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What craft tools make a low-budget, contained, period drama riveting? Explore how narrative POV, interweaving relationships, hooky dialogue, and even the screenplay format itself make the script for BLUE MOON - that runs largely in real time about an obscure songwriter in the 1940s - one that attracts world class talent and Academy Award nominations. While Stu is still on show and we are between the 2026 Oscar nominations and the actual ceremony, our patreons selected BLUE MOON for this one-shot and boy are Mel and Chas glad they did. They dive into many lessons learned in previous episodes, like our character-driven episode… or analysis of French scenes in Adolescence… or the story-telling power that comes from the audience knowing the ending from biopics. As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - BLUE MOON 00:02:19 - Summary of Key Learnings 00:13:34 - Controlling narrative POV 00:27:49 - Using screenplay FORMAT to reflect the emotional story 00:39:27 - Interweaving relationships 00:56:46 - Repetition and pop culture references in dialogue 01:07:54 - Key learnings in full 01:16:02 - Patreon thanks! LINKS Read the script for BLUE MOON on Script Slug See the slug line breakdown at https://melkillingsworth.substack.com/p/blue-moon-scene-headings-breakdown RELATED EPISODES DZ-01: Do screenplay gurus win you Oscars? DZ-68: Using narrative POV to structure KNIVES OUT DZ-118: Adolescence and tension through questions DZ-90: Raising (a different kind of) Stakes DZ-35: Driving Characters or Character-Driven? DZ-63: Tools for Better Dialogue - Hook and Eye More Draft Zero is brought to you more often by our awesome Patreons. Especially Lily, Paulo, Alexandre, Malay, Jennifer, Thomas, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis, and Khrob. Please considering rating or subscribing to us on Apple Podcasts or sharing us on the Social Medias! We like finding new listeners. We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.
Did you know there is an ancient energy tool that can help you manifest, heal, and even love yourself more? When I tell people that this ancient tool is the rosary, they often say "Isn't that just for Catholics?" That is what I used to think, until I discovered that the rosary pre-dates Christianity and is a powerful practice for anyone who wants to connect with the Great Mother! In this episode, I share not only what the Rosary is, but how ANYONE of any faith can begin to use this powerful tool to connect deeply with the Divine Feminine for manifestation, miracles, healing and more! And if you want to learn how to create your own rosary practice using your own prayers and apply them to ANY situation in your life, check out my brand-new program Magnify Your Prayers – The Metaphysical Rosary Method Key Learnings: 1) Lent is a time of deepening spiritual practices, and one of the best practices for this time is the rosary! Mother Mary urges us to recite the rosary as often as possible…but how and why? 2) When I read the book The Way of the Rose by Clark Strand and Perdita Finn, I discovered that the practice of reciting a rosary actually pre-dates Christianity! That means it is not a Catholic practice at all. In fact, it is a practice to help you connect with the Great Divine Feminine, especially in the form of Mother Earth! 3) By combining what we now know about Quantum Physics and manifestation with this ancient energy tool, you can learn how to create a rosary prayer practice that works for YOU in any area of your life! "The Rosary pre-dates Christianity. It's an ancient energy tool for anyone who wants to connect with the Great Mother." To join Mother Mary's Metaphysical Rosary program, click here To join the Magnify Your Miracles Mentoring Membership, click here Ready to ALIGN your goal with your soul? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
I recorded this episode live at ConsenSys in Hong Kong with Sukdeep Bhogal, Founder of Veera.We dive deep into how Veera is building a full-service Web3 neobank. Their goal is simple. Make crypto easy enough for anyone to use. Even your mom.Sukdeep shares how they raised over $10M. How they plan to onboard the next 100 million users. And why user experience matters more than flashy infrastructure.We talk about tokenized equities, gold and silver on-chain, credit scores in crypto, and why community beats paid marketing.If you are building in fintech, DeFi, or thinking about banking the unbanked, this episode is for you.Key Learnings 00:00 – Live from ConsenSys Hong Kong Why Veera is focused on banking the unbanked.The Problem with Crypto UX Why fragmented wallets, seed phrases, and complex bridges stop adoption.30-Second Onboarding How Veera simplifies account setup using passkeys.Lessons from Web2 Neobanks What projects like Revolut and Nubank got right about user experience.Tokenized Equities & Accessibility How anyone globally could buy fractional US equities on-chain.The Four Pillars of Veera Spend. Earn. Invest. Borrow.Multi-Chain Yield Vaults 40+ yield aggregators across Ethereum, Solana, Base, and BNB.Gold, Silver & US Equities On-Chain Real-world assets made accessible through tokenization.Financial Identity Score (FIS) Building credit scores for crypto users.Biggest Challenges Ahead Credibility and regulation.Go-To-Market Strategy Why community and partnerships beat marketing spend.Retention in Web3 Why rewards alone don't keep users. Experience does.What Sukdeep Would Do Differently Community first. Launch faster. Iterate sooner.Connect with Veerahttps://veera.com/https://discord.com/invite/veerahttps://x.com/On_Veera https://t.me/Veera_Browser_chathttps://www.linkedin.com/company/onveera/ DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
Are you looking for a truly transformative focus for Lent? What if I told you Tara, the female Buddha, is the perfect guide for you this Lent? The book Tara – the Liberating Power of the Female Buddha: 22 Meditations to Heal Ourselves and Repair Our World by Rachel Wooten, is the book I'm reading and recommending this Lenten season. Tara will help you to prioritize yourself and your spiritual practice time, and heal the things that make you put yourself last. In this episode, I share the miraculous story of Tara, who was told she could not be enlightened in a female body, and who swore she would not only do so but would work to help all beings become enlightened! This miraculous book illustrates the 21 aspects or manifestations of Tara, each of which has a focus to help empower you to overcome inner obstacles to enlightenment. I know this book will be an invaluable guide for you, whether during the Lenten season or anytime you read it. PS - If you would like to purchase this book, click here for the Show Notes https://francesfayden.com/how-the-female-b…-heart-this-lent/ Key Learnings: 1) As a young woman on the spiritual path, Tara caught the attention of other monks who were amazed at her spiritual stature. They urged her to transform into a man so she could become fully enlightened, not believing she could do so as a woman. She vowed right there to achieve enlightenment in a female body and to only be in a female body while she assisted all sentient beings achieve enlightenment. 2) There are 21 manifestations of Tara, all with a different color and gift to help you on your path of awakening. I read from chapter 13, The Red Burning Tara who fiercely protects your spiritual practice and supports you in prioritizing yourself! 3) The mantra for the Red Burning Tara is Om Tare Tuttare Ture Spho Traya Bas Min Kuru Soha! Here is the pronunciation – Ohm Tahray Tootahray Tooray Sfo Traiya Bahs Meen Kooroo Soha "Because you are inseparable from the web of life around you, your inner work and self-care naturally contribute to the healing of the world." Rachel Wooten, Ph.D. Click here to purchase Tara – the Liberating Power of the Female Buddha by Rachel Wooten To join the Magnify Your Miracles membership, email me at frances@francesfayden.com If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
CX Goalkeeper - Customer Experience, Business Transformation & Leadership
This episode dives into the latest trends in AI, leadership, and digital transformation from the Lead 26 conference in Zurich. Hear firsthand insights on AI adoption, leadership challenges, and the future impact of robots and agents in the workplace. Essential listening for anyone interested in business transformation. about the guest: Andreas Giesa, Director of Digital Business Consulting at Xebia and former Head of eBusiness at Liebherr, is a visionary leader in the field of digitalization. With over 16 years of experience, he passionately drives digital business models, strategies, and innovative technologies such as AI and IoT. His focus is on customer-oriented solutions, digital excellence, and the development and empowerment of agile teams for digital transformation.Andreas Giesa, Director of Digital Business Consulting at Xebia and former Head of eBusiness at Liebherr, is a visionary leader in the field of digitalization. With over 16 years of experience, he passionately drives digital business models, strategies, and innovative technologies such as AI and IoT. His focus is on customer-oriented solutions, digital excellence, and the development and empowerment of agile teams for digital transformation. Key take-aways: AI is changing work rapidly: Agentic AI will soon impact both office and manual jobs. Backcasting for better strategy: Leaders should plan by envisioning the future and working backward. Addressing fears is crucial: Leadership must help people face and manage fears about AI adoption. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - Exploring Impressions from Lead 26 1:13 - AI Adoption Trends and Challenges 2:10 - The Impact of Agentic AI on Jobs 4:49 - Leadership Strategies: Backcasting vs Forecasting 7:30 - Addressing Fears and Adoption Gaps 10:10 - Key Learnings and Leadership Focus 11:37 - Upcoming Leadership Conference Plans Please, hit the follow button and leave your feedback: Apple Podcast: https://www.cxgoalkeeper.com/apple Spotify: https://www.cxgoalkeeper.com/spotify About the host: Gregorio Uglioni is a seasoned transformation leader with over 15 years of experience shaping business and digital change, consistently delivering service excellence and measurable impact. As an Associate Partner at Forward, he is recognized for his strategic vision, operational expertise, and ability to drive sustainable growth. A respected keynote speaker and host of the well-known global podcast Business Transformation Pitch with the CX Goalkeeper, Gregorio energizes and inspires organizations worldwide with his customer-centric approach to innovation. Follow Gregorio Uglioni on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorio-uglioni/
Shannon-based artist Asha Murray is making waves on the national stage, featuring in a major new exhibition opening this evening at the Royal Hibernian Academy in Dublin. Key Learnings from Cross-Market Synergetic Alignment brings together nine contemporary artists exploring everything from branding and packaging to consumer culture and the domestic space — and Asha's bold, cartoon-inspired work is right at the heart of it. Recently named one of the Irish Times Magazine's Top 50 Artists to Watch in 2026, it's an exciting moment in her career. Asha Murray joined Alan Morrissey on Thursday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) RHA Gallery
Have you been wanting a way to send healing, peace and support to Minneapolis and feel that you made a difference? That has been my prayer for the last few weeks…so I offered a live channeled peace and healing meditation with Mother Mary right after Alex Pretti was murdered. Everyone who participated said it was the MOST powerful event I have ever facilitated! Not only did Mother Mary come, She brought the company of heaven with Her – the angels, archangels, saints, spirit guides…even the ancestors showed up! But the most unexpected and moving thing that happened is the presence of Renee Good and Alex Pretti joined us, along with all the souls who have lost their lives at the hands of ICE… not in anger, but in determined love and support. At one point, we felt the energy of the Buddhist Peace monks in our circle too! I'm not sure how they found us, but that is when I knew we had accessed a high level of peace and healing! So in this special episode, I am sharing this extraordinary meditation with you so that you can experience the power, peace, healing and grace for yourself. I purposely didn't edit the audio because there are messages from Mother Mary in the beginning, but if you want to jump ahead to the meditation, it begins around the 20-minute mark. Key Learnings: 1) Mother Mary said that what is happening in Minneapolis, which reminds so many of us of Germany in the 1930's, is so much older than that. She said the archetype of King Herod was present on the planet, especially in the USA right now. This is the archetype of the insecure leader who will do anything to retain power, such as the murder of the innocents. Any time you see children being harmed in an attempt to secure power, be sure that the Herod energy is present and active. 2) The good news is that is Herod is present, then Christ must also be present! And nothing makes the Herod energy more desperate than the rising of goodness, compassion and love. 3) During this meditation, we were joined by Mother Mary, the entire company of heaven, including the ancestors. And then something miraculous happened…the souls of Renee Good and Alex Pretti joined our circle, along with all the souls who have died at the hands of ICE. Even the energy of the Buddhist Monks who are walking for peace joined our circle too. This was one of the most powerful meditations I have ever facilitated. "No matter how things appear, always know that a greater good is happening. Always." - Mother Mary To join the Magnify Your Miracles Mentoring Membership, click here Ready to ALIGN your goal with your soul? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
The speed of implementation is what will have you win over and over in the game of business. We had a great conversation around last month's recap and we kept in the context of Our personal lives, business, client wins, and key learnings from our clients last year that will help you win this year. Make sure you have your note pads or apps out and listen to the full episode. Keep taking action, pursuing personal excellence, and impacting lives! In This Episode, we discuss: Personal, business, and client updates The key learnings from coaches that will help you win Why the speed of implementation always has you win Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisandericmartinez/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Dynamicduotraining Attention Nutrition & Fitness Coaches: "Join our Free Dynamic Fit Pros Community Skool Group Where we help you Discover, Develop, & Deploy your skills, gifts, and greatness to help others." See HERE Attention Nutrition & Fitness Coaches: "Enrollment is Open for our Accelerator Mentorship to build a 6-Figure Online Fitness Coaching Business" See HERE *Free Online Training: Discover How Nutrition and Fitness Coaches Install a Proven System That Adds Six Figures to Their Business Without posting endless organic content, sending 100's of cold DM's, and charging low ticket priced programs Watch Here See the full Show Notes to this episode here: https://www.liveadynamiclifestyle.com/podcast/january-recap-personal-biz-clients-and-key-learnings-from-coaches-to-win-this-year/
Did you know there is a massive line up of spiritual energy in Feb 2026? Beginning with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes on the 11th, there are NINE spiritual and cosmic events over the course of twelve days, including the first eclipse of the year! In this episode, I explain the meaning of this powerful spiritual conjunction of energy and how YOU can experience the blessings of this extraordinary time! PS- If you would like a personal spiritual focus for Lent from Mother Mary, click here to join the Magnify Your Miracles Membership before Feb 18th! Key Learnings: 1) In last week's episode, I explained the meaning of the Lunar New Year, the Fire Horse, and how to approach this year to receive the blessings. In this episode I explain the spiritual energy of this month, citing all NINE spiritual and cosmic events that are occurring! 2) Beginning with the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, nine holy events include St. Valentine's Day, Shivaratri, Solar Eclipse, Mardi Gras, Ramadan, Lunar New Year, Ash Wednesday and the conjunction of Neptune and Saturn at 0 degrees of Aries! 3) Our Lady of Lourdes being the first of these events lets us know that this is a time of great healing potential, especially emotional healing. The Divine is calling us back to love, back to wholeness, and asking us to surrender whatever is impeding our spiritual growth. What will you release for Lent? What will you take up instead? "The energy of February 2026 invites you to release what is impeding your spiritual growth, and prioritize LOVE." To join the Magnify Your Miracles Mentoring Membership, click here Ready to ALIGN your goal with your soul? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
In this episode, I sit down with Frankie from Plan X Conference to unpack how the best Web3 events are built — not just for hype, but for real decision making and strategic value. We dive into how Plan X came from a place of frustration and turned into an ecosystem that connects founders, advisors, jurisdictions, and capital. Frankie shares insights into audience curation, event formats, global trends, and what truly moves the needle for attendees and organizers today.Whether you're a founder planning your next move, a speaker aiming for impact, or an event organizer building something meaningful, this episode will give you a clear and practical playbook.
How does Film Noir show us terrible people doing terrible things without endorsing it? Mel and Chas continue to explore what Noir (the genre) can teach writers of all other genres. In particular: how to keep the audience on side of characters doing reprehensible things how to control your audience understanding of those reprehensible actions distinguishing between characters undergoing transformative arcs against discovering their true natures In finding the common craft tools of Noir over 100 years, this Part 2 looks at two modern noirs - DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS (1995) and WOMAN OF THE HOUR (2024) - after Part 1 looked at the classic DOUBLE INDEMNITY and THE LONG GOODBYE. As always: SPOILERS ABOUND and all copyright material used under fair use for educational purposes. Despite Chas claiming to have edited this episode it was, in fact, Chris Walker who saved the day and got this done. Thanks Chris. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - Using noir as a lens 00:01:56 - DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS 00:31:33 - WOMAN OF THE HOUR 01:04:30 - Key Learnings 01:08:50 - Thank you Patreons! LINKS Shot Zero on the noir-set of noir shots in WOMAN OF THE HOUR RELATED EPISODES DZ-123: Flawed characters & noir DZ-03: Making unlikeable protagonists compelling DZ-110: Voiceover More Draft Zero is brought to you more often by our awesome Patreons. Especially Lily, Paulo, Alexandre, Malay, Jennifer, Thomas, Randy, Jesse, Sandra, Theis, and Khrob. Please considering rating or subscribing to us on Apple Podcasts or sharing us on the Social Medias! We like finding new listeners. We are @stuwillis, @mehlsbells and @chasffisher on Twitter. You can find @draft_zero and @_shotzero on Instagram and Twitter.
I sit down with João Simoes — a true builder, repeat founder, and one of the sharpest BD minds in Web3. We go deep on his journey from running Portugal's first Bitcoin mining company to building and exiting a restaking startup and now co‑founding Hyperwave on Hyperliquid. We unpack why Hyperliquid is thriving, what real community‑driven growth looks like, and the problem Hyperwave is solving with standout DeFi vaults and future payment rails. We also dive into market trends, real‑world events shaping crypto, and practical advice for builders in 2026. Honest, real and full of insights.
The Lunar New Year, the year of the Fire Horse, is fast approaching, bringing with it an intensity, speed, and passion we haven't seen in years. This energy is powerful, but without a grounded spiritual container, it can easily lead to burnout or overwhelm. Are you prepared to ride this wave? What is the best way to prepare? In this episode, I share the key things to know about the Fire Horse energy, and why Mary Magdalene is the essential guide you need to navigate this powerful upcoming shift. We explore how her wisdom provides the perfect "vessel" to hold the Fire Horse energy—allowing you to harness its power for miracles rather than exhaustion. NOTE: I will be sharing the full, deep-dive spiritual energy forecast for the entire month of February in my next episode! PS-
How do you build a crypto company that lasts 11 years—and survives three brutal bear markets?In this episode, I chat with Georgy from Wirex, a pioneering Web3 payment platform that's been quietly shaping the future of crypto usability since before Ethereum even existed. From air-dropping supplies in Antarctica to building one of the first crypto cards accepted by Visa and Mastercard, Georgy's story is as unique as it is inspiring.We dive into:What it took to build WirexThe explosion of stablecoinsHow to build user trust in cryptoThe future of self-custody vs custodial productsWhat's next on Wirex's roadmap for 2026If you're in crypto, Web3, fintech—or just want to know how to build something that lasts—this episode is for you.⏱️ Key Learnings & Timestamps(01:51) Georgy's aviation background & entry into crypto(03:25) The problem Wirex set out to solve: making Bitcoin usable(05:23) What makes Wirex unique in a crowded stablecoin space(06:57) Why their crypto card remains the most loved feature(10:59) How Wirex offers up to 8% cashback and 16% on stablecoins(14:03) Custodial vs self-custodial: what users really want(16:50) Country restrictions & realistic global expansion strategy(20:03) The unstoppable rise of stablecoins(22:11) How Wirex chooses features and avoids building the wrong thing(24:45) Their scrappy early marketing tactics and building community trust(28:26) Why trust is the real product in fintech(29:24) Georgy's pick for the next crypto killer app: stablecoin payments(32:54) What's on Wirex's 2026 roadmap: B2B, banking-as-a-service & more(34:39) Wirex's ask: partnerships, private banking clients & infra adoptersConnect with Wirex1) General appWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/X: https://x.com/wirexappFB: https://www.facebook.com/wirexapp/IG: https://www.instagram.com/wirexapp/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wirex-limited/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@WirexappcomTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wirexapp.com2) Wirex Busines:Website: https://www.wirexapp.com/businessX: https://x.com/wirex_business3) Wirex BaaSWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/developersX: https://x.com/wirexdevelopers4) Wirex PrivateWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/private-banking
Join us as Swarup Bose, Founder and CEO of Celcius Logistics Solutions, shares his incredible journey of digitizing India's cold supply chain. From his two decades of experience in the traditional cold chain sector to founding Celcius during the COVID-19 lockdown, Swarup discusses how his company is tackling critical issues like food and medicine wastage through innovative technology.Highlights:- The fundamental role of cold chain logistics in our daily lives, from ice cream to life-saving medicines.- How Celcius evolved from a pure marketplace to a 3PL partner, serving major brands like Parag Dairy, Godrej, Dr. Reddy's, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto.- The staggering 1.3 trillion rupees worth of perishables India loses annually and how Celcius is fighting this wastage.- The technological backbone of Celcius, including IoT devices, real-time tracking, and in-house management solutions.- His personal entrepreneurial path, from his father's influence to overcoming challenges in fundraising and market adoption.- The grand vision for Celcius: to create an unbroken, tech-enabled cold chain network that supports farmers, expands market access to Tier 2, 3, and 4 cities, and contributes to food security.Chapters[00:00] Introduction to Swarup Bose & Celcius Logistics[00:30] Celcius's Evolution: From Marketplace to 3PL Partner[01:02] The Crucial Role of Cold Chain in Logistics[03:25] Innovation & Modernization in Traditional Cold Chains[05:17] Combating 1.3 Trillion Rupees in Perishable Wastage & COVID's Impact[06:58] Understanding Current Market Problems: Supply Shortage & Mindset Shift[09:31] The Technology Powering Celcius: IoT, Tracking & In-House Solutions[10:53] Celcius's Customer Base and Asset-Light Model[13:05] Swarup Bose's Entrepreneurial Journey: From Family Business to Startup[19:00] Navigating the Zero-to-One Journey & Fundraising Success[23:27] The Grand Vision for Celcius Logistics & Industry Impact[29:25] Swarup's Key Learnings on Entrepreneurship: Perseverance & Belief[31:52] Closing Remarks
Are you searching for a way to respond to these times that makes you feel empowered, without getting pulled into the mire? I have been praying about this myself, and guess who answered my prayer: St. Mary Magdalene! She reminded me that even during the darkest times, when all hope is lost, keep showing up and doing what is yours to do! In this episode, I share my own personal journey of navigating these times, and how connecting with Mary Magdalene has been like finding a Lighthouse in a storm. I also share how YOU can connect with this powerful saint for support and guidance during these turbulent times. And if you want to be mentored by Mary Magdalene during this year of change, click here to find out more about her Inner Circle Message & Mentoring Program. Key Learnings: 1) I have been fasting from the news, mostly to guard my inner peace and nervous system, but the news of the murder of Renee Good found me anyway. I have good friends who live in Minneapolis, and this could have easily been them. In truth, it could have been me too. But how do I respond to this? I don't want to add to the fear, anger and despair already present. That is when a miracle happened. 2) Like a lightning bolt in my mind, Mary Magdalene made her presence known to me. It was then that I realized that HER energy was the one to follow during this dark time. Mary Magdalene witnessed the worst of the worst, a heartbreaking nightmare that none of us can imagine enduring…and yet she still showed up on Easter morning, willing to do whatever she could. THAT is the energy to follow this year. 3) When I realized how much Mary Magdalene could help ME, I knew I had to make her energy available to other women like me who wanted to feel empowered without falling into the narrative, who wanted to receive higher guidance about her path from Mary Magdalane herself. And that is why I created Mary Magdalene's Inner Circle Message & Mentoring Program. It is limited to just six women so that you receive in-depth messages and guidance each month. If you are interested, visit https://francesfayden.com/magdalene/ "Mary Magdalene reminds us that, even during the darkest times, when all hope is lost, keep showing up and doing what is yours to do!" Ready to ALIGN your goal with your soul? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
Are you tired of your life looking good on paper, but not feeling good on the inside? Have you tried all the advice from all the experts, only to find yourself frustrated, exhausted, and STILL not where you want to be? If you are tired of feeling like you are pushing a boulder uphill and are ready for another way… this episode is for you! In this episode, I show you WHY striving is the exact opposite thing to do to create the life you want, and how the Sacred Success Method replaces striving with aligning! And if you are ready to align your goal with your soul, click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting to explore which type of support is right for you! Key Learnings: 1) Women who lead tend to follow the advice of experts, which might be good advice, but not necessarily the right advice for them. This leads to feeling frustrated, confused and eventually exhausted. There IS a better way! 2) When you ALIGN your goal with your soul, your success becomes inevitable. The Universe no longer has any resistance from you and you start receiving the opportunities that were there all along. 3) The Sacred Success Method is a proven path that I use with my clients. It has helped them go from low six-figures to over seven figures in their business, go from wanting to write a book to being a best-selling author, and even being asked to speak on stages around the world! "When you ALIGN your goal with your soul, success is inevitable!" Ready to ALIGN your goal with your soul? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
Go to www.LearningLeader.com to learn more... This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. www.InsightGlobal.com/LearningLeader My Guest: Mike Deegan just led Denison University Baseball to their first College World Series appearance in program history. He's been named Coach of the Year in back-to-back years and is the all-time winningest coach in school history. In this conversation, Mike shares how he uses Mudita to build culture, how to help people get out of slumps, and why discipline and consistency are superpowers. Key Learnings (in Mike's words) Mudita is a vicarious joy. Can I be happy for another's success as if it's my own? To me, that is like the secret sauce of life. Obviously, in a sports team, not everyone can be the star. One of the biggest misconceptions is that the star rotates. Yeah, you need a superstar to compete at the highest levels, but to win, you're going to need pinch runners, you're going to need the guy laying a big block. It's going to take everyone. It's really celebrating everyone's contribution. In recruiting, I ask parents: Can you be happy for another kid's success as if it's your own? If your neighbor gets a new car, are you happy for them? Or do you say, "Oh, I wish. I bet his parents bought that for him." There are just different ways to show up for people, where you can just have joy. By pouring yourself into others, especially in sports, I think it frees you up to perform your best. Envy is a natural feeling. I don't want anyone to feel that envy from me. I think what we're saying is that envy is a natural feeling. Wanting to do great yourself, those are very natural, and I want people to live in that space. But can we just stop it and be a little bit more intentional and just celebrate what other people are doing well? Spot the good first. As a consultant, there are two ways you can do things. One is to find the negative, and that's really easy to do. But I try to go and spot the good first. There's plenty of time to nitpick later on. Find some opportunities to help people grow. People love to talk about themselves. My wife is very quiet, a great listener, and people love her. She has a million best friends, and no one knows it because she doesn't talk a whole lot. She just listens. If you can just listen and get people to talk about what they're passionate about, it's a life secret. You can tell when someone's really passionate about what they're doing, and you can tell when they're on the fence because they speed up when they talk, they get a little excited. Curiosity is a great way to show love. If you approach it from envy, we don't unpack the cool story. But if you lead with curiosity and not envy, it unpacks everything. I do think it takes a level of self-awareness and comfort in your own skin. How to build self-awareness: Read, write, and get around wise people. If you read a decent amount, if you write (and that was my forcing function, to actually write and put thought to paper), and then get around wise people and just have conversations, I think you'll start building out the awareness of who you are and what you value. A systems thinker builds frameworks that outlast individuals. It's someone who can build out frameworks that are built to put people and the organization in the best spot to win and be successful. It's a framework that outlasts individuals. Coaches may leave or players may leave, but if you have a system built out that it can sustain losing certain individuals, because things are cranking and you can repeat the work. You can do iterations and quickly test if you're getting closer or further from your goals. I almost try to talk people out of coming here. The most underrated thing in our recruiting is when they sit with me, I almost try to talk people out of coming here. I'll say, "Hey, what's the main driver?" If they say playing time, I'm like, "Hey, that's great. That's an awesome goal, but I wouldn't come here for that. We're going to play our best players. But that's not why you come to Denison. You come to be a part of something bigger than yourself, and there are all these other places where you're going to have a much better shot at that." I'm always listening in on what they value and trying to challenge it. Almost get people to self-select out. The better your culture is, you can take chances on people. It's like Randy Moss and the New England Patriots. Tom Brady was an alpha, and you could bring people in and take a risk and see if they can conform to the culture a little bit. When you have things in place, our locker room was phenomenal. People would say, "Hey, I don't know, this kid has some red flags." I'm like, "Red flags, like he's a serial killer? Or like red flag,s like he's super competitive?" The locker room would take care of a lot of that. If there's something built out that you feel pretty strongly about, I think you can take in some of these high-risk, high-reward people because they can't damage the culture like you would think they can. Early on in that tenure, I was very, very careful with this. But now we can take some chances on people if the DNA is right. The lack of seriousness pushed people out. When I took over, I'm the opposite of the guy I played for. And every time someone quit, I would just say thank you. And I meant that too because we were going in a certain direction. There was talent. It needed more seriousness. We had enough talent that it was going to allow us to compete at a conference level. I think it's amazing when you can just put boundaries and guardrails and point people in the right direction. We just provided a little structure, a little discipline. The DNA of great teams: Roles, sacrifice, discipline, leadership, joy. Everyone has a role and to beat objective expectations. When good meets good, you have got to understand that every role is essential to the cause. Status goes away. Second, we're in this together. There's no prima donna. I think that's what happens with championship teams. For us to compete on a national level, our guys do miss out on a lot. Grades may suffer. There are trade-offs with this thing. Then I hear discipline. Discipline and consistency is a superpower. The people that I see that really excel in the professional baseball world they seem to have a maturity about them at a much younger age. And that comes with discipline and consistency. Then leadership. There's going to be someone that's navigating the ship. In my beautiful world, it would be where that person's not an egomaniac. They're not in front. They're just waiting for everyone to get out. The last thing is joy. People tend to enjoy what they're doing. They do it with a smile on their face. "Don't hire for when you think times are good. Hire for the person you wanna be around when times are bad because they're coming." An example of a great team outside of sports: The Chilean miners found roles quickly and stuck together. They had food for two days but rationed it out. They had a spiritual leader, medical guy, someone to keep them on task. Everyone had a specific role and they performed it. How you talk to your teammates is how you should talk to yourself. I had a conversation with a kid that I really admire on our team and I said, "Hey man, I never hear you talk to your teammates like you talk to yourself. Give yourself some grace." Being really hard on yourself can also be a cop out because there are ways to channel that. Sometimes people will say "I'm a perfectionist, or that's just who I am." Come on man. A perfectionist to me, they put an insane amount of work to earn the right to be. I think we use that term pretty lightly sometimes. Confidence is built through evidence. Ryan's self-talk before a keynote sounds like this, "What an opportunity to create some evidence." How to help a hitter get out of a slump: Simplify and control the controllables. When a player's in a slump, they're probably working harder than they've ever worked in their life. But I think it's almost like they're working aimlessly. So what I try to do is simplify. I had a hitter once, he's trying everything. I gave him one swing thought for two weeks. Just get the barrel to the ball. Don't worry about launch angle, don't worry about exit velo. Can you just put good wood on the ball? We're going to control what we can control. And slowly you start seeing some results and that evidence starts compounding and you get your mojo back. You gotta be intentional with your energy before high performance. As a coach, how you show up is going to be really, really important. I saw Texas A&M's coach say you have to be the opposite of what the moment requires. While everyone's excited, you need to be the calm. And then when the proverbial is hitting the fan, you have to be the one with optimism. Getting yourself in the right mental frame to handle high performance is required of a coach and a leader. Baseball teaches you to stay calm for three hours. You don't play baseball at 130 heartbeat. It's more of Can you get that thing down? And anything I do to increase it myself, I'm going against what it takes to be a successful player. People can think baseball is boring, but what you're seeing is people trying to stay calm for three hours. Does that intensity actually lead to results? It's just basic stoicism. Baseball is the ultimate controlling what you can control and releasing what you can't. I don't know if this next ball's coming to me, but what do I do now? I can control my breathing. I control my first pitch prep step. What can you control? And I would challenge you to think, does that intensity or that emotion, does it actually lead to results or not? If it's helping you be the best version of yourself, go ahead and do it. But sometimes that overstimulation, that over emotion, it's probably just putting a lot of anxiety on your people. Just regulate, stay calm and execute. What does the team need from you right now? I think a good analogy is a cornerman in boxing. My dad used to always say, Watch a cornerman in boxing because some people you gotta smack. Some people say, "Come on champ. You're the best. You're the best. You're the best." When you're walking out there, you're trying to think, what does the team need from you right now? What message? If I'm a mirror, what do they need to see? Do they need to see calm, they need to see reassurance? Are we playing a little timid and scared? And maybe you're trying to jolt them a little bit with some energy and some choice words. There's an intentionality to it. You're trying to speak some stuff into existence, even if you're making stuff up. You acknowledge it, and then you also try to point them in a direction for improvement. Life throws haymakers at you all the time. I think that's the greatest gift that we can give people through sports. Most of us experience adversity along the way. It's this unique ability to just keep moving. You reflect, you try to get better. You give yourself some grace, you move on. You just keep working through that process. As simple as it may sound to us, I don't think many people can get there. "Setbacks are temporary. I bounce back quickly." I write this down in my lineup card. You're creating evidence. It's something very simple, but I'm going to take a punch and I'll bounce back quickly. I think those are just good reminders in life. This happens. We're going to respond. Reflection Questions Mike practices Mudita by being genuinely happy for others' success without envy. Think of someone in your life who recently had a big win (promotion, new house, achievement). Were you genuinely happy for them, or did envy creep in? What would it look like to celebrate them more fully? He says "Don't hire for when you think times are good. Hire for the person you wanna be around when times are bad." Who on your current team would you want in the foxhole with you during a crisis, and what qualities make them that person? Mike asks himself before big moments: "What does the team need from me right now?" rather than just reacting emotionally. Think about a high-pressure situation coming up in your life. What will your team/family/colleagues need from you in that moment, and how can you prepare to show up that way? More Learning #217 - JJ Reddick: You've Never Arrived, You're Always Becoming #281 - George Raveling: Eight Decades of Wisdom #509 - Buzz Williams: The 9 Daily Disciplines Audio Timestamps: 02:11 Implementing Mudita in Teams 06:22 Curiosity and Spotting the Good 14:54 Recruiting and Hiring Philosophy 20:36 Building a Winning Culture 24:46 DNA of Great Teams 27:55 The Importance of Team Sacrifice 28:53 Leadership and Joy in Tough Times 29:42 Handling Adversity in Sports 31:06 The Role of Self-Talk in Performance 36:52 Staying Calm Under Pressure 42:26 Lessons from Sports for Life 46:12 The Value of Resilience and Bouncing Back 48:29 EOPC
Forget speculation, what if DeFi could be the safest place to save?In this episode, I chat with Manny and Jamie, the founders of Blend, a DeFi savings platform focused on long-term wealth preservation and capital protection. They bring serious credentials, having worked on major crypto infrastructure like UMA and Across—and now they're building what they call the “global savings layer” for everyone, regardless of passport or currency.We dive deep into why DeFi's next big leap isn't about trading or yield farming, but offering real, safe financial tools to a global user base. From personalized FX hedging to cookie-jar level account isolation, Blend is rethinking everything about on-chain finance—and making it accessible even to your non-crypto friends.Whether you're a DeFi power user or just getting started, this episode will expand your view of what's possible in crypto today.
Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Let me tell you about the book that not only changed my life, it continues to change my life each year. In today's encore episode, I share a book review of Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda, the book that has influenced George Harrison of the Beatles, Steve Jobs and even Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek. This book is infused with Yogananda's vibrations, which is why it is so influential. If you haven't read it yet, I hope to inspire you to do so. If you have read it, I hope to inspire you to read it again! Key Learnings: 1) To Magnify Your Miracles, it's a good practice to keep your mind filled with true stories of miraculous occurrences. This book has miracles in every chapter, no joke! 2) Even if you don't feel drawn to Yogananda as your teacher, if you call on him to help you, he promises to help you find your true teacher. I can vouch for this myself. 3) The chapter on The Law of Miracles explains, from a scientific AND spiritual perspective, exactly how miracles occur. Read this chapter over and over to deepen your understanding of miracles. "Autobiography of a Yogi is the only book I know that continues to change your life, even long after you read it." To read Autobiography of a Yogi for free online, click here To purchase the original 1946 edition of Autobiography of a Yogi, visit https://www.innerpath.com/autobiography-of-a-yogi/ Click here to join the Magnify Your Miracles Membership Looking for a coach to help you achieve Success without sacrifice? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
What happens when a former energy financier decides to reshape the future of finance? In this episode, I chat with Daniel Liu, CEO of Republic Tech, on how his journey from solar and wind farms to crypto trading led him to build one of the most ambitious infrastructure plays in Web3.Daniel shares why Ethereum is central to their strategy, how they're accumulating and deploying ETH, and why now is the moment for institutions to get involved. From synthetic mining to validator services, we unpack Republic Tech's unique two-pillar model and what's next for digital asset treasuries. This is a must-listen if you're curious about the future of Ethereum, institutional crypto, or where Web3 infrastructure is really heading.⏱️ Key Learnings with Timestamps[00:01:00] Daniel's shift from energy finance to crypto in 2018[00:03:00] Founding RelayX and pioneering zero-confirmation deposits[00:05:00] Republic Tech's two-pillar strategy: ETH accumulation and validator services[00:07:00] Why Ethereum is "digital oil" and central to their vision[00:08:00] How synthetic mining boosts ETH yield (80–120% APY)[00:12:00] The power of long-term holding over short-term trading[00:15:00] Why each crypto cycle brings a new cohort of adopters[00:20:00] How Republic Tech runs lean with a high-impact team[00:21:00] Daniel's contrarian take: the 4-year crypto cycle isn't over[00:26:00] The next liquidity wave? Nation-states and sovereign wealth funds[00:32:00] Ethereum-based tokenization beyond finance—passports, car keys, and more[00:34:00] Why users shouldn't need to “learn” crypto to benefit from it[00:38:00] Prediction for 2026: Stablecoin apps will go mainstream[00:40:00] Ethereum will become as essential as the US dollar in corporate treasuries[00:41:00] Republic Tech's focus for 2026: growth, safety, and ETH preservation
Is it possible to build a Web3 game that's actually fun—and not just hype? Kam Punia, founder and CEO of Pixion Games, joins us to break down exactly how he's doing it with Fableborne. In a world full of bots, overfunded flops, and quick token grabs, Kam shares the gritty reality of building something that lasts.From killing 5 games before getting to one that truly clicks, to building a 400,000-strong player community without spending a cent, Kam reveals how Pixion is changing the rules of Web3 gaming. We talk community building, real KPIs, what VCs got wrong, and how his team is turning power (literally) into progress.If you're into gaming, Web3, or just love stories of underdogs doing things the right way, this episode is a must-listen.⏱️ Key Learnings with Timestamps[00:02:00] Kam's background and entry into the gaming industry.[00:03:00] The vision behind Pixion Games and Fableborne.[00:05:00] The three-stage playtesting process and why five games were killed.[00:06:00] How Fableborne mixes base building and ARPG mechanics.[00:09:00] Why most Web3 games failed: chasing tokens, not gameplay.[00:11:00] Misaligned incentives between VCs and builders in 2021–2022.[00:16:00] Lessons from launching Yu-Gi-Oh! in Europe: community-first strategies.[00:19:00] Building real community: no NFTs, no token talk for 2 years.[00:22:00] What makes the Power token different in Fableborne's ecosystem.[00:27:00] The #1 mistake Web3 game studios make.[00:30:00] When we'll see a “Silksong” level hit in Web3—and why it's close.[00:33:00] Fableborne's 2026 global launch plan and broader ecosystem goals.[00:35:00] What Kam would do differently if starting again.[00:36:00] Key metrics and roadmap for Pixion in 2026.[00:37:00] Kam's final ask: builders, partners, and talent—get in touch.
What if you could build a full-stack app just by chatting with friends? In this episode, I talk to Coop, founder of Nullshot, a groundbreaking platform merging AI, Web3, and social collaboration. From his early days buying Bitcoin in 2012 to building a multi-million dollar Web3 game studio, Coop shares how he's now creating the future of app development—faster, cheaper, and more collaborative than ever. We dive into how Nullshot lets strangers build apps together, remix each other's work, and even co-own projects through a DAO.We also get real about the current state of AI agents, the shift from individual to community innovation, and why memes and video shorts might just be the next frontier in AI-driven creativity.
Did you know that Archangel Michael's energy is VERY connected to 2026? He is the guardian of the 1st Ray of God, and 2026 is a '1 year' in numerology, so his energy is guiding us into this new year and new nine-year cycle! In this episode, I share the ONE oracle card I picked for you for 2026 with a powerful message from Archangel Michael to help you create a miraculous new year! I also share the special daily blessing prayer/affirmation that I channeled from Michael for YOU for the New Year! Ps- The link to this oracle deck by Alana Fairchild is in the Show Notes. Key Learnings: 1) I pulled a card from the Crystal Mandala Oracle deck by Alana Fairchild and received instead a card from the Lightworker Oracle Deck! I have no idea how that card could have gotten in that deck! Even more miraculous, the card number is 26…as is 2026! 2) The card I picked is The Key of Light and is a message of empowerment from Archangel Michael. The Key of Light gives you the FREEDOM to let go of any limiting beliefs, circumstances or relationships that you believe hold you back. It also gives you the power to close any doors you choose and open any doors you choose! 3) The last part of the message is an invocation: I call upon Archangel Michael and the Key of Light. I give thanks for the divine gift of liberation from any restraining circumstance. I give thanks for the opportunity to completely close any door I choose and open any door I choose. I am grateful to the loving encouragement of the Universe reminding me that I will be successful in fulfilling my divine life purpose. May I be assisted by unconditional love to use my power of freedom with wisdom. May all beings be blessed by the grace of the Divine, so that the past ceases to hold them in pain and new opportunities of love can be accepted. May humanity open the door to light and love within. Through my own free will, and the unconditionally loving guides that serve human evolution, so be it. 4) The channeled blessing from Michael to be used daily: I bless myself. I AM blessed. I AM a blessing. "I bless myself. I AM blessed. I AM a blessing." Daily prayer from Archangel Michael Click here to purchase the LightWorker Oracle Deck by Alana Fairchild Click here to schedule an Intuitive Energy Breakthrough Session Click here to join the Magnify Your Miracles membership If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes The Learning Leader Show with Ryan Hawk This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. My Guest: Brian Kelly is the founder of The Points Guy, which he built from a side hustle blog into a travel media empire that he sold for $28 million. At 42, he's now an angel investor in 15+ companies, including Bilt (valued at $11 billion). In this conversation, he shares lessons on manifestation, selling too early, building yourself into the brand, and why vulnerability beats wins in interviews. Key Learnings (in Brian's words) In 1995, I was 12 years old, and I was great with computers, so I started booking all of my dad's travel for work. He'd pay me $10 per booking. Then it turned into points, when my dad showed me all the American and US Air miles he had. "If you can figure out how to use all of them, we can go on a family trip." And the rest is history. That was my first real, oh wait, this points thing is amazing. Points were a way for us to live a fabulous lifestyle. I grew up thinking we were poor, but I really wanted to live a fabulous life. My parents were very humble and did not spend money lavishly. For me I always wanted to travel. When I was a kid, I would spin the globe and be like, This is where I'm going. I would actually research Oman. Somehow genetically, I got this gene of I need to be rich and travel the world. I used to call Mercedes, get all of their glossy pamphlets for all their new cars, and I would cut them out and stick them on my wall. Manifesting alone won't make you wealthy, but visioning helps. I do believe being able to visualize what it looks like and taste it and get close to it helps you take the smaller steps to actually achieve it. When I think of my investments, I actually envision what they're gonna be. I envision that they're multi-billion-dollar companies. I believe it unlocks a level of pushing you to reach these mini steps that you can't see throughout the process. I started The Points Guy in 2010, but there were already Titan bloggers. I for sure felt imposter syndrome, but I saw that what they lacked was creativity. Points and miles are very clinical. Very few people were translating that for an audience. I knew I had an opportunity. I'm in my twenties, living in New York City. I'm gonna explain what everyday people need to know. Building a media brand became my moat. No one else in the points world was doing media. Doing media's frightening. While it was scary going on TV the first couple times (I almost fainted), I knew that each time I did it, I got better. That was the moat I would build. I would build The Points Guy into a brand more so than any of the others who had come before me. I saw from the beginning to double and triple down on that strategy of building something that's more than just a blog, but a lifestyle that people want to achieve. "I made a million bucks in my first six months of just blogging, but using affiliate links." In 2011, within six months of learning about affiliate marketing, I made six figures a month using the credit card links in my blog. I was still working at Morgan Stanley. My mom was like, this sounds too good to be true. You can't leave Morgan Stanley. I was making like $300,000 a month in affiliate. Meanwhile, at Morgan Stanley, my salary is $70,000 a year. But it didn't pay right away. My parents actually lent me $10,000 just to pay my rent. I remember where I was in Madrid when that first Chase deposit of $490,000 hit from months of back pay on the blog. I sold for $28 million because I thought the industry would collapse. When Bankrate offered me $28 million in May 2012, I kind of had this negative mindset over where the industry was going. About a hundred blogs started when people knew they could make money on affiliates. Most bloggers have zero business sense. They were writing stuff like, "Cancel your Amex, cancel your Chase, cancel, cancel. Then get new cards." I saw this really bad business sense, very shortsighted greediness. I'm watching this thinking they're gonna pull the rug. Do I regret selling? Yes, the company is way more than what I sold it for. But at the time, you always have to remember what the landscape was. We're coming out of the recession. There were still a lot of weak indicators. Building myself into the brand gave me leverage. I had a three and a half year earnout. Over that time, the business really started to grow, but then I realized, well, I am also the business. So, the more press I did, when I negotiated with that parent company to stay on, they paid me a lot of money and still a cut of the business to grow it as CEO. It's kind of crazy to think 13 years after selling, I'm still here. But because I built myself as a core part of the business as The Points Guy, I've been able to stay on with less risk, getting paid well to do what I love. I'm more of the brand visionary, the consumer person. I'm very much an ideas person. When we're speaking with our longtime clients or pitching new ones, that's really where my special sauce is used and not in the day-to-day. People are not mind readers. In 2020, I had this breakdown where I thought I would actually leave. I went to the owners, and I was like, I just can't do it anymore. They said, "Brian, we've been waiting for you to say that. You don't need to be CEO. We have plenty of smart people." It was this aha moment. I think in life we often think polar, black or white. That's advice I give to people. Whether it's your parent company, your boss, your mentor, people are not mind readers. While there is risk to leveling with someone and saying, "Hey, this role is just killing me," more often than not in my career, the more vulnerable I was, the more it turned out to be such a blessing. Check Your Spam Email Frequently: In 2011, I was featured in the New York Times, but the email came to my spam email. At that time, the narrative that points were dead, blackout dates, etc. I was the only blogger putting a positive spin on points. And I tried to do it in an informative and fun way. I'm 6'7", so putting my personal angle on my travel reviews had a huge impact on being the face of this industry. As a founder, I was a tough boss because it was so personal. If I look back at my time as CEO, I still took it very personally. I do take the integrity of this site. As we expand, we can't forego quality. In hindsight, I didn't highlight enough of the wins. I would focus too much on mistakes. That's advice I would give if I could do it all back over again, to just be much more positive reinforcement over negative. Founders need someone who can check them. You need to have someone around you, a leadership team, someone that can check you. I didn't have that for a very long time, and that's my fault. Making sure you have good people on your team that can be honest with you, and you create an environment of inviting that feedback and not freaking out when they give it to you, is important. I know I would be a much different CEO today if I did it again. Stop BSing in the interview process. Too many people take jobs not knowing what is going on whatsoever at the company. Far too many senior executives walk into positions and they're like, oh wait a minute. I like to be brutally honest in the interview process. Truth-telling is the beginning of having a great relationship because I want you to understand exactly what's in front of you. If you don't want to take it, that's so much better than hiring a senior exec and six months later, you just lost a year. Stop telling me the wins. In the interview process, stop telling me the wins because anyone can make their job look successful. "Oh, 200% ROI, this, that the other." In an interview, you're not gonna be able to fact-check any of this. We all know people can cherry-pick the data. It's really just diving deep into vulnerable moments about their leadership, the challenges as leaders they had with their teams. I'll tell them my challenges when I was CEO. I want people to be real and allow me to understand how they think, the type of leader they are. Charismatic people can trick you. The problem is that very charismatic people can trick you easily. I've been blinded by a great interview, especially when you're exhausted as a CEO and then someone's bantering with you. You're like, oh, that was fun. But I've hired plenty of people who are all talk. I don't want personality hires. I'm the personality. My engineering team, I really need people to ship updates. I still wake up in the middle of the night asking if my bills are paid. I still have imposter syndrome about "is this crazy what I've built?" It's for sure not about the car, but I will say investing in a home that's beautiful and makes you feel really good is important. For a long time, I was traveling a lot. I never put roots down, and I always felt like I was in transit. Now I have this beautiful farm with animals and horses in New Hope, Pennsylvania. It takes my blood pressure down immediately. Angel investing has basically become an addiction. In 2020, I opened up a space where I decided I wanted to have kids even though I was single, and also started investing and advising in relevant companies. The first one was Encore Jane, who was building Built, a credit card loyalty platform for renters. I'd always thought, how cool would it be to earn points on rent? I said, You're crazy, but if it does work, it'll be massive. Built is now at $11 billion valuation. I'll make more money now, probably on Built than I will at The Points Guy, which is wild to me. I have probably about 15 other companies I put my personal money in. I love it because I can help advise founders on everything I've done, and help open doors. Using that to build wealth has become an addiction. Relentlessness is what I see in leaders who sustain excellence. I am amazed at Encore's ability to push. If he's got 10 major things impacting his business, most CEOs will start with one or two, put the others on the back burner. He will relentlessly push for excellence. I don't wanna work for Encore, but to be in the room and strategize, every time I leave a meeting with him it keeps me fresh and active. Find mentors, not just companies. For recent college grads, find people, even at a company where you might not see your future. Find someone at that company that you connect with. If you're looking for a job, interview until you find that hiring manager that you feel is on an upward rise and that you can learn from. We often focus too much on the line of work or the company. Stop focusing on that and look at that manager or the CMO whose organization you would join. If they've done amazing things, get in right away and start networking. Put time on the CMO or CEO's calendar. Be bold. Every senior executive loves to see people come in with eagerness to learn. Show up and do extracurriculars at work. Go to the lunch and learn with the senior executive and actually get face time with them. Make sure they know your name. Those are the things that matter because when it comes time for compensation and reviews, the senior person may not work with you day-to-day, but they're like, oh yeah, that's the person I really like. They are a future leader. That's how you get ahead. Even if that boss leaves to another company, they might take you. Reflection Questions Brian says manifesting alone won't make you wealthy, but visioning what it looks like helps you take the smaller steps to achieve it. What specific vision do you have for your future that you could make more tangible (like his Mercedes pictures on the bedroom wall)? How might making it more concrete change your daily actions? He emphasizes that in interviews, he wants people to stop telling him the wins and instead dive deep into vulnerable moments about their leadership and challenges with their teams. If you were in an interview tomorrow, what's one vulnerable leadership moment you could share that would demonstrate how you think rather than just what you've accomplished? Brian realized he needed to tell his parent company, "I just can't do it anymore" as CEO, and they responded with relief, offering him a better role. What conversation are you avoiding right now because you assume the answer will be no, when the other person might actually be waiting for you to speak up? More Learning #525 - Frank Slootman: Hypergrowth Leadership #540 - Alex Hormozi: Let Go of the Need of Approval #510 - Ramit Sethi: Live Your Rich Life
Did you know that 2026 isn't just another year? In numerology, it marks the beginning of a brand new 9-year cycle. That means the energy you set now will ripple out until 2035! It's a huge opportunity, but it can be overwhelming if you don't have the right support. In this episode, I share why Mother Mary says having a specific Archangel assigned to you will help you navigate this shift successfully, and the three ways you can learn which Archangel is the right one for you for 2026! PS- If you want Mother Mary to choose an Archangel for you, join the Magnify Your Miracles Membership no later than 3 pm on Dec 18th and She will choose an Archangel for you! Key Learnings: 1) 2026 begins a new 9-year cycle! The energy you set now will ripple out to 2035! If that seems a bit daunting, do not fret! Mother Mary wants to help you set a new foundation with the help of the Archangels! 2) Having an Archangel assigned to you by Mother Mary is a HUGE blessing! When She chooses an Archangel for you, not only is She sending you angelic help, but She knows exactly what you need because Her energy lives in YOUR heart! If you are anything like me, you will overthink which archangel is the best one for you…until you make yourself crazy! That is why Mother Mary is happy to assign one to you personally, and there are two ways you can go about it: When you join the Magnify Your Miracles Membership (before 3 pm on Dec 18th) you will automatically receive a personal message AND She will choose an Archangel for you for 2026 during our Member Meeting at 5 pm ET. 3) The second way is to schedule a private 30 min session with Mother Mary! She will choose an Archangel for you and answer any questions you may have. You can schedule your session here. "2026 begins a new 9-year cycle! The energy you set now will ripple out to 2035!" Click here to join the Magnify Your Miracles Membership Looking for a coach to help you realize your dreams? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me| If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
Episode: NCBFAA Counsel Update: What Trade Professionals Must Prepare for in 2026 (Final Episode in the NCBFAA 4-Part Special Series) Guest Host & Moderator: Laurie Arnold Secretary, National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) Panelists: Nicole Bivens-Collinson — Legislative Advisor, NCBFAA Cindy Thomas — Counsel, Partner Government Agencies Ashley Craig — Transportation Counsel Lenny Feldman — Customs & Trade Counsel Published: December 17, 2026 Length: ~50 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Summary This episode concludes Simply Trade's four-part special collaboration with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), with NCBFAA hosting its own in-depth legal roundtable focused on what trade professionals must prepare for in 2026. Moderated by Laurie Arnold, Secretary of NCBFAA, this candid discussion brings together the association's legal counsel to unpack legislative priorities, regulatory uncertainty, enforcement trends, and agency staffing challenges impacting customs brokers, freight forwarders, and the broader trade community. From tariff volatility and BIS rulemaking to FMC enforcement, PGA staffing shortages, and heightened CBP scrutiny, this final episode provides practical guidance and forward-looking insight for navigating an increasingly complex compliance environment. Key Learnings & Themes 1. Legislative Outlook for 2026 Nicole Bivens-Collinson highlights legislative activity to monitor closely, including: Potential restrictions on non-resident importers acting as importers of record The proposed ADAPT Act, designed to curb last-minute tariff changes by requiring advance notice and implementation timelines NCBFAA continues advocating for policy that is predictable, transparent, and operationally realistic for the trade community. 2. PGA Engagement Amid Staffing Losses Cindy Thomas explains how Partner Government Agencies are experiencing: Accelerated retirements and buyouts Loss of institutional knowledge Inconsistent enforcement and communication Despite these challenges, agencies increasingly rely on NCBFAA to help communicate policy changes clearly and consistently to the trade community. 3. BIS 50% Rule: Paused, Not Eliminated Ashley Craig discusses the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) 50% rule, currently suspended for one year: The rule is expected to return in some form Congressional intervention remains possible Due diligence expectations on intermediaries continue to grow The panel stresses that this pause should be used to prepare — not delay. 4. FMC Enforcement & Transportation Risk Ashley also outlines increasing enforcement activity by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including: Heightened scrutiny of tariffs and service contracts Significant recent penalties Ongoing regulatory uncertainty driven by staffing changes Transportation compliance remains a key risk area heading into 2026. 5. Tariffs, CBP Enforcement & Revenue Collection Lenny Feldman provides insight into: Aggressive CBP enforcement tied to tariff programs Significant increases in duty collections through entry summary reviews Elevated penalty exposure without mitigation strategies He emphasizes proactive compliance, internal reviews, and preparation before CBP initiates enforcement actions. 6. Practical Steps Trade Professionals Must Take Now Panelists recommend: Ensuring importers maintain active ACE Portal access Monitoring liquidation timelines and protest deadlines Reviewing valuation, classification, and origin methodologies Updating broker terms & conditions and powers of attorney Conducting internal compliance reviews proactively Preparation is no longer optional — it is essential. Key Takeaways Enforcement is increasing across CBP, BIS, FMC, and PGAs Legislative and regulatory volatility is the new normal NCBFAA advocacy plays a critical role in shaping workable policy Brokers and forwarders are more essential than ever as compliance partners Proactive strategy consistently outperforms reactive defense Resources Mentioned Organizations & Agencies National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Trade & Compliance Topics ACE Portal (Automated Commercial Environment) Section 232, 301, and 201 Tariffs BIS 50% Rule BIS Affiliate Rule ADAPT Act (Proposed) Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 Credits Guest Host & Moderator: Laurie Arnold — Secretary, NCBFAA Panelists: Nicole Bivens-Collinson — Legislative Advisor, NCBFAA Cindy Thomas — Counsel, Partner Government Agencies Ashley Craig — Transportation Counsel Lenny Feldman — Customs & Trade Counsel Presented by: Global Training Center Global Training Center on LinkedIn Subscribe & Follow Simply Trade YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community
Episode: #408 Hosts: Andy Shiles & Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit Axle Published: Insert date Length: ~39 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Episode Summary In one of our most powerful and revealing episodes of the year, Andy and Lalo sit down with Mike Musheinesh, CEO of Detroit Axle, to expose the real-world, real-human impact of the accelerated tariff changes implemented under the Trump administration. This conversation is raw, emotional, and brutally honest. It blends economics, politics, business strategy, and human reality into the clearest picture yet of what happens when tariff changes hit industries faster than companies can possibly adapt. Detroit Axle — a family-built, half-billion-dollar U.S. company employing hundreds across Detroit, El Paso, and Juarez — is now facing seismic pressures from massive tariff spikes, sudden de minimis repeal, skyrocketing materials costs, slowed consumer spending, and policy decisions made with little warning. Mike breaks down: How tariffs jumped from $25,000 per $1M of imports… to $625,000–$725,000 Why overnight policy changes destroyed logistics models built over 30 years Why these decisions threaten not just executives, but hundreds of families How Detroit Axle trains returning citizens, rebuilds parts manually, and sustains U.S. jobs Why even supportive CEOs struggle when change comes so suddenly How the company is pivoting toward Canada and Mexico Why Congress vs. Presidential authority may redefine U.S. trade policy And why the Supreme Court's ruling could make or break this company's future This episode is the perfect capstone to a year full of tariff discussions — tying everything together through a real, relatable, human story. Key Learnings & Takeaways 1. Tariff volatility isn't just policy — it's people Detroit Axle employs hundreds across three countries. A sudden repeal of de minimis and massive tariff spikes have already paused a 350,000 sq ft Detroit expansion — affecting jobs, families, and local economies. 2. The cost increases are staggering Tariffs on a million dollars of imports climbed: From $25,000 To $625,000–$725,000 Companies cannot absorb increases of this scale without raising prices or reducing investment. 3. Abrupt policy changes destroy planning cycles Congress initially set a 2027 timeline. The administration moved that to 2025, leaving companies with no runway to pivot. 4. De minimis repeal hurts much more than China Small businesses, U.S. e-commerce, border operations in El Paso/Juarez, and consumers all pay the price. 5. Tariffs were intended to bring leverage — but reciprocity hasn't followed Countries such as India and Vietnam lowered tariffs on U.S. goods… …but the U.S. didn't lower tariffs in return, creating tension and reducing competitiveness. 6. America's manufacturing gap is now painfully visible Mike explains the loss of: Machinery Skills Manual trades Technical knowledge Replacing that ecosystem takes years, not weeks. 7. The Supreme Court case could reshape trade authority The outcome may determine: Whether presidential tariff power remains broad Whether Congress must reassert authority And whether companies like Detroit Axle get relief Episode Resources Detroit Axle – Learn more about Mike's company: Detroit Axle Website Mike Musheinesh (LinkedIn) Connect with Mike Learn more about Global Training Center programs: Trade Compliance Courses Trade Strategist Training Join the Trade Geeks Community: Trade Geeks Portal Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with Simply Trade and never miss an episode: LinkedIn – Global Training Center Follow GTC YouTube – Simply Trade Podcast Subscribe on YouTube Spotify Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts Listen on Apple Podcasts
Do you remember the holiday special "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas"? It is one of my favorites, but recently I realized that it is also a POWERFUL manifestation story too! In this episode, I share how the Grinch is a mindset that might be stealing YOUR miracles right now! I will teach you how to recognize this sneaky thief and stop it in its tracks, as well as how all the Whos in Whoville show us exactly how to magnify our miracles! I would LOVE to know if this story resonates with you! PS- If you want support to overcome the Grinch mindset, click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me! Key Learnings: 1) The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas specials. Recently, during a coaching session with a client, Mother Mary used this story to illustrate how the Grinch is a mindset that can steal our miracles, if we let him! 2) The Grinch mindset is the logical and often critical mind that talks us out of our ideas and inspirations. This tricky voice in your head often sounds reasonable and responsible, which is how it tricks you into putting off acting on your dream. But don't be fooled! Just as the Grinch lied to Cindy Loo Who, who was no more than two, that he was fixing the tree and would return it, your inner Grinch lies to you too by telling you 'you are not ready for your miracle.' 3) The best part of the Grinch story is the very end, where all the Whos in Whoville come out and celebrate Christmas anyway. They don't let their outer circumstances dictate their reality; they create their reality by "acting as if!" This powerful action causes the outer world to shift to match their energy, and the Grinch returns all of the stolen Christmas items to them. "The Grinch mindset tricks you into believing your circumstances create your reality. Be like the Whos of Whoville and 'act as if' your miracle is already here!" Looking for a coach to help you realize your dreams? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
Did you know that the energy of December is the PERFECT time to deepen your experience of the Archangels? In addition to all the holy days we celebrate, there are also three specific reasons why December offers an incredible opportunity to magnify your angelic connection! In this episode, I share the three ways the Archangels are present in December and how they are already blessing you! If you truly want to deepen your experience of miracles with the Archangels, I invite you to join the Archangel Attunement & Mentoring Program! Just a few spots left… is one of them yours? Key Learnings: 1) One of the holy times of the year is Advent, the four Sundays before Christmas. Did you know that each Sunday has an Archangel associated with it? That is just one way the archangels are present with us during this holy time! 2) The second way you can experience the archangels is through the Winter Solstice. Archangel Uriel and Archaii Grace are the archangels of this seasonal portal. As you notice all the lights, for Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanza and more, recognize the archangel of LIGHT behind all these manifestations! 3) Finally, we have New Years! Every year has its own angel, and this year is a special opportunity to start a new nine-year cycle. Beginning on Dec 11th, the feast day of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels, I am offering a very special Archangel Attunement & Mentoring Program! This program is limited to just ten people and will support you in laying the new foundation for your life for the next nine years! You can register at https://francesfayden.com/archangels/ "December is an easy time to connect with the angels. Their presence is everywhere!" Click here to register for the Archangel Attunement & Mentoring Program Looking for a coach to help you realize your dreams? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
Episode: NCBFAA Customs Committee Spotlight: 2025 Challenges, 2026 Opportunities & The Power of Community Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Sandra (Sandy) Coty — Customs Committee Co-Chair LinkedIn Mary Jo Muoio — Chair Emeritus LinkedIn Ralph De La Rosa — Customs Committee Co-Chair LinkedIn Lenny Feldman — Customs Committee Counsel LinkedIn Published: December 3, 2025 Length: Approx. 44 min. Presented by: Global Training Center — Website Episode Summary In this special collaborative episode with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), Simply Trade highlights one of the organization's most active and influential groups: the Customs Committee. Host Lalo Solorzano is joined by committee co-chairs Sandy Coty and Ralph De La Rosa, alongside Mary Jo Muoio (Chair Emeritus) and counsel Lenny Feldman. Together, they unpack a highly dynamic 2025 driven by court cases, tariff unpredictability, modernization initiatives, and the ever-increasing complexity of trade policy. This episode reveals what the Customs Committee does, how it supports the entire brokerage community, and why their work is essential for businesses of all sizes. From interpreting executive orders, to producing toolkits, to being the “eye of the storm” during regulatory upheaval — this group ensures brokers stay informed, compliant, and ready for whatever comes next. The guests also look ahead to 2026, sharing expectations around tariff changes, new trade “deals,” evolving technology, and the crucial role of customs brokers as the industry continues to transform. Key Learnings & Themes 1. What the Customs Committee Actually Does The committee's primary mission is to provide clarity for NCBFAA members on anything related to CBP, trade policy, or customs requirements. This includes: Webinars, toolkits, and e-briefings Monday morning updates (now almost daily due to rapid change) Direct member support for complex questions Coordinated outreach to CBP, Treasury, USTR, and other agencies Flowcharts, FAQs, and practical guides to help brokers execute requirements accurately The group acts as a force multiplier, ensuring that one broker's question becomes clarity for all. 2. Wins and Progress in 2025 Sandy highlights several “first downs” toward long-sought industry improvements: Revenue modernization progress tied to the federal executive order Duty payment flexibility, including paying duties at any port in certain situations 10-day extensions for trade remedy-related entry rejections Improved ACE reports, including inbound, AD/CVD certifications, and low-hanging but highly useful enhancements Ralph notes additional recognition for NCBFAA this year: Sandy and another committee member were appointed to COAC CBP is increasingly seeking NCBFAA's input due to the committee's credibility and expertise 3. Guidance During Turbulent Policy Shifts Mary Jo emphasizes the committee's role as a stabilizing force: They provide institutional knowledge during times that feel overwhelming They help members understand complex topics like tariff stacking, enforcement spikes, and Supreme Court review scenarios They translate shifting rules into actionable guidance They ensure that small brokers have the same insight as large brokers The committee helps the industry “act like we've been here before,” even when the environment is unprecedented. 4. Tariffs, IEEPA, and the Supreme Court Case Lenny breaks down what's at stake: Whether Section 301/IEEPA tariffs remain valid Whether tariff authority is properly delegated Whether changes will apply prospectively or retroactively How brokers should handle refunds, protests, or revenue collection depending on outcomes His analogy: It all comes down to donuts, duties, and delegation — and whether tariffs are a “donut hole” in the statute or “a different kind of pastry.” Regardless of the ruling, the committee will deliver: Updated tools New flowcharts Best-practice guidance Member education sessions 5. Small Brokers Gain Big-Broker Capabilities A recurring theme: NCBFAA levels the playing field. Ralph shares examples: The AD/CVD certification toolkit Harp/Nice Harmonized Tariff Schedule sequencing toolkit Penalty and liquidated damages working groups Center of Excellence and Expertise outreach calls Direct lines of communication to CBP A small broker becomes instantly connected to subject-matter experts, best practices, and national discussions — a major competitive advantage. 6. Looking Ahead to 2026 Panelists expect: New forms of tariff collection Faster, deal-based trade agreements Increased use of AI and machine learning in compliance and enforcement More de minimis-related shifts into formal/informal entry channels Technology-driven expectations for brokers Greater pressure on revenue collection Higher need for accurate guidance, FAQs, and toolkits The brokerage role continues evolving — from “customs house broker” to customs concierge. Takeaways for Listeners NCBFAA's Customs Committee is an unmatched resource for practical, real-world customs compliance guidance. Even small brokers gain expert-level insight and decision support by being part of the community. The association provides stability during rapid regulatory change. The industry will continue evolving quickly — and NCBFAA helps members stay ahead, not behind. Involvement (even at the local level) returns far more value than it requires. Brokers, attorneys, carriers, and service providers all benefit from engagement. Resources Mentioned All references below include embedded official links. NCBFAA & Community NCBFAA — ncbfaa.org NCBFAA Customs Committee — via membership resources COAC (CBP Advisory Committee) — CBP COAC Page U.S. Agencies U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) — cbp.gov U.S. Treasury Department — home.treasury.gov U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) — ustr.gov Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — dhs.gov Department of Commerce — commerce.gov Regulations / Programs / Topics IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) — Congress.gov Overview Section 301 / Trade Remedies — USTR 301 Overview Tariff Schedules (HTSUS) — HTS Search ACE Reporting — CBP ACE Portal AD/CVD (Antidumping & Countervailing Duties) — CBP AD/CVD Info De Minimis / Section 321 — CBP Section 321 Federal Register Notices — federalregister.gov Technology & Enforcement Forced Labor Enforcement — CBP Forced Labor AI in Trade Modernization — CBP Innovation Initiatives via CBP Trade Newsroom Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano — Global Training Center Guests: Sandra (Sandy) Coty — LinkedIn Mary Jo Muoio — LinkedIn Ralph De La Rosa — LinkedIn Lenny Feldman — LinkedIn Presented by: Global Training Center — Website Global Training Center LinkedIn — Follow Subscribe & Follow YouTube: Simply Trade Channel Spotify: Listen on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community: Join Here
In this episode, I sit down with Wojciech Kaszycki — serial entrepreneur, business angel behind 19+ ventures, and the mind behind both Mobilium and BTCS.Wojciech shares how he went from building one of Poland's earliest e‑commerce platforms to pioneering fintech and crypto infrastructure. We explore why his teams focus on building real, regulated bridges between traditional finance and digital assets — not just hype.We dig into how Mobilium plans to let you use Bitcoin as collateral to spend or borrow against, and how BTCS builds a treasury + validator network to bring yield and Web3 services to a wider audience.He also gives practical advice for founders and investors: why a crowded “yes” may be a warning sign — and why sometimes it's the weird, rejected ideas that deserve to be built.If you care about honest, long-term crypto infrastructure and what it takes to build it — this one's for you.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/Key Learnings 00:00:10If your idea gets a unanimous “yes” from friends — that may be a red flag. Lack of skepticism could mean low barriers to entry and limited upside. 00:03:00My path: from building Poland's “Amazon‑like” e‑commerce to fintech and eventually entering crypto — bridging traditional finance with digital assets. 00:06:00With Mobilium, we don't just offer a crypto card — we hold real lending licenses so users can borrow against their Bitcoin without selling it. 00:11:00Mobilium's revenue comes from service fees on on‑ramps/off‑ramps, interchange fees from cards, and interest on crypto‑collateral loans. 00:13:00When building products — don't just build what you think is best. Test with real users. But beware: too many opinions can derail focus. 00:18:00BTCS combines a crypto treasury, staking/validator infrastructure, and smart yield strategies — aiming to grow with the value of crypto, not just fiat. 00:22:00Key metrics for BTCS: monthly reward ratio (yield vs net asset value) and compound growth of net asset value per share. 00:28:00Sometimes you're just early — don't be afraid to fail. If your vision holds, the market may catch up later.Connecthttps://www.mobilum.com/enhttps://x.com/Mobilumofficialhttps://x.com/wkaszyckihttps://www.linkedin.com/company/mobilumcom/https://www.linkedin.com/in/wojciechkaszycki/DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice. Please do your own research.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
Have you ever wished that you could pray like a saint? Most people probably think that a saint prays in a formal and pious kind of way… but nothing could be further from the truth! If you long to have the type of intimate connection with the Divine that saints experience, this is the episode for you! In this episode, I share the simple and powerful prayer method of St. Catherine Laboure, who experienced two apparitions of Mother Mary and brought the Miraculous Medal into being! I hope you find St. Catherine's approach to prayer as easy to follow and inspiring as I do! Let me know if you are going to try this method in your prayer practice! PS – One thing many saints have in common is a close connection to the Angels! You can too when you join the Archangel Attunement & Mentoring Program! Key Learnings: 1) One thing I love about the saints is their intimate relationship with the Divine. This intimacy is often reflected in their prayers. Rather than being formal and pious, their prayers are often conversational and filled with devotion, much like how you might talk with a dear friend or loved one. 2) On a recent visit to the Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia, I noticed something I hadn't seen before. On the wall was the Prayer of St. Catherine Laboure. The prayer itself is simple, but it says so much. And she gives us much more than a prayer, St. Catherine teaches us how to talk AND listen to God. 3) Here is the prayer written on the plaque of the Basilica: Whenever I go to the chapel, I put myself in the presence of our good Lord, and I say to Him, "Lord, I am here. Tell me what you would have me to do." If He gives me some task, I am content, and I thank Him. If He gives me nothing, I still thank Him, since I do not deserve to receive anything more than that. And then, I tell God everything that is in my heart. I tell Him about my pains and joys, and then I listen. If you listen, God will also speak to you, for with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen. God always speaks to you when you approach Him plainly and simply." "God always speaks to you when you approach Him plainly and simply." St. Catherine Laboure Click here to register for the Archangel Attunement & Mentoring Program Looking for a coach to help you realize your dreams? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
NCBFAA Transportation Committee Spotlight: 2025 Wins, 2026 Priorities & Industry Insights Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Kim Calicott — NCBFAA Transportation Committee Chair - LinkedIn Rich Roche — NVOCC Subcommittee Chair - LinkedIn Donna Kavanaugh — Export Compliance Subcommittee Chair- LinkedIn Published: November 26, 2026 Length: ~ 44 min. Presented by: Global Training Center — globaltrainingcenter.com Episode Summary In this special collaboration with the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), Simply Trade launches a multi-episode series highlighting the critical work of NCBFAA committees. This episode features the Transportation Committee, covering NVOCC activity, export compliance, air freight, logistics, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Host Lalo Solorzano speaks with committee chair Kim Calicott, along with subcommittee leaders Rich Roche (NVOCC) and Donna Kavanaugh (Export Compliance). The group breaks down the major wins and challenges of 2025, key regulatory shifts, and what members should expect heading into 2026. Key Learnings & Themes 1. Transportation Committee Overview Kim explains the structure of the Transportation Committee and its four subcommittees: NVOCC Subcommittee (Rich Roche): Guidance on OSRA, FMC rulemaking, D&D billing, “clear as mud” interpretations, and a forthcoming NVOCC Best Practices Working Group. Export Compliance Subcommittee (Donna Kavanaugh): Monitoring regulatory activity from BIS, OFAC, Census, CBP, and DDTC while educating members on practical impacts. Air Freight Subcommittee (Donna Mullins): Infrastructure modernization efforts, partnership with the Airforwarders Association (AFA), and involvement in a GAO study on air cargo facility conditions. Logistics Committee: Watching driver shortages, truck/equipment tariff impacts, Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) development, and alignment with international systems like ICS2. 2. 2025 Regulatory Swing Highlights include: FMC's D&D Final Rule implementation and the section struck down by the courts. BIS tightening China-related controls and reevaluating rules inherited from prior administrations. Pause on the significant Affiliates Rule, which may reemerge in 2026. Changing rules related to firearms, AI, and Syria sanctions. “Clear as mud” advisory responses from FMC's General Counsel. 3. Advocacy That Makes a Difference NCBFAA's early engagement with agencies prevents harmful regulatory outcomes—such as removing unintended burdens on NVOCCs in OSRA's original wording. 4. Encouragement for New Participants Both Kim and Donna stress: No one starts out knowing everything Every question matters Committee involvement accelerates growth and strengthens the industry The association thrives on collaboration across company size, mode, and experience level 5. Looking Ahead to 2026 Key upcoming items include: Launch of the NVOCC Best Practices Working Group Ongoing work on EEM and air cargo modernization BIS rule reviews after the Affiliates Rule pause Continued focus on driver shortages and equipment tariffs NVOCC Day 2026 in New Orleans on January 22 Takeaways for Listeners NCBFAA membership is valuable for all trade professionals—brokers, forwarders, logistics providers, and affiliates. Exporting remains highly regulated and rapidly evolving—missteps can be significant. Committee participation is one of the most impactful ways to deepen knowledge and support industry-wide improvements. Agencies are shifting priorities quickly; staying informed is essential. Resources Mentioned Here are all referenced agencies, programs, and industry groups with embedded official links: NCBFAA & Industry Associations NCBFAA — ncbfaa.org Airforwarders Association (AFA) — airforwarders.org Government Accountability Office (GAO) — gao.gov Regulatory Agencies Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) — fmc.gov Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) — bis.doc.gov Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) — home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/ofac U.S. Census Bureau (AES/Exports) — census.gov/foreign-trade/aes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — cbp.gov Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — tsa.gov Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC / ITAR) — pmddtc.state.gov Regulations / Programs OSRA – Ocean Shipping Reform Act — FMC OSRA Overview Demerage & Detention (D&D) Final Rule — FMC Rulemaking Electronic Export Manifest (EEM) — CBP EEM Information ICS2 – EU Import Control System 2 — European Commission ICS2 Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano — Global Training Center Guests: Kim Calicott — LinkedIn Rich Roche — LinkedIn Donna Kavanaugh — LinkedIn Presented by: Global Training Center — Website / LinkedIn Subscribe & Follow YouTube: Simply Trade Channel Spotify: Simply Trade on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Simply Trade on Apple Podcasts Cindy Allen (The Taylor Swift of Trade): LinkedIn Trade Geeks Community: Join Trade Geeks
I sat down with Michael Sena to explore how we'll start trusting AI agents with real‑world responsibilities — from crypto trading to enterprise workflows. We talk about his Web3 roots, the genesis of the concept behind skill markets, and how his project is creating transparency and performance benchmarks in a rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. If you've ever wondered how to evaluate an agent, give one control of money, or build one yourself — this episode gives you a front‑row seat.Key Learnings[00:01:00] Michael's journey: from discovering Bitcoin in 2011 to diving into Web3 identity protocols and ultimately shifting to AI skill‑markets.[00:04:00] What the company does: a “decentralised skill market” where AI agents are tested, ranked, and evaluated on real‑world skills.[00:06:00] The central problem: how do you trust an AI you hand your crypto portfolio to, or a business process you delegate?[00:10:00] Why benchmarks often fall short: static tests, academic settings, and hype don't always align with real‑world performance.[00:12:00] The role of agents vs. foundation models: many new AIs will specialise, and evaluation will need to keep up.[00:17:00] Why blockchain? For coordination, capital‑signalling, transparency and enabling open skill‑markets with economic incentives.[00:24:00] Most traction today: crypto‑trading agents, but enterprise and internal tooling evaluations are growing fast.[00:35:00] Roadmap highlights: token launch, permissionless market creation, verifiable AI execution via partnerships, and more.[00:39:00] How you can get involved: as a builder, curator, or user — open to anyone with interest and energy.Connecthttps://x.com/recallnethttps://recall.network/https://discord.com/invite/recallnethttps://www.linkedin.com/company/recalllabs/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/msena/https://x.com/dataliquidity DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Get featuredBe a guest on the podcast or contact us – https://www.web3pod.xyz/
In this episode I sit down with Ivan, the newly appointed CEO of Neon Labs, a serial‑founder with six exits and a deep background in infrastructure, distributed systems and Web3. We explore how Neon Labs is tackling the challenge of running an EVM on Solana, what “network extensions” mean and why this matters for builders, founders and the entire ecosystem. We also dig into tokenization, open‑source business models and where the infrastructure layer of Web3 is heading. Whether you're building a protocol, debating chain choice or simply trying to understand what's next, there's plenty to unpack here.Key Learnings (with timestamps)00:02:00 – Ivan's background: from engineer to startup founder to now leading Neon Labs.00:04:00 – Early Web3 attempt: building a multimedia messaging/email platform on Ethereum in 2017.00:07:00 – What Neon Labs is solving: bringing EVM execution to Solana via a network extension rather than a traditional L2 or side‑chain.00:10:00 – Advantages and challenges of this architecture: speed, composability, using Solana's consensus & block‑space.00:12:00 – Chain choice argument: historically Solana for speed vs Ethereum for liquidity. How this is shifting.00:16:00 – Infrastructure costs of new chains: indexing, database/storage overhead, tooling.00:18:00 – Vision: network extensions as the next wave of infrastructure—purpose‑built execution environments plugging into a main chain.00:22:00 – Neon Labs' focus areas: acquisition of ZK team, privacy‑scalability via off‑chain computation and proofs.00:39:00 – Advice for builders & founders: build in public + join community/super‑teams + focus on solving real infrastructure problems.00:42:00 – Neon's current status & ask: financially stable, not actively raising now, looking for builders, early users and collaborators.DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. ConnectIvan Bjelajac - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanbjelajac/NeonEVM- https://www.neonevm.org/ Be a guest on the podcast or contact us ‑ https://www.web3pod.xyz/
In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst takes you inside the Campfire Finance Forward AI Summit in San Francisco, a one-of-a-kind event exploring how AI is transforming finance. Instead of one guest, this special edition features four conversations with top finance leaders and innovators who share what they're seeing, building, and doing with AI in real time. From ERP innovation to the EQ behind great CFOs, this episode delivers tactical advice and big-picture thinking from the forefront of modern finance.John Glasgow is the CEO and co-founder of Campfire, leading the charge in AI-native ERP innovation for modern finance teams. CJ Gustafson, the founder of Mostly Metrics and a former CFO, brings real-world insights on scaling, AI adoption, and the shift from executive to creator. Libby Francke, Head of Finance at Klarity, shares her experience modernizing data infrastructure and running a lean, high-impact finance function with Campfire. Kevin Neary, VP of Finance at Brainly, reflects on managing global finance operations and how AI is helping his team boost efficiency and productivity.Expect to Learn:Why Campfire is building an AI-native ERP with its own large accounting modelHow to identify when legacy systems like QuickBooks are holding your company backWhat makes great FP&A beyond technical skill: EQ, storytelling, and sniff testsHow to think tactically about AI adoption, agents, and automationHere are a few quotes from the episode:“Trying to make the most of AI and low-cost solutioning is how we're building the finance function of the future.” - Libby Francke“A lot of companies are stuck in pilot purgatory; they test AI, think it's cool, but don't know how to roll it out.” - CJ GustafsonThis special episode of FP&A Unlocked captures the momentum and insight from the Campfire Finance Forward AI Summit, showcasing how finance leaders are navigating the rapid shift toward AI-native systems. From foundational models to practical automation, the conversations with John Glasgow, CJ Gustafson, Libby Francke, and Kevin Neary highlight that the future of finance isn't just about technology; it's about strategic thinking, clean data, and bold leadership.Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for the general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow John:LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/johnglasgow/Follow CJ Gustafson:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Follow Libby:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-francke-cpa-831b4854/Follow Kevin:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-neary-cpa/Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to
What will the energy of 2026 bring YOU? Instead of wondering about it, why not connect with the Archangels who want to help you CREATE your 2026 experience? In this episode, I share a message from the Archangels about the incredible opportunity 2026 brings and how YOU can access that energy right NOW! The Archangels want to help you to embody, experience and express YOUR inner Archangel qualities in 2026. Find out why this new year is THE year to do it! PS – Click here to join the Archangel Attunement & Mentoring Program! Key Learnings: 1) 2026 is a one year in numerology. That means it is the beginning of a new nine-year cycle! In this new year you get to lay a foundation that will set the tone for the next nine years! 2) The Archangels, beginning with Michael, want to support YOU in being able to embody, experience and express YOUR inner Archangel qualities, such as Divine Faith, Hope, Healing, and Light. All of these qualities exist within you already, but when you consciously work with them, you magnify their impact in your life! 3) Beginning on Dec 11th, the feast day of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels, I am offering a very special Archangel Attunement & Mentoring Program! This program is limited to just ten people and will support you in laying the new foundation for your life for the next nine years! You can register at https://francesfayden.com/archangels/ "The qualities of the Archangels already exist within you, such as Faith, Hope and Healing." Click here to register for the Archangel Attunement & Mentoring Program Looking for a coach to help you realize your dreams? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
In this episode I sit down with Zain Zaidi, co‑founder and CEO of TransCrypts, to explore his personal story and the mission driving his startup. He shares how a misplaced grad‑school transcript sparked a blockchain solution for identity verification, how his company now serves millions of users and hundreds of enterprises, and why the deepfake era makes what they do more critical than ever. We dive into the tech, the regulatory hurdles, Web2 clients, Web3 opportunities, and what's ahead for verified credentials across employment, health and education.Key Learnings (with timestamps)00:00:00 – Mark Cuban's warning about digital misinformation and deepfakes; the trust crisis we face online.00:02:00 – Zain's personal trigger: grad‑school transcript error led to founding TransCrypts.00:04:00 – What TransCrypts solves: giving individuals ownership of verified credentials (job, school, income).00:06:00 – How the system works: integration with HR systems, issuance of on‑chain credentials.00:07:00 – Focus and expansion: employment verification is central, health and education credentials coming.00:12:00 – Technical and enterprise challenges: selling Web3 identity solutions to Web2 businesses.00:14:00 – The synergy of AI + crypto: identity verification as the defense against AI‑driven fraud.00:17:00 – Pitching and fundraising: cold‑emailing Mark Cuban, building traction, $15 M seed round.00:18:00 – Humanitarian use‑case: helping Ukrainian refugees access medical records via their platform.00:23:00 – If he were starting again today: focus on the solution not the tech; time your raise relative to market cycle.00:34:00 – Roadmap and ambitions: becoming a major employment/income data provider, potential token launch.Connecthttps://www.transcrypts.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/transcrypts/https://x.com/transcrypts_https://www.linkedin.com/in/zainzaidi99/DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us ‑ https://www.web3pod.xyz/
In this episode I chat with Ian Brunner, co‑founder and CEO of IPTS - Interplanetary Talent Services, about how recruiting in Web3 and AI safety is changing — and how founders and job‑seekers alike can win. Ian shares how he pivoted from ad‑tech and Facebook into Web3, helped build recruiting at Protocol Labs, then spun out to form IPTS and now supports over a hundred companies placing talent across complex, frontier tech roles. We dig into real tactics for hiring: spotting fake AI‑written resumes, structuring hybrid roles, and mapping the cycles of the talent market. Whether you're a founder scaling a startup, or a candidate trying to break into Web3/AI, you'll pick up actionable advice you can use now. Key Learnings[00:03:00] How Ian made the jump from Facebook recruiting to Web3, and why direct access to leadership mattered for his decision.[00:06:00] The origin story of IPTS: how the recruiting team at Protocol Labs shifted into an agency model and spun out.[00:08:00] What sets IPTS apart: mission‑alignment, success‑based models, network depth, and a hands‑on operations mindset.[00:12:00] How IPTS acquires new clients and the power of referrals in this talent market.[00:13:00] Two major hiring trends in Web3/AI: the lack of entry‑level roles, and the rise of "Frankenstein roles" combining multiple functions.[00:20:00] How AI is disrupting recruiting: job descriptions created by AI, applications written by AI, and the challenge of verifying authenticity.[00:22:00] Real tactics for vetting candidates: ask about team structure, who managed them, who they interacted with — questions scammers/bots struggle with.[00:23:00] The resurgence of reference and background checks: what was ignored in hiring booms now is mandatory.[00:24:00] Global hiring in Web3: remote first, equitable pay across locations, and the attractiveness of arbitrage (talent anywhere).[00:38:00] Advice for founders: spend time upfront clarifying what you're hiring for; understand the hiring cycles of the year; and define what carrot you're offering if you need hires in tight windows.[00:31:00] The highest‑demand roles right now: senior to staff engineering; marketing/ecosystem/community growth; and BD/sales in Web3/AI contexts.DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment or financial advice and please do your own research.Connecthttps://ipts.ai/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ipts/https://x.com/iptsaihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianbrunner/It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend. Be a guest on the podcast or contact us ‑ https://www.web3pod.xyz/
In this episode I chat with Alex (CMO) and Andrew (CPO) of Sticker Pack about how they're turning something as simple as a sticker on Telegram into a Web3‑community powerhouse. We trace their journeys back to early crypto days, uncover how they saw the gaps in traditional NFTs, and why they believe Telegram's built‑in ecosystem offers a unique route for mass adoption. The podcast dives into what drives Sticker Pack's growth, how they secure IP rights, how they onboard creators and users, and what's next for them in the next 12 months. Whether you're a creator, collector, or just curious about where Web2 meets Web3, you'll find plenty of practical insight here.Key Learnings[00:00:30] Alex shares how he got into crypto in 2012‑13, left during the cold years, then returned when Telegram and TON showed potential.[00:02:00] Andrew describes his parallel journey: IT consulting, dabbling in crypto, and eventually co‑founding Sticker Pack to build something new in the Telegram/TON ecosystem.[00:04:00] They identify a key problem with traditional NFTs: yes you own something, but it often sits unseen and un‑validated in your wallet.[00:05:30] Sticker Pack aims to give “flexible ownership”: visible, usable assets inside Telegram (stickers, status, anonymous numbers) that let you show you own something.[00:11:00] Traction: ~172 sticker packs launched with ~40 collections; total sales around US$11‑12 million; some rare stickers traded for thousands of dollars.[00:13:00] Business model: IP owners partner with Sticker Pack; Sticker Pack takes a revenue share + contract fees; secondary royalties also built‑in.[00:15:30] Primary customer: The community/user first, then IP/partners. Building belonging, utility, gated chats, and community meet‑ups matter more than just launches.[00:17:00] IP rights: They only launch sticker packs after verifying the IP owner or decision‑maker. If they can't verify it, they won't proceed.[00:19:00] Undiscovered market: Alumni associations, tight‑knit communities (like universities) are strong opportunities — people already buy merch etc for identity.[00:20:00] Telegram features many don't know: Gifts and anonymous numbers (NFT‑numbers) within Telegram are becoming real status and utility items. Andrew highlights a use‑case: owning an NFT number means you can log into Telegram independent of your mobile SIM.[00:24:30] Onboarding web2 users: Though user base is large, the uptake of Web3 features is still low; but Sticker Pack and Telegram are trying to make things “normie‑friendly”.[00:26:00] Product vision for next 12 months: A self‑service portal so any artist can launch their own sticker pack; community votes determine which packs get featured. Equal opportunity for creators worldwide.[00:29:30] Their ask: Looking for strong IP partnerships + builders who want utility around stickers. They emphasise that this ecosystem is collaborative.[00:30:20] Future of Telegram/TON over next year: More utilities, easier fiat payments, simplified onboarding of non‑crypto users — more mass adoption features.[00:31:40] Magic‑wand question: Alex would mandate banks to use stablecoins and governments to stop treating crypto as enemy; Andrew emphasised user safety and trustworthy onboarding for non‑deep‑tech users.DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.Connecthttps://t.me/sticker_bothttps://t.me/sticker_communityhttps://x.com/stickers_tgAlex:https://x.com/alexcrypto_buzzhttps://t.me/coinfessional_boothAndrew:https://t.me/andrew_is_thinkingDune dashboardhttps://dune.com/telegram/stickersA tool to analyse sticker performance https://stickers.tools/It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
With the international break upon us, it's time to take stock and review how things have gone so far this season
In this episode I sit down with Grigore Roșu (Grigore Rosu), former NASA researcher and computer‑science professor, now building the Pi Squared Network. We dive into what Web3 really means (hint: it isn't just blockchains). Grigore explains why the conventional blockchain model is inefficient, how his team is creating a parallel settlement network that scales, and what this could mean for everything from payments to gaming to AI‑agent economies. Whether you're a founder, developer, or curious about the next wave of crypto infrastructure—you'll get fresh insights plus a roadmap of what's coming next.Key Learnings[00:00:00] The common idea that Web3 = blockchain is flawed — blockchains are one implementation, not the only way.[00:05:00] How good academic ideas at university can migrate into startup innovations (Rosu's lab → Runtime Verification → Pi Squared).[00:06:00] The core scalability problem in Web3: transaction throughput and cost. Why traditional chains struggle.[00:08:00] The paradigm shift: dropping “total order” of transactions across the network and moving to parallel, independent settlement.[00:09:00] How the original blockchain design (chain + blocks + ordering) addressed double‑spending, but introduces a scalability ceiling.[00:12:00] The potential: with massive parallelism, transaction cost could fall to “a hundredth of a cent” and throughput could reach millions per second.[00:15:00] What this means for layers: If the infrastructure supports massive parallelism, the whole stack changes (Layer 1, Layer 2, app chains).[00:21:00] Why the language ecosystem matters: restrictive smart‑contract languages (e.g., Solidity) limit developer adoption.[00:30:00] Why it's taken a decade for this to shift: new scientific results, protocol research, and building the infrastructure take time.[00:36:00] Pi Squared's roadmap: upcoming network launch, opening to validators, then expanding languages, reaching decentralization at scale.[00:40:00] The “north star” metric: 1 million organic transactions per second. Makes everything else fall into place.[00:43:00] Real use‑cases unlocked: Web3 gaming, AI agents interacting at speed, truly low‑cost settlement for mass‑market.DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Connecthttps://x.com/Pi_Squared_Pi2https://www.linkedin.com/company/pi-squared-inc/posts/https://pi2.network/Be a guest on the podcast or contact us – https://www.web3pod.xyz/
Did you know that your Ancestors and Loved Ones on the other side are rooting for you? Did you know that all of heaven celebrates whenever you take a step towards your dreams? If you would like to EXPERIENCE their love and support, this is the episode for you! In this episode, I share a powerful guided meditation that I channeled with Mother Mary on All Souls Day to help YOU connect with your Loved Ones and Ancestors. This meditation is incredibly healing, so make sure you listen when you can fully participate. I won't tell you much more than that because I want you to experience this meditation for yourself. Please let me know what it was like for you! PS- Ready to say yes to your dreams? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me Key Learnings: 1) All Souls Day is a special holy day where we honor our Loved Ones on the other side. Mother Mary asked me to hold a special meditation that day to help you connect more deeply with your Loved Ones and Ancestors. 2) In this meditation, I guide you to experience the very real presence of your Loved Ones, and to know how much they love you and are rooting for you. The presence of your Ancestors magnifies the impact of the meditation 3) You will also connect with the part of yourself that is already everything you wish to be! Come to this meditation repeatedly, whenever you want to experience your Oneness with your Loved Ones. You can also use this meditation to get you into the space of inner peace, which opens the door to magnify your miracles! "All of Heaven celebrates whenever you take a step towards your dreams." Ready to work with a coach to manifest your dreams? Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me Click here to join the Magnify Your Miracles Membership If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
I sat down with Toby Gilbert, co‑founder of Pact Swap, to dig into how he went from years in telecoms to building infrastructure for the Web3 era. We talk about the problems in decentralized exchanges, why cross‑chain and native Bitcoin support matter, and how Pact Swap is positioning itself to offer DEX functionality at central‑exchange price levels — without KYC and heavy overheads. If you've ever wondered how innovation in DEX infrastructure happens behind the scenes, this episode is for you.Key Learnings[00:01:00] Toby's entry into blockchain came via a deep infrastructure dev friend who highlighted the scaling pain‑points of incompatible chains.[00:02:00] Unlike many who start with Bitcoin or Ethereum apps, Toby started “far further upstream” building infrastructure.[00:03:00] Pact Swap is a cross‑chain DEX that supports native Bitcoin — tackling usability and cost issues with current solutions.[00:04:00] The architecture: Rather than locking hundreds of millions in validator collateral, Pact Swap uses per‑trade collateral and reactive smart‑contracts — making swaps ~95% cheaper than some competitors.[00:05:00] Their go‑to‑market is B2C + B2B (gaming companies, gateways, merchants) — enabling non‑crypto businesses to accept a variety of tokens and instantly swap to stable tokens without KYC overhead.[00:11:00] They're launching a governance & utility token: holders will access fee‑pools, burn tokens to unlock collateral — adding a “gamified” arbitrage model.[00:13:00] Misconception: “Are cross‑chain DEXs safe?” Toby explains how Pact Swap avoids bridges and uses a new architecture to keep it secure.[00:17:00] Big benchmark: Toby expects $0.5 billion/day of trade volume by end‑2026 — scaling to centralized‑exchange levels.[00:18:00] Advice for founders: Be ready to pivot, understand regulation, budget accordingly, and build team culture with open conversation.[00:21:00] On DeFi's next phase: User experience must evolve to bring in non‑crypto users and expand liquidity sources.[00:24:00] On raising: “Build product first, not just a pitch deck” — traction matters more than buzzwords.DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Connecthttps://pactswap.io/https://x.com/Pact_Swaphttps://x.com/TobyCoinwebhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-gilbert-64909855/ Be featured on this podcastBe a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
Can you feel the energy shifting? Want to know what it means for YOU? To discover more about the energy of November 2025 and all the blessings available, I picked THREE oracle cards just for YOU! In this episode, I share the three oracle cards I picked just for YOU from three of my favorite oracle card decks, and weave together the THEME for this month and how to work with the energy to receive all the blessings! You will find the links to all three of these decks in the show notes. Key Learnings: 1) November holds miraculous energy! The first card guiding us is Vast Vistas-Expand Your Horizons from the Sacred Traveler deck by Denise Linn. This card encourages you to step out of the box of self-definition or societal limitations and expand your sense of what's possible! 2) The second card is Lady Gaia, from the Archangel Oracle deck by Diana Cooper. This card invites you to see any challenges you have as steps or rungs on the ladder of ascension! Rather than focus on your problems, see them as opportunities, aka the big picture (vast vista) knowing that all is working in your favor. 3) The last card is Catherine Laboure from the Divine Feminine deck by Meggan Watterson. The message of this card is "I am ready to heal. I am worthy of the miracles meant for me." Miracles are here for you right now. Your miracle is already here! As we let go of our limitations, step into the big picture and see our challenges as steps on our path, we open ourselves to the miracle that we desire. "I am ready to heal. I am worthy of the miracles meant for me." Meggan Watterson Click here to purchase the Sacred Traveler Oracle Card deck by Denise Linn Click here to purchase the Divine Feminine Oracle by Meggan Watterson Click here to purchase the Archangel Oracle Cards by Diana Cooper Click here to schedule an Intuitive Energy Breakthrough Session Click here to join the Magnify Your Miracles membership If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com
Imagine owning your own AI. That's exactly what David Johnston, core contributor at Morpheus believes is not just possible, but inevitable. In this episode, we go deep on smart agents, how they're the next evolution after smart contracts, and why decentralized AI will reshape how we use intelligence. David shares why the world has now officially crossed the line where AI has more brainpower than all humans combined,and what that means for builders, entrepreneurs, and anyone online.We cover how Morpheus is building a platform for smart agents just like Ethereum did for smart contracts, why LLMs still matter, and how tools like x402 and onchain identity are solving major AI risks. This is the future of AI, Web3, and ownership, all in one.Key Learnings & Time Stamps[00:00] - AI brainpower now exceeds human brainpower, what that really means.[03:00] - The origin story of DApps and why decentralized software must pay for its own hardware.[05:30] - How Web3 evolved from protocol to user-friendly applications.[08:00] - What smart agents are and why they're the natural next step after smart contracts.[10:00] - How Morpheus provides infrastructure and incentives for agent builders.[17:00] - Current limitations of autonomous agents and how intent-based agents solve real problems.[20:00] - How ERC-8004 and agent reputation registries change the AI trust layer.[22:00] - What x402 is and why it's a game-changer for onchain payments.[26:00] - Why rewarding developers directly makes Morpheus similar to early Ethereum.[32:00] - The shift from office space to data centers, what AI is really doing to work.[38:00] - LLMs are not enough, here's how personal AI agents will evolve.[43:00] - The idea behind the Morpheus Virtual Machine.[47:00] - Roadmap: What's next for Morpheus and its community-led infrastructure.DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.Connecthttps://mor.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/company/morpheusais/https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidajohnston/https://x.com/DJohnstonECBe featured on this podcastBe a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
When you hear the word 'surrender' what comes to mind? Most people associate surrender with losing… but what if surrendering is exactly what you need to do to experience miracles? In this episode, I share how Surrender is an ancient practice on the spiritual path, one that can lead to healing, abundance, and miracles. I also share my insight about Mother Mary's seven 'surrender mysteries' and how they correlate to the seven chakras for deep healing. How do you feel about letting go? Have you ever let go and experienced a miracle? PS – if you want to experience the 7 Part Healing Path of Surrender series that begins Nov 5th in the Magnify Your Miracles membership, click here to join. Key Learnings: 1) Surrender is the opposite of what we are taught to do. The idea of letting go seems counterintuitive in a culture that continues to push, push, push! But what if holding on and trying to force things to happen is blocking your manifestation? 2) Surrender is a natural part of the cycle of nature. Every Autumn the trees release their leaves, and the natural world prepares for Winter, letting go of every unnecessary thing in the process. Every night you enter the great surrender of sleep where deep healing happens. What if you did this consciously and not just during sleep? 3) The seven sorrows rosary corresponds to the seven chakras. It is also similar to the story of the descent of Innana who must discard something at each level as she descends to the underworld. We will follow this healing path of Mother Mary's, beginning at the crown chakra and the first surrender mystery, releasing any energy that is holding you back from experiencing a deeper connection with the Divine. "Surrender is the key that unlocks miracles." Click here to join the Magnify Your Miracles membership Click here to schedule a Miracle Meeting with me If you love the image on the wall behind me of Mother Mary Blessing the World, you can order your own museum quality copy at www.deepaliu.com