 “Stop the Steal” dream team.Viral Justice: The “Sandwich Man” of D.C. found not guilty of assault after throwing a Subway sub at a Border Patrol officer—proof that sometimes the bread fights back.Economy Watch: America's economy dubbed a “Jenga tower”—rich spending props up everyone else while the middle class pulls the wrong block.Tech & Culture: Elon Musk becomes a trillionaire, iOS 26.2 promises “urgent” reminders and offline lyrics, and recyclers are mining gold from old phones.Entertainment: Sydney Sweeney's film Christy flops and her “Great Jeans” ad triggers controversy; Ace Frehley of KISS remembered as a rock legend gone cosmic.Closing Thought: America's politics may be melting down, but at least our sandwiches, software updates, and recycling are still holding the line. LINKShttps://instagram.com/itsnewstoushttps://tiktok.com/@itsnewstous Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong explain why you don't want tax payers backstopping the AI industry. UBS to liquidate funds with substantial exposure to First Brands. 'Jenga Tower' US economy teeters as middle class pulls back spending. Job cuts in October hit highest level for the month in 22 years. Paul LaMonica (Barron's) joins the show to chat about Robinhood.

We happily welcome Dr. Adi Soffer to Diverse Thinking Different Learning this week! Adi Soffer, PsyD is a licensed psychologist who works with children, teens, and families, and she combines family structure therapy with evidence-based practices to help families strengthen communication, establish healthy boundaries, and deepen emotional connections. Passionate about guiding parents and children through challenges such as anxiety, behavioral issues, and major life changes, Dr. Soffer offers care via her private practice, Kesher Psychological Services. She sees clients in Los Angeles and provides virtual sessions throughout California and Florida. When a child is struggling with learning, behavioral, or emotional challenges, the focus is often on finding the right therapy for the child. However, as Dr. Adi Soffer explains, this approach may be missing an important piece - the family system. She firmly believes that families function as interconnected systems, and when one member is struggling, the whole system feels the impact. By shifting the focus from fixing the child to strengthening the entire family system, families can reduce stress, improve relationships, and lead to better outcomes for kids and teens. Dr. Soffer outlines her approach to family systems therapy, bringing the entire family into the first session, not just "the identified patient." Instead of discussing the child's problems, she asks questions about the family's dynamics, traditions, and what they would like to change. This allows her to observe the family's communication patterns, boundaries, and power dynamics. She also highlights the importance of understanding the family's structure and communication style, as these factors can deeply impact a child's emotional well-being and behavior. Dr. Soffer explains how poor communication, conflict avoidance, or unclear expectations can contribute to ongoing stress at home, which in turn affects the child. By working with the family, however, she helps them develop healthier communication and set clear expectations and boundaries. This, in turn, can reduce the child's anxiety and stress, as they no longer have to worry about the unpredictability of their home environment. We also explore how the family systems approach shifts when working with teenagers, who are often pushing for more independence, with Dr. Soffer discussing the importance of balancing the teen's need for autonomy with the family's need for involvement and how this can create an environment of empathy and connection within the family. Overall, we highlight the powerful impact that a family systems approach can have on supporting children and teens struggling with various challenges. By addressing the entire family system, therapists can create lasting change and help the whole family thrive.   Show Notes: [3:03] - Hear how Dr. Adi Soffer begins therapy by including the entire family system rather than isolating the child. [6:43] - Dr. Soffer observes family dynamics via structured activities, games, and collaborative drawing. [9:32] - Family therapy examines communication, boundaries, and where each member fits in the relational hierarchy. [12:21] - Dr. Soffer makes the case that clear routines and consistent boundaries reduce chaos and help children feel secure and less anxious. [14:29] - Parents often unintentionally reinforce anxiety by teaching children that the world is frightening. [16:27] - Therapy highlights how children's struggles often reflect parental triggers and emotional challenges. [19:29] - Removing the "identified patient" label eases a child's burden and reduces family pressure. [20:13] - Dr. Soffer argues that constant focus on negative behavior teaches children to internalize damaging beliefs about themselves. [22:02] - Teens need both autonomy and clear parental boundaries to be successfully independent. [25:28] - Families begin to align as a team when therapy highlights shared responsibility and individual identity. [27:39] - Dr. Soffer explains how emotional Jenga can help parents model vulnerability and normalize healthy emotional expression for children. [30:27] - Hear how a teen realized that his parents' feelings mattered too after returning from a month away. [32:34] - Dr. Soffer argues that parents build resilience by balancing support with boundaries and not over-accommodating their kids. [35:09] - A parent's real role is preparing children to face failure, rejection, and life's challenges. [36:18] - It's important for children to face discomfort and uncertainty instead of being shielded by anxious parents. [39:18] - Dr. Soffer asserts that focusing on family strengths can transform household dynamics and improve the overall atmosphere. [40:38] - How can Dr. Soffer be reached? Links and Related Resources: "Anxiety and the Family" Episode 167: From Surviving to Thriving: A Mom's Hierarchy of Needs and Well-Being with Leslie Forde Episode 202: How Low-Demand Parenting Can Reduce Stress and Support Neurodivergent Youth with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge   Connect with Us: Get on our Email List Book a Consultation Get Support and Connect with a ChildNEXUS Provider Register for Our "When Struggles Overlap" Live Webinar Email Dr. Wilson: drkiwilson@childnexus.com  Connect with Adi Soffer, PsyD: Kesher Website Dr. Soffer's LinkedIn Page Dr. Soffer's Facebook Page Dr. Soffer's Instagram Page

In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse welcomes Shane Patterson, founder and CEO of Jenga. With a background in finance and software engineering, Shane has focused on solving complex problems in the construction sector. The conversation highlights Shane's journey into the construction industry, his focus on building solutions for subcontractors, and the complexities involved in estimating and bidding processes. Shane discusses the importance of delivering undeniable value, understanding customer needs, and how technology is catching up to meet the deep requirements of subcontracting. The episode explores Shane's vision for a more efficient and risk-averse future for subcontractors, the concept of 'super subs,' and the potential impact of robotics on the industry.00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview01:06 Meet Shane Patterson: Founder and CEO of Jenga02:50 The Complexity of Construction03:39 Shane's Journey into Construction05:57 Challenges and Lessons Learned12:38 The Importance of Listening and Problem-Solving26:29 Managing Feature Requests and Business Strategy32:16 The Early Days of Construction Software32:41 Challenges in Software Functionality34:28 Deep Needs of Construction Technology36:41 The Cost of Building Software39:44 Subcontractors vs General Contractors42:02 The Complexity of Subcontracting48:53 Vision for the Future of Subcontracting55:39 Overcoming Adoption Barriers58:03 Delivering Maximum Value01:02:29 Grand Slam Closing QuestionSet the stage for an amazing new year with the Self First Framework.https://calendly.com/jesse04/self-first-webinar Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Behttps://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Dread is the ultimate horror TTRPG, utilising a Jenga tower to determine if you live or DIE! Get yourself a set of our new 60 Skeletons Dice https://store.outsidexbox.com/https://store.outsidexbox.com/ Get tickets to Oxventure's Tales From the Guild 2026 live tour at ⁠https://bit.ly/OXGuild⁠ 15:20 Actual play begins⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ------------------ Join the OX Supporters Club and official Discord server: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/oxclub⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the official store for sweet merch: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠store.outsidexbox.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To watch all the original Oxventure videos, visit us on YouTube at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/oxventure⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stacking of tariffs is like playing Jenga, but the MHDV 232 proclamation clarified that some tariffs do NOT stack. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more. 

It's episode 18, so naturally, the Football Americans pay tribute to the NFL's greatest to ever wear the number—plus, Shek's mom pops in with a birthday story for her childhood neighbor, Mike Ditka (yes, really).‘Heed the Call's' Marc Sessler stops by for a film-nerd showdown on Tarantino vs. P.T. Anderson before everyone dives headfirst into the week's Jerk List.The questions are unending… Where's the defense in Buffalo and Pittsburgh? Is KC fated for another Super Bowl run? Is Christian McCaffrey the 49ers' Jenga piece holding it all together? Should the NFL outlaw on-field jersey swaps? Then, Geoff Schwartz joins for Points Per Game to answer life's great mysteries: Why does college football only have half a white stripe? What's going on with the Jets? How far can Drake Maye take the Patriots? The Colts are good. The Raiders are bad. Everything's right (and wrong) in the football universe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textHiring isn't just expensive—it's complicated. Between salaries, onboarding, benefits, and the endless HR headaches, adding to payroll can slow you down more than it helps. In this episode of Mike and Blaine, we break down why efficiency often beats expansion when it comes to growth.From SaaS founders to local business owners, we explore real-world examples of companies boosting revenue without adding headcount. You'll learn how to scale smarter with automation, delegation, and streamlined processes that free up time, cut costs, and keep teams agile. We'll also share insights into how staying lean can help you adapt faster in unpredictable markets while still driving profitability.If you've ever wondered how to grow your business without stacking your team like Jenga blocks, this episode is for you.Support the show and keep the beers flowing—visit mikeandblaine.com to buy us a beer!#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessTips #Efficiency #StartupStrategyDon't miss the latest insights and entertaining discussions on entrepreneurship, small business, and random BS. Subscribe, follow, and like Mike and Blaine's "Business, Beer, and BS" and catch every episode! Featured Beer: @suncreekbrewery @omenbrewingyegMike: Suncreek Brewery “Sun Squishy” IPABlaine: Omen Brewing “Puca” Extra StoutWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1c1pXM1ppiEThanks to our Beer Sponsors: • Rachel Barnett from Gentle Frog: youtube.com/@GentleFrog • Karen Hairston from 3S Smart Consulting: 3ssmartconsulting.com• Larry Weinstein, the Cash Flow Cowboy in Houston Texas!• Neighbor Pat• Devin• Jeff Robertson at jeffreyrobertson.comListen to all our episodes at mikeandblaine.comcashflowmike.comdryrun.comSupport the showCatch more episodes, see our sponsors and get in touch at https://mikeandblaine.com/