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The chief sustainability officer (CSO) is moving from a siloed function to a strategic, finance-aligned partner. In this episode of The Pre-Read, Workiva Chief Sustainability Officer Mandi McReynolds sits down with Serena Oppenheim, co-founder of Fin-Erth, to discuss the need for a tighter integration between the CFO and the CSO, framing sustainability as enterprise risk management. Serena Oppenheim explains why genuine community, not transactional networking, is the key to tackling big business problems. Learn about the power of the small ask—focusing on manageable tasks that impact business and society. Mandi and Serena also share: Why the CFO, CSO, and CIO worlds are starting to work together The growing frustration when the sustainability function sits in a silo How to build your own "table" with people who will challenge your thinking The importance of asking different questions in a new executive role Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:50 Climate Week takeaways: The partnership of the CFO and CSO 03:30 Framing sustainability as enterprise risk management 04:20 Serena Oppenheim on building trust and community 05:15 The power of the small ask 07:10 Why traditional networking is awful for introverts 09:40 The accidental birth of Thin Earth as a community 12:50 Being intentional with C-suite relationships 17:00 How to build your own table with dissenters 20:45 Leaning into a different perspective at the executive table 25:00 Finding your business superpower to build your table 2 8:00 Driving strategy by looking at financial and sustainability data together
In this episode we're joined by Enzo Mthethwa - our naked roving reporter from San Francisco.Leaning in to our shared passion for vintage gay porn, we're doing a deep dive on the classic film, Boys in the Sand - a 1971 film by Wakefield Poole.Host: Gareth Johnson (www.gtv.blue)
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.
This week on The Sound Kitchen, you'll hear the answer to the question about the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. There are your answers to the bonus question on “The Listeners Corner” with Paul Myers, and a tasty musical dessert from Erwan Rome on “Music from Erwan”. All that and the new quiz and bonus questions too, so click the “Play” button above and enjoy! Hello everyone! Welcome to The Sound Kitchen weekly podcast, published every Saturday here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. You'll hear the winner's names announced and the week's quiz question, along with all the other ingredients you've grown accustomed to: your letters and essays, “On This Day”, quirky facts and news, interviews, and great music … so be sure and listen every week. It sounds early, but it's not. 2026 is right around the corner, and I know you want to be a part of our annual New Year celebration, where, with special guests, we read your New Year's resolutions. So start thinking now, and get your resolutions to me by 15 December. You don't want to miss out! Send your New Year's resolutions to thesoundkitchen@rfi.fr Erwan and I are busy cooking up special shows with your music requests, so get them in! Send your music requests to thesoundkitchen@rfi.fr Tell us why you like the piece of music, too – it makes it more interesting for us all! Facebook: Be sure to send your photos for the RFI English Listeners Forum banner to thesoundkitchen@rfi.fr More tech news: Did you know we have a YouTube channel? Just go to YouTube and write RFI English in the search bar, and there we are! Be sure to subscribe to see all our videos. Would you like to learn French? RFI is here to help you! Our website “Le Français facile avec rfi” has news broadcasts in slow, simple French, as well as bilingual radio dramas (with real actors!) and exercises to practice what you have heard. Go to our website and get started! At the top of the page, click on “Test level”, and you'll be counseled on the best-suited activities for your level according to your score. Do not give up! As Lidwien van Dixhoorn, the head of “Le Français facile” service, told me: “Bathe your ears in the sound of the language, and eventually, you'll get it”. She should know – Lidwien is Dutch and came to France hardly able to say “bonjour” and now she heads this key RFI department – so stick with it! Be sure you check out our wonderful podcasts! In addition to the breaking news articles on our site, with in-depth analysis of current affairs in France and across the globe, we have several podcasts that will leave you hungry for more. There's Spotlight on France, Spotlight on Africa, the International Report, and of course, The Sound Kitchen. We also have an award-winning bilingual series - an old-time radio show, with actors (!) to help you learn French, called Les voisins du 12 bis. Remember, podcasts are radio, too! As you see, sound is still quite present in the RFI English service. Please keep checking our website for updates on the latest from our excellent staff of journalists. You never know what we'll surprise you with! To listen to our podcasts from your PC, go to our website; you'll see “Podcasts” at the top of the page. You can either listen directly or subscribe and receive them directly on your mobile phone. To listen to our podcasts from your mobile phone, slide through the tabs just under the lead article (the first tab is “Headline News”) until you see “Podcasts”, and choose your show. Teachers take note! I save postcards and stamps from all over the world to send to you for your students. If you would like stamps and postcards for your students, just write and let me know. The address is english.service@rfi.fr If you would like to donate stamps and postcards, feel free! Our address is listed below. Independent RFI English Clubs: Be sure to always include Audrey Iattoni (audrey.iattoni@rfi.fr) from our Listener Relations department in all your RFI Club correspondence. Remember to copy me (thesoundkitchen@rfi.fr) when you write to her so that I know what is going on, too. N.B.: You do not need to send her your quiz answers! Email overload! This week's quiz: On 11 October, I asked you to send in the answer to these two questions: Who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, and why was she chosen? The answers are: The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize went to the Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, because she is, as Nobel Committee chair Jorgen Watne Frydnes said, “One of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times." In addition to the quiz question, there was the bonus question, suggested by RFI Listeners Club member Jocelyne D'Errico, who lives in New Zealand. Her question was: “What is the hardest problem you had to resolve in your work or school life?” Do you have a bonus question idea? Send it to us! The winners are: RFI English listener Shahanoaz Parvin Ripa, the chairwoman of the Sonali Badhan Female Listeners Club in Bogura, Bangladesh. Shahanoaz is also the winner of this week's bonus question. Congratulations on your double win, Shahanoaz. Also on the list of lucky winners this week are Ras Franz Manko Ngogo, the president of the Kemogemba RFI Club in Tarime, Mara, Tanzania. There's Rubi Saikia, a member of the United RFI Listeners Club in Assam, India; RFI Listeners Club member Helmut Matt from Herbolzheim, Germany, and last but not least, RFI English listener H. M. Tarek from Narayanganj, Bangladesh. Congratulations winners! Here's the music you heard on this week's program: “Le matin d´un jour de féte” from Claude Debussy's Iberia, performed by the Czech Philhamonic conducted by Jean Fournet; “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon, performed by John Lennon & Friends; “The Flight of the Bumblebee” by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov; “The Cakewalk” from Children's Corner by Claude Debussy, performed by the composer, and “Nine Over Reggae” by Jack DeJohnette, performed by DeJohnette, Pat Metheny, and Herbie Hancock. Do you have a music request? Send it to thesoundkitchen@rfi.fr This week's question ... you must listen to the show to participate. After you've listened to the show, re-read Michael Sarpong Mfum's article “Invasive water hyacinths choke wildlife and livelihoods in southern Ghana”, which will help you with the answer. You have until 1 December to enter this week's quiz; the winners will be announced on the 6 December podcast. When you enter, be sure to send your postal address with your answer, and if you have one, your RFI Listeners Club membership number. Send your answers to: english.service@rfi.fr or Susan Owensby RFI – The Sound Kitchen 80, rue Camille Desmoulins 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux France Click here to find out how you can win a special Sound Kitchen prize. Click here to find out how you can become a member of the RFI Listeners Club, or form your own official RFI Club.
Weather Forecast: Big winter cooldown coming this weekend with lows in the teens and highs in the upper 20s-low 30s Potential snowfall of 1-5 inches across northern Iowa Saturday into Sunday Temperatures warming back to the 50s early next week Leaning warmer and slightly wetter pattern continues in 8-14 day outlook (Nov 13-19) Historical Weather: Looking back at the November 6, 1990 snowstorm that brought up to 8.5 inches of snow and a record low of -1°F Recent Conditions: Six consecutive weeks of above-average temperatures ended with near-normal conditions at the end of October Western Iowa received a quarter of its monthly precipitation in just two days Fall foliage peaked with recent windy conditions Specialty Crop Impacts: Urgent: Harvest root crops (carrots, beets, radishes) before weekend freeze Protect lettuce with low tunnels; spinach and garlic can withstand cold Venting strategies for high and low tunnels to prevent moisture buildup and acclimate crops to cold Plant garlic now if you haven't already Tips on heating high tunnels for winter production Looking Ahead: The podcast moves to a monthly schedule for the winter with the next episode on Wednesday, December 3rd.
Drew Perkins talks with Shane Leaning about his new book, Change Starts Here: What If Everything Your School Needed Was Right in Front of You? Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode
In the protein bars market, the rarity of what BUILT Brands hopes to achieve shouldn't be overlooked, but that doesn't mean it won't have ample exit optionality. So, a few weeks ago…citing those elusive “sources familiar with the matter,” BUILT Brands (maker of BUILT bars) reportedly hired an investment brand to explore an exit that could potentially value the protein bar producer at more than $1 billion. And I'm making such a big fuss about that financial echelon mainly because (even with plenty of “upper middle market” deals recently) there have only been two verifiable examples of billion-dollar exit events since the creation of the modern protein bar category about three decades ago. The first was Simply Good Foods acquiring Quest Nutrition for $1 billion in August 2019. Then, about five years after that M&A activity…an international private equity firm became the lead investor in Vitamin Well Group (maker of Barebells) that valued it at around $3.3 billion. But from my understanding, the product origin story began as basically an unsuccessful “garage type hobby business” until CEO Nick Greer was made aware of it through friends and invested (partnered) with BUILT Brands sometime in 2018. Then, after a few years of growth…Nick Greer bought out his business partner, which I assume coincided with a collection of key business events in 2020. These included relocating headquarters (and opening a new production facility), returning to its original proprietary bar formulation, developing its new “puff” bar concept, and announcing USANA Health Sciences made a minority investment in BUILT Brands. However, like any great “math word problem,” only some details truly provide value in determining the correct route before solving our billion-dollar question! Though, maybe most impactful to BUILT Brands (especially if also observing contagion effects) revolves around the nuanced strategic shift sparked by its “puff” bar line extension. Leaning into the famous derogatory categorical statement, that protein bars are basically just “candy bars with added protein,” BUILT Brands created a comparable (but guilt-free) confectionery (candy-like) consumption experience. And consumers have fallen in love with the BUILT Puff Bars combination of its nutritional profile, unique marshmallowy texture, and wide variety of popular dessert-like flavors. Equally, since protein bars are mostly a contract manufacturing “follow the leader” dominated category with a “sea of sameness” market composition…BUILT Brands not fearing form factor uniqueness (complexity) proved to be an important decision. Moreover, by possessing its own manufacturing facility…BUILT Brands retained defensibility from the production process of that (commercially popular) differentiated product. And these strategic decisions will prove significantly valuable towards the quest for a billion-dollar exit, as interested suitors in BUILT Brands (especially certain parties) should fully understand these are non-negotiable when deriving any kind of long-term competitive advantage across the “protein snacking” space. So then, do I honestly think BUILT Brands will be acquired for a billion dollars (or more)? Based on insights trusted parties have shared with me regarding the financial statements, the M&A transaction value for BUILT Brands will most likely land somewhere materially above the $1 billion paid for Quest Nutrition and below the $3.3 billion implied valuation for Vitamin Well Group.
Wednesday:In this episode, we are seeking the Lord on behalf of several right now issues that we are facing on this earth. We are praying for our children, our parents, our loved ones that are suffering with sicknesses, and we are lifting up our leaders. Thank you for being a supporter of this podcast as I grow and learn things will become more like previous episodes, but I do not want to delay the podcast while I learn how to use the new format. Thank you for all of your support. Thank you for your shares. Thank you for joining your faith with my faith so that we can see God move upon the face of the earth if you have a prayer request, you can text 843-790-4229 or submit it by email to seeingwithoutseeing2020@gmail.com. Please put prayer request in the subject line. That email address can be used on Zelle and PayPal. If you desire to sow a seed, you can do that also on cash app at $seeingwithoutseeing. Thank you once again for your support please share this and believe God with us as we seek God.
This week's mindful moment is a quiet invitation to rest: lean against something. It might be a wall, a tree, a fence—whatever's nearby. Gently press your back or shoulder into it and allow yourself to feel fully supported. Close your eyes if that feels good, and take a few slow, grounding breaths. This practice is about more than physical rest—it's a reminder that you don't have to hold everything yourself. Leaning, even for a moment, creates a pause where the body and nervous system can soften. It's a simple act of surrender, and sometimes that's exactly what you need. This gentle reset not only relaxes your face but signals your entire nervous system to let go. One small action can ripple through your whole body—bringing ease, calm, and a quiet return to presence. Spend just five minutes with this practice, and see how it can bring calm and clarity to your day. For more mindfulness ideas, head over to our ebook with 24 Simple Mindfulness strategies: https://fitmindfitbody.co/books/ Help us spread the mindfulness: 1️⃣ If you're enjoying our podcast, please leave a like and review. Your support helps others discover the joy of mindful running. 2️⃣ Have a story or know a runner who'd be perfect for our podcast? Reach out to us on Facebook/Instagram or email (Michelle @ FitMINDFitBODY .co ).
Mind Love • Modern Mindfulness to Think, Feel, and Live Well
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.
Parenting Anxious Teens | Parenting Teens, Managing Teen Anxiety, Parenting Strategies
Hi Parents! Parenting through fear can feel overwhelming, especially when your teen is anxious and you're trying to stay strong for everyone. But what if the real key to peace isn't found in control, but in trust - trusting that God is guiding both you and your teen through every step? In this episode, I'm joined by Heather O'Brien, prophetic healing coach, minister, author, and host of the globally ranked Heal with God podcast. Together, we talk about how to lean into faith when fear feels loud, and how parents can model courage, calm, and confidence by anchoring themselves in God's truth. Heather shares how to discern God's voice in everyday moments, the role of gratitude and prayer in easing anxiety, and how self-awareness can help you respond to your teen with love instead of fear. We also explore what it looks like to break anxious patterns by listening, slowing down, and allowing God to lead both you and your family toward healing. More About Heather: Heather O'Brien helps Christians heal by learning to hear God's voice. She guides people toward forgiveness, spiritual restoration, and deeper connection with God, reminding us that through Him, even the deepest wounds can be healed. She also hosts a workshop every third Monday of the month. It's an opportunity to lay down the things that keep you feeling anxious or uncertain and invite God to bring healing and clarity into your heart. If you've ever felt like you're doing this parenting thing on your own, this conversation will remind you that faith doesn't remove the fear - it transforms it. Big hugs, Monica Crnogorac Next Steps Book a Free Discovery Call Visit My Website for More Information on My 8-Week Program Connect With Me on Instagram
With host retail coach Wendy Batten https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/ In This Episode: Are you feeling burnout creep in? Are you just plain tired of making all of the decisions? You're not alone. In this episode, I'm getting honest about burnout, decision fatigue, and what really causes that drained, frazzled feeling. (Hint: it's not just working too much!) Through my own recent experience, I'm sharing how leaning into trusted mentors and peers can reignite clarity, confidence, and momentum. I know you'll walk away inspired to simplify, close open loops, and stop overcomplicating your next steps. What You'll Learn About Burnout and Overwhelm in Retail: Why burnout often stems from indecision, not just overwork The power of leaning into the support of others instead of trying to "figure it out" alone How to fast-track decision-making by trusting mentors and peers The importance of investing in both mindset and skill-building at every stage Your Next Steps: What "open loops" from your to-do/results list can you close this week? Make a short list and carve out a small amount of time everyday to get them closed. Remember: You don't have to do it alone! You can do, delegate, delete, or defer. If you are looking for a place for valuable support from your peers in retail, I'd love to see you inside my Level Up Mastermind. We are a small group of retailers who are growing our businesses with trusted support, honest feedback, and the accountability that keeps burnout at bay. Apply now and take your next step toward light, confident leadership. Related podcasts we think you'll like: Episode 185: Avoid Burnout with Guest Expert Dr. Ashley Margeson Episode 230: Takeaways from my Mastermind Retreat: Building Connections and Strong Businesses Episode 261: How to Stay Focused and Get Things Done About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met yet, I'm Wendy Batten, retail business coach and founder of the Retailer's Inner Circle. With over 30 years of experience running successful businesses, I now help independent shop owners grow profitably and sustainably—with more confidence and joy. I've had my own business columns in featured magazines, such as What Women Create and other top publications, worked with some of the top industry brands as retail care manager, and I've supported hundreds of retailers through coaching, speaking, my programs, and this podcast. For more support from Wendy Join Wendy's CEO Planning Session for Retailers Retailer's Inner Circle - Join Wendy inside the best retailer's community Free resources for shop owners Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes! Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!
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.
What happens when over a thousand climate-focused events converge in one city? At Climate Week NYC 2025, the private sector showed up in force, bringing bold ideas, collaborative energy and a clear shift from strategy to delivery. In this episode of EY Sustainability Matters, host Matthew Bell shares insights from leaders across various industries-utilities, consumer goods, technology and agriculture-as well as NGOs interviewed on the sidelines of EY-hosted events. Hear how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming sustainability efforts, enabling smarter and faster decisions in the race against time. Discover why nature is no longer just an ethical concern but a material business priority. Learn how cross-sector partnerships are unlocking regenerative practices and reshaping supply chains. From boardroom strategies to landscape-level collaboration, this episode captures the pulse of NY Climate Week and the momentum building toward the upcoming COP30 in Brazil. Collaboration and cross-sector partnerships can unlock scalable climate and nature solutions, especially in agriculture and energy. Nature is now strategic, and businesses are integrating nature into core operations for resilience and profitability. From predictive analytics to emissions reduction, AI is accelerating sustainability with speed and precision. @2025 Ernst & Young LLP
For almost a decade, Melbourne alternative rockers Bad Juju have walked the tightrope between various genres, unafraid to experiment within or outside of their comfort zone.With a unique blending of 90's grunge, 00's nu metal and modern hardcore, the band have opened up differing sides to their musical psyche with every release, and have done so again on their most recent EP, Simulacra. The release draws inspiration from the concept of simulacra and simulation, and explores the distortion of reality in the digital age. Each track unpacks themes of identity, perception, and the struggle to find authenticity in a world of artificial narratives.With the album being out for one week, HEAVY caught up with drummer Drue Herring to discuss the new music and more."The reception's been great so far," Herring smiled. "With this new EP, we went back to our heavier roots. Seeing as we all come from heavier bands, it was nice to blend a little bit of the younger musicians' taste that we've been playing in previous bands before into this new body of work. Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Korn, all that type of stuff is music that all of us guys grew up on. We just wanted to influence a little bit of that type of sound towards what we were previously doing. And also just on the back of that, just for the live shows, we always feel like those heavier types of songs that are a bit more energetic and a bit faster, just have an overall better type of vibe."In the full interview, Drue highlights the positive early reception for Simulacra and describes the EP as their most ambitious work, drawing inspiration from influential bands like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit to create a more energetic sound. He explains the collaborative songwriting process, where guitarists develop initial ideas before the group finalizes the tracks and how the songs came together.The discussion also includes the revival of vinyl records, with a limited edition of the EP being pressed, how much further Bad Juju will go with their sound, how this is the band's most ambitious release, finding the balance between genres in the creative process and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.
No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning | Technology | Startups
2025 has thus far been a year of great leaps and advances in AI technology. And Sarah and Elad have spoken with some of the most enterprising founders and scientific minds in the field of AI today. So we're revisiting a few of our favorite conversations on No Priors so far in 2025 – Winston Weinberg (Harvey), Dr. Fei-Fei Li (World Labs), Brendan Foody (Mercor), Dan Hendrycks (Center for AI Safety), Noubar Afeyan (Flagship Pioneering), Brandon McKinzie and Eric Mitchell (OpenAI o3), Isa Fulford (OpenAI), Arvind Jain (Glen), and Dr. Shiv Rao (Abridge). Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to show@no-priors.com Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil Chapters: 00:00 – Episode Introduction 0:21 – Winston Weinberg on Leaning into New Capabilities 02:01 – Dr. Fei-Fei Li on Spatial Intelligence 04:13 – Brendan Foody on AI Disruption in the Workforce 06:10 – Dan Hendrycks on the Geopolitics of Superintelligence 08:06 – Noubar Afeyan on Entrepreneurship 10:38 – Brandon McKinzie and Eric Mitchell on Reasoning Models 12:41 – Isa Fulford on Training Deep Research 13:49 – Arvind Jain on Innovating Enterprise Search 16:21 – Dr. Shiv Rao on AI's Human Impact 18:58 – Conclusion
Michael Whitaker, who goes by Whit, is a sustainability and innovation leader with a strong academic background in civil and environmental engineering, capped by a PhD in sustainable urban infrastructure. He founded a company dedicated to measuring urban sustainability, which was acquired by ICF International in 2012. Currently, Whit leads organizational innovation and AI strategy at ICF, a $2 billion professional services and technology firm. Beyond his corporate role, he authors a Substack newsletter, Navigating AI Transitions with Whit, where he explores how AI affects work, parenting, and education. Based in Boulder, Colorado, he's also an engaged parent and advocate for integrating AI responsibly in schools. Whit will be doing a workshop on Navigating AI: Build Your Parent Playbook. Turn uncertainty into clarity, confidence, and empowerment On Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Register Here: https://parentengagementnetwork.org/navigating-ai/ In this podcast, we talk about: How society is adapting to AI. Leaning into a rapidly changing and unknown area. Conversations to have with your children. Timeless lessons you are already teaching your children that can be applied to AI. Three important conversations you need to have with your children. Maintaining creativity, mastery and grit in learning. Staying grounded in family values. The real risks to children and how to navigate them. Understanding what you are gaining and giving up when you use AI. Waypoints that can serve as boundaries for engaging with AI. Applying what you already know works to talk to your children about hard things. Resources: Substack Newsletter: Navigating AI Transitions with Whit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwhitakericf/ Email: mbwhit10@gmail.com Direct links to some of Whit's most relevant Substack posts: Back to School with AI: The Clarity Crisis: school AI policies are buried - if you can't explain it in 30 seconds, you've already lost parents and students. The AI Values Gap, Reflected: AI policies should be grounded in the broader values of the district / school and their educational philosophy - not isolated to a technology issue. The AI Policy I Shared with My School Board: here's the language I shared with BVSD's board for an overall policy that would balance preparing our students to engage with AI with teacher autonomy in the classroom. Beyond AI Literacy: A Future-Ready and Protective Framework for Schools - starter ideas including model language for how to integrate AI into cross-disciplinary academic standards to prepare students for the AI-infused world they are entering while protecting their developing minds by building AI-oriented lessons into social emotional learning domains. How to Start Changing the AI Dynamics in School this Fall - a couple ideas for in classroom ways to start integrating AI. Wake Up with Whit: Preparing Kids for AI While Protecting Their Developing Minds: a ten minute coffee-talk style video post discussing the imperative for schools to both Prepare kids for the AI future and Protect their developing brains with examples of how some teachers are doing this well now.
Iris and Sam have a sexy ‘deflowering' party for two on Halloween. by MoonlitOpal. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. On a beautiful late October afternoon, Sam and I decided to eat lunch outside the call center where we worked. Sitting on a wooden bench near the building entrance, we dug into the sandwiches we'd brought from home. “It's such a gorgeous day,” I sighed. The sky held no trace of clouds, and a maple to my right was spectacular in its display of scarlet foliage. Breathing deep, I delighted in the cool, crisp air.“Soon it's going to be freezing,” Sam said. We'd been working together for almost a year, long enough for me to know he preferred summer to colder weather. “Then there will be no lunches for you and me outside, Iris. We'll be stuck inside the cafeteria for months.” I knew he was right, but I wouldn't let thoughts of winter, with its frigid days and waning light, dampen my mood. Sam and I chatted about work and how hectic things had been as of late, and after I finished my sandwich, I reached for the small bag of candy corn I'd packed for dessert. Though I knew Sam didn't share my love of sweets, I offered some to him anyway. He shook his head. “No, thank you.” “Oh, come on!” I insisted. “It's almost Halloween! It's practically tradition to eat candy corn this time of year.” He looked at me with an amused smile, and I couldn't help feeling a nervous flutter deep in the pit of my stomach. Sam was twenty-three, a year older than I, and he had gorgeous brown eyes, so expressive they could make a girl's heart melt. His dark hair seemed in constant need of a trim; sometimes I had to resist the urge to run my fingers through it and brush it back from his face. “My family never celebrated Halloween,” Sam revealed. I remembered him mentioning that his parents were extremely religious. Sam didn't strike me as particularly devout, and I got a sense that his lack of faith had caused a rift between him and the rest of his family. “It's just like any other day to me,” he went on. I loved Halloween, though being a shy introvert, I never did much to enjoy the festivities. Parties and crowds made me break out in a sweat, so I usually spent Halloween at my mom's house, where we would hand out candy and watch scary movies while eating enough junk food to give us a sugar high. This year, however, she had to travel for work, and I'd resigned myself to spending Halloween alone in my apartment. Turning toward Sam now, I playfully held out my tongue so he could see the piece of candy corn resting on it. “You should get dressed up and binge on candy at least once in your life,” I told him. “Well, what about you?” he asked. “What are your plans for Halloween?” I shrugged. “My social life is pretty much nonexistent, so I don't have any. Unless…” My heart suddenly felt like it was pounding in my throat, and my mouth grew dry from nervousness. I averted my stare, then sneaked a glance at him. “Unless you want to come over to my apartment,” I finally managed to say. My ability to flirt was abysmal; I couldn't have been beguiling if my life depended on it. To make matters worse, I knew my face was growing hot as I waited for Sam's answer. When he didn't speak right away, I awkwardly rushed on. “We could dress up if you want–there's still time to get costumes–and I could make a pizza for dinner. We could watch campy old horror movies and drink apple cider…” Even as I spoke, I couldn't bring myself to look at Sam. I was afraid he would find me pathetic. “You know what, Iris? That sounds like a lot of fun,” he said, and I knew I wasn't imagining it when he moved a few inches closer to me. I tried and failed to suppress a delighted grin at his response. “Awesome! Why don't you come over at around six?” I suggested. Sam knew I lived in the lower-level apartment of a house not far from the call center. “I'll give you the address, and when you get there, just come around back.” Sam's smile widened, as if my enthusiasm was contagious. “So you're going to introduce me to all the delights of Halloween?” he asked. Something in the tone of his voice made a delicious shiver travel down my spine. “I certainly hope to,” I replied. He raised an eyebrow, and I had to duck my head so I could hide behind my shoulder-length brown hair. All the while, I told myself to calm down and stop acting like an idiot. It was just a little get-together at my place. Sam probably didn't even consider it a date. We were simply two friends hanging out for Halloween because we had no other plans. So why did I feel so nervous? Why were my palms sweaty and my hands shaky? Why was it that when I imagined Sam leaning in to kiss me, the thought sent a surge of heat straight between my thighs? “And you're going to wear a costume?” Sam asked. I looked up and gave him what I hoped was a casual smile. “Sure! I mean, you don't have to, but I haven't dressed up for Halloween in forever, so I figure this is my chance to go all out.” Sam reached over to pluck a piece of candy corn from the bag in my lap. “Then I'll dress up, too. I can't promise anything spectacular, but I'll do my best,” he said. “I can't wait to see what you come up with.” Already I was trying to decide on a costume for myself. Should I be a witch? A princess? A ghost? None of those seemed original enough. When my eyes met Sam's once more, I immediately realized just what I wanted to be. Sitting so close to him, I knew I was the very definition of average: average height, average weight. My hazel eyes were somewhat large yet could still pass for average. But during the one night of the year when Sam and I would be alone, and I could transform into whatever or whomever I wanted, I resolved to be anything but average. I would be bold and confident, no longer shy and insecure. And maybe, just maybe, I would be brave enough to make it clear to Sam just how I felt about him. With any luck, he might decide he felt the same way about me. Halloween was still several days away, but I went shopping for a costume as soon as I left work later that afternoon. Some quick online browsing led me to a store downtown, and I could barely contain my excitement as I stepped inside the place. “Can I help you find something?” a woman behind the counter asked me. “The Bride of Frankenstein,” I quickly replied, then added, “the costume, I mean.” All the while I prayed the store had it in my size. The fates must have been smiling down upon me, because the saleslady easily located a costume that looked like it would be a perfect fit. “You're welcome to try it on,” she told me. I gazed at the black wig, which of course featured white streaks on either side, and I imagined how I would look wearing it after I applied some dark red lipstick, along with black eyeliner and smoky eye shadow. The sleeves of the virginal white dress resembled bandages, and the garment's hem was almost floor-length. As I stroked the satiny fabric, I grinned with delight. “I don't need to try it on,” I said to the saleslady. “This is what I want.” The costume was a little pricey for my budget, but I handed over my credit card without hesitation. As I stared down at the dress on the counter, the symbolism of the outfit wasn't lost on me. While I would soon be twenty-three, I'd never had a real boyfriend, and I was still a virgin. After I paid for the costume and left the shop, I decided to swing by the grocery store. Outside the entrance, I studied the pumpkins for sale and finally selected a nice round one, large enough for carving. Once inside, I pushed a cart down the aisles, grabbing a frozen pizza, a variety pack of Halloween candy, and a half gallon of apple cider. Lingering in the cosmetics section, I chose the perfect shade of lipstick. As I surveyed the items in my cart, I realized I was smiling. Simply planning for my evening with Sam made that excited flutter return to my stomach. I tried not to let myself get too carried away imagining what Sam and I might do together on Halloween, but still I wandered the aisles, searching for an item I didn't dare ask for help in finding. Finally I located the condoms, and I stared in bewilderment at all the different kinds. Glancing around, I was relieved no other customers were nearby. Then I set about reading the descriptions on the boxes before choosing a brand that boasted durability. If I did have sex, durability was definitely what I wanted in a condom. I paid for the groceries and then started for home. By the time I pulled into the driveway, it was almost dark, and Nora, the woman who owned the house and lived on the upper level, had left the porch light on. I smiled at the kind gesture, though the entrance to my apartment was at the back of the house, so the light from the porch provided almost no illumination once I reached my door. Nora was middle-aged and recently divorced, so when she wasn't working, she was usually out with friends or on a date. Of the two of us, I was the homebody, and I thought she liked having a quiet tenant around to keep an eye on things while she was gone. Once I'd carried all my purchases into my apartment, I put away the groceries and then rushed to try on my costume. Standing before the mirror in my bedroom, I donned the Bride's dress. A delighted grin danced on my lips when I found that it indeed fit me perfectly. After putting on the wig to complete my outfit, I turned from side to side, trying to imagine what Sam would think of me. My costume wasn't sexy; if anything, the dress was modest. But I was definitely transformed into someone new while wearing it. I could only hope the getup persuaded Sam to see me in a different way, too. For the rest of the week, Sam and I ate lunch together, but neither of us mentioned him coming over for Halloween. The holiday fell on a weekend, and by Friday, I was worried Sam had forgotten all about our plans, but as we headed back inside after our lunch break, he looked over at me and smiled. “So I'll be at your place at six on Halloween night.” I nodded, trying not to look too eager as I smiled back. “You have the address, right?” I'd given it to him earlier in the week, but I wanted to make sure. “Of course,” he said. “Would you like me to bring anything?” “Just your handsome self,” I replied without thinking, and as soon as the words were out of my mouth, I wanted to die of mortification. His handsome self? Who actually blurted out something like that? Awkward and socially inept Iris, that was who. The surprise was evident on Sam's face, but his smile widened. “I will be sure to do that, Iris. And by the way,” he went on, leaning close to me and lowering his voice, “you're really cute when you blush.” I spent the day of Halloween cleaning my apartment, determined to conceal the fact that I was a bit of a slob. By the time I had the place spotless, it was well into the afternoon, and once I ate a late lunch, I hurried to take a shower. As the water cascaded over me, I stared down at my body. I'd just shaved my legs and armpits, but I wasn't sure what to do about my pubic hair. I normally kept the dark triangle between my thighs closely trimmed, but now I wondered if I should shave it. If Sam and I got to the point where he actually saw my pubic hair, would he wish I was bare? Finally I decided to leave the hair covering my mound while I shaved my outer lips. When I set the razor aside, I slid my fingertips over the newly smooth skin and realized I liked the way it felt. My flesh felt more exposed, not only to the cool air and the water but also to my touch. I couldn't resist giving my clit a teasing rub. My body immediately responded, and a soft moan escaped my lips. I seemed perpetually horny; it was as if my body was desperately trying to steer me toward finally having sex. To relieve my frustration, I masturbated frequently, and it never took me long to come. Leaning against the shower wall, I spread my legs wider and began massaging my clit with a quick, circular motion. With my other hand, I sought out my entrance and worked two fingers deep inside. There was a twinge of discomfort, a hint of pain, while I attempted to stretch my opening. I knew losing my virginity would hurt, maybe a lot at first, but that wasn't enough to dampen my desire. Even now as I thrust my fingers in and out at a fervent pace, my body readily accepted the intrusion, and I could feel how wet I was. Glancing downward, I saw that my pale pink nipples were hard from my arousal. All I had to do was imagine Sam's mouth around one of them, and I was right on the edge of climax. My thighs shook as I rubbed my clit faster. I fantasized about the way Sam would look, the way he would feel, while he took me. “Fuck me, Sam!” I cried shamelessly. As the words echoed off the shower walls, I surrendered to a fierce orgasm. Releasing a helpless wail, I felt my muscles clench around my fingers deep within me. Again and again my body spasmed, and I reveled in each blissful contraction. After my climax subsided, I continued trembling. Gently withdrawing my fingers from between my thighs, I closed my eyes and waited for my breathing to slow. My movements were languid as I finished showering, and when I finally stepped out onto the bathmat and began drying off, I found I was relaxed, almost drowsy. Maybe it was a good thing I masturbated before Sam arrived, I thought. It would keep me from throwing myself at him as soon as he stepped inside my apartment. The idea of doing that made my sensitive clit throb, and I realized it would take far more than one orgasm to subdue my yearning for Sam. I went about blow drying my hair, then carefully pinned it back so it would be hidden under the wig. In my bedroom, I chose to wear a lacy white bra and matching panties beneath my dress. As I carefully applied make-up, I aimed for a dramatic effect that wasn't too over the top. My deep red lipstick was striking, and I managed to create the exact look I wanted with the eyeliner and shadow. Finally I put on the wig and stepped into black heels before giving my reflection a critical look. Then I grinned in satisfaction. “Perfect,” I declared. A few minutes before six, I put the pizza in the oven. I was grateful for something to do, as my anxiety had returned with a ferocity that made my hands shake. It wasn't yet dark, but the day was fading fast outside the kitchen window. Thinking about what the evening might hold for me and Sam was enough to quicken my pulse. Sam arrived right on time, and when I heard his knock, I rushed to answer the door. As soon as we saw each other, our mouths dropped open. I'd never seen Sam in anything other than business casual, but he now stood before me wearing a black cape over a white dress shirt, black vest, and black pants. His hair was slicked back, and he'd even given himself a prominent widow's peak. His stare swept over me, and when he grinned, I noticed his fangs. “You are one spectacular bride!” he exclaimed. I couldn't help but giggle at his compliment. “And you're one sexy vampire. I love your costume!” I made a show of beckoning him into the apartment. “I know you can't enter unless I explicitly invite you inside, so please do come in.” Sam laughed and stepped into the living room. As soon as I closed the door behind us, he drew me into a quick hug. “Thanks for inviting me over tonight.” After I recovered from my initial shock at being in Sam's arms, I hurriedly hugged him back. “Thanks for coming. Are you hungry? The pizza's almost ready.” “Sounds great.” He looked around my apartment as we headed toward the kitchen. “This is an awesome apartment.” “It's kind of small, but I like it,” I said. “Nora–the woman who owns the house and lives upstairs–told me she would be at a party tonight, so no one else is here.” I tried to keep my voice casual as I revealed this information to Sam. “Then we can go absolutely wild,” he responded with a grin. I knew he was only teasing, but the thought of going wild with him made my cheeks redden. All I had to do was remember my earlier fantasy in the shower, and I immediately grew wet. “We can do whatever we want,” I informed him, flashing my own wicked grin. Sam raised his eyebrows, and I could have sworn I saw his face flush a little as well. I busied myself with taking the pizza out of the oven, hoping I hadn't come on too strong. “You need any help?” Sam asked. “Nope. Just make yourself comfortable, and I'll have this ready in a sec.” Sam sat down at the table while I divided the pizza into slices. I couldn't help but be hyperaware of his presence, since I was used to spending all my time in the apartment alone. Once I'd put our plates on the table, along with a glass of cider for each of us, I sat across from Sam, trying to suppress a nervous giggle. “I'll have to take my fangs out,” he said. “Yeah, I guess Dracula never tried to eat pizza. But there's a first time for everything.” I lifted my glass of cider. “Here's to your first time celebrating Halloween, Sam.” He grinned and gently tapped his glass against mine. As we ate dinner, the conversation flowed easily between us. It was as if we were sitting together at lunch, chatting away, and I felt the tension in my shoulders gradually disappear. The evening was going great, I assured myself. Sam looked like he was having fun. After we finished eating, Sam insisted on helping me wash the dishes. We stood side by side at the sink, with me washing and him drying. “Have you ever carved a pumpkin?” I asked. “Nope,” he replied. “My parents were okay with pumpkins, but jack-o'-lanterns? That's another story.” I nodded toward the pumpkin I'd placed in the corner of the kitchen. “Well, tonight you're in luck, because I picked out the perfect pumpkin for you to carve.” Sam threw his head back and laughed. “Only if you help!” “Deal.” As we took turns scooping out the slimy pumpkin innards, I gave Sam a sidelong glance. “You don't feel like you're doing something sinful right now, do you?” I asked. “I don't want you to be uncomfortable.” “No, not at all,” he answered. “I have no issue with religion, but my family is just… overzealous. My parents pretty much stopped talking to me when I told them I no longer wanted to attend church with them every Sunday.” “I'm sorry,” I said quietly. Sam shrugged, but I knew his family's estrangement bothered him. “I figure they'll come around eventually.” Sitting at the table beside me, he carefully carved the pumpkin. “Do you get along with your mom okay? From the way you talk about her, it sounds like you two have a good relationship,” he said. During one of our recent lunch conversations, I'd mentioned to Sam that my parents were divorced and I rarely saw my father. “Mom's great,” I told him now, “but we're so different. She's confident and outgoing, and I'm… not.” Sam looked at me and smiled. “You are when you get to know someone,” he said. “I like that.” I beamed at his words, then leaned back in my chair, regarding the pumpkin's new grinning face. “You did a great job! Looks like you're a pro at carving pumpkins.” Jumping up from the table, I got a tea light candle to illuminate the jack-o'-lantern. Once it was lit, I turned off the kitchen light so we could admire Sam's work. As we stood side by side, he slipped his arm around me. I nestled against him, basking in his warmth while inhaling his familiar yet enticing scent. I was exquisitely aware of my body touching his, and I wanted more than anything to kiss him, but I told myself it was too soon. “Wanna watch TV?” I asked. “There are probably lots of scary movies to choose from tonight.” Sam gave me one of his sweet grins. “Sure.” As we headed into the living room, I grabbed the large bag of candy I'd bought. “You thought of everything!” he said, taking off his cape before he sat down beside me on the couch. “I know you're not crazy about sweets, but I figured you could find something you like in that bag.” Now that we were next to each other in the almost darkness, I swallowed hard, trying to fight an attack of nerves. Flipping through the channels, I came across a black-and-white vampire film. “This should be right up your alley,” I told Sam playfully. “Absolutely,” he said as I settled back on the couch. “Maybe I can learn something, because my vampire game needs work.” “Oh, I don't know about that.” I turned to face him. “You're quite alluring.” Sam turned toward me as well, a pleased smile dancing on his lips. “Really?” he asked in a low voice. “How so?” Gazing into his eyes, I told myself to go for it. As nervous as I was, I knew I wasn't imagining his interest in me. Before I spoke, I took a deep breath to gather up all my courage. “Well, you have an incredibly sexy voice, for starters,” I said. Now Sam was grinning. “Is that right?” I slowly nodded, my stare moving to his lips. “I'd be lying if I said I never imagined you leaning close to me and whispering all kinds of dirty things in my ear.” Sam's eyes widened at my confession, and I heard his sharp intake of breath. I quickly looked away from him, afraid I'd gone too far. Still I couldn't deny that my entire body seemed to pulse with need. Simply saying those words to him had made me wet once again. On the television screen, a handsome vampire sank his fangs into a beautiful young woman's neck. I dared to flash a grin at Sam. “Be sure to take notes,” I told him. “Oh, I am,” he responded. “In fact, I'd better get my fangs so I can practice.” Now it was my turn to be surprised as I watched him get up from the couch and retrieve the plastic fangs from the kitchen. He popped them back in place, then sat down next to me again. “So,” he said, giving me a wide smile as he wiggled his eyebrows, “this is the part where I mesmerize you so you're utterly unable to resist me.” Oh, I was already there, but I couldn't tell him that! Instead, I laughed and moved closer to him. “Go for it!” I cried. Sam leaned toward me, bringing his lips close to my ear. “I think you're so sexy, Iris,” he whispered. “All night, I've wanted to kiss you. When I think about slipping a hand beneath your dress, it makes me so hard…” I closed my eyes and released a moan, powerless to hide my arousal. Sam pressed his mouth to my neck, laughing low and soft as he teasingly grazed my skin with his fangs. “That did the trick,” I said, my voice high and breathy. “Now I'm all yours, Sam.” He removed the fangs once again, then turned my face toward his. I stared up at him, my heart pounding like a thundering drum in my chest. Sam pressed his lips to mine, and I melted into our first kiss. His mouth was so warm and soft, so inviting. I slipped my arms around his neck, eager for more of him. When our tongues met, a current of lust traveled through me, and my hips actually began rocking, making my need clear. I finally withdrew from him, breathing hard. Sam's stare was hot, and before I'd recovered from the kiss, he gave me another one, his mouth more demanding. I surrendered completely, feeling lightheaded as a fierce aching began between my thighs. Sam tentatively cupped my breast. My pleasured cry was muffled by his lips, and before I could stop myself, I slid my hand down his chest, then lower. He gave an encouraging moan, which only grew louder when my fingers reached his erection. This time, Sam was the one to break our kiss so he could catch his breath. He looked down, watching me stroke him through his pants. Feeling his hardness beneath my palm made me shiver; it was all I could do not to remove my wet panties, then lift up my dress and spread my legs for him. Instead, I took off my wig, then removed the pins from my hair so it fell free. With Sam's stare riveted to me, and his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths, I worked up the nerve to say, “I need to tell you something.” “Okay,” he said quickly. I figured there was no sense being coy about it. “I'm a virgin,” I blurted out. “In case you haven't already guessed. But I'm ready for that to change. Tonight.” I fought the urge to avert my gaze as I grew suddenly self-conscious. “I've never had a real boyfriend, so I have no idea what I'm doing. If that scares you off, I understand.” Sam smiled and ran a hand through his hair, mussing up his vampire coif. Then he brought his face close to mine, as if confiding a secret. “That won't scare me off, Iris, since I'm a virgin, too.” My mouth dropped open, for his revelation came as a total shock. “Really?” He nodded. “Most girls I dated in the past were religious, like my family, and they wanted to wait until marriage. Now it seems like everyone our age has already had sex, and I guess I have kind of a hang-up about it. If I do work up the nerve to ask someone out, and we hit it off, I find I'm dreading that inevitable conversation. My insecurity tends to ruin things before the relationship turns sexual.” “But you haven't been insecure with me,” I pointed out. He tilted his head, regarding me with a soft smile. “No, I haven't. I certainly didn't come here expecting to have sex tonight, but when we started kissing and touching, it just felt so… right. I knew I'd be comfortable with admitting my lack of experience to you. I didn't feel like you would judge me.” “Of course I wouldn't,” I said. “But I will admit that, unlike you, I was hoping to have sex tonight, so…” I jumped up from the couch and took off toward my bedroom, leaving a puzzled Sam staring after me. I quickly returned, carrying the box of condoms. Sam's eyes grew wide as he grinned. “You really did think of everything, didn't you?” To be continued.. by MoonlitOpal for Literotica.
Adult ADHD ADD Tips and Support Podcast - A Podcast for Neurodivergent Creatives. Leaning Life in Your Favor with Actress Ginger Gonzaga. This podcast is an audio companion to the book "The Drummer and the Great Mountain - A Guidebook to Transforming Adult ADD / ADHD." In this episode, we're joined by Ginger Gonzaga -- actress, writer, comedian, director, and filmmaker known for her roles in Marvel's She-Hulk, the lead in the CBS series True Lies, and countless other memorable performances in TV and film. This inspiring and lively conversation explores how Ginger learned to “lean life in your favor,” sharing how to recognize your unique strengths, trust your instincts, and have the courage to break free from the constraints that can limit your full expression. We also discuss her ADHD diagnosis at 35, including how undiagnosed ADHD can make you vulnerable to toxic relationships. Most importantly, she shares tips on how she stays balanced and productive, while managing her hyper-creative brain. Links Mentioned in this Episode: (SUPPORT GROUP) The Thrive Group starting on Nov 18 (INSTAGRAM) Ginger Gonzaga - @gingerthejester Don't see a player? Click this link to download the MP3 file. If you have an Apple device (iPhone/iPad), you can download the podcast (and subscribe) for free at this link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/adult-adhd-add-tips-support/id988935339 Visit the podcast web page to listen to all 120 episodes: http://www.drummerandthegreatmountain.com/adult-adhd-add-podcast >> Take the ADHD Hunter-type Quiz Outro voice over by Lauren Regan. Intro and outro music by Bahman Sarram For more info, visit: http://www.DrummerAndTheGreatMountain.com
Genesis 30:25–30:43, Elder Dean Chao
Lady Annabelle & Kate Two stories from 3 centuries, about one English mansion. By Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. An aristocrat has an exciting encounter with a highwayman It is the Year of Our Lord 1760, and the roads leading to and from London be the most perilous for any traveler. Hounslow Heath being a favorite haunt of the highwayman and footpad. Folly indeed, for the unwary to wander alone. And London be a very wicked place, so it hath been told, with whores, beggars and cutpurses on every street corner, The journey of Lady Emily Arundel and her daughter Annabelle had been an uneventful one so far. "And when we arrive at Mablethorpe Hall, be sure to show your appreciation to Lord Barrington-Smythe. His son, William, wishes to seek your hand in marriage," Lady Emily began. "Yes Mother," her daughter replied, with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. "His estate comprises over a hundred acres of land," "Well, hark at that!" "owns several horses related to Whistlejacket," Annabelle struggled to contain a sigh. "properties in the colonies," "How glorious, Mother." "knows a clutch of fashionable London society in beautiful silk suits and powdered wigs attended by almost equally well appointed valets! Whom are accompanied by gorgeous ladies in even more elaborate wigs and dresses in the latest Paris fashions," The corpulent gentleman sat opposite them in the coach was Lord Bracewell, an old and dear friend of Lady Emily. He grinned at Annabelle, sensing her discomfort. "Your Ladyship, it may please you to know, that we are but a mile from our journey's end." And thank heaven for that, Bracewell thought to himself, now feeling the great need of a chamber pot after drinking an excess of ale. He adjusted his periwig. "Erm, perhaps an opportunity at this gathering for a, f, er, you know, eh?" He gestured something and Lady Emily quickly tapped his leg with her foot. "Shush. Manners, Cuthbert! Later, perhaps," At that moment the coach lurched as it hit a particularly large pothole. This stretch of road was notoriously bad. Suddenly, the coach shuddered to an uncomfortable halt and the horses squealed. Other hooves could be heard alongside. "Stand and deliver!" "Oh dear God!" Lord Bracewell exclaimed, crossing himself. "I fear we are about to be robbed!" The masked stranger yelled at the coachman. "Throw down your weapons my bonny boy, or I'll spill your guts on the road!" There was the sound of muskets hitting the ground. Inside the coach, Lady Emily trembled and uttered a prayer. A robber might take more from a lady than her silver. Annabelle should've been as terrified as her mother, but her wildly-beating heart was more out of excitement. "Perhaps this man may be more merciful than we give him credit for?" "Hush, my dearest daughter. These bandits are without scruples! Pray to the Lord!" A bay-colored horse's head and then its rider appeared outside the window. The figure who leaned down to peer into the window appeared tall, wearing a cape, a three-cornered hat and a black handkerchief across his mouth. Dark brown eyes. "Well now, what fabulous treasure do I find?" The highwayman pointed a flintlock pistol inches from Annabelle's face. He leaned forward and with a move of his wrist he flicked back her hood with the muzzle of the pistol. "Ah. A true English Rose." "Sir, I beg of you, do not harm my daughter," Lady Emily intervened. "She is but eighteen, an innocent child, she has no silver!" "Her fortune awaits at Mablethorpe Hall no doubt. But it is she I am taking, not her money. Come." And he beckoned, the hand still held out to help Annabelle down. "Why, what foul swine would take a young lady's honor? I forbid you to lay one finger on her!" Lady Emily yelled. "Take me in her place." "No Mother, I shall do as he asks," Annabelle interrupted, taking his hand. "My child, no!" "It shall be alright Mother," Annabelle replied. "Your daughter knows her own mind, Madam," the highwayman said. "So now, I must ask you to keep thine own counsel. It would give me no pleasure to shoot your coachman and your gentleman companion." Lady Emily could do nothing but remain in the coach as the mysterious stranger led Annabelle away and into the trees at the side of the road. "Sir. If I may be so bold, may I request a merciful death?" The damsel inquired. This rather caught the highwayman off guard. This young lady intrigued him far more than the other wealthy folks he'd ambushed in the past. How the ladies had screamed like banshees and pleaded for their lives. The simpering, periwigged dandy who'd pissed his breeches when a gun was pointed at his head. Aristocrats. The damned preening lot of them! How he loathed these ruling peacocks. Oh, he hadn't always been a highwayman. Back in his old life he'd fought for king and country. Until good fortune and those he looked up to had betrayed him, He had planned to kidnap the girl and hold her to ransom. Lord Arundel's daughter would command a high price. "You are indeed bold. And, I have no wish to kill you. Your beauty and grace are extremely attractive to young men and it is bound to rouse their passions." Annabelle thought for a moment. "Since I am without silver or jewels, perhaps I could offer you a gift of a different kind? If I were to sufficiently please you, would you let my mother, Lord Bracewell, the coachman and myself go free? I'll do anything, to please you." He blinked. "Even the most unladylike of things? Do you realize what you are saying?" "Sir, I am shortly to be married. It would be most helpful if I were sufficiently skilled in how to pleasure my husband on our wedding night. I have no experience whatsoever in meddling with a man, perhaps if I could, practice somehow." Those less-than-polite urges that had been assaulting her body recently, had now found the perfect outlet. "Will you service my prick like a common whore?" "Yes sir," Annabelle replied, kneeling before him. "Let's see you try then." He kept his pistol in his right hand. "No teeth." Annabelle unbuttoned the highwayman's breeches slowly, her careful motions at odds with the look in her blue eyes and pulled out the large and swollen member. She couldn't help but stare at his impressive length, simultaneously afraid and eager. A man's weapon in all its hardened glory. A thing she'd previously glimpsed from afar, now in her hands. He expected her to hesitate, but to his surprise, she leant forward and ran her tongue up the shaft. With all haste, she opened her mouth, allowing him to move it inside. He began to thrust his cock inside her mouth, holding her head steady. Shocked at herself, Annabelle couldn't deny that as she heard him pant and moan, she felt somehow strangely empowered. She began to suck, working her tongue around his member. The highwayman cursed and blasphemed holding her head firmer as he began to thrust faster. Eventually, he grasped her blonde hair tightly as he groaned, pushing his entire length down her throat and shot his seed into her. She swallowed every drop of it, rather liking the taste. "Impressive," he panted. He'd enjoyed that a lot more than he was willing to admit, but wasn't done with this little rich girl just yet. "Have you had enough yet, Marchioness Whore?" Panting she replied, "I think not. Please." "Please?" He ran his hand under her dress and up her thigh. "Please what?" "Please sir." He fingered her tantalizing wet womanhood. "Louder, if you please." "Ah, Please sir!" He chuckled, and withdrew. She was ready to beg him, but before she could he had her up against a tree, hands tied then the rope wrapped hight around the thick trunk. With swift action he pulled up her skirting and down went her petticoat. Pulling her ass out to meet him, had entered her virgin cunt from behind, feeling the satisfying tightness of a deflowering. She winced and made a squeal similar to those a fox makes when mating. It hurt, but at the same time it felt so good. The highwayman withdrew until just his cockhead was still engaged, leaving Annabelle feeling a little disappointed. But then he pushed back in, all the way and in one go. His animal instinct had kicked in and he had one overriding desire; to plant his seed in this nubile young lady. He picked up speed, plunging deeply each time. Annabelle's own arousal was equally uncontrolled. She knew what was about to happen after her recent voyeurism of Lord Bracewell fucking her mother across a grand piano one afternoon. A more amusing rather an arousing spectacle that brought to mind an overfed pug mounting a chair leg. This time the explosion was even more powerful - and it was accompanied by the highwayman's roar as she felt him fill her passage with his issue. It seemed to go on forever and she felt it leaking out around his shaft and down her legs. "God," he gasped as he finally withdrew from Annabelle. He untied her and helped her stand. "Did I, please you sir?" Annabelle inquired in her refined & well-bred cadence. The highwayman finally removed his face covering. Annabelle was surprised to see a weathered but good-looking man, with cheeks bearing scars. Under his cape, she had glimpsed a torn and darkened coat, that had been, long ago a Redcoat officer's uniform. This man was no stranger to battle, and had a long history that he wasn't prepared to reveal. "You and the others have earned your freedom Your Ladyship." He said with a bow, removing his 3-point hat in the process. Her charms prevailing to ransom her entourage. His siring became her own treasure, preparing her for yet more charming accomplishment in the upcoming matrimonial bedchamber. A Night at Mablethorpe Hall Two millennials Ravished by the ghost of a Redcoat on Halloween. "Don't you just love a Halloween-themed tour and a meal at an English country house?" Kate said to her friend as the minibus they were in pulled into the grounds of Mablethorpe Hall. "Yeah, these old places have a real atmosphere!" Chloe replied. "I've wanted to do something like this for like, forever. Stay overnight in some old place, pretend I'm lady of the manor. I'm so glad I booked this trip." "Kate you are such a history nerd. Lucy Worsley has a rival." "My heart is in the 18th century. Seriously. I just love anything from that time." Kate had often been described as an atypical millennial. They got off the bus and collected their luggage. "Come on, the tour is about to start. Let's dump our luggage. Apparently this place is haunted." Kate smiled. "All good English manors should have at least one ghost! Three hours in a minibus. I'm stiff from sitting so long." They collected their room keys. The Hall had not yet upgraded to the modern electronic key cards. Kate liked that. A traditional brass key was more in keeping with the decor. The receptionist looked worried. "Are you ok with having Room 13?" she asked. "Sure. I'm not superstitious. Don't tell me it's haunted?" "Well, some guests have reported that really strange things happen in that room. And the wi-fi doesn't work in there." Kate just assumed the woman was joking. "In that case, it sounds like my kind of room! Think I can last a few hours without wi-fi." The room was large and splendid. "Seriously? I get a king-size four poster bed?" Kate exclaimed as she gazed in awe. "This is so fantastic! I feel like Queen Anne." The bed looked so inviting, Kate couldn't resist just flopping back on it and spreading out. "Bliss!" she sighed. So much better than the single bed back at her cramped one-bed flat. She closed her eyes, Abruptly, Kate was overcome by a bizarre horniness, and masturbated more than she'd done in a long time. She was getting so wet, so hot and in a rush to give herself the release she so desperately needed. She hitched up her dress and pushed her panties down just a bit, then shoved her right hand down to her cunt. She used her left hand to push up her nightshirt and play with her breasts, pinching her nipples hard, making her moan with pleasure. Kate's right hand was busy with her cunt, alternately slipping down between her cunt lips and inside her hot, wet core, fucking herself with fingers, then pulling out to rub her clit. Back and forth, over and over. She was moaning, fantasizing about being pounded, pounded by an unknown uniformed man. Begging him to fuck her harder and send her climaxing in ecstasy, Kate was screaming. Suddenly her orgasm peaked and hit full force. She stopped all movement with her hands momentarily then began again, at first very fast and hard, then slowing as her orgasm began to subside. She lay there as her breathing slowly returned to normal. "Jesus," she muttered, when she could finally catch her breath again. "What the hell just happened?" The tour had already begun when Kate arrived to join the others. "What took you so long?" Chloe asked. "Thought you'd got lost." "Oh I just, er, oh wow, check out that tour guide!" "Mablethorpe Hall, one of Berkshire's finest country estates back in the day," the tour guide began. He was dressed in early 18th century period costume, with a long wig, frilled cuffs and breeches. "He looks just like John Hurt did in Rob Roy. I love the costumes in that movie." Kate whispered to Chloe, who rolled her eyes. Kate listened intently as every detail of the building's history was described. "But the most fascinating story of Mablethorpe," the guide continued, "is that it's said to be haunted by Major Robert Wolfe, a British Army officer." The was a chorus of "oh!" from the assembled tourists. "The Major is said to return to Mablethorpe every Halloween night, in hope of seeing the woman he once loved." "So the poor sod just wants to get laid?" a middle-aged bloke at the front said, and everyone burst out laughing. The tour guide evidently took this old legend extremely seriously and did not see the funny side. "As I was saying, the Major was in love with Lady Annabelle Barrington-Smythe. That in itself was a scandal, for she was married to William Barrington-Smythe. Rumor has it that the Major was actually a notorious highwayman known as The Fox, " Later, the guests were treated to a Halloween-themed meal in the Hall's grand banqueting room. There were the usual things adorning the tables - Jack o' lanterns, candles everywhere, fake cobwebs. In the background, a string quartet dressed as witches played a medley of Bach and Handel. "Not as spooky as I was expecting," Chloe said as she sampled the pumpkin pie and spiced rum. "I was hoping the lights were going to go out and there'd be a jump-scare or something. Like two years ago when we went to that zombie-themed night at Castle Howard. That was creepy as hell!" "This is nice though. Lots of atmosphere. I like it here. I'd like to, get married in a place like this. Have a historical-themed wedding. That is, if, " "When, Kate. When you meet that ideal guy. And you will. He's out there. Plenty of fish. Steve was a complete areole, but he's ancient history. A bit like this hall." "True!" After the meal concluded, there was more live music and dancing. "Think I'm going to call it a night," Kate said. "Oh you lightweight," Chloe replied, already tipsy. "Aren't you going to stay up for the midnight ghost walk in the grounds? You might see a good-looking highwayman." "No, I'm totally exhausted. Really. You can tell me all about it in the morning." "Fine, whatever. I know you're too afraid!" Kate headed up to her room, surprised at being overcome by such tiredness. She hadn't drunk that much, and it had hardly been an energetic evening. The glorious king-size bed and it's luxurious blankets beckoned, Sometime after midnight, Kate was in a deep slumber, but also in the throes of a nightmare. He's coming, Kate did not dream often, and she was even less often plagued by bad dreams. Several times she stirred, came half awake, and heard herself gasping in panic. Once, drifting up from some threatening vision, she heard her own voice crying out wordlessly in terror, and she realized she was thrashing about in the bed. Suddenly the air was oppressively heavy, hot, thick; as if it were not air at all but a bitter and poisonous gas of some kind. She tried to breathe, couldn't. There was an invisible, crushing weight on her chest. The unmistakable smell of gunpowder. Hoofbeats, many horses. Some kind of battle? A murderous barrage of lightning crashed like a volley of mortar fire, seven or eight tremendous bolts; and woke her from sleep in an instant. "Holy shit." Kate gasped as the storm made her sit upright in bed. She remembered what Chloe had said earlier, about the tour not being scary. Evidently, nature had now delivered a jump, a scare of its own. Already her memory of the nightmare had begun to dissolve; only fragments of it remained with her, and each of those disassociated images was evaporating as if it were a splinter of ice. All she could remember was that she'd been in a battle of some kind, and there had been many men - soldiers on horseback. They'd been pursuing her. Firing guns. As the nightmare receded, Kate became uncomfortably aware of how dark the bedroom was. Before going to sleep she had switched off both the bedside lamps. The curtains were all closed, and only thin blades of moonlight were visible between the gap she'd left. She had the irrational but unshakable feeling that something had followed her up from the dream, there was another presence in the room, oh God! She fumbled for the lamp switch, damn, where was it? Groped around, switched it on. Relief as golden light flooded the room, And then she saw him. Stood at the side of the bed. He was dressed in a Redcoat uniform, just calmly standing there. She gasped, but was so shocked, she couldn't utter a sound for a moment. Then her initial shock turned to anger. Was this part of the Halloween tour? Having re-enactors actually enter the guest bedrooms was completely unacceptable. "What the hell are you doing?" Kate yelled. He seemed taken aback by her reaction. "Who are you?" She demanded once she had caught her breath again. "I beg your pardon, Miss," he began. He removed his hat as he moved closer. "Major Robert Wolfe of His Majesty's 58th Regiment of Foot." "What are you doing here?" He smiled politely. "Where I come from, when a gentleman introduces himself, a lady generally responds in kind." Kate was about to respond with a sarcastic remark, but then she noticed that he was surrounded by a faint, silver glow. Her heart began to pound like crazy. Gathering all her courage, she decided to ask him directly. "Are you, dead?" The Major's face relaxed into a smile. "Oh indeed. Quite, quite dead. As I have been since the last night of October, Seventeen Sixty-five." Kate thought she might faint. "You're a," "A spirit, why yes. An earthbound and restless one, forever drawn to return to Mablethorpe every All Hallow's night. Isn't that quite a tale? I most humbly apologies for subjecting you to my battle experiences earlier, but t'was the only way I was able to wake you." She looked him up and down. He did look a gentleman, to be sure, and a handsome one at that. The signature red coat, crossed with white belts, the brown hair tied back in a queue and neatly curled at the sides, the breeches, knee-high leather boots. A brass gorget glinted round his neck. The Major took one of her pale, slender hands. Kate was surprised to feel solid flesh, rather than some kind of gaseous form, as expected of a ghost. Was he more of a zombie? His hand was as cold as ice. Kate suddenly felt her cheeks flush, under his intense gaze. If all those old stereotypes about ghosts were true, then he could probably see right through her nightie, as well as walk through walls, "Um, why did you wake me?" He was still holding her hand. "Well, I must beg your forgiveness for the manner of this intrusion, my lady. I am honored to make your acquaintance. I was drawn to you from the moment you arrived here. You resemble so much, someone I lost, long ago. For the past 255 years I keep returning here, hoping to find a lady who might be able to satisfy my most urgent of needs," Kate bit her lip, as she recalled that earlier incident in the bedroom when she'd pleasured herself. She'd never been a religious person. But now she was considering sex with a ghost. Was she about to embark on something that might damn her soul? On the other hand, she'd been single for a while, had been craving the touch of a man, "Major, I am willing to help you in any way I can." "You are lovely beyond belief. If I may so bold as to show my appreciation?" He leaned in to kiss the exposed skin of her neck; his lips leaving a hot trail from just below her ear to the center of her throat at the neck of her nightie. Kate closed her eyes and moaned. "A little more, my lady?" "Yes, oh yes," He kissed her and she parted her lips to let him in. The heat of his mouth and his probing tongue sent shivers through her body and she shifted closer to him to feel the heat of his body against hers. She breathed in the faint masculine scent. Major Wolfe pulled back the bedcovers. Then he pushed her nightie up to bare her belly. Leaning her back, he took one hardened nipple with his lips and she gasped. He sucked, pulling with his lips. At Kate's soft moan, he drew in a shuddering breath. "Touch me," he pleaded hoarsely, bringing her hand to the waistband of his breeches, and then guiding it down to cup the bulge in his groin. She explored eagerly, desperately, feeling his full erection through his breeches and groping lower to feel his balls. Oh lord, she was trembling so much with excitement. Unfastening the fall front flap, she pulled out his engorged organ. She couldn't believe this was happening. She was groping the cock of a dead man! And she was so wet. Kate took his hot length in her hand, feeling it, and stroked it up and down as she licked and sucked at the tip. The Major was generously endowed, and she felt herself blush. "Here," he said, moving her unoccupied hand to cup his balls. "Don't be shy, my lady." Gently squeezing his balls, she slowly took his throbbing cock into her mouth. He moaned as she deep-throated him. "Oh my lady," he groaned. Then Major Wolfe clambered on the bed and put his head between Kate's thighs. The tip of his tongue brushed her clitoris. She jumped and willed him to move faster. At first his tongue explored her wet folds, but he replaced his tongue with gentle fingers that probed and rubbed and finally penetrated. Kate's wetness was dripping down her arse crack and he rubbed it around with his fingers. The sensation made her squirm and she placed her feet on his shoulders, and when he finally sucked on her clit, she lifted herself up to meet his tongue. None of her previous partners had ever thrilled her as much as this. His face was flushed and damp and his expression was one of pure longing. "My lady, I want you so much. "He whispered and pushed up into her. "Ah!" Kate gasped, more from surprise than the stretching sensation. "Are you alright?" he said, wrapping one arm around her and holding her close. She gave her answer by kissing him. He insinuated his hand between their bodies and fingered her clit as he began to move inside her. Holy shit, those fingers, he knew exactly how to pleasure a woman for maximum effect! For a moment Kate thought of the fact he'd been waiting over two and a half centuries for this! He stroked her again with wet, slippery fingers and thrust steadily up into her. The combination awakened something within that she'd never felt before. Kate dug her hands into his back and tried to speak, but couldn't form words. The Redcoat's large cock filled her completely, stretching her walls to the limit. He was groaning and fucking her like a wild beast. "Come for me, my lady," Major Wolfe whispered in her ear, and she cried out. "Come for me, release for me. Let us spend together," he pleaded, and she did, her head falling back, her whole body shaking and clenching with the intensity of orgasm. He followed immediately; in an instant their coupling reached its conclusion and she was filled to the brim with his seed, Kate didn't want to let him go. They lay joined for what seemed like a long time. Eventually, Major Wolfe gently withdrew his softening member from his mortal lover. "Dawn approaches, my lady." "No, Major, stay, please," she whispered, tiredness overcoming her. "Rest now, my love. I must go." Kate tried to say something, but sleep was rapidly overcoming her. "We shall meet again. Soon, my love," was the last she heard. The sound of someone knocking on the door finally woke Kate. She squinted at the curtains. Bright sunlight was streaming through the gap. "Kate, are you awake?" Chloe's muffled voice could be heard. Fumbling for a dressing gown, Kate staggered out of bed and opened the door. "There you are! Were you in a coma or something? It's 11 o'clock! You've missed breakfast and the minibus will be here in half an hour!" "Oh God, sorry, I forgot to set my phone's alarm clock. I, er, I'll be down as quick as I can." "Are you ok? You look a bit peaky." "Just crashed out. How was the midnight ghost walk?" "Midnight wash-out you mean. Did you see that storm last night? It was unreal. So much lightning. Thought a freaking nuclear bomb had gone off!" "Oh. Guess I missed that." "Jeez, you were in a coma. That thunder could've wakened the dead!" "Maybe it did," Kate wondered. Alone in the room again, Kate returned to the bed. Her mind was a tumult of emotions. "It wasn't all a dream, was it? The product of a Halloween-crazed imagination? It couldn't have been, " Suddenly she spotted something under the pillow. Eyes widening, she picked it up. The brass gorget. "He was real!" She clutched it to her chest. And hoped she wouldn't have to wait until next Halloween before she saw Major Robert Wolfe again. By Blacksheep for Literotica
Howie Kurtz on the arrest of two suspects for the jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, the launch of Elon Musk's new AI-powered online encyclopedia called Grocopedia, and a resurfaced photograph of NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani with an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Follow Howie on Twitter: @HowardKurtz For more #MediaBuzz click here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kelly Foster Lundquist joins Let's Talk Memoir for a conversation about falling in love with creative nonfiction, believing our story is worth sharing, contemplating how to tell it without hurting someone else, shifting from writing academically to personally, taking 20 years to complete a memoir, leaning into and trusting the particularity of our story, learning to stop explaining in our manuscripts, trying different structural approaches, the pattern hungry brain, incorporating culture, history, and research, when writing feels redemptive, liberating, and affirming, and her new memoir Beard: A Memoir of a Marriage. Also in this episode: -gratitude -conversion therapy -when a story feels too sacred Books mentioned in this episode: -The Argonauts by Maggie Nelston -The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr -Seven Drafts: Self-Edit Like a Pro from Blank Page to Books by Allison K. Williams -Craft in the Real World: Rethinking Fiction Writing and Workshopping by Matthew Salessas Kelly Foster Lundquist teaches writing at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, MN. Originally from Mississippi, Lundquist has taught writing all over the United States (Boston, Chicago, Mississippi, Seattle, California, etc), as well as in Slovakia and Scotland. Her poetry and nonfiction can be seen in many places, including Villain Era Lit, Last Syllable Lit, Whale Road Review, and Image Journal. Her work has been nominated for a 2024 Best of the Net Award as well as a Pushcart Prize. She is the recipient of grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board as well as the Central Minnesota Arts Board. Her book Beard: A Memoir of a Marriage (Eerdmans) will debut in October 2025. She lives in a little red house in Minnesota with her spouse and daughter. Connect with Kelly: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyfosterlundquist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EgWxeL94v/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website: https://www.kellyfosterlundquist.com/ Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/beard-a-memoir-of-a-marriage-kelly-foster-lundquist/22424165?ean=9780802884732&next=t – Ronit's writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Rumpus, The New York Times, Poets & Writers, The Iowa Review, Hippocampus, The Washington Post, Writer's Digest, American Literary Review, and elsewhere. Her memoir WHEN SHE COMES BACK about the loss of her mother to the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and their eventual reconciliation was named Finalist in the 2021 Housatonic Awards Awards, the 2021 Indie Excellence Awards, and was a 2021 Book Riot Best True Crime Book. Her short story collection HOME IS A MADE-UP PLACE won Hidden River Arts' 2020 Eludia Award and the 2023 Page Turner Awards for Short Stories. She earned an MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Pacific University, is Creative Nonfiction Editor at The Citron Review, and teaches memoir through the University of Washington's Online Continuum Program and also independently. She launched Let's Talk Memoir in 2022, lives in Seattle with her family of people and dogs, and is at work on her next book. More about Ronit: https://ronitplank.com Subscribe to Ronit's Substack: https://substack.com/@ronitplank Follow Ronit: https://www.instagram.com/ronitplank/ https://www.facebook.com/RonitPlank https://bsky.app/profile/ronitplank.bsky.social Background photo credit: Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash Headshot photo credit: Sarah Anne Photography Theme music: Isaac Joel, Dead Moll's Fingers
Halloween over Florence: THE MARKET OF GHOSTSSeverino lived in the bell tower on the hill — the one next to the ancient Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.Every evening, at sunset, he would lock the gate at the base of the entrance stairway and before climbing back up, he would pause to watch Florence color itself amber.And so he did today as well. The tourists had left. Time stopped and silence became sacred again.Through the rusted bars the city stood there motionless — perhaps since forever; with its red roofs, marble facades and the Arno flowing between its stones like a glittering silver ribbon.Domes and towers trembling with light, almost suspended in the air, as if everything and everyone were holding their breath waiting for twilight — and for the night that would cover it with shadows, stars and dreams.One more glance, then he turned on his transistor radio that he had found a few years ago and the notes of Duke Ellington's 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore' filled the autumn evening.Silence may be sacred for the monks, but for Severino music was more so. Seven, his raven, didn't need to be called and at the first notes launched himself from the cypresses of the cemetery above, circled in front of the imposing facade of the Basilica and suddenly glided down along the stairway, to land gently on his left shoulder."Hey Seven, had a good day?""Yes. Could have been worse — Let's settle for that."At which, Severino smiled, turned up the radio's volume and began climbing resolutely toward le Porte del Cielo, while Jazz music echoed among the ancient stones.Nine years ago, on this same day in the month of October, the Olivetan monks residing in the Abbey found a child on the steps of the Basilica.He was there, wrapped in fog, silent as the night, eyes curious as the wind, without name and without past. They called him Severino — I don't know why — and he grew up among prayers and silences. He played in ancient rooms and discovered his world, surrounded by books, tombs, art and mysteries never revealed. At night a raven and a black cat accompanied him, illuminated by the moon, in the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, wandering among imposing crypts and motionless statues that whispered memories and mysteries.But on Halloween nights the whispers transform into screams and endless laments. Secrets manifest themselves, legends become reality, and dreams disguised as nightmares knock on doors lit by candles. And that full moon night was precisely this night: October 31st — and remember, whether you believe in spirits or not, nothing changes: the ghosts will come.And Severino was up there, right there waiting for them to arrive. Leaning out the highest window of the bell tower, calm, looking at Florence from above. While Thelonious Monk's 'Round Midnight' played on his radio, he watched — tapping time with one foot and waited.At the second of the twelve strokes of the midnight bells, something began to happen. On the Arno formed a dense fog that pulsed with spectral green. It began to rise and slide slow but inexorable over the bridges like fingers of cold hands of impatient ghosts. It slid over the Ponte Vecchio and rolled through the streets of Oltrarno until reaching San Niccolò, where it climbed up the hill swallowing everything it found in its path.When it reached the gate of San Miniato, it slipped through the bars and climbed up the stairs until it covered, like a high luminous tide, the entire square in front of the church. It climbed up the marble facade and wrapped also the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, covering the entire hill in a cloak of mystery. Then slowly, as if by enchantment, the fog began to dissolve rising toward the sky and when the last cloud melted into the night air, the square was no longer empty.Small jack-o'-lanterns with flickering lights floated in the air smiling with teeth of fire. Black candles sprouted from nowhere, illuminating spectral stalls full of everything and nothing. Bats that seemed made of paper but were alive fluttered among the lights with wings of black velvet, while autumn leaves danced without wind, sparkling with gold and copper. Pumpkins of every shape filled the stands, some carved with funny faces, others covered with silver spiderwebs that shone like threads of moon. Witch hats swirled in the air like flying umbrellas rotating slow on themselves. Roasted chestnuts perfumed the air with cinnamon and mystery, while small dancing skeletons tinkled like ice bells.And finally in the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, the Portal opened. Like every Halloween, for centuries, spirits from all over the world congregated in Florence for their annual meeting. A spectral river of ghosts poured into the square, each heading toward their own stall, and each with their impossible merchandise to sell or trade. The spirits had arrived and Severino observed them from above. A carnival of other worlds, made of sounds, colors and unimaginable stories.The deserted square had transformed into the Market of Ghosts. Stalls kept materializing from nowhere, carved and glowing pumpkins told each other stories of Halloweens past, present and future laughing malicious among the perfumes of lost memories, past centuries, tomorrow's candles and fallen stardust. The sky above the Tuscan hills and above Florence was full of ghosts arriving from everywhere to search for the unfindable. But no human eye could see this spectacle. No one except Severino, who descended from the tower enchanted by that spectacle and immersed himself in the crowd pulsating with otherworldly life. Seven circled above him observing with attentive eyes and cawing a bit nervous. Some ghosts looked at him with curiosity and recognized him. Someone greeted him and many others whispered his name in forgotten languages."There he is," murmured a witch from Prague."The child of time," sighed a Norman knight."He's returned, I told you so." laughed a Caribbean pirate.But Severino paid them no attention because there were ghosts selling: dreams of sleeping dragons, laughter of northern gnomes, tears of mermaids in love, the last breath of dinosaurs, shadows of unicorns. And even fears from past Halloweens — two for the price of one, but only for tonight. The ghost of a pirate who died during a boarding gone not so well shouted: "Storm bottles! Lightning in jars!" A witch from Salem whispered: "Love potions that last three lifetimes…" A medieval knight showed swords that cut fear, A Chinese spirit waved kites that fly into the past.The spectral crowd grew and thickened, laughed and bargained, while Severino walked amazed and fascinated among the impossible stalls of the Halloween Market. Seven cawed restless from above and Eleven, the black cat with orange eyes, jumped from one tent to another not losing sight of a single movement of Severino and the hundreds of souls circling around him.A ghost monk from an era that never existed saw him and smiled at him from behind a stall full of ancient radios adorned with mysterious symbols. Severino approached, fascinated."How wonderful! Do they all work?""Oh yes, certainly" replied the monk. "These transmit on the waves of past, present, and future time. But you don't need to buy one."The other ghosts stopped. They ceased selling, buying and bartering. They looked at Severino with respect and listened to what the collector of frequencies told him."The transistor radio you already have is more special than you think. But to discover its true secrets, you'll have to search in the ancient crypts where everything began."And suddenly the first lights of dawn began to illuminate the sky behind San Miniato with pink. In rush and hurry the ghosts said goodbye flying away in the wind. "Until next Halloween!" They told each other crossing in the sky. The stalls vanished. Lanterns and candles went out. The Market of Ghosts dissolved like a dream.Severino found himself alone in the empty square, Seven on his shoulder and Eleven sitting on the low wallLooking at Florence illuminating itself in the day of All Saints. He observed his old radio with new eyes and from the ancient crypts of San Miniato, something seemed to call him. He turned it on, turned up the volume and descended the stairway in time to Chet Baker's version of 'Autumn Leaves'.It was time to throw open the gate of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.___________________We will continue this story.... For now a Happy Halloween to all of you, may you always believe in magic!Story written by Marco Ciappelli for "Stories Under The Stars" Halloween 2025___________________Listen to Severino's Playlist for the songs that accompany this story and subscribe to discover new music with every adventure.
Have you ever found yourself ostracized from a group you thought was your tribe?Have you ever doubted that you can be accepted for who you are?Have you ever felt somewhat adrift after the frenzy of finishing a book on a tight deadline?If so, you'll relate with today's guest and benefit from her insights and infectious joy. Today's interview is the second in a series of 6 bonus episodes that shine a spotlight on just a few of the amazing members of my Christian Authors in Action community.Most podcast interviews talk to authors after the book is published, during their book launch. This series of interviews is different.Here you'll hear from Christian writers in the midst of the writing phase or navigating their time in-between projects. Keep listening to discover tangible tips you can apply to the reality of your own writing life.Join the Christian Authors in Action programConnect with Kristy Horine:Website: https://kristyhorine.com/Connect with Dalene:Contact - > info@inkandimpact.comPodcast -＞www.inkandimpact.comConnect -＞ Join the free Facebook group Publish Like a ProFB/IG/LI -＞@dalenebickelNext Steps:Step 1: Join a supportive community of nonfiction Christian writers at the free Facebook group Publish Like a Pro.Step 2: Get more personalized support through 1:1 book coaching at www.dalenebickel.com/bookworthy-coachingWhat additional topics would you like to learn about?Ready to write and self-publish your first nonfiction book and make a kingdom impact? Join the FREE Publish Like a Pro Facebook group!
Halloween over Florence: THE MARKET OF GHOSTSSeverino lived in the bell tower on the hill — the one next to the ancient Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.Every evening, at sunset, he would lock the gate at the base of the entrance stairway and before climbing back up, he would pause to watch Florence color itself amber.And so he did today as well. The tourists had left. Time stopped and silence became sacred again.Through the rusted bars the city stood there motionless — perhaps since forever; with its red roofs, marble facades and the Arno flowing between its stones like a glittering silver ribbon.Domes and towers trembling with light, almost suspended in the air, as if everything and everyone were holding their breath waiting for twilight — and for the night that would cover it with shadows, stars and dreams.One more glance, then he turned on his transistor radio that he had found a few years ago and the notes of Duke Ellington's 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore' filled the autumn evening.Silence may be sacred for the monks, but for Severino music was more so. Seven, his raven, didn't need to be called and at the first notes launched himself from the cypresses of the cemetery above, circled in front of the imposing facade of the Basilica and suddenly glided down along the stairway, to land gently on his left shoulder."Hey Seven, had a good day?""Yes. Could have been worse — Let's settle for that."At which, Severino smiled, turned up the radio's volume and began climbing resolutely toward le Porte del Cielo, while Jazz music echoed among the ancient stones.Nine years ago, on this same day in the month of October, the Olivetan monks residing in the Abbey found a child on the steps of the Basilica.He was there, wrapped in fog, silent as the night, eyes curious as the wind, without name and without past. They called him Severino — I don't know why — and he grew up among prayers and silences. He played in ancient rooms and discovered his world, surrounded by books, tombs, art and mysteries never revealed. At night a raven and a black cat accompanied him, illuminated by the moon, in the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, wandering among imposing crypts and motionless statues that whispered memories and mysteries.But on Halloween nights the whispers transform into screams and endless laments. Secrets manifest themselves, legends become reality, and dreams disguised as nightmares knock on doors lit by candles. And that full moon night was precisely this night: October 31st — and remember, whether you believe in spirits or not, nothing changes: the ghosts will come.And Severino was up there, right there waiting for them to arrive. Leaning out the highest window of the bell tower, calm, looking at Florence from above. While Thelonious Monk's 'Round Midnight' played on his radio, he watched — tapping time with one foot and waited.At the second of the twelve strokes of the midnight bells, something began to happen. On the Arno formed a dense fog that pulsed with spectral green. It began to rise and slide slow but inexorable over the bridges like fingers of cold hands of impatient ghosts. It slid over the Ponte Vecchio and rolled through the streets of Oltrarno until reaching San Niccolò, where it climbed up the hill swallowing everything it found in its path.When it reached the gate of San Miniato, it slipped through the bars and climbed up the stairs until it covered, like a high luminous tide, the entire square in front of the church. It climbed up the marble facade and wrapped also the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, covering the entire hill in a cloak of mystery. Then slowly, as if by enchantment, the fog began to dissolve rising toward the sky and when the last cloud melted into the night air, the square was no longer empty.Small jack-o'-lanterns with flickering lights floated in the air smiling with teeth of fire. Black candles sprouted from nowhere, illuminating spectral stalls full of everything and nothing. Bats that seemed made of paper but were alive fluttered among the lights with wings of black velvet, while autumn leaves danced without wind, sparkling with gold and copper. Pumpkins of every shape filled the stands, some carved with funny faces, others covered with silver spiderwebs that shone like threads of moon. Witch hats swirled in the air like flying umbrellas rotating slow on themselves. Roasted chestnuts perfumed the air with cinnamon and mystery, while small dancing skeletons tinkled like ice bells.And finally in the Cimitero delle Porte Sante, the Portal opened. Like every Halloween, for centuries, spirits from all over the world congregated in Florence for their annual meeting. A spectral river of ghosts poured into the square, each heading toward their own stall, and each with their impossible merchandise to sell or trade. The spirits had arrived and Severino observed them from above. A carnival of other worlds, made of sounds, colors and unimaginable stories.The deserted square had transformed into the Market of Ghosts. Stalls kept materializing from nowhere, carved and glowing pumpkins told each other stories of Halloweens past, present and future laughing malicious among the perfumes of lost memories, past centuries, tomorrow's candles and fallen stardust. The sky above the Tuscan hills and above Florence was full of ghosts arriving from everywhere to search for the unfindable. But no human eye could see this spectacle. No one except Severino, who descended from the tower enchanted by that spectacle and immersed himself in the crowd pulsating with otherworldly life. Seven circled above him observing with attentive eyes and cawing a bit nervous. Some ghosts looked at him with curiosity and recognized him. Someone greeted him and many others whispered his name in forgotten languages."There he is," murmured a witch from Prague."The child of time," sighed a Norman knight."He's returned, I told you so." laughed a Caribbean pirate.But Severino paid them no attention because there were ghosts selling: dreams of sleeping dragons, laughter of northern gnomes, tears of mermaids in love, the last breath of dinosaurs, shadows of unicorns. And even fears from past Halloweens — two for the price of one, but only for tonight. The ghost of a pirate who died during a boarding gone not so well shouted: "Storm bottles! Lightning in jars!" A witch from Salem whispered: "Love potions that last three lifetimes…" A medieval knight showed swords that cut fear, A Chinese spirit waved kites that fly into the past.The spectral crowd grew and thickened, laughed and bargained, while Severino walked amazed and fascinated among the impossible stalls of the Halloween Market. Seven cawed restless from above and Eleven, the black cat with orange eyes, jumped from one tent to another not losing sight of a single movement of Severino and the hundreds of souls circling around him.A ghost monk from an era that never existed saw him and smiled at him from behind a stall full of ancient radios adorned with mysterious symbols. Severino approached, fascinated."How wonderful! Do they all work?""Oh yes, certainly" replied the monk. "These transmit on the waves of past, present, and future time. But you don't need to buy one."The other ghosts stopped. They ceased selling, buying and bartering. They looked at Severino with respect and listened to what the collector of frequencies told him."The transistor radio you already have is more special than you think. But to discover its true secrets, you'll have to search in the ancient crypts where everything began."And suddenly the first lights of dawn began to illuminate the sky behind San Miniato with pink. In rush and hurry the ghosts said goodbye flying away in the wind. "Until next Halloween!" They told each other crossing in the sky. The stalls vanished. Lanterns and candles went out. The Market of Ghosts dissolved like a dream.Severino found himself alone in the empty square, Seven on his shoulder and Eleven sitting on the low wallLooking at Florence illuminating itself in the day of All Saints. He observed his old radio with new eyes and from the ancient crypts of San Miniato, something seemed to call him. He turned it on, turned up the volume and descended the stairway in time to Chet Baker's version of 'Autumn Leaves'.It was time to throw open the gate of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.___________________We will continue this story.... For now a Happy Halloween to all of you, may you always believe in magic!Story written by Marco Ciappelli for "Stories Under The Stars" Halloween 2025___________________Listen to Severino's Playlist for the songs that accompany this story and subscribe to discover new music with every adventure.
Episode Overview -The Unique Role of Women in Ministry-Leaning into God's Calling-Championing Without Competition-Coaching Through Transition-Faithfulness Over ForceShow notes and resources
"Together, we can change the world." Sermon by Interim Dean Brendan Barnicle, recorded live at the 10:00 am service on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Pastor Iain begins our new series on prayer by asking a key question—why do we need prayer in our lives as Christians?
Send us a textIn this episode of 'The Wireless Way,' host Chris welcomes Max Silber, Vice President of Mobility and IoT at MetTel, for an in-depth conversation on the latest trends and innovations in mobility and IoT. They discuss MetTel's advancements in mobile device management, IoT connectivity, fleet solutions, and mobile threat defense. Max shares insights on the importance of lifecycle management, the role of AI in edge data collection, and strategies for helping companies transition from CapEx to OpEx models. They also cover the significance of secure mobile deployments and how new technologies are enhancing safety in fleet management. Max offers practical advice for channel partners on expanding their mobility and IoT portfolios to drive revenue and solve customer problems. Tune in for a detailed look at the evolving landscape of wireless technology. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:37 Max Silberg's Background and Experience03:30 Personal Insights and Early Career06:43 Transition to Mobility and IOT11:49 Business Growth and Industry Trends17:37 Mobile Device Management and Security21:12 Introduction to Mobility in Business21:23 Exploring IoT and Fleet Management22:49 AI and Real-Time Data in Fleet Management27:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Mobility Sales30:55 Strategies for Engaging Customers36:10 The Importance of Data in AI40:19 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Support the showCheck out my website https://thewirelessway.net/ use the contact button to send request and feedback.
Ever feel like you're running on empty but still trying to pour into everyone else? Same. In this episode, we're getting real about something super tough—we had to cancel a retreat we were SO looking forward to. Why? Because one of our bodies, hearts, and minds was waving the white flag. We needed rest. We needed space. And we needed each other.We're talking all things boundaries, burnout, and how hard (but holy!) it is to say “no”—even when it's to something good. Ministry life can be beautiful and heavy, and we're learning to care for our souls before they scream at us.So grab your coffee, kick off your shoes, and join us for a heart-to-heart about friendship, self-care, and why letting people in can change everything. Real-Life Takeaways:Saying “no” to ourselves? Oof. But necessary.Breaks aren't weak—they're wise.Your body will speak up if you're not listening.Boundaries = loving others and yourself well.Self-care is spiritual, y'all.Leaning on your people isn't a burden—it's a blessing.Asking for help ≠ failing.You serve better when you're whole.Saying no can actually bring you peace (what a concept!).Friendship = showing up and slowing down together.Get all the info about our next pastors' wives retreat and apply here:https://www.pastorswivestellall.com/attendaretreatTo purchase the BOOK, head here: https://pastorswivestellall.com/bookTo shop our MERCH, head here: https://pastorswivestellall.com/shopWant to support the Pastors' Wives Tell All podcast ministry? Become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/pastorswivestellall SUBSCRIBE: Sign up for our email list and receive updates on new episodes, free gifts, and all the fun! Email sign up HERE!CONTACT US: hello@pastorswivestellall.comFOLLOW US:Website: pastorswivestellall.comInstagram: @pastorswivestellallFacebook: @pastorswivestellallJESSICA:Instagram: @jessica_taylor_83, @come_away_missions, @do_good_project__Facebook: Come Away Missions, Do Good ProjectWebsites: Do Good Project, Come Away MissionsJENNA:Instagram: @jennaallen, @jennaallendesignFacebook: @JennaAllenDesignWebsite: Jenna Allen DesignSTEPHANIE:Instagram: @msstephaniegilbertFacebook: I Literally LOLWebsite: Stephanie Gilbert
Common Man Progrum HOUR 3 --Rosen--Vikings -- Wolves
Common Man Progrum HOUR 3 --Rosen--Vikings -- WolvesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Common Man Progrum HOUR 3 --Rosen--Vikings -- WolvesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What if a “stable” coin wasn't? Blake and David unpack Paxos's accidental minting of $300 trillion in PayPal USD—and what it reveals about stablecoin “pegs.” They also dig into proposals to weaponize IRS Criminal Investigations, NASBA's flawed CPA exam data, and small-business headaches from forced AI rollouts in QuickBooks. Plus: Ripple's treasury move, whether AI can run a $1M solo firm, and smart guardrails for using AI without breaking your books.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayRelay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/relayBill.com - http://accountingpodcast.promo/billCloud Accountant Staffing - http://accountingpodcast.promo/casChapters(01:12) - Celebrating Spreadsheet Day (04:40) - Remote Work and Flexibility in Accounting (05:50) - Live Stream Interaction (06:16) - Political Discussion: IRS Overhaul (18:12) - NASBA Data Issues (24:51) - AI in Accounting: QuickBooks and Docket (41:28) - Upcoming Events and Conferences (42:38) - Navigating Conferences: Tips and Challenges (43:16) - The Future of Earmark: Audio Books and Discounts (46:21) - Chicago Teachers Union Audit Controversy (48:52) - Stablecoins and Cryptocurrency Concerns (56:09) - AI and the Future of Accounting (57:32) - The Talent Shortage in Accounting (01:03:30) - The CPA Exam and the Future of the Profession (01:16:48) - Government Shutdown and Its Impact (01:18:48) - Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement Show NotesTrump Administration Plans IRS Overhaul to Target Left-Leaning Groups (Wall Street Journal) https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-admin-plans-irs-overhaul-probe-left-leaning-groups-more-easily-wsj-reportsNew CPA Success Index is DOA: NASBA's data behind the index no longer holds up https://www.accountingtoday.com/opinion/cpa-success-index-is-doa-nasbas-data-behind-the-index-no-longer-holds-upDocyt Launches Mission to Create the 'Million Dollar Accountant' https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/10/15/docyt-launches-mission-to-create-the-million-dollar-accountant/170851/Ripple Acquires GTreasury for $1 Billion https://www.gtreasury.com/news/ripple-acquires-gtreasuryPaxos Accidentally Mints $300 Trillion 'Excess' PayPal Stablecoin https://www.pymnts.com/cryptocurrency/2025/paxos-accidentally-mints-300-trillion-excess-paypal-stablecoin/Dozens of Arkansas cities still without state funds over missing audits https://www.ktlo.com/2025/10/13/dozens-of-arkansas-cities-still-without-state-funds-over-missing-auditsChicago Teachers Union members sue union bosses over missing financial reports https://www.illinoispolicy.org/chicago-teachers-union-members-sue-union-bosses-over-missing-financial-reports/Need CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastClassifiedsCollective by DBA - https://collective.cpa/ Want to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
Send us a textFormer Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Joel Stave — the winningest QB in program history — joins the show to talk about his journey from walk-on to NFL quarterback, and how he's built a fulfilling life after football. We dive into his story of balancing an intense degree in civil engineering while leading the Badgers, overcoming adversity and the yips, and going behind the scenes in his NFL journey from 2016–2018. Joel spent time with the Vikings, Seahawks, Chiefs, Redskins, Jets, and Browns — even sharing QB rooms with Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson. He opens up about how faith and music grounded him through challenges, what it's really like being a backup QB in the NFL, and how his mindset from football prepared him for success in engineering, family, and life beyond the game. Whether you're a Wisconsin fan, an aspiring athlete, or someone navigating change, this episode is packed with honesty, perspective, and inspiration. #Wisconsin #WisconsinBadgers #Football #NFLTime Stamps:00:00 Introduction00:18 Joel on Life These Days01:00 Joel on Why He Was a Walk-On05:15 Joel Stave was a HOOPER!07:48 Stave Put a D1 Hooper on a POSTER!09:20 How Does Joel Keep Himself in Shape Now? 10:22 Joel on Balancing Engineer Studies and Playing QB 14:38 Did Joel Believe He'd Become a Starter at Wisconsin?17:01 Joel on Playing ONLY 2 Plays in the 2013 Rose Bowl19:00 Stave-Jared Abbrederis Connection21:35 Joel on On Dealing With ADVERSITY His Junior Year26:23 Joel on Leaning on Music27:35 Joel on Humility29:40 Joel on Playing the What-if Game32:00 Joel on His Senior Season 38:00 Joel on Dealing With Fans Negativity 40:44 How Did Adversity in College Translate to Life Now?43:32 Joel on Why He Didn't Run the Ball More45:29 Joel's NFL Journey49:11 Joel on Playing Alongside Patrick Mahomes52:49 Joel on Briefly Reuniting with Russell Wilson54:34 When Was Joel Ready to Move on From Football?57:36 How Awesome is Being a Backup QB?59:15 Joel on Playing With Travis Kelce01:02:12 Did Joel Consider Playing in Any Other Leagues?01:04:04 What's Next for Joel? 01:05:40 Rapid Fire Round
Michael was born in the US into a Coptic Orthodox family, but he'd drifted in and out of Agnosticism since he was a teenager. Michael converted to Islam because he hated Jews so much. For nearly 20 years, he sympathized and advocated for the Palestinians until he felt like he had to choose between his humanity and continuing to support a cause he increasingly saw as morally bankrupt and depraved. That is when he started creating content that focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. After spending nearly 20 years supporting a cause that would have gladly murdered every Israeli, Michael believes he owes it to the Jewish community to tell his story and share his knowledge, to fight the propaganda machine and hopefully pull people out of the "free Palestine" death cult. Leaning heavily into books and recollections of history for information, Michael tries to raise awareness about the problems with the Palestinian leadership, to uplift and showcase Jewish voices and opinions, and to defend Zionism to a world that has a very poor understanding of what Zionism is.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koptickaparah0548/
Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Excel Still More Journal - AmazonDaily Bible Devotional Series - AmazonSponsors: Spiritbuilding Publishers Website: www.spiritbuilding.comTyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-8487If life allows you 90 years, what percentage are you through your life? Have you thought about what God is planning for the upcoming stages of life? It can be said that a person lives three lives: Birth to 30, 30-60, and 60-Death. Which of those sets are you in? The first has lots of exploring and beginning. The middle has lots of cultivating and growing. But what is God's purpose for the last? According to Scripture, God did some of His most powerful work, for Himself, and in the lives of others, in that third stage of life: Caleb, Noah, Abraham, and Moses testify to that. Are you ready to do your most impactful and helping work in this most vital stage of life?
In this episode of More Yourself, we're diving into one of the most powerful (and sometimes uncomfortable) tools in the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, developing self-trust.We'll explore how so many of us late-diagnosed ADHD women have been conditioned to doubt ourselves, to mask, and to override our inner knowing. But what happens when we start listening to our bodies, following our curiosity, and letting go of the need to get it all “right”?This conversation is about experimenting without pressure, embracing the lessons in things not going to plan, and gently tuning in to your own guidance. It's about creating a life that works for you, not what the world expects.So here's your invitation: What would it feel like to trust yourself... even just a little more?My new book, The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, is now available, grab your copy here!What I discuss:Thriving with ADHD by embracing your ADHD, not performing or masking.Leaning into self-trust (despite fear) to build clarity, confidence, and resilience.The role of playful trial-and-error to learn without the pressure to be perfect.Using failures to learn, grow and discover new information.Using somatic tools and breathwork to regulate and reconnect.What setting unapologetic boundaries looks like.Taking small steps and recognising how your body responds. Timestamps:01:19 – Embracing Authenticity03:37 – Book Excerpt (Chapter 7, pg. 131 – Self-Trust)06:50 – Flexing the Self-Trust Muscle08:04 – Leaning into Discomfort and Unmasking09:26 – Cultivating a Growth Mindset09:56 – Exploring Post-Traumatic Growth13:34 – Trusting Yourself and Inner GuidanceJoin the More Yourself Community - the doors are now open!More Yourself is a compassionate space for late-diagnosed ADHD women to connect, reflect, and come home to who they really are. Sign up here!Inside the More Yourself Membership, you'll be able to:Connect with like-minded women who understand you Learn from guest experts and practical toolsReceive compassionate prompts & gentle remindersEnjoy voice-note encouragement from KateJoin flexible meet-ups and mentoring sessionsAccess on-demand workshops and quarterly guest expert sessionsTo join for £26 a month, click here. To join for £286 for a year (a whole month free!), click here.We'll also be walking through The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit together, exploring
The Grabber is back, as this week the boys review The Black Phone 2. Directed by Scott Derrickson and a direct sequel to the 2021 supernatural thriller, The Black Phone 2 brings back Mason Thames as Finney and Ethan Hawke returns as The Grabber. Leaning more into a supernatural slasher, we discuss just how scary is The Black Phone 2, where does it rank in the best horror movies of 2025 and of course we discuss the comparisons to Nightmare on Elm Street. So get ready to answer the phone as we discuss our spoiler filled thoughts. Remember to hit that subscribe button and leave us a lovely review. There's new episodes every week, and we cover horror movies from new releases with spoiler filled and spoiler free reviews, to old classics and B movie gems. You can find us on twitter and instagram @cmthpodcast or check out our website at https://castmetohell.podbean.com Theme by Dan Motti
Plus: The EU puts forth a five-year military strategy to become combat ready by 2030 . And Charles Schwab and BNY report third-quarter earnings that surpass Wall Street's expectations. Zoe Kuhlkin hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. An artificial-intelligence tool assisted in the making of this episode by creating summaries that were based on Wall Street Journal reporting and reviewed and adapted by an editor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the parts of yourself you've tried to hide are actually the keys to your healing?
Ever catch yourself driving personal growth from a place of feeling like you're not enough? So many of you resonated with last week's episode about how we'll never out perform our own self worth and on a recent walk I had a realization that unlocks a whole new level of owning your worth. Let me offer a new perspective on growth. In this episode, I'm opening up about a major shift that's changed how I see myself, my business, and what it truly means to grow into holding MORE from a place of knowing you're already whole now. Leaning into expansion with more peace, confidence, and alignment all starts with this simple shift. Come listen and feel the shift for yourself, if you're like me I have a feeling it's going to change the way you see everything (because it will change the way you see YOU.) HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 How to open yourself up to receive the next level of abundance, love, peace (and more.) 04:15 The realization I had on a recent walk of what is driving my growth. 09:00 The exercise to check in and remember my wholeness. 15:30 How to operate from the truth that you're already whole and worthy now. 18:00 Ways to connect with a community of women who are ready to expand to their next level too. RESOURCES + LINKS Apply for the Fall 2025 Expanders Retreat HERE FOLLOW Powerhouse Women: @powerhouse_women Lindsey: @lindseymarieofficial Visit the Powerhouse Women website: powerhousewomen.co Join the PW Community Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/powerhousewomencommunity
What would you do if you lost your job to an AI? Would you even know? It happened to me - and I didn't learn the truth for six months. In the aftermath I recognised how my work needed to change. That became the core of 'Building Resistance', a set of practices that help us focus on the most human elements of our work. Leaning into those - in this episode, you'll learn how - makes it harder to get automated into oblivion. For more information about this podcast and The Next Billion Seconds, please visit https://nextbillionseconds.com. The Next Billion Seconds with Mark Pesce is Executive produced by Josh Butt Ampel and James Brettell at Myrtle and Pine studios in Sydney, Australia. Listen on Spotify, Apple Sign up for 'The Practical Futurist' newsletter here. https://nextbillionseconds.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
http://www.CoachMikeD.com Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/impact-and-fulfillment-with-coach-mike-d/id1230596918 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oNGxgmdwaTOpWwdf1BGyR#:~:text=Listen%20to%20Impact%20and%20Fulfillment%20with%20Coach%20Mike,practical%20wisdom%20for%20an%20authentic%20life%20of%20purpose. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachmiked
Diddy broke down in tears as his children testified on his behalf during his sentencing hearing today. The morning did not go well for the music mogul, with the judge ruling against him on several motions, and the prosecution revealing in a jaw dropping moment that Diddy had already booked speaking engagements in Miami starting next week, calling it “the height of hubris.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Diddy broke down in tears as his children testified on his behalf during his sentencing hearing today. The morning did not go well for the music mogul, with the judge ruling against him on several motions, and the prosecution revealing in a jaw dropping moment that Diddy had already booked speaking engagements in Miami starting next week, calling it “the height of hubris.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Diddy broke down in tears as his children testified on his behalf during his sentencing hearing today. The morning did not go well for the music mogul, with the judge ruling against him on several motions, and the prosecution revealing in a jaw dropping moment that Diddy had already booked speaking engagements in Miami starting next week, calling it “the height of hubris.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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