Podcasts about mba

On this episode of the Charity Charge Show, we speak with Brandon Williams, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. Williams explains how the Club is supporting youth after a tornado, why mental health and education remain core priorities, and how the organization is strengthening career pathways, internships, and sports programs.He also shares lessons from his first year as CEO, including how to manage a leadership transition at a legacy nonprofit and why running with a business mindset is essential for mission success.About BrandonBrandon Williams is the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, where he leads a network of programs serving more than 18,000 youth across the region. A former NFL player turned business and community leader, Brandon brings a unique blend of athletic discipline, corporate experience, and leadership coaching to the nonprofit sector.Before joining the Boys & Girls Clubs, Brandon played in the NFL after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, then spent nearly a decade as a sports broadcaster with Big Ten Network, ESPN, and FOX. His professional journey also includes roles at Anheuser-Busch in innovation marketing and as Vice President of Team Business for the St. Louis Battlehawks. He has also served as a leadership and life coach, helping organizations build culture and accountability through practical team development frameworks.Since taking on the CEO role, Brandon has focused on expanding the Club's impact through career readiness, mental health support, and economic mobility initiatives for youth. Under his leadership, the organization has strengthened community partnerships, elevated brand awareness, and invested in modernizing its programs and facilities.Brandon holds an MBA from Lindenwood University and is passionate about helping young people discover their “it factor” — intelligence, intangibles, and toughness — to achieve success in any path they choose.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Joe: Curiosity.Community revitalization doesn't always start with big developers or city plans. Sometimes, it begins with a pair of brothers who love good design, care deeply about their city, and want to create spaces where neighbors can gather and belong.That's the story of Joe McCallum, co-owner of Rise Over Run, who is transforming the Sunnyslope neighborhood of Phoenix, Arizona, one building at a time. What began as an appreciation for mid-century modern architecture has evolved into a mission to bring new life to an overlooked community while preserving its authentic character.“Sunnyslope is such a good example of that,” Joe said. “There's been a community here that's a little removed... it's maintained a little bit of quirkiness and a little bit of its own character, and I think it deserves to be highlighted.”Joe and his brother began by purchasing a distinctive 1960 mid-century modern building at 524 West Hatcher Road. Their goal was simple: to repurpose and reimagine it as something that could anchor local energy and pride. After experimenting with a furniture showroom, they're now transforming the space into a taproom focused on Arizona-made beer and wine, complete with room for community events, art shows, and local gatherings.But Joe's vision extends beyond one building. Rise Over Run has already added another property across the street, now home to a coffee shop, art studio, and florist. Together, these spaces are becoming catalysts for a renewed sense of connection and belonging in Sunnyslope.To help fund this mission, Rise Over Run is raising capital through a regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Small Change, a platform that specializes in socially impactful real estate projects. This approach allows local supporters—not just accredited investors—to invest directly in the revitalization of their own neighborhood.“For many people who may not be accredited investors or may not even know that that's a thing to be, there's a way to invest via crowdfunding,” Joe explained. “It allows a broader group from the community to feel like they are part of something they're not only cheering from the sidelines, but actually supporting directly.”That's the essence of what makes Rise Over Run so special. It's not just a real estate project—it's a movement to empower community members to take part in shaping their environment. As Joe put it, it's “a way to directly support seeing that happen in this community.”You can learn more about the project—or even invest—by visiting s4g.biz/sunny, which links directly to Rise Over Run's offering on Small Change.tl;dr:Joe McCallum shared how Rise Over Run is revitalizing Sunnyslope through community-driven real estate projects.Joe explained his motivation to preserve the neighborhood's quirky identity while creating vibrant gathering spaces.He discussed Rise Over Run's regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Small Change, inviting locals to invest in their community.Joe revealed that his superpower is curiosity, which drives him to explore ideas and uncover opportunities others might miss.He encouraged listeners to nurture curiosity by staying open, following genuine interests, and challenging conventional paths.How to Develop Curiosity As a SuperpowerJoe's superpower is curiosity, a natural drive to explore, learn, and uncover hidden potential. “Curiosity,” Joe explained, “is what...led me to what I'm doing now.” His insatiable desire to “turn over stones” and “pull the thread” has fueled his career as an investment analyst and now as a real estate developer. Whether it's researching a neighborhood's history or uncovering opportunities in forgotten buildings, Joe's curiosity has been the driving force behind his success and impact.Illustrative Story:Joe's curiosity led him and his brother to Sunny Slope. They were drawn to an abandoned mid-century modern building with potential, even though it wasn't listed for sale. Through research, they uncovered the property's history and reached out to the owner, a real estate agent who hadn't pursued his plans for the property. This curiosity-driven approach enabled Joe to acquire and transform the building, setting the foundation for Rise Over Run's projects in the neighborhood.Tips for Developing Curiosity:Follow Your Interests: Pursue topics and ideas that naturally catch your attention.Avoid Prejudging Paths: Don't dismiss opportunities that don't fit the traditional mold of success.Dig Deeper: Research and explore beyond surface-level information to uncover hidden opportunities.Engage with Others: Learn from people who share your interests to expand your understanding and perspective.By following Joe McCallum's example and advice, you can make curiosity a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileJoe McCallum (he/him):Co-Owner, Rise Over RunAbout Rise Over Run: Rise Over Run is an investment holding company focused on adaptive reuse and infill real estate development in the Sunnyslope neighborhood of Phoenix, AZ. We currently own two properties and are pursuing further acquisitions in the area. Our anchor property is currently being re-positioned as an Arizona-focused taproom and community space, which will use the name Rise Over Run. Our other property has a coffee shop, art studio and florist.Website: riseoverrunaz.com/aboutLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/rise-over-run-az/Twitter Handle: @RiseOverRunAZ Facebook Page: facebook.com/riseoverrunazInstagram Handle: @riseoverrunaz Other URL: smallchange.co/projects/sunnyslope_risingBiographical Information: Joe McCallum brings over 20 years of investing and business experience to Rise Over Run's real estate development strategy. As part of the Rise Over Run project, Joe has led the effort to develop community ties, attract tenants and manage financial strategy. Joe's investment career spanned across asset classes and industries, giving him a diverse perspective on capital allocation and investment analysis. His experience includes senior analyst roles at Steel Canyon Capital, an Arizona hedge fund focused on US equities and distressed debt, and Keeley Asset Management, a Chicago mutual fund manager where he covered REITs among other sectors. Prior roles include private equity and investment banking where he conducted in-depth financial analysis and due diligence for capital markets and M&A transactions.Since 2021, Joe has been actively deploying family capital across small-scale real estate development projects, public equity strategies and minority investments in private companies. He also helped build Fundamental Edge, a hedge fund analyst training firm, and currently instructs the Applied Value Investing course at Arizona State University. Joe holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Applied Security Analysis Program and a BS in Finance from Arizona State University.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/joemccallumTwitter Handle: @jsmccallumSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, and Rancho Affordable Housing (Proactive). Learn more about advertising with us here to help us Power Up October.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on October 28, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperCrowdHour, November 19, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern — Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “Investing with a Self-Directed IRA.” In this session, Devin will explain how investors can use self-directed IRAs to participate in regulated investment crowdfunding while managing taxes and optimizing returns. He'll break down when this strategy makes sense, how to choose the right custodian, and what fees, rules, and risks to watch for. With his trademark clarity and real-world experience, Devin will help you understand how to balance simplicity with smart tax planning—so you can invest confidently, align your portfolio with your values, and make your money work harder for both impact and income.SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don't miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington, DC, October 21-22, 2025.Impact Accelerator Summit is a live, in-person event taking place in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, 2025. This exclusive gathering brings together 100 heart-centered, conscious entrepreneurs generating $1M+ in revenue with 20–30 family offices and venture funds actively seeking to invest in world-changing businesses. Referred by Michael Dash, participants can expect an inspiring, high-impact experience focused on capital connection, growth, and global impact.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Feeling like healthcare makes early retirement impossible? It's a common belief, but often fixable with thoughtful income planning. Premium tax credits under the ACA aren't vanishing; the enhanced credits are scheduled to sunset after 2025, and the pre-2021 rules (including the ~400% FPL income cap) are slated to return in 2026 unless Congress acts. The takeaway: managing MAGI matters.In this episode, Ari Taublieb, CFP®, walks through a practical, illustrative case: a 60-year-old couple with ~$1.55M spread across taxable, pre-tax, and Roth accounts. You'll see how the source of withdrawals (e.g., harvesting from taxable accounts vs. large pre-tax distributions) can change MAGI—and therefore subsidy eligibility—potentially lowering Marketplace premiums materially. You'll also learn key HSA rules after age 65 (non-medical withdrawals are taxed as income but no 20% penalty) and what's changing for HSAs in 2026: Bronze and Catastrophic ACA plans are slated to be HSA-eligible, expanding access to tax-advantaged saving.You'll leave with a playbook: align cash-flow needs with tax brackets, plan around the 400% FPL threshold, coordinate Roth/pre-tax/taxable withdrawals, and revisit the plan annually as laws and income shift. Ready to pressure-test your numbers and retire with more confidence? Subscribe to the Early Retirement Podcast.-Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsementsParticipation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy HereGet access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy hereAri Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

Join Dr. Alisa Whyte in a transformative episode of "Mindset Mastery Moments" as she delves into a powerful conversation about the art of reinvention with Rebecca Page-Chapman, MBA, an award-winning entrepreneur and Service Business Expert.In this compelling episode, Rebecca shares her raw and inspiring story—from building a seven-figure franchise to overcoming devastating setbacks that threatened to take everything. She opens up about the crucial mindset shifts and unwavering clarity that allowed her to not only rebuild but to thrive on a global scale. This is a profound journey of resilience, featuring the bold decision to pursue an MBA in her fifties and pivot into a celebrated business coach who creates systems and structure for success.This episode is a masterclass in embracing change and disrupting self-imposed limitations. Tune in to discover the principles Rebecca used to transform her own path and learn how you can apply these same strategies to gain clarity, master your mindset, and elevate your potential.Connect with Rebecca Page-ChapmanOfficial Website: Explore Rebecca's services and expert insights:

273. Wise Living: Why to Get Outside and Travel and Read Aloud with Amber O'Neal Johnston   “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV   *Transcription Below*   Amber O'Neal Johnston is an author, speaker, and Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom who blends life-giving books and a culturally rich environment for her four children and others seeking to do the same. She recommends we offer children opportunities to see themselves and others reflected in their lessons, especially throughout their books, and she's known for sharing literary “mirrors and windows” on HeritageMom.com and @heritagemomblog. Amber is also the author of Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture and A Place to Belong, a guide for families of all backgrounds on raising kids to celebrate their heritage, community, and the world.   www.HeritageMom.com www.SoulSchoolBook.com www.APlaceToBelongBook.com www.instagram.com/heritagemomblog www.facebook.com/heritagemomblog   Thank You to Our Sponsor:  Sam Leman Eureka   Questions that We Discussed: Looking back, what would you say has helped to shape your children's character the most? What have you learned about the importance of getting our kids (and ourselves) out into nature? How do you actually make time to be a content creator and to also homeschool and travel and host?   Other Related Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 53 Practical Life Tips with Blogger, Rach Kincaid 57 Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee 82 Traveling with Your Family with Katie Mueller 84 Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee 103 Making Family Memories with Jessica Smartt 200 Planting Seeds of Faith in Our Children with Courtney DeFeo 204 Charlotte Mason Inspired Mini-Series: A Delectable Education with Emily Kiser 207 Cultivating Character in Our Children with Cynthia Yanof 212 School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee 253 Low Tech Parenting with Erin Loechner   Connect with The Savvy Sauce Our Website, Instagram or Facebook    Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 2:01) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today over 55 years later at Sam Leman Chevrolet Inc. in Eureka. Owned and operated by the Burchie family, Sam Leman's in Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at LehmanGM.com.   Amber O'Neal Johnston is my fascinating guest for today. She's an author and speaker and coach and she's just chosen to live a very wise life as a wife and mother, and I think you're going to enjoy gleaning practical tips such as the benefits of getting our children out in nature regardless of their age. She has teens and makes this super practical for things that they would enjoy too, and she shares these incredible benefits of what happens when we simply step outdoors. She's also going to share approachable ways to introduce our family to great art and other cultures, and she gives us a fabulous book list, so, make sure you stay tuned through the end of the episode so that you can see some of the top books that she recommends. Finally, if you don't have a copy of her own latest release entitled Soul School, I highly recommend you purchase that today. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Amber.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:02 - 2:04) Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here.   Laura Dugger: (2:04 - 2:14) Well, I'd love for you just to start us off and introduce us to your family, and will you just share a glimpse of your values and lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:15 - 3:48) Absolutely. So, I live outside of Atlanta, Georgia with my husband Scott and our four children. We are just entering birthday season, but shortly they will be 16, 14, 12, and 10. The girls are the two oldest. The boys are the two youngest, and they've been homeschooled from the beginning, so, we're a homeschooling family. I'm originally from Illinois. My husband's originally from Ohio, but we met here in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art, which is really special. We are art loving, you know, fine arts loving, liberal arts loving family, and so, the idea that we met at the museum, I will just cherish that forever. I came to, before homeschooling, I was a stay-at-home mom, and prior to having children, I have an MBA, and I worked in corporate America in like marketing and advertising, and Scott comes from a similar background with the MBA, and he was doing work in that area too, so, we had that as a connection point, but I have always stayed home with the kids, and you know, our values are rooted in our Christian faith, and we're an African-American family, and so, we have values and cultural aspects that enter our home through that avenue as well. We are world travelers, so, we enjoy that as part of who we are, and I'm an author and a speaker, and I'm just a very happy homeschooler.   Laura Dugger: (3:48 - 4:12) I love that, and it sounds like such a rich and abundant life, and there's two little connections that I have to go back to. My husband and I had a date at that same museum. I love that you met your husband there. Oh wow, that's wild! And so, we met when we were in Atlanta, but live in Illinois now, so, which part of Illinois were you originally from?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:12 - 4:33) I'm from Elgin, Illinois. It's out past O'Hare Airport, and I was born and raised there. My parents were both public school principals there. My dad was principal of Elgin High, and there's actually an elementary school, Ron O'Neal Elementary School in Elgin, named after my father, so, that is where I'm from.   Laura Dugger: (4:33 - 4:46) Wow, okay, so, then even with that piece, your father being a principal, and then you said you've homeschooled since the beginning. Did you always anticipate you would homeschool, or what was your journey into that?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:47 - 7:15) Oh my gosh, never, and it's both of my parents were principals, so, that's wild. My grandfather was an elected school board official. My sister was an elected school board official, so, public school is just, you know, in my blood from the very beginning, and that's what I assumed I would do for my kids at first. Once Scott and I got married, and we had discussed it, we decided that I would stay home when they were little, and when they were old enough to go to school, I would go back to work, and my salary would pay for private Christian school tuition, and as the years, you know, months really came to fruition for my oldest, my husband started backpedaling, and he started talking this crazy talk about homeschooling. I'm like, that's a switcheroo for you. What are you talking about? I was like, that's weird. I don't want to do that. I don't feel called to do that. That does not seem like a comfortable space for me. I don't want my kids to endure that, and ultimately, I lacked confidence in that. I couldn't even articulate it. It felt scary, terrifying. Why would I take something so weighty into my own hands, and Scott was very persistent, and I can't even explain why he was so persistent about it, but I think to me, I feel like it was planted in him by the Lord, and he felt that this was the way he wanted to lead his family, and he did it so graciously because I was very resistant. He asked, would you please try it for one year, and if you are unhappy, you don't think it's right. I'll never ask you about it again, and that gave me a softer place to land where I felt like it wasn't signing up for a long-term commitment because I knew I was going to hate it, and I said, sure. I will do that, and oh, my gosh. It was the most amazing year, and I laugh now because my daughter was four, so, she's like four and turned five during that year, and so, she was so young, and people were like, well, what were you really doing, but I took it so seriously. I was doing all things, and I joined a homeschool support group, and I was reading about it, and I realized on Friday, I'm a stay-at-home mom, and on Monday, I took on this identity of a homeschooling mom, and it's just been a beautiful journey for us. I'm so thankful that the Lord led Scott in that way. He knew what was right, not just for our children, but for me, too, when I had no vision for it, and so, I'm just, you know, very grateful.   Laura Dugger: (7:16 - 7:30) I love that story. That's such an encouragement, and, okay, your oldest is turning 16, so, when you look back, what would you say has helped shape your children's character the most?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (7:32 - 9:29) Well, I think the time that we've all had to spend together, like intense amounts of time, so, not just quality time or quantity time, but both, and I think that there's nothing else I could have done that could replace that, so, I think that's one of the things. I think my own acceptance of the divine nature of me being their mother and those being my children, and really that leading me to embrace my mother's intuition, which is something that I was hesitant for at first because there are so many experts, and surely they know so much more than me, and that's not to say that that's not important. I read so widely. I'm always reading expert ideas and views, but what I realized is that those things can help me as tools. They can mentor me, but they can't master me because the master has already appointed me as the perfect mom for these children, and nobody knows them, the little tiny details of them that nobody knows more than me, and so, when I leaned into that and I'm like, yeah, this says this online, this book said that, this thing says that, I can take what I can from those, but ultimately I feel the spirit telling me and leading me in this way with these children, and when I really leaned into that, I have a right to do that. I am their mother. That revolutionized things, and I think that's what's helped shape my children's character the most is my willingness to lean into how I'm led to lead them, and so, that's been a motherhood journey for me, and I hope that it's a legacy that I leave with my children.   Laura Dugger: (9:31 - 9:53) And do you have any specific stories that come to mind that were examples of that mother's intuition, something that really I think it is such a gift from the Lord and that the Holy Spirit speaks to us in some unique way as mothers to be in tune with our kids, so, is there a time that it really benefited them when you exercised your mother's intuition?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (9:53 - 12:42) Well, there was one time with my third, my son, my oldest son, his name is Beckett, and he was in the high chair eating while I was braiding my daughter's hair, and I heard him start making like these really weird noises, and I looked over and it was like he was choking and gagging, and I run over, and but he seemed fine, but then he would do it again, and he started sweating, and you know today I really would say, you should call 9-1-1, but I didn't, I threw all the kids in the car, and I rushed to the ER, and when we got there he wasn't choking anymore, he wasn't sweating, they did his vitals and everything, and they said, well mom, whatever happened passed, he's fine, and you guys can go home, and I was like, no, he's not fine, I'm looking at him, he's not my little boy, his vitals are checking out, but he's not looking at me the way he normally looks at me, he's not interacting with me, the little funny things that I can make him smile all the time, he's not responding to them, and so, like, I know you have your tests, but like my, I'm telling you something's wrong with my little boy, so, they have a doctor, he comes in to tell me everything's fine, and he's sending me home, and so, I was like, well I'm not leaving, I'll just spend the night in the ER then with all my kids, because I know something's wrong, and the doctor, who's this older man, he turns to me, he looks me in my eyes, and he says, you know, in all my years of medical training, there's something that they never told us, but something I've learned throughout my career, never doubt a mother's intuition, and he said, we'll take him and run more tests, and they took Beckett back to run more tests, and they came back and said, you were right, he has swallowed a coin, and it's like just teetering on the precipice, and so, at times it was blocking his airway, and at times it was shifted a little bit, and we have to go in immediately and get it, and that could have choked him, if you had just gone home and put him down to bed, and so, in that story, I took away two things, one, that I am his mother, and I don't care what the test says, or what the data says, or what the news, or a book, at the end of the day, I knew that something was wrong with my boy, the other thing is the graciousness of that doctor, to see my humanity and my personhood beyond just the insurance payment, or protocol, or whatever, it let me know that like there's something powerful about letting other people know that you see them, and that you are connected to them, as another part of God's creation, like he respected me on that level, so.   Laura Dugger: (12:43 - 13:35) That is incredible, I'm so grateful that that story has a happy ending, and that you were assertive to say that, I think sometimes as women, probably especially as Christian women, we can think, oh I want to be nice, or not push back on somebody, but I love that you were assertive, it was what was in your child's best interest, and like you highlighted, that doctor's humility is admirable, but Amber, you mentioned too that you're a writer, and you contribute a lot to things like the Wild and Free bundles, and I was always struck by the way that you would be out in nature, and there's so much to learn, so, if you had to boil it down, what wisdom would you have to share from what you've learned about the importance of getting our kids and ourselves outdoors into nature?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (13:36 - 16:49) Yeah, that's so funny, I love that you asked me that, because I like to tell people I was raised in the air conditioning, and so, there is no one who began motherhood further away from nature and being outdoors than me, like, and I can look back at those early days of like, I knew you could take your kids to the playground, and I did do that, but like what else would you do outside, you know, and people would be like, oh we went hiking on this trail, and I was like, where did you get on it, like where do you find a trailhead, like I mean this is back, like this is where I was coming from, and I was just like, and then what would we do, like we just walk, and do we talk about trees, I don't know any trees, I know Christmas trees are evergreens, you know, so, it was just like coming from this very like foundational place where I didn't know anything, but I believed, right, I believed, I somehow inherently believed when I read that being outdoors was important for children, so, I'm reading Charlotte Mason's work, and she's talking about nature study, I'm reading Last Child in the Woods by Louvre, and I'm hearing about this, he calls it a nature deficit disorder, and I'm reading all of these different kind of people who really respected childhood, and personhood, and really wanted the best for children, I'm reading a Christian perspective of the joy in connecting with God's creation, first and foremost, but also this idea of encouraging natural and authentic physical activity, running, climbing, balancing, exploring, developing coordination, and confidence, and the mental health components, you know, reducing stress, and improving mood, and not just for the kids, but my friend from A Thousand Hours Outside, she talks about how the first time she like took her kids out for the whole day, it was for her, because she was going crazy with these all these little kids, and the house, and the bags, and the diaper bag, and the snacks, and she didn't know what else to do, so, she just went outside, and how healing that was, and therapeutic that was for all of them, the idea of curiosity, of fueling curiosity, and creativity, I've never seen my kids come up with the most, I mean, they come up with imaginative things in our house, but outside, the, oh my goodness, the things they come up with, the things they create, and make, and the storytelling that comes out of that, and I think the family bonds, our experiences, it's another way of memory making, I mean, we make memories when we go see plays, and musicals, and travel as well, so, it's not the only way, but it's a strong way of that shared outdoor adventures, so, like a couple weeks ago, we were all whitewater rafting, it's funny, like a lot of funny things happen when you're out there doing crazy stuff, and so, we have a lot of laughter, and we have a lot of inside jokes that come from our time together, so, I think that all of those, it's not just one thing, it's one of those rare things where there are all the pros, and there really are no cons, and so, I intentionally embrace that for my family, even though it's everything that I didn't have growing up.   Laura Dugger: (16:50 - 17:41) Wow, that is so interesting, I love how books have really inspired you to make changes that have benefited your entire family, and I'm thinking back years ago when I was in grad school, studying marriage and family therapy, there was this book that we read, Letters to a Young Therapist, I believe the author is Mary Pipher, and she said something that I found to be very true in my life, she said, from childhood when we all look back, our memories typically boil down to three categories, one is family dinners around the table, the second is traveling with our family, and the third is anytime we were outdoors, and so, I'm wondering that legacy that you're giving your kids, they're going to have an abundance of memories in all three of those buckets.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (17:42 - 18:29) Yeah, I love that, and I had never read that, it's making me want to go and read her work, but I can't agree more, I mean that's what I've seen anecdotally, at least in my family, and it's definitely been the case for us, I can totally see that, the other thing I love about outdoors too is it's free, you know, so, there have, we've had times of plenty and times of not quite enough financially throughout our journey, due to layoffs, and you know, recessions, and all these different things, but that has been one thing that the travel hasn't always been as consistent as we wanted, but the nature, the time outside has always been accessible, even during COVID, that was accessible to us, so, I love it for that too, but yeah, that's really cool.   Laura Dugger: (18:29 - 18:41) Absolutely, okay, so, you started with, you were getting some inspiration from different books and speakers, but then when did you actually implement this? Do you remember how old your kids were?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (18:42 - 20:11) Right away, so, my oldest was like four, five years old, and we started going outside, now again, we had always been going to the park, so, they had been spending a lot of time outside, but I will say like that's like a very, you know, man-made structures, and you know, I can't think of it, like very cultivated space, so, we weren't spending time in uncultivated space until around there, so, maybe a four-year-old, two-year-old, and infant, and I know they started growing up in that way, and I had kids in an ergo on the back, and I remember hiking with a kid in an ergo on the front, and then snapped another one on the back, and you know, these are memories I have of being outdoors thoroughly by the time the boys were coming along, and I remember the story where we were at a creek, and I looked up for a moment, and just sheer panic that my little boy was gone, he wasn't in my eyesight anymore, and the girls were playing there, and I'm like, you know, and I look, and look, and look, and there's nothing, and no one, and all I can think you sees in the water, and I wasn't paying attention, and my heart's racing, and I'm like, girls, where's your brother? And my daughter says, mommy, he's sleeping on your back. And I'm like, oh my gosh, I just think, like, I was so tired during those years, and I just remember, I would just think, let's just go outside, and some days that's just the most I could come up with, but yeah, I was freaking out, and the little boy was sleeping on my back.   Laura Dugger: (20:12 - 21:50) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka has been owned and operated by the Burchie family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago.   If you visit their dealership today though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did, with honesty and integrity. Sam and Stephen understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle. 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What did you do outside?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (21:51 - 24:13) So, we started with walking, and I also was very verbal about my, what I felt were my inadequacies with friends, and that's why, you know, I can't overemphasize the, I haven't brought that up yet, but the idea of community. You don't need a hundred friends, just a few people who either are doing the same thing as you, have done it, or know you personally so well. But I had a friend who was like this outdoor enthusiast, and I always admired her for that, and she'd be like, oh, I went to the hydrangeas, they're coming out today, and they're gonna bloom for four days, and you know, like, and she would be like, oh, do you want some wild blueberries? And I'd be looking at her with side eye, like, girl, I only eat blueberries from Publix, because how do I know that you know what you're doing? You know, those could be poisonous berries you identified wrong. So, we had this kind of ongoing thing, I just asked her, I was like, hey, could we go outside with you guys sometimes? And she was like, of course. So, our first hike was with her and her kids, and she showed me how to go outside and do nothing. Like, we didn't do anything, we just walked. And the kids let us, you know, they would stop and ponder things and ask questions, which she knew the answers to, but wouldn't answer. So, she was like, well, what do you think? Or that's something cool we can investigate, or whatever. So, I realized, wow, here's this expert naturalist who's not even using her expertise. I don't have any expertise, so I could do the same thing. Well, what do you think about that? So, the kids let us, we stopped when they stopped, we kept going when they kept going. We had plenty of water and snacks, which she had told me, which was important. And that was my first thing. It was a hike. And after that, I only went back to that place by myself with my kids without her, because that was the only trail I knew. I knew where to park and where to go, and I felt confident. And then lo and behold, I run into Charlotte Mason's work, where she talks about returning to the same place throughout the year, and having your kids compare what's happening their season to season. And so, different rationale for why I was doing that. But then I was like, look, there's beauty, even in the simplicity of me not knowing what else to do. So, that's kind of how we got into it. And then I started having more experience and going out and being more adventurous further away from home with my kids.   Laura Dugger: (24:14 - 24:24) Okay, so, then what other ways has it evolved? You mentioned whitewater rafting. So, you've got teens now. What does your time outdoors look like in this phase?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (24:25 - 26:02) So, lots of camping. So, you know, Memorial Day weekend, you know, we were camping in yurts with friends. This past weekend, we camped, we had a big Juneteenth celebration, and then we went camping for Juneteenth weekend. And so, I would say that kayaking, paddle boards, we have paddle boards, we take out fishing, I hate fishing personally, don't like it at all. But two of my kids enjoy fishing. So, I'm there for that. I'll just bring a book or whatever, because it's quite boring to me, but they love it. So, we moved. I mean, how much of a commitment is that we moved to a different house, when we were able to have our whole property is forest floor. So, it's completely shaded and intertwined with trees and plants and a kind of wild scape. And across the road is a lake where the boys can fish and I can call their names for lunch and they can hear me now. I have to yell it loud. It's kind of country. Other people probably like what is going on? I'm like, you know, but they can hear me right there. And so, the creek and just really everything. A lot, a lot of hiking, I will say we live near a mountain and we're in Georgia. So, the North Georgia mountains are not far from us. We have Appalachia or Appalachia, as my friend said, I mispronounce it. And yeah, there's nothing that isn't my one of my first dates with Scott was whitewater rafting. So, we've always kind of embraced that.   Laura Dugger: (26:03 - 26:37) Oh, that's a special way to tie in a married couple memory with your kids and get to pass that along. And water and mountains, those things are, they never get old. But I've heard others even say like, you don't have to take stuff other than water and snacks, like you mentioned, to go outside. But I like the practical tips that sometimes people take art supplies, and they can nature journal or a book to read aloud. Do you have any other practical tips like that, that you would encourage if somebody wanted to get started with this lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (26:38 - 28:47) Yeah, I would say, um, we, okay, the best thing I can say is to just try it like I think that oftentimes I know my I'm like this, you want to try to be an expert at something before you actually put it into practice. And the point is, like, we're looking at someone's work or something that they're doing after years that they've been in practice. And then we're expecting to do that from the very beginning. And until we get there, we don't want to do it. So, for example, nature study, nature journaling, I always admired nature journaling. But when you look at people's nature journals that they people who are willing to share, there's usually a reason they're willing to share theirs because it looks beautiful. And mine didn't also look beautiful. But I was still willing to give it a try. And I love that. And I love my kids, what they've worked on. And I cherish all of our early beginning sketches. And quite honestly, I'm still not great. But I think having tools like watercolor pens and water pens where we can do watercolor on the go. And we've done many pictures out by the side of the creek on picnic blankets, especially like my older children while younger people are like, What do I do with these little ones like water, you know, like they love that splashing, making sandcastles and things while I'm painting or doing things watercolors with the with the older ones. And were they museum worthy? No. But there was a lot of enjoyment involved in a skill-based learning. So, I think asking questions and inquiry, using pictures, sure and painting, but also keeping track of things the the date that our cherry blossoms bloom, and our white cherry blossom blooms before the pink one every year and keeping track of that or paying trying to map all of the vegetation in our yard like we are, you know, know which trees what they're called where they come from that takes time. And those are things we've done. It's not like we're only just sitting there barefoot grounding ourselves and forest bathing. You know, we're out there learning as well. And I think that, you know, both are beautiful ways to enter into that.   Laura Dugger: (28:48 - 29:34) I love it. There's so many benefits. And you even mention grounding that helps so much going barefoot with inflammation and different body systems that are reset even by getting out and getting early morning light and the serotonin that's produced that turns into melatonin at night. So, we're happier in the day and sleepier at night, resetting systems in our eyes and like healing our body in different ways to an even how much better outdoor air is for us than indoor air. The benefits just go on and on. So, would you have any to add that either your family has experienced personally, or you've learned about just benefits of getting outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (29:34 - 31:29) Yeah, I think that one, even, you know, all the things you said, yes, and also the mental clarity. And that's why I don't like being time outdoors, being tied to a negative consequence for academic related behavior. So, the house across the road from ours, you know, I could say ironically, or just be like, God chose to gift us. It's a homeschooling family. They moved in a couple years ago, and they have some kids are some of our kids are similar ages. And our boys are just outside all the time together hours and hours and hours every single day. And I see the difference on days where the weather doesn't permit it or where one family or the other, you know, isn't available. There's a difference in terms of clarity and the work that's happening at the lesson table as well. And this came up, you know, my nephew, you know, they're not homeschooled, and his parents took him on a trip, which caused him to miss a day of school. And he missed an assignment that day, he didn't turn it in. And so, the school then when he got back to school punished him by keeping him indoors for recess. And I was helping, you know, my family craft a note that talks about two things. One, they punished a child for a decision the parents made. And that is grossly unfair, they should be talking to the parents about not missing school, if that's the important thing. And the second thing is, you took away the very thing that allows these children to have what they need to sit quietly and take in, you know, that that's not, that's not how you that's not an appropriate consequence. So, anyway, I feel that the mental clarity beyond the things I would have named the same things you already said, it would be the only other thing that I would bring in and why time outside actually helps us to achieve deeper and broader and more expansive learning when we are inside.   Laura Dugger: (31:29 - 31:54) That's good. And I love how you keep mentioning the piece of community that that's the best way to do this. So, regardless of somebody homeschools, or they don't, how can all of us actually prioritize this? And what's a good, healthy goal for getting started, even as specific as how much time outdoors, how many outdoors or how many days a week should we be outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (31:55 - 33:01) Yeah, that's, it's so different for every family, I think that you should go just past the point of comfort, you know, for most of us. So, if the point of comfort for you is like 30 minutes a week, then you would start out like aim for an hour a week, you know, 20 minutes, three days, if you're already outside for, you know, 10 hours, a couple hours each day, you know, I would say, maybe shake it up with what you're doing and see what would it be like to go on a really long outdoor excursion on a Saturday, or to take a day off or something like that. So, I don't want to say an exact number, because we're all entering in at a different place. For me, if someone had told me to spend eight hours outside with my kids, when I was first starting, and I'm used to going to playground for 20 minutes, that would have been overwhelming. And I would have been like; there's no way I'm ever gonna do it. So, I think like, just taking it, like, where do I feel most comfortable? And how can I push myself just past that point would be a great place to start and kind of a nice place to always stay? Like, what's the next thing that we can do to lean further into this?   Laura Dugger: (33:02 - 33:15) That's really good, very wise counsel. And Amber, you've mentioned that your family loves to travel. So, will you share any adventures that you've had as a family with world schooling?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (33:16 - 36:20) So, our goal, and it's just a fun thing, you know, I don't know if we'll totally do it, but I think we will, is to have children. So, for us, world schooling is where we're not on vacation, but we're actually deeply immersed in a learning stance in another country, another part of the world. And we're trying to do that on every continent, except Antarctica, before my oldest graduates. So, we have two continents left, we are going to be going to Asia in the fall. So, we'll be taking that one off of our list and for that particular feat. And then her senior year, we'll do Australia and hop over to New Zealand. That's the plan, if it's God's will for us to do that, that's what we would like to do, and that will complete our journey. And then we'll keep traveling, but that was just kind of a fun thing to help lead us, because there are so many places in the world to go, like how do you know? And so, that kind of helped us know, well, let's do this continent, let's do that continent. So, we took our first trip, we spent three months in South America, most of it spent in Bolivia. And I can tell you exactly the kids' ages, because my youngest turned two in Bolivia. So, they were two, four, six, and then one turned eight there. And so, that was, you know, diapers, I had a baby in diapers, a little one in diapers and still nursing when we went on our first trip. And I've never regretted that. People have said, why would you take kids so young? You know, they're not going to remember. And I think a couple thoughts. One, you'd be surprised, they do remember. They may not remember this artifact in some museum, but that's not what we spend most of our time doing. But they remember the people. And we've kept in touch with a lot of the people that we've met in these different countries. And we've even had visitors in our home, staying in our basement apartment that we met abroad. So, they do remember. They remember how things feel and taste more than they remember exactly, like historical markers and things like that. Also, I kind of compare it to like breastfeeding and nursing, like my kids, except for one little boy who held on way too long, but they don't remember that. But I believed that it was something good for them that was forming. It was helping to form who they were, not so much who they were personality wise, but their bodies as they were growing. And so, sometimes we do things that are foundational to our children's development, even if they don't have a conscious and direct memory of that thing. And that's how I see world travel. So, we've been to Europe, and we were in Greece when COVID hit. We were in the middle of a big trip there. So, we had the whole struggle to get back to the United States. We've been to West Africa, most spent in Ghana, England, France. We're going to Ethiopia this year. So, yeah, that's kind of, that's our thing.   Laura Dugger: (36:20 - 37:04) Wow. And those memories are incredible. Even let's say your children forget some of this, or if they're too young to remember all of it, you remember this and you get to share those stories with them and pass that along. I can't even imagine all of the learning that takes place from being immersed in those other cultures. But you also mentioned welcoming people into your basement apartment. So, you sound hospitable as a family. What does that actually look like? And I'm kind of going to throw two questions at you. What does that actually look like? And then both for world schooling and hospitality, what are tips for ways we can replicate that as well?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (37:06 - 39:52) So, one thing that's important to me to always share about world schooling, I have a whole chapter about our world schooling adventures in my first book, but one important thing that I call out there is Eli Gerzen. He's the guy who came up with the word world schooling. And he says, you know, we don't even need a passport to do it. That world schooling is really learning from the world around you. It could be your local library. It could be the internet. It could be your neighbors. And so, while I use this more global term of world schooling, because that's just what we call it in our family, the truth of the matter is it's a way of seeing the world and seeing all the opportunity to make connections right where you're sitting. And people are like, oh, you guys have so much money. I can't do that. First of all, we don't have so much money. Like, for instance, we have one car, right? So, there are sacrifices that we make that other people may choose to spend their money in a different way. So, we definitely don't have a ton of money. But more importantly, I'm thinking, yeah, you're saying that you don't have money, but how much have you explored your county? Like, what do you know about the history of your county? And have you been to your local historical society? And have you really, you know, got in? Have you been to an old the oldest cemetery within driving distance of your home? Have you gotten a tour of it to hear the stories of who's there? Like, you can have that same inquiry and curiosity without ever leaving. So, I'll say that first. And in terms of the hospitality part, it's like an it's an intention, right? You have to like, decide that you're going to do that, because it's so much easier not to have people at first view, like, oh, my house is not clean, and blah, blah, blah. And people don't just stop by the way they used to stop by, like my grandparents' house, it was so fun staying there in the summer, because people just folks just came in and out all day, just they come calling is what they call it, they come calling. And even when we read Jane Austin, people leaving the call guard, you know, when they came to visit, and you weren't there, like, there was this idea that you didn't have to have an appointment. And now you do, you have to let someone know before you're coming. So, it's a choice to be vulnerable, if you want to be hospitable in that way that people will see your, you know, dirty bones of your house. And you know that you're not always presenting this, like really sanitized version of your family and your family life. And so, I think that's intentional decision to say it's more important to us to be with other people and let them in than it is for us to always sanitize everything before they get here. And I don't mean sanitizes and clean the house that too, but I mean sanitizes and everyone's behaving the way that I want them to behave in front of people and all of that as well.   Laura Dugger: (39:53 - 41:05) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world. So, we need your help.   Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   Well, and I think it is a biblical command for all of us and it does bless the person or the people that we are hosting, but there are also rewards for us in the process. So, if you even just could think of one reward of a way that this hospitality has blessed your family, what would you say?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (41:07 - 41:55) Well, I would say John chapter five, it says, you know, this verse we've all heard, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit apart from me, you can do nothing." So, you know, when we talk about hospitality, we spend a lot of time talking about what my family is doing for other people. But also, that means that my family is constantly in contact with other believers and other people who are helping us with our faith to helping us to remain connected to Jesus. And without that connection, we know that there's nothing that we can do, nothing of any spiritual significance. So, while I'm inviting those people into our lives, it also ensures that my family is not alone in what we're trying to do in our faith. So, like, that's one of a very easy benefit, I can say right off the top.   Laura Dugger: (41:56 - 42:18) Then that one is truly invaluable for our children to get to witness the way other people live out their faith, and it impacts each of us. But I'm also curious, how do you manage your time so that you can be a content creator, and you can homeschool and travel and cultivate these relationships?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (42:20 - 46:08) So, first, let me say that it's not always easy. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm doing a really good job with that. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job. I always prioritize my family first. And so, during the seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job, it's very public. People can see I did not post on Instagram for a month, or I'm not speaking as much. They're finding it harder to find opportunities to hear me speak, or I have a long lull before books are published. Those are times where I've turned inward towards my family, where I felt like I didn't have the bandwidth for everything. And so, that's something I have to deal with on a constant basis, because I know that my business or my ministry is not as rich and robust as it could be. I have ideas for days. I have ideas and the ability to bring them to fruition. But I'm not willing to sacrifice the time that it takes to do those things in this season. Because even though I don't have little kids, I definitely have more time than I did when I had little kids. It's not even just time; it's more mind clarity as well. But I don't have as much time as people with little kids would think, because I want to be fully present, even for my teens. When they want to talk to me, I want to be talkable too. I want to be available to them. And we're going to places. We're doing things. They're busy. I'm busy. And I'm trying to prepare them for young adulthood. And that's just as time-consuming as trying to prepare my young children for the next stage of their development. So, I guess it's so messy. Oh my gosh, it's messy. It's chaotic. It's a little bit crazy. But in the center of it all, I really appreciate the opportunities I do have to do the things that help refuel, help me refuel. So, I'm a writer. So, writing isn't just about creating a book. It's that I get to create a book, but really it's about the process and how cathartic it is for me to sit in silence and wonder about things and be able to write them out. And oh, lo and behold, there's a publisher who is interested in publishing those things. But the real work for me is in the process of writing. Then when I come home from a coffee shop or I emerge from my room, I come back more enthusiastic about what it is we're working on and what we're doing. The other thing that I would share is that I don't do all of that stuff by myself. So, things that people don't, just like I say, I have one car and we travel the world, people are like, oh, okay, this is not what I thought. My husband does all the laundry, every piece of laundry in this house that the teens do their own, but all the laundry that's done, he does and has done for over a decade. So, that's a thing I have to say, because you might be picturing that I'm doing all of those things. Or when I wrote one of my books, I was struggling and Scott was like, how can I help you? And he was like, what if we get help to come in with the kids like a nanny or something a few hours a week? I'm like, no, that's the last thing I want somebody to touch. So, he's like, well, what is it? So, we hired a chef, and she would prepare all of our dinners according to like what I, how I like my family to eat and lots of whole foods and good things. And she would drop them off at our house. It was very expensive, but I used part of the money from the advance from the publisher to pay for that so that I could write the book. So, I think those are things that a lot of times people don't talk about, but I have support in place. I'm not super woman any more than anyone else.   Laura Dugger: (46:08 - 46:49) Oh, I appreciate that real picture and those creative ideas because as mothers, we don't just make goals for ourselves. Like you said, we have these dreams and ideas that we could put into practice, but we consider our relationships as well and how it will impact everyone. So, I love hearing practically how that plays out for you and the trade-offs that you've chosen to make. And I know that you and I also share a passion for reading aloud. So, if we could get really practical for a moment, what are some of your most recommended read aloud for families from a variety of age groups?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (46:50 - 53:05) Well, I'm always ready for that question, but I have to say, it's almost asking me, which of my children are my favorite? It's so hard in so many ways, but for younger elementary, I picked three books that I think kind of help show how expansive I feel like I want my children's reading life to be. So, this book is called Indigo Dreaming, and it's a book about two girls, one's in North America and another one we can believe is off the coast of Africa. And they're both doing what they do in their own homes. And it's beautifully illustrated also, but they're both doing what they do in their own homes while wondering, is there another little girl in this world doing what I do, liking what I like? Well, indeed there is. And it's poetic and it has soft paintings. It's just stunning. And then another one is called The Magic Doll. It's a children's book inspired by African art. And in this book, the mother desperately wants to have a child, but she's dealing with infertility, and she turns to the use of an infertility doll. And what would I say about that? My family doesn't believe that, but it's a book that I read with my children because we were going to visit this culture. And I wanted to explain to them how we can respect something and learn about it even without adopting it. And that you can understand the yearning of a mother's heart to hold a child in her hand and the desperation that that could bring about. And I wanted them to know that we would see fertility dolls there and what they meant and things like that. And it's also beautifully illustrated, which is important to me. And then this one's just a fun book. It's called I Had a Favorite Dress, but as the dress starts getting too small, she cuts it and turns it into a skirt. And then it gets turned into this. And then the little, small piece gets turned into some socks. And then it's just a little scarf and snip, snip, sew, sew, pretty hair bow. And so, the same piece of fabric, this favorite dress she had, every time she can't use it in that way anymore, it gets moved and shifted. Into something else. And this book reminds me to just, you know, sometimes we share heavier topics with our children, even beautiful topics, but sometimes it's just joy. Like that's the whole purpose of the book is to smile and have fun. And I'll move more quickly for the older elementary books. I have this book called Schomburg. It's a nonfiction book about Arturo Schomburg and the man who built a library, which is now housed. His home library is now housed as part of the collection of the public library system in New York. And he collected books about all types of black and brown people. And it was considered one of the foremost library collections. So, as a book lover, I love that story. This one's called Heart and Soul. It's the story of America and African Americans with stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson. So, I love visual art. I always say my family, we can't afford to buy the most exquisite art for our walls, but we have an exquisite art collection through our picture books that I've collected. And then the last one is for that group is John Henry by Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney illustrations. So, those are two powerhouses of African American author and illustrator. Both have passed. And it is the tall tale of John Henry told in a way that you've never seen before. For older kids, like middle schoolers, I love this one Big Open Sky because it's about some black exodusters who are moving west. And it goes so well for families who love Little House on the Prairie. But, you know, Little House on the Prairie, in some ways, there's some instances that are a little disrespectful to Native Americans and black people. And this is like a redemptive story, not instead of but alongside of it to say that there were black people that were also moving westward and what was their journey. And it's written in verse, like, oh, my gosh, I can't even tell you enough about that. This book, The Angel Orphan, my friend Leah Bowden wrote this book, and it's the story of Charlotte Mason. So, in chapter book form. So, there's also a picture book that someone wrote, but this is a beautiful story about Charlotte Mason. And my family's all-time favorite on my kids read aloud is The Winged Feather Saga by Andrew Peterson. And that whole series, oh, my goodness, that cemented so much of our family lexicon, because it's filled with like made up words. And it I mean, we have jokes and talks and sayings for days coming out of that series. For our older teenagers, um, or even early elementary, early middle school and early teenage years, the Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is just like a such a classic, Mildred D. Taylor that many of us read. But she also wrote a young adult version where Cassie is entering young adulthood. So, different age audiences, but same author. And a lot of people haven't heard of the other book All the Days Past, All the Days to Come. So, for high school, I love that. And then I threw a couple things in for mama. I'm an epic story of called Homegoing about two sisters and the different paths their lives take during a time I'm part of it is told in Africa and part of its told in the United States. And the last book I have is this memoir, A Black Mother's Garden. It's called Soil. And she uses her actual real garden at her home to kind of give us this idea of life. And it's, it's, you know, it's, it's hard to explain, but it's her it's part memoir, part gardening, like learning and talking about the plants, but also how all of that can turn into kind of like the soil of your life and the people being plants, and she really focuses on wildflowers. So, it's a stunningly, like poignant and beautiful memoir. So, those are my favorite, you know, and now if you ask me tomorrow, you're going to get a different stack.   Laura Dugger: (53:07 - 53:27) I love it. What a gift to get to see all of those you and I share some of those favorites, and you've introduced me to some new ones. So, I'm very grateful and hope everybody listening feels the same. But speaking of books, you've authored more than one. But will you tell us about your most recent release entitled Soul School?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (53:28 - 55:58) Yeah, so, Soul School is it's Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. And I know it's so hard with those. But it is a book of books. So, people who have enjoyed Honey for a Child's Heart, or The Read-Aloud Family, those types of books, which I have adored, and I have all of them, and I've highlighted them or, or Give Your Child the World is another one, highlighted them and dog eared them and have used them to check out books for the library for my children for many, many years. And, and at the same time, I was always very, you know, on my heart that the books that I spend a lot of time reading with my children that I choose and I select are never really included in most of those books.   And there was the season, you know, I'm like, frustrated, you know, I'm mad. I'm like, why? Why are they putting these books in here? And then the more I thought about it, I was like, the most you can ask for a mother to do when she's sharing these books, when it's coming from that is what she read with her children. So, am I going to be mad at her that she didn't read what I think she should read? No, do I wish that it had been more expansive? Sure, I do. But how many of us wouldn't go back and do something differently if knowing what we know today or whatever. So, I wrote a companion like the I see not to replace those books. But this book is filled with African American and black diasporic children's literature starting from preschool all the way through high school.   The first part of the book, I talk about what I'm looking for specifically in books about black American culture, and why those things are important. So, the first few chapters, first five chapters are really teaching the teacher. And then the rest of the book, which makes up most of the book are really rich annotated book lists with descriptions why I chose the book discussion questions, project ideas, and something called second helpings. Like when you think of a big soul food dinner, you go through the line the first time and you fill your plate, but then you go back for second helpings of the things that taste the very best. So, if your child likes this book, then here are two second helpings that they also would probably enjoy. And you know, the book was years in the making, I read all 300 plus books in there from cover to cover. And that's kind of my contribution to raising our children.   Laura Dugger: (56:00 - 56:40) Wow, I mean, it is a stunning piece of work. And there's so much for your family, but also for all of us. So, I think of being one of your kids, what a treasure that their mom read 300 books and put this together. But for all of us, I love books on books. And like you said, we can use it to go to the library or then once we read those and find which other ones we love, we can add it to our home collection. So, thank you for that powerhouse of work. And Amber, there's still so much more that you could share with us. Where can we go after this conversation to connect with you or to learn more?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (56:42 - 56:56) Go to heritagemom.com. And there you'll find all of my books and years' worth of blog posts and book recommendations and other things. My Instagram is @heritagemomblog and the same at Facebook.   Laura Dugger: (56:56 - 57:12) Wonderful. Okay, we will add those links to the show notes for today's episode. And you may be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, Amber, what is your savvy sauce?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (57:12 - 57:50) Oh, this is such a great question. I love this part of your podcast. I would say that my savvy sauce is learning to be a really great listener. Like if there's nothing else, then that's listening to my husband and the things of his heart and listening to my children and my neighbors and my friends.   But also, people I don't know, people in other places. And also, people I disagree with and being willing to be quiet and listen and take what I can from what they're sharing as well. So, that is, I think my savvy sauce is being an introspective listener.   Laura Dugger: (57:50 – 58:13) That is well said. You are such an inspiring and creative soul. And I have thoroughly enjoyed this chat. And I know I've been hearing you speak on other podcasts and reading your work for years. So, this was such a treat to get to connect with you today. And I just want to say thank you for being my guest.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (58:14 - 58:16) Thank you so much for having me.   Laura Dugger: (58:16 - 1:01:59) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you.   But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves.   This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own.   So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a Savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute.   This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.   We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us.   Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, would you pray with me now?   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place.   I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life?   We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him.   You get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason.   We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started?   First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible.   The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible.   I selected the Quest NIV Bible, and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ.   I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ.   We also have show notes including where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged.   Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Bryan Porter is launching an AI company after serving as a Portfolio Manager at the hedge fund MIG Capital. Earlier in his career, he worked at The Carlyle Group and Goldman Sachs, and earned his MBA from Stanford. But before all of that, Bryan was working at McDonald's and sleeping on couches, in closets, and in cars. In Episode 138 of this podcast, Bryan shares the incredible, inspirational story of how he pulled himself out of his tailspin. And in that episode, we touched briefly on how Bryan became obsessed with health and fitness. In today's episode, we take a deep dive into health and fitness. One reason for Bryan's outlier success is his outlier ability to learn and apply. Over the past three decades, he's studied and implemented the best science on health and fitness in his own life, and today he shares those insights. While this podcast shouldn't be relied on for medical advice, I find Bryan's approach both fascinating and inspiring. I'll be listening to this episode over and again—and it will also be required listening for my kids. And if you're like me, and want to keep learning from Bryan Porter, check out his website: bryan-porter.com. In this episode we discuss the basics of health including: Sleep: Good sleep is the fastest way to feel better and have more mental clarity.  Min get 7 hours, ideally 8. If you're getting less than 6 you're reducing the quality and quantity of your life. Exercise 6 days a week: min 45 min brisk walk daily, break up sitting with 10 body squats every 45 mins – nobody is too busy for that, strength 2x per week, get to max heart rate 1x per week. Really helpful to have an event on the calendar that you're working toward. Eat well: min 1 gram of protein per pound of weight. Lots of fiber. Healthy fat: olive and fish oil. Reverse osmosis filtered water + electrolytes.  But this summary is just the tip of the iceberg. In this episode, Bryan shares 100s of great insights and practical tips for how to be more healthy...How To Make Ourselves Hard to Kill. 

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season, with interview invites continuing to roll out. This week, John's Hopkins / Carey has its Round 1 deadline, UPenn / Wharton is scheduled to release its Round 1 interview invites and UVA / Darden and Johns Hopkins / Carey are scheduled to release their Early Action Round decisions. Graham highlighted several upcoming events being hosted by Clear Admit that begin this week, including a Real Humans series and a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Signups for all these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, which is now scheduled for Monday, October 27; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham recognized Stanford's 100-year anniversary by quizzing Alex on some of the history of the MBA Program degree and business schools in general. Graham then noted several recently published admissions tips which focus interview preparation, as well as an admissions tip that focuses on assessment days that are offered by a few top MBA programs. Graham highlighted a Real Humans piece that focuses on MBA students at Columbia Business School, and also reviewed Yale SOM's Class of 2027 profile, which appears to be very impressive. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries. This week's first MBA admissions candidate has a remarkably high salary, as a software engineer at a FANG company. We hope they will consider retaking the GRE. This week's second MBA applicant has a very high GMAT score of 705. They want to be in Austin Texas, post MBA. They are also very concerned with gaining scholarship to help defray costs. The final MBA candidate is a data scientist and is debating their post MBA goals. They want to do investment banking but worry how that would appear for adcom. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

Zack Folk is a Business Development Officer at the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership), where he connects businesses with capital solutions that drive job creation and investment across the region. Since joining STL Partnership in 2016, he has held roles in both business development and finance, including Credit Analyst, before moving into his current position in 2020. Zack specializes in marketing and managing economic development finance programs such as the SBA 504 loan and local and federal revolving loan funds. He works directly with business owners and lending partners to guide applications, structure loans, and minimize risk—helping businesses improve cash flow, purchase real estate, refinance debt, or acquire equipment. With a BA in Economics, Political Science, and International Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA in Economics from Saint Louis University, Zack also connects clients to broader STL Partnership resources, including business counseling, trade assistance, tax incentives, and incubator space—ensuring businesses have the tools to grow and thrive in the St. Louis region.   Resources: https://stlpartnership.com/

What happens when a successful fashion creator decides to go back to school? The Internet takes notice. In this week's episode, we sit down with Kate Bartlett, a longtime content creator and tastemaker, who's currently enrolled in a luxury and retail MBA program at NYU Stern and has been taking us along for the ride. We unpack the decision to go back to school, what it's really like balancing content creation with case studies, and the process behind betting on a new chapter. We also talk about the state of the influencers, how the classroom is reshaping her vision for the future, and how she's found her creative footing. If you've ever thought about going back to school or getting an education in fashion, this episode is for you!Follow Kate Bartlett on IG https://www.instagram.com/katee.bartlett/and on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katebartlett?lang=enGet 20% an annual membership of my new substack Let's Get Dressed here https://letsgetdressed.substack.com/lgdLove the show? Follow us and leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To watch this episode, head to YouTube.com/@LivvPerezFor more behind-the-scenes, follow Liv on Instagram, @LivvPerez, on TikTok @Livv.Perez, and shop her closet here https://shopmy.us/livvperezSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a sales leader, have you ever felt disconnected from your marketing team? You're not alone. In fact, up to 50% of Chief Sales Officers believe they're going it alone when it comes to driving revenue. But it doesn't have to be this way.                                                      In this episode of the Modern Selling Podcast, I sit down with Dan Lowden, CMO of Blackbird AI, to explore how sales and marketing can truly become a unified go-to-market team. With eight successful startup exits under his belt, Dan shares his proven marketing playbook for creating strategic customer relationships and driving exponential growth. Building Trust Through Face-to-Face Connections Dan emphasizes the critical importance of in-person events for building trust, especially in industries like cybersecurity where the stakes are high. He shares creative ways to maximize event impact without breaking the bank, including: Leveraging venture capitalist connections for cost-effective meeting spaces Sponsoring targeted events alongside larger competitors Featuring customer speakers to gain coveted speaking slots The Marketing Playbook for Startup Success Drawing from his extensive experience, Dan outlines key elements of an effective marketing strategy: Engaging customers to build trust and add value Creating content that showcases detailed problem-solving Participating actively in industry communities Aligning closely with sales to drive qualified leads Fostering Long-Term Customer Relationships Dan reveals his approach to creating lasting partnerships: Ensuring products deliver on promises and improve over time Reacting quickly to support customers during challenges Demonstrating ongoing value to justify renewals and even price increases. For sales and marketing professionals looking to boost collaboration and drive results, this episode offers actionable insights from a seasoned expert. Don't miss Dan's tips on creating a unified go-to-market approach that positions your company for acquisition and long-term success. Key Moments of This Episode 00:00:00 - Marketing's Value to Sales: Bridging the Gap Many CSOs feel marketing isn't providing value, with up to 50% saying they're doing it alone. The key is building trust through regular engagement, providing valuable tools and assets, and demonstrating marketing's direct impact on sales opportunities and customer relationships. 00:06:37 - The Met Kiss: CMO's Secret Romance Novel Dan Loden, CMO of Blackbird AI, reveals he published a romance novel called "The Met Kiss" during COVID as a creative outlet. This unexpected hobby showcases his multifaceted personality beyond his cybersecurity expertise. 00:10:06 - Building Successful Partnerships Between Sales and Marketing Dan emphasizes the importance of a unified go-to-market team. Marketing should actively engage with sales, provide valuable tools, and directly contribute to customer acquisition. Regular communication and demonstrating marketing's impact on sales success are crucial for building trust. 00:15:22 - Leveraging Events and Community Engagement for Marketing Success Dan shares strategies for effective event marketing, even on a limited budget. He highlights the importance of face-to-face interactions, sponsoring targeted events, and leveraging customer speakers for greater credibility and exposure at industry conferences. 00:28:18 - Creative Marketing Strategies: LinkedIn Posting Party Mario shares an innovative "posting party" concept to drive engagement and build community. This low-cost strategy leverages AI tools for content creation and encourages participants to boost each other's posts, demonstrating creative approaches to marketing on a budget. 00:33:29 - The Marketing Playbook for Startup Success Dan discusses his proven marketing playbook, developed over years of experience. It includes strategies for brand building, customer engagement, and creating market momentum. The playbook is adaptable and has contributed to multiple successful startup exits. 00:36:41 - Creating Strategic Customer Relationships Dan emphasizes the importance of delivering consistent value through product performance and customer support. Building trust and demonstrating reliability, especially during challenging times, leads to long-term partnerships and customer loyalty across job changes. About Dan Lowden Dan Lowden is the CMO at Blackbird.AI and leads the company's strategic marketing efforts, including demand generation and brand leadership. He has over 20 years of strategic experience at the executive level. He has served as CMO at cybersecurity firm HUMAN Security (acquired by Goldman Sachs), named one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. Lowden also served as the CMO at Digital Shadows (acquired by Reliaquest) and, before that, CMO at Invincea (acquired by Sophos) and VP of Marketing at vArmour (acquired by Night Dragon). He has held marketing leadership positions at Wayport (acquired by AT&T), IBM ThinkPad (acquired by Lenovo), NEC Technologies, and Sharp Electronics. Lowden holds an MBA in International Business from Rutgers Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science from Rider University. Follow Us On: ·         LinkedIn ·         Twitter ·         YouTube Channel ·         Instagram ·         Facebook Learn More About FlyMSG Features Like: ·         LinkedIn Auto Comment Generator ·         AI Social Media Post Generator ·         Auto Text Expander ·         AI Grammar Checker ·         AI Sales Roleplay and Coaching ·         Paragraph Rewrite with AI ·         Sales Prospecting Training for Individuals ·         FlyMSG Enterprise Sales Prospecting Training Program Install FlyMSG for Free: ·         As a Chrome Extension ·         As an Edge Extension  

This is episode 36 of The League, hosts David Magid and Benoy Thanjan (aka The Solar Maverick) break down the biggest clean energy headlines of the week. They cover: TotalEnergies' $1.25B sale to KKR and what it signals about renewable asset valuations. The collapse of $24B in U.S. Hydrogen Hub contracts and the broader implications for hydrogen's future. The IEA's downgraded global renewable forecast—and why solar still leads the way. The growing opportunity in solar repowering, where upgrading aging assets can boost returns at a fraction of the cost. Host Bio: David Magid David Magid is a seasoned renewable energy executive with deep expertise in solar development, financing, and operations. He has worked across the clean energy value chain, leading teams that deliver distributed generation and community solar projects. David is widely recognized for his strategic insights on interconnection, market economics, and policy trends shaping the U.S. solar industry. Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmagid/   Host Bio: Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla's Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm's renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Connect with Benoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoythanjan/ Learn more: https://reneuenergy.com   If you have any questions or comments, you can email us at info@reneuenergy.com.

Molly Medvecky is a longtime administrative professional with experience supporting c-suite executives. She's also a former Chief of Staff and MBA graduate, and currently a certified Enneagram Coach.In this episode of The Leader Assistant Podcast, Molly talks about what inspired her to create an Enneagram program for assistants, what the Enneagram is, and how it's different from other assessments.Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/346--In-person meeting planning can be a lot to manage. That's where TROOP Planner comes in. TROOP Planner is built to make life easier for busy assistants like yourself. Whether you're organizing an executive offsite, department meeting, or team retreat, TROOP keeps it simple, fast, and organized.Visit leaderassistant.com/troop to learn more! --Live from New York... it's Leader Assistant Live! Join top assistants in NYC for inspirational training, engaging discussion, and a networking party to finish the night. Grab your seat for Leader Assistant Live: NYC before it's too late -> leaderassistantlive.com/nyc --Eliminate manual scheduling with YouCanBookMe by Capacity's booking links, automated reminders, and meeting polls. Sign up for a FREE trial -> leaderassistant.com/calendar.More from The Leader Assistant... Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership Events -> leaderassistantlive.com Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

Join us on Average Joe Finances as our guest Robby Kuster from Green Coffee Company, discusses the company's evolution from a small startup with three farms in Colombia to a major player in the coffee industry, known for its sustainable practices and vertical integration. Robby shares his personal journey from studying economics and teaching English in Colombia to growing Green Coffee Company and pursuing an MBA. Listeners will hear about the importance of sustainability in agriculture, the benefits of vertical integration, and plans for the company to IPO in the next few years.In this episode:Uncover how one career detour led Robby Kuster from teaching English to transforming Colombia's coffee industry.Gain insight into how vertical integration drives both sustainability and profitability in agriculture.Explore why recession-resistant sectors like coffee can offer stable, long-term investment potential.See how innovation and impact can align through Green Coffee Company's mission to modernize farming and empower communities.And so much more!Key Moments:00:50 Meet Robby Kuster01:43 Robbie's Journey with Green Coffee Company05:08 Green Coffee Company's Growth and Sustainability08:05 Vertical Integration and Market Expansion12:17 Investment and Future Prospects21:36 The Importance of Coffee22:15 Lessons from the Wine Industry24:12 Generational Shifts in Agriculture27:18 Green Coffee Company's Future Plans32:27 The Final Round: Personal Insights40:23 Where to Find More InformationFind Robby KusterWebsite: https://www.greencoffeecompany.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robby-kuster/Average Joe Finances®All of our social media links and more: https://averagejoefinances.com/linksAbout Mike: https://mikecavaggioni.comShow Notes add-on continued here: https://averagejoefinances.com/show-notes/*DISCLAIMER* https://averagejoefinances.com/disclaimerSee our full episode transcripts here: https://podcast.averagejoefinances.com/episodesSend us a textSupport the show

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training What would happen if one client lawsuit, one hacked account, or one missed renewal completely wiped out your agency? Have you ever stopped to think about how exposed your business really is even if you're “doing everything right”? Today's featured guest started his career working in the insurance industry and eventually found a love for marketing. He talks about the side of agency life most people ignore: protecting what you've built, and breaks down how to safeguard your business with the right insurance, why every agency should have cyber liability coverage, and how a “give first” mindset has helped him land major clients like Daymond John, Chris Voss, and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Draye Redfern is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Redfern Media and FractionalCMO. Over the past decade, he's built and sold multiple companies, including a $40M insurance agency acquired by one of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries. With 15 years in risk management and a passion for modern marketing, Draye now helps businesses scale smarter while protecting their downside. In this episode, we'll discuss: How “Growth Blindness” Can Hurt Your Business. The Hidden Risk Most Agencies Ignore. Why You Probably Need a Cyber Liability Insurance. How to Get Big Clients by being in the Right Rooms. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources This episode is brought to you by Wix Studio: If you're leveling up your team and your client experience, your site builder should keep up too. That's why successful agencies use Wix Studio — built to adapt the way your agency does: AI-powered site mapping, responsive design, flexible workflows, and scalable CMS tools so you spend less on plugins and more on growth. Ready to design faster and smarter? Go to wix.com/studio to get started. The Unlikely Path From Insurance to Marketing Draye grew up in a household where entrepreneurship was a way of life. His dad owned a business, and by age 12, Draye was doing the grunt work: filing papers, scanning documents, and learning what it really meant to keep a company running. He had a front-row seat to the chaos and grit of small business. Over time, Draye realized he had a knack for marketing. His early ideas sometimes outperformed everyone else's, and by his early 20s, he was leading the marketing division of a $28 million firm. Under his direction, they scaled past $40 million in annual revenue. That success led to the company's eventual sale to none other than one of the Berkshire Hathaway companies. Stop Being Growth Blind and Start Protecting the Downside While most marketers are obsessed with lead flow and growth, Draye brings a completely different mindset to the table: protect the downside first. After spending 15 years insurance and the risk management world, he learned that too many businesses are “growth blind.” They're chasing top-line numbers while leaving themselves totally exposed if something goes wrong. For his part, Draye thinks about how to mitigate downside risks first and then, once he has that locked down, then he starts thinking about growth. Admittedly, it's backwards from how most people do it, but it's what makes the most sense to him.  The Hidden Risk Most Agencies Ignore Why does Draye prioritize mitigating downside growth? Most agencies don't think about errors and omissions (E&O) insurance until it's too late. One poorly worded ad, a leaked password, or a miscommunication with a client could lead to a lawsuit that costs hundreds of thousands—if not millions—in legal fees. That's why he recommends a basic “risk protection stack” for agency owners: General Liability – Covers physical damages or slip-and-fall type issues. Employment Practices (EPLI) – Protects against HR-related claims. Errors & Omissions (E&O) – Covers mistakes or oversights in your work. Cyber Liability – Protects against data breaches and hacks. As Draye puts it, marketing agencies hold the keys to dozens of client kingdoms. If you get hacked, they get hacked. Protect yourself first, then scale. Why Every Agency Owner Needs Cyber Liability (and What Happens If You Don't) Most agency owners assume general liability insurance has them covered. Slip-and-fall in the office? Sure. But what about when a client's site gets hacked because one of your team members reused a password? Or when a campaign you ran unintentionally exposes customer data? That's not covered: this is where cyber liability and errors & omissions (E&O) insurance come in. Here's where most people go wrong: they forget to renew. Unlike car or home insurance, E&O and cyber liability policies are “claims-made” policies. That means you're only covered if the policy is active when the claim is filed, not when the incident happened. So if you let your policy lapse, even for a few weeks, you could lose coverage for everything that happened in previous years. That's why many experienced owners “tail out” their policies when they sell or sunset a business. Tail coverage locks in past protection for a set number of years. It costs more upfront but prevents millions in potential exposure later. Keep your coverage active, review it annually, and don't cut corners to save a few hundred bucks. Think of it as part of your agency's operating system, not an optional add-on. Lessons From Selling to Berkshire Hathaway When Berkshire Hathaway came calling, he learned just how deep corporate due diligence can go. “They fly out all their MBAs and basically give your business a financial colonoscopy,” he joked. But that process forced him to see business from a different lens—as an asset, not a job. He walked away with not just a successful exit, but also a new appreciation for how structure, systems, and compliance create enterprise value. How to Get Big Clients: Ask Questions, Be in the Room, and Give First Draye's agency has publicly traded companies in its current client roster, with some notable names including Dr Benjamin Hardy and Chris Voss, and almost all of those brands came to his agency because Draye was in the right rooms to strike up conversation. As he puts it, successful people like to hang around other successful people. To him, his job in the agency at this point is figuring out how to get invited into the room with the right people, which includes joining masterminds and attending events. Even with big clients, Draye recommends offering value first without expecting anything in return. I'll give them an idea of the work you do and, if they like it, they'll have you in mind the next time they need agency services. For instance, after attending a talk by Dr. Benjamin Hardy, Draye had the chance to chat with him and learned he was pulling in over 30,000 email opt-ins a month but wasn't monetizing them. Instead of pitching a retainer, Draye built him a simple funnel — for free — that started generating $10,000 a month in passive revenue. A few months later, Hardy came back and asked, “What else can you do?” That turned into a long-term partnership and a roster of launches that ran for years. How to Stand Out and Make People Feel Seen Draye's other secret weapon is personalization. Not the lazy kind where someone drops your name into a cold email template. Real personalization. When a prospect says they're interested, his team clones a landing page, updates the name in the headline (“Welcome, John!”), and records a 30-second video personally greeting them. The whole process takes fifteen minutes, but it makes people feel like they matter, and that's the part most agencies forget. That simple touch has led to multiple referrals, long-term clients, and lasting loyalty. As Draye puts it, “People don't want to feel like a number. They want to feel like they matter.” This type of simple gesture is usually something clients talk about non-stop, because the more automated the world gets, the more human connection stands out. Old School Is the New Advantage While everyone else is obsessing over AI and inbox deliverability, Draye see a lot of potential on a forgotten channel: direct mail. “People's inboxes are full, but their mailboxes are empty,” he explained. “So, when something real shows up, it stands out.” He's seen massive ROI from direct mail, especially when paired with personalized URLs (PURLs) and custom video. It's more expensive upfront, sure, but it cuts through the noise. Something to keep in mind for agency owners trying to stand out at a time when your client's emails are probably inundated with the same offers everyone is sending out. From his own experience, he says “if I were to look at our client base across the various businesses, the vast majority came from direct mail.” Protect Your Business and Hang Out in Different Rooms Draye shares two pieces of advice for agency owners: You never know what's around the corner, so protect your business. Spend the couple thousand bucks on proper coverage. Don't risk your agency's future over something preventable. Change your rooms. If you only hang out with other marketers, you're limiting your reach. Take Jay Abraham's advice and go fishing in someone else's swimming hole. Attend events for other industries, add value, and you'll be amazed at who you meet. In short, Draye's philosophy blends practical protection with proactive growth. Be bold enough to give first, smart enough to protect what you've built, and intentional enough to show up where the right people are. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Joshua Geltman, MD, MBA, Physician Chair of the Sepsis Committee at Northern Westchester Hospital, discusses the seriousness of sepsis and its growing impact in inpatient care. He highlights current trends, the role of predictive analytics in improving early detection, and how data-driven approaches can drive meaningful change in sepsis management and patient outcomes.

In this episode of the YouTube Creators Hub Podcast, Dusty Porter talks with travel and lifestyle influencer Sarah Funk. Sarah shares her journey from struggling to monetize her Instagram in 2017 to becoming a successful YouTuber with over 75 million views and half a million followers. They discuss the importance of niching down, the differences between Instagram and YouTube, and how to balance quantity and quality of content. What We Offer Creators Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!  Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more! All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast. BEST TOOLS FOR CREATORS and ENTREPRENEURS: YouTube Optimization (Creative Fuel): https://geni.us/oPCt7Cf Hire Freelancers and Artists (Fiverr): https://geni.us/h4zMWAP Podcast Hosting (Libsyn): https://geni.us/TrpwY0 GeniusLink Link Shortener: https://geni.us/fHPAe Stock Assets For Creators (Envato): https://geni.us/rlEKkLB E-commerce (Shopify): https://geni.us/m9ctWwe Podcast Recording and Editing (Riverside.FM) https://geni.us/PLlt1M My YouTube Film Gear:

How can you stand out from thousands of MBA applicants with impressive CVs?Darren sits down with Ellin Lolis, Founder and President of Ellin Lolis Consulting and one of the top ranked MBA admissions consultants on Poets & Quants, to learn how she helps MBA applicants craft powerful personal narratives. With a near 99% success rate, Ellen shares the process she uses to transform an applicant's collection of achievements into a cohesive and compelling personal narrative.Show NotesIntroduction (0:00)How Ellin Fell into Admissions Consulting (2:37)The Importance of Narrative: Why Data and CVs Aren't Memorable (3:37)What's Your Career Goal & Career Purpose? (10:20)Finding the Golden Thread of Your Personal Narrative (22:20)Dealing with "My Story Isn't that Interesting" (40:12)How to Differentiate Yourself when You Have a Common Career Goal (39:55)The Power of Vulnerability (45:23)Darren's Hot Dog Story - How Mundane Moments Can Make for a Memorable Story (47:19) How MBA programs are Evolving with AI (50:07) Using AI in Your MBA Applications (52:54) Video Essay Tips (59:28)About Our GuestEllin Lolis is founder and president of Ellin Lolis Consulting, which has helped 98.9% of their clients get accepted to at least one program of their choice. Ellin and her team have spent over a decade helping MBA applicants craft their story and build their careers. Prior to starting her admissions consulting firm, Ellin worked in marketing and communications.Ellin graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelors in International Cultural Studies, and is a member of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC).Show NotesEllin Lolis ConsultingMy Admit CoachCo-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan MollickTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel by Gabrielle Zevin More Resources⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠⁠Get the Admissions Edge Course: Proven Techniques for Admission to Top Business Schools⁠⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)

In this episode, Rick Hundorfean, MBA, Chief Operating Officer of MUSC Health – Charleston Division, shares how the health system is expanding access to care statewide, investing in workforce development, and advancing innovation through new facilities, partnerships, and research initiatives to improve outcomes and strengthen healthcare across South Carolina.

Join Kyle Jones and Kat Clowes of March Consulting as they dive into the often overwhelming and misunderstood world of college admissions. In this candid conversation, Kat shares her personal story of graduating high school early, navigating college transfers, and realizing just how many students — even high-achieving ones — are unprepared for the reality of applying to competitive schools.   They talk through the ideal timeline that every college-bound student should follow, including why it's critical to start planning as early as 7th or 8th grade if top-tier schools are the goal. Kat explains how starting early opens more opportunities for scholarships, more strategic course planning, and less stress during senior year.   The conversation also covers the surprising affordability of some private and Ivy League schools compared to in-state options, the common pitfalls of the transfer process, and the wide gap between what school counselors can offer and what families actually need. With insider insight into what colleges really look for, beyond just grades and test scores, this episode is packed with actionable advice for parents and students navigating the path to higher education.  Listeners can mention this Our Two Cents episode and receive a free 30-minute consultation with March Consulting!   Kat Clowes is the CEO and Founder of March Consulting, a college and career firm that helps students with the college application and career search process, and the CEO of Higher Scores Test Prep, providing affordable, online test prep to students. In 2025 alone, her students earned over $10 million dollars in scholarships and were accepted to over 200 schools across the country. She's a Certified Educational Planner and earned an MBA from Mount Saint Mary's University with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship, a BA in communications from Santa Clara University, and a post-graduate certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from University of California, Irvine. She is the co-author of Managing Generation Z, helping employers welcome a new generation into the workforce, which was recently added to the Leadership Library of Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. of the USAF. She is also the author of Put College to Work, a book created to help her students maximize their time in college in a way that will prepare them for a successful career. Her favorite part of her job, however, is watching clients discover that they have something to offer the world and find the means of communicating it. She has been featured in US News and World Report, HerCampus, and other publications.   Learn more about March Consulting:   Website Phone number: (661) 747-4514  Facebook  Instagram YouTube LinkedIn  

In this episode of Body Justice, Allyson discusses sexual trauma and eating disorders with trauma therapist Seema Sharma, SEP, CST, MBA, PHD. Content warning: discussions of sexual abuse are explicitly discussed. Please listen with care and make sure you are resourced enough to proceed. It's normal for these conversations to bring up a lot of complicated feelings. Our hope is that you also feel less alone, and gain some insights into what the healing process can look like. We'll explore what makes sexual trauma healing different than other traumas, the soul wounding that comes with sexual abuse, types of sexual trauma, helpful therapy approaches, the connection to eating disorders and more.As always, you can find me on my website: www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com and my Instagram: @bodyjustice.therapist.About our guest:Seema Sharma, SEP, CST, LMFT is the founder of Holistic Trauma Therapy. Introduced to holistic healing as a young adult, she has devoted her life to exploring global healing traditions often overlooked in the West, traveling through Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. With over 25 years of senior leadership experience at prestigious global companies, Seema brings a rare insight into the intersection of corporate culture, workplace trauma, and resilience. Her practice is redefining the way therapy is approached — integrating evidence-based methods with a whole-person focus on mind, body, and spirit. She specializes in sexual abuse trauma, childhood trauma, cultural trauma, religious trauma, and workplace trauma. Seema holds a Master's in Integral Counseling Psychology and is a PhD candidate in Integral and Transpersonal Psychology, with an emphasis on the Contemplative Neuroscience of Consciousness Studies. As an integrative, depth-oriented, and experiential psychotherapist, Seema has extensive training in trauma and dissociation and guides clients on the path toward wholeness. Whether you are seeking somatic therapy, sex therapy, EMDR, or depth work, you can learn more at https://wwwholistictraumatherapy.com.

In this episode, we talk with Richard Xie, Senior Health Economist at RA Capital, and Gunnar Esiason, Senior Director of Patient Engagement at Raven (RA Capital Ventures), about value frameworks in pharma. We unpack how Generalized Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (GCEA) builds on traditional Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) and differs from ICER's model. The conversation explores what these approaches mean for pricing, access, and patient voice—especially in rare and high-innovation settings. Through the Cidara CD388 flu drug case, we discuss how assumptions shape value and trade-offs from manufacturer and patient perspectives. The episode highlights how evidence, incentives, and outcomes align—or conflict—in today's system, and what reforms could better connect value frameworks to affordability and equitable access. Richard Xie, Senior Health Economist, RA Capital Management Gunnar Esiason, MBA, MPH, Senior Director, Head of Patient Engagement and Patient-Centered Innovation, Raven (RA Capital Ventures) Patient-Centered Value Assessment Models Episode 26: Sarah Emond, ICER Peter Kolchinski, The Great American Drug Deal NICE (UK) CDA (Canada) Australia CHAP Trikafta ICER Report on Cystic Fibrosis No Patient Left Behind GCEA Calculator Boomer Esiason Foundation Aurora Biosciences Most-Favored-Nation Drug Pricing Order Questions or comments? Email comments@prescriptionforbetteraccess.com. Follow us on X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Threads.

Ben Schwartz, MD, MBA, wrote an article recently, and yeah, he makes a really compelling point. Dr. Schwartz wrote, “Ultimately, the most successful care models are those that create value inherently. The goal isn't simply cost arbitrage; it's creating a sustainable system that makes value attainable. Care delivery innovation is about more than optimizing for VC [venture capital] returns or maximizing operational efficiency.” For a full transcript of this episode, click here. If you enjoy this podcast, be sure to subscribe to the free weekly newsletter to be a member of the Relentless Tribe. That mention of value and how to achieve it for real—like, actually create a care model that delivers value inherently—is a great segue to introduce the show this week. It's a continuation of our mission/margin theme, and this week, we're talking about the margin part of the “no margin, no mission” cliché. So, taking this from the top, last week—and go back and listen to that show if you have not yet (and you can listen to both of these parts in no particular order; you do you)—but last week, we talked mission. That part about value and creating value inherently? The tie-in here to mission and margin could be a value equation, really. Like, mission divided by margin is how you calculate the value delivered (less carrier spread), but that's a whole other show with Cynthia Fisher (EP457). So, let me introduce my guest this week, who was also my guest last week: Dan Greenleaf, CEO of Duly, which is a multispecialty group in Chicago. So, last week Dan and I talked mission, as I said; but today we're talking margin, which is, again, gonna be the denominator of so many value equations. Last week in that mission show, quick review (or spoiler alert, depending on the order in which you may be listening to these shows), but last week, Dan Greenleaf broke mission, Duly's mission, into four quadrants. The four quadrants of mission being affordability, access, consumer experience, and quality. In this conversation today, the margin conversation, Dan Greenleaf emphasizes that achieving these four quadrants reduces friction for patients and clinicians that leads to not only better care outcomes but also financial sustainability (ie, margin). Margin can therefore be a function of mission. And again, as Dr. Ben Schwartz put it, “Ultimately, the most successful care models are those that create value inherently.” So, here we go. To be noted with one big fat fluorescent highlighter marker, a big part of this mission that comes up over and over again last week, it's about making prices reasonable and predictable and transparent for patients. Financial toxicity is a thing. Financial toxicity not only is clinical toxicity when so many people are delaying needed care. And look, I don't often quote Marjorie Taylor Greene, but recently she was in the New York Times and was quoted as saying, “The cost of health care is killing people.” This is what we should be focusing on. I just read the other day that one-third of adults in this country are currently delaying or forgoing care due to cost. One-third! Not one-third of low income or something like that. One-third of adults in this country are delaying or forgoing care due to fear of cost. In today's world, affordability and price transparency is part of what customer experience means—not just, like, lemon water in the waiting room. This is what struck me the most about the conversation from last week. But wait. Does affordable for patients spell trouble when it comes to the margin part of the operation? Will an affordability mission wreak havoc on margin? Is this business model doomed? Is there even a successful care model that creates value inherently that is sustainable? Such a good question, which is why I ask it to Dan Greenleaf right out of the gate. So, just to sum this all up in the conversation that follows, Dan Greenleaf gets into the challenges and the strategies involved in balancing mission-driven healthcare with financial realities. Duly's approach to being fiscally solid includes, well, I'm just gonna say many of the same types of efficiency things to maintain and retain margin that other more mainstream health systems might deploy. But I'd say there's a really striking difference in the why and the how. And the impact of this why and how is striking when you look at Duly's prices and the impact it has on its overall community. So, even though it's using similar types of strategies, maybe, as big consolidated health systems or other organizations, the impact and what it all adds up to is, again, very, very different. This is what I mean. At health systems, and maybe my head is just lost in a couple of anecdotal bits of evidence right now, but I just had two conversations in the past two days with physician leaders at big health systems (different ones), but both of these individuals said variations of the same theme. And if you wanna picture the scene, picture the saddest expressions, and one of them had a martini and the other one had a big-boy glass of wine. And both of them said, Look, my organization has lost sight of patient care, but also my organization has lost sight of, like, financial goals in most parts of the organization. All I seem to do all day is play politics with a whole lot of middle managers or even senior leaders jockeying for position and having turf wars within these sprawling bureaucracies. These are just great people who are trying so hard to do the right thing and are just struggling to find the foothold to do so within their own organizations. So, let's just say it was refreshing to hear Dan Greenleaf talk about an alignment of incentives and hook the margin up with the mission train in a really tight way throughout the entire organization. And to do this really well—achieve that mission/margin alignment across the whole entire organization—Dan underscores the value of clinician involvement in leadership and having, as I just said, aligned incentives with clinical teams. Keep in mind, this is the margin show, where clinical leadership came up and the number of doctors on their board and the level of physician ownership in the organization. I'm highlighting that this is the margin show here because usually so-called dyad leadership with physicians in leadership roles only comes up in mission conversations, right? Like, in situations where somebody wants the doctor to be the defender of mission and the battle to keep the MBAs in check. And I say this as the comic book stereotype, obviously. But yeah, it's true often enough. But then we have Dan, who is thinking about clinicians who have, again, aligned incentives across the organization so you don't have your physician leaders day drinking while I'm sitting across from them finding myself quoting Sun Tzu The Art of War and helping them craft the perfect PowerPoint slide to weaponize a reorg. Honestly, in my experience, there's no better way to waste metric assloads of money than in an organization where personal power grabs start to supersede anything that smells vaguely like an organizational imperative. And again, these just big bureaucracies at many health systems … yeah, too big not to fail at this is often the way of it. Then lastly, I grilled Dan Greenleaf about capital partners and how to manage to achieve private equity (PE) funding, where there's support for a model that delivers inherent value—a model that benefits both patients and providers as well as investors. And I'm saying this, keeping all of the things that Yashaswini Singh, PhD, said in that episode (EP474) about private equity a few weeks ago. Go back and listen to that. And by the way, Dan Greenleaf in this show has roughly the same ideas as Tom X. Lee, MD (EP445), founder of One Medical and Galileo told me, and also Rushika Fernandopulle, MD (EP460), founder of Iora. Great minds think alike. So, should figuring out how to work with PE be a topic of interest, there you go. Listen to my conversation today with Dan Greenleaf and then go back and listen to those other two shows. Dan Greenleaf, CEO of Duly, my guest today, has been in healthcare for 30 years. He's a six-time CEO: three public companies and has also run three companies backed by private equity and thus very aware of the many different funding mechanisms that exist in the marketplace. This podcast is sponsored by Aventria Health Group, but I do just wanna mention that Duly offered Relentless Health Value some financial support, which we truly appreciate. So, call this episode not only sponsored by Aventria but also Duly. And with that, here is my conversation with Dan Greenleaf. Also mentioned in this episode are Duly Health and Care; Benjamin Schwartz, MD, MBA; Cynthia Fisher; Cristin Dickerson, MD; Yashaswini Singh, PhD; Tom X. Lee, MD; Galileo; Rushika Fernandopulle, MD; Vivian Ho, PhD; Scott Conard, MD; Stanley Schwartz, MD; Vivek Garg, MD, MBA; and Dave Chase. You can learn more at Duly Health and Care and follow Dan on LinkedIn. You can also email Dan at dan.greenleaf@duly.com.   Daniel E. Greenleaf is the chief executive officer of Duly Health and Care, one of the largest independent, multispecialty medical groups in the nation. Duly employs more than 1700 clinicians while serving 1.5 million patients in over 190 locations in the greater Chicago area and across the Midwest. The Duly Health and Care brand encompasses four entities—DuPage Medical Group, Quincy Medical Group, The South Bend Clinic, and a value-based care organization. Its scaled ancillary services include 6 Ambulatory Surgery Centers, 30 lab sites, 16 imaging sites, 39 physical therapy locations, and 100 infusion chairs. Its value-based care service line provides integrated care for 290,000 partial-risk and 100,000 full-risk lives (Medicare Advantage and ACO Reach). Dan has nearly 30 years of experience leading healthcare services organizations. He is a six-time healthcare CEO, including prior roles as president and CEO of Modivcare; president and CEO of BioScrip, Inc.; chairman and CEO of Home Solutions Infusion Services; and president and CEO of Coram Specialty Services. Dan graduated from Denison University with a bachelor of arts degree in economics (where he received the Alumni Citation—the highest honor bestowed upon a Denisonian) and holds an MBA in health administration from the University of Miami. A military veteran, he was a captain and navigator in the United States Air Force and served in Operation Desert Storm.   09:56 How does Dan achieve his mission given the realities of margin? 14:49 How Duly Health's approach and incentives differ from other health systems. 16:04 EP466 with Vivian Ho, PhD. 16:28 EP462 with Scott Conard, MD. 16:31 Summer Shorts episode with Stan Schwartz, MD. 17:27 EP460 with Rushika Fernandopulle, MD. 17:29 EP445 with Tom X. Lee, MD. 17:30 EP407 with Vivek Garg, MD, MBA. 18:50 How having physicians on the hospital board greatly improves margin and mission. 20:04 How Dan explains his approach to his capital partners. 22:23 Fee for service vs. institutional care.   You can learn more at Duly Health and Care and follow Dan on LinkedIn. You can also email Dan at dan.greenleaf@duly.com.   @d_greenleaf of @dulyhealth_care discusses #margin creating a path to #mission in #multispecialtycare on our #healthcarepodcast. #healthcare #podcast #financialhealth #patientoutcomes #primarycare #digitalhealth #healthcareleadership #healthcaretransformation #healthcareinnovation   Recent past interviews: Click a guest's name for their latest RHV episode! Dan Greenleaf (Part 1), Mark Cuban and Cora Opsahl, Kevin Lyons (Part 2), Kevin Lyons (Part 1), Dr Stan Schwartz (EP486), Dr Cristin Dickerson, Elizabeth Mitchell (Take Two: EP436), Dave Chase, Jonathan Baran (Part 2), Jonathan Baran (Part 1), Jonathan Baran (Bonus Episode)  

As the new AANA leadership team begins to settle in, we had a chance to sit down with the current AANA President, Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA, to hear about his journey to this prestigious position and what keeps him grounded during all the travel and meetings. Plus, we'll get updates on the biggest issues affecting the CRNA profession and hear what goals this new Board of Directors will have for the upcoming year. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:

In this episode of Mining Stock Education, host Bill Powers welcomes back Dave Kranzler, editor of the Mining Stock Journal, to discuss the current gold and silver bull market and strategies for investing in junior mining stocks. Dave shares his investment thesis, emphasizing a high-risk, high-reward approach in his portfolio. The conversation covers various factors influencing gold prices, the role of precious metals in investment portfolios, the impact of central bank policies, and the potential risks associated with mining stocks. Dave also explains his approach to short selling and offers advice on navigating the volatile mining sector. This episode provides valuable insights for both seasoned investors and those new to the mining stocks space. Dave is the editor of the Mining Stock Journal. Dave holds an MBA from the University of Chicago with a concentration in accounting and finance. Over the years he has worked in various analytic and trading jobs on Wall Street. For nine years of those years he traded junk bonds for a large bank. For the past 16 years, Dave has been an avid student of the precious metals markets and steadfast proponent of holding physical gold and silver in one's portfolio. Dave's stated goal is to help people understand and analyze what is really going on in our financial system and economy. 00:00 Introduction 01:37 Gold and Silver Market Analysis 06:36 Investment Strategies and Portfolio Management 14:55 Short Selling in Mining Stocks 20:39 Final Thoughts and Exit Strategies https://investmentresearchdynamics.com/ Sign up for our free newsletter and receive interview transcripts, stock profiles and investment ideas: http://eepurl.com/cHxJ39 Mining Stock Education offers informational content based on available data but it does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. It may not be appropriate for all situations or objectives. Readers and listeners should seek professional advice, make independent investigations and assessments before investing. MSE does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of its content and should not be solely relied upon for investment decisions. MSE and its owner may hold financial interests in the companies discussed and can trade such securities without notice. MSE is biased towards its advertising sponsors which make this platform possible. MSE is not liable for representations, warranties, or omissions in its content. By accessing MSE content, users agree that MSE and its affiliates bear no liability related to the information provided or the investment decisions you make. Full disclaimer: https://www.miningstockeducation.com/disclaimer/

This week, I am featuring a dear repeat guest, Neen James. Neen is a wonderful ball of energy, and I love having her on the show. This time, we chatted about her book that just launched, Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business.During the show, Neen and I chatted about:How Neen's latest book baby came to beHow the word “luxury” can be misconstruedAn overview of the five luxury levers and how they lead to exceptional experiencesNeen's research on luxury mindset and how you can determine which luxury mindset category you fitHow this information can be applied to leadership at any levelIf you'd like to listen to my chat with Neen, who feels like an old friend at this point, listen in!Here is more about Neen:Neen James, MBA, CSP, is a force to be reckoned with in the world of leadership strategy and keynote speaking. As the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays and the forthcoming Exceptional Experiences, Neen inspires leaders and organizations to create extraordinary connections and experiences that drive results and leave lasting impressions. Recently named to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, her proprietary research into the luxury mindset —the only study of its kind—sets her apart as a leading expert in delivering world-class client and employee experiences.Named one of the top leadership speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row, Neen's practical strategies and infectious "Aussie sass" make her a favorite among corporate audiences and meeting planners alike (who often call her the Energizer Bunny). From being a confidante to Fortune 500 CEOs to empowering executive leaders responsible for revenue, Neen is known for her ability to blend actionable insights with an engaging delivery style, helping leaders to achieve greater focus, communications, and influence.

Episode Summary: Chris Lettman of Imperial Star Solar, an American-made solar module manufacturer, joins Benoy on the Solar Maverick Podcast to unpack how projects truly qualify for the 10% domestic content adder, why U.S. cells and traceability drive eligibility, and what U.S. manufacturing looks like at Imperial Star's Houston facility. They also discuss supply realities, Tier 1 vs. bankability, and practical insights for developers and EPCs when procuring panels. Biographies Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy, solar developer and consulting firm, and a strategic advisor to multiple cleantech startups. Over his career, Benoy has developed over 100 MWs of solar projects across the U.S., helped launch the first residential solar tax equity funds at Tesla, and brokered $45 million in Renewable Energy Credits (“REC”) transactions. Prior to founding Reneu Energy, Benoy was the Environmental Commodities Trader in Tesla's Project Finance Group, where he managed one of the largest environmental commodities portfolios. He originated REC trades and co-developed a monetization and hedging strategy with senior leadership to enter the East Coast market. As Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners, Benoy crafted project finance solutions for commercial-scale solar portfolios. His role at Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund with 125 MWs of U.S. renewable assets, involved evaluating investment opportunities and maximizing returns. He also played a key role in the sale of the firm's renewable portfolio. Earlier in his career, Benoy worked in Energy Structured Finance at Deloitte & Touche and Financial Advisory Services at Ernst & Young, following an internship on the trading floor at D.E. Shaw & Co., a multi billion dollar hedge fund. Benoy holds an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from NYU Stern, where he was an Alumni Scholar. Chris Lettman Sales Manager Chris serves as the Sales Manager of the US office at Imperial Star with a primary focus on Utility Scale and C&I clients. He started his solar energy career in 2009 selling turnkey systems to residential and mid-size commercial properties. Since that time, he has been involved in the development, acquisition and construction of numerous large utility scale and commercial scale solar projects throughout the United States. Chris has extensive experience and knowledge in the areas of project development, project finance and equipment sales. Prior to starting his career in the solar industry, Chris was a marketing manager for a publicly held pharmaceutical company in the United States. He is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and served in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. He holds an MBA in Business from the University of Redlands California and currently lives in Southern California.   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Chris Lettman Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrislettman/ Website:  https://www.imperialstar.com/

In this Bite-sized Screw It Just DO It episode, I sit down with Adam Rossiter and Elliot Dawes, co-founders of Bulk, one of the UK's biggest sports and active nutrition brands. What started as two university friends buying supplements from the US turned into a £100 million company built without a single penny of outside investment.Adam and Elliot share how they started with £3,000 on a credit card, packed their own boxes, handled customer service themselves, and slowly built traction through word of mouth and online forums. They talk about the point when they realised they had to grow beyond being two founders doing everything, and how one competitor's sale changed their mindset about scaling.This segment is a raw and honest look at the early grind of building a business and how discipline, persistence, and belief turned a side hustle into one of the leading names in nutrition.Key Takeaways:How £3,000 in credit card debt became the foundation for a multimillion-pound brand.Why doing every role in your business teaches lessons no MBA can.How to recognise the moment to move from startup chaos to structured growth.The power of reinvesting profit and keeping control instead of chasing funding.Why comparison can push you to level up your business vision.

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Raquel Gomes discuss:The importance of setting boundaries and saying no to maintain focus and balanceOvercoming perfectionism and developing trust through delegation and leadershipBuilding sustainable business systems that support both growth and personal well-beingThe mindset shift required to transition from burnout to passion-driven entrepreneurship Key Takeaways:By performing a detailed time audit and identifying tasks that don't align with your priorities, you can reclaim control of your schedule, eliminate low-value work, and create space for what truly drives personal and professional growth.Effective delegation depends on replacing micromanagement with structured onboarding, clear expectations, and consistent communication so your team feels empowered and capable while you stay focused on leadership and strategy.Long-term business success requires building systems and processes that allow your company to operate smoothly even in your absence, ensuring both stability and the freedom to take restorative time away without anxiety or burnout.The decision to leave corporate life before feeling fully ready underscores the importance of self-trust — embracing uncertainty and believing in your own capability can lead to transformation, purpose, and sustainable fulfillment. "Rest is revenue generated as well." —  Raquel Gomes Unlock the secrets of rainmaking success—join Steve Fretzin and four powerhouse legal experts for Be That Lawyer LIVE on August 27; reserve your spot now at fretzin.com/events. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/Legalverse Media: https://legalversemedia.com/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Raquel Gomes: Raquel Gomes is the visionary Founder and CEO of Stafi, a virtual staffing company transforming how law firms operate and grow. A former psychologist with an MBA and a background in corporate America and technology, Raquel brings a rare combination of emotional intelligence and business acumen to leadership. Inspired by her own journey balancing motherhood, burnout, and ambition, she built Stafi to empower busy professionals—especially women—to scale their firms without sacrificing their well-being. Under her leadership, Stafi now supports hundreds of law firms worldwide, connecting them with skilled virtual assistants and sustainable systems for success. Raquel's mission is rooted in redefining work-life balance and proving that thriving in business and in life are not mutually exclusive. Connect with Raquel Gomes:  Website: https://getstafi.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-gomesstafi/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetStafiConnect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

This episode is sponsored by Adapet  On this episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes guest Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, CFCP, Elite FFCP-V, to talk about canine diabetes management, including key clinical signs, challenges that teams and clients could face, such as emotional, financial, and compliance issues. The pair also takes a deep dive into monitoring strategies, including continuous glucose monitors, which can provide real time date to clients.  You can watch the video version of this episode on dvm360.com

In episode 222, Coffey talks with consultant and author LeAnne Lagasse about effective leadership development initiatives and what she calls “congruent leadership.”  They discuss why most leadership training programs fail to deliver ROI; the importance of reverse engineering programs from specific organizational outcomes; the significant impact of frontline managers on employee engagement; the gap between knowledge transfer and skill execution; building programs with practice, peer learning, and self-reflection components; “soft skills” deficits across the workforce; “congruent leadership” as alignment of self-perception and team experience; and the 70-20-10 learning model's impact on development.  You can find LeAnne's new book “The Congruent Leader: Build Trust, Lead with Self-Awareness, and Close the Gap Between How You See Yourself and How Others Experience You” here https://a.co/d/ehUoYLx  Hardcover: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-congruent-leader-leanne-lagasse/1148446437?ean=9798999501912   Book website: https://www.thecongruentleaderbook.com   Good Morning, HR is brought to you by Imperative—Bulletproof Background Checks. For more information about our commitment to quality and excellent customer service, visit us at https://imperativeinfo.com.   If you are an HRCI or SHRM-certified professional, this episode of Good Morning, HR has been pre-approved for half a recertification credit. To obtain the recertification information for this episode, visit https://goodmorninghr.com.   About our Guest:  LeAnne Lagasse is the author of “The Congruent Leader: Build Trust, Lead with Self-Awareness, and Close the Gap Between How You See Yourself and How Others Experience You.”   LeAnne is also an HR consultant and keynote speaker who helps leaders and organizations improve employee engagement and retention, as well as develop their people managers.   LeAnne is a SHRM-SCP, a Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths© Coach, and also serves as adjunct faculty at Missouri State University, where she teaches professional communication courses to MBA students.   Before launching her consulting business, LeAnne was a faculty member and the Director of Public Speaking in the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University, where she served for 14 years. Alongside her husband, Ben, she is a proud mom to three children and two pet prairie dogs.  LeAnne's book, “The Congruent Leader: Build Trust, Lead with Self-Awareness, and Close the Gap Between How You See Yourself and How Others Experience You” is available at https://a.co/d/e2vm4d1.   LeAnne Lagasse can be reached at: https://www.leannelagasse.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannelagasse/  https://www.facebook.com/leannelagasseconsulting   About Mike Coffey:  Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, licensed private investigator, business strategist, HR consultant, and registered yoga teacher. In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations and due diligence firm helping risk-averse clients make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business. Imperative delivers in-depth employment background investigations, know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance, and due diligence investigations to more than 300 risk-averse corporate clients across the US, and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies. Imperative has been named a Best Places to Work, the Texas Association of Business' small business of the year, and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.  Mike shares his insight from 25+ years of HR-entrepreneurship on the Good Morning, HR podcast, where each week he talks to business leaders about bringing people together to create value for customers, shareholders, and community. Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence by FW, Inc. and has twice been recognized as the North Texas HR Professional of the Year.  Mike serves as a board member of a number of organizations, including the Texas State Council, where he serves Texas' 31 SHRM chapters as State Director-Elect; Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; the Texas Association of Business; and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, where he is chair of the Talent Committee. Mike is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). He is also a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and teaches multiple times each week. Mike and his very patient wife of 28 years are empty nesters in Fort Worth.  Learning Objectives:   Design leadership development programs that span extended timeframes with multiple learning modalities including peer collaboration, low-stakes practice opportunities, and structured reinforcement rather than relying on one-day events or single webinars. Incorporate self-awareness and reflection exercises into leadership training to help managers identify their natural strengths, biases, and communication tendencies that create barriers to their own success. Implement the 70-20-10 learning model by prioritizing challenging practice exercises (70%), supportive coaching and mentoring relationships (20%), and formal content delivery (10%) to maximize leadership development ROI. 

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, host Paul Barnhurst (The FP&A Guy) welcomes Willian Gomes, a finance and analytics professional with over 15 years of experience spanning telecommunications, aerospace, investment markets, and consumer goods. Willian shares how combining technical expertise with empathy and communication skills has enabled him to thrive as a financial partner across 60 countries in EMEA.Willian Gomes is a seasoned FP&A and data analytics professional currently supporting EMEA supply chain operations at a global consumer goods company. Based in Brazil, he holds an MBA in Project Management and advanced certifications in machine learning from Stanford. Willian brings deep expertise in automation, process improvement, and financial storytelling, having saved tens of thousands of work hours through custom-built tools and insights-driven analysis.Expect to Learn:How to evaluate whether an automation project is worth pursuingThe challenges of implementing machine learning in corporate environmentsHow Python enables scalable automation over ExcelHow cultural awareness enhances business partnering across global teamsHere are a few quotes from the episode:"Finance isn't just about numbers, it's about helping people make better decisions." – Willian Gomes"Empathy is a skill that's not often associated with finance, but it's essential for business partnering." – Willian GomesWillian Gomes shows how true FP&A impact comes from blending technical expertise with empathy, communication, and continuous learning. His journey across industries and continents highlights the value of automation, cultural awareness, and a people-first mindset. This episode is a testament to how finance leaders can drive change by being both data-driven and deeply human..Campfire: AI-First ERP:Campfire is the AI-first ERP that powers next-gen finance and accounting teams. With integrated solutions for general ledger, revenue automation, close management, and more, all in one unified platform.Explore Campfire today: https://campfire.ai/?utm_source=fpaguy_podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=100225_fpaguyFollow Willian:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wjgomesds/?originalSubdomain=brEarn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FP&A Certificate, take the quiz on Earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[02:48] - Willian's Background and Global Role[04:03] - What Great FP&A Looks Like[11:46] - Moving Back to FP&A from Data Analytics[19:52] - Where FP&A Struggles with Analytics[27:16] - Saving 7,000 Hours with Automation[38:55] - Must-Have Tech and Soft Skills[44:36] - Travel and Fun Facts[47:49] - Final Advice for FP&A Pros

Ready to buy a dental practice? Dental Unscripted takes you behind the LOI curtain! Mike Dinsio, Paula Quinn, along with Phil Hoover of Western Practice Sales explore the good bad and ugly when buyers offer an LOI agreement to sellers. They break down the reality check that follows after. Phil shares how brokers manage seller's expectations, while Paula Quinn reflects on the buyer's apprehensions. Get tips on good faith deals, how buyer's are vetted brokers, and how to avoid LOI pitfalls. A must for an dentists interested in getting into practice ownership via an acquisition! Review us

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Michael Wendroff, author of the book What Goes Around. Michael Wendroff is the author of What Goes Around, a debut thriller published by Bloomsbury, which bestselling author Lisa Black calls a “brilliant debut,” and bestselling author J.D. Black says “Relentless and gritty, Wendroff expertly weaves a narrative that begs, ‘just one more page…'”   The book was inspired by what his mother said to him the second he was born: “Oh! How nice to see you–Again!”   Michael has an MBA in marketing from NYU, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He is a global marketing consultant.   His mother was an editor (watching his mother scribbling in red ink on manuscript pages at home on weekends prepared him for his own editor's comments!). She remarried a literary agent, so Michael was friendly with many authors, and even spent a vacation with Robert Ludlum. Watching Ludlum hand-write his 450 page novels on yellow legal pads didn't dissuade Michael from trying to write a novel (though he's thankful for his PC).   What Goes Around was launched in the USA, UK, and Australia by Bloomsbury (in hardcover, eBook and Audiobook), and foreign language rights have been sold in Italian, Japanese, and Hungarian. It is now into its third hardcover printing, and the paperback edition comes out in October 2025.   Fun fact: Michael's great-grandfather was brought over by Thomas Edison from the University of Copenhagen to work with him. He holds a number of patents, including for plastic buttons. Michael proudly wears button- down shirts whenever he can.   In my book review, I stated What Goes Around is a thriller that will keep you turning the pages long after you say 'just one more chapter.'   We quickly meet the two main detectives, Jack Ludlum and Jill Jarred. Jack attacks his job with brute strength. Jill uses her brains. The two do not get along but are thrust together to find the serial killer.   Jack and Jill find themselves in the middle of a white supremacist murder spree with too many possible suspects and too many motives. Each time they think they've found their 'man,' the tables turn again. And just when the reader is sure they know the ending, Michael gives it a twist you will never see coming.   This book has it all - danger, romance, and characters you will love. Thankfully, I have insider information that Michael is currently writing a prequel!   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Michael Wendroff Website: https://michaelwendroff.com/ LinkedIn: @Michael Wendroff X: @mwendroff FB: @MichaelWendroffAuthor IG: @mwendroff   Purchase What Goes Around on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/4nBEobF Ebook: https://amzn.to/3JRnwPg   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors   #michaelwendroff #whatgoesaround #thriller #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

AI is now a standing item at most strategic tables—shapinghow leaders think about markets, talent, and the future of work. But while investment and experimentation are rising fast, most organizations are still in the early chapters of integration. Beneath the strategy, there's a quieter conversation about fear, trust, and what remains uniquely human. In this episode, we sit down with Peter Mulford, Chief AI Officer at BTS, to debate whether AI can ever truly replace emotional intelligence. Together, we explore how we currently think about AI, the edges of what it can do, and what remains uniquely human (for now). Guest Bio: Peter Mulford is the Chief AI Officer and the Global head of the Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Practice (AI&I) for BTS Inc. In this role he helps clients get real impact by working with teams and organizations to transform their business using innovation, future back thinking, Artificial Intelligence, and digital technology. He has over 30 years of experience working with clients around the world in different industries, including Sony Interactive Entertainment, Warner Media, Microsoft, AT&T, Saudi Telecom, Lenovo, Samsung, Telkom South Africa, Merck, Coca-Cola, Toyota, Macys, and others. A sought-out keynote speaker, he has facilitated keynotes at technology and innovation conferences, company offsites, and sales conferences, as well as a private 2-day event with the late Pope Francis and 20 media executives and artists at the Vatican City. Peter joined BTS in 1998 and has worked in its offices in San Francisco, Johannesburg, Tokyo, London and New York. From 2005-2010, he was the Managing Director of BTS's East Coast region, leading the largest global office for BTS through a period of market turbulence and growth during which it more than tripled in size. Prior to BTS he worked for a start-up firm in Tokyo, Japan. He has extensive experience in Retail, Consumer Goods, Electronics and Telecom, among many other industries. Peter holds an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School, and a Master's in international Affairs with a focus on Asia Pacific Studies from Columbia University. He speaks Japanese.

In this episode (#134) of the Transition To RIA question & answer series we expand upon five critical ways advisors can make mistakes when transitioning their practices to the RIA model, and how to avoid them:Not thoroughly researching the RIA model to understand if it is a fit for your practice;Not thoroughly researching your options of how to transition into it;Misjudging your client loyalty;Not getting proper legal advice on how to navigate the departure from your current firm;Not following a time-tested approach on how to navigate a transition successfully.Come take a listen!P.S. Prefer video? You can find this entire series in video format on Youtube. Search for the TRANSITION TO RIA channel.Show notes: https://TransitionToRIA.com/what-are-the-biggest-ways-to-screw-up-a-transition-to-the-ria-model/About Host: Brad Wales is the founder of Transition To RIA, where he helps financial advisors between $50M and $1B understand everything there is to know about WHY and HOW to transition their practice to the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) model. Brad has 20+ years of industry experience, including direct RIA related roles in Compliance, Finance and Business Development. He has an MBA and has held the 4, 7, 24, 63 & 65 licenses. The Transition To RIA website (TransitionToRIA.com) has a large catalog of free videos, articles, whitepapers, as well as other resources to help advisors understand the RIA model and how it would apply to their unique circumstances.

Fresh out of the studio, Yuying Deng, Co-founder and CEO of Esevel, shares her transformative journey from corporate lawyer to healthcare operator to tech entrepreneur with our guest host Yana Fry from Yana TV. Yuying discusses how the pandemic's sudden shift to remote work in April 2020 revealed critical gaps in IT infrastructure for distributed teams, inspiring her to launch Esevel—a platform now serving companies across 88 countries. Yuying challenges the traditional HQ-centric worldview, advocating that "HQ should be a mindset, not a location," and shares how Esevel deliberately builds leadership opportunities for talented professionals regardless of whether they're based in Manila, Singapore, or São Paulo. Last but not least, Yuying shares what great would look like for Esevel's future: becoming the indispensable tool companies think of first when scaling global teams, while proving that talent and performance matter more than location."Many companies that say they do distributed and remote work actually still have a very HQ-centric worldview. That means leadership is in HQ, strategy is formed in HQ, and high-impact jobs are in the HQ as well. So when they hire remote and distributed teams. For example, in the Philippines, Brazil, and India they use these more as back-office functions. So you have very talented people who join them there, thinking that they could rise in a global company. But very soon they find that they hit a glass ceiling and are no longer able to advance, and so they move on to another firm. I think that's a massive waste of talent, especially if you're talking about here in Asia. This is the world's fastest-growing region. People are ambitious, people are bright, and they are able to take on leadership positions if they're given the opportunity to. This is one thing that we have really tried to reverse at Esevel. You do not have to be at HQ in order to rise into a leadership position. As long as you perform your job and perform it well, we look at performance more than location. So I think that is one thing that has to shift: HQ shouldn't be a location. HQ should actually be a mindset. And I think that's something that a lot of remote companies or distributed work companies have correct when it comes to that." - Deng YuyingEpisode Highlights:[00:00] Quote of the Day by Deng Yuying[02:00] Introducing Yuying Deng, CEO of Esevel[02:25] From lawyer to operator to founder[03:32] MBA at INSEAD shaped entrepreneurial journey[03:53] Built community care division for Orange Valley[04:24] Family business dynamics and PE exit lessons[05:44] Esevel: IT operations platform for distributed teams[07:56] Company DNA shaped by pandemic remote work[08:38] Importance of staying close to customer problems[10:16] Managing operations across 88 countries globally[12:39] Failure is a feature, not a bug[14:33] Operational complexity and doing boring work well[16:35] Future of hybrid and remote work[19:48] HQ should be a mindset not location[21:25] Characteristics needed for remote work success[22:40] Growth opportunities regardless of employee location[24:58] Founding a company is like raising child[26:52] No perfect time for major life decisions[29:31] Ethical principles learned from parents[30:33] Vision for Esevel and family independence[32:28] Partnership requires mutual support for success[35:48] Rising through adversity with determination[36:34] Legacy focused on happy, independent childrenProfile: Yuying Deng, CEO of Esevel: https://esevel.comLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuyingdeng/Guest Host: Yana Fry from Yana TV:  https://www.youtube.com/@yanatvsgLinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanafry/Podcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. The proper credits for the intro and end music are "Energetic Sports Drive." G. Thomas Craig mixed and edited the episode in both video and audio format.

Send us a textSchedule an Rx AssessmentSubscribe to Master The MarginAs a pharmacist, serving your community means putting your advocacy hat on and stepping into unfamiliar territory. One of the largest untapped resources that can really drive change towards PBM reform is using your existing patient base to show legislators the importance of PBM legislation.In this episode, Scotty Sykes, CPA, CFP®, Bonnie Bond, CPA, MBA, and Austin Murray, sit down with pharmacist and owner of Table Rock Pharmacy, Jessi Stout, to explore the grassroots advocacy efforts driving Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform in North Carolina.We cover:How to engage customers in advocacyWhy local advocacy is critical for independent pharmaciesReal-world stories that bring the PBM issue to life for legislatorsMore About Our Guest:Jessi Stout is the owner of Table Rock Pharmacy in Morganton, North Carolina and winner of the 2025 Cardinal Health's Community Leadership Award which celebrates independent pharmacists going above and beyond for their community.A dedicated advocate for independent pharmacy, Jessi was once uninvolved in politics, has become a strong leader in the fight for PBM reform and combines her role as a local pharmacist with her passion for patient care, ensuring her voice and the voices of her patients are heard in legislative conversations that shape the future of pharmacy.Table Rock Pharmacy was one of the first pharmacies in North Carolina to offer the yellow fever vaccine and was the only pharmacy in the region offering the REGEN-COV and EVUSHELD injections while they were authorized to treat COVID-19.Additionally, during Hurricane Helene, Table Rock Pharmacy remained open, despite power outages and fallen trees. Transactions were recorded by hand to ensure patients could still get their prescriptions. At one point, they transported a generator by wheelbarrow to keep critical medication frozen. During this time, Stout also spoke out against audits being performed by Optum Rx. A social media post went viral, and this attention resulted in audits being paused for hurricane-affected areas.Learn more about Jessi and Table Rock Pharmacy:Table Rock Pharmacy FacebookTable Rock Pharmacy InstagramTable Rock Pharmacy WebsiteTable Rock Pharmacy TikTokTable Rock Pharmacy YouTubeStay connected with us on social media:FacebookTwitterLinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP LinkedInScotty Sykes – CPA, CFP TwitterBonnie Bond – CPA LinkedInBonnie Bond – CPA TwitterMore on this topic:Podcast: Becoming a Pharmacy GladiatorPodcast: Pharmacy's Never Ending StoryPodcast: Pharmacy O

In this thought-provoking episode, Mukti Aryal, a financial economist and investment banker with an MBA and MS in Finance from Simon Business School (University of Rochester, USA), joins Dr. Niraj Poudyal, a senior researcher and economist with a PhD from Virginia Tech University, to discuss the real-world dynamics of capitalism, market liberalization, and economic transformation in Nepal and beyond. Mukti Aryal brings decades of experience in investment banking, mutual funds, asset management, and portfolio valuation, while Dr. Poudyal offers deep insights into policy design, economic inclusion, and education system reforms based on his work with organizations like UNICEF, USAID, and Kathmandu University across Asia and Africa. Together, they unpack how capitalism functions in developing economies, the role of government and taxation, and whether Nepal's economy can balance growth with fairness and opportunity. GET CONNECTED WITH Dr. Niraj Poudyal: Linkedin: https://np.linkedin.com/in/niraj-poudyal-phd-12b85b159  

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Eduardo Langrafe, COO at NETCON Americas about "Telecommunications and Grid Reliability ". Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, featuring industry professionals like Eduardo from Netcon Americas. Eduardo, a computer engineer with 25 years in telecommunications, discusses Netcon's solutions for utilities, including turnkey ICT services and BSS/OSS operations support systems. He highlights the evolution from TDM to IP networks and the importance of telecommunications for grid reliability and corporate communications. Eduardo also explains Netcon's digital twin technology, which integrates data from various systems to simulate network performance and improve efficiency. He predicts a future with increased AI integration and larger capacity circuits. Action Items [ ] Reach out to Eduardo Langrafe on LinkedIn to discuss Netcon's solutions further. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast The podcast is sponsored by Siemens, focusing on smart infrastructure and grid software, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.Scott MacKenzie mentions the event location, Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and introduces the guest, Eduardo, from Netcon. Eduardo's Background and Role at Netcon Eduardo introduces himself as a computer engineer with an MBA in strategic IT management, working in the telecommunications industry for over 25 years.He is the Operations Director at Netcon Americas, based out of Miami, providing solutions in telecommunications for utilities.Eduardo shares his experience in various areas of telecommunications, including submarine cables and the evolution from TDM systems to IP-based networks.Scott MacKenzie acknowledges the significant changes Eduardo has witnessed in the telecommunications industry over the years. Netcon's Business Units and Solutions Eduardo explains Netcon's two major business units: ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and BSS/OSS (Business Support Systems).The ICT unit provides turnkey solutions for utilities, representing multiple industry vendors and handling installation, commissioning, testing, training, and technical support.The BSS/OSS unit represents software to manage telecommunications inventory and support the network lifecycle from planning to operations and maintenance.Scott MacKenzie inquires about Netcon's role in the utility space and how they fit into the evolving demands of the market. Network Evolution and Utility Communications Eduardo discusses the evolution of telecommunications systems from TDM-based systems to IP networks and the transformation of legacy systems.Netcon supports utilities in improving their communication systems, including teleprotection and corporate communications between administrative buildings and substations.Video monitoring systems are also evolving to assist operations remotely, reducing the need for field crews.Scott MacKenzie shares an example of using telecommunications for communication between substations, highlighting its importance in utility operations. Data Collection and Digital Twin Solutions Eduardo explains Netcon's solutions for data collection, including GIS-based software for mapping and documenting cable routes, splicing points, and substations.The software manages both passive assets (cables, splice cans, racks) and active network elements (switches, routers, multiplexers).Netcon's digital twin approach creates a live view of the network, integrating data from various systems like CRM and...

In this episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos sits down with Jonathan Bennett, a seasoned executive, advisor, and coach who has walked the path from building a thriving consulting firm to reinventing his career with deeper purpose. Together, they peel back the curtain on what most leaders avoid discussing - transitions, fulfillment, and the hidden weight of leadership. With candor and insight, Jonathan shares stories of growth, reinvention, and the art of truly listening - offering a rare window into the challenges and opportunities that come with leading at the highest levels. This is a conversation that will make you pause, reflect, and rethink how you define success and leadership in your own journey.Jonathan Bennett is an advisor and executive coach for purpose-driven leaders who need help solving their organization's toughest obstacles. With experience in urban, rural, remote, and First Nations communities, Jonathan's expertise is in social purpose business strategy, governance, branding, change, and communications. His coaching draws on 25 years of creativity and leadership success as a CEO, board member, and founder, and he is known for his deep-listening and his breakthrough solutions that create insights and new strategies.00:00 Intro01:59 A single aha moment…03:56 Oh no who is leaving…do you have this in place?07:05 I spotted these core competencies and knew this person was the next CEO!10:55 Need to go on this journey to get unstuck.15:25 How can leaders benefit from listening however not just listening but this! 20:25 Are we wandering or focusing?24:25 Start not here but here for this management!  https://clearlythen.com/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:

What if your book could become the single most powerful marketing tool for your business?This week's guest expert is Aurora Winter, MBA, award-winning author and founder of SamePagePublishing.com. Aurora explores how your book can become more than words on a page. You'll discover how to turn it into a launchpad for income, influence, and long-term success.Aurora shares how to use your book as a lead magnet that attracts clients, opens doors to speaking gigs, and helps you test new business ideas, even if you don't have a big following. You'll learn how simple mindset shifts and smart marketing moves can unlock opportunities you may never have considered.Key TakeawaysBuild Instant Authority Your book makes you the expert. Use it to attract dream clients and speaking invitations.Think Beyond the Pages See your book as a starting point for deeper relationships, new ventures, and bigger impact.Get Found Everywhere Learn how to show up on Amazon, YouTube, and even AI search tools. There's no need for a big following.Market in Motion Discover creative ways to use video ads and short YouTube clips to reach more readers and stand out online.If you're ready to plant the seeds for long-term impact, tune in and learn how to turn your book into the business and legacy it was meant to be.Here's how to connect with Aurora:WebsiteLinkedInYouTubeLinktreeInstagram*************************************************************************You're one idea or connection away from transforming your life and sharing your message with the world. At the free 3-Day Virtual Expert's Bootcamp (Oct 17–19), bestselling author and 5x TEDx speaker Corey Poirier reveals how to land TEDx Talks, build your speaking business, and reach millions. Join world-class guests like Patty Aubery, Jeff Walker, and Les Brown—and get a bonus laser-coaching session. Grab your free spot now!

Welcome to Season 14 Episode 39 of the ParentingAces Podcast! In this week's episode, Lisa chats with former top junior and long-time coach and coach-educator, Kyle LaCroix.We've kind of followed a theme in our most recent episodes, one in which we've examined the state of junior tennis coaching and how to make it a better experience for the coaches, players, and parents. The hope is that, through these conversations, we can get the ball rolling to improve coach education, parent education, and the overall experience of families and professionals involved in our sport.Here's a little bit more about Kyle and why he's a great guest to tackle this subject:Kyle LaCroix has a proven track record of service and success in the racquet sports industry. A RSPA (Racquet Sports Professionals Association  , Formerly USPTA) Master Professional, and a decorated industry veteran that is also certified by RSPA Padel, Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Registro Profesional de Tenis (RPT), Global Professional Tennis Coaches Association (GPTCA) and the United States Center For Coaching Excellence (USCCE). Kyle has spent the past 25+ years as one of the foremost experts and leaders in coach development. Having worked with players of all levels, across numerous racquet sports as well as coaches, Kylebrings with him a wealth of knowledge through work at clubs and academies. Kyle has served the racquet sportsindustry in a multitude of capacities including being a RSPA Florida Division Tester/Coach Developer for 17  years and a member of the RSPA National College Curriculum Committee, The RSPA National Membership Committee, The RSPA Strategic Planning Committee as well as other board appointments. Kyle has tested, certified and mentored over 1700 individual tennis coaches from around the world.  In 2014, Kyle became the youngest recipient of the RSPA National Tester/Coach Developer of The Year Award.  Kyle is The Chief Education Officer of SETS. He holds a B.S. Degree from Ferris State University in Professional Tennis Management. A B.S. Degree in Marketing as well as an MBA from The University of Michigan. He also has an M.Ed. from Stanford University.To get in touch with Kyle, you can email him at kyle.lacroix@setsconsulting.org. You can also follow him on Twitter @SETS_Consulting and Instagram @sets_consulting.For our podcast with Kyle's wife, Lisa, go to https://parentingaces.com/podcasts/love-serving-autism-ft-lisa-pugliese-lacroix/.As always, I am available for one-to-one consults to work with you as you find your way through the college recruiting process. You can purchase and book online through our website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://parentingaces.com/shop/category/consult-with-lisa-stone/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you're so inclined, please share this – and all our episodes! – with your fellow tennis players, parents, and coaches. You can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or via your favorite podcast app. Please be sure to check out our logo'd merch as well as our a la carte personal consultations in our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠online shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.CREDITSIntro & Outro Music: Morgan Stone aka STØNEAudio & Video Editing: Lisa Stone

Overcoming MBA Anxiety With The Help of an HBS Admissions Officer Part Three: Three Meditations For Your MBA Application Journey For the final episode of this very special three-part series, we are joined by SBC Consultant Pauline. Pauline holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, worked for years as an HBS Admissions Officer, and has presented/lectured at Stanford, Tufts and Villanova. Pauline is uniquely positioned to speak about anxiety as it relates to the MBA application process. Pauline is passionate about Business, Education and Spirituality and worked as a Level 1 Hospital Trauma Chaplain. She also holds a Divinity degree in Pastoral Counseling and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.  In episode one of this series we talked about anxiety in the MBA context: what anxiety is, where it comes from, and discussed very specific strategies for what to do when anxiety strikes in the present moment. In our second episode we dug deeper and talked about how you can HARNESS this worry and anxiety in healthy and productive ways to IMPROVE your application.  In today's episode we talk about how meditation can help you release worry and anxiety as well as tap into deeper parts of your own lived experiences. In this episode Pauline: Talks about how meditation can be helpful to anyone during times of worry and anxiety (or anytime, really). Chandler and Pauline also share specific suggestions about how meditation can be a useful aspect of your MBA application journey. Walks our listeners through three meditations specifically centered around the MBA application process: Getting into a positive state of mind The use of mantras in meditation And a breathing excercise Shares her own advice about how her clients have used meditiations Suggests other free online meditation resources our listeners might be interested in. Chandler and the entire SBC team would like to thank Pauline for this very special three-part series; a must for anyone facing worry or anxiety as a part of their MBA journey. Additional gratitude to Tiana McCaskill for composing and recording the special music for these meditations.

You tell yourself you're being strategic. That you're building collaborations, finding complementary skill sets, creating win-win partnerships. But what if the real reason you keep looking for someone else to do it with you is because you don't believe you're enough on your own? Andrea Janzen built a wildly successful leadership development company in one of the most male-dominated industries on the planet: construction. She's coached over 1,000 construction professionals, works with multinational companies, hosts the Ambition Theory Podcast, and is a Forbes contributor. On the outside, she's absolutely killing it. But for years, Andrea was running a story underneath all that success. A story that said she wasn't legitimate without an HR background. That she needed partners to fill her gaps. That her energy and authentic approach weren't enough to carry her business forward. The cost? She almost missed massive opportunities. She hid her greatest strengths. She exhausted herself trying to prove her worth. And even when she was achieving goals she'd journaled about years earlier, she couldn't let herself feel successful. Until a client said five words that changed everything: "We just want to work with you." In this raw, vulnerable conversation, Andrea reveals: The "not enough" story that drove her to seek business partners from scarcity, not strategy (and how to tell the difference) Why high achievers mistake imposter syndrome for missing credentials, when the real issue is hiding their genius The moment a client reflected back what she couldn't see in herself (and why we need mirrors when building something new) How over-functioning and resentment are your body's way of telling you you've abandoned personal responsibility Why she can journal about goals, achieve them years later, and still not feel successful (and what actually needs to shift) The practice of looking back at where you were five years ago as medicine for "never enough" How setting a 3pm work boundary and a shutdown ritual actually accelerated her business growth Why Santa now deposits $100/month for mandatory date nights (and what her kids are learning about prioritizing relationships) The difference between partnerships built from lack versus partnerships built from abundance Why solo time in nature, crime novels at the library, and protecting her energy are non-negotiables for showing up powerfully This episode is for you if you've ever: Told yourself you needed more credentials, certifications, or partners before you could really go for it Built something impressive but secretly felt like an imposter the entire time Looked for others to validate or legitimize what you're creating instead of trusting yourself Achieved goals you set years ago but moved the bar so fast you never celebrated Known you were over-functioning and carrying everything, then resented others for not stepping up Felt more comfortable being "strategic" about collaboration than admitting you're scared to do it alone Wondered if your authentic energy and approach could really be enough in a world that values traditional credentials   About Andrea Janzen: Andrea Janzen is a Certified Executive Coach with an MBA, the host of the Ambition Theory Podcast, a Forbes contributor, and a top-rated speaker. She is passionate about coaching construction professionals to develop themselves, set leadership goals, and get results. Since 2018, Andrea has coached and trained over 1,000 construction professionals. Before becoming a coach, Andrea was a marketing leader who worked on some of the world's best-known brands. Connect with Andrea: Ambition Theory Ambition Theory Podcast Leadership Accelerator for Women in Construction Building Better Report   Ready to stop hiding behind partnerships and step into what you're actually capable of? Here's what Andrea's story reveals: The "not enough" story doesn't go away with more credentials, more partners, or more proof. It goes away when you finally see what's been true all along, that your energy, your authentic approach, your unique way of seeing things, that's not a gap to fill. That's your genius. But most high achievers can't see this on their own. We need someone to hold up the mirror, to name the pattern we're running, to show us where we're hiding instead of leading. That's exactly what the Congruency Audit does. The Congruency Audit is where we look at the gap between the success you've built on the outside and what you're actually feeling on the inside. We'll identify the exact "not enough" story keeping you stuck, the ways you're over-functioning or seeking external validation instead of trusting yourself, and what it's going to take for you to finally create success that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside. If Andrea's story hit you somewhere deep, if you recognized yourself in the pattern of seeking partners from scarcity or achieving goals without feeling successful, this call is for you. Book your Congruency Audit This isn't about optimizing the version of yourself you built to survive. It's about creating congruence so the life you've built doesn't just look good, it finally feels right.

Are you making the same mistake many other retirees make? If so, you could end up missing out on a lot right now, and have more money that you ever need later in life. In this episode, I talk about the underspending epidemic among retirees and what causes it.

Victor L. Vescovo is a private investor with over thirty years of experience in a variety of complex business situations. He co-founded private equity firm Insight Equity in 2002 with his business partner, Ted Beneski and raised over $1.5 billion in equity capital across four funds. In 2023, he departed Insight in order to focus on his own investments with new capabilities to support industrial startups, life sciences, and other areas of venture capital and special situations. Victor received his bachelor's degree from Stanford University, a Master's Degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and received an MBA from Harvard Business School where he graduated as a Baker Scholar. Additionally, Victor served 20 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve as an intelligence and targeting officer, retiring in 2013 as a Commander. In 2017, Victor completed the “Explorer's Grand Slam” which requires climbing the highest peak on all seven of the world's continents including Mt. Everest and skiing at least 100 kilometers to the North and South Poles. He piloted the first repeated dives to the ocean's deepest point, Challenger Deep, in the Pacific's Mariana Trench - now fifteen times, and in August 2019 became the first person to visit “The Five Deeps,” the deepest point in all five of the world's oceans. Victor has now personally explored the bottom of seventeen deep ocean trenches and has made three dives to the Titanic including the only solo dive ever made there. He and his team also discovered and surveyed the two deepest shipwrecks in the world: the USS Johnston in 2021 and the deepest, the USS Samuel B. Roberts at 22,600 feet, in 2022. In 2025, the US Navy announced that T-AGOS 26, a new ocean surveillance vessel of the Explorer class, would be named after him. He is also a commercially rated, multi-engine jet, glider, seaplane, and helicopter pilot, a certified submersible test pilot, and recently flew into space on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, becoming the first person in history to climb Mount Everest, dive to the bottom of the ocean, and visit space. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Buy PSYOP Now - https://psyopshow.com https://tryarmra.com/srs https://aura.com/srs https://betterhelp.com/srs This episode is sponsored. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. https://bubsnaturals.com – USE CODE SHAWN https://bunkr.life – USE CODE SRS Go to https://bunkr.life/SRS and use code “SRS” to get 25% off your family plan. https://shawnlikesgold.com https://moinkbox.com/srs https://mypatriotsupply.com/srs https://patriotmobile.com/srs https://prizepicks.onelink.me/lmeo/srs https://rocketmoney.com/srs https://ROKA.com – USE CODE SRS https://shopify.com/srs https://USCCA.com/srs Victor Vescovo Links: X - https://x.com/VictorVescovo IG - https://www.instagram.com/victorlvescovo Caladan Capital - https://www.caladancapital.com Caladan Oceanic - http://www.caladanoceanic.com Wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_Vescovo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Update your approach to the evaluation and management of GERD with Dr. James Callaway. Learn when to consider ambulatory reflux monitoring and how to determine if someone has an indication for long-term PPI therapy.  Claim CME for this episode at curbsiders.vcuhealth.org! Patreon | Episodes | Subscribe | Spotify | YouTube | Newsletter | Contact | Swag! | CME Show Segments Intro Case Definitions and symptoms Reflux mechanisms and triggers Medications for Acid suppression  Endoscopy and Ambulatory Reflux Monitoring  Stopping the PPI  Additional etiologies of reflux symptoms  Outro Credits Written and Produced by: Elena Gibson MD  Infographic and Cover Art:Elena Gibson MD  Hosts: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP    Reviewer: Sai S Achi MD, MBA, FACP Showrunners: Matthew Watto MD, FACP; Paul Williams MD, FACP Technical Production: PodPaste Guest: James Callaway MD  Disclosures Dr. Callaway reports no relevant financial disclosures. The Curbsiders report no relevant financial disclosures.  Sponsor: Panacea Financial  Schedule a free consultation today and make sure your career stays more treat than trick. Get started at Panacea.Legal Sponsor: Mint Mobile Ready to say yes to saying no? Make the switch at MINTMOBILE.com/CURB Sponsor:  Continuing Education Company Visit CMEmeeting.org/curbsiders  and use promo code Curb30 to get 30% off all online courses and webcasts.