Podcasts about keepin it real

On this week's Keepin It Real, lots of people celebrated last week. Cam was one of them. It was a case of determination unwavering belief that was finally rewarded. ----- So, after six years, Blaine finally got the call. I remember during the pandemic my wife and I rode our children's bikes down the center of the street late one evening to our friend's house for a cocktail. It was strange to have no traffic at that hour. At their house we sat outside and chatted for a while. Blaine was home and he and his sister stood in the back yard playing an improvised game hitting ping pong balls with a dowel across the yard. They'd toss it and smack it. I marveled at how hard it must be to hit such a tiny ball with a tinier bat but they both did, repeatedly. Having fun with each other while they were sent home from school, waiting for the pandemic to ease so they could return to their worlds. I hoped they wouldn't ask me to take a swing. I would never have made contact. Blaine was a solid player in high school. Then an even better player in college. Then he stood out in single a, then double a, and now in triple a. At each level, he figured out how to succeed, winning awards along the way. And whenever he was at home visiting his parents and friends, he was a nice guy. We like him. Everyone does. That was clear at his wedding. He has a deep support system. And Blaine finally got the call. Along the way, Blaine had developed an army of supporters. Coaches, teachers, parents, pastors, friends, neighbors, church congregations. We'd each invested a small piece of our hearts along the way, and each of us harbored a silent hope that that this young man's determination would pay off. He never wavered. We saw something enviable in him. It wasn't only his remarkable baseball talent. It was his belief in himself. Thursday, a cancelled flight stranded my wife and me in Colorado. We tried to make the best of it. Today is a great day, my wife said, because the experts say that just saying that can change your attitude. So, we sat with a drink, determined that it was a great day. I heard her gasp as she looked into her phone. Blaine's mom and dad had checked out of their beach hotel in Florida after just a few hours and were driving home to catch a flight. Blaine was playing that night in Arlington and then on Tuesday in Boston. They would be there. No questions, because Blaine finally got the call. My wife and Blaine's mom spoke. Her eyes got wet. Blaine's mom and dad were busting it down I-10, vacation abandoned. After hundreds and hundreds of games and countless more practices and dues paying, Blaine finally got the call. He had never wavered. He was headed to the majors. My wife and I toasted Blaine and his family, now both of our eyes wet, on this great day. Because Blaine finally got the call. And in a way, we all did. Good luck, Blaine. Win or lose, we got your back. All of us. Count on it. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to keep it real.    

Business Mentorship; “Growth Strategist' Keepin' It Real with Heather Brekelmans  Season 6 Episode #226 We meet Heather Brekelmans who is the founder of 2 Steps Ahead a one stop marketing company that connects customers with clients through storytelling. She uses a tag line “Get Real” which introduces a business strategy with purpose. Let's find out out how Heather is bridging the gap between growth and opportunity for sustained success.  Our guest joins us from Zorra, Ontario “Heather has both an ambitious mind and a genuine heart. Graduating from Brock University & Niagara College with a focus on leadership & horticulture gave her an excellent blend of backgrounds to launch 2 Steps Ahead Consulting. Heather enjoys bringing a fresh and genuine approach to marketing focused on clients' success.” A few of the tips Heather shared:  1. Be intentional with your objectives  2. Create a process that builds team confidence  3. Attitude is a key performance indicator  Read Heather's story and connect here...   Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real.   “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs” "Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time" 

Special Edition Business Mentorship;  Panel Discussion, Keepin' It Real  "Awards and Recognition" Season 6, Episode #225  Welcome to this special edition of Keepin' It Real panel discussions featuring topics trending in business with small business owners who participate in our global community. Our expert panel are all recent winners in the 2025 Global Women Changing The World Awards and Summit held in London England, trail blazers and change makers in their communities. The summit was headed by Oprah Winfrey's all-time favourite guest, Dr. Tererai Trent, who says, “These exceptional women are here to awaken hearts, give permission to recapture dreams, and inspire the women of the world to come together to forge a brighter path for all. The rising of women is the awakening of everybody.”       We discuss the topic of awards and recognition and the relevance for small business owners….   I'd like to introduce you to our panel: Susan Crossman:  Gold, Women in Literature Brenda Andress:    Silver, Women In Sport Shelley Goldstein:  Silver, Professional Services and                                  Honourable Mention, Thought Leader Lynn McLaughlin:   Silver, Women in Adult Eduction & Training Elaine Uskoski:       Silver, Therapy & Counselling   and myself Trish Tonaj Silver, Business of the Year As the founder for shareyourstories.online:  "We create opportunities for global business owners to be seen, heard, found and hired through three core pillars of visibility, collaboration and community. It was an honour to nominate and share the stage in recognition of these amazing women in business whose work positively contributes to their communities.” Accepting support and recognition from others for a job well done is a great example of the humility and commitment we share as small business owners.  Sharing our stories is how we support and learn from each other.   A few of the things we shared: 1) Accept the nomination! 2) Creating friendships beyond the screen 3) Be open to new possibilities   I'd like to thank our expert panel for sharing your stories and point of view. We appreciate your contributions as business owners and wish you continued success as you lead by example as both role models and mentors in our communities.   If you'd like to connect with one of our guests you'll find their story and contact information below: https://shareyourstories.online/sheis-sports-network-founder-president-brenda-andress/ https://shareyourstories.online/author-entrepreneur-susan-crossman/ https://shareyourstories.online/from-monologue-to-dialogue-have-conversations-that-convert/ https://shareyourstories.online/owner-lynn-mclaughlin-co/ https://shareyourstories.online/my-sons-video-gaming-addiction-led-me-to-my-niche-audience-elaine-uskoski/ https://shareyourstories.online/founder-guest-blog-host-trish-tonaj/   I'm Trish Tonaj, author, artist, founder and host for the series and if your interested in sharing your business story, visit our website at shareyourstories.online “Together, We Are Making A Difference; One Story At A Time” Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real.   “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam wonders if we have what it takes any more. If the thumbs up button is as far as we'll go or as much as we'll do. ----- David Brooks wrote a column in the New York Times last week calling for a, quote “comprehensive national civic uprising.” There are well over four thousand comments with most being something along the lines of “Yes. It's about time. Someone should do something.” Brooks' says the Trump administration has gone too far, that we are indeed in a constitutional crisis, and it's time to act. But, I wonder, do we have what it takes to act? Or have we gotten used to saying “yeah, that's a problem but it's someone else's problem, not mine” and maybe hit the thumbs up button. I'm going to change the subject. I've had some tense conversations with my Christian friends when I tell them that it's much easier to worship than to be a practitioner of their faith. Worshipping Jesus is easy. We go to church. We pray before meals. We ask for blessings in his name. Maybe wear a crucifix. That's worshipping. It's public. Visible. And, frankly, easy compared to what he actually asked us to do. “Don't bother with worshiping me,” he essentially said. “Follow me.” Do what I do. Behave the way I behave. Luke, Chapter Six, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I tell you?” There many similar versus throughout the New Testament.  But do any of us have what it takes to do what he told us? Few. Very few. Because that's hard and, today, puts us at odds with what's happening in our nation. “I'm good with the Lord. I went to Church on Easter.” Well how about that guy who was sent mistakenly to prison in El Salvador?  We say, “Yea. That's awful. He shouldn't have been caught up in whatever he was caught up with. I'll pray for him.” And that's it. But if we were truly practitioners, not simply worshippers, what would we do to help he imprisoned, he poor, the neglected?  We'd do something active with our feet, not simply bring our hands together and mention the poor guy over grace before dinner. Does this nation today, supposedly packed with Christians, have what it takes to act Christ-like anymore? Or are we all so fat and content that we let abuses fly and we'll simply click the thumbs-up and offer our BS thoughts and prayers? I'm disgusted by what's happening out there. I'm disgusted by the way so many of the Universities and law firms, supposedly bastions established to spread open thinking and to uphold democracy, are rolling over like puppies on the teat. There are protesters, but I'm disgusted by how many of us – me included – are watching and not practicing our faith. We were once a proud nation who pitied the banana republics run by bullies with no character and integrity. We would act to protect the weak, the poor, the vulnerable. Whether you agreed with or not, we knew this country would act. Now, we don't even act on it inside our own borders. We are a nation supposedly full of Christians who, despite what our Christ asked of us, feel contented to only worship and not practice our faith. Prove me wrong. Please! I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep It Real.

Business Mentorship; “Your Network is Your Net Worth” Keepin It Real with Steve Ramona   Season 6 Episode #224   We meet a podcast host who is a super-connector, specializing in building partnerships through personalized introductions. “The Law of Increase” has become his personal mission as he networks with people around the world.   Let's find out out how Steve's podcast “Doing Business with a Servant's Heart” has created an audience of over 40,000 people per episode and growing!   Our guest joins us from San Jose, California “Steve Ramona, a unique super-connector, specializing in building partnerships through personalized introductions. These introductions are emails that include video explanations, adding a personal touch to each connection. Steve's introductions have been incredibly successful, resulting in 25 million dollars in deals over the past 11 years. This track record speaks volumes about the value he brings to each connection.” A few of the tips Steve shared: 1. Just “Ask” 2. Difference between Transactional and Transformational 3. Definition of  “servitude” ok 4. ABL   Read Steve's story and connect here...   Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music.   Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real.   “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

Business Mentorship; “The Why that Lead to Entrepreneurship” Keepin It Real with Heather Fontez    Season 6 Episode #223   We meet a business owner who has many years experience in the hospitality industry with a Masters in Mental Health Psychology.  Let's find out out "why" Heather has taken her corporate experience and started a business with her husband in entertainment services. 

   Our guest joins us from Hamilton , Ontario  “Heather is an accomplished hospitality professional with global experience, including leading world-renowned restaurants like Planta Queen and Kelly's Landing. With senior roles at a prestigious banquet center and as VP of a non-profit solutions company, she excels in event planning, project management, and client relations. Heather's passion for creating meaningful experiences is backed by a Master's in Mental Health Psychology. Outside work, she enjoys yoga, running, and exploring Ontario's outdoors.” 
A few of the tips Heather shared: 
 1.  Participate in community based business groups 2.  Create a trusted referral partner list  3.  Be mindful of the journey   Read Heather's story and connect here...   Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real.   “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

Business Mentorship; ”Creating SheIs Sports Network” Keepin It Real with Brenda Andress   Season 6 Episode #222 We meet a business owner who is an author, former Commissioner of the Canadian Women's Hockey League, one of Canadas 100 Most Powerful Women and the founder of SheIS a Sports Network with an app that connects female athletes with fans fostering engagement, community and celebration.   Let's find out out how Brenda has built bridges throughout sport to elevate the profile of female athletes while building a network that engages sports enthusiasts.   Our guest joins us from Toronto, Ontario “Brenda Andress is a trailblazer in women's sports, known for her strategic leadership as the founder and President of SheIS and SheIS Sports Network. As the former Commissioner of the CWHL, she shaped it into the premier women's hockey league. Recognized with the YWCA Women of Distinction award and named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women, Brenda is an accomplished author and a dedicated mother and grandmother, continually elevating the visibility and impact of women in athletics.” A few of the tips Brenda shared: 1. Watershed moments create opportunities  2. You have a right to be at the table 3.  Don't give up   Read Brenda's story and connect here...   Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam Marston shares what exhausts him and how a good conversation is hard to find. ----- It was 1,000 one-minute conversations. A collection of people who all were within a degree, maybe a half a degree, of separation. Hardly a meaningful chat and as the event wore on, the meaningfulness of the chats dwindled further. For so little conversation, it was exhausting. I think maybe that conversations that skim along the veneer of content are more taxing than digging into content. I don't know. But when I left, I was completely spent. I'm like so many other people claiming that technology has impacted today's youth's ability to communicate. I bemoan their addicted behaviors when it comes to their phones. Technology has impacted their ability to talk, I say, or to hold a conversation, or to make eye contact. Today's technology has made them only interested in what everyone else is doing or saying, unable to engage with what's happening right here, right now, right in front of them. However, my own behavior at this event wasn't much different than the complaints I make about them. I can imagine how I looked, flitting from person to person, hardly engaging anyone, only looking for what's next and who else was there. The event was spectacular. I was the problem. Not long ago I read about a couple who were invited to a dinner party. They normally decline these invitations because they abhor small talk; it wears them out. The host, however, insisted and the couple begrudgingly showed up, fake smiles pasted on their faces. Once the final guests arrived and all were seated for dinner, the host asked a bombshell question: “How do each of you deal with your marital conflicts?” After a moment of stunned silence, the couples began sharing their stories and their tactics and their lessons learned. There was no small talk to be had. It was an immediate deep dive into meaningful content. The reluctant couple had said to each other they'd stay until it was acceptable to leave. They had their departure excuse rehearsed. However, they ended up staying until well after midnight and left energized by the conversations, not depleted. I had lunch with a guy a while back. I had shared a book I enjoyed with him weeks before. When he and I sat down, I asked him what he felt his purpose in life were, which was a major element of the book. When his tone changed and he began subtly mocking me thinking I didn't notice, I realized I had rushed things. It was too soon for that question. Was it too soon in our lunch? Too soon in our friendship? I don't know. We both hurried the lunch to a close and he's avoided me ever since. I was searching for meaningful content and assumed he'd join me. He was having none of it and none of me. It's too bad, too. He's an interesting guy. Like most people my age, I'm old enough now that I know a good number of people. I wanted that at one point and, well, here I am. However, at my age, I'm old enough now to realize that I want to know, truly know, many, many fewer. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep It Real.

Business Mentorship; “From Monologue to Dialogue: Have Conversations That Convert - Now Launching A Book” Keepin It Real with Shelley Goldstein   Season 6 Episode #221 We meet a business owner who is a trainer, speaker, speaking coach and now author! Shelley has helped hundreds of people in over 40 countries across a variety of industries develop the skills necessary to be empowering, remarkable speakers and lead with impact.   Let's find out why Shelley decided “now was the time” to launch her book and what she's doing differently as part of the launch. Our guest will join us from Los Angelas, California “Shelley trains global audiences how to powerfully command executive presence and master the art of effective speaking. With over 30 years of senior level management and entrepreneurship, she understands the demands of the evolving workplace—with its emphasis on communication skills and leadership influence—and has helped hundreds of people in over 40 countries across a variety of industries develop the skills necessary to be empowering, remarkable speakers and lead with impact.” A few of the tips Shelley shared: 1. Speaking as a conversation 2. Include audio/video with print 3. Share your “x” factor, find your voice    Read Shelley's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

Business Mentorship; "Author, Founder, Podcaster"  Keepin It Real with Tammy Cohen    Season 6  Episode #220    We  find out how this award-winning author is providing the tools for families to use mobile devices, not as distractions but bridges to more profound, heartfelt relationships.  Our guest joins us from New York, New York: "Tammy J. Cohen is a connector, author, and founder of Women Beyond the Table, a network empowering women to thrive professionally and personally. Through TC Brand Consulting, She helps businesses align their mission and brand. Tammy authored the award-winning Text Messages to My Sons, inspiring parents to connect deeply with their kids. Tammy is a podcast host and media contributor who resides in Manhattan with her husband and three sons. She received her BA from SUNY Albany and her Master of Business Administration from Zicklin School of Business/Baruch College." A few of the tips Tammy shared: 1. Love and gratitude is the highest frequency 2. Positive messages create positive results 3. Find your community   Read Tammy's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

Business Mentorship; “Gallery Owner, Artist and Entrepreneur” Keepin' It Real with Taren White Season 6 Episode #219
 We meet a business owner who is a fourth generation entrepreneur, third generation artist as well as gallery owner and digital marketing expert. Creativity, passion and innovation is how one would describe this small business owner. Let's find out how Taren has created an on-line platform that introduces collectors to artists and combines education and business acumen.  Our guest joins us from Paris, Ontario “Taren is a third-generation artist and fourth-generation entrepreneur, passionately sharing my creativity with the world. With over 20 years in marketing and digital design, I find myself incredibly blessed to have a gallery on the banks of the Grand River in Paris, Ontario. This serene space serves as both a showcase for my artwork and my office for freelance work. Whether it's through my painting or through digital branding and website design, I am dedicated to bringing artistry to life. “ A few of the tips Taren shared: 1. Awareness creates opportunities 2. Buying art is both a visual and emotional process 3. New words of advice for changing times   Read Taren's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

The guys talk about Travis Hunter's hot take about Ohtani, LeBron reaches 50,000 career points, and the path to finding one's self. Pull up a chair and join the conversation!

On today's Keepin It Real, Cam reports back about his most memorable event on his recent trip to Brazil. He traveled a long way to come back with this... ------ Cachaca is a Brazilian alcohol that was first made by the slaves the Portuguese brought to Brazil. It's sugar cane based. Very sweet. And like gumbo, red beans and rice, jazz music, and the Mississippi delta blues among other things, it was what the poor people created due to a lack of resources and that the wealthy people eventually wanted. Crazy how that works so predictably. It's like clockwork.  Anyway, my wife and I were enjoying our first cocktail made of cachaca by the pool last week in a small coastal community north of Sao Paulo called Paraty. However, we struggled to enjoy the drink. And I'm certain you can relate to what happened. It's become a meme - There was someone in an environment too small for their voice, talking too loudly. It was loud people having private conversations on the phone in small spaces. Loud Zoom calls in coffee shops. You've witnessed this. In our case it was a British couple lying in lounge chairs by the pool on speakerphone with their daughter talking about finding her an apartment in London. The father, to be heard, raised his voice to nearly a yell so the phone would hear him from three feet away. Well, my wife and I heard him, neighbors living next to the hotel heard him, the birds in the trees on the coast heard him, the shop owner across town, people in the next city over and the Uruguayans 1000 miles to the south also heard him. We didn't want to, but we learned a lot about this family and their dysfunctional and helpless daughter. Our relaxing drink tasted like cachaca, lime, and disgust. Around the pool were two other couples. We met and stood talking in the pool. They were really nice. One couple had been traveling since January 1st. They were recently retired and described retirement as having three distinct phases – Go Time, Slow Time, and then, No Time. Go Time is travel. Slow Time too old to travel and now you sit around the house. No Time is travel back and forth to your final doctor appointments. They retired early to have a longer Go Time and were doing it up right. They were telling us about how they planned their extensive trips then, and I promise I'm not making this up, the British man got into the pool and began swimming laps right through middle of us three couples and another guy who had joined us. We stood there in water up to our waists in disbelief. He kicked right through us, splashing us, no more than a foot or two away as he came by. I'd never seen anything like it. Was it aggressive? Or was it just plain clueless? Anyway, the three different couples plus the one guy decided not to move. And he kept swimming. We'd pause our chat as he swam through. It's sad that after traveling about 18 hours to get to a place way off my radar and another 18 hours to get back home, the only story I have from my trip is about a British man in our pool. Which makes me want to drink lots of cachaca. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep It Real.        

Business Mentorship; “Holistic Health Practitioner" Keepin' It Real with Marian Egan  Season 6 Episode #218
 We meet a business owner who is an international speaker, author, artist and a Global Award Winner as an Energy Frequency Expert with over 30 years experience empowering change through both in-person and on-line courses. Let's find out how Marian responded to the market and created on-line courses, uses an app and has sold over 500 books. Our guest joins us from Kildare, Ireland “As a healthcare practitioner, I specialize in helping professional practitioners, coaches, and entrepreneurs, who are facing their own health crises, take control of their health, increase their income, and increase their client base. My passion is teaching self-healing techniques and holistic well-being practices using effective solutions. My mission is to Empower People to Heal Themselves. The body has an innate intelligence to heal itself. I help facilitate that healing process using my Healing Card Decks and teach others to do the same.” A few of the tips Marian shared: 1.  Don't quit, just keep going 2.  Trust is a must 3.  Innovation is a necessity   Read Marian's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Turning Your Passion for Dogs into a Nationwide Training Success” with Ryan Wimpey Season 6 Episode #217
   We'll meet a business owner who is the founder of Tip Top K9, and taken his passion for dogs and turned it into a dog training franchise. Let's find out how Ryan has built his business by franchising into 19 locations and 11 states, and you've gotta love these stats: 91 trainers, over 32 thousand dogs trained and over 14 thousand Google reviews… I'm sure you'll agree - very impressive Our guest joins us from Tulsa, Oklahoma “I'm Ryan Wimpey, founder of Tip Top K9, a dog training franchise with 19 locations across 11 states. My passion for dogs started in high school and grew after years of working with my first dog, Curley. I developed the Tip Top Method, based on classical conditioning, to help dogs and their owners overcome behavioural challenges. With a focus on consistency, patience, and passion, I've turned my love for dogs into a thriving nationwide business.” A few of the tips Ryan shared: 1.  Create a linear workflow to replicate your great idea 2.  Be consistent 3.  Build your brand with referrals Read Ryan's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam reacts to a text from a friend about the hopelessness she feels today as a result of the new presidential administration. There are two sides to this, Cam says. And the healing must begin within. But it won't be easy. ----- There are those of you listening right now filled with anxiety and rage. You can't believe our nation is full of people who care so little for truth, honesty, and compassion. You can't believe that you know people, lots of people, who are willing to abandon truth, honesty, and compassion to win. This is not how you were taught to live as a child. These are not the lessons of Aesop's fables. There is nothing in the New Testament that says this is Ok. However, there are others of you out there equally mystified. “How can you not want this?” you're asking. How can you not see that our future, both each of us individually and as a nation, will be better? We're returning to dominance. We're getting rid of the cheaters and the thieves who have slipped in and are stealing opportunity from you and me. We're making them pay. We're righting wrongs. This is what this nation is about. This is who we are. We've strayed and we're now, finally, returning to who we should be. How can you not see this? No argument from either of you will win. No data will convince either of you of anything. No clever wording. No quoting the constitution. No biblical chapter or verse. Deadlocked. Both sides deadlocked. Anxiety and rage. Both sides. Dr Carl Rogers was an American Psychologist who, in 1982, was listed as the most influential psychotherapist in history. Of his many accomplishments, there is one practice of his that I'm using – well, that I'm trying to use – in my interactions with others. It's called Unconditional Positive Regard. It's a framework for listening and helping even with those whose opinions are diametrically opposite our own. It's a learned discipline and it's not easy. Unconditional Positive Regard assumes that this person in front of each of us has worth, this person in front of us can grow, they can change, they're eager to learn, they're curious, they are a person of value. Unconditional Positive Regard. You can see how this powerful outlook can benefit a therapist in their interactions with patients. You can see how someone hoping to pull the best out of another person, who still has hope for the other person, could and perhaps SHOULD engage them with a mindset of unconditional positive regard. It's hard, though. It's very hard. Especially when what some of you have seen of others brings this quote to mind: “When you worship power, compassion and mercy will look like sins.” To many of you that's what it looks like out there today. It's obvious to say, but compassion is not a sin. Mercy is not a sin. None of us should ever hold back on either. And perhaps for all of you listening right now filled with anxiety and rage, holding each other in unconditional positive regard might be step one in healing…ourselves. I'm Cam Marston, just trying to keep it real.

Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real,  Building A Community through “Pawsitive Perspectives” with Carrie Lehtonen Season 6 Episode #216
 We meet a business owner with a Masters degree in Organizational Development who has made the transition to Holistic Health Practitioner, Yoga Instructor and Author leading wellness retreats and workshops around the world to help her clients tap into their passion and purpose.   Let's find out how Carrie went from corporate leader to business owner after surviving a heart attack, reinventing herself to build a wellness community and hosting retreats around the world to help you tap into your passion and purpose.

   Our guest joins us from Evergreen, Colorado

 "I'm an entrepreneur and storyteller. I earned a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and spent over 18 years working in Human Resources. After surviving a heart attack, I attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Holistic Health Practitioner. I also trained to become a Registered Yoga Teacher and Educator and started my own business, Firefly Community LLC. I published my first book, "Pawsitive Perspectives", in 2024."   A few of the tips Carrie shared:  1. Things in life we learn from our pets 2. Look for the signs and signals to change  3. One ingredient for success - determination  Read Carrie's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “The Street Cat" with Craig Colby  Season 6, Episode #215 We meet a business owner with an impressive award winning-career as an executive producer, showrunner, director, and writer with a roster of highly rated television programs who now has his own consulting practise and video production company, colbyvision.  He is also the author of the award-winning book ALL CAPS.   Craig joins us to discuss how he went from  a “House Cat” to a “Street Cat” and found himself not only as a freelancer but consultant and author. Our guest joins us from Toronto, Ontario “Craig Colby is an award winning-executive producer, showrunner, director, and writer who makes highly rated television programs, seen around the world. His work has been seen on Discovery Channel, BBC Earth, Smithsonian Channel, CTV, and TSN, to name a few. Currently, Craig owns colbyvision, a video production and consulting company and is the author of the multiple award-winning book ALL CAPS: Stories That Justify an Outrageous Hat Collection. ”   A few of the tips Craig shared: 1. Know, Like, Trust theory 2. Copyright - get permission 3. Take the chance Read Craig's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam has found infinite inspiration for commentaries for years and years to come. ----- I sat quietly this morning and was ready to admit it's time to quit Keepin' It Real. I've lost my creativity. My energy around writing insightful and truthful things about the world around me was gone. Seven – maybe eight! – years is a pretty good run. Maybe close to 350 or more original pieces – I should be proud of my work and unashamed to put these commentaries to bed. But then… Scrolling through today's headlines, I spotted a lifeline. Something that will allow me countless weeks of effortless content. It was hard to believe it was true, but… there it was. Mark Zuckerberg was turning off the fact checking on his social media platforms. No longer would Facebook and Instagram work to fact-check people's posts. They'd let the community of users do it, instead. The article went on to say it was his way of genuflecting to the Cheeto Jesus – our upcoming, return of the king, Commander in Chief. Trump dislikes facts and accuracy so Zuckerberg, to curry favor with him, was ending any reliance on it in his giant megaphone of social media. Wow. If the age of Enlightenment wasn't already dead, it is dead dead dead now. I've always been a fan of the expression “never let the truth get in the way of a good story” and I embrace a good, exaggerated story whether it be my own or someone else. However, today the expression is “never let the truth get in the way of anything.” And what a giant hall pass this offers me in these commentaries. Why tell the truth when our highest elected official avoids it, and his minions support it. So, with that, I'm redoing my biography. You may know me as a commentator for Alabama Public radio who lives in Mobile married with four teenaged children. That was who I was during the days when truth mattered. Now I'm a world-famous commentator who offers sage wisdom and insight and has been feted by the Nobel Prize committees and has turned down Pulitzer Prizes because they weren't prestigious enough. Sounds good. My four children are the best kids in any environment they ever enter – academics, athletics, needlepoint – you name it they're the best out of everyone. My previous work was as an astronaut, but it bored me, a lion tamer but the smell of the lions got to me, and, of course out of tribute to George Costanza, I am both an architect and a marine biologist. I've built a woodshed once and tossed a fish back into the Gulf, which in this era of non-truth, is sufficient enough to give myself those titles, regardless of what anyone says because those people are jealous liars who are out to get me. My resume and my CV will change by this afternoon and will include the words Adonis, Guggenheim, and National Book Award. I'll call the bank and tell them the balance I see online isn't correct, my truth says it is much higher, and they better change it or I'll sue because the bank has a personal vendetta against me. And my truth says that it's not the Gulf of Mexico nor the Gulf of America. It's the Gulf of Cam. It, in fact, has always been. Tell me it's not true. I dare you. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just tyring to Keep it Real.

Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Sustainable Stylist - Eco-Chic Fashion” with Shannon  Season 6, Episode #214 We'll meet a business owner who has made it her mission to empower individuals to rediscover the joy in their wardrobe and embrace a sustainable approach to style.  Make choices that echo beyond the mirror, positively impacting the planet and your own sense of purpose. You'll find you're not just dressing well; you're dressing with a conscience. Shannon and I discuss not only how she helps clients create stunning, fresh looks from the clothes you already own, but how what we wear affects our mood and how we show up in the world. Our guest joins us from Hamilton, Ontario “Shannon is a busy mom of 3.5 (one on the way) I love what I do. I love seeing peoples confidence come back to life. And showing them they can wear more than 20% of their wardrobe. ” A few of the tips Shannon shared: 1. What you wear changes how you feel 2. Thrift - its a great way to expand your budget 3. Clothes = Emotion = How we show up in the world Read Shannon's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Level Up Your Meetings” with Krsity Hissa Season 6 Episode #213 We'll meet an enterprise leader who wants you to accelerate organizational momentum and create inclusive decision-making in your meetings. Leveraging AI, this platform helps meeting organizers by automating preparation, providing tailored recommendations, and continuously optimizing time across teams. Let's find out how this tech expert is using a digital mentor to help businesses run best-in-class meetings that inspire and empower. Our guest joins us from Ottawa, Ontario “Following a successful B2B SaaS exit, Kristy Hissa is now leading meeting performance startup Kairos. Kristy boasts over 7+ years of executive leadership and is known for her commitment to integrity, cross-functional success, and operational excellence. She is also dedicated to giving back and actively supporting initiatives like the Women In Tech and local non-profits.” A few of the tips Kristy  shared: 1. Lean into what's exciting 2. Find the right people 3. Change in marketing Read Kristy's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

How to Elevate Your Skills and Keep it Real with Ashlee NormanWhat does it take to master advanced techniques and grow a thriving career as an educator in the beauty industry? In this episode of Your Hair Mentor, Crystal sits down with Ashlee Norman, a master hairstylist and educator renowned for her expertise in balayage, foilayage, and precision cutting. But this isn't just about Ashlee's journey—it's about how her experience and knowledge can help YOU take your career to the next level.Why You Should Listen

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam Marston has just returned from a few days in Fort Lauderdale. It's a different world down there, Cam says. One that he might have envied at one point in his life. ------ My wife and I returned from Ft Lauderdale Saturday. We were there for a corporate event where I was giving a speech. My client generously offered an extra couple of nights in the host hotel and our room was on the 26thfloor overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. I watched the sun rise each morning as I sipped coffee and read. It began as a faint glow on the horizon to a disk coming out of the water. It was nice. My wife and I haven't had a chance to do things like that recently. Now that the kids are older, we're trying to take advantage of them. As we left to go on our trip, we told our kids to please not let us find the house in ashes when we returned. We felt that was reasonable. And it was in pretty good shape when we got home Saturday. South Florida is quite different from South Alabama or, I suspect, most of Alabama. And I guess saying that is simply acknowledging the obvious. I counted five or six different Ferraris which I rarely see around here. I think they're beautiful. There were lots of Bentleys. There was lots of jewelry on everyone. Lots of senior citizens on the boardwalk late in the afternoon walking together, riding bikes, sitting and visiting. Lot of accents. Lots of people speaking Spanish, and what I think was Russian. Guitar players up and down the boardwalk, busking and playing music they hoped would catch the senior's attention. My hope for my wife and my trip was to create not a bucket list for the two of us, but a reverse bucket list. Not a list the things we wanted or wanted to do. I wanted us to create list of the things we could do away with. What we could do to simplify. I've said it many times to my wife and kids – we could probably get rid of half of the things we've accumulated over the nearly twenty years in this house and never miss them. If you've lived in the same place for a while, you can probably relate. How and why did we get this stuff in the first place. And why do I have such a hard time getting rid of it. I look at all those things those people in South Florida had, especially the beautiful cars, the jewelry, the magnificent beachfront homes and thought “Wow. That's beautiful. I'm glad I don't want it.” And that's a 180 degree shift and about face from the way I once was – I wanted the stuff, the houses and the cars. Today what excites me is getting rid of the stuff I have. And m y wife is kinda there, too. It's a part of our journey together of what we want for ourselves from here on out. And what we want will change. Likely many times. Ironically, though, as I say this my wife and kids have asked for my Christmas list – more things I want which includes, partly to my shame, a top hat. Do I need a top hat? No. Do I want a top hat? Yes. In a few years will I wonder why I have it and why I struggle to give it away? Absolutely. I think maybe I've identified the problem. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep It Real.

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam hopes you have no regrets from Thanksgiving. And if you do, that you learn from them. ----- Well, how'd it go yesterday? Any family flare ups? Any thoughts you wish you'd kept to yourself? Thanksgiving gatherings are famous for finding people's boiling points and the election having been just a few weeks ago, some are still gloating and others still licking their wounds. Any regrets from yesterday? I heard Dan Pink speak last week at a conference in San Francisco. He's a New York Times best-selling author and his most recent book is called The Power of Regret. I was invited to go backstage to meet him and he told me how he gathered data for the book. He personally read over 60,000 people's regrets. He solicited them from across the world and people enthusiastically responded. It was almost a catharsis for many respondents, he said. Like people wanted to get their regrets off their chest. He had to cut off submissions he had so many. Regrets tend to come in four categories, he said in his keynote speech. They're either Foundation Regrets – where you're sorry you didn't do something long ago that would have changed your today – started saving money, read more, gone after the degree, or had a bad feeling about who you were marrying but decided to overlook it. Then there's Boldness Regret – when you played it safe instead of taking a chance or times when you look back and wish you had spoken up about something. There's Moral Regrets – You did the wrong thing and it haunts you, something that was very much out of your character. He told the story of a woman who, when she was nine, remembers bullying a girl on the school bus and that behavior has eaten her up ever since. And finally, there are Connection Regrets – when you should have reached out and, instead, let a relationship wither. Whenever you ask yourself “should I call? Should I visit? Should I send a note” the answer, Pink says, is always yes. Pink also showed a slide that shows that regrets increase over time – the more time goes by, the more the regrets of our past haunt us. And our regrets of today sting worse when we make a poor decision right now. “I should have known I was going to regret this,” we say, kicking ourselves. That, Pink says, is our own wisdom, earned over years, trying to exert itself, but we ignore it. So, any regrets from yesterday? Anyone important to you storm off in a huff? Or maybe, did you? Apologies always matter. They make you feel better when you apologize and genuinely accepting apologies is part of God's magic for relationships. My regrets? Well, I certainly regret the second helping at yesterday's Thanksgiving meal. I regret the third helping worse. More seriously, I regret losing my temper a few times as a young father. Regardless of whether any of my kids remember it, I can't forget it. I did the wrong thing and it haunts me. Since my stroke about eighteen months ago, though, I keep regrets in mind. I want to learn from the ones I have and prevent any more. Something to think about as I fix a turkey sandwich for lunch today. I'm Cam Marston, just trying to Keep it Real.    

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam Marston wants you to know he's NOT A CYNIC. But there are things this time of year that just kinda get to him... ----- ‘Tis the season for pensive and sappy messages. I'm so sorry but it's true. They're appearing in TV commercials, in client and vendor emails. Letters received in the mail about the joys of the season and now's the time to be grateful and all that. I hate being a cynic, but it all appears to be virtue signaling to me. The people I know sending these messages are savage businesspeople and it's like times running out and they're throwing a Hail Mary pass to make Santa's good list. Maybe these people really are kind and generous and are thankful for their bountiful blessings, and the season is a gift meant for a deeper understanding of the commonalities of mankind and that the cockles of their heart swell with the love of the joy of the togetherness of their fellow man and the brotherhood of the love of the oneness of all of us…and all that. I can't help but roll my eyes. I seriously doubt many of these people have heart cockles. I question whether some of them even have hearts. But man, this time of year, people eat this stuff up. My father and I watched a lady on the local news early Sunday morning deliver such a message. Her message was about enjoying the season by simplifying it to the essentials. It's a similar message that we all hear over this time of year. I was unmoved. My dad, though, was over the moon about it. He thought it was great. He repeated the message aloud several times, full of energy. Dad, I wanted to say, you hear this same message over and over again every year. There's nothing new here. Instead, I kept quiet. The message made him feel good and I guess that matters for something. ‘Tis season for extras, though. Whoever you are, you can justify something a little bit extra this time of year. “It only comes around once a year, so why not just a little more?” we say. A little more to eat. An extra slice of pie or two. Maybe a whole extra pie. Fill the wine glass a little fuller than normal. Each time. An extra gift for someone and maybe an extra one for you, too. Leave the office a little early. And then a little earlier. And then earlier. Every day of the year only comes around once a year, but these are…different. These days are a part of the Christmas season which, per the displays at Lowes, begins mid-October, making the Christmas season nearly a quarter of the year. Some, like my wife and kids, have no problems with this. What does it matter, they say, if we like the decorations and they make us happy? My position is that the shorter it is, the more intense and special it is. If your default mode is that it's nearly always Christmas, what's so special about it? At least that's what I say to myself, sitting all alone, while what remains of the cockles of my heart burn to cinders. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep it Real.

Business Mentorship; “Entrepreneurship; Sharing Our Great Ideas”Keepin' It Real with Our Expert Panel    Episode #212 Welcome to a special edition of Keepin' It Real, panel discussions with entrepreneurs who join us to discuss topics trending in business… Our guests join us as small business owners, innovators and collaborators who have taken their great ideas from incubator to success, serving their clients and customers while making positive contributions in their communities. We're going to discuss a few tips from  behind the scenes "Good, Bad, Ugly" To help us explore the topic, I'd like to introduce you to our expert panel: Heather Brekelmans ,2 Steps Ahead           Zorra, Ontario Komlanvi Dodero,  Dodjivi                             Gatineau, Quebec Marian Egan,  Transformational Health        Kildare, Ireland Taren White, Taren White Gallery                  Paris, Ontario   A few of the things we discuss: 1) Did you have a formal business plan as part of your start up? 2) We talk about passion, vision and purpose when planning our business strategy….but as a small business owners what personal quality do you think contributes to our success? 3) We all have defining moments, things that we celebrate,      Is there one event that has been pivotal in your business so far? 4) Have you ever had a mentor or someone who inspires you? 5) Do you have any big plans for the next year? I'd like to thank Heather, Komlanvi, Marian and Taren for sharing their stories and point of view with our viewing and listening audience.  We appreciate your service to both customers and clients as well as  contributions to your communities. We wish you continued success Connect with our panel guests: Heather Brekelmans, 2 Steps Ahead           Zorra, Ontario Komlanvi Dodero,  Dodjivi                             Gatineau, Quebec Marian Egan,  Transformational Health       Kildare, Ireland Taren White, Taren White Gallery                 Paris, Ontario Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music We thank all of our guests for participating in the series and look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real   “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “The Message Therapist” with Hersh Rephun Episode #211 We'll meet  the Message Therapist, a master communicator who is a creative, author, and podcast host. Let's find our how he helps 7-figure+ Founders and CEOs find their “next-figure brand voice.” Our guest joins us from Iowa City, Iowa “I have led teams in PR, Creative, Brand Strategy, Global Partner & Franchisee Relations, and now I help 7-figure+ Founders and CEOs find their “next-figure brand voice.” My mantra is, “Sell the Truth with Humor and Humanity.” Having played standup gigs across the country (Comedy Store, Comic Strip, Funny Bone, The Ice House…), I bring my stage presence to keynote talks and host two interview shows ranked in the Top 2% of Apple Podcasts globally.' A few of the amazing things Hersh shared: 1. What is a “semoir”? 2. Solve your brand crisis 3. Create a feedback loop Read Hersh's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

Business Mentorship; Keepin' It Real “Get Your Design Without the Overhead” with Jen Spinner Episode #210 We'll meet an entrepreneur with a full service design agency who believes your marketing assets should do more than look great. Let's hear how your brand image should start new conversations that drive results to help your business thrive. Our guest joins us from Hamilton, Ontario “I am a experienced creative director with over 10 years experience serving clients across industries. You get my skills in strategy, project management, art direction, graphic design and illustration baked into everything I do. All without the agency overhead. Your project benefits from my strategic knowledge working with brands like Air Canada, Kate Spade New York, Etsy, and Human Rights Watch.  My client, I-Think, was so impressed with my performance that my “expertise and collaborative spirit earned [me] the honorary title of our ‘Clarity Director.'”   A few of the amazing things Jen shared: 1. Serendipity - pivotal moments 2. Network for success 3.  Space for everyone Read Jen's story and connect here... Don't miss an episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel Business Mentorship; Keepin It Real or if your on the move our podcast is found on iTunes, Spotify, IHeart Radio and Amazon Music. Thank you for joining us… We look forward to connecting with you next time for another edition of Keepin' It Real. “Funding for Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs”

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam tells us about some early morning attacks that are happening in his part of town. You'd be surprised at who is doing the attacking. ----- On the top of the Tangles Hair Salon on Bit and Spur Road in Mobile sits a hat and a headlamp with its light on. The headlamp is the type that an early morning jogger wears before the sun comes up. How it got up there is a heck of a story. Dennison Crocker jogs before daylight nearly every morning. His headlamp lights the way. One dark morning near Bit and Spur Road, a giant thunk, thud, and whoosh caught Dennison off guard, and his hat and the light were gone. Something had hit him in the back of the head. His light was flying away and stopped on the roof of Tangles. The culprit: an owl. Likely a barred owl. They're the ones known to attack. But that was just the beginning. Weeks later he was jogging not far from the same spot when the owl hit him again. He was in the middle of the road and, bang. Dennison started swatting wildly in the air. Just then a car stopped and asked if he were ok – Dennison was, after all, wildly swinging his arms around in the air in the middle of the road before daylight early one weekday morning. He told the driver about the owl. The driver looked concerned for Dennison's mental well-being and slowly drove away and, just then, the owl hit him again. The driver reversed back, seeing Dennison wildly swinging his arms again and offered to get him outta there. Dennison dove in and went straight home. The owl has become quite a star around here. My new best friend, ChatGPT, says the owl is either protecting its nest or it thinks Dennison is poaching on its hunting ground. It's probably the latter since it's a bit early yet for owls to be nesting. So Dennison, per the owl, looks like a food supply threat. And, well, maybe he kinda does. Dennison's a big solid guy and I'm guessing he'd need a lot of squirrels to fill up, leaving fewer for his owl friend. The owl is rightly concerned Dennison taking more than his share. I learned about all this at my regular Thursday beer drinking session with my homies and it was Jay Stubbs who told Dennison's story only because Jay told us HE has been attacked, too. Jay is an early morning walker and not far from Tangles where Dennison's hat sits, Jay got hit by what he says felt like a broom over the back of his head. His hat flew off and all he saw was wings. Jay, too, looks like a food supply threat. Jay could pack in some squirrels. Oddly, I'm on team owl. I don't want anyone to get hurt, I don't wany eyes gouged out, but I like it that in our terribly predictable world, we have to worry about an owl attacking. It makes me chuckle. Getting attacked by an owI is something you could never have predicted sitting on your couch New Year's Day, making guesses about your upcoming year. It's a wonderfully refreshing story of life's randomness and unpredictability. What's the moral? It's simply this – it's against the normal order of nature for people to exercise before daylight. Even the owls know this. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep It Real.

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam Marston tells us about a bomb maker he met who sends the bombs he makes to his friends. Oddly enough, you and I should be happy he's doing it. ----- There's a man on the outskirts of Mobile who spends a good part of his days making bombs. He uses items he finds around town and buys from retail stores. He then sends his bombs to his buddies to see if they can disarm them. It's a game and, believe me, it's a game you and I should be grateful they're playing. I'm participating in a seven-week course called the FBI Citizens Academy. For two hours each week about twenty of use hear how the FBI works, and we meet their agents. Last night we met the bomb guy. He stays sharp by creating bombs that he may encounter made by the bad guys. He tries to get in their heads by making bombs out the same materials they would. The bombs out there, he says, are getting more sophisticated as the items available to the public are getting more sophisticated. He mentioned light sensitive triggers, much like the light sensors on my flood lights that toggle their nighttime settings. The closest parallel I've come up with is that the FBI is like a hospital emergency room. People go to the emergency room because something bad has happened. Similarly, the FBI doesn't act because something good is happening, they react to bad threats, bad news and bad events. And, I learned last night, just like emergency rooms have busy seasons like Halloween and New Year's Eve, the FBI gets busier around Christmas. A Christian holiday where people gather to celebrate their Christian faith is a dinner bell for some bad guys. Underground news begins percolating and rumors of attacks ramp up around the holidays. The FBI responds to all of it. Every one. And the bomb guy stands by, ready to diffuse the device, explode it safely, or worst-case scenario, examine the scene for evidence and ask witnesses many seemingly irrelevant questions including what color was the smoke – all of it helps to solve the puzzle and find the maker. You and I live mostly unaware of complexity of the work of the bad guys. We live mostly unaware of the constant activity of the FBI. It's white-collar crime. Violent crime. Sextortion. Terrorism. And much more. Add to that the sometimes brutal criticism from the public who knows nothing about their work yet feels superior enough to criticize, including our former – and perhaps future – commander in chief. Keeping the team motivated must be difficult. They're focused day and night on evil, malice, and destruction often without the support of the loudest voices in our communities and nation. But my takeaway is these are tough men and women who are compelled to serve. To simply serve. They're givers in a land of takers. Every one of them. Six weeks ago, our class began with this: The bad guys want to be bad. The good guys want to be good. The bad guys work very hard every day to be bad. The good guys work very hard every day to be good. And the bad guys only need to be bad once. Before the class began, I was fond of the FBI. Six weeks later, I'm deeply grateful. I'm Cam Marston, just trying to Keep it Real.

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On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam's family dog heard what he said to the vet. And she has something to say about it. ----- When I walked through the back door our dog, Lucy, looked at me as if to say “you and I have some unfinished business.” Lucy had been feeling bad. She was lethargic and had thrown up in four or five places in the house. On the rugs, of course. I got to my hands and knees to try to clean them up. It was nasty. She definitely wasn't herself and my wife, who Lucy seems to regard as The Kind One, took her to the vet. My wife texted that afternoon saying, “Please go pick up Lucy before the vet closes today.” Nothing more. At the vet I told the lady that I'm here to pick up Lucy and I'm in a hurry to get downtown for a meeting tonight. In my experience veterinarians, as a rule, seldom operate with any sense of urgency. They're in the warm, fluffy, cuddly business which does not lend itself to hurrying. To her credit she jumped into action and said, “that will be $800.” “I'm sorry,” I said. “Say that again.” “Eight-hundred dollars.” My expression must have concerned her. “I'll print the receipt,” she said, “so you can see what was done.” The receipt was written in medical code. None of it made any sense to me. As if these Latin looking medical terms and abbreviations explained anything. What I did comprehend, though, was the long column of dollar figures running down the right side of the page. Then I said what makes vet offices hate people like me. “You know I can get a new dog that's not broken for this amount.” A moment of silence then, “Yes. I know.” She didn't roll her eyes but she may as well have. “For this amount I need to speak to my wife to make sure she's aware of this and then speak to the vet to get an explanation of what was wrong and what we need to do. My wife is busy now and I don't have time for the explanation today, I need to get downtown. Can you keep Lucy for the night and let my wife come get her and talk to the vet tomorrow.” “Yes,” she said, dropping her eyes. She never looked at me again. I could tell she loathed me. Shouldn't I want to bring my dog home to comfort her? How could I leave her in a crate at the vet? Eight hundred dollars vs the comfort of having Lucy home? And the opportunity to care for her? I'm a cruel and heartless human being. I'm the bane of mankind. And that's exactly what Lucy was thinking when I came home the next afternoon. She was still lethargic but there was anger in her eyes. “I heard your voice when you came to get me yesterday,” her look told me. “I thought I was coming home. You left me. The Kind One came and got me like I knew she would. I've been thinking about you. Remember those vomit spots you cleaned up the other day. They were nothing. I was just warming up.” And she was. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep It Real.

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam Marston says he has a question for you. And he's curious if you have a question for him. ----- A story that lives in legend in my family is the day my mother interrupted a story about a boastful largemouth bass fisherman and my mother, in full innocence, asked “Who had the large mouth? The fish or the fisherman?” She had never heard of a largemouth bass. But, considering the context of the story, it was a legitimate question. The group fell silent and stared. Someone then explained to her about the species of fish. While the story gets repeated because of the question, my memory of the story is her reaction after getting the explanation. She began laughing at herself. At how silly her question must have sounded. At how perfectly naïve she was. I love the memory. Laughing at herself, fully confident in herself and her innocence. No need to be embarrassed. Self-composed, self-confident, and self-aware. I have inherited the questioning part of my mother. I ask a lot of questions. And I can't exactly explain why I want to know these things other than just to know them. Do the answers make my life better? I don't know. It certainly makes me happier to learn these things. Do I make my environment better by asking so many questions? I don't know. Do I make the people who I ask questions of better? Yes, until a certain point. I was asked to go to the back of the line at a tour of the Biltmore House in Asheville when the tour guide said we were in room number two of the twenty plus we were scheduled to see that day and were already an hour behind schedule. My questions were to blame. Today I'm participating in an academy hosted by the FBI and one of my fellow participants said we need to stop asking questions so the agent can get on with their slides. The comments weren't targeted at me exactly, but I was asking a lot of questions. I find incurious people boring. I've learned it's the single characteristic that makes me interested or not interested in a person is are they curious about things. Plenty of people are not. Plenty of them. What they see and what they get and what they observe and what they hear is fine. No questions asked. They find me annoying that I want to know more. However, at the same time I can't imagine going through life not wanting to know. And, unfortunately, the more I feel I know, the more questions I ask. Further, I've never been reprimanded for asking a bad question. For too many questions, yes. For a bad question, no. People seem to like being asked. I recently finished a great biography of Leonardo da Vinci. He was famous amongst his contemporaries for his insatiable curiously and many of his questions lead to breakthroughs in his artwork and his inventions. One note he made to himself was to learn about the tongue of woodpeckers. Such a seemingly random thought. But a question to which he wanted answer. I think I would have liked him. I'd love to have sat with him. And asked some questions. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep It Real.

The Truth Shall Set You Free , John 8:32

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam is having a harder and harder time walking his dog due to his neighbor's dog that won't go away. ----- “Am I my brother's keeper?” Cain asked this of God after his brother Abel went missing and God asked Cain, “Hey. Where's Abel?” Cain claimed he didn't know. Cain had killed Abel, by the way, and was trying to hide it. How about this question – “Am I my brother's dog's keeper?” I remember growing up in a neighborhood where everyone let their dogs run. There were few fenced in yards. No such things as invisible dog fences and fancy dog collars. The dog I got for Christmas as a teenager, a black lab we named Holly, mostly stayed in the yard, on the front porch, or by the back door. She had a small piece of left over carpet that she could sit and sleep on when she was allowed inside. It stayed next to the back door and Holly was not allowed to go anywhere else in the house. Outside she roamed a bit when she got older. She was one of many. There was Gumpy and Gidget and Daisy and Elizabeth and more all on our street. Holly was known by the neighbors and, well, tolerated, just like their dogs were by us and tolerated. Holly never caused problems – at least that's the way I remember her. The rules have changed. Today we fence dogs in. Or we put them behind invisible dog fences with collars that give dogs a series of warning beeps when they approach their boundaries. We don't let them outside unsupervised. We only walk them on leashes, and we pick up their droppings with special poop bags and carry their poop in our pockets before we throw it away, which shocks me. We humans have created artificial intelligence, we regularly go to and from outer space, we have created the pyramids of Giza, a flawless sculpture of David, and radars that can see underground from outer space but we regularly carry dog poop in our pockets. We're not as advanced as we think. But I digress. So, back to the question, am I my brother's dog's keeper? My neighbor's dog wanders the neighborhood. The owner says the same thing – Oh. I'm sorry. She got out again. And again. And again. And again. The windowsills in the front of my house are destroyed. My dog goes nuts when she sees the other dog in our yard. And when the other dog comes up to our window our dog barks violently and claws at the window which has destroyed our sills. Their dog gets into our curbside recycling, spreading it all over the yard. Their dog follows us when we go on walks and we have to abandon our walks for fear of their dog getting into traffic. The dog, of course, is just being a dog. It's doing what dogs do. We've returned the dog to the owner many times but, I don't know, the owner doesn't seem to care about the hassles the dog causes. So, am I my brother's dog's keeper? And if yes, for how much longer? And can I put the dog's owners in a poop bag and throw them away? I'm Cam Marston just trying to Keep It Real.

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam says we know we're all busy, very busy, but are we doing what it takes to flourish? ----- What does it take for a human to flourish? Such a simple question to understand but to answer, not so easy. Listening to a podcast last weekend, this question arose between the host and his guest. The guest pointed out that, in his opinion, everything being promoted as valuable in our Western society today is detrimental to human flourishing. What is being promoted, he said, actually leads to loneliness. And he might be right. So, what is being promoted out there? One immediately must turn to technology and, specifically, social media. Our consumption of social media is largely done alone. We may share things we like, but we consume 99% of our social media alone. The accumulation and broadcasting of wealth is certainly being promoted. On social media. In the types of cars next to us on the road right now. Through our posts about the clothes, the toys, the trips we take. It all serves to boost and promote our ego and egos, unchecked, always elevate and separate. Always. Egos say, “I'm better, I'm different.” I'm above you. I'm away from you. More loneliness. I could go on. So, if we want to flourish, what exactly should we want? If we want our children to flourish, what should we want for them? Unfortunately, most of us don't know. We're conditioned to say friends, health, meaningful and purposeful activities each day. It all sounds good. So look at you. Look at me. What are we doing to achieve this? What of our behaviors illustrate that we're flourishing? For the vast majority of us, there's not a lot to point to. And we have the ability to heavily influence our kids. We want our kids to flourish so, we give them cell phones. We solve their problems. We let them stay home from school. Kids today spend less time interacting with each other. Increases in anxiety and loneliness. We want them to flourish but we don't equip them or teach them how. And adults aren't much different. We're busy, though. So very busy. Flourishing? No. Busy. Yes. Very busy. A small business colleague asked a simple but heretical question last night: “What's wrong with not wanting more? What's wrong with not wanting private equity to swoop in and buy me out because I like what I do, and I don't want to stop? What's wrong with not wanting a boat, a plane, a second house or whatever? What's wrong with liking where I am? And why do I feel wrong for asking this?” There's nothing wrong with it. But it's counter to our culture of more and more and busier and busier. Everything needed for each of us to flourish is within our reach. Education. Art. Friends. Hobbies. Community. Do you and I have what it takes to leave the mess we've created so that we can flourish?   I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep it Real.

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam Marston had a client breach a contract and he's trying to use lessons from Marcus Aurelius to keep himself from absolutely losing it. ----- I'm reading Marcus Aurelius' book called Meditations written in about the year 175. They're notes to himself about the thoughts he's having and how he's working to keep his head on straight. He's writing to work things out. No audience in mind, just for him. Throughout his writings several themes arise. First, he's aware of the presence of death. The topic of dying is never far. Second, he has to keep reminding himself that he can't control the behaviors of those around him, only himself. He controls his outlook on things and his attitude. He writes this over and over again. And third, his desire to do good. Always wanting to do good. For himself, for Rome, for the gods, for his troops. He's consumed by doing good. Struggling to temper his reactions whenever bad things come his way. He's focused on controlling his behavior. It's been a good read. Aurelius had a number of people conspire against him while he was away on campaign. His plan was to return to Rome and forgive them. He died in route. It's a very kind action in an era I often associate with ruthless and barbaric behavior. I've recently had a client break a contract. Their behavior appeared willful and intentional but in hindsight, I'm hoping it wasn't. It is a very large multi-national company. Every person I've met there seemed honest and genuine and sincere until this one thing has happened. A few weeks ago, I wanted to go to my small business colleagues and yell at the top of my lungs “Be careful. They're not who they say they are. Don't let the charm fool you. Be very, very careful.” Now, not so much. My anger has diminished. I need to remedy the contract. I need to correct what's happened. But goodness knows mounting a legal dispute would drain my small business. I'd go broke trying. Them? Hardly a blip on their radar. So, how to proceed? What would my man, Marcus Aurelius, do? I think he'd remind himself that he can't control the behavior of other people and his desire to do good and be kind should outweigh any anger, hostility and disappointment he feels. He needs to find the remedy without letting anger take hold. He may forgive them but he'd, rightly, never forget that it happened. And for me, right now, for what appeared like pre-meditated theft, forgiveness is a tall order. It's amazing how unchanged our thoughts and emotions are in 2000 years. How the disciplines and thoughts and writings that a Roman emperor used to keep himself from losing it applies to me right now. I'd like to think that we're kinder and more civil and sophisticated today. However, it's simply not true. The virtues that Aurelius championed are as hard to bring forth in me today as they were to him 2000 years ago. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep it Real. 

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On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam Marston hypothesizes on what a parenting podcast from him and his wife would sound like. ----- My wife and I sat together at the beach last week laughing as we retold stories and reminded ourselves of the humor of parenting. Especially as Gen X parents. We decided to compose a social media post together. The date was April first, and that date matters. The post read the following: We are frequently asked how we've raised four perfect children. Here's our response: We are excited to announce our new Parenting Podcast called Gen X Parenting Tools. Go check it out. We listed some episode titles: Episode One: Building a Foundation: Hose water and neglect Episode Two: Who needs effective discipline? The effective use of ridicule and humiliation Episode Three: At the Heart of it All is Cynicism. Lots of people, too many in fact, thought we were serious. Across the top of the post, it read Launching April First. We thought that would be a dead giveaway. Several asked where they could find the podcast. One cheered enthusiastically, agreeing that we did have four perfect kids, and was excited to hear the show. Lots wrote in reply, “I can't wait” or “I'll listen.” My guess is that we were too subtle. I had hoped people would add new episode titles like Episode Four: Serves You Right – Whatever Just Happened You Had it Coming. Or Episode Five: Maybe it Will Scar, Maybe it Won't – Either Way Stop Crying. One person understood quickly that it was a hoax and she wrote: As soon as I saw the line about your four perfect kids, I knew it was a joke. Well, we're glad you got the joke but, ouch!   If my wife and I had a podcast on parenting the title would be “Here's how to fail only about half the time, try not to get your kids to hate you, and hope you get lucky at parenting.” Today, I worry that our practice of making the kids run a lap around the house if they burped at the table at mealtime may have been too extreme. Are they somewhere now sharing their traumatized memories of running outside barefoot in the dark in their pajamas on cold nights? Screaming the whole way around the house “It was an accident. It was an accident.” Our podcast would be full of situations where my wife and I didn't know what to do and still don't. “Should we have allowed him to go to that concert?” “I don't know. I'm not sure we did the right thing. I hope we didn't mess him up. I guess time will tell.” “Should we have made her change her clothes into something different before that event?” “I don't know. I'm not sure we did the right thing. I hope we didn't mess her up. I guess time will tell.” My conclusion is that in parenting, just like in April Fools posts, there needs to be some self-deprecating humor, less subtlety, and a good bit of praying we didn't mess it up and that it will all work out in the end. However, that hose water thing – that may come back to haunt us. I'm Cam Marston and I'm just trying to Keep It Real.

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians:22-23

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 22:23

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22-23

On this week's Keepin It Real, Cam Marston has some observations about the NCAA tournament. The old guys are winning, and he likes that. ----- Someone in my family is not pleased right now. As I write this Wednesday, I don't know who. Last night the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team took on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the NCAA tournament. My wife is a Carolina grad. I was unaware people could like basketball that much until I met her. My son is a Freshman at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. He was an avid sports fan moments after his birth. One of them lost last night and is not pleased. They'll be picking at each other today until the loser says “Ok. That's enough.” My wife has commented all year about how this year's basketball season is different. There were many more seniors playing than ever before. North Carolina's standout forward, Armando Bacot, is twenty-four years old. It's not only my wife that's noticed it. Yesterday, while I was walking on the treadmill, my buddy Jimbo mentions how all the successful teams are all older. Then this morning, the daily newsletter I enjoy so much called Morning Brew mentions the same thing, going on to state that nearly 300 tournament players are in the fourth, fifth, or sixth years playing basketball. Covid rules allowed them to extend their eligibility and NIL money is keeping them playing in the college ranks whereas in the past they may have bolted for the big money of professional basketball. This is in great contrast to the years of when the top basketball teams were loaded with “one and done” players. The top players would play one year in college then go on to bigger money. The teams loaded with one and done players this year have not fared as well. The University of Kentucky's basketball roster has eight freshmen on it. Kentucky has been a perennial basketball powerhouse and a perennial one and done program, and they likely watched last night's games at home on their couch just like I did after they lost in the first round. Experience is proving to matter this year. Many of the teams that may have never have ever had a chance to make the NCAA tournament were present this year, fueled by upper-classmen. Many of them have already lost, but they were there. And many for the first time. And on some teams, fans are able to watch their players mature. Some players are staying on the same team throughout their college career. While it is true the transfer portals have spoiled much of this, there are places where the seniors have been at the same school the whole time. They're rare, but they're out there. And their fans adore them. They'll cheer any player wearing their alma mater's jersey, but they'll adore the ones who have worn it four years or more. So why does this make me feel kinda good? That the old kids are proving to be the winners? That the veterans are the difference makers? I suppose because it shows that wisdom and time and experience matter. And, as I get older, that keeps getting more and more important to me. And even though these veteran players are more than thirty years younger than me, I feel a kinship with them. I'm Cam Marston and, old as I am, I'm just trying to keep it real.

Galations 5:22-23

Welcome to The No Homo Show where we talk about Everything Homo