Podcasts about Living

SPONSORS: 1) MANDO: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that's over 40% off) with promo code JULIAN at https://Mandopodcast.com/JULIAN!#mandopod 2) AMENTARA: Go to https://www.amentara.com/go/JULIAN and use code JD22 for 22% off your first order. 3) HOLLOW SOCKS: For a limited time, Hollow Socks is having a Buy 3, Get 3 Free Sale—visit https://hollowsocks.com to get up to 50% off your order. (***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ Kendis Gibson is is a 2x Emmy Winning Belizean-born American journalist. His book, "Five Trips" recounts his 5 psychedelic trips he took in an effort to heal his severe trauma. KENDIS' LINKS - IG: https://www.instagram.com/kendisgibson/?hl=en - BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Trips-Investigative-Journey-Psychedelic/dp/B0DB2PCVY9 FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY INSTAGRAM (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/juliandoreypodcast/ INSTAGRAM (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://twitter.com/julianddorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 0:00 - Intro 1:31 - Living in Bedstuy as a Kid, Working in New York Media early 4:27 - Covering 9/11 live, Building 7 Theories 15:53 - Epstein Files, Epstein Death & News Cycle Weirdness, Kendis knows Epstein's Chefs 32:25 - Epstein's NDA was INSANE, Kash Patel & Dan Bongino 41:21 - Kendis' 5 Trips Book, Heroic Dose in Belize Ruins (STORY) 51:53 - Kendis witnesses tragic death, SSRIs 56:32 - Kendis' Childhood Abuse (STORY), Finding friend's body 1:02:15 - Processing Abuse, MDMA Trip, Forgiveness 1:21:18 - Getting rid of accent, Growing up w/ abusive brother, ABC made Kendis want to end it 1:26:03 - 2018 Struggles, Kendis decides to end it (STORY), Plant Medicine 1:33:53 - Most Physically Abusive Trip He Had, Paul Rosolie, Ayahuasca 1:48:32 - Ayahuasca Trip in Peru (STORY), Mario the Shaman 2:01:05 - The Shamanism, Julian recalls his Ayahuasca Trip, Ayahuasca made Kendis realize 2:20:15 - Julian reflects on his Ayahuasca trip in Peruvian Amazon 2:30:23 - Kendis' Work CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef - https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 371 - Kendis Gibson Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Genesis 4:1-15 / January 7-8, 2026 The story of Cain and Abel is tossed around rather generally in both Christian and non-Christian circles. Many folks are aware of the big picture aspect of the account—namely, that the older brother murdered the younger—but beyond that, little is known and even less is applied to everyday life. But woven within and between the lines of this amazing story are several insights that await our discovery. From the Series: Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives: Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters read more

In this episode of The Observatory Podcast, hosts Scott and LaRae Wright sit down with Bobby Ahlander for an expansive and deeply human conversation about suffering, healing, and what it means to truly come home to yourself. Bobby shares his journey growing up in a rigid religious environment marked by instability and fear, living much of his adult life on “autopilot,” and eventually reaching a breaking point that included leaving the Church, divorce, job loss, and a prolonged season of depression with suicidal ideation.Through therapy, psychiatry, EMDR, Buddhist study, and eventually plant medicine, Bobby describes the slow and nonlinear rebuilding of his inner world. He introduces a personal “numbers” framework that helped him track emotional states — from survival, to “fine,” to happiness, joy, bliss, and ultimately a state he later names cosmic union. At the heart of this conversation is the embodied realization that arrived not through force or fixing, but through surrender: peace feels good.Timestamps [01:10] Introducing Bobby Ahlander and the theme “peace feels good”[04:05] Childhood in a conservative religious home marked by instability[08:45] Learning invisibility, safety, and survival as a child[14:55] Living adulthood on “autopilot” and inherited identity scripts[20:15] Becoming a bishop and the weight of enforcing institutional rules[25:35] LGBTQ+ policy conflict and values colliding with authority[31:50] Leaving the Church, divorce, and relocation all at once[36:40] Wiping the slate clean and questioning every belief[41:05] First acts of autonomy and reclaiming personal choice[46:00] Discovering Buddhism and non-dual thinking[51:40] First psilocybin experience and expanded awareness[58:45] COVID, job loss, unhealthy relationship, and emotional collapse[01:05:40] Suicidal ideation and surviving for his children[01:12:30] Therapy, medication, and the “numbers” emotional scale[01:20:10] Ayahuasca: opening a door that never closes[01:27:30] Integration, healing, and learning to live at “fine”[01:33:40] Oregon coast turning point and happiness returning[01:38:10] Discovering joy, bliss, and something beyond the scale[01:41:00] Embodied peace, “peace feels good,” and what comes next[01:41:58] Closing message and listener invitationNotable Quotes“You have just opened a door that can never close again.” — Scott Webb (quoted by Bobby Ahlander) [00:36:08]“I don't want to die, but I don't want to be alive.” — Bobby Ahlander [00:31:58]“The whole choice to awake puts you on a path.” — Scott Wright [01:13:33]“So we honor you for being there and being able to express that.” — LaRae Wright [01:29:42]“The cost of the new is the old.” — Scott Wright [01:32:36]“Turbulence is just a reminder you're flying.” — Bobby Ahlander [01:34:42]“You will continue to suffer until you've learned the lesson that the suffering is trying to teach you.” — Bobby Ahlander [01:38:18]“This is peace.” — Bobby Ahlander [01:23:57]“Peace feels good.” — Bobby Ahlander [01:25:01]Relevant LinksBobby's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbyahlander/Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcasts

4pm: Living with family isn’t a last resort anymore.  It’s the plan // Trump Moves to Ban Big Investors From Buying Single-Family Homes // Trump’s Pledge to Evict Big Investors from Housing Market Hits Rental Stocks // New dietary guidelines urge Americans to avoid processed foods and added sugar // Dr. Oz on alcohol “It’s a social lubricant… but don’t have a drink for breakfast”

6pm: Living with family isn’t a last resort anymore.  It’s the plan // Trump Moves to Ban Big Investors From Buying Single-Family Homes // Trump’s Pledge to Evict Big Investors from Housing Market Hits Rental Stocks // // The hill I will die on: Films and TV shows are better if you read the spoilers first // UW reportedly plans to pursue legal action after QB enters transfer portal

This episode marks the beginning of Year 7 of The On Purpose Podcast. Host Jerrod Hardy reflects on the past year and introduces the idea of choosing one “big rock” each year — one meaningful goal, experience, or commitment to center your life around.Jerrod shares how last year's “big rock” was an unforgettable trip to Zion National Park to celebrate his oldest daughter's 30th birthday, and how intentionally planning moments like these can shape our priorities, connection, and sense of purpose. He also reveals this year's big rock — training for and running his first 100-mile race alongside his son, Trey, in Butte, Montana, and what it means to pursue hard things together as a family.Tune in as we kick off a new year of the podcast with reflection, clarity, and a challenge to choose your own big rock for the year ahead.Connect with The On Purpose PodcastWant more from The On Purpose Podcast?Listen to full episodes on TheOnPurposePodcast.com or anywhere you stream your favorite shows.Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes clips, guest highlights, and daily motivation.Connect with Jerrod HardyLinkedIn |  InstagramDiscover Jerrod's insights on leadership, mindset, and purpose—and learn how to apply them in your own journey.Get the Book: Extraordinary People In Ordinary Places— Jerrod's guide to living and leading with purpose.

1 John 2:16We live in a world that says there is neither right nor wrong, and only relative truth. To avoid being swept along by postmodernism you'll need the discernment and direction found in the Bible.

In January 2023, a 36-year-old man is found shot inside his vehicle outside his Fort Lauderdale apartment in the early morning hours. As detectives investigate, the case quickly stalls. With no arrests and no clear motive, the man's family is left grappling not only with his sudden loss, but with the silence that follows. Living hundreds of miles away, they struggle to advocate from afar, returning to Florida year after year to keep his case from being forgotten. In episode 385, Jac and Alexis examine the unsolved murder of Jason Marous, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and son that continues long after his death.

01-07-26 - BR - WED - List Of Coolest Things At This Year's CES - Man Steals GF's Car While She's Delivering Their Baby In Hospital - Another Brady Revelation Of Doug From Ghana Who's Living w/Elderly Friend w/DementiaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After 25 years in LA, I thought I was prepared for anything. I was not prepared for this. New town. No community. No routine. Living with my husband full-time for the first time. My mind said I was fine. My body said otherwise. I was sore, overwhelmed, and emotionally fried. And no amount of "executive resilience" could fix my nervous system. This episode of the WholeCEO Podcast is personal. I share what it was really like starting over, how hard it is to move without knowing anyone, and why movement and frequency became my anchor when everything else felt unfamiliar. I'm joined by Dr. Caroline Stites, Founder and CEO of VibraGenix, to talk about vibration, red light, and frequency-based modalities that helped my body calm down when my life was in transition. If you are a high performer navigating a change and wondering why your usual tools are not working, this conversation is for you.  Listen now. ----------------------------------- If this episode resonated, here's what I want you to know. You don't need to push harder. You don't need to be tougher. You may just need support at the nervous system level. The same VibraGenix modalities that helped me regulate, move again, and feel grounded are available to explore here: https://vibragenix.com/?aff30=mjqotew This is not about fixing yourself. It's about giving your body the tools to recalibrate. From my heart to yours. 

"I put myself in situations where I didn't have a back door and couldn't run away from myself. The natural consequence was that I felt lighter, and I'm finishing the year more proud of myself than I've ever been, with more confidence." In this episode, Heather guides you through her unique process for creating a personalized, focused plan for 2026 that brings real lightness into your life. But that doesn't mean bypassing internal struggles or heavy emotions, because you can't reclaim your time or create more peace without addressing your biggest energy leaks. If your goal is to feel lighter next year, while bringing on more responsibilities that move you forward, this conversation will guide you to work with the four essential energy types that support real growth, so you can release what no longer fits and move forward with more ease, clarity, and self-trust. What to listen for: ✨ 80% of how you spend your day is hiding, and why you need a north star ✨ The four types of energy you need to understand how to manage for growth ✨ Understanding the type of dreamer you are and how to work with yourself ✨ Why the more responsibility you have, the lighter you should feel "When you begin to embody this identity of 'the more responsibility I have, the lighter I should feel', your brain begins to find evidence of how that's possible. Because the way that you manage your time and energy is focused on how light you can feel." ✨ Shifting the belief systems that limit your ability to experience lightness ✨ Continuously and relentlessly facing the parts of yourself you avoid ✨ Living for others as a way to feel better, but with strong boundaries "You have to face parts of yourself that you've never, ever, ever faced, especially with that identity. And to be lighter, you have to let go." ✨ Getting radically honest about what you're sacrificing by holding on to stories ✨ Auditing the tasks currently on your plate to uncover what you can release ✨ Holding the emotional discomfort of learning how to trust and receive ✨ Why women often use strategy and information to avoid integration "You have one precious life, and if you're wasting time on a strategy that's not working, it's time to put it down. If you are wasting it on relationships or skills that aren't working, or you feel like you've outgrown a career, it's time to put them down." ✨ Using community support to enhance personal growth and accountability ✨ Understanding that fear can be a catalyst for growth if managed intentionally ✨ Creating a 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' list to help clarify your desires ******* For those of you who are ready to stop feeling drained, overextended, and out of alignment… join me for a one-on-one Time & Energy Audit, a focused session designed to help high-achieving women uncover what's draining them, clarify what truly matters, and create a simple plan that fits their life. We'll pinpoint your biggest time + energy leaks, identify the top areas to focus on for quick momentum, and map out exactly what to let go of so you can reclaim your energy, your time, and your joy. Ready to make your time work for you without adding more to your plate? Book a Time & Energy Audit: https://heatherchauvin.com/audit    Not ready for 1:1? Join the membership (cancel anytime): https://heatherchauvin.com/membership 

Genesis 4:1-15 / January 7-8, 2026 The story of Cain and Abel is tossed around rather generally in both Christian and non-Christian circles. Many folks are aware of the big picture aspect of the account—namely, that the older brother murdered the younger—but beyond that, little is known and even less is applied to everyday life. But woven within and between the lines of this amazing story are several insights that await our discovery. From the Series: Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives: Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters read more

Genesis 4:1-15 / January 7-8, 2026 The story of Cain and Abel is tossed around rather generally in both Christian and non-Christian circles. Many folks are aware of the big picture aspect of the account—namely, that the older brother murdered the younger—but beyond that, little is known and even less is applied to everyday life. But woven within and between the lines of this amazing story are several insights that await our discovery. From the Series: Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives: Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters read more

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we sit down with Frank Scarso, author and CEO of Avanza Capital, whose life story embodies the essence of second chances. After spending over two decades on Wall Street, Frank faced a personal crisis that led him to addiction and homelessness. Now, with eight years of sobriety under his belt, he is not only sharing his journey through his upcoming book, *The Hard Way Home*, but also making a significant impact in the small business community by deploying over $250 million in funding across 48 states. Frank reflects on the importance of redemption, the lessons learned from his past, and how he transformed his struggles into a mission to help others. He discusses the unique challenges small businesses face in securing funding and how Avanza Capital strives to provide swift and honest support. Join us as Frank shares powerful insights on resilience, accountability, and the profound impact of kindness in leadership. Discover more about Frank and his initiatives at www.avanza.nyc.Support the show

What if the goal of life wasn't comfort, success, or even happiness – but meaning?In this episode of Common Denominator, I sit down with Sann McCandless, a life and career coach who helps people design lives rooted in courage, intention, and self-trust. We explore why fear isn't something to overcome but something to walk alongside, how imposter syndrome is actually a sign of growth, and why the most meaningful lives are built in chapters – not linear paths.Sanni shares how intentional living starts with honest self-check-ins, why confidence isn't about ability but self-acceptance, and how nature plays a powerful role in regulating our nervous system and reconnecting us to presence. We also dive into relationships with high performers, parenting, and what it really means to live with perspective when life feels short and precious.This conversation is for anyone feeling stuck, burned out, or quietly craving a life that feels richer, braver, and more alive.In this episode you'll learn:- Why fear doesn't go away, and why that's okay- The real antidote to imposter syndrome- Why confidence is about self-acceptance, not competence- How nature restores presence and regulates the nervous system- The difference between comfort, meaning, and peak experiences- What courageous, intentional people truly have in common- How to live intentionally without being reckless or selfishIf you're questioning your path, your priorities, or what you actually want out of life — this episode will meet you right where you are.Like this episode? Leave a review here:https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominatorTimestamps:00:00 – Introduction & The Power of the Mind and Reality02:15 – Intentional Living: Crafting Meaningful Lives06:10 – Courage and Overcoming Fear10:12 – Navigating Imposter Syndrome13:04 – The Dynamics of High-Performance Relationships25:29 – Creating Community with OutWild28:37 – The Importance of Nature in Our Lives32:18 – Living with Courage and IntentionFollow Sanni: Instagram: @sannimccandlessLearn more about her work: linktr.ee/sannihonnold

In this fascinating episode, Reagan invites Dr. Rob Reimer back to explore the topic of prophecy, dreams and what baptism or fillings of the Holy Spirit really mean. They discuss personal encounters with God, and the workings of the Holy Spirit in a believers life.  Rob shares insights from his book 'River Dwellers', discussing how to dwell in God's presence and the importance of prophecy in the New Testament. They delve into practical ways to hear God's voice and the significance of compassion in ministry, emphasizing the transformative power of God's love and the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit to further the Kingdom.Dr. Rob shares profound personal experiences of how prayer, and the role of dreams as divine communication impacted his life.  They discuss the emotional and spiritual states associated with being in step with the Holy Spirit, the challenges of maintaining that connection amidst life's burdens, and the importance of repentance when we are out of step with the Spirit. The dialogue emphasizes the need for intimacy with God and the transformative power of living as 'river dwellers' filled with the Spirit.Become Part of Our Mission! Support The Revelations Podcast:Your support fuels our mission to share transformative messages of hope and faith. Click here to learn how you can contribute and be part of this growing community! Resources:More from the Revelations Podcast hosted by Reagan Kramer: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast | YoutubeSoul Care by Rob ReimerRenewal International Rob Reimer:Facebook | InstagramRiver Dwellers Book:  https://a.co/d/6QeVqLCRevelations Podcast Interview with Rob on Soul Care :https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soul-care-healing-for-a-healthy-soul-ft-dr-rob-reimer/id1570307983?i=1000684078662 Chapters00:00 Introduction and Spiritual Authority02:58 The Journey of Writing 'River Dwellers'06:10 Personal Encounters with God09:08 Understanding the Holy Spirit12:10 The Role of Prophecy in the New Testament14:53 Hearing God's Voice17:57 The Concept of River Dwellers20:59 Practical Applications of Prophecy23:50 Experiencing God's Compassion25:00 Experiencing God's Love Through Prayer27:00 Dreams as Divine Communication29:04 Living in the River of the Spirit40:00 Recognizing When You're Out of the River45:00 Spiritual Authority and Identity48:00 Closing Thoughts and Prayer 

1 Peter 2:4-12 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss our place in Peter's metaphor of God's household. We are the living stones built together to make up the temple and dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=23995The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

A new year often comes with pressure to set goals, do more, and fix ourselves. But when you're living with metastatic breast cancer, that framework can feel exhausting — and disconnected from reality.In this New Year episode, we talk about a different way forward. One that starts by asking a more honest question:What do I need this year?Because when cancer doesn't reset on January 1st, the goal isn't reinvention — it's living.We explore:Why living with metastatic breast cancer is already enoughLetting go of “shoulds” and redefining progressShifting from performance to presenceCreating anchors instead of rigid routinesTrusting what your body and life are asking for right nowWhy rest matters — and why engagement still does tooThis is an honest, grounded conversation about living well with metastatic disease — without pretending it's easy, and without waiting for life to begin “after.”You're not behind.You're not broken.And you don't need to fix yourself to deserve a meaningful life.Living is the goal.

1 Corinthians 5:9-10Loving the world means getting caught up in the attitudes and values that characterize our world...things that can lead to addictions and destroy you spiritually, physically, and emotionally. But that doesn't mean you're supposed to live in isolation and live a plain, drab life.

They knew that life was tough. They knew that a fragile person would not survive. But does that mean the Stoics were unfeeling? Utterly disconnected? Harsh and invulnerable?

2 Samuel 23, 1 Chronicles 11-12 / January 5-6, 2026 Somewhere back in time, you and I were given a faulty set of instructions. Somewhere we learned that only the most famous or the star athlete or the most publicly gifted individual is worth our time and attention, our respect and our loudest applause. But in reality, if it wasn't for the people who surround them, these well-known individuals would quickly fade in popularity and become among the most commonplace. From the Series: Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives: Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters read more

Episode 120 - Dave Munson didn't launch Saddleback Leather from a sleek office or a polished pitch deck. He started in a dusty leather shop in Mexico—with a hand-drawn sketch, a leap of faith, and one ironclad rule: no breakable parts. His mission? Building something so rugged and well made his kids would fight over it when he was gone. What came next reads more like an action movie than a business plan. Dodging hitmen. Getting thrown by a raging bull. Living in one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Even accidentally working for the nesmafia. Out of that chaos was born Saddleback Leather—now a global, iconic brand known for its 100-year warranty, old-world craftsmanship, and a cult-like following that swears by every stitch. In this episode of Latino Business Report, we dive into a story of grit, faith, and fearless entrepreneurship—and what it really takes to build a legacy that outlasts trends, titles, and lifetimes. Because the boldest businesses—and the best adventures—are the ones you never planned. Website - https://saddlebackleather.com/  Book - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/theyll-fight-over-it-when-youre-dead-dave-munson/1147277060     

The saga of The Sully Clan and their adventures on the far off planet of Pandora continues with this third entry in Oscar-winning director James Cameron's ongoing franchise which started in 2009 with Avatar....but do we still care? :p Well according to recent box office returns, we certainly do and much of that might due to the continued spectacle of seeing these characters fly and swim and now fight fire on-screen.  The fire apparently comes from a new threat who's the leader of an ash tribe named Varang (Oona Chaplin) and as she starts to align with Colonel Quarytch (Stephen Lang, returning from the previous two films), that threat only seems to escalate.  And stuck in the middle of this conflict is young human Spider (Jack Champion) who is still loyal to his adopted family of the Sully's but might now also present a new threat to them and the future existence of the Navi on this planet.  Once again leading this sci-fi epic are Sam Worthington as Jake and now Oscar-winner Zoe Saldana as Netyri, along with several other returning cast members including Sigourney Weaver, Britain Dalton, Kate Winslet, and Cliff Curtis.  Let's find out if Big Jim can pull it off again and if the quality of the story matches the spectacle.....Host: Geoff GershonEdited By Ella GershonProducer: Marlene Gershon  Send us a textSupport the showhttps://livingforthecinema.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Living-for-the-Cinema-Podcast-101167838847578Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/livingforthecinema/Letterboxd:https://letterboxd.com/Living4Cinema/

God’s new mercies for a new year remind us that lasting hope isn’t found in resolutions, productivity, or perfectly planned goals, but in the daily faithfulness of the Lord. Rooted in Lamentations 3:21–27, this devotional points us to the steady truth that God’s compassion never fails, His mercy is renewed every morning, and His presence is sufficient for each ordinary day ahead. Highlights Ordinary, quiet days can feel harder than busy ones, yet they are sacred gifts from God. Our relationship with God is not a goal to achieve but a journey to continue. New Year’s resolutions cannot sustain spiritual growth the way daily dependence on God can. God’s mercy, love, and compassion are renewed every single morning without fail. Hope is not found in knowing the future but in trusting the God who reigns over it. There is always enough mercy for each day—never more, never less. Living one day at a time frees us from fear and anchors us in God’s faithfulness. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: New Mercies for a New Year By: Sarah Frazer Bible Reading:I reach up for my coffee cup in the cabinet. Silently, while my house is still quiet, I pour the steaming liquid. The morning hours are sacred, peaceful, and go by too fast. My children, all five of them, will wake up early. The rooms will be filled with voices, doors opening, and then the noises of food being fixed in the kitchen. Although they are older now and can make their own breakfast, I walk in with my empty coffee cup. I’m ready to help them pack their lunches and pour the orange juice. The morning hours will once again be quiet after getting them off to school, but facing my day means I face the truth that ordinary, mundane days are often harder than the busy ones. How do I spend my day? What is truly important? If I made a list, it would be a mile long. New days bring new to-do lists. Jobs, careers, family, and ministry weave together as the years go by, but how do we decide what to do with our days? Each day is a gift from God, and we don’t want to waste our time, so how do we live better? As the new year approaches, you and I want to make our lives better. We want our health to be better, our relationships to be better, and we want our faith to be better. Although New Year’s resolutions are great, maybe even beneficial, what we cannot resolve to do better is our relationship with God. Our connection to God is something to grow, not a goal to reach. I admit that many times over the years, I’ve spent time writing out my goals and aspirations for my life in December and January, including “spiritual things.” I would write down things like praying more, reading my Bible more, and doing more for God. Although we can make tangible goals like that, God is not asking us to reach a certain point, but to continue on in the journey with Him. What if instead of looking for more, we looked for new? In the new year, maybe we can find hope, mercy, and peace not in our goals or resolutions, but in the daily mercies God is already giving us. What do we have that is something we’ve forgotten about God? What if we stopped looking for more and looked to God for the daily? In the book of Lamentations, we see a powerful passage of hope. The author has spent two and a half chapters lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem. Sorrow, death, and fear surrounded the city. The author’s heart was completely overwhelmed. If you are entering this new year with trepidation, fear, or sorrow, listen closely to the turning point that happens here in the following verses. Yet this I call to mindand therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietlyfor the salvation of the Lord. -Lamentations 3:21-27 (ESV) God’s love, compassion, and mercy are new every morning. Our lives are not built because we make New Year's resolutions or meet all our goals. In the daily choices we make, that’s what really counts. How can we daily look to God for our hope? We don’t know what will happen in the coming year, but we can know for sure God will be on his throne (Psalm 47:2), there is hope (Psalm 9:18), and Christ is with us. (Matthew 28:20) As we enter the new year, don’t forget that God’s mercies are new today. Every year, every morning, and each moment we walk through life, God is with us and His mercy has no end! This gives us a place to start connecting with God right now. Each day, there is enough mercy for that day. There will always be enough. God’s mercy and love are faithful to show up every day without fail. It never runs out. You won’t disappoint, sin, or make mistakes that keep you from God’s love and compassion. We can’t outrun God’s love for us. Don’t get wrapped up in trying to prepare for the whole year in January. Just trust God, there will be enough for each day as it comes. He invites us to live this life one day at a time. Make one resolution or goal: to connect with God daily. Psalm 68:19 says that God “daily bears us up” (ESV). Each day God lifts us, provides for us the hope and mercy we need. God will never fail us. In Romans 8:31-39, Paul tells us what can separate us from God’s love. Spoiler: Nothing can! Intersecting Faith & Life: A New Year can invite us to celebrate God’s new mercies, which show up every day. We access this through His Word. Do you have a regular Bible reading habit or study plan? If life feels overwhelming, I invite you to begin with the Psalms. Check out the podcast Psalms to Help You Sleep to jump-start a daily Bible routine. You can start experiencing God’s new mercies in this new year. Further Reading: Psalm 40:1-3 Isaiah 43:18-19 Romans 8:28-39 1 John 5:14-15 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Something shifts when joy stops being a side effect of success and becomes a conscious way of living and leading. In this episode, Amy explores the idea of Exponential Joy with Kristin Joy Ekkens, founder of Exponential Joy™ movement, and how choosing joy on purpose can transform the way we work, communicate, and show up in our lives. Together, they unpack how joy is not about bypassing difficulty, but about developing the awareness, presence, and courage to meet life honestly without losing yourself in the process. Kristin shares how exponential joy grows through small, intentional choices that reconnect you to your voice, your body, and your truth, even in high-pressure environments. This conversation invites you to rethink productivity, success, and leadership through a more human lens, where joy becomes a renewable resource that deepens connection, expands impact, and creates work that feels aligned instead of draining.Key Takeaways:Why Exponential Joy Is a Practice, Not a Personality Trait – Understand how joy grows through intentional choices rather than circumstances or temperament.How Joy Changes the Way You Show Up at Work – Learn how choosing joy affects presence, communication, and how others experience you.The Difference Between Performing and Living in Joy – See how chasing approval or productivity blocks joy and creates quiet exhaustion.How Awareness Creates Space for Joy Under Pressure – Discover why noticing your internal state is the doorway to sustainable joy, even in demanding environments.Why Joy Expands Impact Instead of Diminishing It – Learn how grounded joy strengthens leadership, trust, and influence rather than making work feel less serious.Returning to Your Natural State of Joy – Understand how reconnecting to your voice, body, and truth allows joy to grow exponentially over time.About the Guest:Kristin Joy Ekkens is the visionary founder of the Exponential Joy™ movement and creator of the Joy Operating System (JOYOS™)—a blueprint for conscious leadership, wellbeing, and human flourishing. A TEDx speaker, executive coach, and social entrepreneur, she blends emotional and connectional intelligence, well-tech, and ancient wisdom to help leaders and creators upgrade their inner operating systems. After overcoming severe burnout and autoimmune illness, Kristin developed the EPIC Joy Codes™—Energy, Purpose, Intention, and Connection—to help others transform stress into vitality and purpose into joy. Her mission: to rewire humanity for exponential joy.http://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinjoyekkenshttps://exj.global/joyos-accelerator/About Amy:Amy Lynn Durham, known by her clients as the Corporate Mystic, is the founder of the Executive Coaching Firm, Create Magic At Work®, where they help leaders build workplaces rooted in creativity, collaboration, and fulfillment. A former corporate executive turned Executive Coach, Amy blends practical leadership strategies with spiritual intelligence to unlock human potential at work.She's a certified Executive Coach through UC Berkeley & the International Coaching Federation (ICF) In addition, Amy holds coaching certifications in Spiritual Intelligence (SQ21), the...

Robin Arzón's leap from lawyer to fitness powerhouse wasn't just a career shift; it was a radical reinvention. After surviving a traumatic hostage situation, she turned to running as a way to heal, reclaim control, and push past limits. What began as a coping mechanism evolved into a mission: to complete ultra-marathons, build a global fitness brand, and inspire others as a lead instructor at Peloton. Even after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Robin refused to be defined by anything but her unstoppable drive. In this episode, Robin opens up to Ilana about how she transformed trauma into purpose, made a bold leap into fitness, and became a global force in wellness with Peloton. Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as an instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes. In this episode, Ilana and Robin will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:37) Surviving a Hostage Situation (05:47) Discovering Running as a Healing Tool (08:51) From Casual Runs to Ultra-Marathons (11:29) Transitioning from a Law Career to Fitness (13:19) Landing a Job at Peloton with a Cold Email (15:49) Living and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes (18:34) Juggling a Career, Motherhood, and Life's Demands (21:39) Pushing Past Her Limits at the StriveX Challenge (24:54) Building a Global Brand Through Consistency (28:18) Swagger Society and Upcoming Cookbook (31:47) Learning to Trust Life's Redirections Robin Arzón is a fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known for inspiring millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes as an instructor at Peloton, where she is also the Vice President of Fitness Programming. Robin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Shut Up and Run and Strong Mama, sharing her personal stories and fitness philosophies. She advocates for mental and physical strength, promoting the power of movement and mindset to achieve personal transformation. Connect with Robin: Robin's Website: https://www.robinarzon.com/  Robin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc  Resources Mentioned: Robin's Books: Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062445685  Eat to Hustle: 75 High-Protein Plant-Based Recipes (A Cookbook): https://www.amazon.com/dp/031659427X Robin's Journal, Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1454946342 Leap Academy: LeapCon is the #1 Conference for Reinvention, Leadership & Career — a powerful 3‑day experience designed to help you unlock what's next in your career and life.

1 John 4:7-8A cross around a neck, an “ichthus” fish on the back of a car, a well-crafted sermon. None of these is the mark of a Christian—it is love. Like the old song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Honest, transparent love.

The "Living with Heart" Podcast is brought to you by Chip Dodd Resources (www.chipdodd.com) and The Voice of the Heart Center (vothcenter.com). You can connect with Dr. Chip Dodd at chip@chipdodd.com. Contact Bryan Barley for coaching at bryan@vothcenter.com.   

Is your quiet time each day serving you? In this episode, Jeff and Rick discuss: Principles of business that were learned early in Rick's life.Staying on track with your family and spirituality amid life's activities.Living a life of meaning.Finding a cause that guides your actions.  Key Takeaways: Many young men, between 25 and 45, are significantly underperforming in key areas of life.Be willing to act immediately when prompted in your life. Take initiative, and you'll be amazed at who you can meet and who you can become.The only way to get mastery is from a master. Seek out masters in your life you can learn from.Your competency plus your integrity becomes your identity.You have to give it away in order to keep it with all things in your life.Stewardship requires action. Building a life of meaning requires sacrifice.  "We get it all wrong. We worship our work, then we work on our play, then we play at our worship, and I think that we've got to get those things realigned." —  Rick Walker About Rick Walker: Rick runs Lumicre Commercial Real Estate Investments, where he loves to build and buy boring buildings (www.lumicre.com). He is the author of 9 Steps to Build a Life of Meaning: How to Unlock Your Mind, Happiness, Power, and Your Enemy's Demise. He lives in Houston with his wife and three daughters.He began in the poverty of a two-bedroom home, with big dreams and low self-esteem. Borrowing $1,000 from his Mom, he founded and took one business to 400 employees by the time he was 26. He built another company into 6 states. At the same time, he led a nonprofit expansion into 53 countries and added over a thousand staff - all in their 20s and 30s. Connect with Rick Walker:Website: http://rickwalker.com/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rickwalkertxRick's new book on Amazon or anywhere you buy your books: rickwalker.com/amazonRick's free newsletter to thousands of fellow leaders: bit.ly/46zorxo    Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdvFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

What if the reason your book hasn't been written yet isn't procrastination—but protection? That quiet nudge that keeps whispering write the book isn't random. It's an initiation. In this episode of the Communication Queens Podcast, Kimberly Spencer sits down with author, storyteller, and book doula Amy Vogel to explore what really happens when women stop waiting for permission and start telling the truth of their lives. Amy shares her nonlinear journey—from tech sales to ministry, from certainty to collapse, from faith systems to self-trust—and reveals why writing a book isn't about having the answers. It's about being brave enough to live inside the questions. Together, Kimberly and Amy unpack the duality every woman faces when she dares to be seen: too much vs. not enough, creator vs. critic, artist vs. entrepreneur. They explore why books are both sacred art and business assets, why imposter syndrome simply means you've entered a bigger room, and why the feeling you're chasing matters more than bestseller status. This is a conversation about sovereignty, pleasure, power, and storytelling as reclamation. About why your story doesn't need to be perfect—it needs to be alive. And why the act of writing doesn't just change readers…it changes you. If you've ever felt the pull to write, speak, or share—but hesitated—this episode is your permission slip.

In this episode of the DMV Mess Hall, Rally Captain and Tailgate Ted talk about •

Sermon Summary: “Forgetting What Is Behind You, Living for Christ”   A Call to a Year of Yielding The sermon opens with a prophetic emphasis for the new year: a year of yielding. God's will is not accomplished in believers' lives through effort alone, but through surrender. Just as Jesus yielded His will to the Father in Gethsemane, believers are called to yield their strength, plans, and control to God so His purposes can be fulfilled. Sanctification Comes Through Yielding Believers are already perfected in Christ, yet are continually being sanctified. Sanctification is not achieved by striving, but by yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit. Our position in Christ is greater than our current condition, and real spiritual growth requires humility, honesty, and willingness to change. Peter's Failure Reveals the Danger of Self-Confidence Through Matthew 26, the sermon examines Peter's denial of Jesus. Peter failed because he: Refused to believe Jesus' warning Neglected prayer and watchfulness Substituted action for prayer Followed Jesus from a distance Catered to his flesh This progression shows how spiritual drift leads to open denial when believers rely on self-confidence rather than surrender. Yielding Prevents Spiritual Collapse Jesus warned, “Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation.” The sermon explains the difference between falling into temptation and entering into it deliberately. Yielding involves intentionally setting one's life up for spiritual success through prayer, discipline, and obedience. God's Grace Restores the Fallen Despite Peter's failure, God's grace was greater. Fifty days later, Peter stood up on the Day of Pentecost and preached the most powerful sermon in history. This demonstrates that failure does not disqualify a yielded heart. God restores those who repent and trust His grace. Forgetting What Is Behind From Philippians 3, the sermon teaches that many believers are controlled by their past. “Forgetting” does not mean erasing memory, but neglecting its power. Paul deliberately turned away from both sinful and successful parts of his past so he could pursue Christ fully. Yielding Requires Intentional Neglect of the Past Believers must choose to lay aside memories, regrets, accomplishments, and wounds that hinder forward movement. No counselor or circumstance can do this for someone—it is a personal decision empowered by the Holy Spirit. A Unified Pursuit of Christ The church is described as a people who are “with it” because they share the same pursuit, not because of obligation or structure. When believers wake each day seeking to please God, unity naturally follows. Final Call The sermon concludes with a strong call to surrender: Yield fully to God Forget what is behind Press toward the upward call of Christ Live not by sight, but by faith Believers are challenged to enter the new year with renewed commitment, trusting that a yielded life leads to freedom, restoration, and spiritual power.

Living in Denmark doesn't usually change you overnight; it sneaks up on you and quietly rewires your brain. Derek and Mike share listener responses and their own “wait, when did I start doing that?” moments as they talk through the small cultural shifts that stick over time. The conversation wanders through everyday life, work, and unspoken social rules that slowly reshape how internationals move through the world. By the end, there's a good chance you'll recognize a few of these changes in yourself and realize Denmark's been working on you too.Derek Hartman:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/derekhartmandkYouTube: https://youtube.com/c/robetrottingTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@derekhartmandkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/robetrottingMike Walsh:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillymike999

John Rockefeller was once asked how much money was enough, and his reply was "just a little bit more". Living well really doesn't have anything to do with material wealth, as we'll see today. It has more to do with living a life pleasing to God. That's where wisdom comes into the picture.

What happens when pure intuition meets real life?Visionary artist Simon Haiduk and Oliver dive deep into the dance between total flow-state living and creating reliable systems so life doesn't fall apart.We explore:Why intuition alone isn't enough when trains, planes, and deadlines existHow Simon backpacked the world in 2000–2001 with zero plans and only intuitionUnderground cities, Damanhur (Italy's secret temple civilization), and why we don't build more homes undergroundAncient buried structures being found under modern cities (including a mysterious ornate building under Vancouver!)The Huichol peyote tribes and living completely by seasons & intuitionGraham Hancock's latest discoveries that are rewriting historySimon's final message if he had one day left: “Remember you're not really here…”If you love visionary art, sacred geometry, off-grid living, ancient mysteries, or learning how to balance spiritual flow with practical systems – this episode will blow your mind.

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:37) Charlie's backstory: escaping trauma and rebuilding from rock bottom (3:41) The truth about mindset and why it matters more than motivation (4:34) The 5 Ks framework (7:39) How limiting beliefs get wired in and how to rewire them (14:04) The "integrity gap" and why we feel stuck (16:55) Our mind as a goal-serving mechanism (22:08) Morning routines that actually work (27:58) Living by principles, not preference (33:07) What confidence really means (34:46) Why community and support are essential (39:59) Charlie's tools, programs, and how to connect (44:17) Outro   Who is Charlie Smith?   Charlie Smith is a keynote speaker, mental performance consultant, and coach who helps individuals and organizations build confidence, overcome challenges, and perform at their best. He is the founder of the "My Life…My Pen" platform and host of the Overcome Outloud podcast, where he shares tools and stories to inspire personal growth and ownership.   Charlie's work is deeply rooted in his own journey—surviving a traumatic childhood, overcoming addiction, and rebuilding his life after a successful 30-year career in business and real estate. Today, he trains executives, athletes, and teams to develop mental skills, resilience, and habits that support lasting success. His programs focus on practical strategies that help people make real change from the inside out.   Connect with Charlie: Website: https://charliesmithspeaks.com/ IG: https://instagram.com/charliesmithspeaks Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

What happens when the life you've been intentionally building asks you to slow down instead of speed up?In the first episode of the year on Transform With Travel, host Kelly Tolliday shares a deeply personal, off-the-cuff conversation about growth, priorities, and choosing presence over productivity.Kelly reflects on nearly two and a half years of hosting the podcast, the lessons learned through travel, storytelling, and connection, and announces a major professional shift into her new role at Travel Kinship, where she now serves as Director of Sales and Marketing. She also shares an exciting family update, spending three months living abroad in Uruguay through Boundless Life, followed by extended travel beyond.With honesty and intention, Kelly explains her decision to place the podcast on pause for a few months, not as an ending, but as a conscious choice to honor time, focus, and family. This episode is a reminder that intentional living sometimes means stepping back, trusting the season you're in, and knowing when enough truly is enough.You will learn:Why Kelly chose to start the year without vision boards or goal-setting contentHow the podcast shaped her personal and professional growth over the last two and a half yearsWhat a travel representation company does and why Travel Kinship felt like a natural next stepHow ethical, sustainable, adventure-led travel has guided Kelly's career decisionsWhy her family chose to live abroad in Uruguay with Boundless LifeWhat global living offers children through education, community, and cultural immersionWhy time is the most valuable resource in intentional travel and intentional livingHow to recognize when it's time to pause something you loveWhy stepping back does not mean stepping away foreverWe talk about:00:00 Intro 01:00 Reflecting on two and a half years of podcasting02:00 Gratitude for listeners and the growth of the show03:00 Announcing Kelly's role at Travel Kinship04:00 What travel representation companies do05:00 Why working with on-the-ground partners matters06:00 Scaling back travel advising and shifting priorities07:00 Living abroad in Uruguay with Boundless Life08:30 World schooling, community, and slow travel with kids09:30 Referral resources and Boundless Life episodes to revisit

Nutritious Life PodcastIn this timely episode of the Living a Nutritious Life Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Ashley Koff, RD, a nationally recognized dietitian, author, and nutrition expert.About Our Guest:Ashley Koff, RD, is the founder of The Better Nutrition Program (BNP) and the author of the newly released book, Your Best Shot. An acclaimed weight-health expert and practitioner for more than 25 years, Koff is leading a transformative movement in personalized nutrition, turning “better, not perfect” choices into practical, sustainable strategies that deliver real outcomes.What You'll Learn in This Episode:- The critical role of "weight health hormones" (including GLP-1, PYY, CCK, and GIP) in metabolism, appetite, and overall well-being.- Why weight loss and health have long been separated—and how to finally bridge them for lifelong results.- How optimizing your own hormones is essential, whether or not you use GLP-1 agonist medications.- Why personalized assessment and nutrition matter more than any fad diet, supplement, or one-size-fits-all approach.Episode Highlights:- The science behind the GLP-1 hormone, how GLP-1 agonists work, and why they're reshaping weight health (and medicine!).- Ashley's signature “pizza analogy” to make customizing your nutrition plan simple and sustainable.- The most overlooked nutrients and habits that support your body's own hormonal balance and weight regulation.- A candid discussion about medication, teens, and why every individual needs a personalized approach—plus how Ashley's own story shaped this movement.About Living a Nutritious Life Podcast: Welcome to the Living a Nutritious Life podcast with Keri Glassman, MS, RDN, CDN, where we break down the latest nutrition science into smart, actionable tips to help you live your most nutritious life.On the Living a Nutritious Life podcast, Keri and her world-renowned guests cut through the noise, sharing unparalleled, forward-thinking tips, tricks, and the latest in health, wellness, and nutrition science.Based on Keri's whole-person approach to healthy living, each impactful episode extends far beyond the simplistic “get more sleep” and “eat your greens” advice. She connects the dots like no one else – like how morning yoga can make it easier to choose a healthy lunch, leading to better sleep at night.Listen as Keri and her expert guests explore the physiological and behavioral connections that explain, for example, why the common wisdom around dieting and exercising alone doesn't work, so you can finally make the meaningful changes you've been looking for.Thank you for listening in to this episode of Living a Nutritious Life. We hope you enjoyed the conversation as much as we did! If you found value in this episode, please RATE, REVIEW and SHARE.Ready to Dive Deeper? Are you ready to dive into the world of nutrition and wellness even deeper and become a certified nutrition coach? Join our amazing global community of like-minded students and alumni. Get in on the action—enroll in our Become a Nutrition Coach program at nutritiouslife.com/bnc. Keri has a lot to teach, and we're here to help you get started on your journey!Connect with Ashley on social:IG: www.instagram.com/ashleykoffapprovedWebsite: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/Your Best Shot: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/your-best-shot/#OrderConnect with Keri on social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutritiouslifeofficial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keriglassman/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keriglassman Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeriGlassmanNutritiousLife Twitter: https://twitter.com/NutritiousLife_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nutritiouslife Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nutritious_life/ Website: https://nutritiouslife.com/ Become a Nutrition Coach: https://nutritiouslife.com/bnc/Copyright © 2023-2025 Nutritious Life.#LivingaNutritiousLife #NutritiousLife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 156th episode of What Is a Good Life?, I'm joined by Alejandra Guzmán González. Alejandra is a Nicaraguan educator, lifelong learner, and mother of two. She describes herself as an artist with a dancer's feet, the soul of a theatre actress, and the writer's force within (publishing under the pen name aimé). Her work is rooted in curiosity, reflection, and human connection, and she continues to devote her professional life to education and learning-centred projects.In this episode, Alejandra shares her journey of discovering how to trust her own voice. She reflects on personal experiences, family, and the process of making her own decisions with confidence while staying connected to the people she loves.This conversation is for anyone looking to build greater trust in themselves and their own decisions.For Alejandra's Newsletter: https://aimewrites.substack.com/For more of my work:Contact me at mark@whatisagood.life if you'd like to explore your own good life through:- 1-on-1 coaching and online group courses: https://www.whatisagood.life/p/individual-coaching- The podcast's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@whatisagoodlife/videos- My newsletter: www.whatisagood.life00:00 - Living the Question03:18 - Seeking External Answers07:02 - Teaching and Questioning10:05 - Parenting and Frustration13:46 - Building Inner Trust17:53 - Cocooning and Withdrawal22:45 - Listening Beyond Answers30:31 - The Right to Listen38:10 - A Defining Moment48:03 - Health as Teacher56:46 - What Is a Good Life For Alejandra?

In this New Year's episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest make the case that most resolutions fail because they focus on the wrong things: outcomes and behaviors rather than key values. They explore how we can identify our important values, embrace caring about them, and start to let them change our behavior. Forrest talks about how we can differentiate authentic values from “conditions of worth,” and Dr. Rick shares a number of ways to get more in touch with what matters to you. Topics include translating “shoulds” into values, experiencing more autonomy and agency, creating personal narratives, and finding your “stance toward the year.” Key Topics:  0:00: Intro: values, self-concept, and levels of action 7:22: Living from states of having, doing, and being 13:09: Stances toward life based in threat versus opportunity; what are you paying attention to? 20:18: Examining “shoulds” to find and define your authentic values  33:30: Emulating the people you admire and respect most 41:55: Strategies to identify your root values  54:05: Recap Rick's Goals Course: If you want to get more out of the year ahead check out Rick's online course on resolutions that last. Learn more at RickHanson.com/goals, and use coupon code BeingWell25 to receive a 25% discount. Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Sponsors Listen to Turning Points: Navigating Mental Health wherever you get your podcasts. Follow the show so you never miss an episode.  Level up your bedding with Quince. Go to Quince.com/BEINGWELL for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. If you are exploring whether you might be neurodivergent, check out Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson.  Skylight is offering our listeners $20 off their 10 inch Skylight Frame by going to myskylight.com/BEINGWELL. Go to Zocdoc.com/BEING to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beingwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Devi Brown joins Dr. Thema to share the wisdom she gained after multiple losses and shifts from relationship and health challenges to the death of loved ones. They explore embracing the mystery of life and the reclaiming of joy. Devi Brown is a Well-Being Educator, Multidisciplinary Healer, Creative Advisor, and Author. As the founder of her namesake company, Devi Brown Well-Being, she serves as a trusted voice and advisor to global corporations & high-impact individuals and as a compassionate and supportive teacher to her students. Creator and host of leading wellness podcast, ‘Deeply Well' and author of Crystal Bliss and Living in Wisdom, her work is founded in creating elevated inner and external wellness practices that support a complex-lived experience. Her process is rooted in trauma-informed holistic wellness, spiritual psychology, advanced meditation, and metaphysics. Devi Brown Well-Being strives to ignite internal transformation that leads to community impact and an elevation of consciousness and compassion for all. er second book, Living in Wisdom: A Guide to Awakening Your Highest Self and Developing Self-Mastery (Hatchette, Spring 2025) explores life experiences that have informed her spiritual awakening and teachings, offering readers the processes and practices to craft a full-body wellness framework dedicated to servicing all facets of their well-being. Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com

In this conversation, Mike and Tim explore the significance of God's name, particularly in the context of the Lord's Prayer. They discuss the cultural understanding of names in ancient times, the meaning of the Tetragrammaton, and how God's name reflects His character and covenant with His people. The conversation delves into the implications of misusing God's name in modern contexts, the nature of God's jealousy, and the relationship between God's name and humanity. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of honoring God's name in worship and daily life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections 03:52 Exploring the Lord's Prayer 10:30 The Significance of God's Name 19:17 Understanding God's Jealousy and Covenant 30:43 The Nature of God's Revelation 33:21 Covenant Ideology and Community Involvement 34:41 Suboptimal Conditions and Progressive Revelation 37:33 The Role of Law and Suggestive Nature 40:51 Understanding God's Name and Character 45:47 The Significance of God's Name in Community 49:38 Living into the Character of God's Name 55:36 The Relationship Between Commands and Character 01:00:26 The Challenge of Christian Nationalism and Authenticity As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram. We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV. Our Merch Store! ETSY Learn more about the Voxology Podcast Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio Follow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on Facebook Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!emersonk78@me.comExcel Still More Journal - AmazonNew GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional!Daily Bible Devotional Series - AmazonSponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.comTyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-8487Intro Idea: THE MIRACLE MORNING! 30-60 minutes each morning of prayer, reading, and planning! Start your day well if you hope to live it well. This creates consistency and growth. 7. Holy Living: Fight Sin and Win in Christ • Romans 6:11-14 – “Sin shall not have dominion over you.”• Galatians 5:16-25 – “Walk in the Spirit… the fruit of the Spirit.”• 1 John 1:5-9 – “He is faithful and just to forgive.”Questions:• What specific sins have been plaguing your heart and life?• What patterns, places, or habits make this temptation overwhelming?• How does a personal connection to Christ make a difference?Exercises:• Pair up a fruit of the Spirit daily that opposes your sin.• Remove or minimize a factor that leads to your downfall.• Share your struggle with a trusted believer who can help.8. Living on Mission: Do the Work God Has Planned • Ephesians 2:8-10 – “Created in Christ Jesus for good works.”• Romans 12:4-8 – “Having gifts that differ, use them.”• Matthew 5:14-16 – “Let your light shine before others.”Questions:• What do you know God wants to see more of in your service?• Can you recall a time when such was central to your day and life?• The work is the people. Will you start with one person this week?Exercises:• Write down a generic mission and three possible specific actions.• Pray for opportunities, open doors, and wisdom to identify them.• The work is the people, pick a person or family and get started.9. Do Hard Things: Invite Suffering for the Sake of Growth • James 1:2-4 – “The testing of your faith produces endurance.”• Hebrews 12:1-11 – “He disciplines us for our good.”• 1 Peter 4:12-13 – “Rejoice as you share Christ's sufferings.”Questions:• What does God want from you that is hard to do faithfully?• Are you willing to suffer for it, or is cost and pain off limits?• Will you accept help, support, or accountability partnerships?Exercises:• Pray to register difficulty as opportunities to explore.• Clearly note the forward-looking why for a hard thing.• Plan something specific

What does 2026 hold for indie authors and the publishing industry? I give my thoughts on trends and predictions for the year ahead. In the intro, Quitting the right stuff; how to edit your author business in 2026; Is SubStack Good for Indie Authors?; Business for Authors webinars. If you'd like to join my community and support the show every month, you'll get access to my growing list of Patron videos and audio on all aspects of the author business — for the price of a black coffee (or two) a month. Join us at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn. Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. (1) More indie authors will sell direct through Shopify, Kickstarter, and local in-person events (2) AI-powered search will start to shift elements of book discoverability (3) The start of Agentic Commerce (4) AI-assisted audiobook narration will go mainstream (5) AI-assisted translation will start to take off beyond the early adopters (6) AI video becomes ubiquitous. ‘Live selling' becomes the next trend in social sales. (7) AI will create, run, and optimise ads without the need for human intervention (8) 1000 True Fans becomes more important than ever You can find all my books as J.F. Penn and Joanna Penn on your favourite online store in all the usual formats, or order from your local library or bookstore. You can also buy direct from me at CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com. I'm not really active on social media, but you can always see my photos at Instagram @jfpennauthor. 2026 Trends and Predictions for Indie Authors and Book Publishing (1) More indie authors will sell direct through Shopify, Kickstarter, and local in-person events — and more companies like BookVault will offer even more beautiful physical books and products to support this. This trend will not be a surprise to most of you! Selling direct has been a trend for the last few years, but in 2026, it will continue to grow as a way that independent authors become even more independent. The recent Written Word Media survey from Dec 2025 noted that 30% of authors surveyed are selling direct already and 30% say they plan to start in 2026. Among authors earning over $10,000 per month, roughly half sell direct. In my opinion, selling direct is an advanced author strategy, meaning that you have multiple books and you understand book marketing and have an email list already or some guaranteed way to reach readers. In fact, Kindlepreneur reports that 66% of authors selling direct have more than 5 books, and 46% have more than 10 books. Of course, you can start with the something small, like a table at a local event with a limited number of books for sale, but if you want to consistently sell direct for years to come, you need to consider all the business aspects. Selling direct is not a silver bullet. It's much harder work to sell direct than it is to just upload an ebook to Amazon, whether you choose a Kickstarter campaign, or Shopify/Payhip or other online stores, or regular in-person sales at events/conferences/fairs. You need a business mindset and business practices, for example, you need to pay upfront for setup as well as ongoing management, and bulk printing in some cases. You need to manage taxes and cashflow. You need to be a lot more proactive about marketing, as you won't sell anything if you don't bring readers to your books/products. But selling direct also brings advantages. It sets you apart from the bulk of digital only authors who still only upload ebooks to Amazon, or maybe add a print on demand book, and in an era of AI rapid creation, that number is growing all the time. If you sell direct, you get your customer data and you can reach those customers next time, through your email list. If you don't know who bought your books and don't have a guaranteed way to reach them, you will more easily be disrupted when things change — and they always change eventually. Kindlepreneur notes that “45% of the successful direct selling authors had over 1,000 subscribers on their email lists,” with “a clear, positive correlation between email list size and monthly direct sales income — with authors having an email list of over 15,000 subscribers earning 20X more than authors with email lists under 100 subscribers.” Selling direct means faster money, sometimes the same day or the same week in many cases, or a few weeks after a campaign finishes, as with Kickstarter. And remember, you don't have to sell all your formats directly. You can keep your ebooks in KU, do whatever you like with audiobooks, and just have premium print products direct, or start with a very basic Kickstarter campaign, or a table at a local fair. Lots more tips for Shopify and Kickstarter at https://www.thecreativepenn.com/selldirectresources/ I also recommend the Novel Marketing Podcast on The Shopify Trap: Why authors keep losing money as it is a great counterpoint to my positive endorsement of selling direct on Shopify! Among other things, Thomas notes that a fixed monthly fee for a store doesn't match how most authors make money from books which is more in spikes, the complexity and hassle eats time and can cost more money if you pay for help, and it can reduce sales on Amazon and weaken your ranking. Basically, if you haven't figured out marketing direct to your store, it can hurt you.All true for some authors, for some genres, and for some people's lifestyle. But for authors who don't want to be on the hamster wheel of the Amazon algorithm and who want more diversity and control in income, as well as the incredible creative benefits of what you can do selling direct, then I would say, consider your options in 2025, even if that is trying out a low-financial-goal Kickstarter campaign, or selling some print books at a local fair. Interestingly, traditional publishers are also experimenting with direct sales. Kate Elton, the new CEO of Harper Collins notes in The Bookseller's 2026 trend article, “we are seeing global success with responsive, reader-driven publishing, subscription boxes and TikTok Shop and – crucially – developing strategies that are founded on a comprehensive understanding of the reader.” She also notes, “AI enables us to dramatically change the way we interact with and grow audiences. The opportunities are genuinely exciting – finding new ways to help readers discover books they will love, innovating in the ways we market and reach audiences, building new channels and adapting to new methods of consuming content.” (2) AI-powered search will start to shift elements of book discoverability From LinkedIn's 2026 Big Ideas: “Generative engine optimization (GEO) is set to replace search engine optimization (SEO) as the way brands get discovered in the year ahead. As consumers turn to AI chatbots, agentic workflows and answer engines, appearing prominently in generative outputs will matter more than ranking in search engines.” Google has been rolling out AI Mode with its AI Overviews and is beginning to push it within Google.com itself in some countries, which means the start of a fundamental change in how people discover content online. I first posted about GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) in 2023, and it's going to change how readers find books. For years, we've talked about the long tail of search. Now, with AI-powered search, that tail is getting even longer and more nuanced. AI can understand complex, conversational queries that traditional search engines struggled with. Someone might ask, “What's a good thriller set in a small town with a female protagonist who's a journalist investigating a cold case?” and get highly specific recommendations. This means your book metadata, your website content, and your online presence need to be more detailed and conversational. AI search engines understand context in ways that go far beyond simple keywords. The authors who win in this new landscape will be those who create rich, authentic content about their books and themselves, not just promotional copy. As economist Tyler Cowen has said, “Consider the AIs as part of your audience. Because they are already reading your words and listening to your voice.” We're in the ‘organic' traffic phase right now, where these AI engines are surfacing content for ‘free,' but paid ads are inevitably on the way, and even rumoured to be coming this year to ChatGPT. By the end of 2026, I expect some authors and publishers to be paying for AI traffic, rather than blocking and protesting them. For now, I recommend checking that your author name/s and your books are surfaced when you search on ChatGPT.com as well as Google.com AI Mode (powered by Gemini). You want to make sure your work comes up in some way. I found that Joanna Penn and J.F. Penn searches brought up my Shopify stores, my website, podcast, Instagram, LinkedIn, and even my Patreon page, but did not bring up links to Amazon. If you only have an author presence on Amazon, does it appear in AI search at all? Do you need to improve anything about what the AI search brings up? Traditional publishers are also looking at this, with PublishersWeekly doing webinars on various aspects of AI in early 2026, including sessions on GEO and how book sales are changing, AI agents, and book marketing. In a 2026 predictions article on The Bookseller, the CEO of Bloomsbury Publishing noted, “The boundaries of artificial intelligence will become clearer, enabling publishers to harness its benefits while seeking to safeguard the intellectual property rights of authors, illustrators and publishers.” “AI will be deeply embedded in our workflows, automating tasks such as metadata tagging, freeing teams to focus on creativity and strategy. Challenges will persist. Generative AI threatens traditional web traffic and ad revenue models, making metadata optimisation and SEO critical for visibility as we adjust to this new reality online.” (3) The start of Agentic Commerce AI researches what you want to buy and may even buy on your behalf. Plus, I predict that Amazon does a commerce deal with OpenAI for shopping within ChatGPT by the end of 2026. In September 2025, ChatGPT launched Instant Checkout and the Agentic Commerce Protocol, which will enable bots to buy on websites in the background if authorised by the human with the credit card. VISA is getting on board with this, so is PayPal, with no doubt more payment options to come. In the USA, ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Free users can now buy directly from US Etsy sellers inside the chat interface, with over a million Shopify merchants coming soon. Shopify and OpenAI have also announced a partnership to bring commerce to ChatGPT. I am insanely excited about this as it could represent the first time we have been able to more easily find and surface books in a much more nuanced way than the 7 keywords and 3 categories we have relied on for so long! I've been using ChatGPT for at least the last year to find fiction and non-fiction books as I find the Amazon interface is ‘polluted' by ads. I've discovered fascinating books from authors I've never heard of, most in very long tail areas. For example, Slashed Beauties by A. Rushby, recommended by ChatGPT as I am interested in medical anatomy and anatomical Venuses, and The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson, recommended as I like art history and the supernatural. I don't think I would have found either of these within a nuanced discussion with ChatGPT. Even without these direct purchase integrations, ChatGPT now has Shopping Research, which I have found links directly to my Shopify store when I search for my books specifically. Walmart has partnered with OpenAI to create AI-first shopping experiences, and you have to wonder what Amazon might be doing? In Nov 2025, Amazon signed a “strategic partnership” with OpenAI, and even though it's focused on the technical side of AI, those two companies in a room together might also be working on other plans … I'm calling it for 2026. I think Amazon will sign a commerce agreement with OpenAI sometime before the end of the year. This will enable at least recommendation and shopping links into Amazon stores (presumably using an OpenAI affiliate link), or perhaps even Instant Checkout with ChatGPT for Amazon. It will also enable a new marketing angle, especially if paid ads arrive in ChatGPT, perhaps even integrating with Amazon Ads in some way as part of any possible agreement, since ads are such a good revenue stream for Amazon anyway. The line between discovery, engagement, and purchase is collapsing. Someone could be having a conversation with an AI about what to read next, and within that same conversation, purchase a bookwithout ever leaving the chat interface. This already happens within TikTok and social commerce clearly works for many authors. It's possible that the next development for book discoverability and sales might be within AI chats. This will likely stratify the already fragmented book eco-system even more. Some readers will continue to live only within the Amazon ecosystem and (maybe) use their Rufus chatbot to buy, and others will be much wider in their exploration of how to find and discover books (and other products and services). If you haven't tried it yet, try ChatGPT.com Shopping Research for a book. You can do this on the free tier. Use the drop down in the main chat box and select Shopping Research. It doesn't have to be for your book. It can be any book or product, for example, our microwave died just before Christmas so I used it to find a new one. But do a really nuanced search with multiple requirements. Go far beyond what you would search for on Amazon. In the results, notice that (at the time of writing) it does not generally link to Amazon, but to independent sites and stores. As above, I think this will change by the end of 2026, as some kind of commerce deal with Amazon seems inevitable. (4) AI-assisted audiobook narration will go mainstream I've been talking about AI narration of audiobooks since 2019, and over the years, I've tried various different options. In 2025, the technology reached a level of emotional nuance that made it much easier to create satisfying fiction audio as well as non-fiction. It also super-charges accessibility, making audio available in more languages and more accents than ever before. Of course, human narration remains the gold standard, but the cost makes it prohibitive for many authors, and indeed many small traditional publishers, for all books. If it costs $2000 – $10,000 to create an audiobook, you have to sell a lot to make a profit, and the dominance of subscription models have made it harder to recoup the costs. Famous narrators and voice artists who have an audience may still be worth investing in, as well as premium production, but require an even higher upfront cost and therefore higher sales and streams in return. AI voice/audio models are continuing to improve, and even as this goes out, there are rumours on TechCrunch that OpenAI's new device, designed by Jony Ive who designed the iPhone, will be audio first and OpenAI are improving their voice models even more in preparation for that launch. In 2026, I think AI-narrated audio will go mainstream with far-reaching adoption across publishing and the indie author world in many different languages and accents. This will mean a further stratification of audiobooks, with high quality, high production, high cost human narrated audio for a small percentage of books, and then mass market, affordable AI-narrated audio for the rest. AI-narrated audiobooks will make audio ubiquitous, and just as (almost) every print book has an ebook format, in 2026, they will also have an audio format. I straddle both these worlds, as I am still a human audiobook narrator for my own work. I human-narrated Successful Self-Publishing Fourth Edition (free audiobook) and The Buried and the Drowned, my short story collection. I also use AI narration for some books. ElevenLabs remains my preferred service and in 2025, I used my J.F. Penn voice clone for Death Valley and also Blood Vintage, while using a male voice for Catacomb. I clearly label my AI-narration in the sales description and also on the cover, which I think is important, although it is not always required by the various services. You can distribute ElevenLabs narrated audiobooks on Spotify, Kobo Writing Life, YouTube, ElevenReader, and of course your own store if you use Shopify with Bookfunnel. There are many other services springing up all the time, so make sure you check the rights you have over the finished audio, as well as where you can sell and distribute the final files. If they are just using ElevenLabs models in the back-end, then why not just do that directly? (Most services will be using someone's model in the back-end, since most companies do not train their own models.) Of course, you can use Amazon's own narration. While Amazon originally launched Audible audiobooks with Virtual Voice (AVV) in November 2023, it was rolled out to more authors and territories in 2025. If your book is eligible, the option to create an audiobook will appear on your KDP dashboard. With just a few clicks, you can create an audiobook from a range of voices and accents, and publish it on Amazon and Audible. However, the files are not yours. They are exclusive to Amazon and you cannot use them on other platforms or sell them direct yourself. But they are also free, so of course, many authors, especially those in KU, will use this option. I have done some for my mum's sweet romance books as Penny Appleton and I will likely use them for my books in translation when the option becomes available. Traditional publishers are experimenting with AI-assisted audiobook narration as well. MacMillan is selling digital audiobooks read by AI directly on their store. PublishersWeekly reports that PRH Audio “has experimented with artificial voice in specific instances, such as entrepreneur Ely Callaway's posthumous memoir The Unconquerable Game,” when an “authorized voice replica” was created for the audiobook. The article also notes that PRH Audio “embrace artificial intelligence across business operations—my entire department [PRH Audio] is using AI for business applications.” And while indie authors can't use AI voices on ACX right now, Audible have over 100 voices available to selected publishing partnerships, as reported by The Guardian with “two options for publishers wishing to make use of the technology: “Audible-managed” production, or “self-service” whereby publishers produce their own audiobooks with the help of Audible's AI technology.” In 2026, it's likely that more traditional publishers — as well as indie authors — will get their backlist into audio with AI narration. (5) AI-assisted translation will start to take off beyond the early adopters Over the years, I've done translation deals with traditional publishers in different languages (German, French, Spanish, Korean, Italian) for some fiction and non-fiction books. But of course, to get these kinds of deals, you have to be proactive about pitching, or work with an agent for foreign rights only, and those are few and far between! There are also lots of languages and territories worldwide, and most deals are for the bigger markets, leaving a LOT of blue water for books in translation, even if you have licensed some of the bigger markets. I did my first partially AI-translated books in 2019 when I used Deepl.com for the first draft and then worked with a German editor to do 3 non-fiction books in German. While the first draft was cheap, the editing was pretty expensive, so I stopped after only doing a couple. I have made the money back now, but it took years. In 2025, AI Translation began to take off with ScribeShadow, GlobeScribe.ai, and more recently, in November 2025, Kindle Translate boosting the number of translated books available. Kindle Translate is (currently) only available to US authors for English into Spanish and also German into English, but in 2026, this will likely roll out to more languages and more authors, making it easier than ever to produce translations for free. Of course, once again, the gold standard is human translation, or at least human-edited translations, but the cost is prohibitive even just for proof-reading, and if there is a cheap or even free option, like Kindle Translate, then of course, authors are going to try it. If the translation gets bad reviews, they can just un-publish. There are many anecdotal stories of indie success in 2025 with AI-translated genre fiction sales (in series) in under-served markets like Italian, French, and Spanish, as well as more mainstream adoption in German. I was around in the Kindle gold-rush days of 2009-2012 and the AI-translation energy right now feels like that. There are hardly any Kindle ebooks in many of these languages compared to how many there are in English, so inevitably, the rush is on to fill the void, especially in genres that are under-served by traditional publishers in those markets. Yes, some of these AI translated books will be ‘AI-slop,' but readers are not stupid. Those books will get bad reviews and thus will sink to the bottom of the store, never to be seen again. The AI translation models are also improving rapidly, and Amazon's Kindle Translate may improve faster than most, for books specifically, since they will be able to get feedback in terms of page reads. Amazon is also a major investor in Anthropic, which makes Claude.ai, widely considered the best quality for creative writing and translation, so it's likely that is used somewhere in the mix. Some traditional publishers are also experimenting with AI-assisted translation, with Harlequin France reportedly using AI translation and human proofreaders, as reported by the European Council of Literary Translators' Associations in December 2025. Academic publisher Taylor and Francis is also using AI for book translation, noting: “Following a program of rigorous testing, Taylor & Francis has announced plans to use AI translation tools to publish books that would otherwise be unavailable to English-language readers, bringing the latest knowledge to a vastly expanded readership.” “Until now, the time and resources required to translate books has meant that the majority remained accessible only to those who could read them in the original language. Books that were translated often only became available after a significant delay. Today, with the development of sophisticated AI translation tools, it has become possible to make these important texts available to a broad readership at speed, without compromising on accuracy.” (6) AI video becomes ubiquitous. ‘Live selling' becomes the next trend in social sales. In 2025, short form AI-generated video became very high quality. OpenAI released Sora 2, and YouTube announced new Shorts creation tools with Veo 3, which you can also use directly within Gemini. There are tons of different AI video apps now, including those within the social media sites themselves. There is more video than ever and it's much easier to create. I am not a fan of short form video! I don't make it and I don't consume it, but I do love making book trailers for my Kickstarter campaigns and for adding to my book pages and using on social media. I made a trailer for The Buried and the Drowned using Midjourney for images and then animation of those images, and Canva to put them together along with ElevenLabs to generate the music. But despite the AI tools getting so much easier to use, you still have to prompt them with exactly what you want. I can't just upload my book and say, “Make a book trailer,” or “Make a short film.” This may change with generative video ads, which are likely to become more common in 2026, as video turns specifically commercial. Video ads may even be generated specifically for the user, with an audience of one, maybe even holding your book in their hands (using something like Cameos on Sora), in the same way that some AI-powered clothing stores do virtual try-ons. This might also up-end the way we discover and buy things, as the AI for eCommerce and Amazon Sellers newsletter says about OpenAI's Sora app, “OpenAI isn't just trying to build a TikTok competitor. They're building a complete reimagining of how we discover and buy things …” “The combination of ChatGPT's research capabilities and Sora's potential for emotional manipulation—I mean, “engagement”—could create something we've never seen before: an AI ecosystem that might eventually guide you through every type of purchase, from the most considered to the most impulsive.” In 2026, there will be A LOT more AI-generated video, but that also leads to the human trend of more live video. While you can use an AI avatar that looks and sounds like you using tools like HeyGen or Synthesia, live video has all the imperfect human elements that make it stand-out, plus the scarcity element which leads to the purchase decision within a countdown period. Live video is nothing new in terms of brand building and content in general, but it seems that live events primarily for direct sales might be a thing in 2026. Kim Kardashian hosted Kimsmas Live in December 2025 with a 45 minute live shopping event with special guests, described as entertainment but designed to be a sales extravaganza. Indie authors are doing a similar thing on TikTok with their books, so this is a trend to watch in 2026, especially if you feel that live selling might fit with your personality and author business goals. It's certainly not for everyone, but I suspect it will suit a different kind of creator to those who prefer ‘no face' video, or no video at all! On other aspects of the human side of social media, Adam Mosseri the CEO of Instagram put a post on Threads called Authenticity after Abundance. He said, “Everything that made creators matter—the ability to be real, to connect, to have a voice that couldn't be faked—is now suddenly accessible to anyone with the right tools.” “Deepfakes are getting better and better. AI is generating photographs and videos indistinguishable from captured media. The feeds are starting to fill up with synthetic everything. And in that world, here's what I think happens.Creators matter more.” It's a long article so just to pick a few things from it: “We like to talk about “AI slop,” but there is a lot of amazing AI content … we are going to start to see more and more realistic AI content.” I've talked to my Patreon Community about this ‘tsunami of excellence' as these tools are just getting better and better and the word ‘slop' can also be applied to purely human output, too. If you think that AI content is ‘worse' than wholly human content, in 2026, you are wrong. It is now very very good, especially in the hands of people who can drive the AI tools. Back to Adam's post: “Authenticity is fast becoming a scarce resource, …The creators who succeed will be those who figure out how to maintain their authenticity [even when it can be simulated] …” “The bar is going to shift from “can you create?” to “can you make something that only you could create?” He talks about how the personal content on Instagram now is: “unpolished; it's blurry photos and shaky videos of people's daily experiences … flattering imagery is cheap to produce and boring to consume. People want content that feels real… Savvy creators are going to lean into explicitly unproduced and unflattering images of themselves. In a world where everything can be perfected, imperfection becomes a signal. Rawness isn't just aesthetic preference anymore—it's proof. It's defensive. A way of saying: this is real because it's imperfect.” While I partially love this, and I really hope it's true, as in I hope we don't need to look good for the camera anymore I would also challenge Adam on this, because pretty much every woman I know on social media has been sent sexual messages, and/or told they are ugly and/or fat when posting anything unflattering. I've certainly had both even for the same content, but I don't expect Adam has been the target for such posting! But I get his point. He goes on:“Labeling content as authentic or AI-generated is only part of the solution though. We, as an industry, are going to need to surface much more context about not only the media on our platforms, but the accounts that are sharing it in order for people to be able to make informed decisions about what to believe. Where is the account? When was it created? What else have they posted?” This is exactly what I've been saying for a while under my double down on being human focus. I use my Instagram @jfpennauthor as evidence of humanity, not as a sales channel. You can do both of course, but increasingly, you need to make sure your accounts at places have longevity and trust, even by the platforms themselves. Adam finishes: “In a world of infinite abundance and infinite doubt, the creators who can maintain trust and signal authenticity—by being real, transparent, and consistent—will stand out.” For other marketing trends for 2026, I recommend publicist Kathleen Schmidt's SubStack which is mostly focused on traditional publishing but still interesting for indies. In her 2026 article, she notes: “We have reached a social media saturation point where going viral can be meaningless and should not be the goal; authenticity and creativity should. She also says, “In-person events are important again,” and, “Social media marketing takes a nosedive… we have reached a saturation point … What publishers must figure out is how to make their social media campaigns stand out. If they remain somewhat uninspired, the money spent on social ads won't convert into book sales.” I think this is part of the rise of live selling as above, which can stand out above more ‘produced' videos. Kathleen also talks about AI usage. “AI can help lighten the burden of publicity and marketing.” “A lot of AI tools are coming to market to lessen the load: they can write pitches, create media lists for you, send pitches for you, and more. I know the industry is grappling with all things AI, but some of these tools are huge time savers and may help a book more than hurt it.” On that note … (7) AI will create, run, and optimise ads without the need for human intervention Many authors will be very happy about this as marketing is often the bane of our author business lives! As I noted in my 2026 goals, I would love to outsource more marketing tasks to AI. I want an “AI book marketing assistant” where I can upload a book and specify a budget and say, ‘Go market this,' then the AI will action the marketing, without me having to cobble together workflows between systems. Of course, it will present plans for me to approve but it will do the work itself on the various platforms and monitor and optimize things for me. I really hope 2026 is the year this becomes possible, because we are on the edge of it already in some areas. Amazon Ads launched a new agentic AI tool in September 2025 that creates professional-quality ads. I've also been working with Claude in Chrome browser to help me analyse my Amazon Ad data and suggest which keywords/products to turn off and what to put more budget into. I'll do a Patreon video on that soon. Meta announced it will enable AI ad creation by the end of 2026 for Facebook and Instagram. For authors who find ad creation overwhelming or time-consuming, this could be a game-changer. Of course, you will still need a budget! (8) 1000 True Fans becomes more important than ever Lots of authors and publishers are moaning about the difficulty of reaching readers in an era of ‘AI slop' but there is no shortage of excellent content created by humans, or humans using AI tools. As ever, our competition is less about other authors, or even authors using AI-assisted creation, we're competing against everything else that jostles for people's attention, and the volume of that is also growing exponentially. I've never been a fan of rapid release, and have said for years that you can't keep up with the pace of the machines. So play a different game. As Kevin Kelly wrote in 2008, If you have 1000 true fans, (also known as super fans), “you can make a living — if you are content to make a living but not a fortune.” [Kevin Kelly was on this show in 2023 talking about Excellent Advice for Living.] Many authors and the publishing industry are stuck in the old model of aiming to sell huge volumes of books at a low profit margin to a massive number of readers, many of them releasing ever faster to try and keep the algorithms moving. But the maths can work for the smaller audience of more invested readers and fans. If you only make $2 profit on an ebook, you need to sell 500 ebooks to make $1000, and then do it again next month. Or you can have a small community like my patreon.com/thecreativepenn where people pay $2 (or more) a month, so even a small revenue per person results in a better outcome over the year, as it is consistent monthly income with no advertising. But what if you could make $20 profit per book? That is entirely possible if you're producing high quality hardbacks on Kickstarter, or bundle deals of audiobooks, or whole series of ebooks. You would only need to sell to 50 people to make $1000. What about $100 profit per sale, which you can do with a small course or live event? You only need 10 people to make $1000, and this in-person focus also amplifies trust and fosters human connection. I've found the intimacy of my live Patreon Office Hours and also my webinars have been rewarding personally, but also financially, and are far more memorable — and potentially transformative — than a pre-recorded video or even another book. From the LinkedIn 2026 Big Ideas article: “In an AI-optimized world, intentional human connection will become the ultimate luxury.” The 1000 True Fans model is about serving a smaller, more personal audience with higher value products (and maybe services if that's your thing). As ever, its about niche and where you fit in the long long long long long tail. It's also about trust. Because there is definitely a shortage of that in so many areas, and as Adam Mosseri of Instagram has said, trust will be increasingly important. Trust takes time to build, but if you focus on serving your audience consistently, and delivering a high quality, and being authentic, this emerges as part of being human. In an echo of what happened when online commerce first took off, we are back to talking about trust. Back in 2010, I read Trust Agents: by Julien Smith and Chris Brogan, which clearly needs a comeback. There was a 10th anniversary edition published in 2020, so that's worth a read/listen. Chris Brogan was also on this show in 2017 when we talked about finding and serving your niche for the long term. That interview is still relevant, here's a quick excerpt, where I have (lightly edited) his response to my question on this topic back in 2017: Jo: The principle of know, like, and trust, why is that still important or perhaps even more important these days? Chris: There are a few things that at play there, Joanna. One is that the same tools that make it so easy for any of us to start and run a business also allow certain elements to decide whether or not they want to do something dubious. And with all new technologies that come, you know, there's nothing unique about these new technologies. In the 1800s, anyone could put anything in a bottle and sell it to you and say, this is gonna cure everything. Cancer — gone. And the bottle could have nothing in. You know, it could be Kool-Aid. And so, the idea of trying to understand what's behind the business though, one beautiful thing that's come is that we can see in much more dimensions who we're dealing with. We can understand better who's the face behind the brand. I really want people to try their best to be a lot clearer on what they stand for or what they say. And I don't really mean a tagline. I mean, humans don't really talk like that. They don't throw some sentence out as often as they can that you remember them for that phrase. But I would say that, we have so many media available to us — the plural of mediums — where we can be more of ourselves. And I think that there's a great opportunity to share the ‘you' behind the scenes, and some people get immediately terrified about this, ‘Ah, the last thing I want is for people to know more about me,' but I think we have such an opportunity. We have such an opportunity to voice our thoughts on something, to talk about the story that goes behind the product. We were all raised on overly produced material, but I think we don't want that anymore. We really want clarity, brevity, simplicity. We want the ability for what we feel is connection and then access. And so I think it's vital that we connect and show people our accessibility, not so that they can pester us with strange questions, but more so that you can say, this person stands with their product and their service and this person believes these things, and I feel something when I hear them and I wanna be part of that.” That's from Chris Brogan's interview here in 2017, and he is still blogging and speaking at writing at ChrisBrogan.com and I'm going to re-listen to the audiobook of Trust Agents again myself as I think it's more relevant than ever. The original quote comes from Bob Burg in his 1994 book, Endless Referrals, “All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust.” That still applies, and absolutely fits with the 1000 True Fans model of aiming to serve a smaller audience. As Kevin Kelly says in 1000 True Fans, “Instead of trying to reach the narrow and unlikely peaks of platinum bestseller hits, blockbusters, and celebrity status, you can aim for direct connection with a thousand true fans.” “On your way, no matter how many fans you actually succeed in gaining, you'll be surrounded not by faddish infatuation, but by genuine and true appreciation. It's a much saner destiny to hope for. And you are much more likely to actually arrive there.” In 2026, I hope that more authors (including me!) let go of ego goals and vanity metrics like ranking, gross sales (income before you take away costs), subscribers, followers, and likes, and consider important business numbers like profit (which is the money you have after costs like marketing are taken out), as well as number of true fans — and also lifestyle elements like number of weekends off, or days spent enjoying life and not just working! OK, that's my list of trends and predictions for 2026. Let me know what you think in the comments. Do you agree? Am I wrong? What have I missed? The post 2026 Trends And Predictions For Indie Authors And The Book Publishing Industry with Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

It's hard to believe we're already into 2026. If last year felt fast, this year is moving even quicker. As we settle into the rhythm of a new year, I found myself looking back at some of the most impactful conversations we've had on the show—specifically those that help us navigate the "new year pressure" without the burnout. That's why today, we're revisiting a fan-favorite conversation from the archives with Chris Wang, CEO and co-founder of Shimmer. Even though this originally aired at the start of 2025, the strategies Chris shares are more relevant than ever. We dive deep into: Process-oriented goal setting (focusing on the "how" rather than just the "what"). The power of community in maintaining momentum. Living in alignment with your core values to avoid "productivity for productivity's sake." Chris brings a wealth of actionable advice to the table. Whether you're currently looking into ADHD coaching or you're just trying to figure out how to make your plans stick for the rest of 2026, this episode is packed with gems. If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/207 This Episode's Top Tips Work on setting process-oriented goals where your focus is on the actions you can control, like "exercise 3 times a week," rather than outcome-based goals like "lose 10 pounds." Make sure you are specific and write your to-do lists with clear, actionable steps to avoid overwhelm and decision paralysis. You want to know exactly what your next step is when looking at your to-do list. Leverage your support systems. You can use community and coaching to provide accountability, remove roadblocks, and refine your systems. Remember there is no gold star for toughing it out by yourself and it's okay to get help.

U.S. Forces have captured Venezuelian President Nicolas Maduro in a planned sneak-attack.  Maduro is facing federal charges in the U.S. on drug trafficking and weapons charges.  He also faces Narco-terrorism charges.  The fraud investigations in Minnesota continues to grow.  Now they are discovering the fraud has expanded to healthcare and assisted living facilities.  It was also discussed that Nick Shirley is thought to be a real journalist who made the Mainstream media look bad.  -Thank you for listening!- Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/brian-wallenberg-show--3256416/support.

Welcome to a brand new year on the Beautifully Broken Podcast. In this solo episode, I'm reflecting on what mattered most in 2025 and what I'm bringing into 2026 with intention and clarity. I talk about the frustrations I've felt with the wellness world's obsession with quick-fix marketing, and how that led me back to the basics: digestion, cellular health, nervous system regulation, and real human connection.You'll hear the most impactful changes I made, like dialing back my supplements, leaning into bioavailable fats, ditching Amazon for Fullscript, and embracing "the year of the gases" with nanobubbled oxygen and Brown's gas. I share how I built a community around healing, hosted my first wellness event, and finally brought the Biological Blueprint Academy to life. This is a behind-the-scenes look at the principles that grounded me and the practices that restored me. And yes, it's all rooted in love, curiosity, and cellular integrity.  Episode Highlights[00:00] – Kicking off 2026 and calling out the marketing noise in the wellness world[02:00] – Simplifying supplements: how lab work shaped a leaner, smarter stack[03:50] – Fullscript vs Amazon: why sourcing and quality control matter[05:30] – Mago7, digestion, and the real-life wins that come from getting “regular”[06:45] – The year of gases: hydrogen, Brown's gas, oxygen baths, and what really helped my sleep[10:12] – Building therapies into daily life without stealing time[12:35] – CO₂ tolerance and breathing into cognitive clarity[14:00] – Beam Minerals and foundational mineral support[15:25] – Living the work: grounding, breathwork, cold exposure, red light, and temperature as medicine[17:51] – Genetics, mold sensitivity, and why foundational awareness is so powerful[20:14] – South Austin Wellness Project: hosting my first healing community event[22:36] – Access, advocacy, and why sharing healing tools is a mission, not a market[24:55] – New website, Substack migration, and podcast episode mini-pages[26:00] – A manifesto for 2026: depth over drip, principles over protocols[27:11] – The podcast as discovery: why this journey means everything to me Links & ResourcesSilver Biotics: bit.ly/3JnxyDD— 30% off with Code: BEAUTIFULLYBROKENCathcBio https://www.catchbio.com/beautifullybroken— Code: beautifullybrokenStemRegn: https://www.stemregen.co/products/release?_ef_transaction_id=&affid=52&oid=1Beam Minerals: http://beamminerals.com/beautifullybroken— Code: BEAUTIFULLYBROKEN CONNECT WITH FREDDIEWork with Me: https://www.beautifullybroken.world/biological-blueprintWebsite and Store: (http://www.beautifullybroken.world) Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/beautifullybroken.world/) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@freddiekimmel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2 Samuel 23, 1 Chronicles 11-12 / January 5-6, 2026 Somewhere back in time, you and I were given a faulty set of instructions. Somewhere we learned that only the most famous or the star athlete or the most publicly gifted individual is worth our time and attention, our respect and our loudest applause. But in reality, if it wasn't for the people who surround them, these well-known individuals would quickly fade in popularity and become among the most commonplace. From the Series: Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives: Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters read more

2 Samuel 23, 1 Chronicles 11-12 / January 5-6, 2026 Somewhere back in time, you and I were given a faulty set of instructions. Somewhere we learned that only the most famous or the star athlete or the most publicly gifted individual is worth our time and attention, our respect and our loudest applause. But in reality, if it wasn't for the people who surround them, these well-known individuals would quickly fade in popularity and become among the most commonplace. From the Series: Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives: Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters read more