Podcasts about Koya

We continue to look at the life and times of Uno no Sarara, aka Jito Tenno, female sovereign ruling in her own right.  We look at some of the places she traveled to as sovereign and, ultimately, what she did to ensure that her grandson would succeed her. For more, check our podcast blog page:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-154 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua and this is episode 154: Queen Uno no Sarara, Part II   Light drifted in from outside the grand audience hall.  It filtered through barred windows and screens, and glinted off of bright gold and bronze accents, as well as the polished stone floor.  Upon a raised dais, surrounded by curtains, sat the tennou, arrayed in all of his youthful majesty.  Before him were princes and high ranking nobles, dressed in their finest court clothing.  Rich brocades of silk and black gauze hats only added to the pomp and circumstance of the moment. The nobles bowed and brought out a small tray.  Upon it were seventeen scrolls, freshly made, representing the latest updates to the laws and punishments of the land.  The nobles presented the work they had overseen, the culmination of a year's effort to further bring into line the organization of the state.  Off to the side, behind a screen of her own, Uno no Sarara watched the proceedings.  She thought back on all that had happened to bring them to this point.  This glittering hall was a far cry from the plain wooden structures of the old Kiyomihara palace.  And while she had never visited them, she could only imagine that this must rival the courts on the continent.  Everything that she and her husband had worked and fought for—all of the battles  they had fought, and all of the friends and children they had lost—she watched as it all came to fruition. The court was never going to be entirely peaceful—there would always be those striving for wealth and power, however they could attain it—but at this moment she no doubt felt as confident as she ever had that her efforts hadn't been for naught.  No matter what happened from here, the State, and her line, would continue.   So let's recap: We started with Part I of Uno no Sarara's reign back in episode 152, and then last episode we took a bit of a detour to go more in depth on the history of Ise and of the worship of Amaterasu more generally.  We talked about how there is good reason to believe that Ise shrine's prominence—and even many of the stories about Amaterasu and her importance in the story of the royal family—were either created or at least emphasized during the reigns of Ohoama and Uno no Sarara.  We ended with a discussion of the Jingikan, the newly created government organization developed to deal with so-called "Kami Matters", formally bringing the administration various shrines under the administration of the State.  Specifically it seems to have focused on State sponsored rituals.  I have no doubt that they took charge of the rituals at court itself, and they were likely involved in the worship at Ise Shrine, as well as the shrines of Tatsuta and Hirose.  On the other hand, as with the spread of Buddhist temples, direct State control was likely limited, at least at this stage, likely focused on the most influential institutions. This episode I want to continue with Uno no Sarara's reign.  She continued to make her mark on the court, tweaking how things worked, especially around the concept of rank.  And then there were her various travels.  These were mostly to her palace in Yoshino, but several other journeys, including a tour of the land of Kii—modern Wakayama prefecture—as well as a visit to her half-sister, Royal Princess Asuka. For all of that, however, the entry in the Nihon Shoki ends with what was perhaps one of the most direct and unique things she did:  Ensuring a smooth transition of power to her grandchild, Prince Karu. And while in this episode we'll (spoiler alert) cover both this power transition and Uno no Sarara's eventual death, we won't be done with her reign and its impact after this episode.  After all, there is still a lot going on around this time, and multiple different threads to pull on.  I expect several more episodes to cover things, such as the creation of hunting and fishing preserves, Buddhist merit-making, crime and punishment, and more.  There are also a few more people to talk about, such as Kakinomoto no Hitormaro, the court poet, and Fujiwara no Fubito and the establishment of the Fujiwara family as we know it.    So let's take a look at Uno no Sarara and what she was up to. She was still very much putting her stamp on things, tweaking the codes and making edicts.  One of the more impactful edicts would seem to be one where she had the government officials and people of the Home provinces all divided into nine classes.  This seems to be introducing yet another rank system, though this one is a bit more technical than the ones that came before. For one thing, it divided everyone up into nine ranks.  To do this, the court were going to take a look at a period of up to 6 years for those who already had rank and up to 7 years for those who did not.  The court—presumably court appointed judges—would use that period to evaluate individuals and slot them into a new system of nine classes.  Those in the first four classes would be given cap-rank based on their individual merits, the services that they had performed, and the importance of their house.  There isn't really a mention about the other five classes, but as they were theoretically the lower classes of society, it may not have been quite so pertinent.  BTW, of the three things that they were using to determine cap-rank, that last one, the importance of the individual's house, strikes me as the nod to the fact that the Japanese had not yet gotten away from the idea of "kabane" type hierarchy.  Granted, it isn't like family was unimportant in the Tang court, the Japanese were just being much more blatant and direct about it. Once everyone was properly sorted into the appropriate cap-rank, new edicts were issued on the official court clothing, which we discussed in Episode 150, and if you check out the blogpost you should be able to see what that looked like. I would note that the cap-rank system would eventually go away and be replaced by a rank system also based on 9 ranks, which then were broken up into upper and lower and junior and senior, so very similar to what we see with cap-rank, with some slight changes.  Uno no Sarara continued to make tweaks to the system, while working on the various large scale projects of the reign.  She wasn't exactly a homebody, however.  As she did all of this, she was regularly taking trips away from the capital. For example, between 689 and 697 she took at least 30 trips to visit Yoshino, sometimes taking as many as five trips in a year.  These were often short—a couple of days and then back to the grind of the court.  However, that's all that we get.  Based on the dates, we can at least make a few inferences.  For one, she was going down in all seasons, so she really must have enjoyed it, and it doesn't seem like it was attached to any particular official date or ritual.  Perhaps it just got her away from the pressure of official life. Some of her travel appear to have been work trips.  Her travel to Ise, which we talked about in the previous episodes, as well as things like traveling to visit the Castle of Takayasu and also to inspect horses at the embankment of Wani-no-kami.  Those appear to have been both trips where she was keeping an eye on things. Other trips, however, provide fewer details.  Mostly we know where she went.  This included trips to Hatsuse, Kii, Takamiya, and Yonabari, in Uda.  We are also told she ascended the Peak of Tou no Mine and later that she made another journey out to the Futatsuki Palace—presumably at the same place.  And we also have a trip out to the country-house of Royal Princess Asuka. Now Hatsuse, Kii, and Uda are all places we've previously talked about.  They are all on the Kii peninsula.  Hatsuse—or Hase—and Yonabari, in Uda, are both due east of modern Sakurai, following the Yamato upriver and then branching off to the aptly named Yonabari river.  These areas are well-referenced in the rest of the Nihon Shoki.  "Kii" is a bit more ambiguous.  Kii refers to the entire land of Kii, or Kii no Kuni—by the way, if you are familiar with the Japanese bookseller "Ki-no-kuni-ya", that name directly references the land of Kii as the family who started it were from Wakayama in Kii, where they served under the Kishu—or Kii—branch of the Tokugawa family during the Edo period.  That said, there were others who also used the name "Kinokuni" as a locative name as well, and you will occasionally see it here or there, even outside of the famous bookstore. The land of Kii is basically all of the southern Kii peninsula.  On the west side, it starts at roughly Wakayama, and includes the mountainous regions south of the Nara basin, wrapping around to the east side of the peninsula, to just south of Ise.  Today it is split between Wakayama prefecture and parts of Mie prefecture, including the towns of Kihoku—literally "Northern Kii"—and Taiki—"Big Kii".  Today, "Taiki" is part of the Watarai district, Watarai being the name of the location where Ise shrine was located.  So you can see that Kii basically included everything from one side of the peninsula to the other. Most of the time, though, I would generally assume that travel to Kii is a reference to the nearby area of Wakayama, especially as there are other references to that area in the form of hunting and fishing restrictions, which we'll discuss more fully in a later episode. This particular trip to Kii sounds like it was a bit of a longer trip, incorporating several locations.  We know that it took roughly eleven days—about a week and a half.  That's enough time to do quite a bit of sightseeing.  In fact, shortly before leaving, Uno no Sarara says that she is going on a "tour" of the land of Kii, and as such the land-tax and poll-tax for Kii would not be collected for a year, since, instead, they were expected to support her visit so that she could travel in appropriate style and so that temporary palaces could be made available for her use.  Kii is an interesting place for Uno no Sarara to visit.  It is mentioned occasionally throughout the chronicles, and its position puts it squarely in Yamato's sphere of influence.  At the same time, its mountainous nature means that it was never quite as populated as regions like the Nara basin or the Kawachi plains, where the large, flat areas were better suited to wet rice paddy agriculture.  In Kii, there are only a few areas really suitable for supporting large populations through agriculture alone, and even today the mountains make travel and construction in the area more difficult, so you don't have the highly concentrated population centers as in other regions.  The area around modern Wakayama city provides some of the best land for agriculture, with some other coastal regions as well. But it is mountains that Kii is known for, and the mountains often have spiritual significance.  Mt. Koya, or Koyasan, would be found in 805 as the center of Shingon Buddhism, but well before that you have the Kumano shrines, also known as the Kumano Sanzan—the three mountains of Kumano. There is a lot of evidence that worship at the three mountains of Kumano was heavily influenced by Buddhism and Buddhist traditions, but that this was a later influence on areas that were already important spiritual sites well before Buddhism arrived in the archipelago.  The exact nature of worship is debated, but the area was important, with "Kumano" once treated as its own land, overseen by the Kumano Kuni no Miyatsuko.  The deities of Kumano and the area more generally features in the Nihon Shoki in the legendary stories of Iware Biko, aka Jimmu Tenno. The Kumano shrines are, ultimately, a series of shrines in the Kumano region, roughly 20-40 kilometers from each other.  There are three main shrines—Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha—known as the three mountains.  There are numerous other shrines as well.  There are three main deities worshipped, but then also another nine that are considered important as well, for at least twelve kami.  The three main kami – Kumano Musubi no Ohokami, Hayatama no Ohokami, and Ketsumi Mikoto Ohokami – are also considered to be manifestations of Izanami, Izanagi, and Susano'o.  Izanami and Izanagi are famously the progenitor kami of the archipelago, while Susano'o is the storm and ocean deity said to be the rambunctious and troublesome brother to Amaterasu Ohokami.   It is quite likely that the connection with these other kami—who feature prominently in the later stories, was actually a later addition.  Similarly, around the 9th century, the Kumano shrines were heavily influenced by Buddhism, which often co-opted indigenous kami worship by associating the native kami with incarnations of Buddhist figures.  In this case:  Thousand-armed Kannon, Yakushi—or the Medicine—Buddha, and Amithabha.  I must say that associating Amithaba—or Amida—with Susano'o seems like a bold move.  The deity who tossed a backwards flayed colt into Amaterasu's weaving hut is also the Buddha who made the promise that all who call on his name would find their way to the western pure land? I guess. Together, the kami of Kumano are known as the Kumano Gongen, and there is a pilgrimage trail, even today, that leads between the various shrines and peaks, as well as various temple complexes in the area. There is one other interesting connection with Kumano shrines, and that is the fact that there is a Kumano Taisha up in the Izumo region.  Today, they claim that despite the names being identical, there are no actual ties between Kumano Taisha and the Kumano Sanzan.  The Kumano Taisha of Izumo is actually considered the Ichinomiya, or most important shrine, of Izumo—even more important than the famous Izumo shrine, itself.  It lies 30 minutes south of modern Matsue, and enshrines a kami known as Kushi-mikenu-no-Mikoto, said to be another name for none other than the famous Susano'o. Kumano Taisha claims to have been first mentioned in the Nihon Shoki back in the time of Takara Hime, aka Saimei Tennou, in an entry from 659, though that entry simply states that the Izumo no Miyatsuko was to repair the shrine of the "Itsuki" kami, and doesn't specifically mention Kumano Taisha by name.  There is an entry attributed to the Izumo fudoki, which claims a shrine was located on Mt. Kumano, identified with modern day Tenguyama.  And then, Kumano Taisha appears in the Engi Shiki in the 10th century.  Suffice it to say, there are many different ways that this can be interpreted. Scholars have attempted to look into the potential connections between Kumano Taisha in Izumo and the Kumano Gongen of Wakayama, but it does not appear that there is a fully formed consensus.  I would note that we certainly see various important worship centers branching out throughout the archipelago, setting up branches elsewhere, and we also see the association of various local kami with other, more famous kami, making the claim that they are simply another name for the same entity.  This would appear to be one way to bring different groups into communion with each other, as it were, and helping to gloss over the potential difficulties found in diverse belief and worship practices. As a side note, there is at least one other Kumano Taisha of note, found up in the Tohoku region.  It claims to be the "Ise of Tohoku", with a focus on Izanami and Izanagi.  It seems to claim a founding around the early 9th century at the Tenno's request.  Given that, I think we can ignore it for our current discussion. To bring this all back around, it is unclear if Uno no Sarara's tour of Wakayama included the Kumano shrines at this time.  Certainly Kumano would play an important role in the legends and stories that the court was putting together, but what structures were in place at this point in the story are unclear.  Her tour may have focused much more on the area around modern Wakayama.  Her tour of the area took a total of eleven days, which is more than enough time to have seen a fair bit of the area, and certainly would have been enough time to get down to the Kumano region, but we don't have any clear details that I see to say exactly what happened. Still, I do find it interesting to look at the juxtaposition of the Kumano shrine story with that of Ise.  Both took on some aspects of the official stories of the founding of Japan and appear to have been important shrines for the court to some extent, and both the trip to Ise and the trip to Kumano were events such that local taxes were commuted for a time to help pay for the royal visit. But whereas Ise would go on to reject the merging of Buddhism with local kami worship, Kumano appears to have embraced it.  Kumano worship took on a highly syncretic character, with Buddhism and Kami worship becoming inextricably intertwined, maintaining that character even today, despite numerous historical attempts to extricate the two from each other. Ultimately, Ise shrine would take pride of place as the national shrine of the royal family, but I can't help but wonder what would have happened if Kumano had been more ascendant. Getting back to our discussion of Uno no Sarara's various peregrinations:  we also have what appear to be two trips up to Tou-no-mine—the modern pronunciation for the name which Aston transliterates as "Tamu no Mine".  This is the peak where, about forty years earlier, Takara Hime is said to have built a circular enclosure and called "Futa-tsuki" or two "Tsuki" trees palace.  It was also known as "Ama-tsu-miya", the Heavenly Palace.  The modern Tou-no-mine is a mountain to the southeast of Asuka, however, there is also a theory that the Tou-no-mine and Futa-tsuki palace were actually on a small hill just due east of the Kiyomihara palace site.  This is where we find walls, the Sakafune-ishi stone, and other examples of work from the time when the Futa-tsuki palace would have been built. That said, to get to Tou-no-mine, we are told it was a two day trip—one day out and one day back.  That said, it wouldn't have all been spent traveling.  In fact, Tou-no-mine, today, is under two hours walking distance.  The site by the palace is much closer, and the entry for going to the Futatsuski is only mentioned on a single day.  So none of that is particularly helpful, in my opinion.  Ultimately, we know that it was a location near Asuka and that it was associated with Takara Hime, the last female sovereign in her own right—even though her reign was arguably run largely by her son, Crown Prince Naka no Oe. Speaking of whom, Naka no Oe was not only the father of Uno no Sarara, but also of Royal Princess Asuka.  So when Uno no Sarara went to Asuka's country house, also known as the Denso or Tadokoro, she was actually going to pay a visit on her own half-sister.  By the way, "country-house" is the Aston translation.  A more direct translation might be something like "Field Place".  It was a private estate belonging to powerful families, such as the local elites—or in this case the royal family.  It is a rare glimpse into the living conditions of those royal princes and princesses who were not resident in the palace itself.  I do find it interesting that it specifically identifies the royal princess and not some male relative or husband—and Uno no Sarara isn't really noted as visiting a lot of family members all over the place.  I've seen a suggestion that Asuka may have been married to Prince Osakabe, one of Temmu's sons, but if so it is interesting that Uno no Sarara goes to visit *her* house and not *his* house. Princess Asuka is not mentioned much, but given this and a few other things—including being mentioned in the Man'yoshu in connection with a poem by the famous Kakinomoto no Hitomaro—she seemed to be someone important, even though we don't have a lot of information on what that looked like at the time. And with that, we've covered most of Uno no Sarara's travels.  We discussed her near-constant trips to Yoshino, then there were official visits to inspect the fortifications and horses.  Granted, that latter duty was also done just at the palace, in Asuka, so it wasn't necessarily terribly special.  There was her expedition to Ise, which we discussed in a previous episode, and then down to tour the land of Kii.  There were short jaunts out to Hatsuse and Yonabari.  And the largely unexplained visits to Tou-no-mine and the enigmatic Futa-tsuki palace.  Finally, there was a note about her calling on her half-sister, Princess Asuka. So that was what Uno no Sarara was doing when she wasn't at the court.  Otherwise, whether it was in the Asuka Kiyomihara palace or in the new Fujiwara Palace, she was dealing with the business of the state.  Much of what is recorded are fairly common things—banquets, archery competitions, and similar events that are interesting in aggregate, perhaps, but maybe not so helpful in figuring out the larger trends that were occurring at the time.  There were edicts and changes, but we can talk about those separately.  There were natural disasters, as well. Overall, she spent eleven years on the throne, from 686 to 697.  In that time, she finished much of the work started by her husband, put her own stamp on the new government, and, perhaps most importantly, she set up her grandson for success.  It is worth nothing that Uno no Sarara's posthumous regnal name is Jitou Tennou, and while that was probably not something she chose for herself, it may give us some insight into how the Chroniclers viewed her.  Remember that the brothers, Naka no Oe and Ohoama, were given the names "Tenji" and "Temmu", respectively.  Tenji is "Heavenly Wisdom", and he is counted as the brains behind the Great Change, the Taika reforms, and much of the shape that the state took from 645 onwards.  Temmu is something like "Heavenly Warrior".  The victor of the Jinshin no Ran was remembered for his military strategy, even though that was really only a small part of his overall reign.  The characters of Jitou's posthumous title are two characters.  The first, "Ji", means "to hold" or "to have".  The other character is "tou" and generally means "relationship" or "to control".  It can also refer to unification. This is often considered to mean that her role was seen as continuing to hold the throne and continue the work of her husband and his line, his progeny.  In this case, that means strengthening the state that Ohoama had built, following through on his national projects, and ultimately ensuring that the throne passed seamlessly to Ohoama's grandson, ensuring that his line would continue.  Of course, it probably should be noted that of course it was also her own bloodline that she was continuing as well, something that would become important in later years. And it is easy for us to look at this as simply editorializing by the Chroniclers, who were, after all, trying to craft a national narrative as well as record the history.  In many ways the use of these posthumous titles allowed them to do that—to summarize an entire reign into something that could be easily remembered.  And yet, based on the actions that she has taken, there certainly seems to be something to this description of Uno no Sarara and her motivations. We saw, early on, how she cleared the way for her own son, Crown Prince Kusakabe, getting rid of his potential rival for the throne, Prince Ohotsu, and thus potentially averting another conflict at the start of the reign.  But then Kusakabe died, leaving her with his young son, and while placing a young infant on the throne might have become a thing in later centuries, that precedent had not quite been set just yet.  Even as it was, Uno no Sarara likely had some concept that she could not know how many years she would get.  A decade on the throne was nothing to sneeze at, and many sovereigns had much less.  And so, beyond setting up the structure of government that her grandson would inherit, she also had a few more things to ensure.  She would want him to be old enough to be taken seriously, and she would need to make sure that there were no other claimants that could complicate matters.  There was only one other serious candidate that fit that description, and that was Prince Takechi. Remember, Prince Takechi was Ohoama's eldest son.  He was also a maternal descendant of the Munakata, meaning that he didn't have the double-royal imprimatur that was presumably required to take the throne as the sovereign.  And yet, Uno no Sarara was no doubt savvy enough to understand that those kinds of traditions changed quickly and easily in the past, as long as one had the right political backing. At the same time, Uno no Sarara appears to have leaned heavily on Prince Takechi's support.  It was a risk, but his support for her efforts would help her do what she needed to do.  Not only that, but if anything did happen to the young Prince Karu, Prince Takechi was the next in line.  He was also the Dajou Daijin—the most powerful court position short of Uno no Sarara herself.  For many reasons, it would have been difficult if the Queen felt she needed to take him out of the picture. Perhaps then it was fortuitous that in 696 the issue resolved itself, when Royal Prince Takechi passed away. This was no doubt a sad event, and yet it also may have set things in motion.  Prince Karu had been born in 683, so he was fourteen years old—still quite young, but old enough.  He was also surrounded by supporters, including his own mother, widow to the late Prince Kusakabe, Royal Princess Abe. While it isn't mentioned in the Nihon Shoki, we get a glimpse of how all this was planned in the Kaifuso, published in 751.  There, in an entry for Prince Kadono, a son of Prince Ohotomo, we are told that after Prince Takechi's death, Prince Kadono met with Uno no Sarara and others and suggested a course of action.  He encourage Uno no Sarara to pass on the kingdom to Prince Karu, despite his youth.  If true, this is quite the statement from someone whose own father was killed in the Jinshin no Ran, which brought Ohoama and Uno no Sarara to power in the first place.  It appears as though she heeded his advice, setting up what would come next over the following year. And so it is from the year after Prince Takechi's death that we start to really see entries focused on Prince Karu.  In the second month of 697, for instance, we see that Tahema no Mabito no Kunimi was appointed to be Prince Karu's tutor.  Likewise we see Michi no Mabito no Atomi and Kose no Ason no Ahamochi appointed as director and assistant director of the Spring Palace—the palace for the Crown Prince, the Heir Apparent.  Interestingly, Aston notes that the Nihon Shoki never actually gives an entry for when Prince Karu was named Heir Apparent—it just seems to be assumed. Ten days after the new directors were appointed, a public great-congregation was held at the Crown Prince's palace—here called the Eastern Palace, and I'll admit I'm not sure if "Eastern Palace" and "Spring Palace" were different names for the same place or what.  I assume these were all part of the newly built Fujiwara Palace, though the most important part is the implications for Prince Karu.  He was being introduced to the court, it seems, with a large congregation at his residence where the court would be expected to acknowledge his position as the crown prince and heir apparent. Three months later, we are told that Uno no Sarara grew ill.  The Ministers and various government officials made votive images of the Buddha in an attempt to make merit and help her to recover.  While she would recover from whatever illness she experienced, I suspect that this was something of a wake-up call.  Uno no Sarara was in her early 50s, and she wasn't getting any younger.  She also lived at a time where she had to realize that many others hadn't made it as far, and perhaps her illness made her realize that if she was going to do something, she had better do it sooner, rather than later.  And so, just a little more than a month later, on the first day of the 8th month, Uno no Sarara abdicated the throne in favor of her grandchild, Prince Karu, soon to become the next Tennou. This isn't the first time we've seen an abdication in the history of Yamato, but it is perhaps the first time we've seen it quite like this.  When Takara Hime abdicated, I think we can agree that it was largely under duress.  She had just seen her son lead a bloody coup against the most powerful court nobles, and that really does seem to have shaken her.  No such bloody struggle was happening here, however.  In fact, there is plenty to suggest that avoiding a bloody struggle was exactly Uno no Sarara's point.  By overseeing Prince Karu's ascension while she was still around, Queen Uno no Sarara maintained significant control over the process. Part of this rested on the fact that when she retired from the position of Tennou she didn't just become some commoner or retreat to the position of Queen Mother or Dowager Queen or something similar.  Instead, she took on a new titled:  Retired Sovereign, or Dajou-Tennou.  Technically this means that her own title was something like "Greater Sovereign", compared to Karu's "sovereign".  This position was new, and may not have even been fully formed at the time of the initial abdication.  Unlike when Takara Hime abdicated, effectively acknowledging that she wasn't actually in charge, Uno no Sarara was planning to remain an active force in government.  Her grandson would be set up as the formal sovereign, or Tennou.  He would be responsible for the rituals and ensuring everything was properly carried out, but his mother, the Dajou-Tennou, would have a tremendous amount of clout and control. By all accounts, this abdication and creation of the "Dajou-Tennou" position really does seem to have been specifically set up for this occasion, to ensure the smooth transition of power.  This way, when Uno no Sarara eventually did pass away, there would be no question about who was seated on the throne.  Given everything she had witnessed—from stories about her how her own father had come to power as well as the events of the Jinshin no Ran and then everything that happened in the aftermath of her own husband's death—I can understand why Uno no Sarara would have been pre-occupied with the idea of ensuring a smooth transition to the next sovereign.  She likely could not foresee how this new position would be used in the future, and yet it would become something of a staple in the politics of the Japanese court. Initially, retired sovereigns were typically doing so for reasons similar to Uno no Sarara—to ensure a smooth transition of power from one to the other and to ensure that the next tennou could be established to avoid instability.  However, it would become something even more.  After all, why wait until your heir is actually ready?  If you are going to be running things, anyway, why not remove yourself from the tedium of ritual while retaining your authority?  And in later centuries we see the tennou retiring younger, leaving younger and younger heirs to hold the actual throne.  There would also be a certain Buddhist aspect to it as well, allowing the retired tennou to be seen as a kind of Golden Wheel Turning Sovereign who was theoretically beyond the material cares of the day to day.  The retired sovereigns would be referred to as "In", which is likely a reference to the suffix given to their compounds, rather than the common "Miya" or "Gu".  And so the government under these retired sovereigns would become known as the Insei, or government by cloistered sovereigns, but that system was still in the future.  For now, we are just seeing the seeds of what was to come, eventually. To understand this later phase of Uno no Sarara's life, we need to take our first few steps into a new source:  The Shoku Nihongi.  The Nihon Shoki ceases to describe anything after Uno no Sarara's abdication, and the official history of Prince Karu's reign—known to us as Monmu Tennou—is taken up by the Shoku Nihongi.  This is literally the continued Japanese history, and we'll talk about it in depth at some point.  For now, I would note that it was compiled in 797 – so literally a century after the last entry in the Nihon Shoki.  That said, it likely had much better records to go off of compared to the Nihon Shoki, though it was still likely compiled with a view that was still quite friendly towards the royal family and the position of the Tennou. And so, when Uno no Sarara largely disappears from the narrative, I don't know that we should assume that she had truly gone completely hands off.  After all, with everything we've seen, do we think that this is a woman who would just hand the reins over to a fourteen or fifteen year old boy?  And yet the first time she appears is in 701, when she is making a trip to her favorite vacation spot:  the Palace at Yoshino.  That said, there were some pretty big events that happened during this period, after her abdication and assumption of the title of Dajou-Tennou.  The biggest was the creation of the Taihou Code.  Once again, this will need a fuller treatment, but the Taihou Code was an update to the Kiyomihara code.  The Asuka-Kiyomihara code was 22 volumes, and focused on  the laws, the "ryou", but not necessarily the punishments, or "ritsu".  In contrast the Taihou code was 6 volumes of "ritsu" and 11 volumes of "ryou", for 17 volumes in total.  Unfortunately, we mostly have scraps of indications here and there, and the codes that came afterwards, which were each based on what came before.  For instance, we do know that they completely overhauled the rank system yet again.  Unlike the Kiyomihara  code, which took years to develop, the compilation of the Taiho code is ordered in 700 and completed by 701—likely because it was really more of an update and a compilation of what was already on the books. This was perhaps the most significant thing that happened while Uno no Sarara was still available to exert her influence.  Karu was still only about 19 years old at this point.  He would turn 20 the following year, 702.  That same year, Uno no Sarara would travel all the way out to Mikawa no Kuni, which is the eastern half of the modern prefecture of Aichi.  The royal procession, which started in the 10th month of 702, then made its way back through Owari a month later, and from there up to Mino, and then down to Ise and back through Iga.  The royal procession is first recorded on the 10th day of the 10th month and returned on the 25th day of the 11th month—a round-trip time of roughly 45 days.  Throughout we are told that various ranks and awards were given out to important individuals at each stop. Unfortunately, that trip may have taken a toll.  A few weeks later, on the 13th day of the 12th month, Uno no Sarara grew ill.  There was a great amnesty pronounced throughout the realm, and one hundred men took Buddhist vows on her behalf.  They even read the Sutra of Golden Light in the Home Provinces.  Alas, it was all to no avail.  Uno no Sarara passed away on the 22nd day of the 12th month—or January 13th in 703.  It was roughly six years from her abdication.  She would have died with at least some knowledge that the realm was largely in order.  Her grandson was on the  throne and had been ruling for the past six years.  He had attained the age of majority, and things seemed relatively stable.  There was even a new, grand, permanent capital city, just like on the continent. But that closes out the life of Uno no Sarara.  She lived in interesting times, experienced tremendous fortune and misfortune, and she put her indelible stamp on the state of Yamato and thus the future of Japan.  There is still more to go over in this period—we have interactions with the Emishi, updates to society, and various impacts to Buddhism.  We'll also take a look at some more important people from this period, including Kakinomoto no Hitomaru, the famous poet, and the poems of the Man'yoshu, and Fujiwara no Fubito, the son of Nakatomi no Kamatari and the one largely responsible for making the Fujiwara house the most influential house in the entire court. Until then if you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you feel the need to do more, and want to help us keep this going, we have information about how you can donate on Patreon or through our KoFi site, ko-fi.com/sengokudaimyo, or find the links over at our main website,  SengokuDaimyo.com/Podcast, where we will have some more discussion on topics from this episode. Also, feel free to reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page.  You can also email us at the.sengoku.daimyo@gmail.com.  Thank you, also, to Ellen for their work editing the podcast. And that's all for now.  Thank you again, and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.

In this compilation episode, Travis revisits three standout conversations with entrepreneurs who have built extraordinary businesses by spotting opportunities before everyone else. From Chris Hunter, the co-founder of Four Loko and CEO of Koya, to drone industry pioneer Damon Darnell and cybersecurity entrepreneur Rick Jordan, each guest shares practical lessons on innovation, identifying market gaps, and building scalable businesses. Whether you're launching your first venture or looking for your next opportunity, this episode is packed with entrepreneurial wisdom. On this episode we talk about: How Chris Hunter builds and scales category-defining consumer brands by identifying emerging trends. Why the drone industry remains a massive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs despite years of growth. Low-cost business ideas that can generate six figures using drone technology. How Rick Jordan built a recurring revenue business and reinvented himself after a life-changing health scare. The importance of curiosity, personal branding, and staying adaptable as an entrepreneur. Top 3 Takeaways Great entrepreneurs stay relentlessly curious, paying attention to changing consumer behavior and emerging trends before the rest of the market catches on. Some of the best business opportunities exist in industries that are still largely underserved, where simple, practical solutions can create significant value. Building a business is only part of the journey—creating recurring revenue, developing a personal brand, and continuously reinventing yourself are what lead to long-term success. Notable Quotes "What we're inherently good at isn't always obvious to us." "Finding that curiosity middle road has been valuable to me." "The visibility that I was building for myself preceded what I needed the visibility for." Connect with the Guests: Chris Hunter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__christopherhunter__ Other: https://drinkkoia.com/ Damon Darnell Website: https://www.thedroneboss.com/ Rick Jordan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrrickjordan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrrickjordan/ Other: https://www.rickjordan.tv/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplieslast. - Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go tohttps://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney-Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever achieved your biggest goals only to end up feeling completely exhausted, lonely, and burnt out?  In this episode, I'm sitting down with my soul-sister and nervous system regulation expert, Koya Webb, to unpack the hidden trap of high-functioning codependency and people-pleasing. Koya opens up about her raw "dark night of the soul" moment—crying in a bathtub after hosting a massively successful 8,000-person event—and how it forced her to stop self-abandoning and start truly healing. Whether you are a super-empath, a highly sensitive person (HSP), or just someone running on empty, this conversation will give you the exact science-backed daily rituals you need to reset your nervous system, build deep community, and reclaim your personal sovereignty.  We dive deep into Koya's brand new book, "Well Being Rituals: Science-Backed Practices for Sustainable Healing and Living," exploring the 7 levels of holistic well-being you can start practicing today. It's time to stop giving from an empty bucket! Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/842

Welcome back to another episode of Cha Cha Music Review Series, where we break down the hottest new songs, emerging stars, and chart-worthy records making waves across Africa and beyond.This week's playlist is packed with incredible music from Nigeria, Ghana, featuring artists like Solana, Tamilore O.T.A, Koya, Khaid, Moliy, M.anifest, L.A.X, Yemi Alade, Balloranking, and Falz.This week's releases prove that African music continues to evolve across multiple genres—from Afro-pop and dancehall to hip-hop and Fuji-inspired sounds.Solana's "Okunkun" and Falz's "Ole" stand out as the biggest highlights of the week, while artists like Tamilore O.T.A, Koya, and Moliy continue to demonstrate why the next generation of African stars is in safe hands.Which of these songs is currently on your playlist?

The Spiteri family are hospitality royalty. Between them they've shaped some of London's most beloved restaurants and pubs, from The French House and Rochelle Canteen to Caravel, Sessions Arts Club and Koya. Now, for the first time, the entire family has come together under one roof to create The Latimer — one of London's most exciting new pub openings. In this special episode, we sit down with John, Melanie, Molly, Lorcan and Finneas Spiteri to hear the story behind the project and what it takes to build a family-run hospitality business in 2025.John and Melanie reflect on decades spent at the heart of London's restaurant scene, sharing stories from The French House, St. John, Rochelle Canteen and beyond. From wild events in Moscow to the changing face of British hospitality, they discuss the realities of opening a pub in today's market, the challenges facing independent operators and why genuine hospitality still matters more than ever.The next generation then takes over. Lorcan, Finneas and Molly reveal how they're putting their own stamp on The Latimer, from the food and drinks menus to the day-to-day realities of working alongside parents and siblings. We dive into the dishes already becoming favourites, the thinking behind the pub's distinctive approach to drinks and the lessons they've learned from previous ventures including the hugely popular Caravel.Along the way, we hear stories about London's greatest restaurants, unforgettable meals, industry legends and the secret to creating places that people return to decade after decade. It's a fascinating conversation about family, hospitality and building something designed to stand the test of time. Whether you're a restaurant obsessive, pub lover or simply interested in the people shaping London's food scene, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Watch and Subscribe To Our Youtube Videos Here - https://www.youtube.com/@gotofoodGet 2 Months of Blinq For Free - With Code - GOTOBLINQ - https://blinqme.com/Order The Greatest Meat In The Country From HG Walter Here & Have Restaurant Quality Meals From Home - www.hgwalter.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you achieve, you still can't fully relax, feel safe, or slow down? In this episode, I sit down with Koya Webb to talk about nervous system regulation, burnout, emotional healing, and the dangerous belief that success equals safety. Koya shares why so many entrepreneurs stay stuck in survival mode and how slowing down, reconnecting with your body, and practicing self-honesty can completely transform the way you live and lead. We also dive into breathwork, emotional regulation, friendship transitions, and how to recognize when something in your life is no longer aligned. Get ready to release the pressure to constantly perform and reconnect with the version of yourself that feels grounded, aligned, and fully supported. Check out our Sponsors: Shopify - Try the ecommerce platform I trust for Glōci. Sign up for your $1/month trial period at http://Shopify.com/happy. Indeed - Spend less time searching, and more time actually interviewing candidates who check all your boxes. Indeed is giving Earn Your Happy listeners a $75 SPONSORED JOB CREDIT to help get your job the premium status it deserves. Just go to http://Indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on Earn Your Happy. Fora Travel - Curious how to become a travel advisor and earn while you explore? Start at http://foratravel.com/happy. Zazzle - Save 25% on your first order today at http://Zazzle.com with code EARN. Monarch Money -  Get your first year of Monarch Core for half off at http://Monarch.com with code EYH. Northwest Registered Agent - Visit http://northwestregisteredagent.com/EarnFree and start using free resources to build something amazing. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Why do so many high achievers stay stuck in survival mode? 04:45 What is the difference between fear, control, and true surrender? 09:15 How hustle culture keeps entrepreneurs stuck in survival mode. 12:00 How to recognize when fear is actually a sign of misalignment. 15:45 Signs your nervous system is overwhelmed and dysregulated. 20:30 The 7 areas of wellbeing that impact stress and burnout. 24:00 Why self-care is more than workouts, productivity, and bubble baths. 27:00 What it means to “tap into yourself” and trust your soul? 30:30 How breathwork helps release stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.35:30 Advice for protecting your peace and honoring what no longer feels aligned.39:00 How comparison and chasing validation disconnects you from yourself. 43:15 Friendship changes, rejection, and emotional healing during growth seasons. 49:30 Koya's lesson about embodiment, self-acceptance, and letting go. RESOURCES Get your copy of Koya's new book Wellbeing Rituals: Science-Backed Practices for Sustainable Healing and Living HERE! Get Koya's book Let Your Fears Make You Fierce HERE! Learn more about Koya's breathwork, wellness coaching, and retreats HERE! Celebrate 10 Years of Earn Your Happy + Natalie Ellis' The Freedom-Based Business Method Book Launch LIVE on June 13 in Newport Beach HERE! Apply for the Elite Entrepreneur Mastermind HERE! Get on the waitlist for Mentor Collective Mastermind HERE! Try glōci for 40% off your first order with code HAPPY at checkout - head to getgloci.com FOLLOW Follow me: @loriharder Follow glōci: @getgloci Follow Koya: @koyawebb

« À tous les cinéastes asiatiques en France, j'espère qu'on saura être bienveillant entre nous, pour ensuite, s'entraider véritablement.  »Pour ce nouvel épisode de la saison 4 de Banh Mi, enregistré en public à la Ferme du Buisson lors du “Festival Si loin, si proche : rencontres des cinémas du Cambodge, Laos, Vietnam”, Banh Mi s'associe avec le collectif Divé+ pour un crossover intergénérationnel et interculturel inédit.Animée par Linda Nguon, cette table ronde réunit un panel exceptionnel de 11 professionnel·les de l'industrie (réalisateur·rices, acteur·rices, producteur·rices, journalistes et critiques) pour disséquer les réalités du terrain et l'urgence de faire bouger les lignes du cinéma français.Dans cet épisode, on explore :En quoi il est devenu nécessaire d'endosser la double casquette de réalisation et de productionLes différences majeures de représentation entre la France et les États-UnisL'intérêt grandissant du public français pour le cinéma venu d'AsieEn quoi les récits des diasporas complètent l'offre du cinéma directement venu d'AsiePourquoi il est si important aujourd'hui de proposer d'autres trajectoires et d'autres visagesL'impact du collectif pour peser concrètement sur les questions d'inclusivitéAvec:Laura Bui - Réalisatrice, productrice, actrice et membre co-fondatrice de Divé+ Hiep Tran Nghia - Acteur “The accidental getaway driver” Dorian Gamba - Acteur et réalisateur “Phở”Klyn Aiden - Acteur et réalisateur “Phở”Xiaowa Niu - Productrice et distributrice, cofondatrice de @festival_allers_retoursFrédéric Ambroisine - Documentariste et spécialiste du cinéma asiatique (HK, Taïwan, Corée)Sindo Chen - Distributrice @heylightpictures Doan Bui - Journaliste à l'Obs, scénariste de BD et auteure de “la Tour” et “Le Silence de mon père”Mathieu Pheng -  Réalisateur de fiction et documentaire “Sous les étoiles”, “L'absence”Koya Kamura - Réalisateur “Homesick” “Hiver à Sokcho”(nominé aux César 2026)Denis Do - Réalisateur “Funan” “La forêt de Mademoiselle Tang” (nominé aux César 2024)CHAPITRES00:00 – Introduction03:01 – Laura Bui "J'ai manqué de représentations"08:15 – Klyn Aiden et Dorian Gamba, la nouvelle génération14:59 – Hiep Tran Nghia, un rôle principal aux USA jusqu'au Sundance Festival22:00 – Transmission et culture : comment respecter les traditions à l'écran ?28:52 – Frédéric Ambroisine, l'intérêt grandissant du cinéma asiatique en France37:38 – Xiaowa Niu, mettre en lumière le cinéma d'auteurs chinois45:28 – Sindo Chen, la distribution de films de blockbuster chinois en France52:36 – Comment les récits des diasporas asiatiques peuvent compléter l'offre du cinéma d'Asie?58:36 – Koya Kamura, comment met-on en action un cinéma plus inclusif ?01:02:31– Mathieu Pheng, comment un stage avec Rithy Panh a changé sa carrière ?01:07:37 - Doan Bui, comment on s'autorise à écrire des histoires ?01:19:03 - Comment faire sa place dans l'industrie du cinéma ?01:24:04 - L'importance d'avoir des collectifs pour mieux impacter01:26:35 - Denis Do, nominé aux César 2024 "Plus d'espoir et de solidarité"01:42:12 - OutroUn épisode riche et nécessaire pour mettre en action le cinéma asio-descendant de demain.Banh Mi est un podcast créé et réalisé par Linda Nguon. Pose-toi avec nous et écoute ce qu'on t'a préparé.Production - Linda Nguon & Sébastien KongRéalisation - Sébastien KongCadreurs - Sébastien Kong, Vincent Bailleul, Julie KuochPost production - Élisa Ung & Rémi Vu Dinh Ba⁠⁠⁠⁠Pour la version filmée, RDV sur la chaîne Youtube Banh Mi Media⁠⁠⁠⁠Pour suivre Banh Mi podcast:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠@banhmi.media⁠⁠⁠⁠ /⁠ ⁠banh-mi.co⁠⁠/

Koya es un koalita que duerme tan profundamente que a veces su cuerpo no logra despertarlo por la noche. Una mañana descubre algo que lo tiene muy confundido… ¿por qué su rama amanece mojada? Con la ayuda de su mamá, Koya entenderá que su cuerpo aún está aprendiendo a escuchar sus propias señales.Este cuento de Había una vez by Naran Xadul ayuda a niñas y niños a comprender, con ternura y sin vergüenza, que mojar la cama por las noches puede ser parte del proceso de crecimiento. Una historia que habla sobre la enuresis infantil, la paciencia y la importancia de hablar con mamá, papá o un adulto de confianza cuando algo nos preocupa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the injury that wrecked your plans was actually the most precise thing the universe ever did for you? Koya Webb was a nationally ranked heptathlete...13th in the country.... Seven events.... The Olympics were a real, scheduled destination. Then, mid-stride walking to class, her back said no. Not a pulled muscle. A full stop.What followed wasn't a detour. It was a download. In this conversation, Koya unpacks what most of us in the wellness space refuse to admit: that the body isn't just a vehicle, it's a spiritual instrument. And it will use pain, injury, grief, and exhaustion to force the conversation you've been too busy to have.We get into the three emotional states that govern every decision you make (and why most of us are stuck in survival mode way more than we realize), why breathwork might be the most underused healing tool on the planet, and what it actually looks like to surrender to darkness instead of just trying to outrun it.Koya also gets vulnerable about losing her mother unexpectedly, breaking a glass in her hand and watching herself bleed without feeling anything, and how that moment cracked open a depth of healing she didn't know she needed.This one hits different. You've been warned.In this episode:How a stress fracture became the most inconvenient divine intervention in sports historyThe three neuroemotional states (survival, emotional, executive) and how to tell which one is running your lifeWhy "surrendering to the darkness" isn't giving up. It's how real healing startsThe conscious connected breath technique Koya calls "breath healing," and why she uses it every single morningWhy longevity starts with self-love, not your supplement stackWhat to do when you're afraid that if you fall into the darkness, you won't come back outAbout Koya WebbKoya Webb is a globally recognized holistic wellness expert, longevity specialist, and transformational speaker. She is the founder of Get Loved Up Yoga School, a certified breathwork facilitator, plant-based nutritionist, and somatic coach. She is the author of Let Your Fears Make You Fierce (Hay House) and Wellbeing Rituals, and the co-creator of Deeper Intimacy with her husband Darren Granger.Connect with Koya at koyawebb.com and find her on YouTube, Instagram, and Substack.If this conversation resonated, you can explore Koya's book Wellbeing Rituals and start building the clarity you need to thrive:https://www.koyawebb.com/wellbeing-rituals-book When you order, you're not just reading the book—you'restepping into a new way of living and receiving exclusive bonus content.Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and find more episodes at skepticmetaphysician.com.Follow us: Instagram @skepticmetaphysician_podcast | Facebook facebook.com/SkepticMetaphysician | YouTube @SkepticMetaphysiciansThe Skeptic Metaphysicians is a spiritual awakening podcast for open-minded thinkers who refuse to check their critical thinking at the door. Each episode explores consciousness expansion, enlightenment, soul purpose, and soul growth through honest, grounded conversation with leading voices in metaphysics, psychic phenomenon, quantum healing, and beyond. We dive deep into spiritual awakening, ascension, alignment, and the awakening process without the dogma. From mediumship and spirit guides to Arcturian contact, astrology, and the subconscious mind, we explore it all with curiosity, humor, and zero guru worship. Whether you're in the middle of your own awakening, questioning reality, or just spiritually curious, this is the podcast for seekers and skeptics alike.Subscribe, Rate & Review!If you found this episode enlightening, mind-expanding, or even just thought-provoking (see what we did there?), please take a moment to rate and review us. Your feedback helps us bring more transformative guests and topics your way!Connect with Us: 

In this episode, Amy sits down with the radiant Koya Webb—a spiritual guide, author, and breathwork expert—to explore the path from physical fitness to deep, energetic alignment. Koya shares her profound journey of healing childhood trauma through the breath and explains why the soul is already whole, even when the human experience feels fragmented. Together, they dive into the world of nervous system dysregulation, the hidden cost of self-abandonment disguised as people-pleasing, and how to reclaim your power by honoring your "full-body yes." This conversation is a gentle yet powerful invitation to stop performing and start living in radical alignment with your truth.Key Themes & Spiritual InsightsKoya explains that true wellbeing encompasses mental, emotional, physical, nutritional, financial, social, and spiritual health.The transformative power of conscious connected breathwork and the importance of moving from the high-alert sympathetic state (fight or flight) into the parasympathetic state (rest and digest) to allow for cellular recovery and intuitive clarity.How staying in alignment preserves energy, while misaligned "yeses" lead to burnout, anxiety, and the "red zone" of exhaustion.They discuss how women are conditioned to perform for love and how setting boundaries is the ultimate act of self-trust, even when it leads to the "grief" of losing misaligned relationships.Leaning into nature's cycles—the light and the dark—and taking responsibility for how we attract certain dynamics into our lives as opportunities for evolution.SPECIAL OFFER:

On today's episode of the CLS Experience, host Craig Siegel sits down with holistic wellbeing expert, longevity specialist, founder of Get Loved Up Yoga School, and author, Koya Webb for a deeply moving conversation on grief, rituals, and nervous system regulation for clarity and growth. Koya shares powerful lessons from the sudden loss of her mother, including how to move through grief, embody love from those we've lost, and learn to accept people as they are. The discussion explores the importance of feeling emotions fully to heal, releasing stored energy through practices like journaling, movement, and therapy, and how avoiding emotions can lead to repeated patterns and even physical symptoms. Koya also breaks down simple yet transformative tools for nervous system regulation, including breathwork, meditation, and daily rituals that bring clarity in an overstimulated world. They dive into intentional healing practices, relationship nonnegotiables like communication and spiritual connection, and how consistent rituals can reshape your identity and emotional wellbeing. They discuss her vision for building a community around her upcoming book Wellbeing Rituals and helping others integrate these tools into everyday life. Let's go deep.4:34 Lessons From Grief18:48 Healing Patterns in Love24:08 Clarity Through Stillness33:05 Nervous System Basics40:08 Fear and Affirmations49:30 Relationship Nonnegotiables53:18 Growth Requires EvolutionCheck out Koya on Instagram HERE: Check out Koya's Website HERE:Check out Koya's Book HERE:Early Bird Tickets now available for our October live event, CLS: Formation HERE:To join our community click here.➤ To connect with Craig Siegel follow Craig on Instagram➤ Order a copy of my new book The Reinvention Formula today! ➤ Join our CLS texting community for free daily inspiration and business strategies to elevate your day, text (917) 634-3796➤ INSTAGRAM➤ FACEBOOK➤ TIKTOK➤ YOUTUBE➤ WEBSITE➤ LINKEDIN➤ X

Yayinda ake cika wata guda curr da fara yaƙi tsakanin haɗin gwiwar Amurka da Isra'ila a gefe guda kuma da Iran, a yau ɓangarorin da ke rikici na ƙara zafafa hare-hare, a wani abu da duniya ke ci gaba da mamakinsa. Zuwa yanzu dai wannan yaƙi ya laƙume dubban rayuwa, inda kuma Iran ke zargin Amurka da shirya afka mata da sojoji ta ƙasa, yayinda wasu ƙasashe suka fara yunƙurin sulhunta tsakani. Shiga alamar sauti don sauraron karin bayani a hirar da Rukayya Abba Kabara ta yi da Bash M Bash....

What if the answers you've been searching for have been in your body all along? In this episode, Koya Webb explores how tuning into your body's signals can shift you out of burnout and into a more aligned, sustainable way of living and leading. Koya shares how daily rituals, nervous system awareness, and embodied self-listening can help you reconnect with your inner wisdom—without striving for perfection. You'll learn how to create simple, supportive practices that fit into real life while building a foundation of clarity, regulation, and intentional living. If you're feeling stretched thin or disconnected, this conversation will show you how to slow down, listen deeper, and lead from a place of true alignment. Tune in to hear Koya's thoughts on: What does it really mean to “listen to your body,” and why is this so essential in today's fast-paced culture? You talk a lot about rituals over routines—what's the difference, and why does it matter for wellbeing? How does the nervous system influence our energy, focus, and decision-making on a daily basis? What are some simple rituals people can start today to feel more grounded and supported? Can you share how your own healing journey shaped Wellbeing Rituals and the Life Book companion? How can people move from burnout and survival mode into a more intentional, regulated life—without overhauling everything at once? And much, much more! @media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-1{margin-top:30px!important; margin-right:!important;margin-bottom:30px!important;margin-left:!important;}}Invitation From Our GuestIf this conversation resonated, you can pre-order Koya's book Wellbeing Rituals and start building the clarity you need to thrive. https://www.koyawebb.com/wellbeing-rituals-book When you order now, you're not just reading the book, you're stepping into a new way of living. __________________________________________________________________ Receive the Life Book Companion—a guided workbook designed to help integrate the practices from Wellbeing Rituals— provided instantly with the pre-order of the book. Visit: https://www.koyawebb.com/wellbeing-rituals-book to access the gift and begin building personalized rituals for everyday life today. @media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-title.fusion-title-2{margin-top:30px!important; margin-right:!important;margin-bottom:30px!important;margin-left:!important;}}Connect With Our GuestWebsite: https://koyawebb.com Social Media @koyawebb .fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;margin-top : 0px;margin-bottom : 70px;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {padding-top : 0px !important;padding-right : 0px !important;margin-right : 1.92%;padding-bottom : 0px !important;padding-left : 0px !important;margin-left : 1.92%;}@media only screen and (max-width:1024px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}@media only screen and (max-width:640px) {.fusion-body .fusion-builder-column-0{width:100% !important;order : 0;}.fusion-builder-column-0 > .fusion-column-wrapper {margin-right : 1.92%;margin-left : 1.92%;}}.fusion-body .fusion-flex-container.fusion-builder-row-1{ padding-top : 0px;margin-top : 0px;padding-right : 0px;padding-bottom : 0px;margin-bottom : 0px;padding-left : 0px;}The post Listen to Your Body: The Key to Sustainable Success, With Koya Webb first appeared on The Influencer's Edge Podcast with Speaker Paul Ross.

In this powerful conversation, Koya explains her healing journey from the grieving her mother's death as an initiation into her authentic self. She discusses her spiritual and emotional path as well as the role of nutrition and social support. Koya Webb is a globally recognized thought leader, transformational speaker, holistic wellbeing expert, and longevity specialist. Known for her groundbreaking Lifestyle Design Method, Koya empowers individuals and organizations to create sustainable lifestyle shifts that cultivate self-love, vitality and long-term wellbeing. Founder of Get Loved Up Yoga School, Koya has inspired millions worldwide to embrace self-care, social justice, plant-based living and conscious wellness. She is the author of Let Your Fears Make You Fierce (Hay House) and Wellbeing Rituals (Wiley), and has been featured in Forbes, Goop, ESSENCE, NBC, CBS, E! and more. She has guided celebrity clients and global brands toward holistic transformation. Remember to subscribe, comment, and share. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com

Hey lady! This week we welcome Koya Webb, a globally recognized thought leader, transformational speaker, holistic wellbeing expert, and longevity specialist. She’s known for her groundbreaking Lifestyle Design Method and joins Dr. Dom and Terri for a soul-nourishing conversation about the power we have within us to flourish during this season in our lives. Koya drops truth bombs about some of the environmental factors that have aided to the psychological and spiritual warfare we’ve been assaulted with the last five years. We have been moving through seismic change since the pandemic, collectively and on an individual level, and its true – the body keeps the score. The good news is that we can work this out of our body through intentional movement and an abundance of self-compassion. Koya shares how she came to find a movement practice that works for her and how her journey has evolved over time. Tune in for ways to help yourself understand the natural rhythms of your life and how you can use them to find a movement practice that works for you and can lower your stress levels. Lady, you are the only person who can give you the soft life you deserve. Make that first step towards the most peaceful you that can exist. Tap in! Quote of the Day: "Your healing is nurtured by the choices you make each day; how you nourish your body, how you speak to yourself, how you pray, and the rituals you embody when life feels heavy.” – Koya Webb We’re partnered with VB Health, a doctor-formulated supplement brand focused on sexual wellness you can trust. Featuring Drive Boost (libido support for all genders). Most users report results after 1–2 weeks of consistent use. Visit this link and use code HerSpace at checkout for 10% off: https://bit.ly/VBhealthherspace Goal Mapping Starter Guide Cultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary Where to find Koya Webb: Website: Koya Webb Podcast: Lifestyle Design with Koya Webb Pinterest: Get Loved Up IG: @koyawebb LinkedIn: Koya Webb YouTube: @koyawebb Resources: Dr. Dom’s Therapy Practice Get That Pitch Workshop: Turn your story and expertise into speaking gigs, media features, and collaborations, without a publicist. Visit GetThatPitch.com and Use code HERSPACE for a special listener discount. Branding with Terri Melanin and Mental Health Therapy for Black Girls Psychology Today Therapy for QPOC Therapy Fund Foundation Where to find us: Twitter: @HERspacepodcast Instagram: @herspacepodcast Facebook: @herspacepodcast Website: cultivatingherspace.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Et af 80erne og 90ernes mest betydningsfulde amerikanske thrash-metal bands stopper! Dave Mustaine har efter 40 års op- og nedture lagt "Megadeth" i graven og udgivet bandets sidste album "Megadeth". Men er der tunge kalorier og smukke sorte vinger på Megadeths svanesang? Og hvad bliver Dave Mustaines eftermæle? Det undersøger Anders Bøtter og Jakob Trolle i ugens podcast, som også byder på verdenspremiere fra danske "Koya" og ulækkert beskidt dødsmetal fra "DJ Snavs" der (igen!) har ringet ind til metaltelefonen på 35 205 666. Værter: Anders Bøtter og Jakob Trolle Lyddesign og klip: Emil Germod Produceret af: Tania Baagø Udsendelse nr. 691 Sort Søndag er Danmarks vigtigste metal podcast og største heavy lytterfællesskab. Hver uge får du 1 times tonser tunge toner, i selskab med værterne Anders Bøtter og Jakob Trolle. Du bliver opdateret med nyheder fra genrens største bands, udfordret i "Undergrunds Ukrudt", får styrket din viden i klassiske albums i "Månedens Mesterværk" og lukket ind i det store fællesskab, når Sort Søndags trofaste "Giro 666 lyttere" byder ind med både nye og gamle numre.

Hey Heal Squad! We're throwing it back to one of our most soulful, grounding conversations about fear, healing, and what it really means to live from love instead of survival mode. Maria sits down with holistic health coach, yoga teacher, and author Koya Webb to explore how fear isn't something to run from, it's feedback guiding you toward deeper healing and self-trust. Koya breaks down how unresolved fear, trauma, and emotional suppression show up in the body, relationships, and even illness… and why aligning with love is the foundation of real healing. They also dive into topics about turning obstacles into growth, releasing stored emotional energy, and using simple daily practices to come back into balance. It's all about choosing yourself a little more each day and your highest self is already within reach! Enjoy, friends!! -- HEAL SQUAD SOCIALS IG: https://www.instagram.com/healsquad/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healsquadxmaria HEAL SQUAD RESOURCES: Heal Squad Website:https://www.healsquad.com/ Heal Squad x Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HealSquad/membership Maria Menounos Website: https://www.mariamenounos.com My Curated Macy's Page: Shop My Macy's Storefront EMR-Tek Red Light: https://emr-tek.com/discount/Maria30 for 30% off Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/host AUDIBLE:  https://audible.com/healsquad AG1: drinkag1.com/healsquad  GUEST RESOURCES: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koyawebb/?hl=en  Website: https://www.koyawebb.com/  ABOUT MARIA MENOUNOS: Emmy Award-winning journalist, TV personality, actress, 2x NYT best-selling author, former pro-wrestler and brain tumor survivor, Maria Menounos' passion is to see others heal and to get better in all areas of life. ABOUT HEAL SQUAD x MARIA MENOUNOS: A daily digital talk-show that brings you the world's leading healers, experts, and celebrities to share groundbreaking secrets and tips to getting better in all areas of life. DISCLAIMER: This Podcast and all related content (published or distributed by or on behalf of Maria Menounos or http://Mariamenounos.com and http://healsquad.com) is for informational purposes only and may include information that is general in nature and that is not specific to you. Any information or opinions provided by guest experts or hosts featured within website or on Company's Podcast are their own; not those of Maria Menounos or the Company. Accordingly, Maria Menounos and the Company cannot be responsible for any results or consequences or actions you may take based on such information or opinions. This podcast is presented for exploratory purposes only. Published content is not intended to be used for preventing, diagnosing, or treating a specific illness. If you have, or suspect you may have, a health-care emergency, please contact a qualified health care professional for treatment.

Comments/ideas: theasiaclimatecapitalpodcast@gmail.com Stephen Edkins, CEO of Koya Nuclear, examines how TRISO fuel and small modular reactors could reshape Asia's decarbonisation pathways. The discussion explains what TRISO is, why its high-temperature resilience and safety profile matter, and how it changes the economics of SMR projects. Stephen also explores government policy, financing hurdles, supply-chain needs, and why he expects a significant SMR build-out once a handful of designs reach commercial scale in the 2030s.ABOUT STEPHEN: Stephen Edkins is the Chief Executive Officer of Koya Nuclear, a company that focuses on producing and supplying TRISO nuclear fuel for small modular reactors. He has been working and investing in the clean energy space for over 20 years. He was part of the team that took solar and battery companies to the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol SOL) and the London Stock Exchange (ticker symbol IKA) respectively, and was also involved in the early stages of Envision Energy. Prior to that, he was an investment banker in New York covering Latin America with Banco Santander. Originally from the United Kingdom, he holds a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford.FEEDBACK: Email Host | HOST, PRODUCTION, ARTWORK: Joseph Jacobelli | MUSIC: Ep0-29 The Open Goldberg Variations, Kimiko Ishizaka Ep30-50 Orchestra Gli Armonici – Tomaso Albinoni, Op.07, Concerto 04 per archi in Sol - III. Allegro. | Ep51 – Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, Movement I (Allegro), BWV 1049 Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

Learn about 12 powerful spices that help balance inflammation and support a strong immune system. In this conversation with Kanchan Koya, you'll discover why chili lovers might live longer, and simple ways to add these spices to soups, teas, and everyday meals for better health.Dr. Kanchan KoyaListen to the full episode⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠Watch the full episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***This episode is sponsored by Spatone – the No.1 iron-rich water supplement.This is a product I genuinely believe in — one I've used personally and recommended in the clinic for years. Spatone is a natural iron-rich water that's incredibly gentle on the stomach. No harsh tablets, no digestive upset — just one naturally sourced ingredient that works.If you're looking for iron support that actually feels good to take, this is the one I trust. You can pick up Spatone at Boots: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spatone Apple Daily Iron Shots + Vitamin C 28 Sachets - Boots⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠**This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day. Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠londonnootropics.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Surprising Spice Benefits that HELP FIGHT Chronic Disease and Diabeteshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi0zgZ61Op0***Sign up to Sarah's Compassionate Cure newsletter: Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***Let's be friends!

Women's health is often overlooked — but nature offers powerful tools to support it. Kanchan Koya, molecular biologist and founder of Spicewell, shares how everyday spices can balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and fuel families. Plus, practical tips for cooking with kids and building a healing kitchen. MEET MY GUEST: WEBSITE: https://www.spicespicebaby.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last evening I was in Roanoke, Virginia, at the GoCenter. You can learn more about the Go Center at: https://www.gpartners.org/gocenter Iwas called to ministry in April 1971, on in a Sunday night service at LandmarkBaptist Temple in Cincinnati Ohio under a missionary named Bob Hughes.  Withina few weeks of that night I heard that Thomas Road Baptist Church was startinga brand-new Bible college called Lynchburg Baptist College, I registeredimmediately and went there with my heart set on going to Africa to share thegospel. Yet during school, I was able to be part of a church plant inWinchester, Virginia, Shenandoah Valley Baptist Church. After graduating Godthen called me to be the pastor of that church. I never really got to be thatmissionary who went full-time to the mission field.  Ibegan to realize that the Lord left me in America as a pastor to mobilize,influence, and send as many people as we can. And raise as money as I could formissions.  Now with that background justrecently as we studied through the Gospel of Luke, we found that God gives theGreat Commission to His disciples to preach the gospel to all the nations, topreach the good news, the message of the kingdom that Jesus saves. The Gospelof Luke seems to be all about what Jesus said in Luke 19:10, "For theSon of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."  Asyou read through the gospels, every one of them ends with a reference to theGreat Commission. In John's gospel, Jesus said, "As the Father has sentMe, even so send I you." That was the commission to those disciples: Justas Jesus was sent as the Son of God to seek and save the lost we are to also tobe bringing this good news to a lost world around us. Over these past 50-plusyears of ministry, by God's grace we have been able to influence hundreds,maybe thousands of believers to love Jesus, to pray for missions, to go to theforeign field, and to give to missions. We've watched God do awesome things.  I'minvolved in a ministry right now in India where we have 600 pastors I'mdirectly connected to. I went there in January of this year and took an individualpicture of 400 of them. I also got a bio of them at that time that I have onhand. It gives their name, their place of ministry, and how many churches theyare pastoring. I'm asking people like you to partner with me to pray for theseprecious pastors. Would you take one of these pastors into your heart? Inthe video I made of today, I'm standing in front of pictures of unreachedpeople groups in the world. I understand right now there are 3.4 billion peoplewho have little or no access to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Many of the pastorsI'm working with are ministering among the Koya people, the Banjari people, theChenchu people on the east side of India, and they are reaching these unreachedpeople groups with the gospel of Christ. But besides them are many otherpastors reaching many other people groups with the gospel of Christ. They desperatelyneed our prayers. Of course, they need money, and I'll talk about that in mychat tomorrow. But right now, I'm asking for prayer partners. Would you bewilling to join me as a prayer partner for one of these pastors? I will sendyou his name, his location, how many churches he's pastoring, the names of hisfamily members, and you can pray specifically for him and his ministry, and youcan join with me in impacting many lives for Christ. Ifyou feel that the Lord is leading you to join me in this prayer effort pleasesend me your name and email address to pastormike@pmiministries.org andI'll get back in touch with you. I beg you, I plead with you, join me as aprayer partner. I already have 100 people who have already joined with me topray for these 400 pastors. I just need another 300 prayer partners right now.I trust you'll be one of those 300 that will join me. We should all be a partof fulfilling the Great Commission.  

Koya Bakare is a NY model featured in Essence, Vogue, and InStyle. She's also an educator, author, and the National Beauty Pageant Winner of the Elite Ms. US United — 2024-25. However, for Koya, pageantry is much more than the crown and the glitz. For her, the discipline of modelling became the avenue that gave her the courage to dig deep within herself, confront a debilitating past, and find her voice. “My crown was always there,” I simply needed to find my voice and to remember to share it with heart and pride.”

Dr. Bzhar Othman Ahmed, history lecturer at the University of Soran, Kurdistan, Iraq, discusses his research on the Jewish community in Koya, Iraq from 1918 to 1951. Transcription link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/nahrein/media/podcasts/transcript-conversation-bzhar-othman-ahmed Date of episode recording: 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z Duration: 38:13 Language of episode: English Presenter:Mehiyar Kathem Guests: Bzhar Othman Ahmed Producer: Mehiyar Kathem

To celebrate 15 years of Koya — the quietly iconic udon bar that helped change the way London eats — we're joined by its founders: John Devitt and Shuko Oda.From early-morning queues to feet-kneaded noodles, we go behind the steam with the pair who brought serious broth and bounce to Soho. Shuko shares how a childhood in Japan shaped her savoury cravings, how miso soup became her first solo dish, and how Tokyo's obsessive Italian food scene first lured her into the kitchen.John reflects on what it took to build Koya as an outsider to the restaurant world, the challenges of scaling a niche, noodle-focused concept, and how a love of good service has shaped the way Koya welcomes people in. We hear about their early trips to Japan, the now-legendary specials board, and the tightrope walk of keeping things consistent while always evolving.We talk burnt soy wings, kimchi holidays, and what it means to work in restaurants where holidays don't exist — plus what makes a good noodle, how Koya scaled without losing its soul, and why Shuko still finds comfort in the simplest rice ball.It's a portrait of a restaurant that's quietly influenced a generation — and the story of two people who put in the hours, trusted their instincts, and let the food do the talking.----------Please leave us a great rating and a comment and share it with your friends - it really helps us grow as a show.If you're in the industry and are looking for the greatest POS system in the world than look no further as Blinq are tearing up the rulebook—no long-term contracts, no hidden fees, and no per-device charges. Just £49 a month for unlimited devices and 24/7 UK-based support that's always there, in person when you need it.Built for hospitality, by hospitality, blinq is the fastest, easiest POS system on the market—so intuitive, anyone can use it. And while others take weeks to get you up and running, with blinq, you're live in just 2 hours.Join the hospitality revolution today & use the code GOTOBLINQ to get your first month free - https://blinqme.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Michael welcomes global lifestyle entrepreneur specializing in holistic well-being, Koya Webb. Known as a “transformational specialist,” Koya encourages sustainable lifestyle changes that maximize your ability to cultivate self-love, reverse life-threatening conditions, and experience optimal health through her Lifestyle Design Method. Koya's “Get Loved Up” yoga school and community of teachers inspire millions worldwide to practice more self-care, social justice, and sustainable living. She is a highly regarded expert and editorial contributor with media outlets nationwide. Koya has appeared on NBC, CBS, The Steve Harvey Show, E! Entertainment, and Home & Family, and has worked with a roster of celebrity clients.  During Koya and Michael's highly personal and heartfelt conversation, they discuss:  -Koya's painful childhood and feelings of not belonging -Her healing journey through Agape's teachings, yoga, meditation, and community support, shifting from fear-based thinking to spiritual alignment -The importance of self-care, breathwork, nutrition, and ritual stacking as key components of living a joyful, grounded life -The profound lesson Koya learned from her mother's transition—surrendering with grace while staying committed to purpose, plus managing grief, intuition, and spiritual connection after loss -The inspiration and philosophy behind Koya's wellness brand, “Get Loved Up,” which emphasizes self-love, sustainable self-care, and pouring from a full cup -How fast success during the pandemic led to Koya's deep burnout and loneliness, necessitating downsizing and choosing alignment over constant achievement -Conscious relationships, choosing love after trauma, and meeting her husband/divine partner  -Letting go of people-pleasing and learning to say “no” unless divinely guided -Transformational letter writing, the miracle of forgiveness, healing her relationship with her sister and mother, and so much more! Next, Michael leads a guided meditation on anchoring in wisdom, love, and intelligence. Follow all things Koya at her website, https://koyawebb.com/, and on social media.  Remember to Subscribe or Follow and set an alert to receive notifications each Wednesday when new episodes are available! Connect with Michael at his website – https://michaelbeckwith.com/ – and receive his guided meditation, “Raise Your Vibration and Be Untouchable” when you sign up to receive occasional updates from Michael! You can also connect with him at https://agapelive.com/. Facebook: @Michael.B.Beckwith https://www.facebook.com/Michael.B.Beckwith  IG: @michaelbbeckwith https://www.instagram.com/michaelbbeckwith/  TikTok: @officialmichaelbeckwith   https://www.tiktok.com/@officialmichaelbeckwith  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMWuqEKXLY4m60gNDsw61w  And as always, deep gratitude to the sponsors of the Take Back Your Mind with Michael B. Beckwith podcast: -Agape International Spiritual Center: https://agapelive.com/  and -NutriRise, the makers of Michael's AdaptoZen product line, a few of which include: -Superfood Greens: https://nutririse.com/products/greens-superfood  -Superfood Reds: https://nutririse.com/products/adaptozen-superfood-reds   -ELEVATE+: Organic Fermented Mushrooms: https://nutririse.com/products/elevate-fermented-mushrooms-powder 

In this powerful episode, we welcome Koya, an incredibly brave woman whose journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Koya opens up about the horrific childhood trauma she endured and the lasting impact it had on her throughout her adult life. She shares how therapy helped her heal and how she found empowerment through competing in pageants—many of which she has won.Her story is one of survival, resilience, and the power of transformation. Koya's experience is a moving reminder of the capacity we all have to overcome challenges, heal, and rise above. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of resilience and the beauty that can emerge from the darkest of times.Please Note: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault, eating disorders, self harm,and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening. Sexual Assault Support: https://rainn.org/resourcesSuicide Prevention Hotline: https://988lifeline.orgEating Disorder Support: https://anad.org Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.comFollow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram:@behindbeautifulthingspodcast Learn more about Kevin's Professional Speaking andActing at www.kevincrispin.comCheck out Kevin's substack:https://allconviction.substack.comGet your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests' stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode, we welcome Koya, an incredibly brave woman whose journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Koya opens up about the horrific childhood trauma she endured and the lasting impact it had on her throughout her adult life. She shares how therapy helped her heal and how she found empowerment through competing in pageants—many of which she has won. Her story is one of survival, resilience, and the power of transformation. Koya's experience is a moving reminder of the capacity we all have to overcome challenges, heal, and rise above. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the power of resilience and the beauty that can emerge from the darkest of times. Please Note: This episode contains descriptions of sexual assault, eating disorders, self harm, and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening.   Sexual Assault Support: https://rainn.org/resources Suicide Prevention Hotline: https://988lifeline.org Eating Disorder Support: https://anad.org   Behind Beautiful Things Website: www.sadtimespodcast.com Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373292146649249 Follow Behind Beautiful Things on Instagram: @behindbeautifulthingspodcast   Learn more about Kevin's Professional Speaking and Acting at www.kevincrispin.com Check out Kevin's substack: https://allconviction.substack.com Get your very own “Sad Schwag”: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hysteria51/albums/253388-sad-times-podcast?ref_id=9022 Editorial note: Behind Beautiful Things is committed to sharing various stories from generous guests. The hope is to allow any number of stories to be shared to help people feel less alone and, perhaps, more empathetic. It is important to clarify that the guests' stories, perspectives, and sentiments do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Behind Beautiful Things in any way. Please note that Behind Beautiful Things is in no way a substitute for medical or professional mental health support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For almost 15 years, the situation in Syria has been tense. Many people hoped that things would improve and that peace would return to the country when the Assad regime fell. However, there have been civilian casualties recently as a result of heightened tensions in southern Syria. Additionally, there is still uncertainty surrounding the situation of the Kurds in Syria, especially in light of the agreement that SDF Commander-in-Chief Mazloum Abdi and Interim President of Syria Ahmed Shari'i reached on March 10. Dr Sarbast Nabi, a professor of political philosophy at Koya University in the Kurdistan Region, shares his views on the current situation in Syria with us. - Ev bû nêzika 15 salin ku rewşa Sûriyê bi her awayî aloze, lê piştî helweşîna rêcîma Essed xelkê hêvî dikir ku rewş baş bibe û aramî li welêt çê bibe. Di van rojn dawîn de me dît ku rewş li başûrî Sûriyê aloz bûye û xelkê sivîl bi hevûdin ketine. Lê derbarê kurdên Sûriyê (rojava) hîn tu zelalî nîne, bi taybetî piştî imzekirina rekeftina di navberî Serfermandarê HSDê Mezlûm Ebdî û Serokkomarê Demkî yê Sûriyê Ehmed Şerii de di 10 Adarê de. Ji bo şîrovekirina rewşa li Sûriyê û Kurdan em bi mamosteyê felsefeya siyasetê li zanîngeha Koya li HK, bi Dr Serbest Nebî re diaxafin.

Are you ever intimidated by spices? Unsure what spice to add to which meal? If so, you might be missing out on some incredible health benefits! Spices are packed full of polyphenols which means they offer our body something really unique. Oh, and they taste great too. So how can we introduce more spices into our meals? Kanchan Koya is here to share the science of spices and show us how easy it is to make them a staple of our cooking.

In this bite-sized Plot Twist episode, Light Watkins revisits an inspiring moment from his conversation with Koya Webb, a track star turned spiritual leader. Koya shares how a sudden back injury during her college track career changed the course of her life forever. At the peak of her athletic success, Koya suffered a stress fracture that left her unable to run, plunging her into a period of uncertainty and depression.Her journey took a surprising turn when a counselor introduced her to yoga, and a chance encounter with the book You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay opened her eyes to the powerful connection between emotions and the body. These moments became the foundation for her healing and transformation.Koya's story is a testament to resilience and following intuitive nudges. From rebuilding her athletic career and training for the Olympics to discovering her true purpose of helping others find balance and healing, Koya's journey is both relatable and empowering.Listeners will hear how Koya overcame self-doubt, heartbreak, and setbacks, leaning into the spiritual path that yoga offered. Whether it was breathing through the pain or cold-calling a top coach to pursue her Olympic dream, Koya's story is filled with lessons about persistence, intuition, and self-discovery.If you've ever faced a life-altering setback or struggled to find your purpose, this episode will inspire you to trust life's unexpected turns and uncover the strength you didn't know you had.Send us a text message. We'd love to hear from you!

In this solo episode of Mom Life Balance, Coya dives into a powerful topic that resonates with everyone juggling life's many responsibilities: Using God's Gift of Time. While life can feel rushed and overwhelming, this quick but impactful episode will remind you of the beauty and purpose in every moment.This episode also introduces our commitment to releasing new content every week, ensuring that Mom Life Balance becomes a constant source of encouragement, inspiration, and practical tips for women navigating the demands of motherhood, career, and self-care.If you've been feeling stretched thin or caught up in the rush of everyday life, this episode will give you the guidance and inspiration you need to reset, refocus, and fully embrace the time God has given you. Listen in as Koya shares these timeless truths that can help you reclaim your time and live each day with purpose.Ready to make the most of God's gift of time? Tune into Mom Life Balance every week for insights and encouragement that empower you to live intentionally. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who could use a reminder to slow down and cherish every moment.

I talk with Kanchan Koya about the role of spices in managing inflammation. We discuss how spices contain compounds that influence the body's inflammatory processes in different ways. Kanchan explains the benefits of using spice blends to achieve a synergistic effect.We focus on turmeric and how to enhance its absorption by using traditional methods like heating it in fat and pairing it with black pepper. We also address the effectiveness of turmeric lattes and whether they provide anti-inflammatory benefits. This conversation offers practical insights into incorporating spices into our diets for health benefits.Listen to the full episode here.Watch the full episode on YouTube here.***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.https://bit.ly/lwbw20Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.Squarespace | A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase

In this episode of "Slay the Podcast," host Louise Hazel chat with holistic health coach Koya Webb about alignment. Koya discusses her new book, "Let Your Fears Make You Fierce," and shares insights on emotional, spiritual, and financial well-being. They explore signs of being out of alignment, such as stress and negativity, and emphasizes the importance of balance in life. Koya reflects on her journey from competitive athletics to holistic health, highlighting the need for self-care and emotional healing. The episode underscores the significance of facing fears and nurturing all aspects of well-being. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/slayathletic/support

In this clip, my guest is Dr. Kanchan Koya, Ph.D., a molecular biologist and health coach who specializes in the health benefits of spices. We discuss the surprising and powerful effects of incorporating culinary amounts of spices into everyday meals. We also explore recent human studies demonstrating how small additions of spice blends can significantly reduce markers of inflammation, even when added to a standard Western diet.We clarify the difference between spices and herbs, highlighting that while spices come from various parts of the plant like roots, stems, seeds, and bark, and herbs are derived from leaves, both offer overlapping health benefits due to their rich polyphenol and phytochemical content. Dr. Koya shares practical tips on integrating spices into your diet by enhancing the foods you already love, starting with three to five accessible spices like turmeric (paired with black pepper), cinnamon, and others.Start now with these actionable insights into how simple meal additions can profoundly reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and enhance overall well-being.***Be Well Moments brings you my favorite bite-sized highlights from the season. Enjoy quick insights from our longer conversations in a digestible format. If you'd like to listen the full episode, click here.Watch the full episode on YouTube here.***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.https://bit.ly/lwbw20Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.Squarespace | A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase

Spices as medicine? Today I chat with Kanchan Koya, a Harvard-trained molecular biologist who traded the lab for the kitchen, and now runs Spice Spice Baby and has a cookbook packed with vibrant spice-filled recipes.We dig into the science behind spices - from fighting inflammation to boosting gut health. Did you know a dash of cinnamon could help blood sugar? Or that chilli might extend your lifespan? It could also be our way to fight against chronic diseases.Kanchan shares easy ways to sprinkle more spices into your meals. We talk about building a "food pharmacy" and making cooking joyful.This conversation got me dreaming of how I can explore more recipes with my spice rack.I hope it inspires you to see spices differently, and maybe you'll start your own delicious health experiments in the kitchen after today.Let me know if you try anything new!Sarah AnnHighlights:Introduction: Spices in Home Health and Medicine (00:00)The Health Benefits of Spices in Your Kitchen (00:39) Spices and Their Role in Reducing Inflammation (05:46) Turmeric: Comparing Culinary Use and Supplements (07:53) Spices for Improving Gut and Metabolic Health (14:07)Personal Insights: Spices in Culture and Wellness (23:20) Practical Tips for Adding Spices to Your Diet (31:30)Choosing Cinnamon: Health Benefits and Varieties (36:44)Understanding Potential Risks of Spice Overuse (40:06)Spices That Can Help Boost Your Immune System (44:38)Exploring Healthy Spice Blends and Their Uses (48:37)Concluding Thoughts on Spices and Wellness (56:05)Kanchan Koya is a Harvard-trained molecular biologist turned author, podcast host, and nutrition coach. With a PhD from Harvard Medical School, she leverages her scientific expertise to champion the health benefits of ancient spices. Kanchan founded Spice Spice Baby, authored a bestselling cookbook, and hosts the Radical Vitality podcast, blending cutting-edge science with ancient wisdom for vibrant living.***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Stanford-trained physician: 5 Nutrients That Supercharge Your Cells (And Why It Matters)https://youtu.be/rFz1WTPMdBE?si=g_5XrF71daLbYv9bDr. Chris Van Tulleken: How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Making Us Sickhttps://youtu.be/6SxK9MFmH4c?si=fwjaECx3YA4MkkNW How to FIX Leaky Gut, Improve Health and Stop Cravings | Dr. James Kinrosshttps://youtu.be/YvupSI_S7_Q?si=_PnU0I87Ch-jkjXyDr. Will Bulsiewicz | Could SIBO be causing your IBS?https://youtu.be/m1bLLptcC2Q?si=8xyPDYXjtd39fXeG ***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.Squarespace | A website makes it real.Get a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.***Join my inner circle:...

00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Childhood to Business Success08:02 Navigating Controversy: The Intersection of Alcohol and Caffeine12:56 Leadership and Team Management: Balancing Assertiveness and Empathy24:02 Cultural Impact and Brand Relevance: Adapting to Market Dynamics27:35 Journey of Personal Growth and Entrepreneurship

Are you ready to pour into your cup and get loved up, from the abundant overflow and let others sip from the saucer of of infinite goodness? In this heart powered episode of @dropsoffold_ @jeffscult drops in with renowned transformational teacher, author, and wellness visionary, @koyawebb. Koya teaches you the secrets to unconditional self-love that ripple out into a universal love for everything and all things. Including how to alchemize moments of angst, frustration, judgment & despair into pure love & bliss. Koya's journey is extraordinary. From her roots in the South, feeling stifled and unseen, to becoming a beacon of wellness and love, her story will captivate and inspire you. Koya opens up about turning her deepest struggles into her greatest strengths, and creating a movement around self-love. Through yoga, mirror affirmations, and breath work, she has cultivated a profound sense of inner peace and self-compassion and support others in their journeys.  Koya's insights will inspire you to trust your unique journey and embrace your path with deep love and compassion. Plus, discover practical tools to elevate your daily life, align with your vibrational truth, and spread positivity wit others. Press play and embark on a journey of wonderfully empowering self-discovery with Koya Webb.  And if you love this episode, please let us know! Leave a review and spread the love by sharing with friends and family…. And thanks for tuning in! Drops of Gold Website | ⁠⁠Drops of Gold Instagram | Jeff Scult Instagram This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠One Golden Thread⁠⁠⁠, the eco-chic regenerative fashion brand founded by Jeff Scult. As a special offering for Drops of Gold listeners, receive 22% off your first purchase with - dropsofgold ⁠⁠⁠Drops of Gold⁠⁠⁠ is the NOW podcast hosted and threaded by Jeff Scult, devoted to reminding us how to release stuck stories, embrace life, and reveal our most expressive, authentic selves.  Gratitudes: To One Golden Thread for powering the pod, to co-producers Mark Shapiro, Josh Robertson, and Victory for bringing it to life, Kat Benzova for her stunning guest portraits, and special thanks to artist Taib for featuring his electrifying new track Departures as the Drops of Gold title song.  And infinite love to you, for your curiosity and commitment to living in your highest vibrational truth. Aho, here we grow. We are designed to be reminded, we are already golden inside. I'm Jeff Scult, Wishing you a radically yes f*ck yes day, Ase

In this episode of Healing & Human Potential, we're sharing our honest opinion on what the Health + Wellness industry is doing wrong and giving you strategies to tackle your food cravings + emotional eating. Plus, we'll dive into our insights to avoid the pressures of society to meet certain beauty standards so you can feel confident in your own skin! Our guest, Koya Webb is a professional athlete turned holistic health coach + wellness entrepreneur as well as a published author. Today, we're sitting down + sharing our best health tips, the benefits of detoxing and different biohacking methods so you can feel empowered to start taking preventative measures and ensure you're feeling your best! We'll cut through the noise + share the secrets to living an overall healthier lifestyle that actually feels aligned for you and isn't just about what's trending… So tune + let's start setting our body up for success by fueling it in a way that feels best for YOU! === EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 2:56 - The Change That's Needed in the Health + Wellness Industry 6:25 - Why Adjusting Your Workout to Your Lifestyle Is Important 8:40 - Health Tips From a Nutritionist 14:33 - The Freedom in Discipline 17:14 - What I Eat In a Day As A Nutritionist (On a Fertility Journey) 24:56 - Womb Wellness 31:19 - Strategies to Avoid Emotional Eating 35:00 - Falling In Love with Your Body 41:00 - Different Types of Detoxing + Their Benefits 48:54 - Koya's Top Health Hacks 1:00:07 - Finding The Courage to Go All In   ===   Koya Webb is an internationally recognized yoga teacher, celebrity holistic health coach, author, speaker, & vegan activist whose core mission is to promote daily self-care, oneness & eco friendly living to combat some of the world's biggest challenges including mental health, social injustices & global warming. Koya's expertise has been featured on national media outlets such as Goop, Forbes, NBC, CBS, The Steve Harvey Show, Essence, the cover of Oxygen, and more. She also starred in the reality show “Yoga Girls”, and she's had a roster of celebrity clients including Stevie Wonder, India Arie, Ashley Judd, Rev Michael Bernard Beckwith, and Les Brown. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koyawebb/ Website: https://koyawebb.com/   ===   Have you watched our previous episode with Mark Hyman?   Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0hVBwVoSV5M   ==== Alyssa Nobriga International, LLC - Disclaimer This podcast is presented solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or any other qualified professional. We shall in no event be held liable to any party for any reason arising directly or indirectly for the use or interpretation of the information presented in this video. Copyright 2023, Alyssa Nobriga International, LLC - All rights reserved.   === Website: alyssanobriga.com Instagram: @alyssanobriga TikTok - @alyssanobriga Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6b5s2xbA2d3pETSvYBZ9YR Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healing-human-potential/id1705626495

In this episode of the HEAL with Kelly Podcast, I speak with my dear friend, Koya Webb, a spirit-led lifestyle entrepreneur and holistic well-being expert. Known as a "Transformational Specialist," Koya uses her work to promote sustainable lifestyle changes for self-love, the reversal of conditions, and the achievement of optimal health. Together we dive into the worlds of holistic well-being, sustainable living, and the importance of addressing emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects alongside our physical health. We both share our own experiences and offer insights on intuition, forgiveness, and the connection between our physical and spiritual sides. We also explore the benefits of living a life more connected to nature and aligned with the Divine - an approach we both believe not only enhances our overall well-being but also fosters a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and fulfillment. We also take a close look at how societal norms, consumerism, and political polarization can spread toxicity, highlighting the need for empathy, communication, and personal responsibility to build a more sustainable and just world. Tune into this enlightening episode to transform your life for the better with the help of Koya's infectious energy and wisdom, and discover the profound benefits of a holistically connected lifestyle. LINKS Koya Webb Website: https://koyawebb.com/ Koya Webb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koyawebb/ ‘Let Your Fears Make You Fierce' Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4bgizHM SPONSORS JUST THRIVE: Go to https://justthrivehealth.com/ and use code HEAL to get 20% OFF a 90-day bottle of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm. LUME: Go to https://lumedeodorant.com/ and use code HEAL. New customers GET 15% OFF ALL Lume products with our exclusive code - and if you combine the 15% off with the already discounted starter pack, that equals over 40% off their Starter Pack! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you wish you had mom friends who would push you, who would get you out of a rut? Do you feel like you don't have a community that you belong in? I know this pops up oftentimes during the summer season. And so I wanted this conversation to soothe your soul and give you a chance to change that. Let's connect if this resonates with you: https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/ Do you ever feel lonely? I can relate. As a mom in those early days, the feeling of loneliness was all too familiar. I remember nursing my son, waiting for my husband to get home, and feeling the weight of solitude. Similarly, when I launched my business, I found myself at my kitchen table grappling with business challenges without a sounding board. Loneliness is not uncommon for moms or entrepreneurs, but it has certainly been amplified by the pandemic. However, amidst these challenges, we now have the option to connect online. That's why today's conversation is so important. Allow me to introduce you to Cherie Werner, a proud Austinite for 35 years and the founder and CEO of Fiesta, an inclusive startup community. Cherie brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering success and connections. I'm thrilled to host this conversation because I believe connecting with others who share similar experiences or have advanced perspectives in motherhood or entrepreneurship is crucial for success. So, enjoy the conversation with Cherie and notice her “fertile imagination”, a guide for maximizing every mom's superpower for maximum impact. That's the title of my book, by the way. Cherie exemplifies this imagination by creating unique connections and community, especially when she decided to homeschool her daughters. You'll hear how she achieved this, involving dads, kids, and families in a vibrant community. It's a testament to what's possible when you awaken and stretch your imagination, a process I detail in my book, which you can find at www.fertileideas.com. Also noteworthy is that this episode is brought to you by: From Contact to Connection: The Mompreneur's Go-First Networking & Follow Up Playbook: https://witty-thinker-2643.ck.page/21e52edb87 Download my step by step networking and follow-up process, as well as out-of-the-box proven ways to build relationships with the busiest of influencers, prospective podcast guests, and mentors! WARNING: this is for ambitious AF moms with growing businesses. AND BONUS: 30-second elevator pitch template included! The free playbook helps you: -Write an elevator pitch that will be memorable and distinguish you from everyone else. -Improve your networking skills, especially if you're a mom founder who can't go out and leave it to chance that she'll meet the business investor, mentor, or partner of her dreams. -Learn how to become a better networker without feeling like a fish out of water. -Write your emails to introduce yourself to strangers without overthinking how to begin an email or how to prove in the email that speaking with you will be worth their time. -Push beyond the fear that often holds you back, thinking “Oh, I can't do that” or “Who am I to approach that person?” -Think strategically about your outreach goals by considering why you want to talk to specific people, along with what you need to know so you don't get caught out there feeling like a deer in headlights without the right words to say. -Think ahead about how you intend to make it worth their time and how you can use your platform to feature them as an expert, among other things. -Calm your networking jitters beforehand by guiding you on how to research the event and its attendees before heading out. -Gain fresh ideas for follow-ups that will feel good to you and the recipient, instead of just emailing the person over and over again. -Use a timeframe to conduct your networking or outreach efforts so they become a habit. -And includes email templates galore! Official bio for Cherie I'm Cherie Werner—a native Texan and a proud Austinite for 35 years. As the Founder and (CEO) Chief Empowerment Officer of FIESTA, an inclusive startup community, I bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering success and connections. With 38 years of marriage to Jon Werner and our three daughters as my top priorities, my journey in mentoring began in college. It evolved into a rich history of community building, exemplified by the growth of the Austin WholeHearted Home School community (1995-2001). Collaborating on startup ventures like Bones in Motion (2001-2008) and KOYA Innovations (2018-2023) has equipped me with unique insights and empathy into the founder's journey. At FIESTA, we've hosted over 50 events, welcoming 7,000+ attendees since July 2021, and achieved a remarkable 65% growth in 2023 and 2022. As a certified life coach, I am dedicated to creating a dynamic environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, forge meaningful relationships, be seen, and succeed. I am excited to bring this spirit of collaboration, empowerment, and drive to the vibrant Austin Tech community. Links: https://fiesta.community https://www.instagram.com/cheriewerner/ https://www.facebook.com/cherie.werner Transcript: Cherie, I wanted to just launch the conversation around the idea of seeking connection and community. So I know that for moms, it feels, it feels lonely, especially those early days when you're a new mom. And when you're just like wondering to yourself, how did I, how am I going to do this? How am I going to survive? And then entrepreneurship is kind of the same thing. At least. At first, it's a lonely endeavor. And so you're at a different mom stage than me. I have school age kids. You have adults. So first, like, are we going to survive? And then second, share some wisdom that can help us feel connected. And like, we're part of something bigger than ourselves. Yeah. Wow. Wow. Great question. Yes, you will survive at times. You might feel like you're not surviving and just remember that it's a season and it too shall pass. And I think the other thing is you never, you're never not a mom. I mean, my adult children have said, yeah, but I need my mom, even though they're adult children.  And then I think that you have your biological children, but then you also have the chosen children. So I'm known in this ecosystem as a startup mama. And I think it's because a lot of these young millennials and startup founders that are coming here to Austin, they, they need a mom. They need someone that they can call or just it sees them and is cheering them on. I think that's the biggest role for moms is that you're involved in your kiddos lives and you're cheering them on and you want the best for them.   One of the mantras that we had and I, and this came later in the teen years was that our ceiling is their floor only as much as we're investing in ourselves and growing our children have higher grounds to  stand on.   I love that. I really love that. And so I'm wondering more about your motherhood journey.   So early on, just to give us perspective, because right now a lot of moms are having to make that tough choice between full on entrepreneurship. Let's get some funding. Let's just try to outsource a lot of motherhood so that this way we can like be that at the helm of business. Right. And for some of us, like myself, it's kind of like, well, that's scary.   Like I have these three little boys and I kind of like them and I want to really help shape their, their perspective on a lot of things. I want to be there. I want to be their people leader, you know? And so I'm curious, like when you first became a mom, like what were the decisions that you had to make and looking back, like, how do you feel about them?   Another great question. I was a mom. It seems like so long ago And it was a long time ago because just for perspective my daughters I have three daughters and they're 35 33 and 22 and yes, there's a 10 year gap between the youngest and the middle one and Same marriage i've married going on 38 or 39 years.   I can't remember exactly which one but When we, when I was pregnant with my first child, I always intended to go back to work. We were living up in the D. C. area, and I mean, there was no way we could afford the home that we were in and stuff like that, unless both of us were working. And after having my daughter, I had maternity leave, and once that was over, and I had to go back into work,  I didn't anticipate having this strong emotional attachment to my daughter.   I mean, to the point where I'm like, I can't leave her. I don't want to leave her. And my husband and I made a decision that I would stay at home. And, and I really, I mean, like, I was really scared to be a mom. I, I had, I mean, I, I have a good relationship with my mom today, but my mom. Did the best that she could with the knowledge that she had just like I think all moms need to give themselves that grace and you're doing the best that you can with the knowledge that you have at that time, because me as a mom with my older daughters and my youngest completely different.   I was more relaxed with the youngest. But when Karen was was born, I stayed at home and I loved it. And, and then Courtney came along and we moved like two weeks after she was born from Virginia to Austin. Now, something nobody ever told me about, there are high stressors in women's lives and you need to be careful in how many stressors are going off at one time.   And so we were moving, I was leaving this amazing chosen family, like that brought meals over, they cleaned my house, they helped me because I was on bed rest with my Second child and and she came, she was like four weeks premature and so then we take off. We leave Virginia. We drive, we drive to Texas and we're in a house.   My husband goes to work. I'm left alone. And I kind of  had what I thought was a breakdown. But like looking back, it was postpartum depression. And uh, Yeah, and I didn't have the support so like moving to a new place and not having support that so that just goes to show you the value and the importance of having that community.   I mean, we all need it from very early on from our family of origin into all these different seasons of life.   Yeah, and I think it's, it's interesting because I think it's something that before I hit record, we were talking about, which is this whole idea of relational poverty. I had never heard of that.   And I know that you do a great job in the Fiesta community in terms of making sure that people know one another. We actually like get to see one another, have like mini little groups together, the breakout sessions. And I appreciate that. And so I'm just wondering, okay. Just to kind of like walk listeners through this.   So you started out, you had a chosen family, you had like what I'm envisioning, like this ideal scenario where somebody brought you food. Like, that's like amazing. And then now you're like driving all the way to Texas. You don't know anyone, but you have two children at the time. And then you land there, your husband goes to work.   And then you're like, Oh my goodness. Like that, that to me does sound a little bit like relational poverty. Is that kind of like in reference to the similar thing? Well, I mean,   relational poverty, as I defined it, it's a deep lack of connectedness with others. So I didn't have the connectedness. I, we knew nobody here in Austin.   John was, took a job with IBM. So he knew the people he was working with. And we need that deep connectedness with other individuals. Like, just to give you a contrast, I knew nobody at first, like for the first month, we were staying in a hotel room with two little ones.  And then compared to Virginia, when we were up there, like I said, we, I met together with this group of women and couples and, and we were involved in a church up there at the time.   And so like, it was, it wasn't just going to church. It was like, we had this really intentional community with several of the guys that my husband was working with in, in there. Wives and I was always really nervous about being a mom because my parents divorced early on and my mom  Had an aneurysm when I was like eighth grade and I had always wanted to be close I'm I'm I'm I'm a loyalist and eight on the in a six on the enneagram and I just wanted that close nurturing relationship But I remember when she had the aneurysm and she was in the hospital, she kind of drew me close to her.   And she said, this is why I never got close to you and your sister. And I was thinking, like thinking about that. I just think, gosh, that's so sad because we missed out on, on, on this fear of, of what could happen versus being in the moment. And Making the most of that moment and so I think that was like a real pivotal time in my life because I never felt that connectedness with my mom early on and and so I wanted to provide that for my kiddos.   I wanted them to know as a as a family. We had a Oh, I I'm trying to think of, but it's, it's like a  thing that we put, these are our models as a family, we will be connected no matter how big or, or far apart we are from each other. And, and, and that is just that intentional intentionality  of reaching out, letting them know that, that we're thinking about them.   And we we've done that. I mean, we started the, the Koya company together, which was all about it. Helping to end relational poverty. And this is before COVID, COVID accelerated and, and, and, and really brought that to light, like the importance and what loneliness does to individuals. So if anything good came out of COVID, I think that that's one thing that it's okay to talk about mental health and the need not to isolate and be around other individuals, because it's important.   And we're made that way.   Yeah. I, I, I mean, it's evolutionary, right? So it's like, if you're not in a group, then you are at risk for, for death. So that's, that's a lot of times why people have this like massive fear of abandonment, because it's like you that if you don't have your clan, or you're not in a clan, it's kind of like, wow, there's, there's a lot that you have to do to fend for yourself.   And so it's, it's interesting in the sense that when I think about a mom who has to make, you know, A similar choice now, right? And we're in a different era, but  kind of feels familiar in the sense that society is set up in a certain way, granted now internet speeds are fast and everything. But at the same time, you mentioned that whole deep, deep, deep connection.   And I can't really say that when I'm on a Zoom call, I feel like this, like, deep connection. Like, it's like, you, you might meet the person, but on the surface, kind of get to know them, facts and figures, things like that. But there, there is that beauty of like in person events, which I know that you definitely create that atmosphere.   And, and when you were a mom early on in Austin, you still figured out a way to build that sense of community and in person deep connection. And I think it's, it's a good use of your imagination. You have a fertile imagination, which is the name of my book. So why don't you share? With listeners, kind of like how that idea of like connecting with other moms or homeschooling came about and what did you learn about that that maybe you use in Fiesta?   Yeah, so I, I, I'm like, it's so funny, the things that I've done in life, I, I, I, I would say I'm the least likely person  to have done that. So when my daughters, we moved from Austin to California. And when we moved to California, my husband took a job and he was traveling a lot. And because of his travel schedule and, and, and also my experience in, in being in school, like, I can remember not really liking school, especially elementary school and being very, I, I was diagnosed with ADD,  but that's a long time ago.   And, but people who have ADD, what I realized is that we're super creative, think outside the box kind of folks. And, and one of the, the, the problems with the educational system is that it makes you, it puts you in this box that kind of follows you along and have a hard time seeing yourself outside of that.   It wasn't until I got to college that I could see myself differently. And anyway, while I was in California. My, my daughter's Karen and Courtney, they're so opposite. I mean, Karen came out and I mean, laughing and just bubbly and, and Courtney is more introspective. And at the time was  more sensitive. I mean, I can remember if you raised your voice and I I'm, I'm expressive.   So I raised my voice. I it's not yelling, but she would cry. And I thought to myself, and I have no idea why, but I'm like, man, I feel like if she goes to school, who she's created to be is going to be warped. And, and I, I'm like, kids are going to like tear her to pieces if she cries on the playground for everything.   And, and so I started looking into homeschooling and I went to a meeting and when I walked in, unlike here in Texas at the time, the people who homeschooled that I knew, I mean, like, They made their own bread and they wore jumpers and I'm like, I will never homeschool. That's what I remember vividly saying.   I would never homeschool. And, and, and so, but in California. It looked a lot different and, and, and I, because I, nobody was wearing the jumpers and I went to this event and they brought out this big boa constrictor cause it was like a kids zoo day and the kids were all sitting around and families and stuff like that.   And I just thought, wow, that looks, this looks really cool. And so that I started looking more into it and reading about it. And then I came across. A gal named Sally Clarkson, who for moms, I mean, but it's from a, a Christian perspective, her books were, she was my mentor from afar. So people, moms are like, If, if you can't have a in person mentor, books can be your mentor's podcast.   She has an incredible podcast. I mean, she used to do conferences and then I got really involved in that. And I was on, on their board for about 10 years and they were out of Colorado and they would do these conferences in Dallas and Colorado and all over. And.  So that's, that was my mentorship into it.   And when I came back to Austin, I'm like, I don't want to be like that as, as a homeschool. I want, I want homeschooling to look exciting and have a way to bring not just the moms together, but couples together and the kids together, like for a PE co op and like a library day. And so I created the wholehearted.   Austin wholehearted homeschoolers, and we had probably 75 families that were part of it over the course of seven years, and it wasn't until 2001 that I stepped away, which is when I was pregnant with my youngest, and the reason being is because I again had some preterm labor type of issues, and, um. And I, I mean, I enjoyed it because it was a way everybody talked about socialization while we were socializing.   I mean, we were like my daughter, Karen, probably wouldn't be the photographer she is, but at the age of 14, we gave her a camera for her birthday and at 15, she and I went to Dallas and she took this. Week long photography course, did her first wedding at 15 and, and, and started her career that way. I think with the kids, they were able to experience life based off of what they were really interested in.   And to this day, I don't know if my daughters would have traveled as much as they traveled, had they not had that experience.  So yes, that's how homeschooling came about. I, I, and Kaylee, when she came in, it came time for schooling her. We put her in a private school for like two or three years and she was struggling.   And then I homeschooled her and she continued to struggle. And then we had her tested and we realized that she had something called dyscalculia, which is like dyslexic, but for math. And had she been in a school setting, that would have never been diagnosed, number one, probably, and number two, I, at that point, didn't make math a big issue, because it's like, okay, she's not going to be a mathematician, we're going to figure this out, and I remember going to a counselor and them saying, well, she might not ever go to college, you know, and I'm like, The labels we put on kids and the things that we say about kids really impact them.   And that's one of the problems, like with the school system I had was I saw these kids that were in reading groups and this is the, the advanced reading group. This was the normal reading group, but these were the kids that were behind and that would follow them in elementary school from grade to grade.   So that's why I like the idea of. Just bringing people of all ages, I think together, the one, the one room schoolhouse to me is very appealing.  So,   yeah, my, my twins actually had like a one room schoolhouse, but it was Montessori, right? So different years and then there was like a leader and then like they got to choose their own work and practical life was part of it.   So like, I totally understand like the whole, like some of the nuances. And I know people who ironically are actually. Teachers in the school system who homeschool their kids. It's like, okay, wait a minute. Hmm. Why is that? You wonder. I have to share something with you. A lot of moms that I've partnered with, mom founders, have told me that following up after going to networking events tends to be hard,  awkward, and a lot of them really don't know how to do it.   And that's why I decided to write a playbook that is absolutely free for you to download. If you've ever felt awkward or like networking has been transactional or following up has been impossible to kind of do consistently, it's called From Contact to Connection. It's the Mompreneur's Go First Networking and Follow Up Playbook.   I wanted to just share why is it go first? It's go first because I've heard from moms that hey, I actually do like networking as long as other people approach me. And my whole thing is that it is important for you to create your own opportunities and I want to empower you to do so. So my gift to you as a listener of this podcast is my playbook.   You will have an opportunity to download my personal step by step networking and follow up process, as well as out of the box proven ways to build relationships with the busiest of  influencers. with perspective podcast guests and mentors too. And you don't have to just be a podcaster to get the benefits.   You have to be a mom founder though, to really see the results by way of your income, by implementing my strategies. Now, I do want to say that I also offered a bonus 30 second elevator pitch template. I share with you my pitch. I give you a Mad Libs style Template that you can fill in the blanks and my intention is really to be sure that you have a starter kit to help you go out there and network, whether you're doing it now or come this fall.   Now, this playbook really, really packs a punch of value. It's going to help you improve your networking skills. Even if you're a mom founder, and maybe you're in the season where you can't go out there and schmooze with people at happy hours, maybe you're the type of person that is going to have to figure out how to get people to Zoom with you one on one.   And I've got you covered in this playbook. In this playbook, I'm going to help you become a better networker. So this way you don't feel like a fish out of the water. So you'll see some templates and ways that I have approached pretty big name people. And you'll want to use my language and edit it to your tone so that this way people have a good idea for who you are and you could feel more authentic about your emails out.   In the playbook, you're going to have an opportunity to really push beyond the fear that often holds you back. For example, Oh, I can't do that, or who am I to approach that person? No, I will be encouraging you. I will be that person in your little pocket telling you, go for it, in this playbook. You'll also have an opportunity to think more strategically about your outreach goals.   So let's just imagine this September, you want to reach out to prospective investors. I give you some questions to really think through of who exactly you would want to connect with. So there's a lot that happens in this playbook. Again, the elevator pitch is also part of it. I would encourage you to head on over to the show notes today, and you will see a direct link for the playbook.   Or you could simply type into, um, any browser, fertileideas. com. So head on over to fertileideas. com for your copy of this playbook. It's specific for mom founders. You're also going to have an opportunity in the playbook to calm your networking jitters because I'm going to share with you how I research before reaching out to people.   And that has made all the difference for me and my clients. You will also have a good sense of a good timeframe to actually do these follow up activities. A lot of times we tend to feel like we're being annoying or we're being persistent, but honestly, there's a right and wrong way of doing it. So I want to share with you what's worked for me in my playbook.   So head on over to fertile ideas. com. I so appreciate that you're listening to this conversation and enjoy the rest of the episode.   I, I think the thing I've learned is, is I really, I think it really depends on, on you and why you're doing what you're doing. So, as I said early, it was a way for us to be together with my husband when he was home and then when he was traveling and then I really, school became fun for me.   So like, as I prepared and learned things. I was excited about it. The kids really grasped it. They understood it better. But if I didn't like it, they didn't like it for the most part. So teacher really does impact the love that I, I think the most important task is to teach a child to learn, and they will always learn.   As young adults, even now me doing what I do, it involves so much computer stuff that Technology. I didn't have those skills. I've had to kind of teach it my learn it myself and go on and look at videos and stuff. So   Yeah. Yeah. And I think a lot of what you're sharing is the fact that. There's, there's like these like misunderstandings about connection and community.   And I think one misunderstanding, and for me, it's something that I'm getting from this conversation. And it's this, it's like somebody else doesn't have to actually create that community for you. Like, you actually can take ownership. Of creating your own community and in a situation like you just shared, like homeschooling, like I've heard, like, oh, the kids are going to not be socialized and it's so lonely and blah, blah, blah.   But what I heard you say is that even in that situation. When other people specifically were like, Oh, socialization there, there goes that like you still manage to use your imagination to create community and like get the deep connections that you were looking for. And you moved again. Like I didn't, I didn't not notice that I'm like, wow.   Okay. So I think it's, it's interesting because something that I know a lot of moms. Struggle with now is this lack of making mom friends. Like, I know it's a little bit off topic, but it's still like connection and deep, real conversation. Like, so you moved from Virginia to Texas, to California, or something like that.   Virginia,   Texas, Texas, California. And then like two and a half years later came back to Texas. And so like, okay. So that in   my opinion, I'm like, okay. So. Sheree, what is the key to establishing and keeping great mom friends, especially if you're moving around? Yeah,   you know, I, I think there's season. So everywhere I've gone, I've had friendships and, and I mean, I still keep in touch with him.   I tend to be the one that picks up the phone and calls. I think that life. So here's the deal. When I was raising Karen and Courtney, we. There were clear boundaries like in there was those in between moments to be with others and you would drive 30 minutes or whatever to be with a friend like we what was really interesting about our homeschool group was they were from all over Austin and and I had people driving 45 minutes in for events.   I think once technology became more widely used and stuff like that, people  like you didn't meet in homes anymore. You met out at restaurants and you were, you never had those boundaries because you had a phone ringing or pinging you or, or, and things like that. And, and those are all distractions. I think two relationships, deep relationships, because time.   Is, is the one commodity that we can't get back. And, and there's so many things competing for our attention. And I know for myself. You have to be super intentional, like how and who are you gonna spend time with? And, and again, right now I'm in a season of life that is really different than most people because we just moved my in law, my husband's an only child, from New Orleans, where they flipped all of their life, 50 years, in the same four bedroom house to a one bedroom apartment, and they're going to be who we invest and spend more time with right now because it's, that's a season of life that we're in.   And, and I have my other obligations. So I think it's better to go deep with one or two people who really get you and understand and put it on the calendar, like that intentionality and say, okay, this is what I want from the relationship, kind of defining it. And I, I, I, I just, there's. Life is so complex, right?   We all need counselors someone to talk to because like when that becomes the focus of a friendship and it's one sided the other person will eventually like I And I, I need something else because it's about giving and receiving. And, and so it's like, make sure that you're comfortable with who you are and that you have something to give to somebody.   And the saying that says, you know why I like you? Because you like me. And then you want to spend that time together. So, I mean,  yeah, it's, I mean, You tend to want to find friends that are close by because the idea of having to drive, especially when you have two, three kids is, is hard. I think finding mentors in your life as you're going through these different seasons.   And my husband and I always said, you know, look for the next season of life for you. So if, if you're newly married and know you want to have kids, finding a couple that has kids that you can hang out with and watch them, because that. Hugely impacted my desire to want to have kids for the, for the longest.   I didn't think I wanted kids or children. And then I was around this one couple and I watched them interact with their kiddos. And I'm like, Oh my gosh, is that what parenting looks like? I mean, I just, I, I was mesmerized by how they interacted with their three boys. And it just was like, Wow. Okay. I can do that.   I want to do that.   So  that's amazing. I think, I mean, it's, it's important to just kind of have a good sense of what's, what's possible. What's something that maybe you never considered was within your cards and, and might actually bring you joy and happiness, right? You can't tell if you're not in the room and kind of experiencing that laughter, you know, yeah.   It's inviting for sure. So let's imagine that not from a spaceship, although that was the thought that came in my mind, but let's imagine there's like this mom, brand new mom, she just got here to Austin this year and she has a business idea. And she's just like, okay, I'm here. I heard this is where technology is buzzing.   And there's all these like startups and app people. What should she do first so that she starts to kind of get to know what's available to her in terms of support and resources in Austin?  Wow.   Well, so part of why I started Fiesta was to make things more easily accessible. I really feel like communities.   I don't know if you've traveled abroad, but I've gone to Germany. And one of the things I love is that you have these town centers and everything centers around this town center. You have your baker, the. Everything and into one another. And so.  I mean, Austin is big and trying to find those resources online is, is, is important.   It depends on what type of, I mean, what she's trying to build. Is she wanting to focus more on work type of relationships? Then I would say finding time to network will be important. And, you know, I've created a calendar to help folks find events easy. And there's, there's mom groups, there's co ed groups.   There's so much here in Austin. I mean, I literally, you can be busy almost every night of the week doing stuff. If you're, I mean, finding groups that maybe you're based off of, of cultural interest, I think that's also helpful. And. Meet up event. Right. You can Google it these days. It's so easily accessible.   And then the places that you hang out because I do think that spending time in the car with kiddos that are screaming and not happy that just kind of grates on you as a mom. And it's like, by the time you get there, you're just like,  Where, where you're going and it's not so like finding that happy in between place where you don't have to spend hours or in the car because of the crazy traffic here.   And I think that's the case in other places. It's nice. One of the nice things about COVID is that. We're more aware of how to use virtual stuff. So I think using that, if you have a friend from another place, keeping that relationship going, because you get each other in and putting it on the calendar, again, intentionality, you have to be intentional, put it on the calendar because if it's not on the calendars, Likely not to happen, but if you put it on the calendar and something comes up, you can always change it.   So that's why I, I say put it on the calendar  and yeah, so, and have a support. I mean, like, I think this is a conversation before having kiddos that couples need to have is, is knowing what. Your desires are because I think some women really are created to be career women. They, they, they've always wanted to be an attorney.   I, I think of this one gal that works over at Perkin and Cooey and she just got a nu some kind of a, a award for what she does. But she just had her fifth child of Alaska. She was at the event we were at on Wednesday night and.  She has worked as an attorney all of this time and, and, and her baby is probably two months old.   And I mean, she just flew in and, and, but again, that's a conversation I'm sure she and her husband had that this is what I want to do. This is why I went to school. I want you to. Will you support me in this? And, and what will that look like? So for couples, it could be the husband picking up a lot more of the load, or it could be that you hire folks to come in to help with the childcare and then when they're old enough, I mean, you do childcare.   So those are all decisions I think to make ahead of time as a couple, you know, before you get there.  Would help. And then if you have family close by, can they help out? I think I love the conversations we were having on Wednesday that as women are involved in companies in advocating for child care on premise with them, that's things are going to start to change and they are changing.   I mean, it's a lot different than when I Was having kiddos. So, I mean, I think it's only going to get better. And I jokingly say, I think the Barbie movie has done a lot for, for, for that too, like the, the whole stereotyping that, you know, you can work, but can you work and have a family? And I think you can, it's just a discussion that needs to be had.   Yeah, Cherie, thank you for this. I think this is important. A lot of, a lot of moms are, and I, and I find it slightly hilarious, if I'm being honest. It's kind of like, I don't know, I kind of feel like women have always been having babies. Like, this is not new. Yeah.  It's like, Why are we still talking about the same thing?   Right. But I mean, there's, there's a lot of things that are involved and a lot of different priorities that have to be decided upon ideally by the woman herself. And then there's also choices. And, and I just want to caveat, like if you're high powered in your field and you have those hours, I think every mom needs to just be really, really honest with herself and understand that.   There's some, there's a support system behind that sister, like, like there's no way on this earth that you could like duplicate yourself yet until AI really gets advanced, but, but I think there's, there's options, there's also options in, in not having to feel lonely, whether you're a mom or an entrepreneur.   And I think as far as. Your experiences early on with like homeschooling, like you, you share the fact that you could use your imagination to really figure out what you need, everybody needs something a little different. Some people don't want to be smothered and some people want a lot of love. And some people want, you know, something with a little bit more.   I don't even know, like something that's a little more defined, for example, in terms of a relationship. So, Cherie, let's say that people want to continue to follow you, learn more about you, learn about Fiesta. Where should they go online? What website should we point them to and social media?   Yeah, so fiesta.   community. com, community. And is the website, if you are an entrepreneur, if you're looking for events and things of that sort, you can find me on Sri Werner on Instagram and Facebook. And it's Sri at Fiesta dot communities, my email, if you want to reach out to me and yeah, those are the big things. And I just want to encourage moms.   I mean, like, remember this is a season and  I think that being a mom. Actually best prepared me for what I'm doing today. I learned so much because there's that one image out there that shows if you paid a mom for everything that she does, cause she, she's a caregiver. She, do you know what I'm talking about?   Have you seen that? Okay. Good driver.   Everything. Exactly.   And, and we need to, I mean like we need to remind each other of the fact that we do a lot and we have a lot to offer. And, and instead of judging one another, if we're, this is where it goes back to emotional generosity that we were talking about earlier on.   Like, Pointing out something to a mom and, and encouraging her or a working woman, just saying, Hey, you bring so much to this arena. I'm so glad that you're choosing to work and offering, like, is there anything I can do to help you? Or do you need anything? And, and just being that person to, to ask. And then I think as women, it's okay to vocalize it's hard.   I'm struggling. I, I, I'm not doing a good job. I need help. I mean, like, learn those words and, and use them because that only way that other people can be let in is if you let them in. So to all the moms out there, if, if you need somebody, reach out, let them know. And, and I, I, I mean, we're such a supportive community.   I know.  You will find somebody that will step up to be there for you.   Absolutely. Thank you, Cherie. Yeah, thank you. When it comes to some of the first people that I met here in Austin after our time in Australia, Cherie was one of those individuals who had and offered a very warm smile. So here are the three things that I want to share with you as it relates to finding community wherever you are and not feeling so lonely as a mom, nor as an entrepreneur.   So this is what I got from the conversation with Cherie. So the first point is you have to be intentional, be intentional about creating connections, understand what you need from those relationships. But be intentional, put it on your calendar or it won't happen. The second one is go for deep connections.   And if you are just zooming with individuals, then that is going to be pretty surface level unless you've been in the same room and shared a cup of coffee, for example, which is something that here in Austin, we do a lot. And that's actually a little new for me as a New Yorker. So deep relationships really make a difference.   They're awesome and helpful for your mental health. And then the third point is the one that I love about. Finding friends or people to connect with who are ahead of you along your mom stage or motherhood journey. I think having a perspective of what it looks like to be the parent of a teenager or having the perspective of what it looks like, or it can look like to be an empty nester when you're a mom like me with kids in school is a good thing to seek.   So those are the three things that I think are really important as it relates to the conversation with Sheree. And I really invite you to connect with Sheree, go to a Fiesta event. If you're here based in Austin, say hello. Cause I will probably be there too and have a wonderful, wonderful day. Again, you're not alone. You're totally not alone. If anything, you have me here on the other side of this microphone. So definitely reach out to me, Melissa@MelissaLlarena.com And I will say hi back. Pinky promise.  

Christopher Hunter is a seasoned entrepreneur best known for creating Four Loko, a caffeinated alcoholic beverage that caused a stir across college campuses and beyond. Currently, he serves as the CEO of Koia, a leading plant-based protein drink company that has achieved over $100 million in annual retail sales nationwide. In this episode of DTC Pod, we uncover tactics for rapid growth in the CPG space. Christopher highlights the importance of adapting to market shifts and consumer demands, which steered his brand from a costly initial direct-to-consumer model to a more sustainable retail focus, eventually re-introducing multi-packs for platforms like Instacart and launching shelf-stable products on Amazon. With Koia now available in approximately 30,000 retail locations—including a recent nationwide partnership with Starbucks—Christopher reflects on the brand's product development and scale-up process.Shop Koia on Amazon.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Startup Challenges and Solutions2. Retail Partnerships and Scaling3. Adaptation to Regulations4. Four Loko's Market Evolution5. Koya's Strategic Growth6. Distribution and Manufacturing Strategies7. Direct-to-Consumer Shifts and TrendsTimestamps01:48 Christopher Hunter's background, how Four Loko and Koia started07:14 From managing Phusion Projects to investing in Raw Nature 5 to creating Koia09:28 How a partnership helped launch and scale Koia12:12 Troubleshooting initial production challenges at Koia14:41 Starting with natural retailers, then going to specialty and conventional ones17:23 The evolution of Koia's supply chain and operations19:57 Moving from DTC to retail, addressing customer requests, discovering an opportunity to sell on Amazon22:22 Expectations for Koia's launch on Amazon, looking at product competition25:41 Lessons learned from Four Loko, product iteration and scaling31:16 Dealing with government agencies, building a solid business foundation33:56 Consumer research and how it factors in making business decisions like product line expansionShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok  Christopher Hunter - Co-Founder of Phusion Projects and KoiaBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Unlock the secrets to transforming a college side hustle into a beverage behemoth with Chris Hunter, the ingenious creator of Four Loko. Our engaging conversation peels back the curtain on Chris's audacious journey through the world of entrepreneurship. From his first dollar earned through college coloring book sales to navigating the tempestuous waters of the beverage industry, Chris's story offers a treasure trove of insights on innovation, agility, and the sheer tenacity needed to build a brand that defines a generation.Embark on a rollercoaster ride with us as Chris opens up about pivoting from the infamous party drink to leading a plant-based beverage empire, Koya. Witness the strategic moves and personal life shifts that catalyze new business ventures and drive a brand to nationwide success. Chris's transition underlines the importance of foresight in capitalizing on health trends and scaling a business, proving that personal evolution can be the catalyst for professional revolution.Reflect on the transformative power of self-improvement and the courage required to steer your own fate, drawing inspiration from Chris's remarkable resilience to setbacks. His approach to customer engagement transcends conventional wisdom, showing how direct interaction can turn obstacles into victories. This episode isn't just a playbook on creating a successful brand—it's a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and the relentless pursuit of escaping the drift to craft your destiny.Highlights:(01:40 - 03:08) Founder of Four Loco Brand(08:41 - 09:38) Word of Mouth Club Promotion Success(14:05 - 14:34) Starting Over in Chicago(22:20 - 22:48) Learning in Alcohol Industry Sales(25:38 - 26:21) Alcoholic Energy Drink Market Analysis(30:25 - 31:34) Pitching a New Beverage Product(53:45 - 54:28) Nightclub's Downfall After NFL Star's Scandal(57:02 - 57:46) Finding New Opportunities and Transitioning(59:40 - 01:00:30) Discovering Market Potential in Chicago(01:02:51 - 01:03:35) Starbucks Innovation Strategy DiscussionCHAPTERS (00:04) Escaping the Drift With Chris Hunter(03:20) Making Money Through College Promotions(12:32) Entrepreneurial Journey and Tenacity(18:10) Transitioning Careers and Taking Risks(24:46) Entrepreneurial Journey Into Alcoholic Energy Drink(34:33) Entrepreneurial Challenges in Beverage Business(39:21) Navigating Challenges and Pivots in Business(47:26) Importance of Structure and Partnership Agreements(50:38) Entrepreneurial Lessons Learned From Adversity(56:42) Transition to Plant-Based Drink Success(01:04:40) Effective Customer Relationship Strategies(01:11:19) Empowerment and Self-Improvement Podcast

In today's episode we're uncovering the medicines hiding in your kitchen. Molecular biologist Kanchan Koya joins Jonathan and Sarah to explore the incredible health benefits of spices. From controlling blood sugar to soothing a sore throat, we'll discover what the latest research says about household favorites including ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Kanchan Koya is a food scientist, founder of the spice-centric food blog Chief Spice Mama and author of the cookbook ‘100 Recipes with Healing Spices for Your Family Table'. She will show us how to get the most out of spices, with simple cooking tips and delicious recipes. Want to make Kanchan's show stopper spice dish? Find the recipe here.Follow Kanchan on Instagram.If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to zoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your membership.Follow ZOE on Instagram.Timecodes:00:00 Introduction01:26 Quickfire questions03:08 What are spices?03:43 Polyphenols in spices07:25 Spices and your health11:01 Cinnamon and blood sugar control14:49 Anti-inflammatory benefits of spices21:08 A practical guide to using spices31:40 Reviving old spices33:11 The wonders of ginger: from morning sickness to gut health35:56 Spiced cooking tips37:41 Breakfast ideas: add spices to start your day39:44 Simple spicy snacks42:05 Dinner delights: spicing up main meals44:11 Spices for kids46:24 Spiced drinks: from chai to golden milk48:24 The ultimate spice dishStudies related to today's episode:Safety and efficacy of curcumin versus diclofenac in knee osteoarthritis: a randomized open-label parallel-arm study published in Trials Analgesic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of clove, published in Avicenna Journal of PhytomedicineEffect of cinnamon spice on continuously monitored glycemic response in adults with prediabetes published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Star anise (Illicium verum): Chemical compounds, antiviral properties, and clinical relevance published in Phytotherapy Research Ginger-Mechanism of action in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, published by Critical Reviews in Food Science and NutritionIs there a nutrition topic you'd like us to explore? Email us at podcast@joinzoe.com, and we'll do our best to cover it.Episode transcripts are available here.

Chef, nutrition coach and former molecular biologist Kanchan Koya visits Google to discuss her cookbook “Spice Spice Baby” and her podcast “Radical Vitality”, where she uses science-backed evidence to encourage the use of food, spices and holistic lifestyle changes as our best preventative medicine. Kanchan Koya is a chef, author, podcast host and nutrition coach, specializing in championing the science-backed benefits of ancient spices to help people live a more vibrant, healthy and joyful life. After a stint in the Biopharma industry, Kanchan decided to leverage her expertise in science and love of food to create Spice Spice Baby, a platform dedicated to highlighting food as medicine and the benefits of spices from a science perspective. Kanchan is also the host and co-producer of the podcast “Radical Vitality,” offering tangible tips and tools for increased wellness and vitality while also integrating cutting-edge science with ancient wisdom. Visit http://youtube.com/TalksAtGoogle/ to watch the video.

Kanchan Koya will forever change how you look at your spice drawer. The chef, author, podcast host, and nutrition coach has a PhD in biomedical sciences from Harvard Medical School, which she uses to champion the science-backed benefits of ancient spices. We invited her into the studio for a truly fascinating conversation answering our many questions about health claims around spices—such as, what is inflammation, actually? Find out now.Also on the show, Matt shares some highlights from his recent trip to Seoul, including stops at Buto, Sancheong Sutbul Garden, Flavourtown (100% free of spikey blonde hair), Meal-do, Honeybee, Magazine F. To name just a few! The full list will be dropping later this year. Do you enjoy This Is TASTE? Drop us a review on Apple, or star us on Spotify. We'd love to hear from you. MORE FROM KANCHAN KOYASpice Spice Baby [official]Radical Vitality [Apple Podcasts]

Having earned her PhD in molecular biology at Harvard, Kanchan was intrigued when her research lab delved into exploring turmeric's beneficial properties—a spice deeply ingrained in her Indian upbringing, where its benefits were revered and understood through ancient tradition.This revelation sparked her curiosity about the overlooked and misunderstood facets of spices. As a mother, when she began incorporating traditional spices into her child's meals, she recognized a significant knowledge gap and fear of using spices in children's food by other parents.Motivated by this realization, Kayan dedicated her career to breaking down the barriers surrounding spices and understanding the benefits they have in our lives. In today's episode, we delve into Kanchan's unconventional journey, hoping to inspire you to embrace the less-traveled path and add a dash of spice to your holiday menu.To learn more about Athletic Brewing's award-winning non-alcoholic craft beer, go to AthleticBrewing.com and follow us at @AthleticBrewing.

In this podcast interview with Dr. Fred Grossman, President and Chief Medical Officer of Coya, the following key points were discussed:- The podcast, "The Patients Speak," aims to bridge the gap between healthcare science and the patient perspective.- Dr. Grossman highlighted the significant unmet needs in conditions like ALS and Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the personal impact on patients and their families.- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle function, speech, and respiration, with a high fatality rate.- Alzheimer's disease is also a devastating condition, and patients and their families are eagerly seeking treatments.- The discussion touched on the importance of considering patients' perspectives on daily activities, which are greatly affected by these conditions.- Dr. Grossman emphasized the need for objective measures in clinical trials while acknowledging the importance of subjective input from patients and their families.- Patients' altruism and desire to contribute to research were highlighted as essential drivers in clinical trials.- Dr. Grossman discussed Coya's focus on regulatory T cells (Tregs) as a key cellular target in treating ALS due to their role in regulating inflammation.- Coya's treatment, Coya 302, aims to increase the number and function of Tregs to stabilize the immune system and halt ALS progression.- The potential impact of Coya 302 was discussed, with the aim of prolonging survival and improving patients' quality of life.- Dr. Grossman mentioned that Coya is planning a large-scale study for Koya 302 with a potential start in six months.- Collaboration with patient advocacy groups and the Healy Platform Trial was highlighted as a way to involve patients in research and speed up progress.- The importance of clear and honest communication between patients and healthcare providers was emphasized, with patients having the right to know what to expect in their condition.Fred's Website BSB Media

Welcome back to Lifestyle Design with your host Koya Webb. This week Koya is joined by Ashley Curtis, Multidisciplinary Spiritual Healer, and ShaNay Norvell, Certified Fitness Expert and Life Coach. This has been the most requested episode and this week Koya and her guests are answering your top questions about wellness, entrepreneurship, and success.Find out how these three incredible women and entrepreneurs manage their schedules, find time for themselves, and build businesses that have taken them from ‘one-woman show' to CEO. It's important to remember in the wellness space that you can give so much more to your business and your clients when you take care of yourself. There's room in this space to be incredibly successful, without sacrificing your own wellbeing.Throughout this episode, you'll get takeaways from scheduling your personal time to what it's like having kids and dating while growing your business. Get inspired as each woman shares the challenges they've faced building their community and aligning with their true purposes. Tune in until the end to hear the advice that Koya, ShaNay, and Ashley would give their 14-year-old selves.If you love this episode don't forget to leave a review anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Your feedback lights up Koya and helps her continue to bring life-changing guests onto the show. Please continue to share feedback, ask questions, and join the conversation.Resources to connect with Koya Webb:Listen to the podcast – https://koyawebb.com/podcast#/Follow Koya on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/koyawebb/Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@KoyaWebbResources to connect with ShaNay Norvell:Follow ShaNay on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/shanaynorvell/?hl=enResources to connect with Ashley Curtis:Follow Ashley Curtis on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iamashleycurtis/?hl=en

Pause for a moment. Take a deep breath, in and out. Each time you feel the anxiety and fear creeping into your day remember that taking a moment for mindfulness can help ground you and help you face that fear.Welcome back to Lifestyle Design with your host, Koya Webb. This week Koya is taking you on a journey to help you face your fears and rise. An expert on facing her fears head-on, Koya is going to share five things that have helped her become a better public speaker, singer, cook, and coach. From powerful mindfulness techniques to simply acknowledging your fears this episode is going to help you face your fears and rise.Remember that facing your fears is a challenge, but it's not a challenge to turn away from – because challenges help us rise. For even more insight into facing your fears, make sure to check out Koya's book; Let Your Fears Make You Fierce: How to Turn Common Obstacles into Seeds for Growth.If you love this episode don't forget to leave a review anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Your feedback lights up Koya and helps her continue to bring life-changing guests onto the show. Please continue to share feedback, ask questions, and join the conversation. Resources to connect with Koya Webb:Let Your Fears Make You Fierce – https://koyawebb.com/letyourfearsmakeyoufierceListen to the podcast – https://koyawebb.com/podcast#/Follow Koya on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/koyawebb/Subscribe on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@KoyaWebb