Podcasts about Loneliness

A mindful "Coffee Break for the Soul" when the festive season feels overwhelming.By the 19th of December, the world outside can feel incredibly loud. There is a pressure to be busy and a pressure to "perform happiness" that can feel heavy on the soul.In this special "Coffee Break for the Soul," Martin offers you a sanctuary. Whether you are feeling the weight of solitude this year or simply the exhaustion of the season, this is your place to feel safe and just be.In this 10-minute session, we will:Release the Pressure: Put down the to-do lists and the expectations of the holidays.Somatic Body Scan: Unclench the jaw where we hold "unspoken words" and melt stress away from the shoulders.Heal the Heart Space: Breathe into feelings of grief or longing without needing to "fix" them.Reframe Solitude: Discover how to turn loneliness into a peaceful sanctuary.Affirmations: Powerful reminders that "It is okay to have a quiet Christmas" and that you are enough, exactly as you are.Remember, even if you are physically alone this week, you are part of this community. You are not invisible.Time Chapters:0:00 - Introduction: The pressure to perform happiness 0:59 - Finding your safe space & deep breathing 2:07 - Body Scan: Releasing "unspoken words" from the jaw 3:34 - Heart Space: Holding grief and longing with kindness 4:53 - Reframing: Solitude as a sanctuary 5:37 - Affirmations: "It is okay to have a quiet Christmas" 8:40 - Community Reminder: You are not invisible09:28 - Conclusion & Call to Action

In this part 4 of a part 5 series, Sathiya discusses the challenges men face during the holiday season, particularly regarding triggers for pornography use. He emphasizes the importance of guarding against boredom, loneliness, and tiredness, which are common issues that can lead to relapses. Sathiya provides practical solutions to combat these feelings, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful activities, foster connections, and prioritize self-care. The conversation aims to equip listeners with strategies to navigate the holiday season clean and spiritually grounded.   Know more about Sathiya's work: Join Deep Clean Inner Circle - The Brotherhood You Neeed (+ get coached by Sathiya) For Less Than $2/day Submit Your Questions (Anonymously) To Be Answered On The Podcast Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse, Your Blueprint For Recovery Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This   Chapters: (00:00) Navigating Holiday Triggers (00:42) Understanding Boredom, Loneliness, and Tiredness (04:03) Root Causes of Relapse (06:03) Finding Purpose During the Holidays (07:30) Combatting Loneliness Effectively (09:17) Addressing Fatigue and Self-Care (11:12) Proactive Strategies for a Clean Christmas

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In this week's reflection on his interview with Shutes—which, of course, you should go listen to—Cody discusses the recurring theme of loneliness among people living with chronic illness or experiencing grief. Or really, anyone. As some of you might know, this year Cody left his job and, more importantly, co-workers he cares deeply for. And so the theme of loneliness applies not just to those with illness, not just those grieving or trying to navigate relationships that can change in the face of mortality, but all of us. Especially at this time of year, when the emphasis on gathering together can many times make us feel even further apart. Please give yourself a few minutes out of your busy holiday schedule to join Cody in a reflection on loneliness and its answer—connection.  And regarding his offer to be there for you if you need it, you can email Cody at dttypod@gmail.com. Peace and love in these days of remembrance and celebration.

What happens when two female lawyers from different countries realize they're fighting the same battles? In this powerful conversation, Erin sits down with Odette Ansell—a Canadian litigator and host of the Non-Billable Hours podcast—to talk about the universal struggles female lawyers face: loneliness, identity crisis, the pressure to "have it all," and the desperate need for community. They discuss why it's so hard to separate your identity from your job, what to do when you feel stuck, and why vulnerability might be the bravest thing you do as a lawyer. If you've ever felt like you're the only one crumbling while everyone else looks like they're crushing it—this episode is your reminder that you're not alone.About Odette AnsellOdette Ansell is a Canadian litigator and the host of Non-Billable Hours, a podcast dedicated to honest conversations about life in and beyond the law. With a passion for connecting with lawyers across every practice area, she creates space for candid discussions about the joys, pressures, and personal passions that shape legal professionals. Odette is driven by a desire to spotlight what truly lights lawyers up outside their work—from creative pursuits to family life to unexpected hobbies. Through her thoughtful interviews, she explores the common challenges many lawyers experience but rarely voice. Her work aims to build community, normalize vulnerability, and remind lawyers that their identities extend far beyond their billable targets.Key Topics CoveredWhy Odette became a lawyer (and the personality test that said she'd be terrible at litigation)The universal struggles female lawyers face—regardless of country or practice areaWhy lawyers desperately need people who "get it" without needing contextThe loneliness epidemic in the legal profession (especially for women)How to separate your identity from your job when being a lawyer IS your personalityThe seasons of life and why "having it all" doesn't mean having it all at onceWhy women lawyers feel guilty for wanting something outside the lawThe bad advice that made Odette delete her food blog in law schoolHow to find community when you work from home and feel isolatedThe power of saying your goals out loud (even if you don't know how to achieve them)Why vulnerability is so hard for lawyers (and why we desperately need it)The retreats that made Erin realize: "These women get me at a visceral level"Connect with Odette AnsellPodcast: Non-Billable Hours (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts)Instagram: @nonbillablehourspodcastWant to connect with Odette about building community, navigating identity outside the law, or just chat about life as a lawyer? Find her on Instagram or check out her podcast!Connect with ErinInstagram: @eringernerLinkedIn: Erin GernerWebsite: www.eringerner.comBook a Call: Powerhouse Connection CallIf this conversation reminded you that you're not alone in what you're feeling, share it with another woman lawyer who needs to hear it. Tag Erin and Odette on social media and let them know what resonated.Feeling stuck and ready to make a change? Book a free Powerhouse Connection Call with Erin and let's figure out what's next.Don't forget to subscribe to the Powerhouse Lawyers podcast so you never miss an episode.

Loneliness in life and ministry ebbs and flows in many shapes and forms. In this breakout session from the 2024 West Coast Conference, Christy Duff talks through her experiences and invites us to cling to Jesus and to community. The Lord equips us to walk through these moments and helps us to minister to those who are walking in seasons of loneliness, especially in this holiday season.We pray that this conversation encourages you to continue to lead with humility and transparency by the filling and empowerment of the Spirit.---When She Leads is a podcast for women in ministry hosted by Brenda Leavenworth, Krista Fox, Rosemary Cady, and Kelly Bell.Email us at info@whensheleads.orgFollow us on Instagram at @whensheleads

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251218dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 God Makes the Desert Bloom In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars. But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space. That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life. God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life. Prayer: Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this episode, Heath and Jamie reflect on the emotional weight of the holidays, the reality of loneliness, and why waiting is often part of the work—not the problem. This conversation centers gratitude, self-reflection, and making intentional choices that lead to real connection. #SaveTheDatePodcast #Loneliness #HolidayFeels #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalHealth

Why does loneliness hit so hard—even when life looks full?In this episode of Real Love Scenario, we explore the emotional difference between being alone and feeling lonely, and why even high-achievers or people in relationships can feel isolated.We share personal stories of post-breakup lows, “busy-but-empty” seasons, and long stretches of singleness—and offer real strategies to work through them with clarity and care.

Ever felt that electric energy ripple through a crowd at a concert, sports game, or peaceful protest? That's not just your imagination—it's collective effervescence, and it's something we're deeply wired for as humans. In this episode, we'll dive into the fascinating science behind why gathering together matters for our mental health, especially in our increasingly isolated modern world. French sociologist Émile Durkheim coined this term over 100 years ago, nearly a century before we could take all of our gatherings online. Even then, Durkheim noticed that folks were missing some of these necessary experiences in their lives. The good news is there are lots of diverse ways to experience more collective effervescence (e.g., concerts, grief groups, sports events, game nights, book clubs, weddings, funerals, and fitness classes). We'll talk more about how to incorporate these experiences into your daily life and some of the obstacles that might pop up. About: The Joy Lab Podcast blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials:  Instagram TikTok Linkedin Watch this episode on YouTube Sources and Notes: Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life. Joy Lab Podcast Episodes: Sympathetic Fear vs. Sympathetic Joy: What Are You Tuning Into? [ep. 238] Caring What Others Think Isn't Your Weakness [ep. 239] Full transcript here. Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program. Please see our terms for more information. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

It's a banner day here on the pod, Slushies. We welcome a very special guest, American Poetry Review's Elizabeth Scanlon to the table as we discuss three prose poems from Sara Burant. Dagne sends out birthday wishes to Canada's own Margaret Atwood while Lisa shows the team her Margaret Atwood-as-saint candle. We note the recent poetry trend towards raising the profile of female visual artists whose work has been overlooked during their lifetimes. Artists like Sonia Delaunay, mentioned in Burant's poem “Fields,” and Hilma af Kilmt, whose art inspired Didi Jackson's recent book “My Infinity.”  The mention of a clay pipe in one poem sends Marion running for a treasure her husband found while mudlarking. Kathy cops to her blue-collar resistance to a precious ars poetica and we discuss what it takes to win her over in the end. Elizabeth relates how John Ashbery likens waiting for a poem to a cat's finicky arrival. We note Frank O'Hara's notion of “deep gossip,” name checking his own friends along with celebrities in his poems, a gesture Burant employs in her poem “Heat wave.” And we come full circle with a shout out to American Poetry Review's own podcast where Elizabeth interviewed Margaret Atwood during the pandemic. As always, thanks for listening! At the table: Dagne Forrest, Samantha Neugebauer, Elizabeth Scanlon, Kathleen Volk Miller, Marion Wrenn, Lisa Zerkle, and Lillie Volpe (sound engineer) Bio: Sara Burant's poems, reviews, and collaborative translations of Paul Éluard's poems have appeared in journals such as OmniVerse, Pedestal, periodicities, Ruminate, and The Denver Quarterly. Her work has been honored with a fellowship from Oregon Literary Arts and a residency at Playa. At 55, she received an MFA in Poetry from Saint Mary's College of California. She's the author of a chapbook, Verge. Fields after Frank O'Hara And the truck driver I was made in the image of has a tattoo reminiscent of a Sonia Delaunay on her chest. And on her upper left arm, a nude torso of Apollo reminiscent not only of Rilke but of the male figure who loved her passionately in a dream—my god, he knew how to kiss and be kissed and knew her better than she'll ever know herself. Nobody sees these tattoos except her, looking in the mirror in a cheap motel's bathroom. At home she has no mirrors, just the phone she occasionally snaps a selfie with to make sure she has no spinach or gristle lodged between her teeth before heading to the bar. Actually, the truck driver I was made in the image of is undercover. She's really a Jungian analyst. Those cows in another dream, her heaviest self, chewing the cud of the past, farting, trampling the delicate vegetation, forming a tight circle around the calves when threatened, bellowing when all else fails. Hauling 30 tons in her 35-ton rig, she speeds past field after field which are all the same field. Oh field of dreams, why hasn't she built you? Instead she deletes photos to make room for more photos, wondering why this sunset, that face, this puddle's reflection, that abstract painting. She fished and caught and couldn't filet the tender meat that smelled too much like drowning. One rainy winter in Paris she nearly did drown. Creeping water-logged from museum to museum, finally she clung to Cézanne's misshapen fruit as if to a buoy. The apples and pears, just one man's apprehension of apples and pears, not thoughts inside thought-balloons, not some parable of ancient September. Just tilting tabletops, shapes, colors, the suggestion of shadows and light. Ars poetica For the chickens I save tidbits, potato skins, and the outer cabbage leaves which make me think of hats. The red wobble of the hens' combs and the smell of their fecal heat, unaccountably dear to me. Awaiting a match to warm me, I chew on a clay pipe's stem, contemplating the waning moon of its bowl and my pink lipstick past. The silence behind words spoken or thought clucks softly in my inner ear. Sitting inside, I can't help looking out, a lifting, carrying blue, the wind's little pull on the earlobe of my heart. Lately I've been cutting paper into shapes that mean Feed me or Take me to your leader, wishing I'd been taught to name feelings as they arise. Tenderness for the apple still hanging from winter's limb. Loneliness drunk down with morning's darjeeling. There are conspirators for beauty. Like rabbits, they leave tracks in the snow. Like geese, they arrow through hallways of night. Without sentiment or self-pity they gaze at certain slants of light. They chip away the ice with a pick to get at the lock. Then they pick the lock. And oh, what a view. I want to walk in the dark to get there, not following anyone's directions. To enter the fortune teller's crystal ball with bread in my pocket and a botanist's loupe. Though I don't know your name, I move forward only beside you, your imaginary hand in mine.  Heat wave The woman at the table next to mine gives up loud-talking in favor of song, but it's not looking for love, it's looking for FUN—& feeling groovy. Maybe I should warn her—today's theme isn't love or fun, it's submarine & skedaddle, it's danger-danger, hold your breath & sound. This avalanche of heat, these record-shattering days. See the breakage piling up on sidewalks so hot the barefoot babies weep as they learn to toddle. Maybe, as you like to point out, I'm catastrophizing, when what I really want is to feel groovy again. To butter my skin with baby oil & sizzle, walking barefoot along the burning sand, Bradford Beach where I fell in love unrequited for the umpteenth time. Back then, who was counting? Back then summer lasted for years & still wasn't long enough. 1978, despite Mother's reservations, I saved my babysitting money for a ticket to Fleetwood Mac at County Stadium. Eilleen, Maggie, Liz, Jean, Mary, me—& Stevie Nicks & Christine McVie, the elm trees & long summer dusk of those women's voices. A dusk so filled with the orange, violet & chartreuse silk of its immense flag flying above, beside & through you, you neglect to notice shadows splotching the periphery & forget your curfew. I didn't notice much, so stoned I was, we were, melting into the moment's spotlessness, our adolescent hips grooving, our tan arms waving, here, now, this, this, this—I mean there, then, that, that, that—no one yet suspended for drinking, no one yet strung out, dropping out, running off with boys to Oregon or Wyoming, limping home pregnant or in rags. The elms, gone. Mom, Vince, Rob & Christine McVie, too. I've had to swear off many things due to poor digestion—but oblivion, I'd still like to indulge in that sometimes, diving into it like a bee into a flower, a morning glory, its dumb, purple, one day only show. 

The holidays can be a lonely time for many—but you don't have to navigate it alone. In this episode we chat with Adaobi Innocent, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health, to unpack why the season can feel especially heavy. We explore common triggers like loss, pressure to meet expectations, financial strain, and illness, while sharing practical, compassionate strategies to cope—from building connection and practicing self-care to embracing hobbies and self-compassion. The conversation also highlights how to spot signs of loneliness in loved ones and when to offer support or encourage professional help.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251217dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11 Made Great by Jesus John the Baptist was no ordinary man. He was courageous, faithful, and unwavering in his mission. He spoke God’s truth without fear, even when it landed him in prison. He received a beautiful compliment from Jesus: “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” That’s an incredible commendation! And yet, Jesus adds something surprising: “whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” How can that be? John was a prophet chosen by God. He baptized Jesus. He prepared the way for the Messiah. How could anyone be greater than that? The answer is that John looked forward to what we now live in. John pointed ahead to the Savior who was to come. We get to see what John only glimpsed from a distance. We know the full story. We see how Jesus carried our sins to the cross, rose from the dead, and opened heaven's door to all who believe. Greatness in God's kingdom isn’t about status, reputation, or how much you do for God. It's about what Jesus has done for you. The least person who trusts in Christ, clinging to his forgiveness and grace, will live in eternal glory in heaven. That person stands on the finished work of Jesus. So, if you ever feel small or unimportant, remember who you are in God's eyes. You are part of something infinitely greater. You belong to the kingdom John was waiting for, the kingdom Jesus won for you. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me into your kingdom. When I feel small or unworthy, remind me that my worth comes from you. Help me live with the confidence that I am yours, now and forever. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

335 – Will you or anyone you know be alone for Christmas this year?An estimated 14 million Americans will spend Christmas alone in 2025.  That's a lot of people! I don't have numbers for other countries, but this really opened my eyes to a problem that's a lot bigger than I realized.There's a wide variety of reasons why people are alone at Christmas, and a small percentage of them actually prefer to be by themselves. But the vast majority of these 14 million people would rather be with family or friends, but aren't able to for one reason or another.What are your plans for Christmas? Will you be with friends and family? Or will you be all by yourself? Either way, this episode is for you.If you're going to be by yourself on December 25, we're going to talk about how to face the loneliness and overcome itAnd if you'll be with others on this special day, we'll talk about what can you do to be supportive of and/or include someone who is by themselvesListen now and rediscover what you knew all along is the solution for loneliness at Christmas∞∞∞∞∞∞∞SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all Bible verses mentioned, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/335Text me your questions or comments.Support the showIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify__________________James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donation to support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you Contact James here

Midlife can feel like a perfect storm—menopause, stubborn weight gain, bone loss, shifting identities, and an unexpected rise in loneliness. In today's episode of Asking for a Friend, we're digging into one of the most overlooked drivers of women's health in their 40s, 50s, and 60s: disconnection—and why rebuilding community may be as powerful as lifting heavy or optimizing your hormones.My guest, Terry Tateossian, is a Harvard-trained, ISSA-certified personal trainer, nutritionist, emotional-eating coach, hormone specialist, and founder of THOR: The House of Rose Retreats, where hundreds of midlife women have transformed not just their bodies—but their confidence, connection, and sense of purpose.We talk about:Why loneliness is the new smoking for women in midlifeHow community improves metabolic health, adherence, motivation, and emotional resilienceTerry's personal transformation from obesity, burnout, and hospitalizations to becoming a leader in women's wellnessThe recurring struggles she sees in midlife women—under-eating protein, chronic dieting, hormone confusion, and the pressure to stay smallHow retreats create safety, belonging, and joy—often sparking lifelong friendshipsThe smallest, simplest steps you can take today to feel less aloneWhy lifestyle foundations matter more than ever—protein, strength training, stress reduction, and nervous system regulationIf you've been feeling isolated, stuck, or unsure how to reconnect with the adventurous, vibrant woman you used to be, this conversation is going to speak straight to you.You can find Terry Tateossian at:https://www.thehouseofrose.com/womens-wellness-retreats/https://www.instagram.com/thor.wellness/ https://www.instagram.com/how.good.can.it.get/_________________________________________1:1 health and nutrition coaching or Faster Way - Reach me anytime at mailto:mfolanfasterway@gmail.com If you're doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, it may be time to look deeper. I've partnered with EllieMD, a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 peptide therapy—to support metabolic health and longevity. https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products. ✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fq

Loneliness in grief doesn't always look like being alone — sometimes it shows up surrounded by people, sitting at full tables, yet feeling unseen inside your ache. This Advent conversation speaks directly to that quiet loneliness many moms carry, especially during the holidays. In this episode, I reflect on Mary's lonely journey into Bethlehem and how her experience reveals a tender truth about grief: God can be present… and the road can still feel isolating. In this episode, you'll discover… Why loneliness doesn't mean God is absent How Mary's birth story mirrors the unseen ache of grief Why feeling misunderstood doesn't signal weak faith What helps when your heart longs to be truly seen If this season feels heavy and lonely, this gentle reflection is here to remind you — you are known, held, and never overlooked by heaven. Press play and come sit with me for a few quiet moments of comfort and companionship. Grief Mentor Services ✨ GRIEF MENTOR SESSIONS If your heart feels overwhelmed or you're unsure how to navigate this season of grief, I would be honored to walk with you in a 1:1 Grief Mentor Session — a time of intentional listening, spiritual discernment, and compassionate mentorship to help you understand your grief and take steady steps forward. In each session, I listen carefully to your story and offer personalized guidance, along with simple printables and visual tools designed to meet you right where you are.

Today there's no guest, and not only that, but Mark Meier couldn't make it in either. What a lonely show. And what a perfect time to talk about loneliness. It affects many, if not most, men. But people also have a hard time knowing what loneliness truly is. It's not just being alone. Learn the nuances and maybe make some new friends courtesy of the Face It Foundation.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251216dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Matthew 11:4-6 Good News Proclaimed to You The disciples of John the Baptist brought a question of doubt to Jesus. Was Jesus really the Messiah, or should they expect someone else? John the Baptist sat in prison, and it didn't look like God's kingdom was advancing. Jesus’ answer was both gentle and firm. He pointed to the Bible and quoted prophecies about the coming Savior from the book of Isaiah. Jesus told them to report what they saw and heard. The blind see, the lame walk. People are cleansed; the deaf hear. God’s promises about the Savior were being fulfilled even if it wasn’t the way or the timeline John or his disciples expected. We can relate to John. We see others receiving their miracles and their answers to prayers. We wonder, “When will God act for me? When will he answer my prayer?” It's easy to stumble when God seems silent or slow to respond. But notice what Jesus includes last: “the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” That’s us. We are poor in spirit, weary, doubting at times, and unable to fix ourselves or earn our way to heaven. The good news is that Jesus came for us. Jesus brings us forgiveness for our sins. Jesus doesn't turn us away because of our doubts. God has accomplished everything for our salvation. We are blessed, not because life always goes as planned, but because Jesus did not stumble in his mission. He lived perfectly where we have failed, and through his cross and resurrection, he gives us faith that can withstand the brokenness of this world. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting me in my doubt and disappointment. Help me to trust your Word and your work, even when I can't see what you're doing. Remind me that your good news is for me too. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

While watching a sports interview with a Hall of Fame NFL quarterback, I learned a powerful lesson: loneliness leads to mastery. It takes dedicated time alone to achieve greatness. And hard work on the field with others means taking time in solitude to get ready to perform at a high level. The post Ep. 384 – The Loneliness of Excellence appeared first on Just Saying.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251215dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Matthew 11:2-3 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:2-3 Carry Your Doubt to Jesus Christmas is almost here! That means expectations are sky high. Children expect every toy on their wish list to be under the tree. Parents expect children to be happy and thankful for the gifts they’ve received, even if not every gift is crossed off their list. Employees expect a fat bonus from their employers. Employers expect their workers to meet every end-of-the-year deadline and quota. This time of year, we expect celebrations, cookies, and core family memories. Yet rarely does the season called “the most wonderful time of the year” live up to the name. The calendar is packed, the to-do list never ends, and it feels like you’re barely getting by. “The most stressful time of the year” might be a more accurate name. Beneath the glittery decorations and bright lights is the realization that most of these expectations will not be met. John the Baptist knew that feeling. Once a fiery preacher in the wilderness, John now sat in a dark dungeon prison. It was the last place his disciples expected him to be. John preached about repentance and judgment. He spoke about axes being at the root of trees and wheat being separated from chaff. In other words, he foretold the coming judgment of God on the wicked. Yet now John was in the prison cell of one of the most wicked rulers of that time. It seemed like things had gotten twisted. So, John told his followers to carry the question to Jesus, “Are you the one… or should we expect someone else?” Even from prison, John was teaching his disciples and us what to do with our questions of doubt when expectations are not met. Take them to Jesus. Bring your unmet expectations to Jesus. Bring your doubt to Jesus. He won’t shoo you away or dismiss you or utter some pious platitudes. Jesus will not condemn you; he will answer your doubts. Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are gracious and forgiving. Forgive me for my doubts and give me a faith that trusts in you through all things and above all things. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Gathering Part 5: Ending LonelinessBrian UyedaOriginal Air Date: 2025.12.14We believe The Bible, God's word, is inspired by Him, through the Holy Spirit and is sufficient for everything you need in life – guidance, wisdom, strength, encouragement and HOPE. His word reveals His nature and character and His plan of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ, through whom we can have eternal salvation when we choose to follow Him. We also believe the Bible remains relevant in our world today and its power is experienced when personally and consistently applied and practiced.Part of your journey may include choosing a Bible translation and there are many. To help you choose, it is important to know that a “translation” is word-for-word while a “paraphrase” is thought- for- thought. If you are new to Bible reading or don't yet have one, we offer FREE Bibles that are English Standard Version translation – a very easy to read Bible. Other options are Bible Apps you can download to your phone, or sites like: www.Bible.org, www.biblegateway.com or www.blueletterbible.org.We invite you to join us for weekend services:Saturday Evening at 5:30pm. Question and Answer period after service.Morning Social at 10:00am: A time to connect with others over coffee and donuts.Sunday Morning at 10:30amPromiseland Kids' Ministry: Toddler – Sr. High, Sunday at 10:30 am, offers Christian education and worship for children and youth.If you have missed a message or are viewing from home, you can catch weekend services on our Facebook page and YouTube by going to www.crossroads-ridgecrest.org, or through the church app. We also have podcasts available by looking up Crossroads Community Church - available on several podcast apps.Have a question for one of our Pastors? Submit your questions via text at: (760) 301-4840 for our Ask It! Your Questions Answered segment every week. Watch or Listen what others ask!If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (760)384-3333 Weds. – Fri. 10am-4pm, text (760)301-4840, or email ccc@ccc-rc.org

Dr. Beth Good and Jenny Bonde stop by the Front Porch to discuss seasonal depression and loneliness during the holiday season.

In this message, Gregory Dickow unpacks the “currency” of covenant friendships. He breaks down the covenant between Jonathan and David as a picture of what Jesus has done for you—covering you, strengthening you, and bringing you into a new kind of wealth. Discover how covenant relationships wreck loneliness and lack, and how the church becomes the place those relationships take root and grow.Sunday | December 14, 2025 | 10:30 AMSUPPORT:You can donate to help us reach more lives around the world here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lifechangerschurch.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WATCH ON YOUTUBE:Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Gregory Dickow YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠REQUEST PRAYER:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit a prayer request⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we will agree with you.CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠

Headlines have made clear that we are in a crisis of loneliness, but the conversation has yet to explore how social isolation impacts the body and mind on a cellular level. We are animals that need community and unity. We hear a neuroscientist's guide to boosting your brain health by living a more connected life.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251214dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. Isaiah 35:3-7 God’s Coming with a Vengeance One group of people tries to annihilate another. Terrorists kill the innocent. A child is molested. Some question: Why doesn’t God step in … if there is a God? I can add to that. There are plenty of people who sin against God without fear of punishment. There are people who laugh at the idea of facing God’s judgment for their sins. Why doesn’t God step in? The prophet Isaiah talks about God coming “with vengeance” and “divine retribution.” And the prophet says that the result of God's coming with “divine retribution” is that “the lame leap like a deer,” “the eyes of the blind are open.” All kinds of good things happen. It sounds like a happy vengeance. The coming of God is the happiest of all events because he comes to save you. God comes to tackle a sinful world—not by destroying it, but by saving it. The words of Isaiah were fulfilled when Jesus came and died for the sins of the world. Jesus did the only thing that really helps for sin. He paid the penalty for it. He washed it away in his blood shed on the cross. The whole world can rejoice because the promised Savior has come with vengeance to free us from the guilt of our sin. With eyes and ears open to the good news of Jesus, we jump and shout for joy because his salvation flows into our hearts with life-giving power and hope. Prayer: Oh, Lord, our God, I thank you for coming to save this sinful world by offering yourself for me and the sins of the whole world. Help me to see your salvation and rejoice in it every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this message, Pastor Gregory Dickow unpacks the “currency” of covenant friendships. He breaks down the covenant between Jonathan and David as a picture of what Jesus has done for you—covering you, strengthening you, and bringing you into a new kind of wealth. Discover how covenant relationships wreck loneliness and lack, and how the church becomes the place those relationships take root and grow.Sunday | December 14th 2025 | 10:30 AMNEXT STEPSHave you made a decision to follow Jesus? We would love to help you with your next steps, starting with a free devotional: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lifechangerschurch.com/newlife⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ABOUT LIFE CHANGERSEvery Sunday, at every small group, and every gathering of our church, we are singing about, talking about, and learning about the radical acceptance of God that we have because of Jesus. We hope you can join us as we grow to know God and discover our true worth in Him. Join us in person or online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lifechangerschurch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.SUPPORTYou can tithe or donate to help us reach more lives around the world here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lifechangerschurch.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/lifechangerschurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/lifechangers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@lifechangers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@lifechangerschurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CONNECT WITH PASTOR GREGORY DICKOWYouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@gregorydickow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.facebook.com/gregorydickow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.instagram.com/gregorydickow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@gregorydickow⁠⁠

We can—and we should—leave loneliness behind. In this message, Living With Acceptance, we talk about accepting God's story for your life, even when it doesn't look like the life you planned. From the dreams we had growing up to the reality we live in today, unmet expectations can leave us feeling lonely, frustrated, and forgotten. Using the Christmas story of Mary and Joseph, along with powerful parallels from It's a Wonderful Life, this sermon shows how God often redirects our lives through moments of disappointment, delay, and sacrifice to bring meaning and purpose far greater than we imagined. When life feels out of control… When your plans fall apart… When there seems to be no room for you… God is still at work. This message will challenge you to stop fighting God's plan, stop living as a victim of your circumstances, and begin trusting Him—one godly decision at a time.

In this episode, we explore how social isolation and loneliness shape your sleep patterns. You'll learn why disconnection triggers the body's stress response, how loneliness keeps the brain in "on alert" mode at night, and why isolation is one of the most overlooked causes of poor sleep—especially in rural communities. Jay breaks down the science and offers simple, realistic ways to rebuild connection and improve sleep quality. What We Cover: How loneliness affects the nervous system Why isolated individuals experience lighter, more fragile sleep The emotional overload that rises at night Why social connection creates a sense of internal safety The isolation–sleep feedback loop Why rural communities are especially vulnerable Simple habits that support connection and better rest How tiny social interactions can shift the brain into sleep mode

What does luxury truly mean when your business is built on trust, precision, and human connection?In this episode of The Nick Fong Podcast, Nick Fong sits down with Karla Casillas, founder of Karla Casillas & Co., a leading force in the luxury wedding and events industry in Los Cabos. With more than three decades of experience, Karla shares the real story behind building one of Mexico's most respected luxury service brands.This conversation goes beyond destination weddings.Karla talks openly about entrepreneurship, burnout, leadership, mistakes that shaped her career, and why communication—not trends—is the foundation of true luxury. She explains how luxury clients think, why personalization matters more than aesthetics, and what it takes to scale a high-touch business without losing its soul.The episode also explores the emotional parallels between luxury weddings, real estate, and life decisions, as well as Karla's motivation for launching her own podcast, “The Choice,” a platform focused on stories of success, struggle, and personal growth.This episode is ideal for listeners interested in:Luxury weddings in Los Cabos and destination eventsEntrepreneurship and leadership in premium service industriesBuilding legacy brands based on trust and excellenceThe human side of success, burnout, and resilienceIf you're an entrepreneur, creative professional, or business owner operating in a luxury market, this episode offers grounded insight from real-world experience.00:00 – Introduction02:10 – Finding Her Path in Weddings05:30 – Building a Brand in Los Cabos08:40 – The Evolution of Luxury Weddings12:00 – Burnout and the Cost of Excellence16:20 – Scaling, Teams, and Letting Go19:40 – What Luxury Really Means23:10 – Emotional vs Financial Investment26:30 – Trends, Personalization, and Timelessness30:00 – Common Mistakes Clients Make33:20 – Launching “The Choice” Podcast36:30 – The Loneliness of Entrepreneurship39:40 – Communication as a Life Skill43:20 – Failure, Trust, and Leadership Lessons47:30 – Mentorship and Industry Reality51:00 – Why Weddings Matter to Cabo53:00 – Final Reflections

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251213dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD—and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. . . In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious. Isaiah 11:1-3,10 Put Your Hope in Jesus Have you ever heard of nurse logs? They are dead tree trunks, like stumps. Yet, those dead trees are still thriving. The decaying surface of the dead tree creates a perfect growing medium for a tiny seed, for a shoot. The decaying tree becomes a nursemaid, a nurse-tree, to the new tree generation. Out of the stump of Jesse, a shoot, a Branch came up; it was the baby Jesus. Like a tiny shoot, his beginnings were humble. A little twig from a small town. Born in a stable with only shepherds and livestock to greet him. Born helpless and dependent on others. But despite the humble beginnings, this Branch was special. Jesus, the living shoot, comes up out of the dead stump, bringing life out of death. By his perfect life and his death on the cross, Jesus saves us from eternal death! By taking our sins on himself, he freed us from guilt and gave us his perfection! Jesus’ death is our death. His life is our life. His righteousness is our righteousness. Does your life feel like a stump? Have you been cut down by the axe of adversity? Have the problems of this life chopped you down at the knees? All is not lost. There is hope in the Root of Jesse. There is hope in Jesus. He offers you his life and his perfection. He offers you everything! He offers you peace and rest, which you’ll find nowhere else. Put your hope in Jesus. Trust in him for everything! It will be glorious. You have God’s Word on that! Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, Righteous Branch, send your Holy Spirit into my heart through the power of your Word so I can enjoy your perfect rest. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ending Well: A Pruning Deep Dive  This is week six of the Ending Well series, and we're talking about something a lot of us are living through in real time: pruning—the cutting away, the stripping back, and the strange mercy of God doing holy surgery on our lives at the end of a hard year. "Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." – John 15:2 ⏱ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro + Why open enrollment and health insurance feel like a bad rite of passage 03:00 – CrowdHealth: what it is, how it works, and why it's different from insurance 06:00 – Week six of Ending Well: why pruning is the theme of this year 09:30 – Defining "pruning," "fruit," "wilderness," and "discipline" (without the Christianese) 15:30 – John 15 and how Blake accidentally prayed for pruning this year 20:00 – Wilderness seasons: dry, slow, hidden growth, and deep dependence on God 25:30 – Seven "flavors" of pruning Blake walked through this year 30:00 – Loss and closed doors: when God rips things out of your hands 36:00 – Being forced to slow down or stop: "You can't heal on the battlefield that broke you" 41:00 – Loneliness, isolation, and when God clears the table so you can hear His voice 46:00 – Idols exposed: productivity, performance, and the golden statue God started tearing down 52:00 – When God prunes even good things (like the gym, routines, and rhythms you love) 57:00 – "Show me the purpose, Lord": praying for clarity in the middle of the mess 1:02:00 – How pruning makes you more like Jesus and prepares you for the "next level" 1:08:00 – Toy bins, clutter, and why fewer branches can mean more joy 1:12:00 – How to walk through pruning differently next time: slow down, surrender, obey faster 1:17:00 – Being honest with God instead of stuffing frustration and disappointment 1:21:00 – Why opening your Bible became survival, not a checkbox 1:25:00 – Friendship breakups as pruning: betrayal, loneliness, and healing with a limp 1:30:00 – Counting the fruit at the end of a brutal year What This Episode Is Really About In this deep dive, Blake unpacks pruning not as a punishment but as proof that God cares too much to leave you overgrown and exhausted. You'll hear about: How this year's pruning looked like: job pivots relational shifts homeschooling struggles closed doors and changed direction Why pruning is always connected to fruit, but not the kind the world celebrates Not achievement, numbers, or hustle But love, joy, peace, wisdom, humility (Galatians 5:22–23) The difference between: Punishment vs. discipline Chaos vs. God's clarifying love (Hebrews 12:6) Seven "flavors" of pruning Blake walked through: Loss of things she thought she needed Doors slamming shut at the last second Conviction and refinement in hidden places Being forced to slow down or stop entirely Loneliness and isolation when life got too loud Idols exposed—especially productivity and performance The trimming of even good things to make room for better Blake also shares how her prayer shifted from: "God, why are You doing this?" to "Show me the purpose, Lord." And how that shift opened the door to real trust, deeper Bible hunger, and new fruit she couldn't see while God was still hacking away at the branches. Sponsors & Special Offers CrowdHealth – Take Your Power Back This Open Enrollment Health insurance can feel like you're paying a ton and still not actually covered. CrowdHealth is an alternative to traditional insurance that's built on community and transparency. With CrowdHealth, you: Pay a monthly fee Get a team that negotiates your medical bills Access lower-cost prescriptions & lab tests Use a vetted doctor list When something big happens, you pay the first $500, and then the crowd steps in and covers the rest Listener Offer: Get started for $99 for your first three months using code SPEAKEASY. Go to joincrowdhealth.com/speakeasy to join. Note: CrowdHealth is not insurance, but it is a way to opt out of the old system and take your power back. Sunrise Flour Mill – Heritage Wheat Your Body Remembers If you have a gluten sensitivity (or just feel awful after eating modern wheat), this part is for you. The wheat most of us eat today is not the same wheat our grandparents ate. Sunrise Flour Mill is farmer-owned and brings back organic heritage wheat—pre-1950s varieties that many sensitive folks find they can tolerate again. People are discovering they can enjoy: Chocolate chip cookies Bread Pasta …without feeling wrecked afterward. They also make it easy with recipes and thoughtfully packaged products. Special Offer for listeners: Go to sunriseflourmill.com and use code SPEAKEASY to get a FREE 2lb bag of Heritage White Flour with your first order. Eat wheat your body remembers.  PreBorn – Help a Mom Choose Life So many women walk into abortion clinics scared, alone, and convinced they don't have another option. PreBorn steps in with: Free ultrasounds for women considering abortion The chance for moms to see their baby and hear the heartbeat A doubled chance that she will choose life Ongoing support: counseling, classes, and financial assistance for up to two years after birth It costs $28 to fund one ultrasound. PreBorn has seen over 38,000 babies saved this year alone. ✨ If you're passionate about the pro-life movement and want a tangible way to make a difference:

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251212dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12 Jesus Is the Judge We have all read stories in the news where it seems like someone got away with it. Whether it is the politician who has his cronies in his corner who help him evade prosecution or a murder which goes unsolved, whatever the case might be, we could give countless examples of people who don’t get caught and never face justice. Like you probably do, I get angry. But something that has always brought me peace when I see those things happening is the knowledge that Jesus sees what is happening. And, ultimately, Jesus will judge everyone for their lives and punish those who have done wrong. However, if I could give you some encouragement, don’t be so worried about those people who seemingly got away with it. I want YOU to be prepared! You might think to yourself, ‘I’m a good person. I’ve never even gotten a parking ticket!’ But the truth is, we all will be judged not by what we think is fair or just, but rather by God’s standards. And those standards are impossibly high. God tells us in the Bible that he demands us to be perfect. God doesn’t say to be better than the next guy. He doesn’t say try your hardest. He says we have to be perfect. Now I’m not perfect, and neither are you. But that’s why God sent Jesus to pay for all our faults. Jesus promises that when we trust in him, we won’t be punished, but rather be gifted forgiveness and an eternity in paradise! So, we thank God that he doesn’t treat us as we deserve but rather, he is full of mercy. Prayer: Dear Jesus, when I see injustice, help me to trust that you are the ultimate judge. Help me to turn my heart to you every day. And please help others who do wrong to turn their hearts to you and find forgiveness and mercy. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Fanny Tristan is a Trauma Therapist and Single's Coach helping women of color embrace their single era through education, travel, and sisterhood.  She is the founder of Her Soul Supply.  In this episode, we talk about modern dating and the pressure women put on themselves to find love and keep it. We, also, talk about ways to combat loneliness with or without a partner.  www.hersoulsupply.com/ www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559111395390 www.instagram.com/hersoulsupply www.linkedin.com/in/fanny-tristan-418240290/ www.tiktok.com/@hersoulsupply www.threads.com/@hersoulsupply     www.funisfundamental.com funisfundamentalpodcast@gmail.com          

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: From Loneliness to Lights: Sindre's Oslo Aquarium Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-12-12-08-38-20-no Story Transcript:No: Det var en kald vintermorgen i Oslo.En: It was a cold winter morning in Oslo.No: Sindre, en dedikert marinbiolog, gikk inn i Oslo Akvarium.En: Sindre, a dedicated marine biologist, walked into Oslo Akvarium.No: Dette stedet, med sine undervannstunneler og fargerike tanker, var hans nye arbeidsplass.En: This place, with its underwater tunnels and colorful tanks, was his new workplace.No: Sindre hadde flyttet til Oslo for denne jobben og han ønsket å gjøre en forskjell.En: Sindre had moved to Oslo for this job, and he wanted to make a difference.No: Det var desember, og julestemningen bredte seg i byen.En: It was December, and the Christmas spirit was spreading in the city.No: Akvariet hadde planer om en juleutstilling som skulle være helt spesiell.En: The aquarium had plans for a Christmas exhibition that was supposed to be quite special.No: Sindre fikk ansvar for å skape denne utstillingen, men han følte presset.En: Sindre was given the responsibility to create this exhibition, but he felt the pressure.No: Han kjente få mennesker i Oslo, følte seg litt ensom, og var usikker på hvordan han skulle inkludere norske juletradisjoner.En: He knew few people in Oslo, felt a bit lonely, and was unsure how to incorporate Norwegian Christmas traditions.No: Sindre bestemte seg for å ta et modig skritt.En: Sindre decided to take a bold step.No: Han kontaktet Astrid, som jobbet med kundeservice, og Nora, ansvarlig for dekorasjoner.En: He contacted Astrid, who worked with customer service, and Nora, responsible for decorations.No: De møttes over en kopp varm gløgg.En: They met over a cup of warm gløgg.No: Astrid fortalte om julenissen som kommer til norske hjem på julaften, mens Nora foreslo å lage et akvariumstema med julefarger og lys.En: Astrid told him about the julenisse who comes to Norwegian homes on Christmas Eve, while Nora suggested creating an aquarium theme with Christmas colors and lights.No: Idéene begynte å flyte, og de tre ble et godt team.En: The ideas began to flow, and the three became a good team.No: Med en blanding av marine liv og julepynt, begynte utstillingen å ta form.En: With a mix of marine life and Christmas decorations, the exhibition began to take shape.No: Sindre fylte tankene med snødekte koraller og lysende fisker.En: Sindre filled the tanks with snow-covered corals and glowing fish.No: Astrid og Nora hjalp til med å henge opp julelys rundt tankene.En: Astrid and Nora helped with hanging up Christmas lights around the tanks.No: Hele akvariet begynte å glitre som Oslo om natten.En: The entire aquarium began to sparkle like Oslo at night.No: Endelig kom dagen for å åpne utstillingen.En: Finally, the day came to open the exhibition.No: Det var fullt av besøkende, lysene blinket, og julemusikk fløt i luften.En: It was packed with visitors, the lights were twinkling, and Christmas music flowed through the air.No: Sindre sto nervøst ved inngangen og ventet på reaksjonene.En: Sindre stood nervously by the entrance, waiting for reactions.No: Da dørene åpnet, var det et øyeblikk av stillhet før applaus brøt ut.En: When the doors opened, there was a moment of silence before applause broke out.No: Barna lo, voksne klappet, og alle var henrykte.En: Children laughed, adults clapped, and everyone was thrilled.No: Sindre kjente en varm følelse spre seg inni seg.En: Sindre felt a warm feeling spreading inside him.No: Astrid og Nora kom bort til ham, glade og stolte.En: Astrid and Nora came over to him, happy and proud.No: "Du gjorde det, Sindre!" sa Nora smilende.En: "You did it, Sindre!" said Nora with a smile.No: For første gang på lenge, følte Sindre seg ikke alene.En: For the first time in a long while, Sindre didn't feel alone.No: Han hadde venner, og han var en del av noe større.En: He had friends, and he was part of something bigger.No: Utenfor falt snøfnugg sakte.En: Outside, snowflakes fell slowly.No: Inne i akvariet, blant magiske lys og glade ansikter, følte Sindre seg hjemme i Oslo.En: Inside the aquarium, among magical lights and happy faces, Sindre felt at home in Oslo.No: Han innså at han ikke bare hadde skapt en vakker utstilling, men også funnet et samfunn og en følelse av tilhørighet.En: He realized he had not only created a beautiful exhibition but also found a community and a sense of belonging.No: Dette var bare begynnelsen på hans eventyr i byen.En: This was just the beginning of his adventure in the city.No: Med et fornøyd smil så Sindre utover utstillingen, trygg på at han hadde tatt det riktige valget.En: With a satisfied smile, Sindre looked over the exhibition, confident that he had made the right choice.No: Julen i Oslo hadde ført mer enn bare lys og glede til akvariet; den hadde ført vennskap og håp til Sindre.En: Julen in Oslo had brought more than just lights and joy to the aquarium; it had brought friendship and hope to Sindre. Vocabulary Words:dedicated: dedikertmarine biologist: marinbiologworkplace: arbeidsplassChristmas spirit: julestemningexhibition: utstillingresponsibility: ansvarpressure: pressetbold: modigcustomer service: kundeservicedecorations: dekorasjonergløgg: gløggjulenisse: julenissenincorporate: inkluderesparkle: glitresnow-covered: snødektetwinkling: blinketnervously: nervøstapplause: applausproud: stoltesnowflakes: snøfnuggbelonging: tilhørighetsatisfied: fornøydadventure: eventyrconfidence: tryggbeginning: begynnelsenembrace: omfavncorals: korallercommunity: samfunntheme: temaglowing: lysende

Loneliness, Oneness, and Angelic Stillness: Pedro's Angel Stories & Miracles in Motion In today's episode, we begin with an angel message for those feeling lonely, unseen, or “too much” and then we welcome Pedro, a minister whose life has been shaped by powerful angel encounters, stillness, and surprising miracles (including a car that wouldn't go in reverse). Pedro shares his first childhood experience of yelling at God in a dark closet and suddenly being filled with radiant love, how he experiences angels as “pure thought,” and how that same felt sense of oneness has guided him into ministry, through financial uncertainty, and into unexpected opportunities. Together, we talk about stillness as the highest frequency, trusting that God uses everything (even pneumonia and broken cars), and how we can become channels of blessing for others. This conversation is tender, funny, and deeply spiritual especially if you've ever felt alone, worried about money, or unsure how God and the angels are moving in your life. Work with Julie & Your Angels If you've been feeling the nudge  I want to hear my angels clearly, I want to work with them every day here's how to go deeper:

In this deeply vulnerable solo episode, Darin dismantles one of the great myths of modern self-help: that transformation is something you're meant to "do alone." Drawing from neuroscience, anthropology, physiology, and personal experience, he reveals the biological truth — the human nervous system is designed to heal, grow, and stabilize in relationship, not isolation. This conversation explores why loneliness creates physiological damage, why belonging is a survival requirement (not a luxury), and how to intentionally rebuild the village your cells have been waiting for. If you've ever felt like you're doing all the "inner work" but still feel disconnected, this episode is the medicine.     What You'll Learn in This Episode 00:00:00 - Opening SuperLife intro narration. 00:00:32 - Sponsor: Therasage — family-driven healing technology, infrared and natural frequency support, details on discount. 00:02:11 - Darin begins the episode — "You were never meant to do this alone." 00:02:22 - The forgotten biology of community and why humans are not built for isolation. 00:03:01 - Your nervous system regulates in relationship — the vagus nerve, safety, co-regulation. 00:03:19 - Social engagement system — coherence, cortisol regulation, belonging as biology. 00:04:03 - Social pain = physical pain; the Baumeister research; the architecture of human connection. 00:05:01 - Tribes, proximity, shared life — Dunbar's number and the limits of real human networks. 00:05:30 - Loneliness as physiology — cortisol elevation, inflammation, disrupted sleep, gray-matter changes. 00:07:01 - Personal growth was never meant to be personal — autonomy, competence, relatedness, love. 00:07:55 - If nobody sees you, your nervous system can't relax — mirrors vs willpower. 00:08:31 - Social contagion of behavior — your network shapes your health. 00:09:01 - Who are you wired into? Environment as epigenetic instruction. 00:10:12 - Why online spaces generate stress instead of transformation. 00:10:35 - Darin's vision: community as a practice, not performance. 00:11:29 - Sponsor: Bite Toothpaste — plastic waste, sustainability, clean ingredients, discount code. 00:13:11 - What if growth wasn't a grind? What if healing was tribal again? 00:13:35 - Building intentional space — not fandom, not following, but practice. 00:14:11 - Supporting the nervous system through community; truth over scrolling. 00:15:04 - Why Patreon — structure, privacy, belonging, circle not feed. 00:15:23 - People looking for truth, depth, real connection — not performance. 00:15:51 - Start building your circle; align with those who align with you. 00:16:12 - You need to be seen, not fixed — community as transformation. 00:17:00 - One person can change your life — the power of being mirrored. 00:17:31 - Men's group, friendships, working out — the daily relational fabric. 00:18:01 - If you're lonely or disconnected, the desire for connection already shifts your biology. 00:18:41 - Darin reflects on a hard year, pain, stem cells, and the deeper healing found in being witnessed. 00:19:26 - Every cell responds when you say yes to deeper connection — the universe moves with it. 00:20:07 - Understanding human biology: we want love, connection, safety, belonging. 00:20:36 - Cutting through "what do you eat" questions — the real priority is connection. 00:21:00 - Closing: "Joy and happiness. Connection. We are built for it… I love you."     Thank You to Our Sponsors Therasage: Go to www.therasage.com and use code DARIN at checkout for 15% off Bite Toothpaste: Go to trybite.com/DARIN20 or use code DARIN20 for 20% off your first order.     Join the SuperLife Patreon: This is where Darin now shares the deeper work: - weekly voice notes - ingredient trackers - wellness challenges - extended conversations - community accountability - sovereignty practices Join now for only  $7.49/month at https://patreon.com/darinolien     Find More from Darin Olien: Instagram: @darinolien Podcast: SuperLife Podcast Website: superlife.com Book: Fatal Conveniences     Key Takeaway "You don't need to be fixed. You don't need to be saved. You just need to be seen — and we cannot do that alone."     Bibliography Neuroscience & Biology of Connection Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. New York: W.W. Norton. Link to Book Information (Norton) Lieberman, M. D. (2013). Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. New York: Crown Publishers. Link to Book Information (Penguin Random House) Eisenberger, N. I. (2012). "The pain of social disconnection: examining the shared neural underpinnings of physical and social pain." Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(6), 421–434. Link to Study (PubMed) Thayer, J. F. & Lane, R. D. (2000). "A model of neurovisceral integration in emotion regulation and dysregulation." Journal of Affective Disorders, 61(3), 201–216. Link to Study (ScienceDirect) Psychology of Belonging & Motivation Baumeister, R. F. & Leary, M. R. (1995). "The need to belong: desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation." Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529. Link to Study (PubMed) Deci, E. L. & Ryan, R. M. (2000). "The 'what' and 'why' of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior." Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268. Link to Study (SelfDeterminationTheory.org) Adler, A. (1930s). What Life Could Mean to You. Link to Book Information (Google Books) (Note: Various editions exist) Social Networks & Behavioral Contagion Christakis, N. A. & Fowler, J. H. (2007). "The spread of obesity in a large social network over 32 years." New England Journal of Medicine, 357, 370-379. Link to Study (NEJM) Fowler, J. H. & Christakis, N. A. (2008). "Dynamic spread of happiness in a large social network." BMJ, 337, a2338. Link to Study (BMJ) Centola, D. (2018). How Behavior Spreads: The Science of Complex Contagions. Princeton University Press. Link to Book Information (Princeton University Press) Anthropology & Human Ecology Dunbar, R. I. M. (1992). "Neocortex size as a constraint on group size in primates." Journal of Human Evolution, 22(6), 469-493. Link to Study (ScienceDirect) Henrich, J. (2016). The Secret of Our Success: How Culture Is Driving Human Evolution, Domesticating Our Species, and Making Us Smarter. Princeton University Press. Link to Book Information (Princeton University Press) Loneliness, Inflammation & Health Outcomes Holt-Lunstad, J. et al. (2010). "Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review." PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316. Link to Study (PLoS Medicine) Cacioppo, J. T. & Cacioppo, S. (2014). "Social relationships and health: The toxic effects of perceived social isolation." Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 8(2), 58-72. Link to Study (PubMed) Cole, S. W. (2014). "Human social genomics." PLoS Genetics (Cited as PLoS Biology in text, corrected to Genetics based on search), 10(8), e1004601. Link to Study (PLoS Genetics) Group Rituals, Synchrony & Physiology Tarr, B., Launay, J., & Dunbar, R. (2014). "Music and social bonding: 'self-other' merging and neurohormonal effects." Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 1096. Link to Study (Frontiers) Konvalinka, I. et al. (2011). "Synchronized arousal between performers and related spectators in a fire-walking ritual." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(20), 8514–8519. Link to Study (PNAS) Digital Communities & Social Learning Lave, J. & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated Learning: Legitimate Peripheral Participation. Cambridge University Press. Link to Book Information (Cambridge University Press) Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity. Cambridge University Press. Link to Book Information (Cambridge University Press)  

Do you ever find yourself longing for deeper human connection, yet unsure how to actually make it happen? So many people are trying to overcome loneliness while craving friendships that genuinely support their happiness, well-being, and the desire to grow and heal. In this episode, we explore what strengthens your social wellness - from simple practices that help you reconnect with yourself to meaningful experiences that help you feel happier. My guest today is Julia Hotz, a solutions-focused journalist and award-winning author of The Connection Cure. Julia has spent years studying why loneliness is so widespread, what it does to our bodies and minds, and why meaningful relationships feel harder to build than ever. Today, we discuss social prescribing - an emerging practice where doctors and therapists “prescribe” activities like art classes, forest walks, or book clubs based on what matters to you most. These aren't hobbies for the sake of hobbies; they're structured ways of reconnecting with joy, identity, and people who help you feel more like yourself. Julia shares powerful stories, including Glenn, a 92-year-old veteran who went from weeks of silence to a real friendship, and Jonas, who lives with social anxiety and found that culture, music, and stories were his bridge back to connection. We talk about why meaningful relationships aren't just about companionship but self-expansion, helping you understand who you are through the people you connect with. We also explore the internal obstacles that make it harder to overcome loneliness: time constraints, social anxiety, and the awkwardness many people still feel after years of disrupted connection. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why social connection and strong relationships boost health and happiness 00:40 Introducing Julia Hotz and The Connection Cure 01:11 How the UK's minister of loneliness sparked social prescribing 06:47 What loneliness really is and how it impacts your brain and body 10:26 Self-expansion: how deep relationships help you know yourself 12:28 Rebuilding community: from Bowling Alone to modern social prescribing 14:21 Glenn and Ryan's story: loneliness to friendship at age 92 18:05 Social anxiety and culture “vitamins”: easier ways to meet people 23:20 How people connect differently: activities, intimacy, and friendship 26:18 Flipping “What's wrong with me?” to “What matters to me?” 31:14 Why 20 minutes in nature can reset your mind and attention 38:35 How to “prescribe yourself” connection and build a values-based social life If something in this episode resonates and you're thinking, “I don't want to feel this alone anymore,” we would love to support you. At Growing Self, you can schedule a free consultation to get connected with a therapist or coach on my team who truly understands what it takes to overcome loneliness and build meaningful human connection. You'll be able to chat with someone who can walk alongside you as you strengthen your social wellness, rebuild friendships, and feel happier. Schedule a free consultation today. You are worthy of relationships where you feel seen, chosen, and emotionally safe. You don't have to figure this out alone.

To schedule an Intro Call with Luke 10, go to: https://LK10.com/introJoin John White as he interviews Neil Bradshaw about his transformative experience with Church 101. Neil shares his journey from feeling lonely and unseen in a traditional church setting to finding deep, relational connections that revitalized his faith, marriage, and emotional health. Throughout this episode, Neil discusses the importance of one-on-one connections, the impact of honest emotional sharing, and the simple practices that have profoundly affected his life. He also talks about how these practices spread organically to others, creating a ripple effect of deeper community and spiritual growth. This episode is an inspiring look at how simplicity and relational focus can transform lives. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experience in Church 10100:41 Welcome to Stories from The Revolution01:21 Neil Bradshaw's Journey: From Isolation to Connection05:43 Discovering Luke 10 and Church 10108:57 The Impact of Church 101 on Personal Relationships18:24 Facilitating Church 101 and the 102B Prayer25:58 Conclusion and Invitation to Explore Church 101----------

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251211dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:7-10 Are You Ready? When we bought our house, it came with an orange tree. I was pretty excited. However, it didn’t take long before my dream of freshly squeezed orange juice at breakfast was shattered. The tree wasn’t producing fruit, so I cut it down. The Pharisees and Sadducees, who had come to John, thought that because of their heritage, they were all good with God. Sometimes people today think that because their parents went to church, or they themselves used to attend church, or they stepped foot into a church at some point in their lives, they’re all good with God, too. But John’s words of warning should give all our hearts a gut-check moment. Are you ready? If you had to meet your Maker, do you think you’d be all good with him? Your readiness doesn’t depend on what your parents believe or whether you went to church at some point. Your readiness depends on your heart. Please understand that I’m only saying this to you because I care about you and don’t want you to be unprepared. So, if you were to die tonight and God asked you why he should let you into heaven, what your parents believed won’t matter for you. But this is what will: God has given an incredible gift. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, who was cut down on his cross and paid for your sins and mine. So, when that time of death comes, and God asks you why he should let you into heaven, you can say with confidence, “Jesus has paid for me.” Prayer: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus, who has paid for all my sins. Turn my heart to you today and every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Visit donate.accessmore.com and give today to help fund more episodes and shows like this. The holidays can stir up more than joy—they can activate old wounds, grief, and loneliness we don't always talk about. In this episode, Laura gently explores why this season can feel heavy, how family systems and sensory memories pull us back into old roles, and why grief shows up in so many forms. With grounding tools and compassionate guidance, she invites you to move through the holidays with more honesty, choice, and kindness toward yourself. This episode is a soft place to land if the season feels tender.

JOIN "THE REBUILT MAN" ON SKOOL - ▶️ www.skool.com/rebootyourlife   In this powerful episode of The Rebuilt Man Podcast, Coach Frank Rich unpacks one of the most overlooked truths in the fight against porn addiction:   No man has ever overcome this battle alone — and no man ever will.   Addiction thrives in isolation. Healing happens in connection. And brotherhood is the foundation of lasting freedom.   Frank breaks down 10 core reasons why men fail when they try to fight alone  and why community, brotherhood, coaching, and accountability are the missing link for every man seeking real transformation. You'll also hear real stories from inside The Rebuilt ManBrotherhood, where men are rebuilding their identity, their marriages, their faith, and their future through the power of connection.   Whether you've been relapsing, stuck in cycles of shame, or trying to "white-knuckle" your way to freedom… this episode will show you the path forward.   KEY TAKEAWAYS No man has ever overcome porn addiction alone — isolation fuels the cycle.   Loneliness increases addiction risk by more than 300%, making connection essential.   Every relapse begins with isolation, and every breakthrough begins with brotherhood.   Shame grows in secrecy — confession isn't weakness; it's a weapon.   Men rise to their standards, not their intentions — community elevates both.   Brotherhood provides borrowed strength, especially on the days you feel weak.   Coaching exposes blind spots and accelerates transformation.   Accountability is the bridge between information and transformation.   Identity is rebuilt through connection, not willpower.   Community is the environment where freedom becomes inevitable.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why fighting alone is the #1 reason men stay stuck   The hidden psychology behind relapse and isolation   The current male loneliness epidemic and what it means for your recovery   The 10 reasons brotherhood changes everything   Stories of men who rebuilt their confidence, discipline, and identity through community   Why coaching unlocks breakthroughs you can't create on your own   The accountability structure that makes change non-negotiable   How to apply the power of brotherhood in your daily life   Why "information" is useless without connection and action   How to build a battle plan for freedom heading into 2026     Join the Brotherhood If you're ready to stop fighting alone and step into a container built for growth, support, and freedom:   ➡ Join The Rebuilt Man Skool Community — Free 7-Day Trial www.TheRebuiltMan.com/7dayreset   Inside you'll gain access to: Daily accountability Weekly coaching The 7-Day Reset The 12-Week "Reboot Your Life" Framework And a brotherhood of men who refuse to quit   – Follow Coach Frank: IG - https://www.instagram.com/coachfrankrich   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CoachFrankRich   Website - https://www.rebuiltrecovery.com/homepage

This year stretched me in ways I never expected. My heart ached throughout so much of 2025, but I also grew in ways I never thought I could. In this episode, I share the most meaningful lessons I learned about emotional healing, personal growth, faith, relationships, and learning to sit with discomfort instead of running from it. We talk about the difference between processing and obsessing, why seeking peace through information and understanding eventually falls short, and how Scripture points us toward a peace that doesn't rely on clarity or control. I also unpack how loneliness isn't always about lacking people, but about the deeper fear that no one truly has you—and how faith reshapes that belief. We explore why venting can sometimes keep us stuck in anger rather than move us toward healing, and how prayer, stillness, and honesty with God invite real transformation. This episode is for anyone who: has walked through heartbreak or disappointment this year feels lonely even when surrounded by people struggles with complaining and feeling pessimistic  is exhausted from overthinking, people-pleasing, and overprocessing wants to heal from trauma without becoming hardened or bitter is learning to trust God in seasons that don't make sense Topics covered: Emotional healing and personal growth, even after being crushed by another person The power of accountability and being seen by community  Loneliness, attachment, and feeling unseen Prayer vs. Gossip and Complaining  Faith vs control and the peace of God Choosing growth, forgiveness, and discipline of thought Learning to be okay with being alone, healing with God instead of distracting or running.  Read the Blog Post Here Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes like this!  If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! It means so much and I read every review!  Follow along on IG @livingeasywithlindsey. 

Check your testosterone levels: https://www.manual.co/smith I help small businesses make money online: https://www.jamessmith.business Try Neutonic: https://www.neutonic.com/jamessmith Free trial: Online coaching app: https://www.affordableonlinecoaching.com AI researcher and ControlAI founder Connor Leahy joins James Smith to confront the problem with artificial intelligence - from misinformation and manipulation to the terrifying speed at which machines are learning to outthink their creators. Connor, one of the world's leading voices in AI safety, explains how we're building systems that are more intelligent than humans…and why we don't really understand how they work. They discuss the future of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and ASI (Artificial Superintelligence), exploring what happens when machines evolve faster than we can control them. Connor breaks down the moral, political, and psychological implications of AI, from fake online identities and emotional manipulation to the emerging arms race between nations and corporations desperate to be first. He explains: ◼️ Why AI is already outpacing human understanding ◼️ How propaganda and algorithms shape reality ◼️ The dangers of AI “boyfriends” and emotional manipulation ◼️ Why superintelligence could end human control ◼️ What governments and people must do before it's too late Chapters 0:00 – Why the Future of AI Looks Dangerous 0:31 – What ASI Really Means for Humanity 1:29 – The Core Problem With Modern AI Systems 3:02 – How AI Is Built and Why We Can't Control It 6:04 – The Hidden Dangers of Social Media + AI Manipulation 10:09 – AI vs AGI vs ASI Explained Simply 17:01 – How Fast AGI Could Turn Into Superintelligence 22:22 – Utopian vs Dystopian Futures With AI 29:02 – AI Relationships, Loneliness & Digital Partners 47:18 – Why AI Could Replace Human Connection & Autonomy Welcome to "The Problem With" where each week we look into a problem to get a better understanding of it. This podcast has no sponsors, only my businesses and investments. Please check out the links below. I'm on a mission to help men check their levels of Testosterone, more info here: https://www.manual.co/smith I help small businesses make money online: https://www.jamessmith.business Please check out and try Neutonic here: https://www.neutonic.com/jamessmith For a free trial of my online personal training app go here: https://www.affordableonlinecoaching.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join our amazing community of listeners at multiamory.com/join. We offer sliding scale subscriptions so everyone can also get access to ad-free episodes, group video discussions, and our amazing Discord community.Get 10% off sexual health supplements at vb.health with promo code MULTI.,Get 60% off Beducated's yearly pass for 150+ courses at https://beducate.me/pd2550-multiamory with code multiamoryMultiamory was created by Dedeker Winston, Jase Lindgren, and Emily Matlack.Our theme music is Forms I Know I Did by Josh and Anand.Follow us on Instagram @Multiamory_Podcast and visit our website Multiamory.com. We are a proud member of the Pleasure Podcasts network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holidays are a time for togetherness — so why do so many people feel lonely during this time of year? This week, host Paula Felps sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Jody Carrington to talk about why loneliness feels worse during the holiday season, the role modern technology plays in increasing loneliness, and how we can navigate holiday loneliness and rediscover joy through authentic connection. You'll also learn about the Live Happy Holiday Loneliness Toolkit, filled with resources to support anyone who is navigating feelings of isolation during the holiday season. In this episode, you'll learn: Why loneliness is not just a mental health issue but a human epidemic shaped by modern life. How emotional regulation practices — like simple body cues — can help restore connection and reduce stress. Practical ways to build depth in relationships, embrace chosen family, and find community during the holidays.

What if the real problem isn't being alone, but feeling alone when someone's standing right in front of you?In this powerful conversation, we're diving deep into one of the most misunderstood emotions: loneliness. Dr. Glenn and Phyllis just returned from an incredible journey through Europe, and they're sharing fresh insights about what loneliness actually is, why it's so damaging to our health, and most importantly—what actually helps.Here's what might surprise you: the solution to loneliness isn't being around more people. In fact, you can feel most lonely in a crowded room, at a family dinner, or even lying next to your spouse. This episode will help you understand why relational absence is far more painful than geographical absence, and how the "still face" we give each other—even unintentionally—creates chronic pain that affects our marriages, parenting, and overall wellbeing.You'll hear a jaw-dropping story about a dad who went home from a Connection Codes event and used one simple tool (the "ooh") to transform his child's middle-of-the-night meltdowns from 45 minutes of chaos to 2 minutes of connection. This is the power of being emotionally present instead of just physically present.Key Topics:- Why loneliness is more damaging to your health than smoking a pack of cigarettes a day- The difference between geographical absence and relational absence- How the "still face experiment" reveals what we're all experiencing in our relationships- Why going to a hotel alone can feel better than being home with your family- The chronic loneliness of modern parenting and partnership- How to identify loneliness when it's hiding beneath anger and frustration- What your brain actually needs when loneliness fires (hint: it's not a crowd)- Practical tools to move from isolation to genuine connectionThis episode is for you if:- You feel exhausted doing everything by yourself even though people are around- You'd rather be alone than feel alone with your family- You're experiencing chronic irritation and don't know why- You want to stop the cycle of loneliness in your home- You're ready to understand what your emotions are actually telling youThe Connection Codes aren't just theory—they're tools that work immediately when you implement them. Whether you're a parent trying to connect with your kids, a spouse feeling disconnected, or someone navigating the holiday season with a deep sense of isolation, this episode will give you clarity and actionable steps forward.Resources Mentioned:- The Still Face Experiment- Connection Codes events in Europe- Cincinnati event testimonials- Upcoming 2026 eventsReady to go deeper?Get the Core Emotion Wheel - The foundational tool for processing emotions and creating connection www.connectioncodes.co/podcastBook a Connection Codes Certified Coach - Work one-on-one with someone trained in these tools https://connectioncodes.co/coachesWant to bring Connection Codes to your church, business, or organization? Email us! We're booking events for 2026 and would love to come to your community.Keywords: loneliness, emotional health, mental health, marriage communication, parenting tools, emotional regulation, connection, isolation, relationship advice, family therapy, chronic loneliness, emotional intelligence, still face experiment, authentic vulnerability, emotional presence, marriage help, parenting struggles, mental wellness, emotional awareness, relational connection

In this episode, Sathiya reveals the seven biggest gateway behaviors that lead men back into porn—often without them realizing it. From alcohol and social media to video games, entertainment, and even loneliness, these hidden triggers can quietly weaken self-control and push you toward relapse. Sathiya explains why eliminating these gateway habits is essential for true recovery, and how addressing them helps you break the deeper root systems behind porn use. Perfect for men seeking porn addiction recovery, freedom from compulsive porn use, and strategies to remove triggers and build long-term integrity.   Know more about Sathiya's work: Join Deep Clean Inner Circle - The Brotherhood You Neeed (+ get coached by Sathiya) For Less Than $2/day Submit Your Questions (Anonymously) To Be Answered On The Podcast Get A Free Copy of The Last Relapse, Your Blueprint For Recovery Watch Sathiya on Youtube For More Content Like This Chapters:  (00:00) Why Eliminating Porn Alone Doesn't Work (00:54) Deep Clean Inner Circle Intro (02:00) Gateway Drug #1: Alcohol (04:20) Gateway Drug #2: Social Media (05:32) Gateway Drug #3: Video Games (06:28) Gateway Drug #4: Weed (08:49) Gateway Drug #5: The News (10:40) Gateway Drug #6: Entertainment (13:30) Gateway Drug #7: Loneliness (15:10) Where to Start: Pick One Gateway to Eliminate

Vince Gilligan's new show Pluribus is looking like it might just be a masterpiece. On this episode of Crossing Streams, Craig Elsten and Chris Reed take a look at the big themes and moments from episodes 4-6 of the first season. The show contains spoilers for all six episodes of the series to date. SHOW TIME CODES:30 Intro4:00 quick housekeeping5:30 Episodes 4-6 had a theme: discovery for Carol10:00 Rhea Seehorn is carrying the rock for Pluribus, but we will meet Manousos14:30 Jeff Hiller appearance!18:00 Carol's diabolical plot to learn the truth in episode 423:00 Manousos can't get here from there27:45 The crazy visuals and methodical montages of episode 534:00 The Hamlin-Phone36:00 transitioning to episode 6 and Empty Las Vegas38:45 Pluribus as an allegory for AI re: Diabate in Vegas44:15 you down with HDP?48:15 The Others are colonizers and consent hypocrites54:00 circling back to Koumba's role and viewpoint59:45 What We're Watching

Beating the Loneliness Epidemic: How ACE's Dr. Cedric Bryant and Dr. Sabrena Jo Help Us Add People to Our Years Live Long Better: Not Old Better and American Council on Exercise Today's show is brought to you by Aura Frames. Aura Frames: the gift that brings your favorite holiday traditions and memories to life every day. If I told you there was a health risk that could quietly raise your chances of early death by roughly 25 to 30 percent… and it wasn't diabetes, blood pressure, or cholesterol… you'd probably lean in. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of premature death by 26% and 29%, and lacking social connection can be as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. HHS+1 So here's the question for all of us over 60: we count our steps, we count our meds… who's helping us count our people? Welcome to Live Long Better. I'm your host, and today we're tackling the loneliness epidemic head‑on—with movement and community as the prescription Joining us are two leaders from the American Council on Exercise, or ACE. First, our ongoing member of the team, Dr. Sabrena Jo, Senior Director of Science and Education, whose work focuses on how pro‑aging, inclusive fitness and community‑based movement can turn a lonely workout into a welcoming social circle. And we're also joined by Dr. Cedric Bryant, Chief Executive Officer at ACE. Cedric spends his days at the table with organizations like the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, championing physical activity as essential public health. ACE Fitness He's authored more than 300 articles and over 40 books, holds a doctorate in physiology from Penn State—where he received the university's Distinguished Alumni Award—and he lives the ACE mission personally with regular exercise, pickleball, golf, and even coaching youth sports. ACE Fitness Cedric often says, "Some activity is better than none, and more is better than some. Every little bit counts." ACE Fitness+1 We'll talk about how that simple idea scales up—from one older adult taking a short walk with a neighbor, to ACE's 40 Forward initiative, a 40th‑anniversary effort to "shape the future of fitness together" by building more inclusive, community‑driven opportunities to move in every kind of neighborhood. ACE Fitness+2ACE Fitness+2 If your contact list has gotten smaller while your pill organizer has gotten bigger, this episode is for you. Because today, we're not just talking about adding years to your life… we're talking about adding people to your years. Stay with us—Dr. Sabrena Jo and Dr. Cedric Bryant are coming up next.

When you're asked to “sign in blue or black ink,” is that actually the law — or just an outdated rule we all obey? We begin with the surprising truth about which ink colors really matter when you're signing checks, contracts, or legal documents. Source: https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/061314/dont-sign-legal-pitfalls-signatures.asp Why are humans endlessly fascinated by aliens? For thousands of years, every culture has looked to the sky and wondered who—or what—might be out there. Today, that fascination fuels movies, conspiracy theories, and serious scientific searches for extraterrestrial life. Science journalist Becky Ferreira, contributor to NPR's Science Friday, The New York Times, Wired, and Popular Science, joins me to explain why our obsession runs so deep. She's the author of First Contact: The Story Of Our Obsession with Aliens.(https://amzn.to/43HzgLp). Loneliness is rising, especially during the holidays. And the science is clear — friendships and social ties aren't just emotionally important; they directly affect your longevity, immune system, and overall health. Ken Stern, founder of the Longevity Project, former CEO of NPR, and author of Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives (https://amzn.to/4ranyTB) , reveals why social connection is essential and how to build it, even if it feels hard. Finally, is sitting with your legs crossed actually bad for you? You've probably heard it causes varicose veins or circulatory issues — but is that true? We share what a top vascular surgeon says about the real risks (and the myths). Source: https://www.medicaldaily.com/no-sitting-your-legs-crossed-wont-harm-you-heres-how-seated-posture-affecting-your-357926 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! AURA FRAMES: Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://AuraFrames.com⁠⁠⁠ and get $45 off Aura's best selling Carver Mat frames by using promo code SOMETHING at checkout. DAVID GREENE IS OBSESSED: We love the "David Greene Is Obsessed" podcast! Listen at ⁠ https://link.mgln.ai/SYSK⁠ or wherever you get your podcasts. QUINCE: Give and get timeless holiday staples that last this season with Quince.  Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! DELL: It's time for Cyber Monday at Dell Technologies. Save big on PCs like the Dell 16 Plus featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors. Shop now at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://Dell.com/deals ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AG1: Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://DrinkAG1.com/SYSK ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a FREE Welcome Kit with an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3 plus K2, when you first subscribe!  NOTION: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Notion brings all your notes, docs, and projects into one connected space that just works . It's seamless, flexible, powerful, and actually fun to use! Try Notion, now with Notion Agent, at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://notion.com/something⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PLANET VISIONARIES: In partnership with Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative, this… is Planet Visionaries. Listen or watch on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices