Podcasts about leaning

"I understand that if I'm too comfortable, it's time to grow. Because if I'm not growing, I'm dying. And if I'm dying, I'm going to live a miserable life." In this episode, Heather reflects on three big lessons she's learned over the last 12 years since her cancer diagnosis, exploring the significance of facing fears, recognizing triggers as opportunities for growth, and the importance of self-reflection in embracing a fulfilling life. This conversation isn't about recounting the many challenges she faced during healing; it's about celebrating and learning to live more fully. Because the truth is, most of us are keeping ourselves so busy we can't experience growth, leaving us in a perpetual state of survival.  This conversation encourages us all to move past chronic suffering and to realise that we're not dead yet, so let's focus on feeling alive and energized while we're still here. What to listen for: ✨ Leaning into your stories and the impact you want to make ✨ Understanding that suffering isn't living, and you're not dead yet ✨ The reason why so many people live like the walking dead "There's a huge difference between being emotionally uncomfortable and working through fear and resistance. That chronic suffering, chronic pain, isn't living, and you're not dead yet. So you need to learn how to feel alive and energized while you're still alive." ✨ Why it's essential to understand the feeling that you're chasing ✨ How Heather moved through the terror and the story that she was going to die ✨ The importance of becoming the adult that you needed as a child "I had to face my fear of death in order to learn how to face my fear of living. I had to train myself to run towards how I wanted to feel. That was scary to me because I had no evidence, but it started me on this catalyst of curiosity." ✨ Why the people triggering you the most are your greatest teachers ✨ How to keep triggers from dictating your connections ✨ The importance of taking responsibility for how you want to feel Enjoy the excerpts Heather shared? Be sure to grab a copy of her book, Dying to Be a Good Mother. ******* For those of you who are ready to stop feeling drained, overextended, and out of alignment… join me for a one-on-one Time & Energy Audit, a focused session designed to help high-achieving women uncover what's draining them, clarify what truly matters, and create a simple plan that fits their life. We'll pinpoint your biggest time + energy leaks, identify the top areas to focus on for quick momentum, and map out exactly what to let go of so you can reclaim your energy, your time, and your joy. Ready to make your time work for you without adding more to your plate? Book a Time & Energy Audit: https://heatherchauvin.com/audit   Apply for the next Coaching Cohort: https://heatherchauvin.com/apply   Not ready for 1:1? Join the membership (cancel anytime): https://heatherchauvin.com/membership

As the year winds down, most of us feel the crunch of holiday travel, family gatherings, and a calendar that fills up faster than we expect. But this season also offers something incredibly valuable: a natural pause. A moment to look back, look ahead, and make sure our financial lives still reflect the things—and the people—we care about most.To help us think through this year-end reset, we sat down with Cole Pearson, President of Investment Solutions at OneAscent, a family of companies committed to helping believers invest in alignment with biblical values. Cole shares practical, hope-filled steps to set your finances on a firm footing as you head into a new year.Start With What Matters Most: Your ValuesBefore crunching numbers or updating accounts, Cole suggests beginning with the why behind your financial decisions.“As the year winds down,” he says, “it's the perfect time to pause and make sure our financial life still reflects our actual life—our goals and values.”This is the heart of wise stewardship. Money isn't the goal; it's a tool. And when our tools aren't aligned with what matters most, our decisions can drift.Cole encourages families to sit down—whether with a spouse, children, or even a financial advisor—and ask a simple but powerful question:“What is most important for us to reflect through our financial life?”These conversations reconnect us with the things God has entrusted to us: people, opportunities, relationships, and resources. When your values are clear, your financial decisions begin to tell a consistent story.The Three Lenses for a Year-End CheckupTo help families gain clarity, OneAscent uses three helpful “lenses” that offer a holistic view of stewardship. Each one enables you to assess where you are and where God may be inviting you to grow.1. Perspectives: How You Think and Feel About MoneyEvery financial decision begins with a mindset. Do you naturally want to give? Save? Spend? Invest?None of these instincts is wrong—money is simply a tool. But understanding how God has wired you helps you use that tool intentionally rather than reactively.2. Priorities: What Matters Most to Your FamilyOnce your perspectives are clear, it's time to identify your priorities.Is this season about legacy?Providing stability for your family?Creating margin for relationships?Leaning more fully into generosity?“When you know your top priorities,” Cole says, “you can give every dollar a job. It brings focus and direction to your plan.”3. Milestones: What's Changing in Your Life?The end of the year is a great time to reflect on transitions:A new jobA retirementA new child or grandchildA loss in the familyA health changeLife transitions always put money in motion. Recognizing them early allows you to adjust your financial plan before drifting off course.Together, perspectives, priorities, and milestones provide a complete picture of your financial health—and help ensure your plans align with your values.Preparing for the Year Ahead Through Intentional GenerosityFor many families, generosity naturally comes up during year-end reflections. The holidays remind us that giving is both worship and witness—an expression of God's grace through us.Cole encourages families to approach generosity as intentionally as investing.“Whether you're investing or giving,” he says, “we think of both as investing God's resources. We want all of it moving in the same direction—reflecting the same values.”Talking about generosity as a family:Fosters unityClarifies your shared purposeCreates a legacy of open-handed livingThis is a season when many families give. But it's also the perfect time to ask: “How can our giving reflect what we believe most deeply?”Considering Faith-Based Investing in 2026Some listeners may be feeling a nudge toward Faith-Based Investing in the coming year. If so, Cole suggests an easy first step: screen your current portfolio.“Start by asking what you're invested in that may not align with your faith,” he says. Screening helps identify areas where your dollars are unintentionally supporting companies or causes that conflict with biblical values.From there, you can begin redirecting your investments toward companies that create blessing, contribute to human flourishing, and reflect God's heart.This simple exercise can lead to a powerful sense of alignment between your faith and your finances.Explore Values-Aligned Investing With OneAscentOneAscent exists to help believers invest with clarity and conviction—directing capital toward companies that make a positive impact and reflect biblical values. To learn more or begin screening your own portfolio, visit: OneAscent.com/FaithFi.It's a great next step as you prepare to start a new year with purpose, unity, and renewed stewardship.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I've been offered a small settlement after several years of litigation. My attorney recommends taking it rather than dragging things out, but I'm unsure whether to accept or keep fighting. What's your advice?I started collecting Social Security at 65, but I keep getting emails saying Donald Trump will end Social Security and raise the retirement age to 70. Even Social Security couldn't confirm anything. I'm worried—what should I do if those benefits disappear?I'm almost 62 and considering taking Social Security early at $1,800 instead of waiting until 67 for $2,400. I've heard the break-even point means waiting may not pay off. If I keep working and invest the benefits, how does that affect things? Should I take it now or hold off?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)OneAscentWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's episode, we dive into how leaning into making things easier doesn't make us lazy.

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Would you ever walk away from a "dream job" to start over from scratch? And if you've spent years building a career inside big brands, does it ever feel like it might be too late to launch your own agency? Most people talk about leaving their corporate job to chase something bigger. Very few actually do it, and even fewer jump without a parachute. Today's featured guest is one of those rare ones. After nearly two decades leading social, content, and influencer teams for household brands, he walked away from his so called dream job to start his own shop without any safety net. Today, he calls himself a brand guy who happens to own an agency. Eric Gray is the owner of Maverick Content Studio, a twelve person, social-first agency for Fortune 500 brands. After a long and successful career in corporate, where he spent eighteen years building high performing social and content teams for companies like Universal Parks & Resorts, Eric realized he did not want the future he saw in front of him. He left Universal with two months of savings and zero clients. His story is a blueprint for leaders wondering whether to leave corporate and build something of their own Today his team works with brands like Advent Health, Winn-Dixie, and Travel + Leisure, helping them build audience, loyalty, and relevance through social-first content. In this episode, we'll discuss: Why target Fortune 500 brands? Why most agencies fail at building their own brand. Leaning on the power of personal brands. The hardest challenge of growing a young agency. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. Walking Away from the Corporate Dream Job At age forty-one, Eric had success on paper but a growing dissatisfaction in real life. He was leading big teams, holding a prestigious role, and doing work others envied. But he felt stuck inside a corporate machine that limited purpose and impact. Although he's thankful for the time he spent in that world, he didn't believe he was living his full purpose inside an organization with lots of bureaucracy. With the support of his family and his pastor, Eric decided he didn't want to get to his later years wishing he had taken more risks and took the jump to find out what could happen if he bet on himself. Leaving was messy, scary, and absolutely not the playbook move. No freelancing ramp up. No contracted clients. It was no tidy transition. Yet he trusted that his experience and network would open the next chapter. Looking back, it did. Why Target Fortune 500 Brands? Most new agency founders start small. Eric went in the opposite direction. He targeted enterprise brands from day one because that is where his expertise lived. He had already built the blueprint inside Universal Parks & Resorts and believed he could help other brands treat social as more than an afterthought. Eric knew many enterprise brands still underinvest in social. They focus on one big campaign or hero asset while ignoring the loyalty and connection that is built through consistent storytelling. His agency's entire model revolves around what he calls the connection strategy. It is the belief that brands win when they create emotional relevance around the stories customers already care about. Furthermore, large brands have large scopes, which also means you do not need forty clients. You just need the right five. That became a core advantage as they started growing. Building the Early Client List Through Relationships Eric did not cold call or blast DMs. He leaned into what he had spent years building. A strong network with strong relationships. Most of their early clients came from people who had worked with Eric before, or from friends of those people inside other major brands. Big companies talk to each other more than you think. This doesn't mean it was easy for them. They still have a lot of work to do to break through. But if you invest in your network before you need it, it becomes your biggest shortcut when you step into entrepreneurship. Why Most Agencies Fail at Building Their Own Brand But Eric points out that almost no agencies truly build their own brand. They hide behind their walls and hope referrals save them. Others talk about themselves, focusing mainly on their people, process, and portfolio. Meanwhile they tell clients to produce consistent content, invest in story, and build an audience. When Eric launched Maverick, he refused to be another guy who leaves a corporate job and posts the generic LinkedIn announcement. He started building his personal brand alongside the agency's brand from day one, and worked with his wife to make his agency look and feel much larger than its actual humble beginnings from their home offce. Perception matters if you want to enter rooms above your weight class. The Power of a Personal Brand Eric leaned into his background in sports radio and launched the Radical Content podcast. Within a few months he secured major guests like the former CMO of Chick-fil-A, the head of digital for NASCAR, and leaders from Crocs and other major brands. Those interviews became relationships. Those relationships became visibility. And that visibility opened doors for the agency. The agency's channels became secondary to Eric's personal channels. Not because the company brand did not matter, but because personal brand builds trust faster than corporate messaging. Systems, Volume, and Practicing What You Preach Eric put serious resources into his content system. It started rough, with a single producer who did not fully work out. But it evolved into an eight person content ecosystem producing weekly episodes, daily clips, statics, and text posts. He treats his own brand as the test kitchen for the strategies they deploy for clients. When you do that, the content feels authentic and the results are real. For him, if you stay in the background and don't talk about who you are and what you do, you're losing valuable opportunities to build your audience. You should be the guinea pig for everything you sell. The Hardest Challenge of Growing a Young Agency Two types of struggles hit new founders: agency struggles and the first time entrepreneur struggles. On the agency side, Eric is unrelenting on talent. He will not hire someone just because they have experience. Their standards are high, which means the search takes longer. Orlando is growing but not a major market for high level social and content talent. They once received nine hundred applicants for a creative director role. On the founder side, the hardest challenge is mental. Building a company that feeds twelve families is a heavy responsibility. The expectations you have for where you think you should be often do not match where you actually are. That gap can mess with your head. Eric uses a list of personal non negotiables to stay mentally sharp: hard morning workouts, time with faith, reading goals daily, taking short breaks during the day, reviewing priorities, and going to bed on time. The last one is the hardest for him. But like most discipline problems, skipping the basics is usually what leads to feeling off. Why Agency Entrepreneurship Requires a Long Game Mindset For Eric, entrepreneurship is staring the hard thing in the face and moving forward anyway, which is where his non-negotiables come in. For his part, Jason has always treated entrepreneurship as a game. Sometimes you do everything right and still get hit with a bad roll of the dice. The goal is not perfection. It is persistence. The memories you keep are rarely the easy seasons. They are the nights you and your team fought through the hard stuff. For this reason, his advice for agency owners is to have fun along the way. Don't wait until your kids are grown or your agency is sold to live. Make the journey the part you enjoy. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

“You face conflict every single day of your life. There's conflict that you love and conflict that you're not so enamored of, and the conflict that you love, you have no problem with.” – Dana Lynn Bernstein Today's featured author is a mom, wife, black belt martial artist, ICF Certified Executive and Conflict Resolution Coach, and the founder of Dare to Live Brave, LLC, Dana Lynn Bernstein, PCC, MA, CMP, PMP, CPQC. Dana and I had a fun on a bun chat about her first book, “It's the Thought That Counts: Mastering the Art of YOU vs. you”, the importance of self-awareness, what helps you to manage conflict, and more!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Dana to become a published author, and her journey to getting it doneWhat she learned about herself through publishing her bookHow a chance encounter led her to study conflict resolutionHow smaller everyday choices can mirror larger conflictsSome tips for being more comfortable with conflictDana's Site: https://danalynnbernstein.com/Dana's Book: https://a.co/d/8Bnp04hThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 899 – How to Turn Disputes into Growth Opportunities with Kat Newport: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-899-how-to-turn-disputes-into-growth-opportunities-with-kat-newport/Ep. 585 – “Ceasefire” with Chip Nightingale (@chipnightingale): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-585-ceasefire-with-chip-nightingale-chipnightingale/Ep. 428 – “Hard Conversations” with Dr. Brad Johnson (@bjcommunicates): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-428-hard-conversations-with-dr-brad-johnson-bjcommunicates/211 – “Tough Conversations” with David Wood (@_playforreal): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/211-tough-conversations-with-david-wood-_playforreal/Ep. 411 – “Name That Mouse” with David Wood (@_focusceo): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-411-name-that-mouse-with-david-wood-_focusceo/Ep. 1028 – The CEO's Compass with Deborah Coviello (@DropinCEO): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1028-the-ceos-compass-with-deborah-coviello-dropinceo/Ep. 779 – Speaking to Influence with Dr. Laura Sicola (@LauraSicola): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-779-speaking-to-influence-with-dr-laura-sicola-laurasicola/Ep. 760 – From Bonham to Buddha and Back with Clementine Moss: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-760-from-bonham-to-buddha-and-back-with-clementine-moss/Ep. 679 – “Rock Gods & Messy Monsters” with Diane Hatz (@dianehatz): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-679-rock-gods-messy-monsters-with-diane-hatz-dianehatz/Ep. 360 – “Beyond Lovelyville” with Dr. Lin Morel (@drlinmorel): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-360-beyond-lovelyville-with-dr-lin-morel-drlinmorel/

When a society ceases to operate from a moral and religious root, we embrace an existence of "Do as thou will." This individual non-accountable philosophy is literally the path to destruction. Death becomes the root, not life. Children in the end are always the victims. We are not called to be passive pew sitters. We are called to be in the world, to stand, to spread the gospel, and to be bearers of truth, not turn a blind eye to the ways of moral bankruptcy. That walk is daily, in everything we do and in all that we encounter.  #BardsFM #LindellRecoveryNetwork #ThePowerOfFaith Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%:www.enviroklenz.com EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939.  White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS BardsFM CAP, Celebrating 50 Million Downloads: https://ambitiousfaith.net Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here EMF Solutions to keep your home safe: https://www.emfsol.com/?aff=bards Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS: TreadliteBroadforks.com No Knot Today Natural Skin Products: NoKnotToday.com Health, Nutrition and Detox Consulting: HealthIsLocal.com Destination Real Food Book on Amazon: click here Images In Bloom Soaps and Things: ImagesInBloom.com Angeline Design: AngelineDesign.com DONATE: Click here Mailing Address: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR  97479

Aisha Schliessler is a writer and director based in Los Angeles and London. A third-generation filmmaker, life behind the camera is in her blood. As a narrative director, Aisha is passionate about exploring the human psyche through a nuanced and stylistic lens. Her work emphasizes character and emotional storytelling, often infused with playfulness and irony. A love of architecture, fashion, and photography serves as a throughline in her work, as she strives to craft visually compelling worlds for her characters to inhabit. Drawing from her background in acting, Aisha brings a thoughtful, compassionate approach to working with talent and guiding performance. Her work spans a wide range of projects and has been featured on platforms such as Free The Work, Booooooom TV, Girls in Film, NoBudge, and Film Shortage. Her short film RHINESTONE BLUE, made in collaboration with Fujifilm, screened at several recognized festivals, including the Vail Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, and Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema. The film earned a Telly Award, a Cannes Corporate Media & TV Award, and multiple festival honors, including Best Short. Other notable projects include the short film THE CALL, starring Juno Temple, and most recently, the short documentary A GREAT LOVE, profiling the acclaimed equine sculptor, Charlie Langton. She is currently in development on her first feature film. Topics Discussed In This Episode: How Aisha got started directing films (00:03:09) Her film A Great Love (00:10:58) Being present in the journey (00:17:49) Aisha speaks about her process in filmmaking (00:24:15) Yoshino and Aisha speak about the process of acting and directing (00:32:26)  Exploring subjectivity in art (00:48:46) Leaning into one's authenticity (00:56:34) artistdecoded.com aishaschliessler.com instagram.com/aishaschliessler

Hour 1 Starting Lineup: Latest news and notes with Kalani Sitake Utah State needs a QB What You May Have Missed Hour 2 ESPN reporter Ian Fitzsimmons Good, Bad & Ugly Utah Mammoth struggling Hour 3 Utah Mammoth General Manager Bill Armstrong BYU closes in on deal with Kalani Sitake Final thoughts

Welcome back to The Family Room, friend. We are blessed today to have my hubby and fan favorite Dave Jauss back with us. In today's episode, we're talking about the Wedding Week: Leaning In as the mother and father of the groom. The week before the wedding can test your patience, stretch your emotions, and deepen your faith. But it's also one of the most sacred transitions you'll ever experience as a parent. This week, David and I are talking about one of the most emotional, unpredictable, joy-filled times of life, wedding week, when your son is about to say 'I do.' What's Next Game Plan Instagram Facebook billie@billiejauss.com www.billiejauss.com

My guest today is Safiya Robinson, a storylistener, writer, and explorer of creativity. She is the author of two books and the host of the Writing Black Joy podcast, a space that celebrates the joyful narratives of Black creatives. Her work centers joy, authenticity, and the belief that creativity doesn't need permission. In addition, she is a keen world traveller who uses her writing to explore her experiences and philosophy on life. Safiya and I talk about our perceptions of creativity, what writing does for us, how AI may be interfering with those benefits (and when it can be very useful), the power of putting your work out there, what we've both learned from choral singing, and more.   Episode breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 04:07 Childhood experiences with writing, music, and letter writing. 08:11 Discovering creativity as an adult, redefining what creativity means. 12:13 Leaning into creativity, starting a blog at age 39. 16:23 Making space for creativity and keeping it alive. 20:25 The impact of AI on student creativity and writing. 24:08 Outsourcing creativity to AI and the value of writing. 28:08 AI and the creative process. 32:00 When AI is useful for cover letters but not for art. 36:02 The balance between making creativity accessible and keeping human uniqueness. 40:05 The origins of Writing Black Joy. 44:10 The courage required to share creative work publicly and its impact.   Want more? Here's a handy playlist with all my previous interviews with guests in writing.   Check out the full show notes (now including transcripts!) at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack. Please leave a review for this episode—it's really easy and will only take a minute, and it really helps me reach new listeners. Thanks! If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you'll share it with a friend.

She grew up with no roadmap, no support, and no clear path forward. One pull-up changed everything, leading her into the Army and a career in explosive ordnance disposal. Twelve years later, Kaitlyn Hernandez built a life defined by discipline, resilience, and service. She shares how daily discomfort, purpose, and small hard choices shaped her mindset, helping her run a bomb-suit mile, set a world record, and tackle some of the military's toughest challenges.   3 Key Learnings: Small daily challenges build discipline, mental toughness, and high-stakes performance Leaning into discomfort strengthens resilience, focus, and decision-making Purpose, service, and consistent action create long-term endurance and growth   3 Tools / Frameworks: Controlled discomfort protocols: rucking, cold exposure, physical stress CNS reset through structured challenges Mindset reframing: "I get to, not I have to" and "Fix your face" to shift state   Timestamps: 00:51 – Growing up without structure and finding purpose in service 02:27 – Joining the military and discovering direction 04:08 – How she chose the bomb squad and what EOD means 07:48 – What EOD teams do during stateside and presidential missions 09:14 – How bomb suit training works and what "bomb suit dumb" means 10:28 – Breaking the world record and the strategy behind it 12:59 – Running a bomb-suit mile on all seven continents 13:39 – Preparing for the Antarctica mission and raising awareness 18:50 – Her step-by-step advice for building resilience through daily discomfort   Start with one hard thing, lean into discomfort, and build discipline through daily action.  

BIO: Brian Thompson is the Founder and Financial Planner of Brian Thompson Financial LLC, where he helps LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs build profitable businesses that reflect who they are and support the impact they want to make. As a financial advisor, business strategist, and host of the Mission Driven Business podcast, Brian works with service-based founders who are building more than just a business. They're building movements, communities, and legacies. He helps them bring clarity and structure to their finances so they can grow with confidence and stay rooted in their purpose. Before launching his firm, Brian spent nearly a decade as a tax attorney. That background, paired with his own entrepreneurial experience, informs a planning approach that's inclusive, strategic, and grounded in real life. As a Black, queer financial advisor, Brian is especially passionate about creating space for diverse voices in business and finance—and showing that profit and purpose don't have to be mutually exclusive. This episode is sponsored by the coaching company of the host, Paul Zelizer. Consider a Strategy Session if you can use support growing your impact business. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Brian's site Brian's podcast 6 Steps to Getting Clear on your Ideal Client Paul's Fractional Services Pitch an Awarepreneurs episode

A late night discussion

American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Dec. 3, 2025Proposed Congressional Map from Indiana House Erases Both Democratic-Leaning Seats; Support May Not Be Solid in the State SenateEquitable representation for Indiana's largest urban centers was eliminated from congressional district maps proposed by the Indiana House on Monday.  It's unclear whether the state senate, which initially resisted the gerrymander, has enough support to pass it.Some podcasting platforms strip out our links.  To read our resources and see the whole script of today's report, please go to our website at https://AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgToday's LinksArticles & Resources:American Democracy Minute - (Nov. 27) Developments in North Carolina and Indiana Congressional Map Gerrymandering, as Trump Quest for More GOP Seats Continues Indiana State Police - Indiana Swatting Incidents Against General Assembly Members Indiana Capital Chronicle - Map unveiled as Indiana House gets down to redistricting businessWFYI Indianapolis - Indiana state senator cites Trump's 'insulting' language in opposing mid-decade redistricting National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals -  NADSP Condemns President's Use of the “R-Word"Groups Taking Action:Common Cause Indiana, League of Women Voters IN, AllINforDemocracyRegister or Check Your Voter Registration:U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your StatePlease follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE! Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.orgWant ADM sent to your email?  Sign up here!Are you a radio station?  Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network's Audioport and PRX#News #Democracy  #DemocracyNews #Indiana #TrumpGerrymandering #MidDecadeRedistricting #Gerrymandering

Minnesota Timberwolves have leaned on Anthony Edwards as their de facto point guard; Can the Timberwolves continue to rock point-Ant, or should they go after a point guard; Updated top 100 NBA Players from the Ringer and where the Timberwovles players fall; Plus our favorite and least favorite Timberwolves things and more on Flagrant Howls with Mackey, Judd and Dex. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Minnesota Timberwolves have leaned on Anthony Edwards as their de facto point guard; Can the Timberwolves continue to rock point-Ant, or should they go after a point guard; Updated top 100 NBA Players from the Ringer and where the Timberwolves players fall; Plus our favorite and least favorite Timberwolves things and more on Flagrant Howls with Mackey, Judd and Dex. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2:28: 6 NFC teams could still be the No. 1 seed, and the 49ers are one of them7:00: This season has to be one of Kyle Shanahan's best coaching jobs yet15:50: Christian McCaffrey shines — even on a day off18:10: How about that 49ers' defense that kept the Browns out of the red zone all day?21:33: How about the Rams losing to the Panthers?28:39: Don't count on Fred Warner riding to the rescue — but how about getting Tatum Bethune back?32:34: Seth Curry might be around the corner + the NBA absolutely torched the Warriors with this schedule36:04: Leaning in on the Sharks:39:46: The Lane Kiffin rant: “That's gross”40:31: Today in history: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's episode, we explore what it really looks like to rebuild your identity when the version of you that once felt solid starts to crumble. From childhood athletics to college rowing to navigating an exercise-driven eating disorder, Bri shows us why identity isn't fixed - it's shaped, stretched, broken, rebuilt, and reclaimed over and over again. Instead of asking “Who am I without achievement?” we shift the focus to intuition, communication, boundaries, and choosing the next best step even when the big picture makes zero sense.We get super real about caregiving, grief, burnout, and the messy process of learning how to show up for yourself without guilt. You'll hear exactly how Bri created a rhythm while caring for her mom, why movement became a grounding force rather than punishment, and how open communication - with family, partners, and yourself - becomes the backbone of emotional resilience. Think: honest check-ins, “floor vs. ceiling” goals, silence without distractions, ten-minute walks, and the courage to trust your gut when life hands you something you didn't ask for.“You don't avoid regret by having the perfect plan - you avoid regret by communicating, showing up honestly, and taking the next right step.”- Coach Bri“I learned I could still show up for myself even while losing the most important person in my life… and that shifted everything.”- Coach BriThis week on Here's the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition and Mindset for People Who Don't Want Life to Suck:Identity isn't lost - it evolves, especially when life forces you to slow downWhat exercise addiction really looks like beneath the surfaceHow treatment, journaling, and reflection helped Bri rebuild her relationship with movementThe power of open, honest communication with family during hard seasonsNavigating caregiving, grief, and showing up for yourself without guiltFloor vs. ceiling goals: how to keep showing up during chaotic seasonsWhy silence, stillness, and curiosity are underrated tools for self-trustTreating your life like a science experiment: change variables, observe, adjust Connect with Us:Coach Bri on InstagramIris Deadlifts on InstagramAmy Rudolph on InstagramThanks for tuning in to this week's episode of Here's the Deal: Fitness, Nutrition, and Mindset for People Who Don't Want Life to Suck, where we challenge the common understanding of what it means and what it takes to be fit and healthy! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.Apple Podcasts | SpotifyBe sure to share your favorite episodes on social media and tag us!Join Iris Deadlifts on Instagram, Meri on Instagram, and Amy Rudolph on Instagram.

Imagine lying in hospital, heavily pregnant (stay with me, fellas...think about yourself in this situation without the pregnant bit) and you have paralysis creeping up your legs. It starts in your feet, and each hour, doctors are coming in and doing tests, and drawing new lines on your legs as the paralysis is going higher and higher up your body. And then, after your baby is born, your pelvis is so damaged, and you're in so much pain, you are told that you won't be able to walk for 3 months. And you live in a 2-story house with a 1-year-old and a baby, and your bedroom is upstairs, with the bathroom downstairs. I can't imagine how difficult this would be to face... but this is what Saskia and her family faced. You will be amazed at Saskia and her Mum, Briar's, recounting of this story and what God does. ADDITIONAL EPISODE We briefly mention an amazing miracle of Briar's husband (and Saskia's dad) Ged - here's the link to listen to that episode https://omny.fm/shows/revival-on-the-air-today/jed-is-healed-of-a-stroke-in-front-of-the-doctorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textComfort is easy; appetite is sacred. We trace a surprising path to steadier happiness by leaning, gently but deliberately, into friction. Drawing on psychiatrist Anna Lembke's insight that our modern environment is addictogenic, we look at how endless convenience and constant dopamine nudges can flatten mood, fog attention, and leave us restless. Then we put the theory to the test with a cold North Sea dip—short, sharp, and strangely joyful on the other side.Across the conversation, we unpack why the human nervous system needs stress in measured doses. Think hormesis: brief, voluntary challenges like hard exercise, short fasts from alcohol or sugar, or cold exposure that nudge the brain into balance and rebuild resilience. A greenhouse tree grows fast but topples without wind; without resistance, we also lose inner structure. By choosing small hardships, we earn the afterglow—a calmer baseline, cleaner focus, and a renewed appetite for simple pleasures.We also explore practical ways to invite healthy stress without going extreme. Start with one constraint you can keep this week, and notice the shift: food tastes better, sleep deepens, and mornings feel less rushed. The aim isn't suffering for its own sake; it's recalibrating reward so that life's ordinary moments become vivid again. If abundance has dulled your edge, a little voluntary discomfort can turn the volume back down on noise and up on meaning.If this resonates, follow along for more short reflections, share the episode with a friend who needs a reset, and join our Substack community for deeper dives. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what small hardship will you choose this week?Support the show

① Japan is ramping up military expenditure — how serious are the regional implications? (00:45) ② Russia-Ukraine “peace plan”: What's the latest following Washington-Kyiv talks? (13:31) ③ China's high-tech manufacturing sector reported strong profit growth from Jan–Oct — what's driving this momentum? (26:28) ④ As tensions rise between the U.S. and Venezuela, is Washington's posture — seen by Caracas as “colonialism” — pushing the conflict toward a military showdown? (35:57) ⑤ Airbus A320 software issue: How a ‘solar attack' forced 6,000 planes to stay grounded? (44:31)

On this episode of Healthy Mind, Healthy Life, host Avik Chakraborty sits down with Ali Yilmaz, co founder and CEO of AITherapy.care, to unpack how an AI powered CBT coach is closing the access gap in mental health care. From long waitlists and high session fees to the confusion around what therapy actually is, Ali breaks down why the current system leaves so many people behind. He shares how his own anxiety, isolation and burnout as a young product manager in the United States pushed him to build the tool he could not find. This conversation goes deep into cognitive behavioral therapy, AI, negative thought patterns, self doubt, anxiety, depression and emotional resilience, framed in a way that is practical for busy professionals, students and high achievers. If you have ever felt like therapy is too expensive, too slow or too confusing to start, this episode gives you a clear, grounded look at how structured self help and AI can work alongside traditional therapy to support your mental health journey and not replace human clinicians. About the Guest Ali Yilmaz: Ali Yilmaz is the co founder and CEO of AITherapy.care, an AI powered CBT support platform helping thousands of users challenge negative thoughts, manage anxiety and build emotional resilience in a private, affordable and on demand way. Originally an engineer and product manager who moved to the United States at 23, Ali struggled with loneliness, self doubt and anxiety in a high pressure tech environment. Traditional therapy felt expensive, slow and hard to access. Leaning on his background in AI and his curiosity about cognitive behavioral therapy, he built an experimental chatbot for himself that evolved into a global tool. Today, Ali and his team are focused on responsible mental health technology, transparent use of CBT frameworks and giving people an accessible first step into mental health support. Key Takeaways: Access gaps are real Ali experienced long waitlists, high costs and scheduling friction when he first tried to find therapy. That frustration made it clear that many people who need help simply cannot access it in time. CBT works because it is structured Cognitive behavioral therapy offers clear frameworks to spot negative thinking patterns, question them and reframe them. Ali highlights simple but powerful tools like asking. “Do I have proof this thought is true.” Most anxiety is story driven, not fact driven His anxiety was not about being bad at his job. It was about self created narratives and catastrophizing. Once he started testing his thoughts against evidence, his feelings and behavior shifted. AI plus CBT can scale support, not replace therapists AITherapy.care uses static CBT structures inside an AI system to guide users through exercises. It is positioned as a self help and skills building tool that can complement therapy, not a substitute for clinical care. The best products start from real pain Ali did not start with a pitch deck. He started as a young immigrant trying to breathe again. The strong early pull from users showed that many others needed the same bridge into mental health support. How Listeners Can Connect with the Guest: You can explore Ali's work and connect with him through AITherapy.care. Visit: https://www.aitherapy.care/  The first email you receive from the platform will be from Ali personally. Reply directly to share your experience, ask questions or suggest improvements. From AITherapy.care you can also find links to: Ali's Twitter X profile Instagram and other social channels for AITherapy Ali specifically invites feedback on what is working for you and what could be improved in the AI powered CBT experience. Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life: Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life. DM on PM Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here. https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer Disclaimer. This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country or profession mentioned. All third party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. About Healthy Mind By Avik™️ Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it has become a sanctuary for healing, growth and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty storyteller, survivor, wellness advocate this channel shares powerful podcasts and grounded conversations on. • Mental Health and Emotional Well being • Mindfulness and Spiritual Growth • Holistic Healing and Conscious Living • Trauma Recovery and Self Empowerment With over 4,400 plus episodes and 168.4K plus global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma and build a world where every story matters.

This Week on Toy Power Podcast; we once again have Canadian local: Colin Betts present in the studio!! Leaning on Colin's expertise around all things G.I. Joe; we are having another Fun round of THE TEAM! This round specifically targeting The Enemy: Cobra! Narrowing our selection even further, Toy characters released only between the years of 1982 & 1987. Highlighting the Classic Team tributes of: Leader, Muscle, Specialist, Wheelman & of course a Vehicle too. Voting on who makes the cut once all submissions are shouted out. Then we attack our next topic; Toy Catalogues! Another one of Colin's passion projects; & Ben presents him with his own small collection of only Two Australian Catalogues; that funnily enough Colin doesn't own!! A fun discussion around Catalogues in general & what makes them so appealing!Support the show: http://patreon.com/toypowerpodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to another in-studio episode of Nephilim Death Squad — filmed live inside The Standard Coffee Shop at NDS Studios. Today, the boys sit down IRL with Divine Soldier (@ThaLordsArmy) to unpack her testimony, her channel, and the spiritual warfare that shaped her walk with God.From personal tragedy, corruption in state systems, battling anxiety, deep-dive self-research, and discovering how God uses broken seasons to forge warriors — this conversation goes from emotional to hilarious to spiritually heavy in true NDS fashion.We also talk Patreon access, Bohemian Grove live event updates, behind-the-scenes expansion of NDS Studios, and wild moments from the café.If you enjoy raw testimony, real conversations, and the unpredictable chaos of IRL episodes, this one is for you.

Faith is the key to being unstoppable, no matter what life challenges you face. Many struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the need for control. These challenges often arise from emotional neglect or personal trauma. They create a cycle that feels impossible to break. Understanding that you are not alone in this struggle is crucial. Knowing that you can rely on your faith as a source of strength can be transformative. Finding Freedom in Faith When life feels overwhelming, faith offers liberation. It's about embracing Jesus and letting the Holy Spirit guide you. This reliance can make you truly unstoppable. Faith empowers and provides peace in life's chaos. It reminds you of your intrinsic worth and identity beyond societal pressures. Breaking Free from Fear Fear often binds us, leading to anxiety and self-doubt. Faith teaches us that we weren't created with fear but with power and love. As you shift your focus from fear to trusting God's plan, your perception of life's burdens changes. Leaning into your faith helps ground emotions and find stability. The Healing Journey: A Path to Being Unstoppable Healing is neither linear nor simple; it involves peeling back layers of pain. This journey, though painful, eventually leads to freedom. God requires us to engage actively, taking courageous steps toward healing. The process demands resilience, but on the other side, you emerge stronger and unstoppable. Community and Support: Essential for Transformation Often, our struggles obscure our view of our worth and potential. Alongside faith, community plays a vital role. Sharing stories of transformation and faith can offer encouragement. They show that renewal and freedom are possible. Being part of a supportive community strengthens resolve and provides a sense of belonging. Letting Go to Discover Your True Self Releasing past burdens allows self-discovery. As God works in your life, you realize you are enough as you are. Embrace your uniqueness with confidence. Aligning with God's purpose enables you to live authentically and be unstoppable. Faith transforms lives by replacing insecurity with purpose. Embracing faith leads you to liberation, making you truly unstoppable in facing life's challenges. About Jeanette Peterson Jeanette Peterson is a Kingdom Impact Activator, speaker, and author who equips women to walk boldly in their God-given assignments. She is the founder of All the King's Women, a global movement for high-capacity Christian female leaders called to build beyond business into movement-level assignments. She is the host of the Unapologetically Unstoppable podcast and a trusted voice for high-level Kingdom women who are assigned to influence industries, culture, and nations. Jeanette equips women to rise in clarity, obedience, and divine alignment so they can walk confidently in the mandate God has placed on their lives. Through prophetic identity activation, apostolic strategy, and Spirit-led discernment, she helps women hear God clearly, break confusion, and step boldly into leadership with authority and fire. Website for Jeanette Peterson Buy Jeanette's book: Unapologetically Unstoppable Start your healing journey and overcome anxiety: Schedule a call with Robyn today.

Today's podcast is for the hard moments. Often when we want to lean away and exclude ourselves, isolating our problems from the world, what we really need is to lean in and share. Our friends and social networks are assets that help us to mend our suffering, making life much more bearable. I hope what I share here is of use to you as it has been to me. Thanks for listening. As always, Much Love ❤️ and please take care.

Andy’s Brave New World: Part 3 The group leaves Yosemite, encounters Crystal. Based on a post by the hospital. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. They were halfway through clearing the third floor's residential wing when the smell hit them, that too-familiar sweet-sour scent they'd encountered far too many times in the past week. They found him in one of the bedrooms, a middle-aged man in diplomatic attire, Juyeon John Chu, collapsed across his bed as if he'd simply laid down for a moment's rest. "I'll take care of it," Andy said quietly, already moving toward the body. "We can't bury him here, we might need the soil for growing food later. I'll take him to the sea tomorrow morning." No one argued. They'd all seen too many bodies to be truly shocked anymore, but finding one in what was meant to be their sanctuary cast a pall. "Let's get the water system running," Andy suggested after they'd wrapped the body and moved it to the yard. "But hold off on the generator for now. No sense advertising our presence with lights until we're more settled." They chose their rooms quickly. Daniela picked a corner room with good sightlines to the street. Sarah chose one near the bathroom, while Crystal selected a smaller room. Andy took the room nearest the stairs, positioning himself between potential threats and the others. The work of unloading their supplies took the rest of the daylight hours, their movements becoming more efficient as they learned the building's layout. They gathered on the roof as the sun began to set, their camp stoves and rehydrated meals spread out on a foldable plastic table scavenged from the kitchen. The view was breathtaking, the Golden Gate Bridge silhouetted against the darkening sky, the bay waters reflecting the last orange rays of sunlight. Despite everything, despite the silence that had fallen over the city and the scattered signs of candlelight appearing in distant windows, the vista remained stubbornly, achingly beautiful. "It's so pretty here," Crystal offered softly. "And it has everything we need. Good choice." She smiled at Andy. "Yeah, I'm glad this place has a gym," Sarah said, picking at her camping meal. "If I could just order my Korean skincare products, I'd be set." She sighed. "God, my skin is going to be a disaster without my routine." Andy chuckled, leaning back against the low wall. "For me, it's Netflix and H B O, I'll miss most. And streaming new music." He shrugged at their surprised looks. "I know, I know, I'm a park ranger, I should be all about nature. And I am! But there's nothing like unwinding with a good show or a new album after a long day." "Ice cream," Daniela said suddenly, her voice softer than usual. "I really miss ice cream. It's probably all melted now. And YouTube. Dad and I used to;" she paused. "Watch together all the time. I learned so much from tutorial videos. How to fix things, how to make stuff." She stared at her bowl. Crystal set down her bowl and touched Daniela softly on the arm. "For me, a proper hot shower," she said wistfully. "And getting my hair done at the salon. Just the whole experience of it, someone washing your hair, the massage;" "Oh god, yes," Sarah groaned. "My colorist in L A, she was an artist. These highlights?" She tugged at a strand of her expertly highlighted hair. "They're going to grow out and look awful." "Who did you go to?" Crystal asked, perking up slightly. "In L A, I mean?" "Sadie at Salon Santa Monica," Sarah replied. "Once I could afford it." Crystal's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh! I knew some girls who went there. The agency had me going to Maurice at Atelier." She named one of the most exclusive salons in Los Angeles. "I mean, I couldn't afford it myself, it was part of the modeling contract." "Maurice?" Sarah's eyes widened. "I dream about getting an appointment there. Their balayage technique is incredible." They spent the next few minutes trading stories about L A salons and beauty treatments, their voices growing more animated as they compared experiences. Andy and Daniela exchanged bored glances, letting them have their moment of nostalgia. Finally, the conversation lulled naturally. Andy cleared his throat, his expression growing more serious. "For tonight, we'll get the Starlink array set up, then everyone can get some rest. Maybe have a shower." He gave Crystal a small smile. "Though it'll be cold for now, the water heater runs on natural gas, so that's going to take some time to sort out." He set his empty bowl aside. "Tomorrow morning, we should head to the Presidio, see what kind of organization is forming there. But before that, we need to think about security. Daniela, those anti-personnel mines you brought; think you can set up a perimeter?" Daniela nodded. "I also want to do a more thorough sweep of the building," he continued. "Check every desk, every shelf. Might find keys, documents, anything useful." The setting sun cast long shadows across the roof as he laid out his thoughts. "This place makes sense as a long-term base. The off-grid water and power should last us months, hopefully long enough to find renewable sources. If we can track down someone who knows electrical work, maybe get some solar panels up here on the roof with a battery bank, we'll be set." Sarah nodded, her expression open. "So we're staying?" A series of quick nods around the group confirmed their agreement. "In that case," Andy continued, "we should start doing serious scavenging runs. Stock up on preserved food, drinks, medical supplies, anything useful we can find. Crystal, can you look up all the grocery stores and restaurants, anywhere we might find food, and put them on a map? I saw a framed map of SF downstairs, we can use that for now." "Of course, glad to. I found a janitorial closet earlier too," Crystal said, her voice careful but eager to contribute. "But most of the cleaning equipment is electric. If we could get some manual supplies I could help maintain the place properly." "Good thinking," Andy acknowledged. "Add that to the list." He paused, considering. "You know, looking at our group, we've got, survival skills, combat expertise, " he nodded toward Daniela, "and you two are both eager and resourceful. But we're missing a lot. No medical knowledge beyond basic first aid. No electrical or mechanical experience. Nobody who knows construction or farming." He looked around the circle. "If we find people with those skills, we should consider inviting them to join us. This place is big enough." "What about the water situation long-term? We'll go through it faster if more join." Daniela asked. "Once our storage runs out, going down to the bay to refill with our trucks and purify would be inefficient. Maybe dangerous too." Andy nodded approvingly at her foresight. "You're right. But that's a problem we share with other survivors, so we can keep an eye out for solutions, maybe try to organize something collectively. A well, maybe? Or a water truck, get someone who knows how to swap its engine for a Tesla electric one." He paused and rubbed his chin. "Solar panels and batteries can last 25-30 years with minimal maintenance. Medium-term, we should look to electrify everything we can. Long-term;" he shrugged. "Hopefully society gets organized enough to restart battery and solar panel production or something." He sat up straighter. "Actually, that should be our top priority, medium term, reducing fuel dependency. All our fuel will degrade within a year anyway." He started counting off on his fingers. "Find an electrician. Scavenge solar panels and batteries. Track down some electric vehicles." A pause. "Everything else we need, food, medicine, weapons, we can stockpile, but fuel? That's our biggest vulnerability right now." "Makes sense," Sarah said, rising from her spot on the roof. "I'm going to set up the array and then hit the gym before bed." She glanced at Andy, her voice taking on a playful tone. "Want to join? I could use a spotter." Andy met her gaze, a slight smile playing at his lips. "Sure. Could use a workout after all that driving." Day 7, Evening The gym felt different in the dim glow of their camping lantern, shadows playing across the equipment. Sarah had changed into a matching set of compression shorts and sports bra in deep purple, the material clinging to every curve as she began her warm-up stretches. Why she felt the need to change from athleisure to athleisure was beyond Andy's comprehension, but he appreciated seeing her in yet another fitness-influencer outfit. She positioned herself where Andy could clearly see her, making each movement deliberately graceful, arching her back slightly more than necessary. "I usually focus on targeted exercises," she said, moving to the cable machine for some standing rows that emphasized her toned back and shoulders. She adjusted her stance, making sure he had a perfect view of her form. "You know, for the gains. But I guess those days are done." Andy let his gaze linger appreciatively on her athletic figure, toned legs, and firm ass. "Those isolation exercises clearly worked for you," he said, moving closer ostensibly to watch her form. "But with everything we're dealing with now, functional strength might be more important." Sarah adjusted her position, deliberately brushing against him as she moved. "Oh? What would you suggest?" "Compound lifts," Andy said, pointing to the power rack. "Deadlifts, squats, bench press. Works multiple muscle groups at once, builds practical strength." He walked over and demonstrated the deadlift form with an empty bar, aware of her eyes on him. Sarah approached the rack, copying his stance but imperfect. "Like this?" she asked, looking back at him over her shoulder. Andy stepped behind her to adjust her position, his hands firm but gentle as they guided her shoulders and hips into proper alignment. He stayed close, his breath warm on her neck. "Keep your back straight," he said, his voice low and intimate. "Engage your core." She completed the lift, then turned to face him, still holding the bar, their bodies inches apart. "That definitely feels different," she said, looking up at him. "More; intense." "It's better for overall fitness," Andy said, making no move to step back. "Not just for show." Sarah set the bar down carefully, letting her hand brush his arm as she straightened. "Well, I trust your expertise. As long as I don't get too bulky." She moved toward the bench press, adding an extra sway to her hips. Looking back at him, she smiled. "Though I have to admit, I don't think I'll be able to stop caring about aesthetic results too." "It really is impressive," Andy said sincerely, his eyes meeting hers. "You'd still be hot if you got bulky though. Amazonian." He said with a flex. She laughed. They worked out a few more minutes, then Sarah approached him, dabbing at her neck with a towel. After a moment's hesitation, she started. "Andy; can we talk serious for a sec?" He nodded, giving her his full attention. "Look, I'm just going to be honest," she said. "I'm attracted to you. How could I not be? You've kept us safe, led us through this nightmare;" She gave a small laugh. "Plus, you know, the whole ranger thing really works for you." Andy smiled, and let her continue, anticipating a "but". "But, well, we only met a few days ago, even if it does feel like it's been weeks. And with everything that's happened," She motioned vaguely at the world outside. "I'm not ready to jump into bed yet. I don't even know what a relationship would look like now. I hope you understand." "Of course," Andy said gently. "I'm attracted to you too, Sarah. Very much. But you're right, we're all still processing everything that's happened. There's no rush." Sarah stepped closer, a playful glint returning to her pretty almond eyes. "That said; maybe we could explore things gradually?" She glanced toward the gym shower. "For instance, I'm gonna shower right now. I need someone to wash my back." She gave him a flirtatious smile before biting her lip. "Though I can't promise you won't end up a little; frustrated." Andy's smile widened. "I think I can handle that risk." "Yeah?" Sarah asked, already backing toward the shower, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Yeah," Andy replied, following her lead. They walked together to the shower area, exchanging eager smiles. "Me first," Sarah said playfully, turning her back to him. She slowly peeled off her sports bra, exaggerating her movements and swaying her hips. The compression shorts followed, sliding down her toned legs with deliberate sensuality, revealing a plump and juicy ass. When she turned back, she had one arm draped across her tits and the other hand covering herself below. The lantern light played across her athletic figure; toned, gently muscled stomach, curved hips tapering to strong thighs, and a natural tan line from her usual workout attire. Her skin glowed golden in the dim light, a light sheen of sweat from their workout making her practically shimmer. Seeing Andy's appreciative gaze, she giggled and dropped her arm from her chest. Her cute B-cup tits were perfectly perky, defying gravity even uncovered, with small rosy nipples standing at attention. "Your turn," she said coyly, still covering herself below. Andy laughed and simply pulled off his tank top. "Aww, I give you a show and you just do it like that? No; ceremony?" Grinning, Andy turned and mimicked her earlier performance, slowly working his shorts down with exaggerated movements. When he turned back, he had one hand strategically placed over his junk. They both laughed at the playful awkwardness of the moment before simultaneously revealing themselves fully. "Oh," Sarah said appreciatively, her eyes widening slightly. "Nice; proportions." "Thanks, you too." He said, eyeing her up and down. Sarah laughed and led him into the shower by his arm, both of them very aware of his erect hardness brushing against her waist. She reached for the tap, and sighed luxuriously as the cold stream hit her. "Ahh, that's nice. I always shower cold. It's better for skin and post-workout inflammation." "What about this inflammation?" Andy quipped, making her giggle. They swapped places and as the ice-cold water hit him, Andy tensed slightly, trying not to show it. Sarah noticed anyway. "What kind of ranger isn't used to cold showers?" she teased, reaching for the soap. "Actually, I have the Korean no-B O gene," Andy admitted. "So I usually just skipped showers if there was no hot water." "Gross" Sarah said, as she began soaping herself. "Could you get my back?" she asked innocently, turning around. Andy's hands moved across her shoulders and down her spine. She turned back to face him. "Oh, and I think I missed a spot in front too;" Andy's breath caught as his hands cupped her tits. They were perfectly sized for his palms, simultaneously firm yet yielding, with hard nipples pressing against his fingers as he explored them. Sarah giggled at his expression of sacred reverence. "Are they that nice?" she asked playfully, mewling gently at his touch. "Yes, they are," he breathed. She took the soap and returned the favor, working her way down his back and across his stomach. When she reached his waist, she paused, looking up at him questioningly, her hazel eyes wide and innocent despite her intentions. At his smile, she wrapped her delicate fingers around his shaft, exploring every inch with careful attention. Andy watched as she traced the length with feather-light touches, circled the sensitive head with her thumb, stroked the tender underside, and gently cupped his balls. Her eyes never left his face, studying his reactions to each touch, noting every subtle change in his expression to learn what pleased him most. Turning off the water, she pressed closer, her wet skin sliding against his. "Think you can finish like this?" Her voice was soft but confident. "Yes," Andy managed, already breathing harder from her exploratory touches. She gripped him with both hands now, quickly establishing a rhythm. The soap acted as a perfect lubricant, letting her fingers and palms glide smoothly up and down his shaft. Her technique was precise, one hand working his base while the other focused on his sensitive head, occasionally twisting slightly in a way that made his knees weak. Her gaze was intense as she worked him harder and faster, her eager face showing clear enjoyment of the power she held over him. Water droplets ran down her face and neck, across her perfect tits, making her skin glisten in the dim light. She varied her pressure and speed expertly, reading his reactions and adjusting accordingly. When his hips began to thrust involuntarily, she matched his rhythm, her small hands providing the perfect amount of friction and pressure. Just as he felt his orgasm build, she shifted her approach, her left hand maintaining a steady stroke while her right hand moved lower to gently massage his balls. The change in sensation made him gasp, bringing him back from the edge while introducing a new kind of pleasure. She grinned at his reaction as she rolled and squeezed him gently. "Please, I was getting close" Andy breathed. With a mischievous wink, she resumed jacking him with both hands, drawing another sigh from Andy as he enjoyed the feeling of her soft fingers rubbing his shaft. Andy's breathing grew increasingly ragged as the pressure built. His hands gripped the shower wall for support as Sarah worked him relentlessly toward his peak. She seemed to sense when he was close, her movements becoming more focused and deliberate. Her eyes locked onto his face, eager to watch his expression as he came. When he finally reached his climax, it was intense, thick ropes of warm white cum erupting from his cock, splashing across her toned stomach and thighs. His whole body shuddered with each pulse as she continued to stroke him through his orgasm, maintaining perfect pressure to draw out every last wave of pleasure. She watched in fascination as his seed painted her skin, her expression one of satisfaction and pride at bringing him such intense release. "Wow, that's so hot." Sarah said, looking at the impressive volume. "Someone's been storing that up, huh?" Andy closed his eyes and smiled deeply. "Yeah." he breathed. "Been a while. Thanks." He ran a hand down her shoulder, savoring the feeling of her soft, cold skin, the post-nut clarity heightening his awareness. She examined her cum-covered hands and smirked. "Hey loves!" she chirped in her best content-creator voice. "Today, I'm so excited to share this amazing new product with you!" She winked at Andy. "Make sure to swipe up for the full review!" She delicately touched her finger to her tongue, then assumed a thoughtful expression. "Hmm, nice thick consistency, slightly sweet with just a hint of salt. Ten out of ten would recommend!" She sucked on her finger erotically, then dissolved into giggles at Andy's amused expression. "Don't forget to like and follow for more cum content!" She turned the water back on, laughing as Andy visibly flinched at the cold. "Really, some ranger you are!" The water washed away the evidence of their activities, and they stepped out to dry off. Andy felt wonderfully relaxed, tension draining from his shoulders. "What about you?" he asked softly. "Don't worry about me," Sarah smiled, toweling her hair. "I don't think I could anyway. Too much tension, and;" she paused, "I'd need to feel more emotionally connected." Andy looked puzzled. "Wait, so you're comfortable showering together, giving me a handjob, and even tasting my cum, and we haven't even held hands? Or kissed? Actually," he realized, "we haven't even hugged." Sarah giggled. "Those things are about love and emotional connection," she explained. "And for me, so is sex. This?" she giggled again, mimicking a handjob in the air. "This was just making sure my fearless protector," she emphasized those words with a sultry voice "is thinking with his brain and not his cock!" She gave him a playful grin. "And; tasting a new Korean sauce. If you're really good to me, maybe I'll be trying a new Korean skincare next time." They both laughed. She paused, letting the towel drop. "Although; I wouldn't mind a hug now, if you want." Andy opened his arms and she stepped into them. They held each other, feeling the warmth of skin on skin, this simple embrace feeling somehow far more intimate than what they'd just done. Day 7, Late Night Andy lay in bed, his phone's glow illuminating his face as he scrolled through Beacon. A soft, barely audible knock at his door caught his attention. He opened it to find Crystal standing in the dark hallway. Even in the dim light cast by his phone, her stunning figure was unmistakable. She wore a delicate black lace bra that cupped and lifted her full tits, creating an enticing cleavage. A matching garter belt hugged her narrow waist, leading to sheer stockings that emphasized her long, toned legs. High-cut lace panties completed the ensemble, leaving little to the imagination. The scent of her expensive perfume, a light, floral fragrance, wafted towards him, adding to the intoxicating effect of her presence. "May I come in?" Crystal whispered, her voice barely audible. Andy nodded, stepping aside to let her enter. As she passed, he couldn't help but notice how the lace hugged the curve of her perfect, heart-shaped ass. Crystal closed the door behind her, hesitated for a brief moment, then turned to face him. "I thought I might; fulfill my end of the bargain," she said softly, her posture shifting to emphasize her curves. She took a step closer, her blue eyes locked on his. "I'm here to show my appreciation, in whatever way you'd like." Andy smiled ruefully, taking in her body but thinking about his encounter with Sarah only a few minutes ago. He knew he almost certainly wouldn't be able to get hard so soon. Not wanting to reveal this, he decided to try to play it off, raising a hand to stop her. "Hey, relax, we just got here. You don't have to worry about that right now." He forced his eyes away from her perky tits and up to her eyes. Crystal's demeanor deflated slightly, a mix of surprise, relief and disappointment crossing her face. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice small. "I; I wanted to be useful to you. I even put on this outfit, just for you, sir." She raised her arms above her head and twirled slowly like a ballerina, showing off her body from all angles. As she rotated, Andy's eyes were drawn to her long, shapely legs. The sheer stockings accentuated every curve, from her delicate ankles to her toned calves and up to her perfectly proportioned thighs. The high-cut panties drew attention to the junction where her legs met her torso, emphasizing the enticing curve of her hips. Her backside was a work of art, two rounded globes, neither too large nor too small, but ideally suited to her frame. The lace of her panties clung to the curves, outlining the heart shape of her ass and hinting at the soft valley between. Unable to help himself, Andy reached out, giving her ass an affectionate squeeze. His hand was met with an enticing balance of firmness and give, soft enough to be incredibly inviting, yet firm enough to maintain its shape, smooth and warm to the touch. Crystal jumped slightly at the contact but quickly tried to play it off, her body instinctively pressing back into his hand for a brief moment before she caught herself. "I appreciate it, truly," Andy said. "But there's no hurry. I'm sure there will be plenty of time for that later." He paused. "If you want to be useful, maybe you could start by making us all coffee in the morning." "I see," Crystal said, turning to face him again. She took a moment to regain her composure, a small smile playing on her lips. "Well, I promise it will be the best coffee you've ever had. The most mind-blowing, hot, tight, wet coffee ever." She winked. Leaning in close, she whispered in his ear, her breath hot against his skin. "If you ever change your mind, you know where to find me." With that, she turned and left the room, the soft click of the door the only sound in the quiet night. Andy sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair as he processed what had just happened. The image of Crystal in that lingerie was seared into his mind, and he knew it would be a long time before he could forget it. Day 8, Morning The early morning silence in the consulate was profound. Andy woke to sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting long shadows across his room. The building's stillness felt almost reverential, as if the world itself was holding its breath. He rose and headed to the bathroom, splashing cold water on his face and quickly freshening up. The morning routine felt almost normal, a small piece of civilization preserved in their diplomatic sanctuary. Through the window, he could see fog rolling in from the bay, wreathing the silent city in gray. The building's old pipes groaned softly as he washed, the sound echoing through the empty corridors. Andy made his way downstairs to the break room adjacent the kitchen, settling into one of the chairs. Moments later, Crystal appeared carrying a tray with coffee and sugar. She wore loose-fitting silk pajamas that somehow managed to look both casual and elegant, the fabric draping softly over her curves. The absence of a bra was subtle but noticeable, with her perky tits shaking beautifully, and her hard nipples sticking up proudly. "I wasn't sure how you liked your coffee, sir. Unfortunately we don't have milk," she said, putting a soft emphasis on the word "sir" that sent a shiver down his spine. "This is fine, I like it black, thank you," Andy replied, reaching for the cup. "You're going to work on the map of scavenging sites in the area today, right?" "Yes sir. I'll get started on it after my yoga this morning," Crystal responded with a small smile before turning to leave. She paused at the doorway. "Enjoy your coffee, I'll be in my room if you need me." Andy sipped his coffee, appreciating its rich flavor, momentarily distracted by thoughts of Crystal, before returning to scrolling through Beacon on his phone. The posts about San Francisco painted a slowly emerging picture: survivors were gradually congregating at the Presidio, though organization remained loose. Someone had started cataloging available medical supplies across the city's hospitals. Another person was working on getting a solar array functioning at the city hall. A post from the Presidio account caught his attention, they'd designated Land's End as a mass grave site, with plans to begin proper burials soon. Several volunteers with construction equipment were already clearing space. Andy made a mental note, it would be a better option than his original plan of taking the diplomat's body to the sea. He composed a quick message to Mike: "Made it to SF. Secured shelter @ Korean consulate. How's drive north? Your mom?" A few more posts mentioned growing communities forming in Marin and the East Bay, but nothing substantial yet. Most survivors seemed to be following the same instinct, head toward major population centers, look for others, try to rebuild. The Presidio's natural defensive position and former military infrastructure made it an obvious rallying point. Andy finished his coffee, letting the now familiar routine of morning research ground him in this strange new world. The sound of footsteps on the stairs drew his attention. Sarah and Daniela appeared, both looking refreshed despite their slightly sleepy expressions. The consulate's secure walls had clearly provided them their first proper rest in days. "Morning," Sarah said, stifling a yawn. She wore her usual athletic wear, while Daniela was already dressed in camo pants and a t-shirt. "Crystal made coffee, there's some in the kitchen if you want some," Andy offered, gesturing with his empty cup. "Oh god, yes please," Sarah replied, heading for the kitchen. She paused, noticing Daniela's hesitation. "Have you never had coffee?" Daniela shook her head. "Dad said I was too young." "Well, you're basically living adult life now," Sarah said gently. "Might as well try it. Here, I'll make you one." They returned moments later, Sarah handling her cup with ease while Daniela examined hers with suspicion. She took a careful sip and grimaced. "It's; intense," she said diplomatically. Sarah laughed. "Try adding some sugar. Most people don't start with it black." Daniela followed the suggestion, her expression softening as she tasted it again. "Better," she admitted. "I can see why you like it." "Have either of you checked Beacon this morning?" Andy asked. Both shook their heads, so Andy summarized what he'd learned. They listened intently. He watched as a dark expression cast over them both when he brought up the Land's End grave. "Yeah, speaking of which," he added, his tone growing more serious, "we should probably deal with the, ah, body outside. Wrap it properly until we can take it to Land's End." "I'll help," Sarah offered, squaring her shoulders slightly. "I need to get better at handling this kind of thing. Can't be squeamish anymore." Daniela set down her coffee. "I know where the large garbage bags are. They're heavy-duty, should work until we can get something better." Day 8, Midmorning "You sure you don't want to wear something more; practical?" Andy asked, watching Sarah adjust her deep blue Lululemon set in the hallway mirror. "This is practical," she insisted, giving him a little view. The tight sports bra and leggings left little to the imagination, showing off her gentle abs and toned curves. She then covered herself in the North Face jacket he'd selected for her from their scavenged supplies. "Besides, first impressions matter. We want to seem approachable." Andy checked his holstered Glock, making sure it was secure but not too visible under his jacket. "Fine, but at least wear your boots instead of those running shoes." They'd packed their backpacks thoughtfully, bottles of antibiotics carefully wrapped in cloth, and several dozen apples from the fruit stand. "The medicine is what they really need," Andy explained as they prepared to leave, "but I think fresh fruit will mean more to them emotionally. A lot of it in the city will have spoiled by now." "Makes sense," Sarah nodded, shouldering her pack. "A little taste of normal." Andy turned to Daniela, who was studying a building layout. "You good here? Remember, no answering the door-" "Unless it's you guys, I know," she cut him off with a hint of teenage exasperation. "I'll figure out the best spots for the mines and come up with a defense plan." She pointed at a few spots she had already marked on the layout. "I've already found a few spots here." Crystal looked up from where she was marking locations on a large map of San Francisco. "I've marked three promising grocery stores within walking distance," she offered, her braless chest hanging downward as she bent over the map. "I'll have a full scavenging map ready by the evening." "Perfect," Andy said. "We shouldn't be more than a few hours. Mainly just want to get a sense of what's happening at the Presidio, make some connections." He glanced at Sarah. "Ready?" Sarah nodded, and they headed out into the quiet streets of their new city. The morning fog had mostly burned off, revealing a neighborhood frozen in time. Expensive cars sat in driveways, morning newspapers still sat on pristine lawns, and recycling bins waited patiently for a pickup that would never come. The silence was absolute except for the occasional bird call and the whisper of wind through untended gardens. "Look," Sarah pointed, "A Tesla, Model Y. And it's plugged in." Andy marked the location on his phone. "Good catch. That'll be useful later when we're looking for vehicles that don't need gas." They turned onto Jackson Street, where a dark blue Rivian R1T sat parked beneath a row of cherry trees. Andy added its coordinates to their growing list of resources. The houses stood as silent witnesses to the abrupt end of normalcy, gardens still meticulously maintained, windows spotlessly clean, patio furniture arranged for evening cocktails that would never be served. Just eight days ago, this had been one of San Francisco's most exclusive neighborhoods. Now it was a museum piece, preserved in perfect, haunting detail. "It's so weird," Sarah said softly, eyes scanning the immaculate homes around them. "Everything looks exactly like it did before. Like any minute now, people will start coming out to get their mail or walk their dogs." As they walked past another row of silent houses, Sarah glanced at Andy with a playful smile. "Sleep well?" Andy caught her eye and winked. "Very well. Mind's quite clear and focused today, thank you." "Good," she said softly, reaching for his hand and giving it a quick squeeze. "Maybe we can go for round two later today." Their fingers lingered together for a moment before separating, both of them smiling as they continued their walk through the quiet neighborhood. Movement ahead caught their attention, another woman walking alone toward the Presidio. She was in her early thirties, wearing expensive yoga pants and a Patagonia fleece that had seen better days. Her brown hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, and she kept glancing around nervously as she walked. "Hey," Andy called out softly, not wanting to startle her. She jumped slightly anyway, then relaxed a bit when she saw Sarah. "Oh! Hi," she replied, maintaining a careful distance. Her wedding ring glinted in the morning light, though she was obviously alone. "Would you like an apple?" Andy offered, already reaching into his pack. "We just picked them yesterday." Her eyes lit up. "Really? Fresh fruit?" She stepped closer, accepting the apple with trembling hands. "Thank you. I've been living on protein bars and coconut water from my pantry." She took a bite immediately, closing her eyes briefly at the taste. "I'm Rachel, by the way." "I'm Andy, this is Sarah," Andy replied. "Heading to the Presidio?" Rachel nodded, wiping juice from her chin. "Yeah. I've been holed up in my apartment, but;" She gestured vaguely. "I figured I should see what's happening, maybe find other people. It's getting a little scary being alone. Are you two staying nearby?" "Yeah, we just got into the city," Andy said carefully. "We're a small group, set up at the Korean consulate." He made a mental note, another survivor with no immediately obvious useful skills for their core group. "Oh," Rachel said, seemingly hoping for an invitation that didn't come. "Well, I'm at 2740 Jackson if you; if anyone needs anything. Though I don't have much to offer." "Thanks." said Andy. "Let us know if you need anything as well." "Well, to be honest I could use some food. That's mostly why I'm going to the Presidio." "We don't have a ton to spare right now, but we are planning to go on some scavenging runs soon. We have a truck. If you wanted to join us, we could offer you a split of what we recover." "Oh, that would be great." said Rachel. "Let me get your Beacon handle, let me know when you decide to go." They walked together in silence for a few moments before Rachel spoke again. "Did either of you lose much family?" she asked quietly. "My husband was in New York for meetings when, you know." She twisted her ring absently. "We all lost people," Sarah said gently but firmly, cutting off that line of conversation. Rachel nodded, understanding the boundary. The walk continued in silence. They emerged from the tree line, and the main parade ground of the Presidio opened up before them. What had once been a pristine lawn had transformed into a makeshift settlement of perhaps four or five hundred survivors. Colorful camping tents dotted the grass in loose clusters, many bearing high-end outdoor brand names, testament to San Francisco's wealthy outdoor enthusiast population. Larger military-style tents had been erected at strategic points, including a prominent medical station marked by a red cross fashioned from spray paint. Two nurses in scrubs moved between cots visible through the open flaps. A row of folding tables had been set up near the old barracks, forming an impromptu marketplace. Someone had already established a basic trading post, advertising "batteries, solar chargers, and medicine." Next to it, a woman stood behind a table of sorted electrical equipment, carefully logging exchanges in a notebook. Hand-painted signs stuck in the ground advertised various needs and corresponding Beacon handles: "Needed: Electricians for solar project" "Volunteers wanted, water purification" "Medical Skills? Report to Tent 4" "Engineers needed, power grid planning" The gender disparity was immediately apparent, women outnumbered men significantly, matching the pattern they'd seen elsewhere. A few men in partial military or police uniforms walked the perimeter, rifles slung across their backs. One carried himself with particular authority, speaking into a handheld radio as he made his rounds. A group of women was setting up what looked like a communal kitchen, sorting through boxes of supplies. Nearby, someone had rigged a solar panel to charge phones and laptops, with a small crowd gathered around it. The air smelled of campfire smoke and cooking food, punctuated by the distinctive scent of unwashed bodies and physical labor. "Oh my god," Rachel breathed, taking in the scope of the settlement. "I had no idea there were this many," she noted, eyes wide. Andy studied the scene carefully, noting the mix of organization and chaos. While some basic systems were clearly being established, there was no real sense of central authority yet. Just people with useful skills trying to help where they could, while others waited for direction. A woman with a clipboard approached them, her manner friendly but professional. "Welcome to the Presidio Settlement. Are you here to join us or just checking in?" "The two of us are just checking in," Andy said, gesturing to Sarah. As another volunteer stepped forward to speak with Rachel, he continued, "We arrived in San Francisco yesterday, we've set up in the Korean consulate building. We brought antibiotics and some apples we snagged on the way here, wanted to offer them as a donation." He offered her one of the apples. "Donations are greatly appreciated," the clipboard woman said warmly, accepting the apple. "I'm Alice, by the way." "Are you a volunteer here?" Andy asked. "Yep, been here three days now. We're trying to make a directory of people in the area, if you're okay with me taking down your information?" Sarah glanced at Andy, who nodded. "Sure." "Okay, great." Alice flipped to a fresh page. "Name and age?" "Andy Rhee, 28." She nodded, writing. "We're cataloging useful skills. I'll read through the list, just let me know which apply: Medical training? Engineering? Electrical? Plumbing? Construction? Military experience? Hunting? Navigation? Survival skills? Agriculture? Animal husbandry? Radio operations? Vehicle maintenance? Water treatment? Solar installation?" "I was a park ranger before all this," Andy replied. "So yes to navigation, survival skills, and hunting. Basic first aid training. I'm good with radios too, amateur operator license." Alice made several check marks, nodding appreciatively. "That's actually really useful, we don't have many people with real wilderness experience. A lot of the survivors here worked in tech, myself included." She gestured at the camp. "Lots of programmers, not many who can track game or build shelters." "I'm sure," Andy said dryly. Alice turned to Sarah. "And you?" "I was;" Sarah hesitated, "just a biology student. UCLA, second year. Nothing really useful like Andy." "Hey, don't sell yourself short," Alice said kindly. "Most people here were also doing jobs that don't matter anymore. We're planning to set up training groups, teaching practical skills. Biology could be helpful with agriculture, medicine, lots of things." Sarah simply nodded, looking slightly relieved. "We have two others in our group," Andy added. "Daniela's fourteen, but she has extensive survival, hunting, and military training from her father, he was a Marine, and a; ah; prepper. She can do some vehicle maintenance too I think. And Crystal;" he paused, realizing he didn't know her age. "Well, she'd also need to reskill." Alice's eyebrows rose as she made notes. "A teenager with military training? Interesting." She flipped through her papers. "You should talk to Guillermo Herrera; he was in the Army. He's been trying to organize some basic defense planning for the Presidio. And Diana Wells has been looking for people with hunting experience, trying to put together expeditions to supplement our food supplies." She made a final note. "Do you have a Beacon handle? We're trying to keep a communication network going." Andy gave her his handle, which she copied down carefully. "Well, welcome to the Presidio," Alice said warmly. "We're glad to have people with real survival skills join the community. Even if they're not living here directly," she added with a smile. "Thanks. Oh also, you said 'We're trying to make a directory' earlier. Who is we? Some kind of leadership?" "Nothing formal yet, but there's a group. Mostly people with different types of expertise. I don't know all of them, but Megan Lunn is the one coordinating us. She's great, I trust her a lot." "Great, thanks." As they walked deeper into the settlement, Sarah moved closer to Andy, lowering her voice. "Are you sure it was smart to tell them so much? About where we're staying, our skills, Daniela's training?" Andy considered her question thoughtfully. "Well, here's what I'm thinking. The Presidio is almost certainly going to become the, or at least one of, the centers of power in San Francisco. It's inevitable. The location, the infrastructure, the natural defenses, and it's already starting to get established before anywhere else. If we ever get to a point where we regret having told them our information," He shrugged. "Well, by then we'd already be pretty screwed. We'd probably need to leave the city entirely anyway." "So little downside to being open?" Sarah asked, watching a group of women organizing supplies nearby. "Exactly. I think I'm going to try to talk to Megan and get myself involved early, try to shape how things develop." Andy kept his voice low but confident. "Being cooperative and open now gives us more influence later. If we tried to stay completely separate or, like, secretive, we'd just look suspicious. Then we'd be outsiders trying to affect things from the margins instead of a respected part of the community." Sarah nodded slowly, processing his logic. "If the Presidio is going to be the power here, might as well join it and be a leader within it. I get it." "Yeah. Don't worry," Andy assured her. To be continued. Based on a post by the hospital, for Literotica.

Carl and Mike continue with more Falcons talk and are joined by Jessie Bates III and discuss the Falcons ending their losing streak and the vibe among the vets to keep the team focused through rough patches.

Memphis rapper Big Homie G returns to Skipping Class for his second episode and gets more personal than ever. In this sit-down, he opens up about catching walking pneumonia, having to learn to walk again, and how the experience changed his mindset and music.  G also talks fatherhood, teaching his son about guns, dealing with doubt, healing from loss, and what it means to love openly as a Black man. He shares his thoughts on the biggest misconceptions about Memphis, Donald Trump sending the National Guard to the city, and Pooh Shiesty coming home from prison.  The rapper also breaks down his new project Back Active, the upcoming deluxe, working with R&B artists, and elevating the next generation of Memphis talent.  Another powerful conversation hosted by Lalaa Shepard of The Progress Report.  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bighomiieg/  https://www.instagram.com/lalaashep/  https://www.instagram.com/theprogressreport101/  https://www.instagram.com/tprmediagroup1/  Website:  https://TPRMediaGroup.com  Listen to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-progress-report-podcast/id1494070183  Listen to us on Spotify Podcasts https://open.spotify.com/show/5sBgF6wWa7NmHraP2QuBEv?si=a0f5f19b8a494fb5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leaning into the gratitude of the season, our hosts play a fun game of Thanksgiving: Would you Rather.  The hilarity of that is just  a twist and turn onto the street of the newest learning challenge for teachers everywhere: learned helplessness.  Season 3 is brought to you by our principal sponsor, Teachers' Insurance Plan. Check out their website below for more information and to get a quote. http://bit.ly/4mQC27G Teachers' Insurance Plan: auto insurance that brings exclusive educator savings and exceptional customer care to New Jersey and Pennsylvania educational employees. We want to hear from you! Shoot over an email and say hi: podthebalancingact@gmail.com Don't forget to subscribe! Leave us a comment!  Follow  Facebook - podbalact JoeandJamie Instagram - @podthebalancingact TikTok - @thebalancingactpodcast Twitter - @podbalact Youtube Channel - The Balancing Act - YouTube Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aunties on Air: "Leaning into Learning": Storytelling in Many FormsThe creativity and brilliance of indigenous people is seen throughout every sector of society. From art to science and everywhere in between, indigenous people are taking up and creating space to shine in ways never witnessed before. Some say it is the time to foster indigenous thinking and values, offering more healing and abundance for all of us. Today, we are going to learn about storytelling, film, and filmmaking. Mike Sockabasin, a Passamaquoddy filmmaker, will spend time in the studio sharing his journey and passion for his work. Sit back, lean in, and be ready to hear a story of commitment to culture and community!Wabanaki Words Used:Apc-oc (again in the future, parting, good-bye, farewell) https://pmportal.org/dictionary/apc-oc Topics Discussed:Mike Sockabasin - https://www.instagram.com/mikesockabasin/?hl=enHoulton Band of Maliseet Indians - https://maliseets.net/Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens - https://www.mainegardens.org/Ice Caves - https://mainebyfoot.com/ice-caves-debsconeag-lakes-wilderness-area/Thanksgiving Holiday History - https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-indian/2022/11/23/thanksgiving-from-an-indigenous-perspective/Motahkomikuk - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passamaquoddy_Indian_Township_ReservationDwayne Tomah - https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/t/to-tz/dwayne-tomah/Dwayne Tomah, Wax Cylinders - https://passamaquoddypeople.com/language/passamaquoddyPBS, Wax Cylinder Project Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EENc_P6rHz4“Lord of the Rings” - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings_(film_series)EMCC, CAD Program - https://www.emcc.edu/academics/programs/programs-of-study/building-construction/Lost Kitchen - https://findthelostkitchen.com/pages/watch Wabanaki Tribal Nations:Houlton Band of Maliseet  Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians | Littleton, ME (maliseets.net)Mi'kmaq Mi'kmaq Nation | Presque Isle, ME (micmac-nsn.gov)Passamaquoddy Tribe Indian Township  Passamaquoddy Tribe @ Indian Township | Peskotomuhkati MotahkomikukPassamaquoddy Tribe Sipayik  Sipayik Tribal Government – Sipayik (wabanaki.com)Penobscot Nation  Penobscot Nation | Departments & Info | Indian Island, Maine Special Thanks/Woliwon: Guests: Mike SockabasinProducer: Gavin AllenPodcast Team: Becky Soctomah Bailey, Macy Flanders

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son....These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the So... More...

We continue to drive down deeper into our real-time worldbuilding experiment armed with the comments of our listeners. Science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke formulated three adages known as Clarke's Laws that he expounded on in his writings. The third of these is the most famous, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave begin to unpack this idea of ancient technology being what makes magic in the ever-evolving, crowdsourced Boomtown Campaign Setting. Make sure to Join the Conversation!0:24 DM Dave's audio homage to the famous “slapback” effect of Sam Philips' Sun Studios.4:33 The current state of technological advancement in Boomtown.6:40 How much magic is discovered at 1st level? Where is the floor for magic in the campaign setting?10:15 Magic is being used to build and power the world.11:25 We love the idea of Masterwork and Weapons of Quality handling anything that is +1.15:30 What can you find in a general Boomtown? How damaging are run-of-the-mill firearms?16:30 Leaning into the idea of Misfires and Wild Magic. We also discuss adjusting Attunement.33:00 Building and creating magic – giving agency to the players in rediscovering magic.40:50 Flaws ands vulnerabilities in the characters and the world are what make the greatest stories.41:45 Final Thoughts.

This weeks pod! Drain clean Cleaning rampage Dryer neglect  Forgotten haircut Well groomed Kids cosmetics Panto Review  The Repro lady!  Hiding bad news  Rejection  Agony of fame  Classism in the arts! bwtbpod@gmail.com Join our Patreon for exclusive episodes and early access here! https://www.patreon.com/bwtbpod A 'Keep It Light Media' Production Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: hello@keepitlightmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi all, it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Paloma Estevez, one-half of the duo Sun & The Saint! (you'll meet Reed tomorrow!) Leaning into her ancestral genetics (it's all about creativity and talent, people!) Paloma has reimagined her life into one that is filled with much of what she's always wanted-a band she loves, a partner (in life and the band!!) who is all about hard work and fun (because you should never forget about FUN!) and so much possibility...and for Paloma (and Reed, who you'll meet tomorrow ;-)), at this point, the sky's the limit! Our conversation was truly delightful, and hearing her stories helped me understand that it is only through hard work, and deep dreaming, that we all can attain our desires! To check out Sun & The Saint, here is their website! To view their really groovy and FUN Insta, click here! And to check them out on Spotify, click here! Hooray! PLEASE REMEMBER TO RATE AND REVIEW, IT MEANS YOU REALLY, REALLY LIKE ME! (thank you Sally Field!) To watch that famous acceptance speech, click here! Your bit of beauty is this: this insanely awesome music video by Sun & The Saint, where they rock the house (or the hillside) just a little bit!!  xo

Hi all, it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Paloma Estevez, one-half of the duo Sun & The Saint! (you'll meet Reed tomorrow!) Leaning into her ancestral genetics (it's all about creativity and talent, people!) Paloma has reimagined her life into one that is filled with much of what she's always wanted-a band she loves, a partner (in life and the band!!) who is all about hard work and fun (because you should never forget about FUN!) and so much possibility...and for Paloma (and Reed, who you'll meet tomorrow ;-)), at this point, the sky's the limit! Our conversation was truly delightful, and hearing her stories helped me understand that it is only through hard work, and deep dreaming, that we all can attain our desires! To check out Sun & The Saint, here is their website! To view their really groovy and FUN Insta, click here! And to check them out on Spotify, click here! Hooray! PLEASE REMEMBER TO RATE AND REVIEW, IT MEANS YOU REALLY, REALLY LIKE ME! (thank you Sally Field!) To watch that famous acceptance speech, click here! Your bit of beauty is this: this insanely awesome music video by Sun & The Saint, where they rock the house (or the hillside) just a little bit!!  xo

Sarah is a snack person and Heather makes a foxy friend. THANK YOU to our Patrons! Please consider directly supporting us at Patreon for ad-free episodes, access to our Discord server, and all around good vibes as you help us keep the lights on.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/hsgd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I share three stories from my own writing life of ways that gratitude has helped me.Gratitude has been the number one thing that has helped me sustain my writing career! Leaning into gratitude in all different seasons has brought feelings of purpose, contentment, excitement and joy. From my journey I'm sharing: How a gratitude practice I began back in high school was the seed that began my podcastThe ways gratitude allowed me to shift my mindset and perspective What allowed me to manifest my childhood dreamThe importance of figuring out the essential gratitude you have for your writing projectTune into this week's episode to hear ways you can incorporate gratitude into your writing and life, wherever you are along the journey.And if you want to end the year by nourishing your creativity, sign up for

After a period of personal growth, loss and change, Canadian singer-songwriter Julianna Riolino is bringing some hard-won confidence to her sophomore album. It's called “Echo in the Dust” and it's out now. Julianna sat down with Tom Power to talk about the record and to set up a song titled “Be Good To Your Mother.”

It's a special birthday episode in the series! In this episode, I share how to tweak your publishing strategy to thrive right now. Mentioned in this Episode: Get a Ticket for the $400k Profit Plan Workshop (to be held 24 November): https://www.lifestylebusinessschool.co/tyis8awr Get the Online Business Model Map I Recommend for 2026: https://lifestylebusiness.school/profit-plan-lm-1Want more? Here's how we can help you: Enjoy this content? Follow and subscribe for more: → Follow Stevie on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/steviedillon_/ → Subscribe on Substack — https://lifestylebusinessschool.substack.com

Tune in for key insights on data-driven decision making, navigating business partnerships, and developing strong relationships with customers, peers, and vendors.

Aunties on Air: The Voices of Our AncestorsWe continue to lean into learning with Dwayne Tomah after his visit with us in our "Leaning into Learning" series where we spoke with him about our language! Throughout history, we have seen significant contributions to Wabanaki culture and language, with each contribution deserving discussion and visibility. Today, in the studio, we welcome back Uncle Dwayne Tomah, a language and culture sharer. Dwayne's work is felt throughout Wabanaki territory, as his generosity and gentle teachings have reached many people. During our episode we will discuss Dwayne's work on the 1890 Passamaquoddy Wax Cylinders, the first audio recordings of our ancestors. Wabanaki Words Used:Apc-oc (again in the future, parting, good-bye, farewell) https://pmportal.org/dictionary/apc-oc Topics Discussed:Dwayne Tomah - https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/t/to-tz/dwayne-tomah/VWax Cylinder Project - https://passamaquoddypeople.com/language/passamaquoddyJesse Walter Fewkes - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Walter_FewkesLibrary of Congress - https://www.loc.gov/Donald Soctomah - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_SoctomahRoger Paul - https://umaine.edu/nativeamericanprograms/people/rogerpaul/Augusta, Maine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusta,_MaineState House (Augusta) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine_State_HouseUniversity of Maine - https://umaine.edu/PM Portal - https://pmportal.org/Snake Dance (Video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-FDXr6q0qg Wabanaki Tribal Nations:Houlton Band of Maliseet  Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians | Littleton, ME (maliseets.net)Mi'kmaq Mi'kmaq Nation | Presque Isle, ME (micmac-nsn.gov)Passamaquoddy Tribe Indian Township  Passamaquoddy Tribe @ Indian Township | Peskotomuhkati MotahkomikukPassamaquoddy Tribe Sipayik  Sipayik Tribal Government – Sipayik (wabanaki.com)Penobscot Nation  Penobscot Nation | Departments & Info | Indian Island, Maine Special Thanks/Woliwon: Guests: Dwayne TomahProducer: Gavin AllenPodcast Team: Becky Soctomah Bailey, Macy Flanders

In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations, host Mundanara Bayles chats with Aaliyah Bula - a proud Tongan, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi woman, athlete and community leader - about what mental fitness means to her. Aaliyah’s journey is one of strength, connection and cultural pride. Aaliyah has always balanced her passion for culture with her drive in sport. She’s played Open Women’s footy with the Redfern All Blacks and continues her rugby league journey with the Canterbury Bulldogs U19s Tarsha Gale squad. In 2025, she joined the Wests Tigers NRLW as a development player. Aaliyah’s insights remind us that mental fitness is about surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, staying proud of where you come from and trusting your own path. Whether you’re an athlete, a student or just navigating life’s ups and downs, this episode is a reminder that small actions - like leaning on your mates, practising gratitude and staying connected - can make a big difference to your mental wellbeing. Resources and linksFind out more about Gotcha4Life at www.gotcha4life.org and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @gotcha4life and on Instagram @blackmagicwomanpodcast. The Gotcha4Life Mental Fitness Gym App is free and available now. Download it today and start your first mental workout online. Follow Aaliyah on Instagram @aaliyahbula About the podcastHosted by award-winning Indigenous businesswoman and Gotcha4Life Board Member Mundanara Bayles, and produced in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mental Fitness Conversations centres First Nations voices in powerful conversations about culture, connection and what truly sustains mental fitness. Content noteThis episode includes discussion of mental health challenges which may be confronting. Please practise self-care and reach out if you need support. Services available 24/7 include 13YARN on 13 92 76 and Lifeline on 13 11 14.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rookies are often told to stick to one investing strategy, but today's guest is going against the grain by combining the long-term appreciation of rental properties and the passive income of private money lending. Want to build a diversified real estate portfolio that can weather any kind of market shift or job loss? He has the blueprint! Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! Shalom Yusufov's first real estate deal wasn't your average single-family rental. In fact, it wasn't a rental at all, but a private lending opportunity that gave him a whopping 11% return. Leaning on the experience from that first deal, Shalom has gone on to complete several private money deals, start his own fund, and buy nine cash-flowing rental units in just ONE year! But it hasn't been all smooth sailing. In this episode, Shalom discusses one of the deals that went south and why it's so crucial to vet both the property and the borrower on every private money deal. He also talks about why you should always have multiple exit strategies, and why becoming a landlord isn't quite as time-consuming as some would have you think! In This Episode We Cover: How to get into private money lending (even if you don't have a ton of cash!) The number one thing new investors get wrong when vetting a private money deal How to lower your investing risk with a diversified real estate portfolio Why you should always have multiple exit strategies when lending to other investors Choosing the right market to invest in when your backyard is too expensive And So Much More! Check out more resources from this show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BiggerPockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/rookie-641 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠advertise@biggerpockets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leaning on God when you're living through a lean season. Sometimes life looks like Pharaoh's dream—ugly cows and empty ears. The abundance fades, plans dry up, and we're left wondering where God is in the scarcity. But lean seasons aren't a punishment; they're part of life. Hidden in those seasons are silos of grace and blessings that we can't live without. In Ugly Cows and Empty Ears, we'll learn how to find God's purpose in seasons of lack. When we lean on Jesus and lean into community, we discover that even in the famine, God is still faithful—and He's storing up something great for the days ahead.

Send us a textIn the middle of the holiday rush, when our homes fill with decorations, to-dos, and expectations, God gently invites us into something different — simplicity, peace, and trust.In this episode, I'm sharing our very real, very current journey of moving and letting go of “stuff” from three different houses… right in the holiday season. As we sort, pack, release, and simplify, God has been whispering reminders about what truly matters: His presence, His peace, and the people He's placed in our lives.If you're craving a quiet reset before Thanksgiving and Christmas — a moment to breathe and remember what this season is really about — this reflection is for you.We'll walk through Scriptures that speak directly to 

D&P Highlight: More and more people are leaning into AI...what does that mean for the future? full 566 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:57:00 +0000 UOCDN5Q0BEGdOLMybUN00Pnz8jJ2ZzLz news The Dana & Parks Podcast news D&P Highlight: More and more people are leaning into AI...what does that mean for the future? You wanted it... Now here it is! Listen to each hour of the Dana & Parks Show whenever and wherever you want! © 2025 Audacy, Inc. News False

LSU is leaning into a two quarterback system and we're breaking it all down. Our senior writer Glen West gives his thoughts and reaction to Frank Wilson's comments on playing both Garrett Nussmeier and Michael Van Buren over the month of November. Also discusses how this can be a positive learning experience for both the Tigers and Van Buren as they keep an eye on the future, Garrett Nussmeier's nightmarish season and how he can benefit from a strong finish to 2025. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Autumn has a way of stirring change—new rhythms, new challenges, and sometimes, new wounds. Whether you’re navigating loss, transition, or a season that feels heavier than you expected, Isaiah 41:10 offers a grounding truth: God upholds you with His righteous right hand. Even when change feels overwhelming, His presence remains steady, strong, and unchanging. Highlights Seasons shift, but God’s presence stays constant and close. Painful change—loss, transition, uncertainty—can become part of a redeemed story in God’s hands. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that God strengthens, helps, and upholds us. God goes before us and delights in us, offering peace in the midst of upheaval. Change doesn’t get the final word—God does. Leaning into Scripture and prayer can anchor your heart during difficult transitions. His love brings the hope needed to face whatever lies ahead. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Embracing Change This AutumnBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 Throughout the seasons, we face various changes. Depending on your own individual experiences, some seasons hold more changes than others. When I was a kid, autumn was a major season of change because it was when I started school, had to figure out my class schedules, and tried to make new friends. I remember this caused me immense anxiety. I had to switch to an entirely new school when I entered middle school, and I didn't know anyone there. My sixth-grade year held a few massive changes that ultimately brought a lot of pain into my life. Due to bullying, my mom had to take me out of public school and started homeschooling me with my sisters for the following school year. Seasons of change come and go in our lives. Maybe this autumn happens to be a big season of change for you. Changes aren’t always bad, but it’s the tough ones that seem to leave the biggest marks on our lives. Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one, walked away from a marriage, or lost a job. Bring any of these pains and set them at the foot of the cross. Allow Jesus to transform these painful changes into part of your story; one where He is changing ashes to beauty. Intersecting Faith & Life: God tells us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). As God says in this passage, He is with us, He will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand. Regardless of the changes that are going on this autumn, He is still with you, and He will keep your heart steady. Some changes can feel unbearable, but they can become manageable when we know the Lord is with us. God goes before us, regardless of the storm we are facing. He takes great delight in us and rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). This can give us the strength that we need to face what is ahead. Turn to Him today and let His love give you the hope you need. The change you are facing may feel overwhelming, but it does not get the final word. God has already defeated all things. Whether this autumn brings much change or not, we know God is with us always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20). May we all lift His Name in praise and worship today. Change can be hard. What are some changes you have had to go through in previous seasons? Did these changes impart any lasting lessons? What are some ways you can be reminded of God’s love and strength this autumn? Try a daily Bible study or prayer journal that can help you stay focused on His unchanging love. Further Reading: Matthew 1:23 Romans 8:31 Psalm 23:1-6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, you'll discover:Why being lied to reveals exactly what someone fears mostThe counterintuitive question that makes people open up without feeling interrogatedHow reading comfort shifts unlocks influence without manipulationEver notice how some people just have it? They walk into a room and within minutes, people are opening up to them. Sharing things they normally keep locked away. Laughing harder. Leaning in closer. And you're standing there thinking, what am I missing?Here's the secret nobody wants to admit. Those people aren't more charismatic. They're not better looking or funnier or more interesting. They've just figured out something most of us completely overlook. They've learned to make other people feel like the most fascinating person in the room.I spent years thinking I needed to be more interesting to be a better conversationalist. I'd prep stories, practice witty comebacks, show up armed with impressive facts. And I'd leave every conversation feeling exhausted and weirdly disconnected. Because I was performing instead of connecting. I was broadcasting instead of receiving. I was so focused on what I was going to say next that I missed everything actually happening in front of me.Then I had kids. And suddenly I was faced with these tiny humans who would lie about the weirdest things, shut down at the slightest hint of judgment, and needed me to understand what they couldn't yet articulate. And I realized something that changed everything. The skills that make you an incredible parent are the exact same skills that make you magnetic in every other area of your life.When you learn to listen in a way that makes people feel truly seen, you become the person everyone wants to talk to. The friend people call when life falls apart. The leader people trust with the truth. The partner who actually understands what's being said underneath the words.Today our guest is Michael Reddington, a former investigative interviewer who spent his career getting people to share sensitive information under vulnerable circumstances. He's the author of The Disciplined Listening Method and founder of Inquasive, where he teaches the observation and questioning skills that transform ordinary conversations into genuine connection.Links from the episode:Show Notes: mindlove.com/426Join the Mind Love CollectiveSign up for The Morning Mind Love for short daily notes to wake up inspiredSupport Mind Love SponsorsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.