Podcasts about Loneliness

Feeling Lonely in a Crowd? Guided Meditation for Loneliness and Social AnxietyEpisode DescriptionWhy do you feel so lonely, even with people around you? If you are struggling with the social isolation of the heart, this 10-minute guided meditation is your safe sanctuary to find true connection without the pressure to perform.Join clinical hypnotherapist Martin Hewlett as he guides you through a calming $4$-$2$$-6$ breathing rhythm to settle your nervous system, deep visualization to remind you of your hidden roots to the world, and gentle affirmations for social anxiety. Discover how stepping back from being the loudest voice in the room can unlock deep inner peace and genuine connection.What you'll experience in this 10-minute sanctuary:The Calming Breath: A guided $4$-second inhale, $2$-second hold, and $6$-second exhale to activate your rest-and-digest response.The Forest Visualization: A peaceful mental journey to see how we are always rooted to others, even when we feel separate on the surface.Mindful Affirmations: Shifting away from social performance and learning to be gentle with yourself in crowded spaces.3 Daily Caring Tips: Practical, immediate strategies to handle loneliness, lower emotional intensity, and build micro-connections today.Time ChaptersThese timestamps are precisely matched to your audio structure for seamless user navigation:00:00 – Inside the Isolation of the Heart00:54 – The $4$-$2$-$6$ Calming Breath Work03:10 – The Forest Network Visualization05:15 – Affirmations for Inner Peace & Gentle Connection07:52 – 3 Daily Caring Tips for Loneliness09:12 – Returning to the Present Moment09:40 – A Personal Note from Martin: Finding Strength in the QuietMid-Show Content: AffirmationsTo be repeated quietly within your mind during the session:"I am allowed to feel close to others without performing for them.""My quiet does not mean I am unseen.""I can be in a room full of people and still be gentle with myself.""Connection does not depend on being the loudest voice in the room.""I am rooted to others in ways I cannot always see or hear."3 Daily Caring TipsThe One True Conversation: Next time you are in a room that feels too big, stop trying to connect with everyone. Find just one person, ask one real question, and let the rest of the room take care of itself. One genuine conversation protects the heart far better than ten polite ones.Name It Quietly: When that hollow feeling rises in company, label it silently: "This is loneliness, not a fact about my worth." Simply naming a feeling rather than fighting it instantly lowers its emotional intensity.The Five-Minute Check-In: Don't wait for a massive gathering to feel seen. Send one quick message today with no agenda—just a simple "thinking of you" to someone you care about. Small, intentional contact does more to cure loneliness than the biggest party on the calendar.Caring CTA & LinksIf today's reflection brought you comfort, please consider sharing this episode with someone who might be quietly feeling the same way today.Stream Every Episode Free: Access our complete daily meditation library at calminganxiety.fm.Take the Sanctuary With You: Bring peace into your pocket and listen wherever you go with the Anchored app.And as always in everything... mind-love, positivity whenever you can, and your beautiful self—be kind.

The 1980s were box office, and General K Sundarji was Forrest Gump, everywhere all at once. Probal DasGupta joins Amit Varma in episode 449 to tell the story of a fascinating man and the turbulent times he lived in. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Probal DasGupta on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Amazon. 2. General Brasstacks: The Sundarji Story -- Probal Dasgupta. 3. Watershed 1967: India's Forgotten Victory Over China — Probal DasGupta. 4. Camouflaged: Forgotten Stories from Battlefields — Probal DasGupta. 5. Of Some Consequence: A Soldier Remembers -- K Sundarji. 6. Blind Men of Hindoostan -- K Sundarji. 7. Probal DasGupta Goes to the Himalayas With Books in His Bag -- Episode 412 of The Seen and the Unseen. 8. Shooting Straight: A Military Biography of Lt Gen. Rostum K Nanavatty -- Arjun Subramaniam. 9. Fair & Square interview of SK Sinha about Operation Bluestar. 10. The Light Has Gone Out -- Jawaharlal Nehru's speech after Mahatma Gandhi died. 11. The Geopolitics of the Bangladesh War — Episode 113 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Srinath Raghavan). 12. 1971: A Global History of the Creation of Bangladesh — Srinath Raghavan. 13. Testaments Betrayed — Milan Kundera. 14. Pratap: A Defiant Newspaper -- Chander Mohan and Jyotsna Mohan. 15. Boforsgate: A Journalist's Pursuit of Truth -- Chitra Subramaniam. 16. Assignment Colombo -- JN Dixit. 17. 100 Years of Solitude -- Gabriel Garcia Marquez (translated by Gregory Rabassa). 18. Nuremberg -- James Vanderbilt. 19. Spotlight -- Tom McCarthy. 20. Munich – The Edge of War -- Christian Schwochow. 21. The Plot Against America -- Philip Roth. 22. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny -- Kiran Desai. 23. The Indian Empire At War -- George Morton-Jack. 24. A Confederacy of Dunces -- John Kennedy Toole. 25. Until August -- Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 26. Portnoy's Complaint -- Philip Roth. Amit Varma, Shruti Rajagopalan and Pranay Kotasthane have just started a new YouTube Show called Watching the Wheels. You must watch it. You must! You simply must!! It's mast!!! Amit Varma runs a course called Life Lessons, which aims to be a launchpad towards learning essential life skills all of you need. For more details, and to sign up, click here. And have you read Amit's newsletter? It's madly active right now! Subscribe right away to The India Uncut Newsletter! It's free! Also check out Amit's online course, The Art of Clear Writing. Episode art: 'Five Assassinations and an Arms Deal' by Simahina.

In this episode of Agents of Recovery, Coach Blu and Coach Wendell explore the difference between stopping an addictive behavior and beginning the deeper work of healing. Recovery may start with abstinence, honesty, accountability, and daily choices but healing asks a fuller question: What pain, unmet need, fear, or protective pattern made escape feel necessary in the first place?Together, they unpack how addiction can become a survival strategy for people who learned early to suppress emotions, perform for approval, stay hyper-independent, or believe their needs were a burden. The conversation examines the “inner child” not as a cliché, but as the younger part of us that still carries unmet needs for safety, belonging, protection, comfort, play, and being seen. When those needs remain unnamed, they can quietly drive adult patterns of secrecy, compulsive behavior, disconnection, anger, shame, and the belief that relief must be earned or escaped into.Coach Blu and Coach Wendell discuss the shift from fighting yourself to becoming curious about yourself. Instead of asking, “What is wrong with me?” listeners are invited to ask, “What has this behavior been trying to do for me?” That question does not excuse harm or remove responsibility. It creates a more honest path toward accountability one that addresses both the choices a person must own and the wounds that deserve care.The episode also highlights why recovery cannot be sustained in isolation. Addiction grows in secrecy; healing requires safe connection. Through community, mentorship, honest conversations, practical accountability, and the willingness to let others witness the real story, people can begin replacing shame-based survival with belonging and self-trust. Listeners will hear why asking for help is not weakness, why vulnerability needs wise boundaries, and why repeated small actions often create more change than a single emotional breakthrough.This conversation is for anyone who has achieved progress in recovery but still feels disconnected from themselves, trapped in old emotional reactions, or unsure how to build a life that feels meaningful beyond simply “not using.” It offers a compassionate and practical invitation to move beyond the finish line of abstinence and into the ongoing work of becoming whole.Chapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview01:07 Meet the hosts and setting the scene02:16 Understanding recovery versus healing03:08 Why stopping behaviors isn't enough04:09 The importance of addressing root causes05:32 Leaning into curiosity about inner needs06:39 The roots of addiction and emotional pain08:04 Healing as a process of strength and growth10:41 Going deeper: understanding the inner child12:18 The significance of childhood experiences14:44 Permission to need and emotional validation17:11 Connecting with the inner child at different ages19:34 The importance of community and support22:03 The role of vulnerability and safe spaces25:32 The power of curiosity over judgment30:45 Loneliness as a trigger for relapse33:39 Breaking the cycle of shame and isolation36:21 Celebrating progress and self-awareness39:00 The journey of self-discovery and authenticity43:36 The importance of parts work and self-acceptance48:02 Building resilience through community and self-compassion52:29 Creating your unique recovery path53:38 Closing thoughts and encouragement for listenersJoin Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0

Loneliness isn't just an emotional challenge—it may be one of the biggest hidden threats to your health, happiness, and long-term success. In this solo episode, Travis Chappell unpacks one of the most recurring themes from past podcast conversations, drawing heavily on insights from relationship expert Dr. John Delony. Backed by research, personal experience, and public health data, Travis explores the difference between loneliness and social isolation, why success doesn't guarantee meaningful relationships, and the practical steps you can take to build deeper connections. On this episode we talk about: The critical difference between loneliness and social isolation—and why both matter Why networking and professional success can't replace genuine friendships The surprising research linking loneliness to higher mortality and poor physical health How social media can create the illusion of connection while increasing isolation Practical strategies for building stronger relationships with yourself and others Top 3 Takeaways Loneliness is a serious health risk that deserves the same urgency as other major wellness issues—it impacts both mental and physical health. Building a healthier relationship with yourself is often the first step toward overcoming chronic feelings of loneliness. Strong friendships outside of work and family aren't optional—they're essential for living a healthier, more fulfilling life. Notable Quotes "We're dying of loneliness." "Not having friends is worse than having a drug problem. You have to treat it with that level of seriousness." "Social media is TV dinners—it'll keep you alive until it kills you." Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last.  - Go to Leesa.com for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners  - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Chris sits down with Jonathan Glick, founder of Incucap and one of the most active fund placement agents in the country. Over his career he's helped place more than $10 billion into real estate funds, and he says raising one has never been harder than it is right now. There are 600 to 1,000 funds chasing a shrinking pool of capital, real estate has lost a decade of ground to private credit, private equity and everything else, and most managers now spend two years raising a single fund. So his advice to almost everyone who calls wanting to start one is simple. Don't. They talk about who he'd actually back out of the 300-plus managers he meets a year, why he says most funds run in the red until their third or fourth one, and how the whole business has slid into a fee game, which changes the incentives dramatically. They get into where he thinks we are in the 18-year real estate cycle, why he believes vacancy is temporary and basis is forever, and the case that the next few years are the best time in over a decade to leave a big firm and build your own platform. Timestamps(0:00) Intro(0:54) Dallas, Talent Wars, and Why Asset Management Became the Hot Hire(7:12) Too Many Funds Chasing Too Little Capital(12:16) Why Glick Tells Almost Everyone: Don't Raise a Fund(16:58) From "Get an A" to "Score 100": Standing Out in a Crowded Market(25:45) Timing Traps and the Private-Equityization of Real Estate(37:17) Chasing 20% Returns Again: Rents, Costs, and the 18-Year Cycle(43:10) Basis Resets, the 401(k) Wave, and the Economics of a Fund(52:08) Sizing a Fund Right and the First-Timer Discount(56:33) Fixing Fundraising: Diligence, AI Backlash, and Old-School Wins(1:05:28) Founder Culture: The Summit, Loneliness, and a New Wave of Spinouts(1:12:03) Quitting Advice, Creators vs. Catchers, and the Attention Economy === Presented by Airshare:Trusted across the country for fractional ownership, jet cards, charter, and aircraft management, Airshare gives you a smarter way to fly private - over 25 years of experience, operating their own fleet, with the top safety ratings in the industry. Drive up to the FBO, walk on, and go. Go to https://flyairshare.com to learn more. === Sponsored by: True North AdvisorsTrue North Advisors is a multi-family office and private wealth advisory firm serving business owners, entrepreneurs, and families since 2000. With over $5.6 billion under management, they're real investors offering conflict-free counsel and portfolios built around your life. Learn more at https://truenorthadvisors.com Collateral PartnersCollateral Partners builds institutional-grade investor materials for private credit, private equity, real estate, and family office firms, the kind of marketing collateral that helps you close capital. Learn more at https://collateral.com/powers Relay Human CloudRelay Human Cloud gives you pre-vetted, fully managed global talent for up to 75% less than hiring locally. Your best people stop doing repetitive work and get back to the work that moves your company forward. Learn more at https://www.relayhumancloud.com/powers === Chris on Social Media:X: https://x.com/fortworthchrisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispowersjr/ === Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO

What if pornography isn't really about sex at all, but about the search for connection? In this episode, I sit down with recovery coach and author Sathiya Sam to explore the deeper roots of porn addiction, the role of shame, identity and intimacy, and why so many men feel disconnected in today's digital world.We also discuss how AI, OnlyFans and emerging technology are reshaping relationships, and what men can do to build genuine connection and lasting freedom. Whether you're struggling yourself or simply trying to better understand the modern challenges men face, this conversation offers practical insights and hope.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 - Introduction01:54 - How AI Is Changing Pornography05:02 - The K-Shaped Dating Economy10:50 - What Makes Men Vulnerable to Porn Addiction?14:03 - Mother Wounds and Emotional Neglect19:13 - Shame, OnlyFans and the Porn Industry21:40 - Why Porn Is an Intimacy Disorder28:19 - Loneliness and the Need for Connection31:04 - Identity, Self-Worth and Recovery36:03 - Can Porn Ever Serve a Positive Purpose?39:51 - Why More Men Feel Hopeless Today42:06 - Moral Incongruence and Breaking the Cycle48:52 - Purpose, Meaning and Lasting Recovery53:50 - The Future of Porn, AI and Human Relationships01:01:01 - Where to Find Sathiya Sam***Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worthPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don't know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they're looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

What happens when Orthodox Christians stop simply criticizing culture and start creating it? In this episode, Buck chats with his good friend Mano Elia—host of the Study of Stuff Podcast, founder of Spoon Records, and one of the driving forces behind the Bored No More movement—to discuss what it means to reclaim culture by creating art, music, film, and authentic community centered on Christ and His Church. Mano shares the vision behind Bored No More, a growing network of Orthodox Christian creators dedicated to producing meaningful media, cultivating community, and encouraging artists to create work rooted in Christ. He also discusses Bored No More's partnership with Logos Cinema, where the network's growing catalog of content will soon be available alongside a broader streaming platform devoted to faith-centered films and entertainment. Rather than merely reacting to a culture in decline, Mano challenges Orthodox Christians to what he calls "inverting the inversion"—reclaiming the very spaces that have been distorted and restoring them to the service of God. Buck and Mano also discuss the spiritual condition of Canada, the growing sense of isolation and nihilism they see throughout the country, the expansion of medically assisted suicide, and what these trends reveal about a society that has lost hope. They also explore the blessings and pitfalls of online Orthodoxy, why internet debates should never replace life in the parish, and why our hardworking priests deserve far more grace and gratitude than criticism. Topics include: * What "inverting the inversion" really means * Why Orthodox Christians should create culture instead of merely critique it * The vision behind the Bored No More movement * Bored No More's partnership with Logos Cinema * Spoon Records and cultivating meaningful music * Canada's growing spiritual crisis * Loneliness, nihilism, and medically assisted suicide * The strengths and weaknesses of online Orthodoxy * Why faithful parish life matters more than internet arguments * Showing grace and appreciation for our priests Learn more about Mano's work: Bored No More Community Support the mission Bored No More Study of Stuff Podcast (YouTube) Study of Stuff on Instagram Logos Cinema Sponsor: Donate to the show here: https://www.patreon.com/counterflow  Podsworth App: https://podsworth.com  Code: BUCK50 for HALF off your first order! Clean up your recordings, sound like a pro, and support the Counterflow Podcast! Full Ad Read BEFORE processing: https://youtu.be/F4ljjtR5QfA  Full Ad Read AFTER processing: https://youtu.be/J6trRTgmpwE Visit my website: https://www.counterflowpodcast.com  Audio Production by Podsworth Media: https://www.podsworth.com  Leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks!

Princess Diana thought she was marrying into a fairytale. By the honeymoon, she had to send a memo just to have lunch with her own husband. This is Princess Diana before the icon, before the cameras, before the People's Princess the world thought it knew.  In Part 1 of our Princess Diana trilogy, we go right back to the beginning: a wealthy but emotionally cold childhood, parents locked in a bitter divorce, and a young Diana Spencer who grew up convinced she was never quite good enough.  We follow her into the strangest courtship imaginable, a handful of heavily chaperoned dates with Prince Charles, a royal “audition” she didn't know she was failing or passing, and an engagement agreed after the couple had met barely a dozen times.  From the first day, the cracks are there. The press hounds her relentlessly, the palace offers no support, and Camilla Parker Bowles never quite disappears. Behind the gloss of the 1981 royal wedding watched by 750 million people sits a lonely teenager, struggling with bulimia and the slow, dawning realisation that this was never going to be the love story she imagined.  A story of family, fame, royal scandals and the human cost of becoming a symbol.  This is where it all begins. Part 1 of 3.    Topics Include  Diana's emotionally cold childhood and her parents' bitter divorce The custody battle and the sense that she was a disappointment Diana's extraordinary, instinctive gift for empathy How Charles and Diana actually met — through her older sister Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles before the marriage The royal “audition” and the search for a suitable bride The whirlwind engagement after barely a dozen meetings The 1981 royal wedding and its hidden tensions Loneliness, bulimia and royal protocol on the honeymoon The discovery that reignited the Camilla affair Resources and Further Reading  Diana's childhood and family background - Britannica Diana's struggles with bulimia and mental health - Vogue Diana: Her True Story - In Her Own Words - by Andre Morton The Diana Chronicles - by Tina Brown Host & Show InfoHosts: Kyle Risi & Adam CoxIntro Music: Alice in dark WonderlandCommunity & Calls to ActionReview & follow on: Spotify & Apple PodcastsInstagram: @theCompendiumPodcastWebsite: thecompendiumpodcast.comSupport us: Sign up to PatreonShare this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favourite takeaway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Intimacy vs. Isolation: Young Adults, Loneliness, and Real Community (with Christian Counselor Mike Kerstetter) Why are so many young adults feeling lonely, anxious, and burned out in the most “connected” generation ever? In this episode of the Young Adults Today Podcast, Josiah sits down with Christian counselor Mike Kerstetter to talk about the friendship crisis, the loss of third spaces, and the mental health warning lights that leaders and young adults can't afford to ignore. They unpack how intimacy vs. isolation shapes young adulthood, why AI can't replace real relationships, how pastors and leaders can spot burnout before the “engine blows,” and why slowing down might be the most spiritual thing you do this year. This conversation is packed with language you can use with your team, your church, and your small group. More about us: www.youngadults.today Resources & Action Steps: Sign up for the West Coast Leader Gathering August 12-13th, 2026 in Irvine, CA: https://www.youngadults.today/west-coast-conference Give to the mission of youngadultstoday: https://tithe.ly/give?c=5350133 Resources: Free eBook "10 Steps to Starting a Successful Young Adult Ministry: https://www.youngadults.today/book/starting-a-successful-young-adult-ministry Join our FaceBook Group Community with 2500+ leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/796270437396021 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngadults.today/ 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260720dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me?” Isaiah 44: 6-7 The Bible Stands Alone In Old Testament times, God gave his people a visible reminder of his presence called the Ark of the Covenant. There was a time when the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines who had defeated Israel in battle and claimed the ark as their prize. Since they already believed in many gods, why not add the God of Israel as well? So, they placed the ark in the temple of their god, Dagon. The next morning, when they went to worship Dagon, there he lay, facedown before the ark of the Lord! So, Dagon was put back in his place. The next morning, it was the same result—Dagon facedown before the ark of the Lord, but this time his head and hands had broken off. Message received! The ark needed to go back to Israel because Dagon could not handle being in the presence of the Lord. (1 Samuel 5) God has placed in our hearts an awareness that there is a God and a desire to know that God. Throughout the course of human history, different gods and goddesses, spirits, and mystical powers have been proclaimed as gods. But “who then is like me?” asks the Lord. The best that the false worshippers could hope for is that their gods and goddesses would send rain and grow their fields and grow their families and flocks. If they gave the right sacrifices, perhaps those gods would listen. The Lord God stands alone. He does something that sinful minds couldn’t have even imagined. He came to us, wearing our flesh and blood. He redeemed us, taking our sinful failures upon himself. He loves us, promising his presence with us through life and preparing a place in eternity with him when this life comes to its close. Truly, the God of the Bible stands alone. Prayer: Lord God, help me to see you for you who are—eternal, powerful, and singular in your love for fallen humanity. Move my heart to serve you in my life. 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.

We're more connected than ever before, yet so many people feel completely alone. We have social media, dating apps, group chats, and thousands of followers, but genuine connection seems harder to find every year.In today's episode, we're talking about the loneliness epidemic, why it's happening, how it's affecting relationships, friendships, and mental health, and what we can actually do about it.If you've ever felt alone in a crowded room or wondered why making real connections feels so difficult, this episode is for you.Sponsored by Rinse Kings Pressure Washing and Cleaninghttps://www.instagram.com/rinsekingsaz/My Socialshttps://linktr.ee/SkarxFace

Friends of Jesus befriend like Jesus for the good of others and the glory of God.


In this episode, we explore the sharp decline in traditional social venues like bars, theaters, and golf courses, and how the loss of these “third places” is fueling a loneliness epidemic. Drawing on recent data and psychological research, we unpack why fewer in-person gatherings are harming mental health and community bonds. Listeners will gain practical insights on rebuilding connections in a screen-dominated world.

Send us Fan MailOn Serving God, Not Being Religious with Dr. Elad Ben Elul & Rabbi Manis FriedmanIn this episode of From The Inside Out Podcast, Rivkah and Eda sit down with Dr. Elad Ben Elul and Rabbi Manis Friedman on their book I Didn't Ask to Be Born and its core idea: Judaism isn't about being "religious" or what we need from God, but what God needs from us — asking daily, "What does God need from me today?" Ben Elul shares his Jewish awakening during fieldwork in West Africa, caught between secular Tel Aviv and an enclosed religious world, until Friedman's lecture "Why You Shouldn't Be Religious" reframed Jewish life as mission. Friedman traces this to his outreach starting in 1970 and its path to the book's Israeli success. They cover mitzvot, purpose, soulmates and marriage, hostages who found mission in captivity, teaching Tanya, Chabad's nonjudgment, and audience Q&A on dating, marriage, and identity.Get the book, I Didn't Ask to Be Born: Understanding the Purpose of Our Creation: https://amzn.to/4bxqnrFEPISODE SPONSORSSwimplyRent a private pool by the hour, right in your own city — no crowds, no chaos, just your family or friends in your own space, with over 15,000 pools across the US, Canada, and Australia.Download the app or visit Swimply.com — code INSIDEOUT10 for 10% off your next booking!BINABina walks alongside families from the moment someone they love suffers a brain injury, through every stage of recovery. Their campaign, "A World of Difference," runs July 19–21.Support Bina: https://go.jcn.io/BinaIO, or call 929-463-9100.AtzmiAtzmi runs evidence-based, Torah-grounded programs — including My Best Self — helping girls build real confidence and measure their worth by who they are, not the world's standards. Active in 80+ schools. Save the date for their ambassador's evening with Bracha Jaffe, August 30th.Learn more & register: https://go.jcn.io/AtzmiIOOhr NaavaOhr Naava's "Just One Brick" turns Tisha B'Av into a guided experience — Eicha, the Kinot, an Ask the Rabbi segment, a video from founder Rabbi Wallerstein, and a lineup including Rabbi Fisher, Rabbanit Yemima Mizrachi, and Charlie Harari. Join the live stream and support Ohr Naava's year-round work for women worldwide.Register: https://go.jcn.io/ONIOShefa LivingWomen carry so much — marriage, kids, running a home, all while staying connected to Hashem and themselves. Nesheema sits at the heart of Mountain View, the new frum community by Shefa Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina: a mikvah, spa, gym, daycare, café, and shared workspace, built around kedusha. Mountain View is already 358 acres of kehillah, with the shul built and first families moving in this summer.Learn more: https://go.jcn.io/SLIOGUEST BIOSRabbi Manis Friedman is a rabbi, author, and longtime emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. One of the most-watched rabbis on YouTube, he has spent decades teaching on faith, relationships, and Jewish identity. He is co-author, with Dr. Elad Ben Elul, of I Didn't Ask to Be Born: Understanding the Purpose of Our Creation.Dr. Elad Ben Elul is an Israeli anthropologist and author. After years of fieldwork in West Africa while completing his PhD at Tel Aviv University, a lecture by Rabbi Manis Friedman reshaped his understanding of Judaism and purpose. He went on to study and teach Tanya and Chassidut, eventually co-writing I Didn't Ask to Be Born — a bestseller in Israel — followed by Back to Innocence, on relationships and intimacy.Get the book: https://amzn.to/4bxqnrFCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction08:01 Meet the Guests10:08 A Spiritual Awakening15:38 Africa and Jewish Identity19:54 How the Book Happened22:29 God Needs Us Concept30:42 Anthropology of Mitzvot35:45 Religious vs Jewish39:49 Hostages and Mission48:29 Love vs Need in Marriage49:35 Loneliness and Divine Need52:10 God's Humility and Romance55:57 Soulmates and Marriage Reunion59:35 Love as a Thing Trap01:06:13 Love Idolatry and Cheating01:07:52 Soul Journey and Resurrection01:12:36 Rebbe's Nonjudgmental Lesson01:15:17 Dating Is Not Relationship01:21:15 What to Look for in Marriage01:24:07 Mitzvot and God-Mindedness01:30:42 Teaching Tanya at Any Age01:35:03 Identity Through ActionClosingCOMMUNITYJoin the Community! Connect with us on socials to discuss Episode 101, share insights, and continue the conversations you want to have:

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260719dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 No Excuse Why are apples red? What does electricity look like? Anyone who has been a parent or teacher has heard questions like these. Sometimes we can give an answer that makes sense to the child, and sometimes not. How do you know that God exists? If he does, what is he like? These are not new questions. How they are answered is just as important now as ever. Sometimes we know who has been in a room by the smell of the perfume she has left behind. Sometimes we can tell who designed a building by its architectural style. In the same way, God has provided evidence that he exists. God’s eternal power is always on display. The world cries out that it was created by someone. And what power its creator must have—to be able to put atoms together into molecules and then exert the power to keep them all together. What power the creator of the stars must have. How far above us he must be! All around us, there is ample evidence of God’s power, wisdom, and divine nature. There is no excuse for anyone to doubt God’s existence or his involvement in the world. Does God exist? That’s not the right question. How should we serve God? What more might God have for us?” These are the questions we should ask. And the answers are given to us in the Bible. Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for revealing yourself in the world you created. Today I praise you for its wonders. 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.

Closing the series, Dave walks us through Paul's final greetings to show that God carries us to the end through two gifts — faithful friends within the church and, above all, a faithful God who never abandons His people.

In the age of AI, humans are becoming more guarded about what they consume, who they invest in, and which brands they trust. And on the other side of that shift, something beautiful is happening: analog is exploding, in-person is booming, and people are craving real connection and simplicity more than ever. In this reflective episode, Kelly shares why she's personally doubling down on in-person experiences, the phrase she wants you to sit with this year, and her own journey of rebuilding female friendship and community after moving to Florida. She talks about why friendship so often gets pushed to the bottom of the list during our most driven seasons, and why, at a certain level of success, the less measured, less strategic, more human things become the ones that matter most. Timestamps 00:00 — The era of zero trust and the emotional toll of AI deception 02:30 — Why analog and in-person experiences are exploding 04:00 — The loneliness epidemic and our craving for simplicity 06:00 — "Permission to be present to": the phrase to sit with this year 08:00 — Kelly's move to Florida and rebuilding female friendship 11:00 — The seasons of life, and relearning how to connect 13:30 — Becoming a curator of community in South Florida 15:30 — Why you should pick a few rooms and go all in (stop butterflying) 17:00 — The August 6th Called to Lead collaboration meetup 18:00 — The August 8th mother-daughter beach pop-up and the Courage Club 19:00 — The Legacy Leaders Retreat (Aug 31–Sept 1) 20:00 — Called to Lead details Resources & Mentions Aug 8: Join us in Delray Beach for our Mother-Daughter Beach Pop-up, hosted by Kelly and Madison through The Courage Club: https://www.courageclubforgirls.com/courage-club-pop-up-event-register  The Courage Club: a club for girls ages 7–14 focused on courage, confidence, and entrepreneurial spirit; $299/year, run by Kelly and Madison with monthly sessions: https://www.courageclubforgirls.com/join-the-club  Aug 31–Sept 1 — Legacy Leaders Retreat:  The room for businesses at $2M–$35M+ who want peer masterminding, hot seats, hands-on coaching: https://join.thebusinessadvisory.com/2026-rsvp  Oct 1 — Called to Lead: the premier women's leadership event of 2026, Boca Raton; for faith, family, and freedom-first women leaders: https://www.sandiglandt.com/called-to-lead 

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260718dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 Build Your Spiritual House “And he huffed, and he puffed…and he blew the house down!” Remember that story? The first two little pigs hastily built houses with cheap, weak materials. The Big Bad Wolf easily blew them down. The third little pig was different. He used the better, more costly materials. He invested the right amount of time and effort to build a strong house. “And he huffed, and he puffed, but he could not blow that house down!” “Be careful how you build!” That’s advice from a messenger of Jesus named Paul. It was first written some 2,000 years ago. But that advice is meant for us today, too. Careful construction and high-quality materials will provide comfort, peace of mind, and a good return on investment for our physical dwellings. But Paul had something different in mind when he wrote these words. Be careful how you build…your spiritual house! Where does one even start when trying to follow Paul’s advice? So many convenient and compelling options. So many building materials and blueprints. Let’s start where he did. Paul, the expert builder, laid a solid foundation—the good news message of Jesus Christ. Jesus laid down his life as payment for the sins of the whole world and rose from the dead in victory. Paul and others continued to build on that firm foundation by speaking and teaching the words and promises of Jesus. Those words don’t always make sense to us and don't promise a life of ease and success. But they do give great comfort when we struggle with the guilt of sin— “Take heart, your sins are forgiven.” They do give us peace of mind when confronting the reality of death— “You will be with me in paradise.” Carefully build your spiritual house on Jesus, and yours is a house that will last. Prayer: Jesus, help me to build my spiritual house on the firm foundation of your Word and works. 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.

I Need Peace  Isaiah Chapter 26

"Aging in community", or cohousing, is our topic today. Cohousing is an intentional, self-governing community of a few dozen privately owned homes where retiring boomers, young families, and people from diverse cultures may choose to live together as members and neighbors. Charles Durrett of cohousing.com, is an architect who has designed many cohousing communities and says these are designed for connection and ending loneliness.   Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.orgNEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that empowers members to live independently. Contact them at 415.888.2868and by Assisted Living LocatorsFrom home care to assisted living and memory care, they provide expert, compassionate, no cost guidance to help you find the right solution for you or your loved ones.Contact them at 415.766.0361 or at sanfrancisco.assistedlivinglocators.com.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260717dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. . . Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. . . But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” Matthew 13:3,8,23 One Seed Multiplies The farmers where I live recently planted their corn crops for the year. At the time of writing this devotion, those corn kernels have sprouted and are about six inches tall. They don’t look like much. But by late summer, those little plants will stand taller than the farmer who planted them. From one kernel of corn, one stalk grows. On that stalk, an ear of corn forms. And on that ear, there may be hundreds of kernels. One seed can produce far more than itself. That is the picture Jesus gives us when he describes the seed that falls on good soil. It produces a crop that is one hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. The seed is God’s Word. When God plants his Word in the heart, he produces what we could never grow on our own. First, God produces faith in Jesus. Through the gospel, the good news of what Jesus has done, God teaches us to trust that Jesus died for our sins, rose from the dead, and gives us forgiveness and life. But the Word doesn’t stop there. Where God gives faith, he also grows fruit. Love where there was selfishness. Joy where there was despair. Peace where there was anxiety. Patience where there was frustration. Kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control where sin had made the heart hard and tangled. And then the fruit multiplies. A person comforted by the Word speaks comfort to someone else. A forgiven sinner tells another sinner about forgiveness. A parent teaches a child. A friend shares a promise. A congregation supports a mission. The same seed that took root in one heart is scattered into another. One seed produces much fruit. That's what God's Word does. Prayer: Lord Jesus, plant your Word deeply in my heart. Grow faith and good fruit in me and use me to share your Word with others. 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.

Jacob Ladder Genesis  Chapter 28

He Singings Over You  ( Zephaniah 3  )

There's probably a bit too much pressure on reaching a definitive state of happiness isn't there? It's just not realistic. So Fearne's dropping into your feed every week for some honest chat about what's making her (and you lot) feel great, and what's making us all feel completely rubbish. This is a cosy little corner for all of us to explore what's been on our minds, what's been getting us down, inspiring us, and making us laugh. Want to join the chat? Send us a voicenote, DM, or comment on Instagram @happyplaceofficial!In this chat, Fearne explores:-Trying random new hobbies in midlife and actually being good at them-A bit of reminiscing about her 90s TV presenting days-Admiring nature through a camera lens-Going to the doctor and having your pain believed immediately-Why she's not a fan of following rules (and what happened when she disobeyed them at The Vatican)-Taking time off work for poor mental health-Why wearing a bra in the heat is SO AWFUL-Why wearing clothes full stop is a mad concept Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you want to access our extra innings conversation, become a member of the TITR community here Request a free copy of Heroic Faith here: Andrew Bunt is the Content Director at Living Out, a UK based ministry that equips the church in matters related to sexuality and gender from biblical perspective. (living out.org). Andrew is a pastor, speaker, and author who's written several books including his latest book: Getting God's Perspective: A Short Christian Introduction to Worldviews, Sexuality & Gender. In this conversation, we discuss questions about the Christian sexual ethic—is it beautiful or oppressive and harmful? Why a Christian worldview is essential for understanding the Christian sexuality ethic. How a Christian view of freedom and progress are important for understanding sexuality. And then, in our "extra innings" portion of this conversation, we discuss, once again, whether Christians should “identify” as gay (and what the term “identity” even means).Time Stamps00:00:00 Introduction00:02:12 The Beauty of Christian Sexuality & God's Design 00:06:33 Why the Secular Story About Sexuality Falls Short 00:14:17 Talking with Young People About LGBTQ Friends & Biblical Boundaries 00:22:58 Living with Unmet Sexual Desires and Spiritual Growth 00:27:15 Singleness, Loneliness, and the Community Jesus Envisioned 00:34:30 The Importance of Deep Friendship and Belonging in the Church 00:45:00 Why Worldview Matters for Conversations About Sexuality & Gender 00:55:00 A Christian Worldview of Progress and Living Faithfully in a Changing Culture See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Share this program with a friend or family member at www.joniradio.org!  --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Loneliness isn't always solved by finding more people—it often reveals a deeper spiritual need. Dr. Greg Gifford explains why God's grace, steadfast love, and presence satisfy the heart in ways that human relationships never can. If you've felt isolated, disconnected, or forgotten, you'll discover where lasting hope is actually found. Transformed Podcast Episode 185 | July 16, 2026 ___ Thanks for listening! Transformed would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Transformed we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Dr. Rob, Beth Kelley, and Dr. Brett Kennedy continue their conversation about the many faces of loneliness. They consider the challenge and impact of technology on authentic relationships, explore Dr. Rob's recent experience with ChatGPT, and reflect on the hard work that is creating human connection and combatting loneliness every single day.    TAKEAWAYS: [1:25] What about partners who are physically together but not connected?  [4:58] The role of ChatGPT and social media in loneliness.  [9:20] Seeking connecting is not simple work.  [12:30] How to regulate when you're feeling overstimulated.  [14:32] Acceptance of what is over what you want there to be. [16:21] Loneliness in the face of technology.  [22:04] Interpersonal relationships have to be two-way.  [26:40] Loneliness and betrayal in marriage.  [29:06] Connecting with Both and Brett.    RESOURCES: Sex and Relationship Healing @RobWeissMSW Sex Addiction 101  Seeking Integrity Free Sexual Addiction Screening Assessment Partner Sexuality Survey   Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.    QUOTES: “What is the connection that I'm seeking to make when I'm reaching for my phone?”  “Combating loneliness is hard work. It's the work of being human.”  “Acceptance is not always endorsement.”  “Until you're actually interacting with other humans, technology use will put you at a disadvantage.” 

Beth Kelley, LPC, and clinical psychologist Dr. Brett Kennedy are cofounders of The Lonliness Lab. Together with Dr. Rob they explore the many facets of loneliness, including what it means to be connected but isolated, the danger of lacking genuine intimacy, and distiguishing between loneliness, aloneness, and isolation. Each is part of the human experience, but are they all inherently bad? And what is the difference between connection versus community, and why does it matter when navigating the many faces of loneliness?    TAKEAWAYS: [2:27] Introducing Beth Kelly and Brett Kennedy.  [3:10] People are just people when it comes to lonliness.  [4:35] Defining loneliness as an existential connection gap.  [8:01] What makes us feel lonely versus connected?  [9:08] Uncovering the layers of loneliness, aloneness, and isolation.  [12:30] Introverted but overstimulated? Extroverted but lonely?  [16:04] Is loneliness inherently bad?  [19:02] Experiencing loneliness as an addict.  [21:48] Defining loneliness as a longing and a relationship gap.  [25:18] Loneliness as a physical response.  [28:00] Stop telling me I need more community!    RESOURCES: Sex and Relationship Healing @RobWeissMSW Sex Addiction 101  Seeking Integrity Free Sexual Addiction Screening Assessment Partner Sexuality Survey   Seeking Integrity Podcasts are produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.    QUOTES: “All people are feeling lonely, but not everyone is talking about it.”  “Lonliness is part of the human experience, even when we feel fulfilled in relationships.”  “Loneliness is ultimately connected to belonging.”  “Loneliness is a mind-body experience that has a profound impact on the nervous system.” 

In this episode of the InspirED Podcast, Andrea De La Cerda explores the hidden grief that comes from feeling like you don't truly belong. Through deeply personal stories from her family, marriage, and corporate leadership journey, she shares how years of adapting to meet other people's expectations led to self-abandonment rather than authentic connection. Andrea explains the difference between fitting in and belonging, why so many women confuse performance with acceptance, and how loneliness often stems from hiding who we really are. This episode is an invitation to stop earning approval, reconnect with yourself, and build a life where belonging begins from within....CHAPTERS00:00 Why We Long to Belong 02:30 When Belonging Feels Conditional 05:15 How Self-Abandonment Begins 08:48 Searching for Acceptance 11:42 Fitting In vs. True Belonging 15:18 The Loneliness of Performance 18:41 What If the Problem Isn't You? 21:30 Learning to Belong to Yourself 25:02 Four Questions to Help You Reconnect 29:12 Choosing Yourself First...RESOURCES ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Audit⁠⁠The InspirED RewriteTAG ANDREA ON INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@andreadlc_coach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...CONNECT WITH KANDULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kandula Blogs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. . .ABOUT ANDREA DE LA CERDAAndrea De La Cerda is a highly accomplished communications professional with over 25 years of experience in the fields of advertising, communications and marketing. Throughout her career, Andrea has held key positions in renowned advertising agencies, brand consultancies and in-house marketing departments before creating Kandula. She possesses a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, allowing her to develop innovative communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Andrea received both her B.A. in Advertising and Business Administration and a M.A. in Education from Pepperdine. She is currently pursuing her Accreditation in Public Relations and is a member of PRSA.. . .WORK WITH USKandula works with nonprofits, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and established brands dedicated to expanding their influence and amplifying their impact through purpose-driven communication strategies. Reach out to work with us!

In this solo episode of Wild & Waking, I'm sharing honestly about a season of postpartum depression, anxiety, identity loss, and the strange loneliness of feeling like the woman you used to be is suddenly very far away. This is not a story about being unable to function. It is a story about smiling, making memories, singing in the car with your kids, and still feeling crushed beneath the weight of thoughts that no longer feel like your own.I talk about what it has been like to return to therapy, to recognize high-functioning postpartum depression, and to grieve the version of myself who once felt so clear, energized, healthy, and connected to her work. After two unexpected pregnancies, years of unraveling and deconstruction, and another season of two under two, I am facing the truth that there is no going back to who I was before. There is only the work of becoming someone new.This episode is for anyone navigating postpartum mental health, identity shifts, deconstruction, loneliness, motherhood, or a season where the person you used to be feels almost unrecognizable. We talk about asking for help, finding meaningful community, holding hope for the version of life that is still ahead, and continuing to commit to the woman you are becoming, even when you cannot fully see her yet.In this episode, I explore:The buildup of postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, hopelessness, and the moment you realize you need supportReturning to therapy after years away and the vulnerability of asking for help when you already feel overwhelmedWhy gratitude does not cancel out grief, and how a beautiful life can still feel unbearably heavyThe identity loss that can come with motherhood, postpartum, and being needed so completelyGrieving the version of yourself who once felt energized, clear, healthy, ambitious, and deeply connected to her workLoving your children wholeheartedly while still struggling with the reality of your current seasonThe tension between motherhood and meaningful work, especially when your work is a source of life force and purposeWhy being financially supported, deeply loved, or well resourced does not make your pain less validThe loneliness of deconstruction, changing beliefs, and outgrowing relationships or communities that once felt like homeHolding the grief of what is happening in your personal life alongside the weight of what is happening in the worldLearning to hold joy and despair, beauty and heartbreak, gratitude and resentment, without forcing one to erase the otherThe small, brave actions that can move you toward the next version of your lifeContinuing to commit to the woman you are becoming, even when she still feels far awayBe sure to hit subscribe so you never miss the latest episode!Connect with Emily:Website: www.EmilyReuschel.comInstagram: @emilyreuschelFacebook: Emily ReuschelLinkedIn: Emily ReuschelJoin my Book Insiders List: Sign up here!Resources and Links:Episode 205 | A Listener-Inspired Q&A on Wanting More, the In-Between, Being Witnessed, and the Avalanche of AwakeningSign up here to get the inside scoop to my book writing journey!Book me as a speaker for your next event - email inquiries to emilyreuschel@gmail.com or schedule a call hereWild & Waking – Produced by Jill Carr Podcasting | Learn More

Episode 161 — You Can Rest in Your Own CompanySometimes the loudest moments are the ones when you're sitting with yourself, when there's no music playing, no show on, no conversation to fill the space. Just you and the quiet. Today, we're exploring why your own company matters — and how to find peace in the silence.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SHOW NOTES━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WHAT THIS EPISODE IS ABOUTIn this episode, we explore the often-overlooked practice of resting in your own company. You'll learn why silence isn't your enemy, how to stop treating alone time as a problem to solve, and how to build a gentler relationship with yourself.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Opening — The quiet is not your enemy[02:15] Settling In — Being alone vs. being lonely[05:30] The Theme — Why your own company matters, how your brain processes in silence, and the relationship you have with yourself[14:00] Breathwork — A moment to just breathe[15:45] Affirmations — You are enough, even in silence[18:30] Closing — The power to step back and rest━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━AFFIRMATIONS FROM THIS EPISODE• I enjoy my own company. I am at ease when it's just me.• I do not need noise to feel whole. I am complete on my own.• I give myself permission to rest without guilt, even when no one is watching.• I am worthy of my own time and my own attention.• I can find peace in the quiet moments, especially when I'm alone.• I am enough, whether I'm surrounded by people or sitting here by myself.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━HOSTPaul — Your Quiet Moment━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TOPICS• Own company• Rest• Self-compassion• Silence• Presence• Self-worth• Loneliness vs. solitude• Mindfulness━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━If this episode brought you a little bit of peace, share it with someone who might need to hear that they're allowed to rest too.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━DISCLAIMERThe content in this podcast is for educational and motivational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are struggling, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional.DISCLAIMER

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260716dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 The Solid Foundation Every building needs a foundation. You can touch up paint. You can change the carpet. You can move furniture. But if the foundation crumbles, the whole building is in trouble. The apostle Paul knew that the church in Corinth had plenty of problems. They argued. They compared leaders. They acted immaturely. They misused the sacraments. They were tempted to build their faith on personalities, wisdom, talent, and human success. Paul pointed them back to the only foundation strong enough to hold them: Jesus Christ. That is still the only safe foundation. Your life cannot fully rest on your intelligence. It will eventually fail you. Your reputation can change in a moment. Your health can weaken. Your money can disappear. Your family, as precious as they are, cannot carry the weight of your soul. Your own faithfulness is not a strong enough foundation either. You know how often you stumble. But Jesus does not crumble. There is no storm in life stronger than him. There is no earth-shaking event that can make him waver. He is strong and secure through it all. That means when guilt accuses you, you have a foundation: Jesus died for you and your sin. When your faith feels weak, you have a foundation: Jesus holds onto you. When you are scared, you have a foundation: Jesus is with you. Build on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Find your rest in it. Be at peace in it. That foundation is the one you need in this life. Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep me from building my hope on anything that cannot last. You are my foundation in life, in death, 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.

Ever felt completely alone in a crowded room? In this episode of Mind Body Medicine for Self Healers, host Sarah Dawkins exposes the hidden physical toll of "engineered loneliness" and our universal fear of judgment.Drawing from her early days as a professional trainer, where standing in front of groups triggered intense anxiety, Sarah breaks down the biology of social rejection. Discover why your ancient nervous system treats a room full of judging eyes the exact same way it treats a predatory threat, keeping you stuck in chronic, low-grade fight-or-flight.Living in "performance mode" is an exhausting survival adaptation that spikes cortisol, alters digestion and creates chronic inflammation, muscle tension and sleep issues. If you've been hiding behind a mask of total perfection to stay safe, no amount of supplements or diets can fix a nervous system that feels fundamentally unseen.Key Information 01:44 The Root of Public Speaking Anxiety: The universal fear of public speaking is rarely about the act of talking itself; it is a profound, deep-seated fear of social judgment and rejection.02:13 The Health Toll of Social Isolation: Chronic fear of how we are perceived creates "engineered loneliness"—a severe biological stressor that quietly drains our physical health.04:49 The Trap of the Performance Mask: Living life as a performance to avoid criticism creates a protective character, meaning people only connect with a mask rather than who we truly are.05:53 The Nervous System and Social Threats: The ancient human nervous system cannot differentiate between physical danger (like a predator) and social rejection, triggering an ongoing state of fight-or-flight.06:50 Physical Symptoms of Evaluation Anxiety: Over time, policing our behavior to prevent judgment manifests as tangible physical issues like chronic inflammation, insomnia, gut problems, and muscle tension.10:46 Fear of Judgment as a Survival Adaptation: Fearing criticism is not a fixed personality flaw; it is an intelligent, systemic adaptation designed to prioritize group acceptance over individual authenticity.Ready to break free from old patterns? Learn more about the Freedom Framework and book a chat using the link below!

What if the cure for loneliness isn't finding more people... but learning to be alone?In this reflection on Psalm 139, John Ortberg explores one of the deepest realities of being human: our longing to be fully known and never abandoned.Drawing on the wisdom of Dallas Willard, John explains why we spend so much energy avoiding solitude—and why silence may actually become the place where we discover God's loving presence most deeply.This episode explores:Psalm 139 and being fully known by God- The difference between aloneness and loneliness- Why we distract ourselves with constant noise- Dallas Willard's "strange cure for loneliness"- Romans 8 and God's inseparable love- How solitude leads to deeper communityScriptures:- Psalm 139- Romans 8:35–39- Hebrews 13:5#Psalm139 #JohnOrtberg #DallasWillard #Loneliness #Solitude #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #GodKnowsYou

Loneliness is one of the greatest challenges of our time—and for new mothers, it can feel especially true. The early days of parenthood are filled with so much love, and yet so many parents describe feeling profoundly isolated, unseen, and disconnected. We're here to change that. Becoming a parent doesn't come with a manual, but you don't have to figure it out alone. Raising Parents is a place where your questions are met with warmth, your hard days are met with understanding, and your victories—big and small—are celebrated alongside people who truly get it. Because parenthood is one of the most profound things you'll ever do, and you deserve support that feels just as profound.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Check out all the info at raisingparentsco.com

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260715dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 Only Servants Paul worked as a missionary bringing the good news about Jesus to the people of Corinth for the first time. He spent a lot of time there teaching the basics of the Christian faith. He faithfully and diligently shared how Jesus forgives sins by his death and resurrection from the grave. After Paul left, another gospel worker came to Corinth: a man named Apollos who was a gifted and passionate preacher. He watered the seed that Paul planted. Both Paul and Apollos were talented in their own ways, but the people in Corinth had picked their favorites. One said, “I like Paul.” Another, “I like Apollos better.” Still another, “I like this other teacher best.” The Corinthians were doing what people still do today. They made too much of the messenger and too little of the God who sent the message. Paul brings them back to reality. He and Apollos are only servants. They did not make the seed grow; only God could do that. It is natural to have preferences for preachers. Some are fiery, some are thoughtful. Some make you laugh; some make you think. Some are great storytellers, and some preach verse by verse. But the best preacher is the one who faithfully shares God's Word with you. A preacher’s style cannot save you. A preacher’s personality cannot forgive your sins. A clever illustration cannot raise the dead. Only God can make faith grow, and God does that through the Word of Christ. When the Word is preached faithfully, Jesus gives you what you need most. He gives you the law that exposes your sin. He gives you the gospel that forgives your sin. He gives you himself. One servant plants, another waters, but God makes it grow. Prayer: Lord God, thank you for faithful servants who bring me your Word. Help me listen past human style and hear the saving voice of Jesus. 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.

Revekka Palaiologou, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, is the CEO and founder of Dion, a next-generation social platform where people initiate connections by sending each other real drinks, coffees, and experiences that can be redeemed in the real world. By turning one of the oldest social gestures, buying someone a drink, into a digital interaction, Dion converts social intent into real-world transactions, creating a new way for people and brands to connect through real-world spending. The platform has already attracted thousands of members across cities such as New York and Miami, with tens of thousands of drinks sent globally and a growing waitlist of people eager to join the network. Category-defining brands, including LVMH (Moët Hennessy), Pernod Ricard, Cîroc, Revolve, and Groot Hospitality, have already activated through Dion, drawn by its ability to reach high-spending, curated communities that no ad or influencer can access.

You don't have to be alone to feel lonely. Many working Christian moms spend their days surrounded by coworkers, family, church members, and endless responsibilities—yet still carry a quiet ache of feeling unseen, disconnected, or unknown. Loneliness isn't always about having too few people around you. Sometimes it's revealing that something is keeping you from experiencing the kind of relationships God created you to have. In this episode, we're answering the question, "Why do I feel so lonely?" from a biblical counseling perspective. Together we'll explore how busyness, disappointment, fear, and self-protection can quietly isolate us, and what Scripture teaches about finding meaningful, Christ-centered community. If you've been longing for deeper friendships, wondering why you still feel lonely despite a full life, or struggling to find your place in the church, this episode will help you understand what's happening beneath the surface and encourage you toward one faithful next step. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✔ Why loneliness isn't always caused by being alone ✔ How busyness can quietly isolate us ✔ Why disappointment and fear often keep us from being fully known ✔ What the Bible says about biblical community ✔ Practical ways to begin pursuing meaningful Christian friendships ✔ Why Jesus understands loneliness—and how He meets us in it Scripture Mentioned Genesis 2:18 Hebrews 10:24–25 Galatians 6:2 Romans 12:9–18 John 13:34–35 Mentioned in This Episode If you're tired of living overwhelmed and want practical, biblical guidance for creating healthier rhythms at home, work, and in your faith, my Faithfully Balanced course was created specifically for Christian working moms who want to live faithfully instead of frantically. If you're looking for more personalized support, I also offer biblical counseling and Christian life coaching to help you apply God's Word to the challenges you're facing. Learn more at: www.faithledministries.com Continue Growing with Faith Led Ministries If today's episode encouraged you, I'd love to invite you to continue growing with us at FaithLedMinistries.com. There you'll find: Biblical encouragement for everyday life More podcast episodes for overwhelmed Christian working moms Free resources to strengthen your faith Biblical counseling Christian life coaching The Faithfully Balanced course designed to help working Christian moms move from overwhelm to intentional, faith-filled living Our mission is to help you know Christ, apply God's Word, and walk faithfully through every season of life through biblical encouragement, practical strategies, and biblical counseling principles.   Connect with Faith Led Ministries

What happens when the uniform comes off and the built-in community disappears? In this powerful ToosDay Crüe interview, retired U.S. Marine Corps officer Becca Spahr joins the show to talk about one of the most overlooked challenges veterans face after service: loneliness. After a 20-year Marine Corps career, including service in Iraq, Okinawa, and Special Operations Command, Becca found herself navigating a transition she never expected—the loss of daily connection, identity, structure, and belonging. That experience led her into her current work as a certified relational health coach, keynote speaker, educator, and advocate for social wellness among veterans, first responders, and their families. This episode digs into veteran transition, mental health, social wellness, leadership, military families, and the real work of rebuilding community after service. You'll hear: The hidden emotional toll of leaving the military Why loneliness can affect resilience, health, and performance How veterans can rebuild purpose and belonging after service Why social wellness matters as much as physical and mental health The “trash can test” for knowing if you have real support How military spouses and families experience transition too Marine Corps leadership lessons that still apply in civilian life Becca's practical advice for finding your people again Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, first responder, military spouse, or someone rebuilding your own sense of community, this conversation is a reminder that connection is not weakness—it's fuel. Connect with Becca Spahr: Website: beccaspahr.com LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: Becca Spahr Need help now? If you're struggling, dial 988. Veterans can press 1 for veteran-specific support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can help the lonely by joining a Wheels for the World team today. Just visit www.joniandfriends.org for more details. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260714dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11 Watered with the Word It doesn’t look like much from a distance, just a white line on the horizon. But as you get closer, the line has contours and dips and domes. It turns into a white ridge of snow-covered mountains. That snowpack may look quiet and still, but in the spring and summer months, it’s doing an important job. Melting. In places like the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the snowmelt is crucial for area agriculture. As snow melts, water runs down into rivers and reservoirs. It waters farms and orchards and carries communities through the dry months of summer. God says his Word works like that. Rain and snow do not fall from the sky and return without watering the earth. They accomplish God's purpose. So does his Word. It may not look powerful. Bible passages read around the family dinner table. A devotion next to a hospital bed. A Sunday sermon. But God says his Word does not return empty. That promise is great comfort, especially when we feel spiritually dry. Maybe your faith feels weak. Maybe guilt has hardened your heart. Maybe grief has left you cracked and tired. God’s Word is not powerful because of how strongly you feel it. It is powerful because God is working through it. The same Lord who sends rain to make the earth bud and flourish sends his Word to give faith, forgiveness, peace, and life. The good news of Jesus is not empty. Jesus’ death for your sins was not empty. His promise to forgive you is not empty. He left the tomb empty so that every promise he made is fulfilled. So, use God’s Word. Read it. Speak it. Share it. Rest in it. God will use it for his purpose. Prayer: Lord, water my dry heart with your Word. Make faith grow in me and use your Word through me to comfort others with Jesus. 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.

Hi Parents! When your teen feels like they have no friends, it can be heartbreaking to watch and even harder to know how to help. In this episode, I sit down with Sheri Gazitt, friendship expert and founder of Teen Wise, to talk about how parents can support their teen through loneliness without adding pressure or making the situation worse. We explore the important difference between being alone and feeling lonely, and how loneliness can begin to shape your teen's thoughts, confidence, and self-perception. Sheri shares why trying to fix the problem quickly or pushing friendships too soon can backfire, and what it looks like to take a more supportive, skill-building approach instead. We also talk about small, realistic steps teens can take to begin building connections, even when they feel unsure or hesitant, and how parents can guide them without taking over. If you've been worried about your teen's social life or wondering how to help when they feel left out or disconnected, this episode will give you practical tools and a new perspective on how to support them. FREE Resources from Sheri:

What if the parts of yourself you've spent years trying to ignore are actually invitations to healing? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alison Cook to explore how understanding the different "parts" of your heart can help you experience deeper healing, greater emotional freedom, and a more secure relationship with God. We talk about why certain situations trigger old emotions, how to respond to yourself with curiosity instead of shame, and why tending your soul is less about fixing yourself and more about learning to lovingly care for the hidden places God wants to heal. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN [00:00] Why Some Emotional Reactions Make No Logical Sense [06:00] Learning to Recognize the Different Parts of Your Heart [13:00] Bringing Jesus Into the Younger Parts of Your Story [16:00] Could Unhealed Parts of Your Heart Be Contributing to Loneliness? [22:00] Why Curiosity Creates More Healing Than Self-Criticism [29:00] Building Trust with the Hidden Parts of Yourself [35:00] The Journey of Tending Your Soul with Jesus [40:00] Taking the Next Step Toward Healing RESOURCES: The Secure Soul by Dr. Alison Cook People Pleasing Mindset Makeover and working with Alicia in coaching: AliciaMichelle.com/coaching  RELATED EPISODES: Ep 365: God Reveals So He Can Heal (Is It Time to Step Into Healing?) Ep 367: Why Do I Feel Lonely in Midlife When I'm Surrounded by People I Love? Ep 368: What Am I Really Longing for When I Feel Lonely and Disconnected? Send us Fan Mail

Reality check: Are you holding your breath right now, as you're reading these words?When you hold back your breath, you're also constricting your inherent power. Exhale. Let the body loosen. Let the belly soften.You're experiencing feelings that seem to contradict each other. Pain and affection. Loneliness and closeness. Allow them to lead you into a new way of seeing.What if you move at the pace of your body? How is your awareness showing you the right next move?What are you truly here to see?Sit with your power. Not power over. Power as agency. Power as choice. Power as creativity, beauty, participation, wisdom. Return to your own knowing. Keep your attention on what's actually here, and let that be enough._______Resources & LinksSign up for Creative Exorcism, 9 weeks of daily guided ritual to unleash your inner creative beast here.Book a Cards Reading here.Apply for private ongoing guidance. This work refines your self-leadership skills, moves you through important life thresholds gracefully, and expands your capacity for creative expressions in career, relationships, and life.Support the podcast on Substack hereTry the incredible breathwork and meditation app Open for 30 days free using this special link.This podcast is hosted, produced, and edited by Jonathan Koe. Theme music is also composed by me! Connect with me through Instagram @jonathankoeofficial, and listen to my music. For podcast-related inquiries, email me at healingthespiritpodcast@gmail.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jonathankoeofficial.substack.com/subscribe

Jesus Followers Must Carve Out Quiet Times to Listen for the Holy Spirit Who Speaks to Us in His “still small voice” MESSAGE SUMMARY: God will speak to you, but you must learn to listen for Him. Learning to listen for and to God requires focused and "in-tune" listening in combination with a filter for all the in-life clutter that your lifestyles and culture create. As Paul tells us in Romans 10:17, followers of Jesus must listen and hear the Word from the Lord: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.". You are going all the time with stimuli from many different sources – how can God speak or be heard, in a still small voice, through all your noise? To hear and listen for God, "lengthy times in silence and solitude" with the Lord are needed. Times of quiet prayer with God permits the noise and clutter get taken away. Again, in Psalm 141:1, the Psalmist admonishes us to call upon the Lord and to listen for God's Word: “LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you!".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Abba Father, I admit that I am often afraid and embarrassed to openly tell you all that is going on inside me — even though I know you know it all anyway. Teach me what boldness in prayer looks like as I draw near your throne of grace. In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 112). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Loneliness. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Presence. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Exodus 19:5; Daniel 9:9-14; John 10:2-16; Psalms 106a:1-12 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Our Realities Speak to Our Real Priorities”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) — Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: ⁠⁠https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join⁠ Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 4081: Nir Eyal explains that meaningful friendships are built through shared values, mutual commitment, and intentional investment rather than sheer quantity. Discover how defining what friendship means to you, surrounding yourself with people who support your growth, and making consistent time for your closest relationships can help you feel more connected and less lonely. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/quality-over-quantity-of-friends/ Quotes to ponder: “Loneliness has less to do with the number of friends you have, and more to do with how you feel about your friends.” “We don't necessarily need to have the same interests as our friends, but we do need to have values that mesh.” “When it comes to relationships, as with many things in life, consistency is more powerful than intensity.” Episode references: University of Southern California: https://www.usc.edu/ Indistractable: https://www.amazon.com/Indistractable-Control-Your-Attention-Choose/dp/194883653X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send Us Your Prayer Requests --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.