Podcasts about messy middle

Day 16 of The 30 Day Walking Challenge. This is the hardest part! During today's ten-minute walk, Dave talks about how to navigate the Messy Middle.Download your FREE 30 Day Fitness Chain Tracker for this challengeSupport the mission of Walking is Fitness and buy Dave a coffeeCheck out the sponsors of Walking is FitnessRythm Health is the world's easiest blood test to help you learn what's happening inside your body. They are offering you 15% off your first month and free shipping at rythmhealth.com/walkingI've been using Warby Parker glasses for nine years I love them! Buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at warbyparker.com/walkingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Messy Middle | Digging Deeper 212Sometimes the hardest seasons aren't the ones where you've walked away from God — they're the ones where you've been faithful, you've been obedient, and life still feels difficult.This week, Bobby and Jen continue the conversation around Sunday's message in Matthew 14 and unpack what it looks like to trust God through difficult seasons. They talk about why we're often tempted to retreat when life gets hard, why Jesus meets us in the middle of the storm, and how keeping our eyes fixed on Him changes the way we walk through it.They also celebrate this week's baptisms and share stories of obedience happening throughout our church.

In this episode, I'm joined by intuitive guide and spiritual teacher Sean Nicole for a conversation about authenticity, self-trust, anxiety, control, and what it really means to reconnect with yourself.Sean shares her journey from living a life that looked successful on paper to building a life that feels deeply aligned from the inside out. Together, we explore how anxiety can sometimes serve as information rather than something to simply fix, why so many of us become disconnected from our true selves, and how Human Design, spirituality, travel, and life experiences can help us come back home to who we are.We also talk about:the difference between a life that looks good and a life that feels goodhow anxiety can signal disconnection from yourselfreleasing control and learning to trust lifewhy growth often requires moving through the messy middlethe challenge of letting go of old identities and expectationsfollowing your soul before you know the outcomeusing Human Design as a tool for self-trust and authenticitywhat it means to become your most essential selfIf you've ever felt like you've outgrown the life you've built, questioned whether you're on the right path, or struggled to trust yourself through periods of change, this conversation is for you.About Sean:Sean Nicole is an intuitive guide and spiritual teacher based in Mexico City, and the host of the podcast Getting Essence-ial. Through her signature Essence Reading, group programs, and Essence-ial Immersions, she helps high-achievers who've outgrown the life they built reconnect to who they truly are and become their most essential selves.Connect with Sean:Website: https://www.seannicolem.comInstagram: @_seannicole _✨ Take the Over-Functioning Archetypes Quiz✨ Ready to explore your patterns on a deeper level?Pattern Readings help uncover the subconscious beliefs and relational dynamics shaping the way you move through life, work, and relationships.Learn more or book here: Pattern Reading.Any questions? You can always email me at nicole@nicoleguenaconsulting.com

The freight industry's transition to alternative power is firmly in the “messy middle”This week, Chris Caplice is joined by Mike Roeth, Executive Director of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, to unpack what that actually means for carriers, shippers, and the broader supply chain.Mike has been leading NACFE since its early days and brings insights from years of work plus the latest “Run on Less” demonstration and cost analysis on how fleets are navigating this evolving landscape.In this conversation, they cover:Why diesel, BEV, hydrogen, natural gas, and biodiesel will continue to coexistWhere battery electric vehicles are gaining traction first (regional + drayage)What NACFE's latest “Run on Less” data reveals about real-world adoptionWhy there's no single “winner” in the near-term transitionHow carriers and shippers can make practical decisions amid uncertaintyIf you're trying to make sense of where freight energy is headed next, this one's worth a listen.For previous episodes and to subscribe to our newsletter, visit: dat.com/podcast/freightvine

A recent trip to Texas gave John a front-row seat to two powerful examples of growth. One was a day spent learning alongside experienced business leaders. The other was a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating a husband-and-wife team's dream becoming reality. In this episode, John shares the surprising lesson connecting both experiences and explains why the most successful business owners never stop seeking wisdom, perspective, and guidance from others. Episode Links: Apple Podcast Listeners- Copy and paste the links below into your browser. Upcoming Events: Profit Accelerator LIVE (June 26–27, 2026, Richmond, VA):An intensive experience designed to help lawn and landscape business owners dial in their numbers, increase profitability, and build a scalable business with clear strategy and execution. Sign up and learn more: https://Profitacceleratorlive.com   Lawn & Landscape Technology Conference (July 22–24, Scottsdale, AZ) :A hands-on event focused on AI, software, and systems to help you run a more efficient and profitable green industry business. Sign up and learn more: https://www.lltechconference.com/ Equip Expo (October 20–23, 2026, Louisville, KY): The largest trade show in the green industry, bringing together contractors, equipment manufacturers, and business leaders for four days of equipment demos, networking, and real-world strategies to help you grow and scale your business. Tickets are just $15.00 with promo code PAJAK through September 10, then prices go up. Lock in your ticket now and take advantage of the discount. Sign up and learn more:  https://plus.mcievents.com/EquipExpo2026?RefId=PAJAK Show Partners: Yardbook Simplify your business and be more profitable. Please visit www.Yardbook.com  Get 30 days of Premium Business level of Yardbook for FREE with promo code PAJAK Relay Relay is small business banking that puts you in complete control of what you are earning, spending, and saving. Click here to sign up for Relay and get $50.00 cash bonus!http://join.relayfi.com/promo/get-50-ulumkswykjzwi4dqsm?referralcode=profitswithpajak&utm_source=influencer&utm_medium=podcast 

Title: The Need for HolinessMain passage: Leviticus 17-27God did not arbitrarily put all of the rules in place for the Israelites. He was teaching them that He is holy. And for good reason! They were to be holy as He is holy. The same is true for us today. We may not be bound by all of the statutes in Leviticus anymore. But we are still called to be holy as God is holy.

In this episode, Meg and Heather discuss burnout for women, especially the mental load in this space of life. Meg reference a book on burnout written by twins as well as a TED talk they did on recognizing burnout and what to do about it. They also discuss some natural tools you could use - Adaptiv and Motivate. Meg also stresses the value of community - she hosts an online community called "Balance in the Messy Middle" which is perfect for walking through this stage of life with others and some wonderful coaching as well. doTERRA Adaptiv supplements for when you are overwhelmed. To see the whole Adaptiv product line, or purchase, click here: ⁠https://link.doterra.com/9TGPDQdoTERRA Motivate oils for when you need to get moving. To see the whole Motivate product line, or purchase, click here: https://link.doterra.com/xyuTwGTED talk - https://youtu.be/PrJAX-iQ-O4?si=wWynQOGrEXqr0YVMBurnout, the Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle https://amzn.to/423wuioFor more about the podcast: ⁠⁠⁠www.perimenopausalconversations.com⁠⁠⁠To join a community of like minded women who meet bimonthly to question and get challenged, check out ⁠⁠https://balanceredeemed.myflodesk.com/bimm⁠⁠To learn more about Heather Skold, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Juggling SimplicityTo learn more about Meg Fittsgill, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.balanceredeemed.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!  Get 50% off last year's More for Moms All-Access Pass with code LISTENER at checkout. Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good. Get the free DSL Training. Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Economics of AGI episode w Alex Imas and Phil Trammell.There's a bunch of important questions about how we deal with AI that only economics can answer.What is the optimal way to tax and redistribute the wealth that will be generated? How should countries not in the AI supply chain index into the gains? Is there any world where inequality doesn't explode?It might seem like these questions have obvious answers, but the first thing economics teaches you is that your intuitions can often be entirely wrong.It was very helpful to chat through these things with Alex and Phil.Watch on YouTube; read the transcript.SponsorsJane Street invests heavily in turning smart people into exceptional researchers and engineers. In addition to their apprenticeship model, Jane Street runs lectures and bootcamps in their in-office classrooms -- managers clear their teams' schedules to encourage attendance. If you'd like to work at a place that takes learning this seriously, Jane Street is hiring. Check out their open roles at janestreet.com/dwarkeshGoogle's Gemini Omni has incredible video editing capabilities -- you can upload a video and have Omni change the background, adjust lighting, or add specific elements. But Omni is also a preview of how future frontier models will be trained -- fully multimodal on both input and output. You can try it yourself in the Gemini app at gemini.google or in Flow at flow.googleCursor used targeted RL with textual feedback to help train their Composer 2.5 model. One of their researchers, Sasha Rush, gave me an impromptu blackboard lecture to explain how this form of on-policy self-distillation works -- I posted the full thing on X. If you want to try Composer 2.5, go to cursor.com/dwarkeshTimestamps(00:00:00) – Will capital share increase?(00:19:36) – Messy Middle scenario(00:25:57) – How to tax and redistribute AI wealth(00:30:02) – Why demand collapse is unlikely(00:39:26) – Human employees would be hard to integrate into the machine economy(00:43:08) – What if some humans (or AIs) value wealth accumulation intrinsically?(01:01:28) – What should developing countries do? Get full access to Dwarkesh Podcast at www.dwarkesh.com/subscribe

This episode is for you if you've been telling yourself "business is just hard"... and wondering if that's actually true, or if maybe you're making it harder than it has to be (doh).There's a real difference between the natural messiness that comes with growth (and yes, success is messy; no that's not the problem!) and the kind of hard that happens when you're taking 30 steps when 3 would do. Today we're talking about how to tell which one you're in.I'm sharing four common ways business owners turn the messy middle into an uphill battle:The role your expectations are secretly playingThe gap between your plan and your actions (and what's actually creating it)What connection — or the lack of it — is doing to your momentumThe confidence disconnect that makes selling feel way harder than it needs toThe question I keep coming back to - one I learned from a colleague at Encyclopedia Britannica, of all places - is: what's the problem you're actually trying to solve? Because when you can answer? Everything else gets a lot simpler.You don't need to berate yourself to success. You don't need to be shoving yourself uphill. But you do need someone willing to ask you the hard question - because trust me, we are ALL very good at ducking it. Join the Uncomplicating Business Lab Community:  https://www.torpeycoaching.com/thelabGrab your free masterclass here: https://torpeycoaching.kit.com/freemasterclass

This is the second episode of [comebacks], and the guest is Liz Tran. I'm a huge fan of her work, so I loved getting to speak with her again in this new format, where we walk through a specific comeback in someone's life and focus on the messy middle of it. In this episode, Liz talks about divorce, reinvention, dating, and what it actually takes to rebuild your life after the version you planned for falls apart. We talk about how loneliness can change you when you stop trying to outrun it, how avoidance can look productive, as well as AQ (adaptability quotient), timelines, and learning to trust that your life can expand in ways you couldn't have planned for.   SHOW NOTES: Explore more from Katie Dalebout: Katie Dalebout Substack + Let It Out Lists Katie's Instagram: @letitouttt + @katiedalebout My Zine Shop and My Creative Clinic Find Liz on the Web | Instagram | Podcast Order Liz's book, The Karma of Success If you liked this episode, try this one from the archive: Karma Success with Liz Tran, Founder of Reset NYC

We say "I've got nothing to wear" standing in front of a full wardrobe. Samantha Harman's argument is that the sentence has nothing to do with clothes — it's about not knowing who we're supposed to be. In this episode I talk to best-selling author, stylist and former journalist Samantha Harman about her book Just Get Dressed: Why You Have Nothing to Wear and What to Do About It — a styling book with no pictures and no body-shape rules, built instead around the inner work most of us avoid. It's a conversation about generational trauma, the prehistoric brain, the martyrdom of the women in the squeezed middle, and why getting dressed in the morning is so flipping hard. What we cover: Why "nothing to wear" is never about a lack of clothes... and what your wardrobe is actually a manifestation of (beliefs, identity, class, politics, generational trauma) The problem with the personal styling industry: more rules, more prescription, more exhaustion Epigenetics and the prehistoric brain — why being a visible woman registers as dangerous, and why the fabulous outfit stays on the hanger Clothing as a business tool — and why men have always been allowed to use it while women get judged for it The "bag of potatoes" meeting: how an ill-fitting supermarket shirt quietly costs you authority, presence and opportunity The compare-and-despair cycle and the social-media misery machine: and the reminder that all of it, even "authentic" personal brands, is marketing Enclothed cognition: why what you wear changes the actions you take (and how you handle Barry from accounts) Midlife as an opportunity, not a decline — finances, time, intelligence, and finding the rooms with brilliant women in them Two exercises from the book: meeting the 5-year-old who's really running your wardrobe, and the letter from your 90-year-old self Emotional spending, scarcity tactics and how retailers weaponise your feelings — plus the fast-fashion harm hiding behind "retail therapy" The wardrobe edit as a non-negotiable business activity — and the one thing to do first: get rid of what you hate Find Samantha here: Just Get Dressed: Why You Have Nothing to Wear and What to Do About It - available on Amaz*n, or justgetdressed.com https://www.instagram.com/styleeditoruk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-harman-style-editor/ Enjoyed this episode?  Follow Middling Along wherever you listen, and consider leaving a review — it genuinely helps other midlife women find the show. For weekly research and commentary on midlife wellbeing, subscribe to Emma's Substack, The Messy Middle: https://middlingalong.substack.com/

Love the podcast? Send us a text!What happens when you give yourself one year to “get through breast cancer” — only to realize that the timeline is much longer and more complicated than you imagined?In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I'm joined by Jessica Thomas, who was diagnosed with ER/PR-positive, stage 2B breast cancer with lymph node involvement. After finding a lump herself, Jessica moved through the overwhelming sequence of imaging, biopsies, chemotherapy, double mastectomy, radiation, reconstruction delays, implant complications, DIEP flap reconstruction, tamoxifen, and Verzenio.But as Jessica shares so honestly, one of the hardest parts was not only the treatment itself. It was the waiting: waiting for results, waiting for a plan, waiting to know what came next, and trying to live inside the uncertainty.This conversation is for anyone who has ever thought, “I just need a plan.” It is for anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the number of medications, appointments, side effects, and decisions that come with breast cancer. And it is especially for anyone who has reached the end of active treatment only to realize there is still so much more to navigate.Support the showListener FeedbackIf this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.You can also click the link in the show notes that says "Love this episode? Send us a text" to share feedback.Messages are completely anonymous.If you would like us to follow up directly, please include your email address in your message so we can respond.Latest News: Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

The Messy Middle: The Need for Sacrifice

There are seasons in life where the old version of you no longer fits… but the next version of you hasn't fully taken shape yet.In this reflective episode, Melissa explores the concept of liminality — the in-between space between who you were and who you're becoming.What started as frustration while rewriting the OTs Gone Rogue website eventually became a much deeper realization that sometimes we're not lost or unclear… We're simply in transition.Through stories from her evolving work, her Master of Adult Education journey, international travel, and a powerful future-self reflection exercise, Melissa reflects on identity shifts, professional evolution, and what it means to move forward before you have everything fully figured out.This episode is an invitation to stop treating the “messy middle” like a problem to solve — and instead begin seeing it as part of the work itself.In this episode, Melissa explores:The concept of liminality — and why it resonated so deeplyThe tension between clarity and action in leadership, entrepreneurship, and professional identityWhy the “messy middle” can feel uncomfortable, even when you know you're moving in the right directionThe role of adult learning and reflective practice in personal and professional evolutionA future-self exercise that shifted Melissa's perspective on legacy, work, and long-term directionThe difference between being “stuck” and being emergentExplore current programs and ways to work together:https://www.otsgonerogue.com/workwithusConnect & ExploreIf this episode resonated with you, share it with another OT, entrepreneur, or leader navigating their own in-between season. Better yet, tag us on @otsgonerogue and let us know what you think!

I've ended every episode of Clemenz With a 'Z' with the same line for years:  'thanks for being a part of this messy middle with me.' It became such a reflex that I stopped asking myself what I actually meant by it. This episode is my honest answer. And if you've ever left a system, a church, a belief structure, a tribe and found yourself wondering why you can't seem to land anywhere clean, this one is for you. The messy middle isn't a problem to solve. It might actually be the most honest place you've ever lived. If something in this conversation resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. You can email me at clemenzwithaz@gmail.com, or send me a DM over on Instagram at @clemenzwithazpodcast. If you want to support the podcast financially, you can head over to ClemenzWithAZ.com, there's a merch store there with shirts, stickers, all kinds of stuff.  And if you're looking for something a little more regular, check out my Substack: Devotions for the Disillusioned & Deconstructing. That's where I share short reflections, devotionals, and some extra behind-the-scenes thoughts that don't always make it onto the podcast. And of course, the best way you can support the show is by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Share it with a friend, post it on your socials, drop it in a group chat, it all helps more than you know. This podcast keeps going because of listeners like you showing up, engaging, and passing it on. So thank you for being here, for listening, and for being part of this messy middle with me. Until next time, take care of yourselves, and each other.

Send us Fan MailYou had the vision. You built the thing! And somewhere between starting and scaling, the message got muddier, the team got busier, and the gap between what you meant to build and what's actually being delivered started to widen.This week's guest knows exactly how to close the gap.I sat down with Kaitlyn David— brand strategist, fractional CMO, and an all-around grounded, human-centered marketing thinker. Kaitlyn looks at marketing from the inside out, and she has some fantastic insight on keeping your vision alive (and simplified) while scaling. ✨ Episode Highlights

Send us Fan MailYou had the vision. You built the thing! And somewhere between starting and scaling, the message got muddier, the team got busier, and the gap between what you meant to build and what's actually being delivered started to widen.This week's guest knows exactly how to close the gap.I sat down with Kaitlyn David— brand strategist, fractional CMO, and an all-around grounded, human-centered marketing thinker. Kaitlyn looks at marketing from the inside out, and she has some fantastic insight on keeping your vision alive (and simplified) while scaling. ✨ Episode Highlights

Send us a message!My guest today is Lisa Lewis Daniels.Lisa is a returning guest and you can hear my first conversation with her on episode 265.Lisa is the founder and CEO of Lionheart Society.  She helps her clients find their identity, purpose during life transitions.  Today, Lisa shares more about her own transition, more about her time in what she calls the Messy Middle (a phrase I know I relate to!), and what can happen when the messy middle extends for longer than we might want and/or have anticipated!Lisa, thank you for sharing more of your story and journey today.  Thank you for your courage and strength to stay in the messy middle of this life transition and inviting us to be encouraged by your experience along the way.You'll find links below to be in touch with Lisa and learn more about her and her work:Lisa's Website: https://www.thelionheartsociety.com/Lisa on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelionheartsocietyllc/Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalewisdaniels/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~   Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

Anthony Luxton, one of our pastors, continues the series based on Jeremiah.

These episodes of #thePOZcast, live from Transform 2026 in Las Vegas, are proudly brought to you by our friends at PIN. AI recruiting tools that automate candidate sourcing, screening, and scheduling across 850M+ profiles. Built for recruiters, agencies, and hiring teams. Learn more and check out a demo:  https://www.pin.com/book-a-demo?via=adam-posner Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com CHAPTERS: 00:00 – The Witching Hour: An Impromptu Stop-and-Chat Day 10, final afternoon, luggage everywhere — Adam spots Mike Johnson at the Onboarded booth and pulls him into an unscripted conversation that delivers more insight than most prepared interviews. 02:00 – Meet Onboarded: The Messy Middle of HR Tech What Onboarded actually does: orchestrating the compliance-heavy gap between recruiter technology and back-office HRIS — federal, state, local obligations, background checks, integrations — built elegantly for high-volume hirers. 04:30 – From Checkr to Onboarded: The Origin Story Mike's background building trust and safety infrastructure for the gig economy at Checkr, why that exposed the far greater complexity of W-2 hiring, and what made him want to solve it. 07:00 – Building With People You Know, Love & Trust The team that followed Mike from his previous life — people whose kids and spouses he knows, who've gone on trips together — and why that trust foundation is the real secret ingredient behind Onboarded's early traction. 10:00 – Family First as a Company Value — Not Just a Talking Point Offsites where spouses and kids are invited, a hiring philosophy that prioritizes family relationships above work, and why Mike believes that's not a soft value — it's a performance strategy. 13:00 – The White Space Nobody Else Was Solving Every HR software product has its own onboarding experience. Nobody had built the orchestration layer that unifies the end-to-end worker experience across all of them. 15:30 – Enterprise Software Re-Architecture: 5 Months, Not 5 Years The speed at which AI is upending enterprise software is being radically underestimated. Not a five-year transformation — a five-month one. What Claude and coding agents are making possible right now. 18:00 – Compliance Is Not Vibable Federal, state, and local compliance obligations are discrete, black and white, and non-negotiable. That's Onboarded's moat — and why no amount of AI creativity replaces domain expertise in this space. 21:00 – Enabling Builders on Top of the Compliance Foundation How Onboarded balances compliance rigidity with entrepreneurial flexibility: partners and independent builders using the platform to build their own products on top of a compliance-ready foundation. 24:00 – The Founder Philosophy: Say Stupid Stuff to the Right People Finding people you trust enough to say your dumbest ideas to — who will push back hard and still be with you when the dust settles. That's the real engine of innovation. 27:00 – Where to Find Onboarded onboardr.com — a freshly launched website with a free trial and direct scheduling available.   TAKEAWAYS: 1. The Messy Middle Is the Most Underserved Layer in HR Tech Every recruiting tool has onboarding. Every HRIS has onboarding. But nobody built the orchestration layer that connects them elegantly for the worker and for the operators managing it all. That's the gap Onboarded identified — and it's larger and more painful than most people outside high-volume hiring environments realize. 2. W-2 Hiring Is 10x More Complex Than Contractor Onboarding The gig economy built an enormous amount of infrastructure for contractor trust and safety. But the W-2 world — with its federal, state, and local compliance obligations, background check requirements, I-9 verification, and benefits enrollment — is a fundamentally different problem. Mike learned this at Checkr and built Onboarded to solve it. 3. Enterprise Software Is Being Re-Architected in Months, Not Years Mike's view on AI's pace is one of the most direct in the series: people are underestimating how fast the change is coming. Not a five-year transformation curve — a five-month one. The coding agents available today, powered by tools like Claude, are already capable of building enterprise- grade software. Every software company needs to be honest about what that means for their product. 4. Compliance Is the One Category AI Cannot Vibe Away The federal, state, and local obligations governing W-2 hiring are not ambiguous, interpretable, or creatively solvable. They are discrete, binary, and non-negotiable. That is Onboarded's defensibility. No vibe coding tool can build compliance infrastructure. That requires domain expertise, legal knowledge, and years of working inside the problem — and that's exactly what the Onboarded team brings. 5. The Right Moat Is Domain Expertise, Not Just Technology In a world where building software is getting cheaper and faster, the companies with genuine defensibility are those with deep domain expertise that can't be replicated with a good prompt. Mike's background at Checkr building trust and safety infrastructure for the gig economy is the foundation that makes Onboarded's compliance product credible — and the reason partners trust it enough to build on top of it. 6. Build With People You Know — Especially Your First Team Mike's intentional choice to build Onboarded with people from his past — people whose families he knows, who've traveled together, who have real relational history — wasn't nostalgia. It was strategy. Trust that's pre-built from shared experience is the fastest path to a high-functioning founding team. You spend zero time establishing credibility and all your time solving problems. 7. Family First Is a Performance Strategy, Not Just a Value Onboarded invites families to offsites. They prioritize the spousal and parental relationships of their employees as an explicit part of their culture. Mike's reasoning: companies that ask people to choose between family and work get less from both. Companies that make space for the whole person get more output, more loyalty, and more resilience when things get hard. 8. The Best Founding Teams Can Say Stupid Things to Each Other Mike's counterintuitive founder philosophy: the most important feature of a great founding team isn't complementary skills or market knowledge — it's the psychological safety to say your worst ideas out loud without losing credibility. When you can argue, disagree, say the dumb thing, and still trust each other completely, you can work through anything. That's the trust foundation that makes the rest possible. 9. Enabling Others to Build on Your Foundation Is a Growth Strategy Onboarded isn't just a product — it's a platform. Partners and independent entrepreneurs are building compliance-ready applications on top of the Onboarded foundation, extending its reach and value without the company having to build everything itself. In an era of rapid AI-enabled building, making your core defensible and your surface area open to builders is a powerful combination.

After a few chaotic weeks away from the mic, Katie is back and catching up with Leah on everything that's unfolded lately, from her son's type 1 diabetes diagnosis to the emotional whiplash of balancing family crisis with training, racing, and everyday life. It's an honest conversation about what happens when running suddenly takes a backseat, and how both of them are navigating UTMB build-up while life keeps throwing curveballs.They also get into local race wins, steep Salt Lake climbs, late-night mountain runs, Western States pacing plans, Broken Arrow prep, and the momentum women's trail running is carrying right now after huge performances from Rachel Entrekin, Tove Alexandersson, and more. Through all of it, this episode comes back to the same idea: running can be part of your life without being your entire identity.This episode is edited and produced by the Sandyboy Productions Podcast Network.A big shout out to our new sponsor ⁠⁠Precision Fuel & Hydration⁠⁠. Go to ⁠⁠pfandh.com⁠⁠ to crush your next race with a personalized fuel & hydration plan. Use code "TTNP15" at checkout.

In this episode, John sits down with Lisa Begley, author of The Sock Drawer Philosophy and host of the Sock Drawer Podcast, to talk about navigating life's messy middle. Lisa shares how major life transitions, career changes, and a few hard lessons helped shape her perspective on growth, resilience, and moving forward even when things feel unclear. She explains the “sock drawer” metaphor for life's chaos and walks through her D-R-A-W-E-R™ Method for making progress without needing everything to be perfect first. Tune into The Sock Drawer Podcast Want a free book copy of The Sock Drawer Philosophy? Text the CandorPath team at 407-904-8414! 00:00 Meet Lisa Begley 01:32 Real Life Messy Middle 02:51 Retirement Reinvention 05:41 Authenticity Over Perfection 07:14 Sock Drawer Philosophy 09:27 Signs and Sock Stories 12:53 Trauma and Feeling Stuck 15:31 Decide to Move Forward 19:56 Tiny Dare Accountability 21:07 Money Mindset Parallels 24:56 Introducing the D-R-A-W-E-R Method 29:43 Apply What You Know 41:49 Why Mentors Matter 45:39 Book Giveaway

 Welcome back to Called to Create! In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, we sit down with fantasy author, creativity mentor, and 2025 Praiseworthy Award winner Vanessa Thurgood to talk about creativity, faith, storytelling, motherhood, and learning to trust God through unexpected life pivots. Vanessa shares how she never intended to become a writer. From growing up around horses in Rexburg, Idaho, to pursuing photography and agricultural business, her creative journey took many unexpected turns before God gently led her toward writing fantasy novels. What began as an old dream written in a teenage notebook eventually became The Comstock Chronicles — an epic fantasy series filled with dragons, elemental magic, deep themes, and powerful messages about courage, healing, and light. Throughout the conversation, Vanessa opens up about burnout, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, and the spiritual experiences that confirmed she was on the right path. She shares the powerful journal moment where she felt God tell her, “You will be an instrument in my hands,” and how that answer changed the trajectory of her life and creative work. The discussion also explores the healing power of storytelling, why flawed characters resonate so deeply, and how creativity can reconnect us to joy and purpose. Vanessa also shares how her writing journey unexpectedly led her into hosting women's creativity retreats focused on helping others rediscover their spark through art, movement, photography, and connection. Whether you're an aspiring writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to navigate uncertainty while staying close to God, this episode is packed with encouragement and wisdom about trusting the creative gifts you've been given. Key Topics Discussed  Vanessa's journey from photography to fantasy writing  Receiving spiritual guidance through journaling and prayer  Overcoming burnout and imposter syndrome  Why comparison steals creativity and joy  The healing power of stories and human connection  Building The Comstock Chronicles fantasy world  Using creativity to reconnect with yourself and God  Hosting women's creativity retreats  Learning to embrace imperfect creation  Why sharing your light matters About Vanessa Thurgood Vanessa Thurgood is the author of The Comstock Chronicles, a young adult/new adult fantasy series featuring elemental magic, dragons, shape-shifters, epic quests, and deeply human themes. Alongside writing novels, she also coaches aspiring authors through her Story Quest program and helps host creativity retreats designed to help women rediscover joy and purpose through creative expression. 

Learn how to write the lead-up and reaction scenes between your key romance plot points so your story flows naturally from meet-cute to HEA without stalling in the middle.You know what your meet-cute looks like. You know there's a breakup coming. You can already feel the happily ever after. So why does everything in between feel impossible to write? That's exactly what we're digging into today. I'm joined by Kristina Stanley, CEO of Fictionary and author of the brand new Secrets to Writing Romance, for a masterclass on the lead-up and reaction scenes that hold every romance together. Kristina breaks down what to write before and after each key plot point, how your external plot does more work than you think, and how to give your characters real agency in the messy middle of Act 2. If you've been winging it between your big scenes and hoping for the best, this one's for you.What You'll Learn:[03:57] The 5 key scenes every romance novel is built around and the one non-negotiable rule that sets romance apart from every other genre.[10:55] Why every key scene needs a lead-up and a reaction, and how those surrounding scenes are where your character's flaw, motivation, and growth actually live.[21:42] When your meet-cute should actually happen in your romance novel and what the lead-up scene needs to do before your characters ever cross paths.[29:30] How to give your characters real agency in the Messy Middle of Act 2 (even when your story doesn't have a strong external plot driving it forward).[38:03] What to do after the climax, why the reaction to the HEA is trickier than it looks, and how epilogues can save you from cutting your ending too short.And so much more…Whether you're plotting your first romance novel or you're stuck somewhere in the middle of a draft, wondering why your story isn't clicking, this episode will give you a clear framework for what every scene between your key moments actually needs to do. 

Send us Fan MailThis episode is a really honest look at what's happening behind the scenes in my business right now, because I'm in the middle of a pretty big shift.If you've ever gone through one of those seasons where what used to work just doesn't feel right anymore, I think this will resonate.For the last decade, I've built my business as a done-for-you service provider. Branding, design, social media - this is work I love and will continue to do. But over time, I've realized that the way I support my clients has always gone so much deeper than the deliverables. And lately, that's been getting louder. Like so loud I can't ignore it. There's been this pull to step more fully into coaching and mentorship, to be more involved in the bigger picture of my clients' businesses, not just the execution.And I'll be honest, it's bringing up a lot.There have been moments over the last couple of weeks where I've genuinely questioned everything. Wondering if I'm making the right move, if I'm overcomplicating things, or if I should go back to what's easy and proven. There's a level of safety in staying where you are known, and stepping outside of that (even when it's aligned) can feel really uncomfortable.At the same time, I'm refining who I'm speaking to. I'm noticing patterns in the women I work with. So many of them are Gen X, 50+, incredibly experienced, capable, and completely over the noise of online business. They don't want to chase trends or be glued to their phones. They want something that feels sustainable, grounded, and aligned with the life they're living. And as I lean into that, there's also the fear of, “Am I excluding people?” or “Will this land the way I want it to?”And then there's the identity piece, which I think is the hardest part. Letting go of the version of yourself that you've been for so long...the one that built the business and allowing yourself to be seen in a new way. For me, that's moving out of “I'm just a designer” and really owning the depth of what I do. And if I'm being honest, that has been a huge stretch. There's been a level of hiding in the safety of my work, and this next chapter is asking me to show up more fully.The technical side of this shift - updating offers, systems, messaging is actually the easy part for me. What's been more challenging is the internal work. The mindset, the self-trust, the willingness to keep showing up even when it feels messy or uncertain. That's why I invested in support this year, and why I'll always believe in having someone in your corner during seasons like this.What I keep coming back to, and what I want to remind you of if you're in your own version of this, is that this kind of growth is temporary. It's uncomfortable, but it's also necessary. It's the space where you're stretching into something bigger, even if it doesn't feel fully formed yet.So if you've been feeling like what used to work isn't quite fitting anymore, or you're craving something deeper and more aligned but aren't exactly sure what that looks like yet, I just want you to know that you're not alone in that. This is what evolution actually looks like in real life - not polished, not perfect, but very real and very human.And if nothing else, I hope this gives you permission to keep going, even when it feels uncertain.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you are listening. Your iTunes reviews help the show impact more Magnetic Bosses just like you. Share this episode on IG and tag @calandra.martin so I can thank you personally! Start your FREE Honeybook trial and save 30% off your first year with my affiliate link. ✨  https://share.honeybook.com/magneticboss  

I recently sat down with the brilliant Alexis Redding, a developmental psychologist at Harvard who is doing the heavy lifting to help us understand what's actually going on with young adults today.  Alexis shared how we often look at the "kids these days" and think they're living in a completely different world, but Alexis's research shows that while the hashtags have changed, the big, messy feelings of figure-it-out-ness are the same as they were 50 years ago. Whether you're a parent to an almost teenager like I am, or a leader managing a Gen Z team, this episode is all about ditching the magic wand approach and getting real about our own stumbles to build authentic, human connections. Key Themes from the Conversation Ditching the Direction for Exploration. When giving advice to young people who aren't yet self-authoring, it's better to offer competing options that invite them to choose, rather than a single directive. "They have not heard from me guidance and a suggestion, they have heard a direction... what I want to do instead is give them two possible answers that contradict with each other slightly, that invite exploration."  The Power of the Messy Middle. Leaders and mentors should share their own failures and C- moments to normalize the struggle and move away from the pressure of a perfect trajectory. "I need them to know that I know what it feels like to get a C-, and to feel disoriented by that... and also to know that it was kind of okay on the other side." Re-evaluating the Mental Health Crisis Label. Labeling every struggle as a crisis can ramp up the temperature and prevent honest, human conversations that might not actually require clinical intervention. "If a student says, 'I'm feeling really depressed,' what does that mean to you?... you might find in that conversation is that student is having an emotional reaction that does need clinical care... But we might equally find a student who says... 'it just feels really hard this week.'" Validation Over Problem-Solving. The most effective way to support someone in a difficult transition is to sit with them in the uncertainty rather than rushing to fix the situation. "It's not validation for validation's sake... it's like, 'that feels hard, and here's the conversation we're gonna have about it,' so that it is authentic, so that when that person walks away, they feel seen and heard." Actionable Takeaway The next time a young person or a direct report comes to you with a struggle, take three minutes to ask "What does that look like for you?" before offering a solution. Resisting the urge to fix things immediately allows them to feel seen and often helps them identify their own path forward. Enjoy getting to know Alexis? Watch Alexis' TEDx Talk and get her book Mental Health in College.

AH, life.  Full of phases and cycles, each with a beginning, middle, and end.Today's episode highlights what many are going through, literally the whole world, of a "messy middle".Listen in for information and inspiration on what this part of life may feel like {messy! gunky! confusing.  challenging. ... to say the least} and what to do through these inevitable transitionary times.We all will face the constant change of life, and what we choose to do and be about it, will determine the overall outcome!Latest Substack {with mentioned cocoon pics} on 'the in-between' :: read here_______________________________________________REBEKKA'S LINKS :WORK WITH REBEKKA / 1:1 ALIVENESS JOURNEY :: START HERE⚡️ MEMBERSHIP  ::  RADICAL ALIVENESS :: here

Recording from a doctor's office before a PRP facial, Coco Dee expands on “girl math” and how jokingly justifying spending (like buying more because it's on sale) can keep women stuck, especially those who already struggle with money. Coco reframes money as a simple game with clear parameters, pointing to compound interest as proof of how powerful small, consistent choices can be over 10–20 years and how “girl math” can compound against you, too. Her core reminder is that today's decisions are seeds: you often feel the results two to three years later, just like training or leaving an unhealthy relationship has a messy middle before the payoff. She encourages being expansive, but not reckless, and to make choices that build wealth, legacy, or a financial buffer.00:00 Doctor Office Intro00:26 What Girl Math Means02:01 Money Game and Compounding03:41 Choices Plant Seeds05:01 Messy Middle and Rewards06:03 Garden Analogy for Money06:26 PRP and Skin Investment07:08 No Scrooge Final Reminder07:33 Wrap Up and Goodbye If you're after some more goodiesI have a FREE 5-Day Mindset Reset for you called  Wealthy Women WinYou can also follow me on Instagram

What if the Book of Job is not primarily about explaining suffering—but about surviving trauma? In this episode of The Biblical Mind Podcast, Dru Johnson sits down with Old Testament scholar and licensed therapist Michelle Keener to explore the Book of Job through the lens of trauma, PTSD, lament, and healing. Drawing from her book Comfort from the Ashes, Keener argues that the long poetic sections of Job—often skipped by modern readers—may actually portray the slow process of trauma recovery rather than abstract theological debate. Together, Dru and Michelle discuss why Job's friends sound so much like modern Christian clichés, how churches often rush people past suffering toward “victory,” and why lament is essential to spiritual health. The conversation also explores the neuroscience of trauma, the body's involuntary survival responses, repetition in trauma processing, and how God's presence—not simplistic answers—brings healing in Job. They also examine the church's discomfort with anger, grief, and unresolved pain, asking whether modern Christians have lost the biblical language of lament found in Job and the Psalms. This episode is a thoughtful and deeply pastoral conversation for anyone wrestling with suffering, trauma, faith, or the meaning of the Book of Job. For Michelle Keener's latest book, buy it here: https://www.ivpress.com/comfort-in-the-ashes We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Job and Common Misunderstandings 02:08 The Movie Tree of Life as an Exposition of Job 04:07 Is Job the Oldest Book in the Bible? 05:23 The Significance of the Middle Poetry in Job 06:22 Trauma and the Messy Middle of Job 08:17 Sitting with Suffering: The Role of Lament and Honesty 09:42 Job as a Trauma Survivor and Its Modern Relevance 11:55 The Process of Healing and God's Presence 14:07 Physiological Responses to Trauma and Divine Design 16:50 Reintegration of Trauma and the Role of Narrative 19:44 The Encounter with God as Resolution 22:40 Creating Trauma-Informed Church Spaces 24:37 The Power of Honest Testimony and Lament 26:42 The Ubiquity of Trauma Talk and Its Nuances 29:48 Language of Trauma: Distress, Wounded, and Healing 33:40 Ripple Effects of Trauma on Families and Communities 36:11 How to Approach Reading Job for Deep Understanding 38:18 Interpreting Job's Final Resolution and God's Response 40:20 Theological Insights: God's Goodness and Human Suffering 41:18 Conclusion: Healing and Hope in the Biblical Narrative

Self Confidence For Entrepreneurs In this episode, we dive into the "Messy Middle" to answer a listener's struggle with feeling stuck. Using the legendary stories of Steve Jobs and Walt Disney, David Ralph explores how "insignificant" dots—like a penniless dropout's calligraphy class or a devastating contract betrayal—became the foundations for global empires. If you feel like you're wasting time on hobbies or reeling from a setback, this is your wake-up call. You can't connect the dots looking forward; you have to trust they'll join up in your future. Stop looking for the destination and start drawing your dots. #JoinUpDots #SteveJobs #WaltDisney #EntrepreneurMindset #TimeWealth #SuccessStories #TrustTheProcess

PSR Podcast is a listener supported outreach of Be Broken Ministries. Partner with us through giving at BeBroken.org/donate. Thank you for your support!----------In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Karla Downing to tackle one of the most challenging topics in marriage — recovering from sexual betrayal. Karla breaks down how fear and anxiety affect both partners after betrayal, explaining the push-and-pull patterns of hyper and hypo-reactivity that can make healing so difficult. She offers practical, compassionate steps for couples to identify and manage their fears, rebuild trust, and communicate more openly. We also explore how leaning on Christ together can serve as a steady anchor throughout the healing journey. To learn more about Karla and her resources, visit ChangeMyRelationship.com. Karla also provided us with a handout for today's podcast. You can access it at Bebroken.org/anxietyhandout.Topics Covered in this Episode: The impact of sexual betrayal on couples' relationships.Common fears and anxieties experienced by both spouses after betrayal.The emotional dynamics of hypo-reactivity and hyper-reactivity in relationships.The importance of recognizing and managing fears in the healing process.The role of faith and trust in God during recovery from betrayal.The effects of fear of rejection and loss on both partners.Communication strategies for expressing fears and emotions.Practical steps for couples to handle their fears and promote healing.The significance of awareness in identifying and addressing fears.Resources available for couples seeking support and guidance in healing relationships.More Resources:10 Relationship-Changing PrinciplesSelf-Esteem QuizChange My Relationship* by Karla DowningRelated Podcasts:8 Practical Steps of ForgivenessHelping Men Understand a Woman's Grief ProcessHow Couples Can Navigate the "Messy Middle" After Betrayal Trauma*This is an affiliate link. Be Broken may earn referral fees on purchases through this link.----------Please rate and review our podcast: Apple and SpotifyFollow us on our Vimeo Channel.

In this week's episode, I'm sharing a few things that have brought me back to myself lately — a color analysis rabbit hole, a solo yoga class on Mother's Day, and wandering through an art fair alone. All of them felt like gentle reminders to step outside the usual flow and routine of life and make space for what truly fills me up. More importantly, I dive into one core topic: the duality of being human. How it's possible to feel deeply grateful for your life while also feeling unsettled, uncertain, or hungry for more at the exact same time. I share about the grief I still feel after our move to Georgia, the strange in-between season I'm navigating professionally, and why I think so many of us are quietly holding conflicting emotions beneath the surface. So if you've been feeling the tension of two seemingly opposing emotions at once, this episode is for you. MENTIONS My Substack, This Season You can find more of my writing and reflections on Substack, where I share weekly notes on presence, attention, and living more intentionally. Color Analysis

In this episode of The Caring Economy, Toby Usnik sits down with Hazel Ann Felder, a Gen Z storyteller and strategist whose work bridges fashion, business, and social impact. Hazel shares how being adopted from China and growing up across the U.S., Singapore, and the U.K. shaped her sense of identity, leadership, and belonging. The conversation explores her podcast Clearly Becoming, her perspective on career transitions and personal evolution, what frontline retail and brand work taught her about human behavior, and why Gen Z is approaching ambition, work-life balance, and AI differently from the generations before them. Hazel also reflects on networking, mentorship, and what it means to build a career while still figuring yourself out.

Luke (29) and Anna (30) have a $342K net worth, but they're stuck in the messy middle with three kids under seven and completely different money philosophies. Luke tracks every dollar across dozens of budget categories while Anna feels micromanaged and exhausted by the rigidity. Financial Advisors, Brian Preston and Bo Hanson, walk them through restructuring their budget, creating wins for both spouses, and building a plan that funds both today's happiness and their even more beautiful tomorrow. With big dreams for their family and a passion project for scaling Luke's sports camp business, they need to get on the same page fast. This episode shows how to bridge the gap between the analytical spouse and the experiential spouse, why a new budgeting strategy might be the key to saving their financial harmony, and how a 14% savings rate can still build an $8 million portfolio by age 65 when you have a better plan and a united vision. ⁠Jump start your journey with our FREE financial resources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reach your goals faster with our products⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the relationship to the next level: become a client⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube for early access and go beyond the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with us on social media for more content⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Bring confidence to your wealth building with simplified strategies from The Money Guy. Learn how to apply financial tactics that go beyond common sense and help you reach your money goals faster. Make your assets do the heavy lifting so you can quit worrying and start living a more fulfilled life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you stuck in the "messy middle" of AI adoption where individual productivity doesn't actually translate to organizational impact? This week on the Friday Deploy, Andrew and Ben break down the hilarious and terrifying realities of agentic intention drift, exploring how a "goblin" invasion in ChatGPT and poorly scoped tokens are wreaking havoc on production environments. They also navigate this messy organizational adoption phase, discussing why senior developers are accelerating while juniors stall out on the K-shaped productivity curve. Finally, the hosts wrap up with a look at the open-source renaissance of agentic harnesses like Lattice and Pi.dev.Read the guide: The APEX FrameworkFollow the show:Subscribe to our Substack Follow us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelLeave us a ReviewFollow the hosts:Follow AndrewFollow BenFollow DanFollow today's stories:Where the goblins came fromAI didn't delete your database, you didWhen everyone has AI and the company still learns nothingFragments: May 5Specsmaxxingclaude code is not making your product betterOFFERSStart Free Trial: Get started with LinearB's AI productivity platform for free.Book a Demo: Learn how you can ship faster, improve DevEx, and lead with confidence in the AI era.LEARN ABOUT LINEARBAI Code Reviews: Automate reviews to catch bugs, security risks, and performance issues before they hit production.AI & Productivity Insights: Go beyond DORA with AI-powered recommendations and dashboards to measure and improve performance.AI-Powered Workflow Automations: Use AI-generated PR descriptions, smart routing, and other automations to reduce developer toil.MCP Server: Interact with your engineering data using natural language to build custom reports and get answers on the fly.

This monthly series features an episode sharing my recent highs and lows, how my habits are going, a Do Something List update, plus what I'm loving lately and my commitments for the upcoming month. I hope this glimpse into my life, my family, my work, and my own self development encourages you in your own journey. Around here the goal is never perfection, just to keep trying, even if in very simple ways. I think you'll see that with all of the big changes going on for me, taking the smallest of steps has helped to keep me afloat and feeling like myself. As always, I encourage you to get messy, too!  Get the Best Summer Ever Workshop at half-off old pricing! Preorder Sticky Habits book today! Join the Book Launch Committee for behind-the-scenes and first peeks at all things book. Join the Supporters Club to keep About Progress around for good. Get the free DSL Training. Get your AirDoctorPro air purifier with the discount code “MONICA.”  Get your teen Knix with code “PROGRESS.” Go to Quince for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're Not Losing Motivation, You're Losing Chaos: How to Survive the Messy Middle of Practice Gowth | E304Highlights from this episode: You're Not Losing Motivation, You're Losing Chaos: How to Survive the Messy Middle of Practice Growth (00:45)Closing Thought: 3 Characteristics of Great CEOs (19:52)I used to think feeling bored in my practice meant I was losing my edge, but I've realized it's actually a sign that things are working—and that's where most ODs get tripped up. When the chaos fades, it's tempting to chase shiny new services or ideas, but that's exactly what stalls real growth. I have shifted from being a doer to a builder by measuring wins differently and creating urgency without blowing up what's already working. If you're in that “messy middle” of private practice growth, you need to stay disciplined long enough to actually finish what you started.

Margo is joined by artist, author, and educator Nicki Traikos for a conversation on creativity, perfectionism, and building a life rooted in art. Known for her approachable watercolor teaching style and the global community she's built through life i design, Nicki shares the winding journey that took her from a corporate career and makeup artistry into the world of watercolor, online education, and publishing. Margo and Nicki explore the realities of creative growth—the messy middle, the pivots, the comparison traps, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for your art. Nicki opens up about balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, the pressure artists face in the age of social media, and why embracing imperfection is often where the real breakthroughs happen. They also discuss her newest book, Watercolor Made Simple Workbook, and how approachable creativity can transform not only artistic confidence, but overall wellbeing. Margo and Nicki discuss: Nicki's unexpected path from corporate work and makeup artistry to becoming a full-time artist and educator The importance of embracing a "twisty, turny" creative journey instead of chasing overnight success How comparison and curated social media can hold artists back from starting Why messy sketchbooks and imperfect practice are essential to creative growth Letting go of perfectionism and learning to enjoy the tactile experience of making art The evolution from artist to teacher and building an online creative community during COVID The pressure to "find your style" and why multi-passionate creativity deserves space Practical ways to restart a creative practice and make art feel approachable again Connect with Nicki: Website: https://www.lifeidesign.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeidesign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifeidesign Substack: https://lifeidesign.substack.com  

Have you ever felt offended at God when life didn't go the way you prayed? Daron, Coop, and PJ open up Part 1 of The Messy Middle, the space between the kingdom being here and being fully here. Through John the Baptist's prison crisis and the Greek word metanoia, this episode reframes disappointment with God as an invitation, not an indictment, and redefines what repentance actually means. Ready to discover who God created you to be? Book a free 30-minute discovery call at RogueCollectiveCoaching.com.  KEY TAKEAWAYS: ⚡️ The moments you feel most offended at God are often the exact invitations to deeper faith ⚡️Biblical repentance is not shame-fueled behavior change, it's metanoia, a transformed way of thinking ⚡️ Trusting the story means trusting the Author, especially when your prison cell feels nothing like a kingdom TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Opening And Why This Episode Got Split In Half  03:25 The Messy Middle Now But Not Yet  11:31 John The Baptist Goes To Jail For Doing It Right  18:34 The Cousin In Prison Who Had To Ask Jesus Are You The One  26:47 Why Most Christians Misunderstand Repentance  31:10 What Metanoia Actually Means  39:06 Halftime Pause For Reflection CONNECT WITH DARON: Website: https://daronearlewine.com  Rogue Collective Coaching: https://roguecollectivecoaching.com  Blackbird Mission: https://blackbirdmission.com  Email: daron@daronearlewine.com If this episode hit you in the messy middle, share it with someone who needs the reminder, leave a comment with where you're feeling stuck, and hit subscribe so you don't miss Part 2. #DaronEarlewinePodcast #MessyMiddle #FaithJourney #ChristianPodcast #KingdomLiving #JohnTheBaptist #Repentance #PurposeDriven #FaithAndDoubt #BlackbirdMission

subscribe here: https://thinkfuture.comconnect with mango aggro: https://techtensions.substack.com---In this episode of thinkfuture, host Chris Kalaboukis speaks with Mango Aggro (TechTensions Substack) about one of the most overlooked consequences of AI: the collapse of entry-level roles and the emergence of what he calls the “messy middle.”As AI automates junior-level tasks—like building presentations in minutes instead of days—companies are hiring fewer entry-level workers. That might look efficient today, but it creates a long-term problem:No pipeline of talent to replace tomorrow's leaders.We explore:- Why AI is shrinking entry-level jobs across industries- The hidden risk of a future talent gap- How AI is being used (and misused) to justify layoffs- The rise of agentic AI—systems that act autonomously, not just respond- What “personal AI” could look like in the near future- Why job survival depends on shifting from process to outcome- The surprising rise in value of skilled trades vs. knowledge work- A possible future of post-scarcity and Universal Basic IncomeMango's perspective is clear: AI isn't just automating work—it's restructuring how careers, value, and opportunity evolve.If you're thinking about AI, jobs, career strategy, or the future of work, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets to the real implications.

Follow Madison: @madisoncicconeWork with Madison 1 x1: https://stan.store/MadisonCicconeMadison's Website: https://madisonciccone.com/Buy the Gratitude Journal on Amazon PrimeRide with her at SoulCycle in Boston

In this inspiring episode, host Ashish Kothari sits down with Meghan French Dunbar, a "business anthropologist," entrepreneur, and author of This Isn't Working. Meghan shares her powerful "metamorphosis" journey—from a high-achieving CEO burnt out by age 34 to a leader who centers flourishing as the primary driver of success. They explore why the current model of leadership is fundamentally broken and how shifting the focus from productivity to the "quality of being" can transform organizational performance. This episode is a roadmap for leaders and high achievers who want to achieve high impact without destroying their well-being in the process.Main Topics CoveredThe Flourishing Transformation: Why replacing traditional markers of success with "flourishing" improves quality of work and life.The "Messy Middle": Meghan's personal story of losing her identity during the pandemic and finding a new version of herself beyond achievement.The Opportunity Company Model: A deep dive into Torani, a company achieving 20% annual growth for 34 years by prioritizing people over profits.The Immorality of "Market Rate": Why paying a living wage is a baseline requirement for a high-performance, ethical culture.Autonomy and Dignity: How treating employees like "valuable adults" rather than toddlers unlocks massive discretionary effort and joy.Quality of Life as a Metric: Lessons from Sharon Rowe and Erin Wade on building businesses that support an "ideal life."Mainstreaming Conscious Business: How even giant firms like KKR are moving toward employee ownership models.Key TakeawaysLeading Indicators vs. Lagging Indicators: Financial performance is a lagging indicator; the growth, resilience, and well-being of your people are the true leading indicators.The Financial Cost of Insecurity: Distraction from financial stress reduces productivity by an average of seven hours per week.Schedule Joy: Joy isn't a byproduct of success; it's a prerequisite. If joy isn't on your calendar (like surfing or dancing), it likely won't happen.Define "Enough": Breaking the internalized narrative of "more for the sake of more" allows you to maximize time for what truly matters.The Ideal Life Statement: Draft a clear vision of your priorities to act as a shield against ego-driven overachievement.Episode Chapters0:00 - 3:50 Introduction and the Conscious Capitalism Movement in Boulder3:51 - 6:20 Flourishing: Replacing "Quantity of Doing" with "Quality of Being"6:21 - 10:11 The Bob Chapman Philosophy: Measuring Success in Lives Touched10:12 - 15:20 Meghan's Story: From High-Achiever Burnout to the "Messy Middle"15:21 - 18:55 The Framework: Purpose, Expansion, and Quality of Life18:56 - 23:03 Why Meaning at Work is Essential for Flourishing in Life23:04 - 27:40 Case Study: How Torani Achieved Billion-Dollar Growth27:41 - 31:26 Autonomy: The Antidote to Disenfranchisement31:27 - 37:45 Financial Resilience: Redoing Compensation Structures37:46 - 43:11 Quality of Life: Choosing Greatness Over Size43:12 - 48:36 The Evergreen Model: Moving Beyond Corrupted Venture Capital48:37 - 52:45 Micro-Action 1: Identifying and Scheduling Joy52:46 - 55:36 Micro-Action 2: Defining Your "Enough" Number55:37 - 58:19 Micro-Action 3: Drafting Your Ideal Life StatementConnect with the GuestConnect with Meghan French DunbarBook: This Isn't Workinghttps://bookshop.org/a/2344/9781541704862Substack: What's Workinghttps://meghanfrenchdunbar.substack.com/Podcast: Better Than Thishttps://www.meghanfrenchdunbar.com/podcastPersonal Website:https://www.meghanfrenchdunbar.comConnect with the HostHappiness Squad Website: https://happinesssquad.com/Ashish Kothari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/happiness-squadFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/myhappinesssquad/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myhappinesssquadCall to Action: Is your current leadership model working? Follow The Flourishing Edge, like this episode, and share it with a fellow overachiever who is ready to step off the hamster wheel and start flourishing.

What happens when the “messy middle” of short-term rental hosting gets so chaotic that you decide to build the software you wish already existed? Most hosts just keep duct-taping systems together; my guest today decided to build a better way.In this episode, I sit down with Beth Turner, the non-technical founder of Simpli Host. We're talking about the unfiltered reality of operating multiple short-term rentals while working a demanding full-time job, and how that operational anxiety pushed her to create an all-in-one platform designed for the hands-on host.We dive into:The "messy middle" of juggling seven different apps and the constant anxiety of wondering if the cleaner showed up or the hot tub is actually hot.Practical tools for reclaiming your peace—from the power of a deep breath to reframing yourself as a true business owner rather than a "side-hustle" host.How repeated requests for help led to a platform with unified messaging, integrated locks, and seasonal maintenance reminders.The hard lessons of hiring and firing dev teams, trusting the experts, and resisting the urge to "just learn to code."Why establishing firm policies and guardrails around things like pets and trash days is the only way to protect both your profit and your sanity.But this isn't just about software. It's about buying back your time. We pull back the curtain on the importance of quiet time, journaling, and surrounding yourself with a community that understands the unique weight of this industry. You'll hear about the power of a daily gratitude practice and a vision for building a business that serves your life, rather than one that consumes it.If you've ever felt like you're drowning in notifications and logistics, this conversation will offer you a roadmap to systems, support, and a more aligned way of hosting. Get ready to move out of the chaos and into a more intentional way of leading.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:47] A short introduction about our guest Beth Turner, her accidental journey into short-term rentals, and how she started Simpli Host[02:52] Beth describes the chaotic behind-the-scenes reality that quietly overwhelms hosts before they realize something has to change [05:13] Beth and I challenge the “passive income” myth and highlight the hands-on reality of running short-term rentals[06:51] Beth shares how the “messy middle” actually begins earlier, when juggling a full-time job, constant travel, and nonstop guest demands[09:40] Beth reveals how simple mental shifts, not complex systems, helped her regain control in high-stress hosting moments[12:18] How separating identity from the business helps operators lead more objectively, improve standards, and make stronger operational decisions[16:44] How documenting processes, especially through simple repeatable methods, prevents knowledge from being siloed and ensures business continuity and consistency[20:41] How using policies as a neutral authority helps operators remove emotion from guest decisions and maintain consistency, even when running solo[21:54] Beth explains how fragmented systems and operational overload led her to create Simpli Host as a unified solution for short-term rental management[25:37] Beth describes how the software functions as a centralized system that brings together the core operational layers of short-term rental management[31:58] Beth explains how building Simpli Host forced her to delegate, stop coding herself, and shifting from frustration and control to empowerment and trust in her team[34:36] Beth and I explore how clarity, creativity, and business insight emerge through quiet reflection, self-awareness, and intentional disconnection from noise[43:56] The importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive network of women and operators at different stages of their short-term rental journeys[47:26] The lightning round Golden Nuggets:“One thing that people don't realize is, STRs are not passive.”“You feel that rising and you know that you're no longer in a good mental space to make good choices. And even if you do make good choices, you're rolling the dice on that choice when you're in that state. So one of those is taking, taking that deep breath.”“I think it is so important that we learn as business owners to separate ourselves from the business.”“Having good people in your business is 100% essential. However, I will say, you know, I learned a huge lesson. Yeah, along with those good people, we have to make sure that if they're smarter than you about something, they're helping you build your policies, your processes and procedures. So that if they ever got hit by a bus, you know you would still operate without them.”“Exploit your strengths and hide your weaknesses.”“Having a network of other women around us who have experienced different things that are in all different stages of their businesses, I will tell you, I have mastermind programs. I have mentorships, I learn as much from the folks that I have the opportunity to support in their journeys as they learn from me.”“All of these masterminds, all these beautiful women, all of these smart, ambitious people that I've been around have gotten me where I am today. I carry a little bit of them everywhere I go.”Let's Connect:Website : https://simplihost.com/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/simplihostinc/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/simplihostincEnjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

I'm joined by Dr. Helen Wall, a GP and registered menopause specialist from England, and author of the new book ADHD and Menopause (May 14th, 2026). Dr. Wall speaks out about the intersection of ADHD, neurodivergence, and hormonal changes in women.In this episode, we get into the science behind why estrogen fluctuations destabilize dopamine signaling in the brain, and why that matters so much more for women with ADHD (diagnosed or not). We talk about masking, the hidden costs of over-functioning, why women and girls are still being missed for decades, and how progesterone sensitivity can make things even more complicated. We also explore the connection between ADHD and PMDD, and what options exist for women who are navigating both menopause and neurodivergence.This episode offers the science, the validation, and the compassion to help you understand what's going on.I also share my own experience being diagnosed with ADHD at 19 and then watching it "unmask" when perimenopause crash-landed at 37. This one gets personal, and I think you'll feel seen.About Dr. Helen Wall: Dr. Helen Wall is a GP and registered menopause specialist with the British Menopause Society. She advocates for neurodivergent women who have been misdiagnosed, mislabeled, and left to burn out without understanding what's going on. Her awareness of the ADHD-menopause connection grew through her daughter's neurodivergent journey and the patterns she began recognizing in her own menopause clinics. Her new book, ADHD and Menopause, is available on May 14th (and for pre-order) wherever books are sold.Connect with Dr. Helen Wall: Instagram: @doctorhelenwall Website: www.drhelenwall.comRelated Episodes You'll Love:When Perimenopause Unmasks ADHD with Dr. Jen Wolkin ADHD and The Messy Middle with Diana ReidFinding Your Movement Rhythm with ADHD & Perimenopause with Christine Chessman Story Session: Navigating ADHD in Midlife & Menopause What did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!➡️ Join The Midlife Body Image Lab here: https://www.menopausenutritionist.ca/bodyimagelab 

Leigh Ann shares an update on her current healing journey through childhood trauma, emotional breakthroughs, and connecting to family in a new way. In this episode, she shares the deep process of facing repressed emotions, which often manifest in unexpected ways. Leigh Ann discusses how figuring out the self-protective patterns that have been ingrained since childhood can lead to significant personal growth. She emphasizes the importance of finding safety in vulnerability with others, allowing oneself to be open to healing in the presence of safe people. Leigh Ann also opens up about the transformative power of our most raw emotional breakthroughs and how they can lead to reconnections with family. This episode offers hope and inspiration for anyone on a similar path to healing and self-discovery.Product Discount Codes + LinksFroya Organics: Website (Link gives 10% off)MitaCell: Website (Use code LEIGHANN for 10% off)Vio2: Website (Use code LEIGHANN for 10% off)Related EpisodesPodcast Ep. 237: Leigh Ann Lindsey - Navigating the Messy Middle of Trauma RecoveryPodcast Ep. 234: Leigh Ann Lindsey - Avoiding Emotional Work, Is It Discernment or Distraction?Work w/Leigh AnnLearn: What is EVOX Therapy?Book: Schedule a Session or FREE Discovery CallMembership: What is The Healing Alchemy MembershipConnect w/Me & Learn MoreWebsiteInstagramTiktokYoutube

Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself!Wendy bought a chateau in France! She shares the full story in her Coffee Chat with Liz McHutcheson on YouTube. youtu.be/o-TDZ31pHSQSay "Yes!" to travel! Just check your calendar, book your flight, and pack your cute outfits:Edinburgh, Scotland | July 6-10, 2026 phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/edinburghCognac Jewelry School, FranceJune 27-July 4, 2026 or August 15-22, 2026: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-summer-foundations2027 Foundations: phineaswrighthouse.com/the-shop/p/cognac-jewellery-school-summer-foundations-2027In this episode, Wendy sits down with Leighann Shafiq, an American nurse living in the Swiss mountains who went part-time to be more present for her young daughter. Her photography business gave her the financial confidence to make that leap. She's living proof that taking inspired action—not just manifesting—creates the life you want.They explore:How Leighann moved to Switzerland for a seasonal ski camp job and never leftWhy her photography business gave her the freedom to go part-time in nursingWhy manifesting the feeling is more powerful than manifesting the thingThis is a conversation about living in the messy middle and taking inspired action. Leighann shares why there's always a barrier, and that doesn't mean you shouldn't pursue what you want—it means find a way, ask for help, and take the next step.Connect with Leighann:Instagram @peace_love_leighTikTok tiktok.com/@peace.love.leighPeaceLoveLeigh.comReferenced in this Episode:Living Abroad as a Single Mom and Redefining What's Possible | Jen Kantor : buzzsprout.com/1872382/episodes/18260314________________________________________________________________________________________Connect with Wendy:LinkedinInstagram: @wendy.harropFacebook: Phineas Wright HouseWebsite: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm StaysPWH Curated Experience and TravelInterested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to podcast@phineaswrighthouse.comPodcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat!If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

The “messy middle” is the longest—and hardest—phase of the financial independence (FIRE) journey. It's where progress feels slow, motivation dips, and burnout can creep in. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Carl Jensen (our guest host for today) break down how to stay consistent, avoid over-optimization, and actually enjoy life while building wealth. From increasing income and investing smarter to designing the life you want before you retire, this is your guide to getting through the messy middle without losing momentum. If your FIRE journey feels stuck, this episode will help you reset and keep going. To go beyond the podcast: Kick start your financial independence journey with our FREE financial resources - https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/ Subscribe on YouTube for even more content- www.youtube.com/biggerpocketsmoney  Connect with us on social media to join the other BiggerPockets Money listeners - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BPMoney Connect with Carl Jensen: https://www.1500days.com/ We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you're starting. Let's get your financial house in order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices