Podcasts about Meaning

The Hogwarts Professor comment threads have been jumping so Nick Jeffery and John Granger decided to dedicate a conversation to a review of the Greatest Hits in the last week (to do a complete review yourself, click on ‘Activity' in the left margin of the Hogwarts Professor Substack home page).After their reviewing the remarkably global and growing audience of Rowling Readers — 36 countries, 46 states! — and tracking The Presence's location — her yacht seems to be in Fiji but she is touring Levesden Studios? — Nick and John read out fifteen comment subjects and discuss the merits, deficiencies, and promise of each.The lede story is the theory shared by Jaclyn Hayes that Cormoran Strike and the late Charlotte Campbell were half-siblings with Jonny Rokeby in common as their absentee father. From her notes: I think Charlotte was blackmailed (via threat of exposing the relatedness btw her and Cormoran) into marrying Jago to provide him a male heir. Perhaps their relatedness is even an open secret in Charlotte's family, similar to the “secret” relatedness of Decima and Rupert in THM (another parallel). Charlotte was forbidden from telling Cormoran about the blackmail, but since she's conniving and obsessed with him, she uses their unexpected encounter at the Paralympics gala to drop hints about her predicament, hoping he'll solve the mystery and save her or take her back once she's fulfilled the terms of her marriage/birth agreement with Jago. She then orchestrates another encounter with Cormoran to drop more hints-- this time at Franco's, which she knows will trigger the memory of her father's outrage at seeing her and Cormoran dating again. She hopes Cormoran will realize her father was angry because he knew they were related, not simply because he thinks Cormoran wasn't good enough for her. She then tells Coromoran things would be different if he'd taken the job her father offered him (calling to mind the job Tara gives Rupert to keep him quiet in THM), and says she found out she was pregnant at Tara's house and later “lost” (not aborted) the baby. Read the whole thing. Ed Shardlow's response, in which he points out that the hallmark given to silver and DNA testing of human beings have a lot in common, and Tamspells and Jaclyn Hayes discussion of Strike's dreams in previous books give the Strike:Charlotte::Rupert:Decima theory some heft. Cheryl Rose Orrocks asked for help with research she is doing on a possible divine marker, mythologically divine at least, being placed in each book at the appearance of that novel's killer. The only holes in her theory at the time Nick and John recorded their conversation were Troubled Blood and Running Grave — and Catherine has since posted a neat solution for Strike 5. Check that out and please share the missing god or goddess from Running Grave!Nick and John also review and discuss:* Ed Shardlow's idea that the characters creating narratives inside Rowling-Galbraith stories are perhaps best understood as creating their stories as Rowling writes hers, i.e., inspired by Lake material and crafted with the tools in their Sheds;* Vicky's thank you to Dr Fimi for the Ursula Le Guin quotation;* Ed Shardlow's ‘RL Mystery' with back-up from Tamspells and J. S. Maleksen;* Cheryl Rose Orrocks' YouTube notes about the Dirty Bomb Theory conversation (and just how wrong John is about Carmen the opera and Carmen Ellacott); and* Answers to listener requests for more information — all of which can be found in the Links section below!In the week to come, John pledges to post his Hallmarked Man Names exegesis, Nick is working on his review of Aurora Leigh, the supposed template of Ink Black Heart (and the only book ever confirmed by Rowling as such), they will record their Part Two ring charting this weekend, and John is reorganizing his 2017 seven week online course — Wizard Reading Formula — for which class Paid Subscribers will get a greater than 50% discount.John and Nick thank everyone listening and especially those active on the comment threads and taking part in the Hallmarked Man Ring Reading Workshop!Links to Subjects Discussed in the Conversation Above:Cheryl Rose Orrocks: Can you let me know the title and author of the book about Gothic elements?The one John used for Harry Potter's Bookshelf was Patterns of fear in the Gothic novel, 1790-1830 by Ann Tracy, now only ‘in print' via a Kindle version.John read from his much longer Harry Meets Hamlet and Scrooge: Harry Potter's Hogwarts Adventures as the Gateway to English Literature in the conversation above, in which the list of subjects is spelled out (e.g., the castle, supernatural atmosphere, horror, isolation, subterranean passages, fragmentation and reunion, prophecy, ancestral curse, tainted blood, bond of blood, graveyard, corpses, Decay of Aristocratic Privilege, Rise of Bourgeoisie, forest, memories, dreams, found book, doppelgangers, scar or tell-tale mark, mysterious stranger, confused origin, night, mist and fog, distant past, death,, etc.).John also recommends The Handbook of Gothic Literature, ed. Marie Mulvy-Roberts, and The Cambridge Companion to Gothic Fiction, ed. Jerrold Hogle.Who is the mystery writer John was talking about who killed a women when she was an adolescent?Anne Perry, author of the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt and William Monk series of historical detective fiction. John recommends Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century, the book written by the journalist who out'd Perry as a convicted murderer writing murder mysteries. Perry died in 2023. J. S. Maleksen I too enjoyed this post, immensely. Can someone recommend a version of Cupid and Psyche and other relevant works of mythology for a Striker who assiduously avoided mythology through seven years of post-secondary education. I'm willing to gut it out in order to understand Rowling's work. TIA.John shared his favorites in the conversation above — Hamilton's Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, Graves' The Greek Myths, Powell's Classical Myth, and Schwab's Gods and Heroes: Myths and Epics of Ancient Greece but Dr Dimitra Fimi responded in the thread today:It's a really difficult question this, and yet it shouldn't be. But the truth is that there is no contemporary authoritative collection of Greek/Classical mythological retellings that's up-to-date with recent scholarship, etc. Catherine recommends Hamilton's book below, which is still good in many respects, but these earlier compilations (like Bulfinch's too) often synthesize different versions of mythological narratives, and omit some interesting variations. My recommendations are a bit heavier on the scholarly side of things, but still readable (the issue will be getting hold of them, but I provide links where possible):1) Classical Myth by Barry B. Powell - as implied by the astronomical price on Amazon.uk (https://amzn.to/3JYkLfF) this is mostly available second-hand now, but there is a scanned version via Archive.org: https://archive.org/details/classicalmyth0000powe (you'll need to create a free account, but once you do you can log in and borrow the book digitally to read)2) Early Greek Myth: A Guide to Literary and Artistic Sources (2 Volumes) by Timothy Gantz is great, and at least easier to get hold of. It gives the tales and their versions as well as an overview of their sources. The Amazon price of Vol. 1, for example, is a bit more accessible: https://amzn.to/4oTFKQ1For those interested in the de profundis interpretation of classical myth, see The Door in the Sky: Coomaraswamy on Myth and Meaning and Symbolism in Greek Mythology by Paul Diel.You can find the post about Beedle the Bard that Dr Fimi discussed in her conversation with Nick and John at her Substack, ‘A Kind of Elvish Craft:' “You must've heard of Babbitty Rabbitty!”: Secondary World Fairy Tales in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hogwartsprofessor.substack.com/subscribe

Did you see the Fargo decision for harm reduction has increased overdoses this year over last? Meaning giving out crack pipes and paraphernalia contributed to more harm, not less.Drug overdoses in Fargo have hit a 10-year highAnd although the culprit is clear, the common sense is not

New polls on Christianity show mixed results. Elon Musk suggests AI will end work, and test results are indicating a crisis in education in America.    Recommendations  Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life by David Bahnsen  Segment 1 – State of the Church  Anthony Bradley X post  Gallup: Drop in U.S. Religiosity Among Largest in World  Rod Dreher Substack: Men & The Rise Of Orthodoxy In America  Segment 2 – The End of Work?  Elon Musk X post  The Decadent Society: How We Became the Victims of Our Own Success by Ross Douthat  Presence in the Modern World by Jacques Ellul  Breakpoint: Evaluating the "Kirk Effect"  Segment 3 – Crisis in Education  The Atlantic: 'A Recipe for Idiocracy'  Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good by Steven Garber  The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis  The International Alliance for Christian Education (IACE)  ______________________   November 29 is the last day to save up to 50% on CCNC 2026 registration! Register at colsonconference.org.  Make a gift by December 31 to help us form families, churches, and schools in the Christian worldview in 2026! Thanks to a generous grant, your gift will be doubled, up to $500,000. Give today at colsoncenter.org/november.   Watch Truth Rising, now available at truthrising.com/colson.   

Explore inspiring adoption stories and the rich history of Thanksgiving. Learn why family traditions matter, discover the meaning behind America’s favorite holiday, and hear real-life accounts that celebrate love and gratitude.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Stephan Blackwood joins the show to explore how language shapes consciousness, how words reveal the structure of reality, and why meaning is inseparable from relationship. They discuss the logic of reciprocity, the metaphysics of personhood, why civilization depends on truthful speech, and how distortion of language leads to confusion, tyranny, and cultural decay. Stephan explains how grammar and ontology mirror each other, how the Trinity reveals the deepest pattern of relational being, and why we can only know ourselves through our relationships with others — and with the divine. Dr. Stephan Blackwood is a philosopher, cultural critic, and co-founder of Ralston College, whose work focuses on the intersection of theology, art, and human purpose. // GUEST // Website: ⁠https://www.ralston.ac/⁠ X: ⁠https://x.com/stephenblackwd⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RalstonCollegeSavannah⁠ // SPONSORS // Heart and Soil Supplements (use discount code BREEDLOVE): https://heartandsoil.co/ Blockware Solutions: https://mining.blockwaresolutions.com Onramp: https://onrampbitcoin.com/?grsf=breedlove Mindlab Pro: https://www.mindlabpro.com/breedlove The Farm at Okefenokee: https://okefarm.com/ Club Orange: https://www.cluborange.org/ // PRODUCTS I ENDORSE // Protect your mobile phone from SIM swap attacks: https://www.efani.com/breedlove Lineage Provisions (use discount code BREEDLOVE): https://lineageprovisions.com/?ref=breedlove Colorado Craft Beef (use discount code BREEDLOVE): https://coloradocraftbeef.com/ Salt of the Earth Electrolytes: http://drinksote.com/breedlove Jawzrsize (code RobertBreedlove for 20% off): https://jawzrsize.com // UNLOCK THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD'S BEST NON-FICTION BOOKS // https://course.breedlove.io/ // SUBSCRIBE TO THE CLIPS CHANNEL // /@robertbreedloveclips2996 // TIMESTAMPS // 0:00 – WiM Episode Trailer 1:21 – The Power of Language & the Structure of Reality 12:44 – How Grammar Reflects Being 24:02 – Personhood, Meaning & Relational Existence 33:18 – How Language Shapes Consciousness 38:17 – Heart and Soil Supplements 39:17 – Mine Bitcoin with Blockware Solutions 40:18 – The Crisis of Meaning in Modern Culture 52:11 – The Collapse of Shared Language 1:03:59 – Reciprocity & the Law That Governs Reality 1:17:40 – How Tyranny Begins with Language Corruption 1:33:15 – Onramp Bitcoin Custody 1:34:12 – Mind Lab Pro Supplements 1:35:22 – Truth as the Foundation of Civilization 1:55:40 – The Purpose of Human Speech 2:13:20 – The Farm at Okefenokee 2:14:29 – The Trinity & the Structure of Personhood 2:28:03 – Why Real Communication Requires Sacrifice 2:37:42 – Club Orange 2:38:09 – Culture, Identity & the Need for Shared Meaning 3:04:14 – Efani: Protect Yourself From SIM Swaps 3:05:20 – Unlock the Wisdom of the Best Non-Fiction Books // PODCAST // Podcast Website: https://whatismoneypodcast.com/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast… Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/25LPvm8… RSS Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/MLdpYXYI // SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL // Bitcoin: 3D1gfxKZKMtfWaD1bkwiR6JsDzu6e9bZQ7 Sats via Strike: https://strike.me/breedlove22 Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/RBreedlove Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/Robert-Br… // SOCIAL // Breedlove X: https://x.com/Breedlove22 WiM? X: https://x.com/WhatisMoneyShow LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/breedlove22 Instagram: https://instagram.com/breedlove_22 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@robert_breedlove Substack: https://breedlove22.substack.com All My Work: https://linktr.ee/robertbreedlove #language #whatismoney #philosophy #reciprocity #WiM

In a world where information is always within reach, it's tempting to believe we no longer need teachers. With a few clicks, we can access ancient texts, videos, and tutorials on nearly any aspect of yoga. But there's something that the internet cannot give you: transmission. Yoga is not simply learned; it is received. And it is only in relationship that this sacred transmission occurs. Our role as yoga teachers is not to entertain or perform. We are not here to serve up a random collection of poses or stories. Our job is to teach yoga to you, to help you understand the significance of the method. Especially in Ashtanga Yoga, where lineage matters and precision holds meaning, we offer a comprehensive system, not a fragmented sampler. What we offer is not just technique; it is a way of being. And that way of being is passed down through a living thread. To understand the teacher-student relationship in yoga, we must return to its roots, in the Sanskrit tradition, in the oral teachings of the Upaniṣads, and even in the deep etymology of the words we use in English. Practice LIVE with me exclusively on Omstars! Start your journey today with a 7-day trial at omstars.com. Stay connected with us on social @omstarsofficial and @kinoyoga Practice with me in person for workshops, classes, retreats, trainings and Mysore seasons. Find out more about where I'm teaching at kinoyoga.com and sign up for our Mysore season in Miami at www.miamilifecenter.com.  

This week we review the topic of mitral annular disjunction ("MAD") and the possible association with ventricular arrhythmia or sudden death in the connective tissue disease patient. Is there a 'cut off' distance above which patients deserve more significant arrhythmia surveillance? What is the best way to measure the MAD distance? Can patients with low MAD distances have lower degrees or even no arrhythmic surveillance? How often should this distance be measured on CMR and can an echo measurement provide similar data? Dr. Daniel Castellanos, the first author of this work and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School shares his deep insights this week.DOI: 10.1016/j.jocmr.2025.101954

Here are the perfect podcast show notes for your episode “Trump's White House Renovation and the Meaning of Humanity” — written in your signature format and tone, ready for upload:Apologist Reacts: Trump's White House Renovation and the Meaning of HumanityDonald Trump is rebuilding part of the White House—and people are losing their minds. But what if this headline says more about us than it does about politics? In today's episode, Joel Settecase takes this viral story and connects it to a much bigger truth about human nature, divine renovation, and what it really means to be made in the image of God.In this episode:• Why Trump's “White House ballroom” has everyone talking (and what's really going on)• The surprising spiritual lesson in C.S. Lewis's “God as Builder” metaphor• How God renovates hearts just like a master craftsman rebuilds a house• What Scripture says about our ontological status as humans—superior yet subordinate• How secularism distorts human dignity (and why the Christian worldview restores it)• The connection between creation, redemption, and the true “Temple” of GodKey Scriptures:– 2 Corinthians 5:17– 2 Timothy 2:20–23– Acts 17:28– 1 Corinthians 6:19–20– Romans 1:18–25Resources Mentioned:– C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity– “Escape from Reason,” Francis Schaeffer– OpenBible.info: What the Bible says about the TempleJoin the Movement:Join the Hammer & Anvil Society (try free 8 weeks): https://thethink.institute/societyPartner with The Think Institute: https://thethink.institute/partnerListen to the full show: https://thethink.institute/podcastWatch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/thethinkinstitute#ChristianWorldview #Apologetics #Trump #Theology #CSLewis #WorldviewLegacyToday #ChristianityAndCulture

This year's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Jacksonport will benefit eight-year-old Lucia Ramirez, who is battling leukemia. Her mother, Melanie, joins Myles Dannhausen Jr. to talk about how Lucia is fighting and how she and her husband and seven daughters are juggling life and trips to the hospital as they support her, and how the support of the community is helping them beyond finances.

Take a deep dive into the cultural and spiritual moment facing Ohio, America, and the Church in today's episode of The Narrative. David and Church Ambassador Network (CAN) Executive Director Chris Lightfoot begin with an inside look at the explosive growth of CAN—from 2,200 to over 5,000 churches—and why pastors across Ohio are urgently seeking Christ-centered worldview formation, marriage and family renewal, and a biblically oriented understanding of Christian citizenship. CCV responded by creating the Minnery Fellowship for Cultural Engagement, a continuing education program for pastors and church leaders, and Hope and a Future to offer churches statewide a scalable model to strengthen families in their communities. David also discussed two pro-life bills that passed out of the Ohio House this week. Following the news, world-renowned author and social critic, Os Guinness, joins the guys to explain the civilizational crossroads America faces as the ideological descendants of the 1776 American Revolution clash with the ideals of the 1789 French Revolution. With the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching in 2026, Guinness argues that it may be “the last, best chance of the last, best hope,” calling Christians to lead a renewal rooted in biblical truth. Listen wherever you get your podcasts! More About Os Guinness Os Guinness is an author and social critic. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford. Os has written or edited more than thirty books, including The Call, Time for Truth, Unspeakable, A Free People’s Suicide, The Global Public Square, Last Call for Liberty, Carpe Diem Redeemed, and The Magna Carta of Humanity. His latest book is The Great Quest: Invitation to the Examined Life and a Sure Path to Meaning, published in 2022. Os has spoken at many of the world’s major universities and at political and business conferences across the world. He lives with his wife, Jenny, in the Washington, DC area.

Another mind bending podcast.  #Prince #Hira #RobertTowne #RobinWilliams #FredRoos Jennifer begins the podcast talking about a kitty she's rescued and what she's going to name it. Robert Towne's dog Hira stopped by - often does when it comes to animals - and we asked him about how the cat found Jennifer.  Then since Robert Towne was standing by, I asked him about our mutual friend Fred (Jennifer head his name "Fred Roos") and I asked him about a conversation I had this past weekend about the Heritage Auction that they're doing with his stuff - and asked about a mutual friend named Colleen. Those who know Colleen and know Fred will know their connection, but Jennifer does not.  So I spoke to Colleen and she told me a friend of hers had passed, but nothing more about them. And so I asked Fred about that. Meaning I'm asking someone offstage about someone else offstage that I don't know - that Jennifer doesn't know - that only Colleen could know if this is accurate or not. Then Robin Williams and Prince stopped by - and at some point, because I know that people like to complain about "celebrities" on the podcast, I asked Prince how many of his other lifetimes he was aware of. It's not a question I've ever asked before on the air. But he said "1325" (I think).  Meaning he's aware of over 1300 other lifetimes.  And so when someone is accessing their previous lifetimes - as we all can - they can access the ones that had impact on the one they're living now. It's mind bending to consider, but it is consistent in the data, research and footage. Then Robin talked a little bit about how when someone wants to invite him over, just turn on one of his films. He's happy to watch his films with anyone who wants to see him. Another mind bending podcast. Thanks for tuning in!

When Andrea Driessen and Bart sat next to each other at IMEX, the conversation didn't begin with sales, logistics, or “What do you need?” Instead, Andrea asked something rare: “Tell me more about you.” That moment became the spark for this deeply meaningful episode. Andrea is the Founder of Grace Notes, an author, TED/TEDx speaker, longtime entrepreneur, and former ownerof a speakers bureau. Today, she's leading a global movement to help people experience something precious while they're still here: a living eulogy.In this powerful conversation, Andrea shares:Why people feel invisible at work and in lifeHow “messages of mattering” transform confidence, culture, and connection her father's 11-word note that changed everythingThe four roadblocks stopping people from expressing appreciationWhat happens when we wait too longthe extraordinary riffle effect of a handwritten Garce NoteYou'll hear emotional stories, practical tools, and reminders that we simply can't afford to postpone what matters most.This episode is a masterclass in noticing, appreciating, and expressing the good in others before it's too late. Major Takeaways / Learnings1. We must not wait.Life changes without warning. A grace note written today can become someone's anchor tomorrow. Bart shares his “blue screen of death” metaphor and his own heart-attack anniversary to reinforce the message: Don't wait.2. People feel unseen, more than we realize.A third of employees feel invisible at work. Half feel undervalued. Women especially feel unseen. Grace Notes offer a simple, profound antidote.3. A “living eulogy” shifts how people view their impact.Most people don't know the good they bring to others until they're gone. Grace Notes allow us to tell them now when they can internalize it, live into it, and be changed by it.4. Four roadblocks stop people from expressing appreciation.Andrea identifies the big four:Lack of timeEmotional bandwidthFear of awkwardnessNot knowing what to sayShe gives tools to overcome each one.5. Handwritten matters.A physical note becomes a keepsake, a reminder, a reassurance. People keep them on walls, drawers, binders—sometimes for decades.6. Brave moves build brave lives.Andrea shares the 11-word note from her father:“I'm in awe of my kid doing such a brave thing.”She still has it on her wall—even now.7. Attention is one of the purest forms of love.When we fully “erase ourselves” and focus on others, we give the rarest human gift: presence without agenda.8. Meaning > Matter.People don't need more things. They need more meaning. Messages of mattering help create it. Memorable QuotesFrom Andrea:“We shouldn't have to be dead to hear our eulogy read.”“People feel invisible. A simple note can change their day, their career, their life.”“We overthink what to write and underestimate its impact.”“The attention we give one another is our greatest form of love.”“If we don't believe in the value of our work, no one else will.”From Bart:“Most people don't… but you do.”“Don't wait to say I love you. Don't wait to send the note.”“The universe is meeting you where you are because your intention is pure.”“You don't need the applause, you need the impact.”Why It Matters1. Start your own Grace Note practice today.Pick one person. Write 3–4 sentences. Send it. Don't overthink.2. Create a “Kudos File” or “Brag Box.”Keep the notes others send you. Pull them out on the tough days.3. Use the “habit swap” method.Swap one episode of Netflix, one social scroll, one distraction—for a Grace Note.4. Schedule a monthly “Grace Note Meeting” with yourself.A simple recurring calendar block. 10–20 minutes. It changes relationships.5. Lead with meaning.In leadership, sales, family, and friendships:People remember how you made them feel seen.6. Practice presence.Erase yourself—focus solely on the human in front of you.Resources;Connect to: Andrea Driessen | LinkedInWebsite: Keynote Speaker | Gracenotes

Jay Heinrichs is an expert in the art of persuasion. If you're struggling to get what you want out of life, it might be time to start asking yourself better questions. New episodes of Welcome to Wellness released every Friday!Show notes at: https://www.ashleydeeley.com/w2w/jayheinrichs

Our society lives in shattered glass—no shared concept of human value, souls, reality, gender, or nations. Nietzsche's predicted consequences from God's death have destroyed the old world completely. We've gone insane but remain wealthy enough to mask it. Since high school, I've known the adult worldview was an empty bluff destined to collapse. After years cross-referencing solutions, I've found something that could actually work. Here's what I discovered. SPONSORS: Shopify:  Shopify powers millions of businesses worldwide, handling 10% of U.S. e-commerce. With hundreds of templates, AI tools for product descriptions, and seamless marketing campaign creation, it's like having a design studio and marketing team in one. Start your $1/month trial today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shopify.com/cognitive⁠⁠⁠ -- LINKS: Link to my second podcast on world history and interviews: ⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / @history102-qg5oj  ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Link to my Twitter-⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/whatifalthist?ref...⁠⁠⁠⁠ Link to my Instagram-⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/rudyardwlyn...⁠⁠⁠ - Bibliography: Forbidden Universe by Lynn Picknett A Secret History of the World by Mark Booth Twelve Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson Out of Chaos by Jordan Peterson Maps of Meaning by Jordan Peterson The Hermetic Link by Slavenberg Hermetic Philosophy and Creative Alchemy by Bremmer The History of Religious Ideas by Mircea Eliade Sex, Ecology and Spirituality by Ken Wilbur Thus Spake Zarathustra by Niestzche The History of Philosophy by Bertrand Russel A History of Philosophy by Will Durant The Knowledge Machine by Strevens The Passion of the Western Mind by Tarnas Out of Our Heads by Philipe Fernandez Arnesto Nihilism by Father Seraphim Rose Modern Times by Paul Johnson Tragedy and Hope by Carroll Quigley A Secular Age by Charles Taylor Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung A New Model of the Universe by DP Ouspensky The Soul's Code by James Hillman The Alchemy of Psychology by James Hillman The Forge and the Crucible by Mircea Eliad On Power by Bertrand de Jouvenal The Revolt of the Masses by Garcia Religion and Culture by Chris Dawson The Crowd by Gustave le Bon The Psychology of peoples by Gustave le Bon Spiral Dynamics Integrated by Beck Human Faith in a Conscious Biosphere by Beck The Hermetic Tradition by Evola Coming to Our Senses by Morris Berman The Conscious Universe by Dean Radin The Inner World of Trauma by Kalsched Trauma and the Soul by Kalsched The Web of Meaning by Lent The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo Forgotten Truth by Houston Smith The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly Hall On Heroes by Carlyle

Todaywe're looking at Ephesians 4:1-3. The first 16 verses of this chapter is aboutthe unity, the unity of the body of Christ, the church. Having unity in thechurch that shows forth to the world that we are one in Christ. We love oneanother. Jesus had told His disciples, "By this shall all men know thatyou are my disciples because of your love for one another" (John13:35). To truly love one another means will manifest itself in unity. We setaside our differences, our preferences, and out of God's love and reservoir ofHis great endless love, we are now able to forgive one another, love oneanother, and have unity in the church. Inthese first 16 verses, we see four very important things about this unity. Inverses 1-3, we see the grace of this unity. Then we see in verses 4-6, theground of unity. How that we are one in spirit, one in body, one in theFather, one in the Son, one in baptism. Then we'll see in verses 7-11, thegifts of unity. The gifts of the body of Christ that He has given us that enablesus to serve one another and to work together. Then in verses 12-16, we see thegrowth of unity, as we grow into the fullness of Christ. Meaning we areChristlike in our attitude toward one another. We're Christlike in our attitudetoward the lost world around us. Having the heart of Jesus that shows forth thematurity of the Christian believer. AsI was studying for this chat this morning, I couldn't help but think if I as apastor again, I would not just recommend, I would require every new churchmember, indeed every church member, to read Ephesians 4 over and over again,almost memorize it. Nowthis unity is so important. What we must remember is, unity is not uniformity.Unity comes from within. It's a spiritual grace. While uniformity is the resultof pressure from without. The real church is not everybody dressing alike,looking alike, sounding alike, talking alike. You see some churches like that.That's not the real church. The real church is diversity with unity. Unity withdiversity. We have old people with gray hair, white hair, sitting there lovingJesus, loving the children, loving the young couples. We see the young couplesand the children loving the old people. We see the people that like and preferthe Christian contemporary music loving the people that like the Beethoven typeof Christian music. And vice versa. We are people that get along with eachother despite our differences. This is “the unity of the Spirit in the bondof peace” as we read in these first three verses. Remember in verse 1, Paultells us to, "Walk worthy of the calling by which you werecalled." What were we called to?  We are called to unity.  Thenin verses 2-3, we see how that is possible. With all lowliness, gentleness,with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep theunity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Here we see seven differentattributes or graces of this unity that we should be experiencing in ourchurches. The first one is “with all lowliness”. The other word for “lowliness”is humility. We humble ourselves. We prefer one another over the other, andover ourselves. It means we put Christ first in our lives. And because we putHim first in our lives, others around us are being loved, and ourselves are putlast. Real JOY is Jesus first, Others second, and Yourselflast.  Oh,my friend, may God help us to pray that we have that unity in our churchestoday. The sad thing is that so many churches today have a reputation of a handfulof people running and ruining the church. Always making problems that causesdisunity that destroys the love of Christ in the body of Christ and destroys ourwitness and testimony to the world around us.  MayGod speak to our hearts today through these verses to help us all go back toour churches and endeavor to have this unity in the body of believers in ourlocal church!

Hancock & Kelley in-studio; Hancock's family friend who's husband has been detained by ICE; Scott Jagow has issues with NFL officiating; Sean Malone updates on the Sheriff's trial; the Arch welcomes back Winterfest; Did you see this?; Bob Carpenter makes his NFL picks; Chiefs analyst Danan Hughes.

THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW 0:00 SEG 1 US Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida charged with stealing disaster funds 16:28 SEG 2 David Bahnsen, Fox Business contributor and Founder of The Bahnsen Group | TOPIC: Nvidia earnings report dismisses A.I. bubble fears | Overdue jobs report finally released | Tesla’s $1 trillion pay package for Elon | His book Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life thebahnsengroup.comx.com/DavidBahnsen 32:14 SEG 3 Trump and JD not invited to Dick Cheney’s funeral https://newstalkstl.com/ FOLLOW TIM - https://twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones FOLLOW CHRIS - https://twitter.com/chris_arps 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW 0:00 SEG 1 US Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida charged with stealing disaster funds 16:28 SEG 2 David Bahnsen, Fox Business contributor and Founder of The Bahnsen Group | TOPIC: Nvidia earnings report dismisses A.I. bubble fears | Overdue jobs report finally released | Tesla’s $1 trillion pay package for Elon | His book Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life thebahnsengroup.comx.com/DavidBahnsen 32:14 SEG 3 Trump and JD not invited to Dick Cheney’s funeral https://newstalkstl.com/ FOLLOW TIM - https://twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones FOLLOW CHRIS - https://twitter.com/chris_arps 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Time Riders: Part 13 Ancient Roman Appreciation For Led Zeppelin. Based on a post by BiscuitHammer, in 16 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Becky brought several pairs back to the bed and laid them out for Nanu to look at. "This is just a small sample of my collection, but you'll get the idea and what's available." Nanu peered at them before looking up at Becky. "Your collection? Do you take them from other girls after you beat them up? Like a prize or a trophy?" Becky paused but then snickered. Count on Nanu to think in terms of panties as gory battle trophies. "No, sweetie, I just meant that I like panties and buying them in different styles and colors. That way, when I fuck a boy, I know exactly what to wear for him to arouse him." "Ah, I see," Nanu said, instantly understanding now. She picked up the various types, examining them. There were French cuts, boy cuts, hipster, tanga, bikini, g-string; not surprisingly, it was the last type that held her attention the longest. "Are these panties always necessary, Mistress? Can't a girl just walk around without them?" "You could," Becky allowed, nodding. "Usually when I am wearing a skirt, but there's lots of times I don't wear panties." "Do you wear them when you are teaching?" Nanu asked, looking at her mistress. "I; usually, yes," Becky replied, blushing. "It's a good idea to wear them when you're working." "Because students could look up your skirt and see your cunt and then they wouldn't be paying attention to what you were trying to teach them, yes?" Nanu concluded. "That's one way of thinking about it," Becky sighed. The girl wasn't wrong, but Becky didn't want to give her a civics lesson right now either. "Here's a good rule, my love; wear underwear when you're doing something important that has nothing to do with sex, okay?" Nanu frowned. "What could be more important than fucking?" Becky just sighed and stripped off her tee and her panties, now as naked as her charge. She sat down on the bed and pulled Nanu into her lap. Nanu readily straddled Becky, their tits squashed together and her hands around her mistress' shoulders. Becky smiled, her hands resting on Nanu's hips. "Tonight, we'll eat and have all sorts of fun, and I'll show you how some things work," Becky said. "Tomorrow, we go shopping for clothes and some other things." Nanu nodded, her hazel eyes shining brightly. She was looking forward to learning everything. Dinnertime. Becky came up the stairs, peering into her bedroom and noticing that Nanu wasn't there. She looked in the bathroom, thinking the little scamp might be fucking around with the lights again, but she wasn't there, either. She then noticed that the door to the spare room was open. She went inside and found Nanu kneeling at the window, her chin resting on her hands as she gazed outside, watching the street. She seemed fascinated, and the more Becky thought about it, the more she realized this made complete sense. Of course, Nanu could actually see all that much, because of the trees that lined the street, but what was happening just below had her rapt attention. "Like what you see?" she asked, coming up behind Nanu and stroking her fingers through the girl's long black hair. "I don't have the words, mistress," Nanu sighed, still watching. "Everyone is so tall. And the metal monsters are everywhere, but they stay on the black road." Becky giggled. "They are driven by people, Nanu, just like chariots were in your day. The people are inside them, that's all. And yes, they can be dangerous if the people driving them are not careful, or if people on foot walk in front of them;” Nanu blushed slightly at that. "But don't worry, I'll teach you how to be safe," Becky promised. "I have one of those metal things myself, you know." Nanu turned and looked at her with wide eyes. "You own a monster?" Becky smirked. "Yes, most adults do, darling. They are not monsters, they are just machines. They get us from one place to another." Nanu seemed hesitant. "What; what are the machines called in your En-gush?" Becky smiled. "Well, we commonly call them 'cars', but the actual word is 'automobile', I believe." "It would scare me to be in one," the smaller girl said. "You're sure it will not eat me?" Becky laughed. "I've been driving my monster for almost ten years now, darling, and it hasn't eaten me. I promise, we'll take it slow. However, I came up to tell you that it's time to make dinner, and I wanted to know if you'd care to watch." Nanu nodded and let Becky take her by the hand and lead her back downstairs. "I was thinking I would let you decide what we eat, darling. I'll put out some things, and you can choose a couple that I'll make a meal from." Nanu nodded and Becky put an apron on over her nude body, just in case she ended up cooking more bacon. The smaller girl watched as she pulled various things out of the fridge, some of which were obviously fruits and vegetables, others being meats in various forms. "Wassa?" she asked, pointing at something that looked like thin, round slices of a vaguely pinkish-brown color. "What, that?" Becky said somewhat distractedly, looking at what Nanu was pointing to for a quick second before returning her attention to the fridge. She remembered to revert to Latin. "That's just bologna, it's nothing to worry about." "Ba-lo;” Nanu repeated, picking up some slices and popping them in her mouth when Becky wasn't looking. "Let's see here," Becky mumbled, bent over and inside the fridge, which was very nice, but way too big for her personal needs. "I've clearly gotta go shopping soon. Here's some salad mix, and then we have some' "Umm!" The unexpected (and rather disconcerting) sound compelled Becky to rear back out of the fridge and whirl around, wondering what wild animal had somehow made its way into her home. She paused when she saw Nanu standing there, her eyes wide in shock and her cheeks bulging like a chipmunk's while she tried to masticate on all the bologna she had stuffed in her mouth. Her lips couldn't even quite shut. "Nanu," Becky said in quiet disbelief, blinking and shaking her head for a moment, and forgetting to speak in Latin. "Did you just snarf all my bologna?" "Ba; lo;” Nanu mumbled, trying to force it down her gullet. She looked like an ostrich trying to swallow a doorknob. Becky just watched as Nanu performed some peristaltic wizardry with her throat until, against all odds, the bologna was gone from her mouth. The Egyptian girl was touching her lips with her fingers and then looking at her fingers in wonder. She even licked them at one point before looking up at Becky, her eyes flooded with wonder. "Mistress," she said quietly. "I want more ba-lo." "Wait, what?" Becky blurted, shaking her head again, as if she couldn't believe what she'd just heard. "Did you just say you want more bologna?" "Yes," Nanu replied earnestly, nodding. "It is the best thing I have ever eaten. I never want to eat anything else ever again." "Nanu, you can't just eat bologna for the rest of your life," Becky pointed out. "But, mistress, I will die if I don't have more!" Nanu whined rather dramatically. "I don't want to die!" "Dying is exactly what you'll do if you try to eat nothing but ba-lo," Becky pressed, failing to notice she was now using Nanu's word for the damnable stuff. "It's full of nitrates and all those things that gave you the raging shits this morning. Remember that?" "But it's the best thing I've ever eaten, mistress," Nanu continued to whine. "People who don't love ba-lo are stupid!" "Nanu, it's full of those nitrates and preservatives, crazy amounts of the stuff," Becky iterated firmly. "You'll shit yourself to death, woman." The Egyptian girl looked positively heartbroken. "I'm not saying you can never have ba-lo, all I'm saying is that you can't eat just ba-lo or you will die on my toilet, and I am not explaining that to the vigiles." Nanu sighed loudly and looked put out. "Fine." "As your body adapts, you'll be able to eat more and more things," the blonde woman assured her. "But it will take time, and you will never be able to survive on ba-lo alone. It's not very good for you, even if it tastes good." "Then why does your society have it at all?" Nanu asked, frowning. "We like things that are bad for us too, sometimes," Becky said, feeling the need to defend her era from this sort of punitive accusation. Frankly, she'd never seen herself having to answer for her world to people from bygone ages who were observing how they did things in modern times. "Indulgences, I guess." "Will we be eating anything nearly as good as ba-lo for dinner?" Nanu asked, looking to change the subject now that she had been thwarted from true happiness. "Just you watch," Becky said, accepting the challenge. To Nanu's surprise, they ended up eating vegetables and cooked fish, things she was familiar with, and they tasted good. To her delight, she was even allowed to have dessert, a bowl of something her mistress called 'ice cream'. It was cold, sweet, and delicious. It was three different colors, and they all tasted great. She was positively giddy by the time she'd finished her bowl. Becky suspected that Nanu was also on an incredible sugar high. "So what do you want to do before bed, my love?" Becky asked as she did the dishes. "I know it's been a long day." Nanu thought about that. "Well, we need to bathe again, and to fuck, but before then, Mistress, can you show me more of your world using the magic boxes?" "Of course we can," Becky said cheerfully. "And it's not only my world anymore, Nanu, it's your world too now. It's our world." Nanu thought about that for some time and then nodded. "Please show me my new world, Mistress. There must be so much to see." Some minutes later, they were in Becky's little office, surrounded by her file cabinets and sitting at her desk where she kept her computer. Nanu watched in fascination as Re-be-kah used a small device in her hand to control the glowing black box sitting on the short table. "Would you like to see Egypt, sweetheart?" Becky asked. Nanu nodded eagerly. Even if her land had been taken over by the sandy-assed Arab nomads, she still wanted to see her homeland. Becky called up some pictures that she thought Nanu might recognize. She Googled pictures of the Sphynx, the pyramids of Giza, the Nile river. "What are all the endless ugly buildings, Mistress?" Nanu asked, frowning. "Those are homes, mostly," Becky said, realizing she might have opened a can of worms. "Egypt is a very populous country these days." "Is it mighty?" the younger girl predictably asked. "Well; no," Becky admitted. "At least, not compared to the great countries of the world." "Stupid Arabs," Nanu muttered, folding her arms and scowling. "At least they didn't fuck up the great monuments of our gods and kings. What about you, Mistress? What of your ancestors?" Becky considered. "My ancestors are from Britain, mostly. Do you remember who the Britons were? We talked about them earlier, the musicians." Nanu nodded. "Savages. Their stinky warriors were captured in war by the Romans and paraded through the streets of Rome. They were tall, wild-eyed, and they stank. They painted themselves blue. You don't win wars by painting yourself blue. Your ancestors were stupid, Mistress." Becky started calling up pictures of England, intent on showing Nanu the beautiful countryside. She excitedly clicked on a picture of Stonehenge. "This is a religious site my ancestors erected," she explained, making sure the picture filled the frame of the screen. "It was made about the same time as your Sphynx and your pyramids, around four-thousand and five-hundred years ago." Nanu looked at the stone monument and frowned. "That's it? My ancestors gifted the Horemakhet and the meri to the world and your ancestors stacked rocks in a circle? No wonder the Romans conquered them, Mistress. Your ancestors were small and weak!" "They're very big rocks," Becky mumbled, blushing and feeling silly now that Nanu had given her some perspective. Nanu's people were the rulers of a great and sophisticated empire at the same time that Becky's were smearing themselves with woad and probably stuffing berries up their noses. "More like giant slabs, really. What else do you want to see?" Nanu thought about it. "Can the magic box show us people fucking?" Becky should have seen that coming. "I; yes, it could, but I try to not use my computer for that," she lied. She'd recently come to enjoy watching student and teacher-themed porn, after all. "I try to use it for my schooling and for research." "Why would you use it for boring stuff like that when you could use it to watch people fuck?" Nanu asked, confused. Sometimes her Mistress didn't make sense. "I know," Becky said, brightening up. "You like to dance, right? Why don't I play music for you and we can dance to it? You can hear music from this time now." Nanu nodded eagerly again. Becky thought about what to play, trying to make an emotional connection with Nanu. Well, she says she likes the flaming cock-sack shirt. Seconds later, YouTube was open and an electric guitar began playing. The drums and the bass thumping in made Nanu jump for a second, but then she began listening. Becky was nodding her head and beginning to dance, which Nanu began to do as well, imitating her Mistress. Soon enough, the iconic voice began singing. "Let me take you to the movie Can I take you to the show? Let me be yours ever truly Can I make your garden grow?" Nanu began to jump and prance around with the music once she'd found the rhythm, instinctively moving her body and enjoying what Jimmy Page was making her do with it. Still naked, she danced for sheer enjoyment, but also showing off for Becky. The voice continued on now. "From the houses of the holy We can watch the white doves go From the door comes Satan's daughter And it only goes to show You know!" The two girls laughed and danced together, Nanu enthralled by the sounds of the music and also the singing. She'd never heard anything like it before and knew she'd never get enough of it. They finally collapsed on the floor together, back to back, still laughing. Nanu's hand found Becky's and squeezed it. "Mistress, that music is wonderful," Nanu breathed, still exhilarated. "It was so happy and lively! Please, who sang it?" "It's the group that uses the flaming cock symbol on the shirt you like," Becky said. "Their name is Led Zeppelin. Try and say it with me. Led;” "Let;” "Zep-elin." "Thzhep-li;” "Buzz your teeth, like a bee, Nanu," Becky instructed. "Zzz;” "Zzz;” "Zep." "Zep." "Zeppelin." "Zepli." "Very close, I'm so proud of you!" Becky gushed, turning and hugging Nanu now. "And there's so much more music for you to listen to and dance to!" "May I listen to more, Mistress?" Nanu asked, her eyes bright. "What else is there?" Becky played more music, watching Nanu figure out how to dance to it all. In short order, Nanu could dance and shimmy like Elvis, go-go dance, do the Hustle, and twerk. "These dances are so much fun, Mistress!" Nanu gushed, shaking her ass in Becky's face. The blonde woman laughed and smacked one of her lover's ass cheeks, making Nanu squeak, but keep dancing. "Just wait until I teach you the Charleston, then," Becky said, not at all surprised that Nanu learned the moves so quickly. She was an accomplished little dancer, after all. "Looks like you've built up a sweat, babe, you ready for another bath or a shower?" "Can you teach me how to control the water, Mistress?" Nanu asked hopefully. "I promise to be careful." "Okay, as long as you remember that it costs money to run the water," Becky said, holding up a finger. "And I don't want you flooding the place, either." Nanu nodded her assent and Becky led the way back to the bathroom. She showed Nanu how to work the sink first, explaining that it was just a smaller version of the bathtub, so easier to manage. Once Nanu understood how to regulate the hot and cold water, Becky allowed her to try and use the shower function in the tub. Nanu found the temperature she liked and then pulled on the knob that controlled the showerhead, squealing in delight when the water jetted out. "This is so much fun!" she exclaimed, bouncing and clapping. "You're forgetting the most fun part of a shower," Becky purred as they stepped in. The two women sank to their knees and immediately began making out under the deluge. Before things got too hot and heavy, Becky broke off the kiss, making Nanu whine as she stood up. She pulled the showerhead out of its holder. "Get ready, Nanu," she whispered as she held the showerhead pointing down, a sly smile on her face as she switched the water from the spray setting to the jets. "Remember this? You're about to scream your head right off;” Nanu was still looking at her Mistress' face, bracing herself, but her eyes snapped open suddenly and she get out a strangled cry as Becky turned the showerhead over, placing it right under Nanu's cunt and letting the water batter her nether lips and clit unannounced. Nanu shuddered violently, Becky's arm wrapping around her small body to hold her in place. The Egyptian girl's eyes rolled up into her head and she came in mere seconds, wailing like she was possessed, and her body going through a warp-spasm of ecstasy. She sagged in Becky's arm, her body now limp but trembling. Becky smiled and simply held the girl until she stirred and came to. Nanu looked up at her through heavily lidded eyes. "You broke my cunt, Mistress;” she managed to say in a tiny voice. Becky giggled and rested her against the back of the tub, before smiling wickedly. "Want to see me use it on myself and watch me cum? I'm an old hand at this." Nanu nodded tiredly, but watched intently. Becky began teasing herself with the showerhead, moving it around her cunt and inner thighs, never keeping it in one place for long, and keeping the spray light. She made sighing and cooing noises, shivering deliciously. Nanu seemed to have recovered and was watching in fascination, her own legs spread while she gently massaged her cuntlips. Becky moaned and pinched at her nipples while she played the water directly over her snatch, squirming and gyrating as the spray pleasured her. Nanu watched her Mistress' skin turn rather pink, Re-be-kah's breaths starting to shorten and come in gasps. Her tiny hand played with her cunt faster, her earlier fatigue seemingly forgotten. Becky moved the little key below the spouts to the other size of the nozzle, the gentle rain effect once again becoming three concentrated jets that battered her cunt and clit from right below, like she had done to Nanu. Her breath caught in her throat and she shuddered, holding on for as long as she could before surrendering to the orgasm. She normally had more control than this, but maybe the thrill of masturbating in front of Nanu had made her more excited and sensitive than normal. No matter what the reason, the climax was one of the hardest Becky had ever given herself, and better than what some lovers had given her. She screeched through clenched teeth, almost doubling over as her cunt turned itself inside out from the intense waves of ecstasy that tore at her. A full thirty seconds passed before she tumbled backwards, lying on her back in the tub and staring at the ceiling, gulping air like a fish out of water. Nanu got on her hands and knees and crept forward, removing the showerhead from Becky's hand and looking at her Mistress' body. Her cunt was still twitching from the orgasm. That had been great fun to watch. "Mistress, you're pissing yourself," she remarked, even if she didn't blame Becky. She'd done it, after all. "Yeah, that; happens to me sometimes;” Becky said breathlessly, still staring up at nothing. "It happens to me too," Nanu said affectionately, crawling over her Mistress and then settling down to snuggle into her, their pussies kissing gently. Becky shivered before making a quizzical face. "Nanu, are you pissing on my cunt?" "Maybe a little," the raven-haired girl sighed, still snuggling. "I wanted to share the moment with you." "That's fair," Becky allowed, too tired to actually care. They were in a shower after all, so they could get clean. "Did you enjoy that?" "Hmm, yes," Nanu purred, nodding a little, her head resting on Becky's large boobs. "It will be one of my new favorite things to do while you are gone." "Just remember the rules," Becky iterated before sitting up wearily and dislodging Nanu from her cleavage. "We should get a good night's sleep, my love. Tomorrow is a big day in setting up the rest of your new life." "Can we fuck again?" Nanu asked somewhat predictably. "Tell you what," Becky giggled, turning off the water and leading Nanu out of the shower. "If I fall asleep, you can just do what you want with me until you cum, but then you have to sleep. We'll have a good fuck in the morning and shower again to get ready. Deal?" "Yes, Mistress." An hour later. They were lying wrapped up in one another, and Becky hoped that she'd tired Nanu out to the place that the insatiable little brat would go to sleep. Becky must have made her cum at least eight times, and hopefully all the ba-lo would not wake her up in the middle of the night. "Thank you, Mistress," Nanu said dreamily, holding herself against Becky. It was the most comforting and secure thing she had ever felt or could imagine, even more than hugging her beloved sister, Kiya. "I love you so much." "I love you too, Nanu," Becky whispered back, caressing Nanu's damp, dark hair lovingly. "You'll always keep me safe, right?" the tiny girl asked. "You and M-ark." Becky nodded. "In saecula saeculorum." The two women kissed lovingly before drifting off into a deep sleep, wrapped in each other's arms. Monday morning. After waking up with vigorous girl-fucking and licking one another's pussies, followed by a shower, they were now eating breakfast. Becky decided to wait until after they'd finished the meal before getting dressed, just in case Nanu proved sloppy in the morning. "I love this dish, Mistress," Nanu said as she powered her way through the bowl in front of her. It was full of sweet berries and a type of crunchy cereal she didn't know, all mixed into a goopy white paste that looked like thick cum. In her own time, it was called 'oxygala'. "Do you remember what I told you it's called?" Becky asked, pausing in eating. Nanu closed her eyes for a minute. "Par-fay." "That's right," Becky said, nodding and very pleased. "The white stuff is called yogurt. If you put berries and other things in it, it's called a parfait. They're fun and even good for you." "Can ba-lo go in the parfait?" Nanu asked hopefully. "No, Nanu," Becky snickered. "Even you couldn't possibly like that horror, and I'd probably get put in jail for creating it." "Your big free society doesn't sound very free to me," Nanu mumbled under her breath as she shoveled more parfait in her mouth. Back upstairs they went, after Nanu got a lesson in how to wash the dishes and put them in the dishwasher, even if she wasn't allowed to operate it yet. They cleaned up at the bathroom sink, Nanu being told that they were not having another shower, and went into the bedroom to get dressed. Becky tried to teach Nanu about coordinating her clothes so that she didn't look like a complete lunatic, and was mostly successful. Nanu couldn't decide which socks she liked best and asked to wear one of each. If Becky could keep the madness down to that level, she'd call it a win. Nanu might not have been terribly impressed with the color or shape of the track suit she was now wearing, but she had to admit that it kept her warm. Becky had fitted her into a plain white tee shirt beneath, and some underwear. Last on were the shoes, and these were proving difficult for Nanu. "They are squeezing my feet, Mistress," the girl said, frowning down at the offending footwear. Becky knelt and adjusted the Velcro straps after loosening the shoes a little. She wasn't about to get into the drama of shoelaces with Nanu, that was for damned sure. "They might be uncomfortable for a bit, sweetie, but new shoes are like that for everyone. Once you walk in them for a little bit, they'll feel just fine, I promise." She stepped aside and gestured to the hallway. "Go ahead and walk, Nanu." It was strange, because Nanu seemed suddenly unsure of how to walk. As she put her feet forward, she was almost wobbly. It occurred to Becky that Nanu wasn't used to not being able to feel the floor or the ground beneath her, but with over an inch of rubber in the way, she was having trouble trusting her balance. Holding her arms out to the sides as if she were walking a tightrope, Nanu wobbled down the hallway and back, a little more sure of herself on the return. Becky smiled and hugged her when she got back to the bedroom. "You'll be running in no time." They headed downstairs (slowly), and Becky made sure everything was turned off. She slipped on a light windbreaker and then opened the front door. Nanu waited on the porch while Becky locked the door behind them. "You need to lock your door, Mistress?" the Egyptian girl asked, rather puzzled. "Are there still criminals in your time?" "My era isn't perfect, Nanu," Becky admitted, feeling strangely silly for coming from a time where criminals still existed. "It still has problems, but you'll learn about them in due course. Some of the problems will be ones you're familiar with, others will be new to you. I'll teach you." "Good enough," Nanu said with a nod as they headed down the steps. "Now where are we going?" "We need to go downtown," Becky replied, thinking that issue through. Not only had she promised to buy new clothes for Nanu, but the chroniques merchant she'd been dealing with was located squarely downtown. There was no way in Hell anyone from her own era could forge the sort of documentation that Nanu would need to rely on to be safe, so someone from the time-travelling community was Becky's only hope. In a city of six million people, there had to be more than one temporal merchant, but damned if Becky knew where (or how) to find them yet. So this one guy was her go-to. She also pondered how to get downtown. Nanu was already afraid of cars, so maybe taking her old junker wasn't the best idea. A taxi? Still a car. The subway station that went directly downtown wasn't far away, and while Nanu wouldn't have any clue what a train was, maybe seeing other people on it with her would calm her down. That, and the walk to the subway station would help break in her shoes. "We're taking a little walk to a place that has a special chariot that will bring us where we need to go," she said, beginning to walk down the street, holding Nanu's hand. She got the feeling the other girl was only partially paying attention, since she was once again looking around and Uhking at the sights of Becky's street. "It's not far." Becky's street was a nice one, lined with endless trees, and the houses had gardens. The noise of downtown and the city in general was remote. If it bothered Nanu, it wasn't showing yet, because she was still in awe of her surroundings. People walked by them, smiling and waving. Becky greeted them and Nanu smiled and waved back as well. She even figured out how to say 'Hello!' from listening to Re-be-kah and the strangers. After about fifteen minutes of walking, with minimal complaints from Nanu about her shoes, they finally arrived at the entrance to the subway station. Set on the edge of the residential area, it was simply some stairs down into the station below. Nanu paused at the top of the stairs, looking confused and wary. It occurred to Becky that it was entirely possible that Nanu had never been underground before. "I promise it is safe, darling," she said in a soothing tone, squeezing Nanu's hand. "The chariot we are going to use runs underground from one place to another, so that it is not noisy up here. I use it all the time." Nanu swallowed. "Okay. I trust you, Mistress." Side by side, they walked down into the subway station, Nanu wrinkling her nose as the gusts of stale air hit her. There were people coming and going, wearing different types of clothing, and Nanu was fascinated. She watched her Mistress pay the fare to enter, then nearly got knocked on the back of her head when she paused halfway through the turnstile. Becky took her hand again and led her down some more stairs. Nanu was frowning, because the noises were getting louder and beginning to echo. Then they were on a platform, one that held people before dropping off down into some dark path that entered tunnels on either side of this long room they were in. Nanu held herself close to Becky, getting nervous. The noises made no sense to her, and it wasn't as if Rome had been quiet. Becky looked down at her now. "Here comes our chariot, Nanu. Don't be frightened." Nanu clutched Becky harder as she felt wind pressing against her, and heard a noise that grew louder until it was an almost deafening roar. She saw strange lights in one side of the tunnel, growing closer. Finally, a giant metal; thing; rolled toward them swiftly, making all the noise. Nanu let go of Becky and clapped her hands over her ears, her eyes squeezed shut. She willed herself to not scream. And then it was quieter. There was still noise, but not nearly as loud. Nanu opened her eyes and saw the long, metal contraption in front of them, with strange doors that opened to the sides, by themselves. People walked out of the interior of the beast, seemingly unscathed. Becky looked down at her and smiled. "This is us, let's go." Trusting her Mistress, Nanu took Becky's hand again and allowed herself to be led into the thing called a 'subway train'. She looked around, wide-eyed as they found some seats and sat down. There were miniature suns everywhere overhead. An endless line of seats on either side of the narrow metal tube stretched far in each direction. People were sitting or standing, seemingly unconcerned and paying no attention. Nanu started as some awful sound chimed, and then the magic doors slid closed again, locking them inside this foul beast. There was a lurch and then it began moving forward, slowly picking up speed. Nanu looked at Becky in panic. "We're fine," Becky said, squeezing her hand again. "It's taking us where we want to go." "How does it know?" Nanu asked, forgetting her fear for a moment. She hadn't seen Re-be-kah tell the monster anything. Did it speak En-gush? She continued watching all around in fascination as the beast charged down a long, dark tunnel, eventually entering another place, different from the one they had started out. A loud woman's voice blared through the tube, no doubt in En-gush. It was a loud and unpleasant voice to Nanu, but she hadn't expected the beast to sound like that. She'd expected a horrifying roar. The process repeated several times, with Becky and Nanu ending up in a different place each time. People got on and off, but nobody got eaten. Maybe the beast didn't eat people? The unpleasant woman's voice blared over head, and Nanu scowled at the ceiling, wishing the beast would just shut the fuck up. "Here we go, darling," Becky said, standing up. "This is our stop." They waited until the beast stopped and the magic doors opened for them. People standing on the platform respectfully waited for those within to escape before entering. Becky walked with Nanu along the increasingly crowded platform until they reached some strange stairs. She helped Nanu get onto them and the smaller girl's eyes widened in shock. The metal stairs were moving! They were taking her up! What sorcery was this? Becky made sure Nanu didn't trip at the top of the escalator, and also didn't make a nuisance of herself by turning and gaping at the magic stairs while people were trying to get off it. She pulled her along through the growing crowds. At least those didn't bother Nanu. Rome had apparently had a population of around a million when Nanu had lived there. Throngs of people were nothing new to the former slave-girl. "So now we just go up that flight of stairs over there, and we'll be downtown, in the middle of the city," Becky said, pleased with how well Nanu had handled the subway. "Soon enough, we'll have everything you need." At least the hard part was over. Becky had been wrong. Becky had brought Nanu up the stairs and out onto the street, and Nanu had immediately collapsed to her knees, holding herself and shaking in fright as she stared at the ground, refusing to look up. People parted around them while Becky tried to figure out what was wrong. Nanu was almost pale, her eyes wide, and wet with tears. And then she understood. Nanu was absolutely terrified because of the skyscrapers surrounding them. Nothing like these could possibly have existed in her imagination. Some buildings in Rome might have seen tall to her, like the Colosseum, or maybe some of the other edifices, but nothing like this, where a structure soared hundreds of meters into the sky. And they were everywhere, surrounding them. There were so many that the sun wasn't even touching them. "Nanu," Becky said, kneeling down and stroking the younger girl's back. "I'm sorry, I didn't think to tell you about how tall buildings could get. I promise, you're fine." "Is she okay?" someone asked as they paused to see what was happening. "Do you need help?" "We're fine, thank you, though," Becky said, giving the person an assuring smile. "She's from a remote region in Africa and she's never seen skyscrapers before, she just got spooked." The person shrugged and wandered off. "Nanu, honey," Becky said gently, still holding her. "I know you're frightened and that you feel like you can't move, but we can't stay right here, blocking everyone. We're going to stand up and walk just out of the way, and then you can talk all the time you need, okay?" Nanu somehow nodded and Becky held her close as she helped her stand and then shuffled her out of the way of the churning crowds of the business district, standing in a clear space beneath an overhang. Nanu didn't seem to notice they were beneath one of the skyscrapers, because she was still looking at the concrete beneath her. "They'll fall," she whispered. "They'll fall on us and crush us." Becky smiled. "I promise you, my love, they won't fall on us. I have been in these buildings many, many times, since I was a little girl. They don't fall, they were erected by master builders. In my day and age, we were just able to build taller things than people in your day were. Just as you built taller things than your ancestors, right?" Nanu squeezed her eyes shut, clenching her teeth. Becky realized that all the honking of horns, the screech of hydraulic brakes, and various other sounds of modern technology were getting to Nanu. She'd never heard anything remotely like them, of course. "Nanu," Becky cooed, taking the lovely Egyptian girl's face in her hands and smiling at her. "Remember how I said that Rome stunk like shit and I'd never get used to it?" Nanu nodded slowly. Her eyes were still wide and haunted. "And do you remember laughing and telling me that I would get used to it if I made up my mind about it?" Another nod. "Sometimes my world is loud, Nanu," she continued. "In ways you cannot anticipate. Far, far louder than you can imagine. And lots of things will seem impossibly big to you. But if I can get used to the stink of Rome, I promise you that you can stop being afraid of all this stuff in my world, okay?" At that very moment, of course, a huge cement truck blared its horn, and Nanu shrieked in fright and threw herself against Becky, shaking like a leaf. Becky held her close, whispering to her and reassuring her. Nanu had never heard anything remotely that loud, even in this time. This was going to be a slow process, clearly. Nanu just had to trust Becky, and Becky had to be infinitely patient. "Mistress," Nanu said in a tiny voice, her face still pressed into Becky's shoulder. "We might need to find one of your washrooms, I think I pissed myself." Becky sighed and nodded. There was a food court in the building just behind them, and washrooms no doubt would be at hand. She only wished she'd thought of bringing spare clothes in case this happened. Was looking after someone from the distant past really supposed to be this hard? A small, out-of-the-way bookshop just off Yonge Street. The more Becky thought about it, the more she realized that this forgotten nook away from all the crowds was the perfect place for the chroniques dealer to have his business. After all, he wasn't looking for revenue from the people of the 21st century, was he? Becky and Mark were notable exceptions to that rule. Being off the beaten path made it easier for his time-travelling customers to find him and go about their business without interference. Still downtown and accessible, but a few doors down from the country's busiest avenue, on an obscure side street. Perfect for this sort of enterprise. They had walked north from the business district with its endless skyscrapers, Nanu steadfastly refusing to look back at them. There were still tall buildings, like the Eaton Centre towers, or the Aura Tower, but they were more spaced out, not completely surrounding them on all sides. Most of the buildings were of a height Nanu seemed to be able to handle, even if the street traffic was still scaring her with its noise. She would stop occasionally to look in store windows, seemingly fascinated by whatever they were selling. At one point, Becky laughed and had to pull Nanu's face off a window, because she was Uhking at the people just inside, trying to eat their food. Nanu didn't know what a restaurant was. They reached their destination and the store was blissfully quiet as they slipped inside, with Eighties music playing over the tinny old speakers. "Get off the car Kick his chain Kick his pride Get him soaked hit run Lift up your toes In my mouth And we can make love And we can go And we can go And we can go We're covered by the sacred fire When you come to me You come to me broke;” "Miss Fischer, it's good to see you again," the old man behind the desk said, smiling at her from beneath a face full of grey whiskers that any Who in Whoville would envy. He looked at her companion. "And this must be Nanu." "Oh, uh, yes," Becky said, caught off-guard that he seemed to know. "This is Nanu. Pardon me for asking, Walter, but why did you know that?" His smile was kindly. "The Agency came by, was advising dealers that a rare event had occurred, an Egyptian girl from the distant past coming forward, a distinctive girl named Nanu. She only speaks Latin and Coptic, right?" Becky nodded while Nanu just looked on, knowing they were talking about her. She trusted her Mistress, however. "I was actually coming by for that reason. If she's going to stay, not only will she need some foolproof documentation of various sorts, but I was hoping we could speed up her English by chipping her, you know? Like we did with Mark for Latin and Greek." "No harm in trying, right?" the old man named Walter reasoned. "After all, it didn't harm Mark." "Who can tell with that boy sometimes," Becky sighed, shaking her head. "In any event, Mark and that Holmes Field Device aren't available to us for the next three months, since I am trying to catch up with him, so we're sort of on our own. I'm not looking for any temporal thingies, just ways to make Nanu's life manageable, since she's stuck here with me." "We should be able to do this one mostly gratis," Walter said. "The news of your girl is already around the time stream, and it's giving me business, since people know I helped her out." Becky thought about that. "Meaning you know you already helped her out." "You're getting the hang of it," Walter said. "When you're predestined to do something because you have found out it's supposed to happen, we in the community call it 'fating'. Whatever it is you've found out you're supposed to do, it happens, even if you try to make it not happen." "So you couldn't refuse to help us right now?" Becky asked, a wry expression on her face. "Literally, what's stopping you from refusing to help us?" Walter chuckled. "Could be anything. It might turn out that there's a clone of me somewhere that helps you when my back is turned. Or maybe the clone refused to help, and I did. All I can tell you is that today, Nanu gets helped by me, no matter what anyone wants, myself included." "That sounds inconvenient." "Nobody likes feeling helpless," Walter reasoned. "It's why we try to avoid knowing things and being fated. If I could prove to you tomorrow that you'd be swept away by a white knight and taken off to a fairy tale wedding and happily ever after, nothing whatsoever you do would stop it. You're stuck having your happy ending and you had no choice in the matter." Becky nodded. "The less I know about the future, especially my own, the better off I am, because my choices are, in theory, still my own." "Excellent," Walter said, pleased. "Now, let's get this girl some ID, shall we?" A small, isolated room, an hour later. Nanu yawned and rubbed her temple, feeling a slight headache. Had she fallen asleep? She blinked her eyes and saw Re-be-kah smiling at her, sitting in a chair beside. "Mistress?" she said rather groggily, yawning again. "You're fine, darling," Becky said gently, squeezing her hand. "We tried to do something to help you, but we don't think it worked. I'm going to try speaking in my language and then see if you understand me, okay?" Nanu nodded. "Can you understand me?" Becky asked in concise English. Nanu blinked at her and then shook her head. "Well, damn," Becky sighed. "Can you try to say anything in my language, Nanu?" Nanu thought for a moment. "Fuck; purick in cunat." Becky giggled. "You could already say those things, you little tramp!" Nanu smiled and blushed. "We tried to help you speak my language by putting a little thing inside your head, but it didn't work." Nanu pressed her fingers to her temple, where the localized discomfort was. "Did I do something wrong, Mistress, to make it not work?" Becky shook her head. "No, it has nothing to do with you, really. One day, it might work, so we'll keep it where it is, I guess. No harm in waiting it out." She dug around in her purse she was carrying. "Meanwhile;” The blonde was smiling brightly as she presented Nanu with a handful of items. "We managed to create an identity for you in this world. It's a good start." Nanu examined the things curiously. She opened a small, greenish shell with a stylized bird on it, her eyes widening when she saw her own image looking back at her. Her own lovely face. There was some flowing script she did not recognize at all along with it. "It is called a 'passport'," Becky explained. "It tells officials who you are and where you are from. This says you are from Egypt." "Well, I am," the Egyptian girl reasoned with a small shrug. "Just not your Egypt." "Correct, but they won't know that, and that's safer for you," Becky agreed. "Your name is now Nanu Tehemet." The girl's eyes went wide. "My name is Queen Nanu?" Becky laughed. "Nobody anywhere will know what Tehemet means, sweetie, it's just your surname now for convenience. Also, we made some medical records for you, including your blood type. And I still need to put in a call and have a doctor lined up who will look after you." Becky knew that part might be tricky, since any doctor from her own era would be confused by Nanu's physiology, genetic code, and dental records. She was completely unique that way. Could any modern doctor be trusted? Did she need to find a doctor who was a member of the temporal community to look after Nanu? Questions, always more questions. "A doctor?" Nanu almost groused, wrinkling her nose. "Roman doctors were smelly and evil. I hope your doctors are better." "I like to think so," Becky agreed, nodding. "But with all this information I just gave you, you'll be safer than without it. Remember how if a slave was freed in Rome, they made sure he had documents of manumission? These documents, like my own, record you as a sovereign citizen and a visitor here in Canada." "Wouldn't it make more sense to just claim I was from Ka-na-da?" Nanu reasoned. Becky smiled and caressed Nanu's cheek. "No one would believe you are from Canada, my love, you don't speak any of our languages. One day, I promise, we'll get you made a citizen. For now, this is just to ensure your safety." As always, Nanu took Becky's word for it and just nodded. "Now then," Becky said, taking the items back and then standing up, smiling brightly. "Let's go eat and get you some clothes, shall we?" Half an hour later. They were sitting in the food court of the Eaton Centre, and Nanu was devouring everything Becky had put in front of her. Becky dreaded the effects this might have on her lover's intestinal tract later, but for now, Nanu was happy. There was no food she wasn't sampling and putting away; pizza, falafel, burgers, fries, poutine, spaghetti, Chinese food. My poor bank account, she despaired slightly as she watched the tiny girl wolf down all the food with a frightening eagerness. She really likes salty things, I'll bet living on a slave's diet means she has an iodine deficiency. I'll have to see to that. Becky thought Nanu might bite her hand off when she tried to reach for one of the siu mai dumplings. Eventually, though, the Egyptian girl relented and let her Mistress have one. Becky also made the mistake of letting Nanu try some pop, and soon the girl was wired. She'd have to explain the dangers of sugar and rotting the teeth out of your head. Nanu annihilated the Timbits she had for dessert. Her little belly was swollen when she stood up from the table. She almost looked pregnant, but she was beaming with delight. Suddenly, she burped so long and loudly that everyone in the food court paused and looked at the pair. "Sorry," Becky said apologetically to the nearby tables. "It's her first day with North American fast food." "Mistress, that was all so good!" Nanu gushed, oblivious of her faux pas. "I loved it all, even the stupid cow meat!" "I think you tried just about everything except the Jamaican food," Becky said, gathering up the debris at their table to put at the disposal station. "Where?" Nanu asked, looking around hurriedly. Had they missed one? "May I try it?" "Another time, you greedy little pill," Becky laughed as she disposed of their waste. "Don't worry, we'll be back." "And you said we're underground?" Nanu asked, looking around in wonder again. The space was huge and so open, like a forum surrounded by endless shops, but there was no sky above her, just a distant white ceiling. Becky nodded. "And there are more shops above us. That's where we're going, to find clothes and so on for you." They took more of the magic moving stairs, carrying Nanu up to another level. She watched over the railing in awe, feeling so very superior to the people who were still below, like puny ants. The sights and the smells and the throngs of people enthralled her. "Mistress, I am so excited that I think I need to pee," she said, feeling a twinge in her cunt. "Just over here," Becky said, diverting them down a small hallway. "I happen to know these washrooms are pretty clean because they're seldom used." "You are so smart, Mistress," Nanu said proudly as Becky led her into the little room with all the weird stalls. Becky led her over to one of the stalls and gestured for her to enter. "Go inside, pulls down your pants, do your business, and then use the tissue like we do back at home," Becky instructed. "I'll wait out here." "You won't come in with me, Mistress?" Nanu asked. "How will you watch me pee?" "No, sweetie," Becky replied, smiling. "That's not how we customarily do things in public places in my time. I'll be right out here, though." Nanu shrugged and sighed, heading into the little stall and Becky closed it behind her. She heard the Egyptian girl shuffling around, and then Nanu let out a groan, peeing very loudly. Becky wasn't surprised, given all the pop Nanu had inhaled. The sugar crash was going to be awesome. Some other unladylike sounds followed, but at least Nanu didn't seem to be turning herself inside out like she had the previous day. Baby steps. There was a pause and Nanu seemed to be finished, so Becky began talking. "Okay, sweetie, remember what I told you. Go ahead and clean up, but just be aware of' There was a sudden flushing sound, followed by a yelp of shock and fear. A split second later, the stall door burst open and Nanu raced out, her track pants still around her ankles as she hobbled as quickly as she could toward the exit, her eyes wide in panic and once again peeing herself. "Just watch out for the automatic flush mechanism;” Becky grumbled as she loped off after Nanu before s

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3814: Ali Cornish reflects on how the rush of the holidays can disconnect us from the deeper meaning of the season, urging us to slow down, let go of perfectionism, and focus on gratitude, kindness, and presence. Her gentle reminders call us back to the heart of Christmas, not in the decorations or to-do lists, but in cultivating peace and connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://everthrive.org/blog/2016/11/21/the-meaning-of-the-season & http://everthrive.org/blog/2018/11/30/bring-back-christmas Quotes to ponder: "Peace doesn't come from everything being perfect, it comes from knowing what matters most." "Christmas doesn't have to be big to be beautiful." "We're so busy trying to create a perfect holiday experience that we miss the experience altogether." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Search for Meaning collection reflects honestly on the world we encounter each day—often messy, disheartening, and marked by brokenness. But even here, God offers hope and guidance. Journey with Thomas Barr as he explores the rich lessons of Ecclesiastes 4-5.—With Passion City Online you can join us live every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:30a! Join us at https://passioncitychurch.com/dc—Give towards what God is doing through Passion City Church: https://passioncitychurch.com/dc/give—Subscribe to our Youtube channel to see more messages https://www.youtube.com/passioncitychurchdc—Follow along with Passion City Church DC: https://www.instagram.com/passioncitydc—Follow along with Pastor Ben Stuart: https://www.instagram.com/ben_stuart_—Passion City Church is a Jesus church with locations in Atlanta and Washington D.C. For more info on Passion, visit https://passioncitychurch.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Leonardi reveals how notifications, multitasking, and endless tools quietly burn us out–and how you can reset your energy.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) The two hidden forces behind your digital exhaustion2) Simple ways to reduce attention-switching3) How to reclaim your energy from your devicesSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1112 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT PAUL — Paul Leonardi, PhD, is the award-winning Duca Family Professor of Technology Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a frequent consultant and speaker to a wide range of tech and non-tech companies like Google, Microsoft, YouTube, GM, McKinsey, and Fidelity, helping them to take advantage of new technologies while defeating digital exhaustion. He is a contributor to the Harvard Business Review and coauthor of The Digital Mindset.• Book: Digital Exhaustion: Simple Rules for Reclaiming Your Life• LinkedIn: Paul Leonardi• Faculty Profile: Paul Leonardi• Website: PaulLeonardi.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Study: “When Choice is Demotivating: Can One Desire Too Much of a Good Thing?” by Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper• Book: At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson• Book: The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt• Past episode: 832: How to Restore Yourself from Burnout with Dr. Christina Maslach— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Vanguard. Give your clients consistent results year in and year out with vanguard.com/AUDIO• Quince. Get free shipping and 365-day returns on your order with Quince.com/Awesome• Taelor. Visit Visit taelor.style and get 10% off gift cards with the code PODCASTGIFT• Cashflow Podcasting. Explore launching (or outsourcing) your podcast with a free 10-minute call with Pete.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WhoDeb Hatley, Owner of Hatley Pointe, North CarolinaRecorded onJuly 30, 2025About Hatley PointeClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Deb and David Hatley since 2023 - purchased from Orville English, who had owned and operated the resort since 1992Located in: Mars Hill, North CarolinaYear founded: 1969 (as Wolf Laurel or Wolf Ridge; both names used over the decades)Pass affiliations: Indy Pass, Indy+ Pass – 2 days, no blackoutsClosest neighboring ski areas: Cataloochee (1:25), Sugar Mountain (1:26)Base elevation: 4,000 feetSummit elevation: 4,700 feetVertical drop: 700 feetSkiable acres: 54Average annual snowfall: 65 inchesTrail count: 21 (4 beginner, 11 intermediate, 6 advanced)Lift count: 4 active (1 fixed-grip quad, 1 ropetow, 2 carpets); 2 inactive, both on the upper mountain (1 fixed-grip quad, 1 double)Why I interviewed herOur world has not one map, but many. Nature drew its own with waterways and mountain ranges and ecosystems and tectonic plates. We drew our maps on top of these, to track our roads and borders and political districts and pipelines and railroad tracks.Our maps are functional, simplistic. They insist on fictions. Like the 1,260-mile-long imaginary straight line that supposedly splices the United States from Canada between Washington State and Minnesota. This frontier is real so long as we say so, but if humanity disappeared tomorrow, so would that line.Nature's maps are more resilient. This is where water flows because this is where water flows. If we all go away, the water keeps flowing. This flow, in turn, impacts the shape and function of the entire world.One of nature's most interesting maps is its mountain map. For most of human existence, mountains mattered much more to us than they do now. Meaning: we had to respect these giant rocks because they stood convincingly in our way. It took European settlers centuries to navigate en masse over the Appalachians, which is not even a severe mountain range, by global mountain-range standards. But paved roads and tunnels and gas stations every five miles have muted these mountains' drama. You can now drive from the Atlantic Ocean to the Midwest in half a day.So spoiled by infrastructure, we easily forget how dramatically mountains command huge parts of our world. In America, we know this about our country: the North is cold and the South is warm. And we define these regions using battle maps from a 19th Century war that neatly bisected the nation. Another imaginary line. We travel south for beaches and north to ski and it is like this everywhere, a gentle progression, a continent-length slide that warms as you descend from Alaska to Panama.But mountains disrupt this logic. Because where the land goes up, the air grows cooler. And there are mountains all over. And so we have skiing not just in expected places such as Vermont and Maine and Michigan and Washington, but in completely irrational ones like Arizona and New Mexico and Southern California. And North Carolina.North Carolina. That's the one that surprised me. When I started skiing, I mean. Riding hokey-poke chairlifts up 1990s Midwest hills that wouldn't qualify as rideable surf breaks, I peered out at the world to figure out where else people skied and what that skiing was like. And I was astonished by how many places had organized skiing with cut trails and chairlifts and lift tickets, and by how many of them were way down the Michigan-to-Florida slide-line in places where I thought that winter never came: West Virginia and Virginia and Maryland. And North Carolina.Yes there are ski areas in more improbable states. But Cloudmont, situated in, of all places, Alabama, spins its ropetow for a few days every other year or so. North Carolina, home to six ski areas spinning a combined 35 chairlifts, allows for no such ambiguity: this is a ski state. And these half-dozen ski centers are not marginal operations: Sugar Mountain and Cataloochee opened for the season last week, and they sometimes open in October. Sugar spins a six-pack and two detach quads on a 1,200-foot vertical drop.This geographic quirk is a product of our wonderful Appalachian Mountain chain, which reaches its highest points not in New England but in North Carolina, where Mount Mitchell peaks at 6,684 feet, 396 feet higher than the summit of New Hampshire's Mount Washington. This is not an anomaly: North Carolina is home to six summits taller than Mount Washington, and 12 of the 20-highest in the Appalachians, a range that stretches from Alabama to Newfoundland. And it's not just the summits that are taller in North Carolina. The highest ski area base elevation in New England is Saddleback, which measures 2,147 feet at the bottom of the South Branch quad (the mountain more typically uses the 2,460-foot measurement at the bottom of the Rangeley quad). Either way, it's more than 1,000 feet below the lowest base-area elevation in North Carolina:Unfortunately, mountains and elevation don't automatically equal snow. And the Southern Appalachians are not exactly the Kootenays. It snows some, sometimes, but not so much, so often, that skiing can get by on nature's contributions alone - at least not in any commercially reliable form. It's no coincidence that North Carolina didn't develop any organized ski centers until the 1960s, when snowmaking machines became efficient and common enough for mass deployment. But it's plenty cold up at 4,000 feet, and there's no shortage of water. Snowguns proved to be skiing's last essential ingredient.Well, there was one final ingredient to the recipe of southern skiing: roads. Back to man's maps. Specifically, America's interstate system, which steamrolled the countryside throughout the 1960s and passes just a few miles to Hatley Pointe's west. Without these superhighways, western North Carolina would still be a high-peaked wilderness unknown and inaccessible to most of us.It's kind of amazing when you consider all the maps together: a severe mountain region drawn into the borders of a stable and prosperous nation that builds physical infrastructure easing the movement of people with disposable income to otherwise inaccessible places that have been modified for novel uses by tapping a large and innovative industrial plant that has reduced the miraculous – flight, electricity, the internet - to the commonplace. And it's within the context of all these maps that a couple who knows nothing about skiing can purchase an established but declining ski resort and remake it as an upscale modern family ski center in the space of 18 months.What we talked aboutHurricane Helene fallout; “it took every second until we opened up to make it there,” even with a year idle; the “really tough” decision not to open for the 2023-24 ski season; “we did not realize what we were getting ourselves into”; buying a ski area when you've never worked at a ski area and have only skied a few times; who almost bought Wolf Ridge and why Orville picked the Hatleys instead; the importance of service; fixing up a broken-down ski resort that “felt very old”; updating without losing the approachable family essence; why it was “absolutely necessary” to change the ski area's name; “when you pulled in, the first thing that you were introduced to … were broken-down machines and school buses”; Bible verses and bare trails and busted-up everything; “we could have spent two years just doing cleanup of junk and old things everywhere”; Hatley Pointe then and now; why Hatley removed the double chair; a detachable six-pack at Hatley?; chairlifts as marketing and branding tools; why the Breakaway terrain closed and when it could return and in what form; what a rebuilt summit lodge could look like; Hatley Pointe's new trails; potential expansion; a day-ski area, a resort, or both?; lift-served mountain bike park incoming; night-skiing expansion; “I was shocked” at the level of après that Hatley drew, and expanding that for the years ahead; North Carolina skiing is all about the altitude; re-opening The Bowl trail; going to online-only sales; and lessons learned from 2024-25 that will build a better Hatley for 2025-26.What I got wrongWhen we recorded this conversation, the ski area hadn't yet finalized the name of the new green trail coming off of Eagle – it is Pat's Way (see trailmap above).I asked if Hatley intended to install night-skiing, not realizing that they had run night-ski operations all last winter.Why now was a good time for this interviewPardon my optimism, but I'm feeling good about American lift-served skiing right now. Each of the past five winters has been among the top 10 best seasons for skier visits, U.S. ski areas have already built nearly as many lifts in the 2020s (246) as they did through all of the 2010s (288), and multimountain passes have streamlined the flow of the most frequent and passionate skiers between mountains, providing far more flexibility at far less cost than would have been imaginable even a decade ago.All great. But here's the best stat: after declining throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, the number of active U.S. ski areas stabilized around the turn of the century, and has actually increased for five consecutive winters:Those are National Ski Areas Association numbers, which differ slightly from mine. I count 492 active ski hills for 2023-24 and 500 for last winter, and I project 510 potentially active ski areas for the 2025-26 campaign. But no matter: the number of active ski operations appears to be increasing.But the raw numbers matter less than the manner in which this uptick is happening. In short: a new generation of owners is resuscitating lost or dying ski areas. Many have little to no ski industry experience. Driven by nostalgia, a sense of community duty, plain business opportunity, or some combination of those things, they are orchestrating massive ski area modernization projects, funded via their own wealth – typically earned via other enterprises – or by rallying a donor base.Examples abound. When I launched The Storm in 2019, Saddleback, Maine; Norway Mountain, Michigan; Woodward Park City; Thrill Hills, North Dakota; Deer Mountain, South Dakota; Paul Bunyan, Wisconsin; Quarry Road, Maine; Steeplechase, Minnesota; and Snowland, Utah were all lost ski areas. All are now open again, and only one – Woodward – was the project of an established ski area operator (Powdr). Cuchara, Colorado and Nutt Hill, Wisconsin are on the verge of re-opening following decades-long lift closures. Bousquet, Massachusetts; Holiday Mountain, New York; Kissing Bridge, New York; and Black Mountain, New Hampshire were disintegrating in slow-motion before energetic new owners showed up with wrecking balls and Home Depot frequent-shopper accounts. New owners also re-energized the temporarily dormant Sandia Peak, New Mexico and Tenney, New Hampshire.One of my favorite revitalization stories has been in North Carolina, where tired, fire-ravaged, investment-starved, homey-but-rickety Wolf Ridge was falling down and falling apart. The ski area's season ended in February four times between 2018 and 2023. Snowmaking lagged. After an inferno ate the summit lodge in 2014, no one bothered rebuilding it. Marooned between the rapidly modernizing North Carolina ski trio of Sugar Mountain, Cataloochee, and Beech, Wolf Ridge appeared to be rapidly fading into irrelevance.Then the Hatleys came along. Covid-curious first-time skiers who knew little about skiing or ski culture, they saw opportunity where the rest of us saw a reason to keep driving. Fixing up a ski area turned out to be harder than they'd anticipated, and they whiffed on opening for the 2023-24 winter. Such misses sometimes signal that the new owners are pulling their ripcords as they launch out of the back of the plane, but the Hatleys kept working. They gut-renovated the lodge, modernized the snowmaking plant, tore down an SLI double chair that had witnessed the signing of the Declaration of Independence. And last winter, they re-opened the best version of the ski area now known as Hatley Pointe that locals had seen in decades.A great winter – one of the best in recent North Carolina history – helped. But what I admire about the Hatleys – and this new generation of owners in general – is their optimism in a cultural moment that has deemed optimism corny and naïve. Everything is supposed to be terrible all the time, don't you know that? They didn't know, and that orientation toward the good, tempered by humility and patience, reversed the long decline of a ski area that had in many ways ceased to resonate with the world it existed in.The Hatleys have lots left to do: restore the Breakaway terrain, build a new summit lodge, knot a super-lift to the frontside. And their Appalachian salvage job, while impressive, is not a very repeatable blueprint – you need considerable wealth to take a season off while deploying massive amounts of capital to rebuild the ski area. The Hatley model is one among many for a generation charged with modernizing increasingly antiquated ski areas before they fall over dead. Sometimes, as in the examples itemized above, they succeed. But sometimes they don't. Comebacks at Cockaigne and Hickory, both in New York, fizzled. Sleeping Giant, Wyoming and Ski Blandford, Massachusetts both shuttered after valiant rescue attempts. All four of these remain salvageable, but last week, Four Seasons, New York closed permanently after 63 years.That will happen. We won't be able to save every distressed ski area, and the potential supply of new or revivable ski centers, barring massive cultural and regulatory shifts, will remain limited. But the protectionist tendencies limiting new ski area development are, in a trick of human psychology, the same ones that will drive the revitalization of others – the only thing Americans resist more than building something new is taking away something old. Which in our country means anything that was already here when we showed up. A closed or closing ski area riles the collective angst, throws a snowy bat signal toward the night sky, a beacon and a dare, a cry and a plea: who wants to be a hero?Podcast NotesOn Hurricane HeleneHelene smashed inland North Carolina last fall, just as Hatley was attempting to re-open after its idle year. Here's what made the storm so bad:On Hatley's socialsFollow:On what I look for at a ski resortOn the Ski Big Bear podcastIn the spirit of the article above, one of the top 10 Storm Skiing Podcast guest quotes ever came from Ski Big Bear, Pennsylvania General Manager Lori Phillips: “You treat everyone like they paid a million dollars to be there doing what they're doing”On ski area name changesI wrote a piece on Hatley's name change back in 2023:Ski area name changes are more common than I'd thought. I've been slowly documenting past name changes as I encounter them, so this is just a partial list, but here are 93 active U.S. ski areas that once went under a different name. If you know of others, please email me.On Hatley at the point of purchase and nowGigantic collections of garbage have always fascinated me. That's essentially what Wolf Ridge was at the point of sale:It's a different place now:On the distribution of six-packs across the nationSix-pack chairlifts are rare and expensive enough that they're still special, but common enough that we're no longer amazed by them. Mostly - it depends on where we find such a machine. Just 112 of America's 3,202 ski lifts (3.5 percent) are six-packs, and most of these (75) are in the West (60 – more than half the nation's total, are in Colorado, Utah, or California). The Midwest is home to a half-dozen six-packs, all at Boyne or Midwest Family Ski Resorts operations, and the East has 31 sixers, 17 of which are in New England, and 12 of which are in Vermont. If Hatley installed a sixer, it would be just the second such chairlift in North Carolina, and the fifth in the Southeast, joining the two at Wintergreen, Virginia and the one at Timberline, West Virginia.On the Breakaway fireWolf Ridge's upper-mountain lodge burned down in March 2014. Yowza:On proposed expansions Wolf Ridge's circa 2007 trailmap teases a potential expansion below the now-closed Breakaway terrain:Taking our time machine back to the late ‘80s, Wolf Ridge had envisioned an even more ambitious expansion:The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

Tune in to hear:How did Florence Nightingale transform the healthcare landscape in her time?How did Rachel Carson and her book, Silent Spring, call for a greater awareness of environmental degredation and a heightened awareness of the fragility of our planet?Why did Norman Borlaug win The Nobel Prize, The Presidential Medal of Freedom and The Congressional Gold Medal? Where can his legacy be seen in the present day?Why does participating in activism lead to a greater sense of wellbeing?Why are greater levels of activism also correlated to greater physical health?LinksThe Soul of WealthOrion's Market Volatility PortalConnect with UsMeet Dr. Daniel CrosbyCheck Out All of Orion's PodcastsPower Your Growth with OrionCompliance Code: 3005-U-25304

From a 0.9 GPA in rural Utah to the faculty of Harvard, Todd Rose's life is a testament to the idea that the "standard path" is a myth. In this return appearance on Infinite Loops, Todd opens up about the gritty, unvarnished reality of his origin story—a journey that includes ten minimum wage jobs, a stint administering enemas for a living, and the life-changing intervention of a department secretary named Marilyn Diamond. We dive deep into the "Dark Horse" mindset and why the pursuit of fulfillment, rather than the pursuit of excellence, is actually the most reliable driver of success. We also bond over our mutual disdain for Frederick Taylor, explore the devastating impact of "average-based" thinking on human potential, and discuss why dignity is the bedrock of a free society—illustrated by a heartbreaking personal encounter with a jar of chunky peanut butter. If you've ever felt like a square peg in a round hole, or if you're looking for a roadmap to navigate the coming cultural shifts in the age of AI, this conversation is essential listening. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm, that's interesting!", check out our Substack. Show Notes: The 0.9 GPA and the "Correct Answer Machine" Ten minimum wage jobs and the advice to "get longer gloves" Marilyn Diamond: The improbable mentor who saved Todd's education The "No Average Brain" discovery in neuroscience Why we both despise Frederick Taylor and Scientific Management Dark Horses: Ignoring the destination to find the path Degrees of Freedom: How Todd hacked the GRE The "Chunky Peanut Butter" story and the importance of dignity Resentment, trust, and the future of AI The "Rainy Day Club" and how paradigms actually shift Books Mentioned: Collective Illusions; Todd Rose The End of Average; Todd Rose Dark Horse; Todd Rose Improbable Mentors; Mike Perry The Principles of Scientific Management; Frederick Taylor The Structure of Scientific Revolutions; Thomas Kuhn The Wealth of Nations; Adam Smith Man's Search for Meaning; Viktor Frankl Dignity; Chris Arnade Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy; Joseph Schumpeter

In this special Revenue Builders Rewind episode, we revisit our powerful first conversation with Doug Holladay, CEO & founder of PathNorth and author of Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life. Doug shares his unconventional career journey and explores his philosophy on leadership, purpose, and living a more intentional life.The discussion dives into the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and meaningful relationships, as well as the value of understanding your own story and embracing vulnerability. Doug also highlights why many people need to rethink how they define both personal and professional success. He offers practical exercises for uncovering purpose and explains how simple rituals can help ground your life in reflection and gratitude.Stay tuned for more episodes with Doug as we continue our series with him in 2026.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESConnect with J. Douglas Holladay:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougholladay/Listen to the earlier episodes with Doug - each one delves into a different aspect of successful business leadership: The Power of Gratitude: https://www.forcemanagement.com/the-power-of-gratitude-an-in-depth-discussion-with-douglas-holladayKnowing Your Story: https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/know-your-story-to-achieve-true-success-with-doug-holladayRethinking Success and Finding Purpose: https://www.forcemanagement.com/rethinking-success-and-finding-purpose-with-doug-holladayLearn more about Doug's CEO programs: https://www.pathnorth.com/Read the Guide on Six Critical Priorities for Revenue Leadership in 2026: https://hubs.li/Q03JN74V0Explore Force Management's Free SKO Planning Resources: https://hubs.li/Q03K94cs0Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:03:38] Finding Purpose and Passion[00:04:27] Understanding Life Patterns[00:07:17] The Impact of Family Stories[00:18:48] Authentic Leadership and Vulnerability[00:34:10] The Importance of Knowing People's Stories[00:37:30] Understanding Personal Stories[00:38:34] Pandemic-Induced Self-Reflection[00:39:31] Pain as a Catalyst for Change[00:41:14] Traits of Great Leaders[00:46:08] Founding PathNorth[00:56:55] The Power of Gratitude[01:03:24] Rapid Fire QuestionsHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:04:22] “Put your life in five-year blocks... What did you love doing and what did others say you were good at?”[00:06:59] “Most of us get eclipsed by the money chase.”[00:07:59] “If you don't create space to think and feel, you'll be one of those whose light goes out.”[00:10:50] “We're all born in someone else's story.”[00:13:21] “The story you have seen will be your family unless you break those patterns.”[00:16:13] “Our point of identity is not our strength, it's our brokenness.”[00:18:37] “Meaning is what you want to go for. You can be in the most godawful situations and still find meaning.”[00:22:17] “Everybody has a story. The most successful people are the ones who let people tell their stories.”[00:27:09] “When the price of making more begins to do bad things to my soul, it's time to leave.”[00:28:40] “Gratitude is the only emotion that cannot share space with any other emotion.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Any Questions Or Advice You Want the Chicos Tóxicos to Answer? Shop the merch here!⬇️https://chicostoxico.comFollow the chicos toxicos here!https://youtube.com/@Chicostoxicos?si=uwEqk208eMa9WlyL​⁠​Diego's personal YT:    /  ​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠ @Diegovnoboa ​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠   Felipe's personal YT:    / ​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠ ​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠ @felipito967Chicos Toxicos YT: ​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠ @Chicostoxicos​⁠ @IntoxicadosPodcast  FOLLOW FELIPE ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/felipit096/...SNAPCHAT: ITSSS.FELIPETIKTOK: FELIPITO96FOLLOW DIEGO ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/diegovnoboa...SNAPCHAT: DIEGONOBOAATIKTOK: DIEGOVNOBOA  / discord  FOLLOW BRANDON ON:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/donbrandom/

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3814: Ali Cornish reflects on how the rush of the holidays can disconnect us from the deeper meaning of the season, urging us to slow down, let go of perfectionism, and focus on gratitude, kindness, and presence. Her gentle reminders call us back to the heart of Christmas, not in the decorations or to-do lists, but in cultivating peace and connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://everthrive.org/blog/2016/11/21/the-meaning-of-the-season & http://everthrive.org/blog/2018/11/30/bring-back-christmas Quotes to ponder: "Peace doesn't come from everything being perfect, it comes from knowing what matters most." "Christmas doesn't have to be big to be beautiful." "We're so busy trying to create a perfect holiday experience that we miss the experience altogether." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A man climbs a ladder to hang drapes and slips into a lifetime's truth: he's been decorating emptiness. We sat with Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich and asked hard questions about status, ritual, and the kind of love that only shows up when it costs.Quick story snapshot (Tolstoy): Ivan Ilyich, a successful judge with a “proper” life, suffers a fatal illness after a trivial accident. As pain strips away his self-deception, society's politeness rings hollow—only the servant Gerasim meets him with honest compassion. In his final hours Ivan sees that a life ordered around comfort and appearances cannot save; repentance and self-giving love can.What we explore (through an Orthodox lens):Marriage as sanctification, not transaction—a place where pride dies and love learns to serve.Rituals with a why—why liturgy and household habits either form us or numb us.Seeing with others' eyes—how wives, husbands, converts, and cradle faithful re-read the same text and grow empathy.The bruise as a parable of sin—ignored at first, spreading quietly, distorting how we see those closest to us.Gerasim's ordinary holiness—humility, patience, and joy as the persuasive answer to “main-character energy.”Recovering a shared moral language—how myth and realism help us talk about death, judgment, and mercy in an age of “my truth.”Takeaway: Don't wait for a deathbed to choose communion over isolation. Read bravely, examine your ladders, and practice the love that moves first—especially when it costs.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses Radio: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses Radio on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTokPlease leave a comment with your thoughts!

When you've lived through Hollywood blockbusters and Silicon Valley start-ups, you collect a few lessons about focus, fear and meaning. In this episode, Andy Goram talks with Steven Puri, founder of The Sukha Company, about the link between creativity, purpose and deep work. Steven's career has spanned DreamWorks, Fox and tech ventures — but today his focus is on something subtler: helping people find ease and meaning in what they do. This conversation isn't about hacks or hustle. It's about what really drives us — why we work, how fear holds us back, and how we can find the calm, creative flow that comes when purpose and focus align. Warm, honest and deeply human, it's an episode about living — and working — with Sukha. ----more---- Key Takeaways Purpose gives depth to performance. Before chasing productivity, ask why you want to perform. Meaning drives mastery. Leadership is about drawing out greatness. Managers track tasks; leaders help people shine. Fear blocks flow. Psychological safety frees creativity and purpose. Sukha means alignment, not effort. Ease and joy appear when you're doing the work you're meant to do. ----more---- Key Moments The key moments in this episode are: 0:01:17 – Purpose, Fear and Flow: An Unplanned Conversation 0:05:01 – The Story Behind The Sukha Company 0:08:25 – The Customer Who Defined Sukha 0:14:45 – Leadership and Drawing Out Greatness 0:17:48 – Fear, Failure and the Role of Psychological Safety 0:21:09 – Lessons from Spielberg: The Best Idea Wins 0:25:01 – Meaning, Emotion and Purposeful Work 0:33:12 – Living with Intention, Flow and Focus 0:44:55 – Steven's Three Sticky Notes of Advice ----more---- Join The Conversation Find Andy Goram on LinkedIn here Listen to the Podcast on YouTube here Follow the Podcast on Instagram here Follow the Podcast on Twitter here Follow the Podcast on Facebook here Check out the Bizjuicer website here Get a free consultation with Andy here Check out the Bizjuicer blog here Download the podcast here ----more---- Useful Links Follow Steven Puri on LinkedIn here Find the Sukah Company website here ----more---- Full Episode Transcript Get the full transcript of the episode here

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3814: Ali Cornish reflects on how the rush of the holidays can disconnect us from the deeper meaning of the season, urging us to slow down, let go of perfectionism, and focus on gratitude, kindness, and presence. Her gentle reminders call us back to the heart of Christmas, not in the decorations or to-do lists, but in cultivating peace and connection. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://everthrive.org/blog/2016/11/21/the-meaning-of-the-season & http://everthrive.org/blog/2018/11/30/bring-back-christmas Quotes to ponder: "Peace doesn't come from everything being perfect, it comes from knowing what matters most." "Christmas doesn't have to be big to be beautiful." "We're so busy trying to create a perfect holiday experience that we miss the experience altogether." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Podcast Summary: Living a Meaningful Life — Insights from Ecclesiastes Today's episode wraps up our journey through the book of Ecclesiastes—a book that cuts through the noise and gets real about what actually matters. Ecclesiastes doesn't waste words. It points us straight to the heart of a meaningful, God-honoring life. 1. The Core Message: Fear God. Keep His Commands. Meaning starts with God, not us. He created us with intention, direction, and purpose. His commands aren't restrictions—they're a gift. They keep us aligned with the life He designed, not the cheap substitutes we often chase. Example: Just like a blueprint protects a builder from costly mistakes, God's commands keep us grounded and growing in the right direction. 2. Two Ways to Live: Human Wisdom vs. God's Wisdom Human wisdom feels right, until it doesn't. It promises fulfillment but ends in frustration. God's wisdom leads to life—strong, steady, and meaningful. When we trust His way, our perspective shifts: obedience becomes freedom, not burden. Thought: Where are you leaning on your own understanding instead of God's? 3. Accountability: Nothing Is Hidden Ecclesiastes reminds us that God sees every action—public and private. That's not meant to scare us but to anchor us. God's judgment is thorough, but His heart is merciful. He invites us to live with integrity, gratitude, and purpose. Anecdote: Think of the quiet decisions you make when no one is watching. Those moments form the real you—and God cares about every one. 4. The Bottom Line: Truth Worth Living The “whole duty” of humanity is simple: fear God and keep His commandments. It's not complicated, but it's powerful. Live this truth, and your life gains depth, direction, and eternal significance. Forward-Thinking Challenge: What's one command of God you need to lean into this week to realign your life with His purpose? Scriptures to Keep You Centered Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust Him fully. Micah 6:8 — Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly.

Roya J is an emerging young recording artist out of Orlando, Florida, bringing pure feel-good energy to the culture. On this episode of POWER 102.8 Los Angeles, she breaks down the story and vibe behind her breakout record “Dancey Dance,” an electrifying, high-tempo track that's been making serious waves across social media. Tap in as Roya J talks inspiration, confidence, and creating music that makes people move the second the beat drops.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/power-102-8-los-angeles/donations

$1 Patreon sale "DRAMA": https://www.patreon.com/cw/illuminatiwatcherOn today's episode of the Occult Symbolism and Pop Culture with Isaac Weishaupt podcast we're tracing ‘6–7' from a Philly drill rapper named Skrilla, through Santería rituals, blood sacrifice, and an Orisha trickster god of the crossroads, all the way to Crowley, 777, John Dee's 007, and the number 13 as a symbol of breaking God's order. Is ‘6–7' just dumb brain-rot slang, or a chaos sigil the culture is unconsciously manifesting? $1 Patreon sale! Promo Code “DRAMA” (expires Nov 30, 2025): https://www.patreon.com/cw/illuminatiwatcherLinks:I'm back on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@occultsymbolism (*Supporter feeds Tier 2 members get videos with early access, no ads)Beyonces Black is King: Crowleys Queen Bee of Thelema 777 the Goddess Worship and Alien Gods through Disney!https://www.illuminatiwatcher.com/beyonces-black-is-king-crowleys-queen-bee-of-thelema-777-the-goddess-worship-and-alien-gods-through-disneyShow sponsors- Get discounts while you support the show and do a little self improvement!*CopyMyCrypto.com/Isaac is where you can copy James McMahon's crypto holdings- listeners get access for just $1 WANT MORE?... Check out my UNCENSORED show with my wife, Breaking Social Norms: https://breakingsocialnorms.com/GRIFTER ALLEY- get bonus content AND go commercial free + other perks:*PATREON.com/IlluminatiWatcher : ad free, HUNDREDS of bonus shows, early access AND TWO OF MY BOOKS! (The Dark Path and Kubrick's Code); you can join the conversations with hundreds of other show supporters here: Patreon.com/IlluminatiWatcher (*Patreon is also NOW enabled to connect with Spotify! https://rb.gy/hcq13)*VIP SECTION: Due to the threat of censorship, I set up a Patreon-type system through MY OWN website! IIt's even setup the same: FREE ebooks, Kubrick's Code video! Sign up at: https://illuminatiwatcher.com/members-section/*APPLE PREMIUM: If you're on the Apple Podcasts app- just click the Premium button and you're in! NO more ads, Early Access, EVERY BONUS EPISODE More from Isaac- links and special offers:*BREAKING SOCIAL NORMS podcast, Index of EVERY episode (back to 2014), Signed paperbacks, shirts, & other merch, Substack, YouTube links, appearances & more: https://allmylinks.com/isaacw *STATEMENT: This show is full of Isaac's useless opinions and presented for entertainment purposes. Audio clips used in Fair Use and taken from YouTube videos. 

In this episode of the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, John Maxwell teaches why good intentions aren't enough—and how real growth begins when you choose intentional living. You'll discover the difference between passivity and purposeful action, and how intentional listening can transform your relationships and your leadership.  After John's lesson, Mark Cole and Traci Morrow unpack how to apply these ideas in leadership, communication, and personal development. Together, they explore practical ways to overcome procrastination, practice active listening, and bring accountability into your growth journey!  You'll learn how to:  Move from good intentions to intentional action Turn reflection into growth and momentum  Apply active listening to strengthen connection and influence  Build accountability into your daily leadership habits  Embrace intentional living to achieve long-term success

What if you approached philanthropy like a startup? The results might shock you and completely rewire how you think about giving.I sit down with Mark Gerson, Cofounder of GLG (Gerson Lehrman Group) and Cofounder and Chair of 3i Members, to dive deep into how you can treat generosity like a capital allocation decision. We unpack a framework for ROI-driven giving that prioritizes measurable impact over emotional check-writing.Whether you give already or you're just starting to think about it, this is a practical, purpose-driven guide to doing the most good in a faster and smarter waySpecial thanks to Mark for joining me on the pod and for all the amazing work he does.⏱️ Chapter Markers00:00 – Introduction to Mark Gerson & GLG Origins02:45 – The Accidental Start of a $650M Business06:00 – Lessons in Entrepreneurship from GLG's Growth08:50 – Why Business Advice is Often Useless09:30 – The Life-Saving Problem in Global Emergency Response11:00 – United Hatzalah: Crowdsourcing First Response in Israel13:30 – Politics, Union Challenges & US Expansion15:00 – How an Orange Jacket Saves Lives16:45 – ROI-Driven Philanthropy: Measuring Cost per Life Saved18:30 – African Mission Healthcare: Saving Lives with $350 C-Sections21:00 – Partnering with Christian Missionary Doctors25:00 – Effective Philanthropy vs. Emotional or Prestige Giving29:00 – The True Definition of Charity & ROI vs. Emotion32:30 – When and How Much Should You Give?36:00 – Why Giving Never Makes You Poor37:45 – Books, Content & Torah as Self-Help40:00 – 3i: A Crowdsourced Investment + Community Platform43:00 – How Business & Charity Reinforce Each OtherLinksMark Gerson 3i Members, United Hatzalah of Israel, African Mission Healthcare, GLG, Twitter, LinkedInBooks: God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True, The Telling: How Judaism's Essential Book Reveals the Meaning of LifeMPD: LinkedIn, TwitterInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter

Andy Hayes is joined by Dasa Urbankova and Peter Donahue for a deep conversation about finding meaning in golf and in life. Dasa shares her first post-college season, Q-School, the U.S. Mid-Am, and the unsettling feeling of not knowing what golf means without tournaments. From Czech hip hop dance battles to Victor Frankl and the idea of “doing it without applause,” the three explore competition, curiosity, creativity, and whether we can learn to play golf, and live life, more for its own sake than for outcomes.

"Luigi: The Making and the Meaning" is the first book to explain why the world was primed for the Luigi Mangione moment, showing the history that led an accused killer to be embraced as an avenger with an affection not seen since Jesse James or Robin Hood.

More from author, cancer survivor and psychospiritual specialist David Maginley! Building on our conversation from last week, David and I continue to explore the impact of Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada. As he says, “This goes far beyond the hospital bed and goes to the heart of our culture.” I would agree – MAiD is huge topic for our time. I certainly don't have answers, but wow did I enjoy the depth of these conversations and David's book Early Exits: Spirituality, Mortality, and Meaning in an Age of Medical Assistance in Dying. For more information on Best Life Best Death please visit our website at ⁠⁠www.bestlifebestdeath.com⁠⁠Follow us on our social channels to receive pertinent and helpful resources on death, grieving, and more at:Facebook: ⁠⁠www.facebook.com/bestlifebestdeath⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/bestlifebestdeath⁠⁠

"Please picture me in the trees... before I learned civility." This week, we're deep diving one of folklore's most haunting and emotionally complex tracks: "seven." By popular request from our listeners, we explore this fan-favorite song that captures childhood innocence, the weight of adult responsibilities placed on young shoulders, and the bittersweet process of looking back at formative moments that shaped who we've become. From cross-your-heart promises to haunted houses, we unpack how Taylor Swift captures the complexity of childhood experiences that are simultaneously innocent and deeply serious. Subscribe for free to get episode updates or upgrade to paid to get our After School premium content: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics! Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  Peter Pan  Aaron Dessner interview with Vulture folklore: the long pond studio sessions  Unreliable narrators Substack Ring Around the Rosie and the Black Plague ***   Episode Highlights [00:40] Introduction and After School program announcement [08:55] "Please picture me in the trees" [12:10] “Feet in the swing” [23:15] The bridge: "And I've been meaning to tell you" [35:00] "Before I learned civility, I used to scream ferociously" [50:10] Purpose discussion: What is this song really about? Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!  TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts Libro.fm →  tinyurl.com/aptslibro Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com  Affiliate Codes:  Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!  Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro   This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

The conversation explores the evolving perception of wealth and meaning, highlighting a shift towards purpose-driven initiatives among wealthy individuals like Musk and Gates. Taken from the article in the Economist, entitled the Ultra-rich Are Giving Up on Luxury Assets, it discusses how traditional symbols of wealth are losing significance as people seek deeper meaning in their financial pursuits. Takeaways People are starting to think differently about what is meaningful. Owning luxury items does not equate to personal meaning anymore. Wealthy individuals are focusing on greater purposes for their money. Musk and Gates exemplify this shift towards purpose-driven wealth. The current transitional period is reshaping our understanding of wealth. Eradicating world hunger and space exploration are new priorities. Meaning is becoming more important than material possessions. The conversation reflects a broader societal change in values. Wealth is being redefined in terms of impact rather than ownership. Purpose-driven initiatives are gaining traction among the wealthy.   Chapters 00:00:12 Introduction to Experience Strategy 00:00:41 The Economist Article Discussion 00:01:21 Luxury Goods and Experiences 00:02:12 Premiumization and Ultra High Experiences 00:03:13 Value of Experiences Over Goods 00:04:18 Branded Hotels and Innovation 00:06:11 Transitional Period in Consumer Perception Read More: https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/10/12/why-the-ultra-rich-are-giving-up-on-luxury-assets Podcast Sponsors: Learn more about Stone Mantel https://www.stonemantel.co Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here: https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com  

At every Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church, we pray for a painless, blameless, and peaceful end to our lives. Yet when the end comes, there is often fear, chaos, and guilt. Join the Louhs and their guest, Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis, as he discusses his new book, available in the Ancient Faith Store.

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What if celebration isn't something “extra,” but something essential to living a meaningful, connected life?  If you're like me, I'm always looking for reasons to celebrate and enjoy life.   In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I sit down with Dr. R. Jon McGee—anthropologist, author, and longtime Texas State University professor—at the Live Oak Podcast Studio to explore the topic of celebration. For more than forty years, Dr. McGee lived with and learned from Maya communities in southern Mexico. He explained how rituals create order in chaotic times and help people navigate change.Inside Maya Ritual LifeProfessor McGee takes us inside ceremonies shaped by rainforest ecosystems and centuries of tradition—incense drifting prayers spoken in a distinct ritual voicebalché, a fermented mead used to open a sacred, altered stateHe reveals how metaphors woven into healing incantations—birds, winds, heat, and fever—carry cultural memory and symbolic meaning. Why Rituals Matter in Our Everyday LivesFrom Christmas and communion to Thanksgiving tables and graduation, Professor McGee helps us see how our own traditions carry histories and stories forward. These familiar symbols—colors, foods, candles, music—are  anchors that help us mark time and feel connected.How to Bring More Celebration Into Your LifeIf you're craving more meaning, we discuss some practical ways to create moments of celebration:Gather the people who matter mostChoose symbols your group already lovesEngage all five sensesMake space for recognition and storytellingKeep it small—simple gestures can make a big differenceHow do you celebrate? I'd love to hear.If you enjoyed this episode subscribe, share with a friend who might need to celebrate more often, and leave a review.   Tell me the one ritual you'd never give up.Learn more about Dr. R. Jon McGee here.Recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of Texas State University.Hi Friend - Thanks for listening! Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

In this episode of the Glowing Older podcast, host Nancy Griffin interviews Dr. Kerry Burnight, a gerontologist and author of JoySpan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. They discuss the concept of "JoySpan," which emphasizes the importance of quality of life over mere longevity. Dr. Burnight introduces her four-pronged matrix for thriving in later life: Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give. The conversation also touches on overcoming internalized ageism and the significance of maintaining a growth mindset as we age.About KerryDr. Kerry Burnight is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and nationally recognized gerontologist whose life's work celebrates the gift of growing older. For eighteen years, Professor Burnight taught Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at the University of California, Irvine, and co-founded the nation's first Elder Abuse Forensic Center.Known as America's Gerontologist, she blends science with soul by translating cutting-edge longevity research into practical, heart-centered ways to live with vitality, connection, and purpose. Building upon the lifespan and healthspan literature, she coined the term joyspan - the quality of a long life.  The joysan framework is a proven approach to deepening love, curiosity, vitality, and meaning.Kerry Burnight's work has been featured in The New York Times, CBS Mornings, Oprah Daily, NBC News, Time Magazine, BBC, and CNN. Growing older is not the end of your story, it is the fullest expression of it.Key TakeawaysFocusing too much on longevity can neglect quality of life. Many older adults live long and stay healthy yet still feel unhappy.The American Psychological Association defines joy as “a feeling of extreme gladness, delight, or exaltation of the spirit arising from a sense of well-being or satisfaction”. Joy is not about being happy all the time—it's a deeper sense of contentment. Unlike happiness, which often depends on external circumstances, joy is rooted in well-being and internal satisfaction.The four-pronged matrix for JoySpan is Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give. Curiosity is the catalyst of growth.Research shows that genetics will predict less than 25 % of how we age. As you get older, you care less about others' opinions and gain stronger emotional regulation, with fewer intense ups and downs. There's more appreciation for beauty, relationships, ordinary pleasures, humility, andspirituality. Aging also boosts integration between brain hemispheres, offering improved problem solving and deeper self-acceptance.The multi-billion dollar anti-aging industry profits from the “aging is bad” narrative telling us to fear getting older and to use their products to stop aging.

This is a recording of a live guided meditation.  The meditation guide and the members of the public who joined the meditation used the Zoom platform.   Even though you are listening to this meditation as a recording rather than attending live, in the world of consciousness, there is no time or space. Meaning, regardless of when you listen, you are in a meditation with a large group of folks from different walks of life and places on the planet.Meditation Guide: Judy Hunter, Master meditation guide and seasoned teacher and trainer for the Divine Spark Program.Judy's Meditation Guide Style: Rich, musical tone to her voice.  Inspiring imagery and clear guidance makes possible going deep into your center safely and joyfully.Content: Features these tools and techniques:Grounding (Earth Connection)ReleasingCenteringIntentional BreathingCenter of Head AwarenessFinding the energy flow of universal consciousness within you, then stepping into itTraveling within your energy architecture -- moving point of awareness through 1-12 chakras Intention setting Bringing your life energy into harmony with your divine/universal self

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy Beer sits down with Dr. John Rhee, co-founder of the Hippocratic Society, to explore how the medical profession can recover its moral and spiritual roots. They discuss the challenges facing today's healthcare professionals—from burnout and loss of meaning to the erosion of moral formation in medical education—and why healing must once again be understood as a deeply moral act. Let's go! Sponsored by AmPhil, helping nonprofits advance their missions and raise more money: https://amphil.com/.#interview #podcast #newepisode #nonprofitCenter for Civil Society's YouTube Channel

Most men want to raise strong, confident sons but you can't teach what you never learned yourself.The truth? A young man doesn't become disciplined, resilient, or honorable by accident. He becomes that way because his father intentionally gives him the tools, the standards, and the values that shape his character.In this episode of The Bedros Keuilian Show, I break down the nine foundational lessons every dad must pass down the same lessons we teach inside the Squire Program to forge young men into leaders. You'll learn why optimism is power, why a man's word is his contract, why promises matter, and how protecting others (and yourself) builds real confidence.Most importantly, you'll discover how your own behavior, discipline, and reputation become the blueprint your son inherits.If you want to raise a son who's strong, capable, honorable, and grounded in purpose — this episode gives you the exact roadmap to lead him there.THE SQUIRE PROGRAM: A rite of Passage for Your Son as He Becomes a ManA Father and Son Experience That Will Be Remembered FOREVERhttps://squireprogram.com/registerDOMINATION DOWNLOADSTRAIGHT FROM THE DESK OF BEDROS KEUILIANYour weekly no B.S. newsletter to help you dominate in business and in lifehttps://bedroskeuilian.com/MAN UP SCALE BUNDLE: $29 (100% Goes to Charity)Get your Digital Man Up book + Audiobook + 2 Exclusive MASTERCLASSES & Support Shriners Children's Hospital. https://www.manuptribe.com/limited-offerREGISTER FOR THE LEGACY TRIBEGet the Life, Money, Meaning & Impact You Deservehttps://bedroskeuilian.com/legacytribeJOIN MY FREE 6-WEEK CHALLENGE:Transform into a Purpose-Driven Manhttps://bedroskeuilian.com/challengeTruLean Supplements | https://www.trulean.com/pages/bedrosGet 50% Off Trulean Subscribe & Save BundleUse Code: BEDROS Few Will Hunt Apparel | https://fewwillhunt.com/Get 20% Off Your Entire OrderUse Code: BEDROSOPEN A FIT BODY LOCATIONA High-Profit, Scalable Gym Franchise Opportunity Driven By Impacthttps://sales.fbbcfranchise.com/get-started?utm_source=bedrosPODCAST EPISODES:https://bedroskeuilian.com/podcast/STAY CONNECTED:Website | https://bedroskeuilian.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bedroskeuilian/LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bedroskeuilianTwitter | https://twitter.com/bedroskeuilian

Welcome to Day 2736 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Profound Meaning of "The Name" of the Lord Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2736 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2736 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled The Profound Meaning of “The Name” of the Lord    Understanding the theology of the Ancient Near East is paramount to fully grasp biblical concepts, and the interpretation of “The Name” of the Lord is no exception. God chose to reveal Himself to Abraham and create the nation of Israel within this culture. Because of this, He revealed Himself in ways that would make sense to believers. In the Ancient Near East, the term “Shem” in Hebrew represents far more than a mere title; it encapsulates the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of God. Let's explore this further and then delve into how this understanding impacts our interpretation of the commandment against taking the Lord's name in vain. “The Name” as Divine Essence   In the Ancient Near East, a deity's name was considered to be the embodiment of the divine essence. Likewise, in the Bible, “The Name” of the Lord represents God Himself. This can be seen in Proverbs 18:10: “The Name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” Here, “The Name” is equivalent to God's protective power and presence. “The Name” as Manifested Presence   The Name also symbolizes God's manifested presence among His people. When Solomon built the Temple, he believed it to be a dwelling place for God (1 Kings 8:13). However, God clarified that His Name would dwell there, thus emphasizing that His presence transcends physical boundaries. “The Name” as Divine Authority   Invoking a deity's name in the Ancient Near East was a way of drawing on divine authority. Similarly, in the biblical text, “The Name” of the Lord signifies His authority. The misuse of the Lord's Name is cautioned against in Exodus 20:7, underlining the gravity of disrespecting God's authority. “The Name” as Divine Reputation   In Ancient Near East cultures, a deity's name often represented their reputation. In the biblical context, God's Name is a reflection of His character, faithfulness, and commitment to His covenant. As Psalm 23:3 notes, the Lord acts for His Name's sake, demonstrating consistency between His actions and His reputation. Implications for Understanding the Commandment Against Taking the Lord's Name in Vain   With a deeper understanding of “The Name” embodying the essence, presence, authority, and reputation of God, we can reinterpret the commandment against taking the Lord's Name in vain (Exodus 20:7). This commandment is not simply about using God's Name carelessly or disrespectfully in speech. It carries a much broader and deeper meaning. When we take into account the Ancient Near East understanding of “The Name”, to take the Lord's name in vain could imply denying or diminishing God's essence,...

This episode continues the practical series on the Inner Villain system by breaking down how to communicate with each villain type. Kristina and Anna pull from real life, therapy, and relationship work to translate a complex shadow-work system into clear tools you can use with partners, friends, coworkers, and family.Before the communication section, the episode also covers:• Purpose vs meaning• Why your purpose isn't defined by you• How creation works when it's not about control• A new metaphor for the 9 Villains as phases in the lifecycle of a flowering plant• Why people “get stuck” in certain villain phases• What it means to grow in order vs out of orderEPISODE BREAKDOWN00:00 — Opening & Check-InKristina and Anna reconnect after a break from recording.They talk somatic healing, practical implementation struggles, and the tension between “etheric narrative work” and real-life applicability.05:00 — Purpose vs MeaningAnna shares insights from her Kabbalah class:• Meaning is personal interpretation.• Purpose is assigned externally (source, God, universe).• You don't get to define your purpose. Others and life events reveal it.Kristina connects this to Viktor Frankl, creation without attachment, and Buckminster Fuller's idea that purpose arrives at a perpendicular angle to your intentions.13:00 — BREAKTHROUGH DREAM: The 9 Villains as the Life Cycle of a Flowering PlantKristina shares a liminal-space dream that reframed the entire Villain System through the natural growth stages of a plant.A concise map:Obedient Critic — Seed. Rules, inherited limitations, instruction set.Vengeful Martyr — Cotyledon (baby leaves). Self-generated energy. Doing everything alone.Vain Controller — True leaves + root establishment. Channels, resources, trust.Eternal Child — Explosive growth, abundance, chaos.Evasive Expert — Balancing inputs. Regulating water/light.Divisive Immortal — Flowering. Death, risk, community, cross-pollination.Hungry Shapeshifter — Seed production. Creativity, potentiality.Righteous Bully — Seed release. Letting go. Not controlling outcomes.Invisible Destroyer — Desiccation / return to soil. Crone, surrender, dissolution.Use it to locate yourself. If you're “stuck,” look at the developmental stage you skipped.41:53 — PRACTICAL SECTION: COMMUNICATING WITH EACH VILLAINThis is the part listeners asked for. Clear, real-world communication strategies, conflict prevention tools, and repair patterns for each villain.1. The Obedient Critic (OC)Rule-set oriented, easily offended, perfectionistic, rigid.Preventive strategies:• Exchange rule-sets explicitly. Ask: “What does X mean to you?”• Agree on shared relationship rules or a “contract.”• Avoid assuming your interpretation matches theirs.• Overshare context up front to avoid catastrophic misinterpretation.During conflict:• Use permissive, soft entry language: “Could we try…?” “Maybe we consider…?”• Validate their meaning first: “I see how in your world this means X.”• Never say “You're wrong.” Reframe instead: “In my world, this means something different.”2. The Vengeful Martyr (VM)Energy-banker, does everything alone, keeps score, collapses into exhaustion.Preventive strategies:• Do not exploit their over-functioning.• Build real competence in the areas they normally shoulder alone.• Remove responsibility from them physically (take the kids out of the house, run point on meals, etc.).• Combine gratitude + competent action.During conflict / meltdown:• Open with: “I'm sorry I hurt your feelings.”• Listen. Don't defend. Don't reason.• Offer immediate relief from responsibility.• After they calm: reduce the systemic over-responsibility that created the blowup.3. The Vain Controller (VC)Status-driven, work-driven, image-driven, terrified of betrayal.Preventive strategies:• Avoid competition or one-upping.• Celebrate small vulnerability when they offer it.• Keep your promises. No exceptions.• Reward their hard work in tangible, visible ways.During conflict:• Acknowledge the breach directly: “I recognize I broke a promise here.”• Use “I will work harder” language.• Outline concrete steps you will take to restore trust.• Don't joke about their insecurities. They will not take it well.4. The Eternal Child (EC)Dream-logic, confabulation, entitlement, dramatic swings.Preventive strategies:• Set clear expectations + consequences. Consistency matters more than anything.• Bring in practicality without shaming their dream-side:“I love your vision. Let's anchor it with two practical steps.”• Give them structure, timelines, and follow-through.During conflict / tantrum:• Do not debate their story. It won't land.• Provide grounding: “I'm here. I'm not abandoning you.”• Hold consistent consequences afterward.• If they escalate to destructive behavior: remove yourself and hold the boundary firmly.ClosingNext week: Part 3, continuing through the remaining villains (Evasive Expert → Invisible Destroyer) with more scripts, tools, and examples.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy