Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Cross

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the official resignation of Ryan Walters as state superintendent, a democratic lawmaker calling for an investigation of Walters over his association with Teachers' Freedom Alliance and a crackdown on illegal immigration by the Highway Patrol on I-40 in western Oklahoma.The trio also discusses a report showing the fiscal impact on the state if local communities remove fluoride from their water supplies and the City of Lawton using artificial intelligence on recommendations to deal with homelessness.

You're listening to a podcast by Lance Lambert Ministries. For more information on this ministry, visit www.lancelambert.org or follow us on social media to receive all of our updates.Click here to find the full audiobook for The Importance of Covering: In today's episode, we'll be listening to chapter 8 of the audiobook for The Importance of Covering by Lance Lambert. In this chapter, narrated by Michael Cross, Lance applies the covering concept specifically to women's head covering in church, arguing that sisters serve as a living symbol to remind the entire church about spiritual covering, divine order, and dependence on Christ's authority.  Chapters (00:00:00) - Lance Lambert: The Importance of Covering(00:00:37) - Covering the Women(00:06:11) - 3. The Significance of Head Covering(00:11:54) - Head Covering in the Orthodox Church(00:19:14) - Covering the Woman's Head(00:26:54) - Eve taken out of Adam(00:34:29) - The sacred testimony of the Church(00:40:52) - The headship of Christ(00:48:41) - The covering of the Woman's hair

NPR journalist and host Mary Louise Kelly recently launched a national security podcast, Sources & Methods, where she discusses the biggest national security news of the week with NPR correspondents.In this bonus podcast, KOSU's Michael Cross visits with her about the new podcast and previews her upcoming visit to Oklahoma City on Nov. 4.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that he's quitting as the top education official in Oklahoma.The trio also discusses the Ethics Commission ordering the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission to dissolve over campaign violations along with its president facing cockfighting attendance charges, state officials pushing the FCC to allow for cellphone jamming technology in jails and prisons and the District Attorneys' Council asking lawmakers for an extra $500,000 for a unit to handle death penalty cases.

You're listening to a podcast by Lance Lambert Ministries. For more information on this ministry, visit www.lancelambert.org or follow us on social media to receive all of our updates.Find the full audiobook here: https://lancelambert.org/the-importance-of-covering/ In today's episode, we'll be listening to chapter 2 of the audiobook for The Importance of Covering by Lance Lambert. In this chapter, narrated by Michael Cross, Lance shares that "covering" means being spiritually positioned "in Christ". As Christians, we don't need to fight to get under covering since God has already placed us there, but we must learn to stay where He has positioned us and return quickly when we move out of that place of safety. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Importance of Covering(00:00:39) - Importance of Covering Psalm 118:1(00:04:41) - The Matter of Covering(00:06:21) - Our position in Christ(00:09:34) - Old Testament Pictures and Symbolism(00:14:50) - Leviticus 1, The Offerings(00:21:29) - Understanding the Real Nature of Sin(00:22:13) - The Five- Fold Covering(00:29:37) - The Blood of the Lamb(00:36:06) - Stay where God has put you(00:42:43) - Putting on the Whole Armor(00:49:18) - All kinds of trials in life(00:51:20) - Prayer for the Soul

You're listening to a podcast by Lance Lambert Ministries. For more information on this ministry, visit www.lancelambert.org or follow us on social media to receive all of our updates.Find full audiobook here: https://lancelambert.org/the-importance-of-covering/ In today's episode, we'll be listening to chapter 1 of the audiobook for The Importance of Covering by Lance Lambert. This book contains a series of messages that Lance preached in 1971, which were transcribed and are now available as an audiobook narrated by Michael Cross. In this chapter, Lance introduces the biblical concept of "covering" by surveying Old Testament examples and symbols, showing how this theme of spiritual protection appears throughout Scripture when people stay in their right relationship with God. Chapters (00:00:00) - Chapter 1 of the Importance of Covering(00:00:54) - Psalm 91(00:04:16) - Prayer for the Soul(00:04:44) - Psalm 91, Covering the Child of God(00:09:53) - The Doctrine of Covering the Church(00:18:07) - The Fear of the Lord(00:20:48) - Old Testament References to Covering(00:24:12) - Tabernacle(00:27:40) - The Glory of the Lord(00:34:55) - To Be covered in Christ(00:37:15) - In the Name of Jesus(00:42:38) - Crucified Armor of God(00:45:18) - Covering, Undercovering and Dying(00:46:25) - Forgive Us Our Forgiveness(00:48:07) - Prayer for the Day

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the State Supreme Court clearing the way for an initiative petition to change primary elections in Oklahoma, the high court also putting a hold on controversial social studies standards and Superintendent Ryan Walters threatening the teaching licenses of educators who comment on the death of Charlie Kirk.The trio also discusses a special election to replace Representative Ty Burns who resigned amid allegations of domestic violence and Attorney General Gentner Drummond releases a legal opinion on obscene material in drag shows.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Minority Leader Emily Virgin about the governor's crackdown on homeless encampments in Tulsa, Attorney General Gentner Drummond taking issue with the resignation of the head of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and Stitt-appointed members of the State Board of Education calling a special meeting in defiance of Superintendent Ryan Walters.The trio also discusses a call by Walters to expand a Prager-U backed "America First" test to all out of state teachers and a Democratic state lawmaker calls for an AG's opinion on the legality of a new governor's mansion.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the resignation of a state lawmaker who pleaded guilty to domestic abuse and other charges, a federal judge blocking in-state tuition for undocumented worker and the attorney general saying the Highway Patrol must keep troopers in metropolitan areas.The trio also discusses a special meeting of the State Board of Education and the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission approves plans for a new governor's mansion.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with StateImpact health reporter Jillian Taylor about the rising number of parents choosing to not vaccinate their children as schools get ready to accept students back into classrooms.

Michael Cross, Briskin, Cross & Sanford, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women's Leadership Summit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 896) Michael Cross, partner at Briskin, Cross & Sanford, joined host John Ray live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women's Leadership Summit to highlight his firm's sponsorship of the event and their long-standing support for […] The post Michael Cross, Briskin, Cross & Sanford, on Women Leaders appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with State Capitol reporter Lionel Ramos about how local law enforcement in the state is approaching the task of implementing federal immigration laws.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with mental health and addiction reporter Sierra Pfeifer about how some inmates who need mental health treatment are languishing in jail as they wait for a hearing on their mental competency to stand trial.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with KOSU News Director Robby Korth about a situation over the past week where State Board of Education members claimed to have seen nude women on a television in the office of Superintendent Ryan Walters while they were in executive session. Walters then called the board members "liars" and demanded their removal from the board.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Indigenous Affairs reporter Sarah Liese about Westwin Elements, a nickel refinery in southern Oklahoma built on land near the Kiowa Comanche Apache Tribe. The plant was built and is currently operating despite opposition from the tribe as well as local residents.

Check out Omar's discussion with SoCon commissioner Michael Cross at SoCon Media Day!

Hour 2 of Sportsline on July 24, 2025 Jacob Townsend talks with SoCon John about SoCon Media Days with ETSU, Will Healy, quarterbacks, expectations, and commissioner Michael Cross' comments. Then, Jacob does another edition of Monster Trivia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacob Townsend talks with SoCon John about SoCon Media Days with ETSU, Will Healy, quarterbacks, expectations, and commissioner Michael Cross' comments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Agriculture and Rural Issues Reporter Anna Pope about a waiver request from Oklahoma leaders to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. The waiver comes as the federal government is also seeking changes to the food program. 

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with mental health and addiction reporter Sierra Pfeifer about $1B in cuts from President Trump to schools across the country to hire mental health professionals and how it will impact Oklahoma's rural districts

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with KOSU State Capitol reporter Lionel Ramos about his story regarding 29-year-old Cesar Reyes who was deported earlier this year after a crackdown by President Trump on undocumented workers.

This week on the podcast, Darian and Steve are joined by SoCon commissioner Michael Cross, a former Penn State assistant director of athletics, for a conversation about his career journey, his approach and more. Plus, Darian and Steve react to Penn State's slew of first-round draft picks and more. Follow Darian and Steve on Twitter @StuffSomersSays and @SteveSamspell. Visit the website at StuffSomersSays.com. Join the newsletter today. Go buy Stuff by visiting StuffSomersSays.com/TheStuff

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former State House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about a state Supreme Court ruling on House Bill 1775 to limit discussions of race and sex in schools, the state's high court justices considering oral arguments against a state question to open Oklahoma's primary elections and a new legal challenge to a 2007 law requiring a "sex offender" tag on drivers' licenses.The trio also discusses an agreement on jurisdiction between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation along with the impact of the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the NBA Championship.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the "No Kings" rally in cities across the state, an animal rights group showing leaders of the Gamefowl Commission involved in illegal cockfighting and the Oklahoma Ethics Commission moving forward with prosecution against Oklahoma City Democratic Representative Ajay Pittman.The trio also discusses the win for State Superintendent Ryan Walters' controversial social studies standards after a favorable ruling from the court and Governor Stitt signing two bills designed to keep veteran educators in the classroom.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt picking a new leader for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the state's sweeping immigration law remains on hold after a federal judge's ruling and Attorney General Gentner Drummond calls for the removal of refugees from Afghanistan.The trio also discusses the resignation of Epic Virtual Charter School's superintendent amid cuts and the Heartland Flyer looks to end service on or before October First.

Jacob Townsend is joined by SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross to talk about ETSU representing the league in the NCAA Tournament, but also his position paper on the future of college athletics and what he believes the NCAA needs to do moving forward to most importantly stay out of further anti-trust issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt signing a bill to reduce the top income tax bracket by .25%, a legal challenge coming to a new law restricting initiative petitions and the U.S. Supreme Court blocking a Catholic charter school in Oklahoma.The trio also discusses a waiver issued by parents and advocates for students to opt-out of materials championed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters and lawmakers providing a $100,000 bonus to prosecutors who a fighting an ongoing battle over tribal sovereignty.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about a budget deal announcement from Governor Stitt and legislative leaders, new information on a review of the State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and a Senate Committee's approval of three nominations for the State Board of Education.The trio also discusses the halt of Oklahoma's controversial immigration law by a federal judge and Governor Stitt using his veto pen more this year than at any other time in his tenure.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt picking an attorney to investigate the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, new social studies standards from Superintendent Ryan Walters facing a legal challenge and the State Senate blocking a Board of Education rule requiring citizenship status of public school students.The trio also discusses new numbers showing who is taking advantage of Oklahoma's private school tax vouchers and the comments section for Governor Stitt's DOGE-OK portal not getting the results he was probably hoping for.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about more testimony from the struggling Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the U.S. Supreme Court taking up the issue of a Catholic charter school in Oklahoma and one of Gov. Kevin Stitt's four nominees to the State Board of Education failing to get a sponsor.The trio also discusses the Ethics Commission's dismissal of an investigation against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett and Texas lawmakers choose to not fund their portion of the Heartland Flyer.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about controversial social studies standards surviving a deadline at the State Capitol, Governor Stitt appointing a new person to the State Board of Education and the governor's task force on March wildfires releases its first report.The trio also discusses the final month of the 2025 state legislature as lawmakers work to craft a budget for the fiscal year starting on July First and the Oklahoma Arts Council cancels its biennial conference amid uncertainty in state and federal funding.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about State Superintendent Ryan Walters crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion and a four-hour hearing in the State House over concerns with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse ServicesThe trio also discusses Governor Stitt calling for more power over picking supreme court justices and the impact of Trump Administration tariffs on Oklahoma farmers.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt ordering a review of contractors in state agencies, the Department of Mental Health is asking for an extra $6.2M this fiscal year to continue services through June and a Woodward lawyer is taking a seat on the state Supreme Court.The trio also discusses the candidacy of House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson who becomes the first Democrat to run for governor in 2026 and the Republican Party suing to stop a state question designed to open primaries to all voters.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt's fight against the Oklahoma Forestry Service heating up, Governor Stitt's DOGE-OK release a report calling for major shifts in policy and a mental health program in Tulsa gets funding after originally being cut by the state.The trio also discusses tribal leaders raising concerns about cuts to the federal Health and Human Services agency and a new effort has started on legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the State Board of Education meeting canceled over concerns of violating the Open Meetings Act, Democrats at the State Capitol filing resolutions to reject social studies standards from the SBE and Superintendent Ryan Walters suing a national watchdog group over religion in public schools.The trio also talks about Governor Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond trading jabs over religion in public schools and Stitt coming under fire for critical remarks against the former state forestry chief over recent wildfires.

On this episode, Sam is joined by SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. They discuss:-The SoCon's approach to the House settlement-The vote to keep scholarship limits the same-How many FCS schools could afford to go above 63 scholarships-How many SoCon schools will opt in-The SoCon keeping its in-conference transfer rule-Governance changes in Division I-And more

This Week in Oklahoma Politics KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Leader Emily Virgin about President Trump's executive order calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, State Superintendent Ryan Walters legal victory in a case regarding anti-bullying enforcement and a legal fight between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation getting two new participants: Governor Stitt and tribal freedmen.The trio also discusses the State Health Department's creation of a measles outbreak page on its website and the State Insurance Commissioner warning of increased premiums if ACA subsidies are allowed to expire at the end of the year.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about a settlement between State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Ethics Commission over his use of social media to support President Trump, Governor Stitt's support of cuts by Elon Musk and DOGE and the Trump Administration announces it is investigating the OU School of Community Medicine.The trio also discusses Attorney General Gentner Drummond hiring a former colleague and mentee of Chief Justice John Roberts to argue the case of an OKC Catholic charter school and lawmakers amended a bill to ban homeless shelters and services outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about Governor Stitt joining other states in asking to have a seat at the table in federal cuts and layoffs, the State Supreme Court puts a pause on plans by Superintendent Ryan Walters for Bibles and Bible curriculum in classrooms and Superintendent Walters questioning the integrity of school test scores released by his agency.The trio also discusses state lawmakers passing legislation allowing Board of Education members more access to the agenda and a bill heading to the Senate making it harder for initiative petitions to get on the ballot.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about Attorney General Gentner Drummond criticizing State Superintendent Ryan Walters over an opinion request, the State Board of Education voting in favor of new controversial social studies standards and a scathing audit against Tulsa Public Schools.The trio also discusses a ruling in a challenge to Governor Stitt's return-to-work order for state employees and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation touring the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about an announcement from Governor Stitt concerning a partnership with Oklahoma and the federal government over immigration enforcement, a lawsuit against Stitt over his order for state employees to return to in-office work and State Superintendent Ryan Walters asks for a legal opinion from Attorney General Getner Drummond regarding a Trump executive order on federal funding for undocumented students.The trio also talks about a report from the Oklahoma Tax Commission showing more than 20% of private school tax credits went to families making more than $250,000 and the 2026 races for Attorney General and State Superintendent get their first candidates.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic State House Speaker Steve Lewis about Governor Stitt firing three members of the State Board of Education and nominating three replacements and an audit of the Tulsa Public School District.The trio also discusses legislative leaders pulling back on Governor Stitt's tax cut plan and Operation Guardian to identify, arrest and deport illegal immigrants gets underway.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic State House Speaker Steve Lewis about the untimely passing of our colleague Ryan Kiesel who died last week after a long battle with cancer as well as Governor Stitt's State of the State Address and executive budget to kick off the 60th Legislative Session.The trio also discusses lawmakers questioning the budget request by State Superintendent Ryan Walters along with his ask for $3M to buy Bibles and the OSU Board of Regents accepting the resignation of President Kayse Shrum.

Ryan Kiesel, a civil rights lawyer, former Oklahoma state lawmaker, political consultant and KOSU commentator, died Friday at the age of 45 following a long battle with cancer.Kiesel was a political commentator on KOSU's weekly radio program and podcast This Week in Oklahoma Politics, hosted by Michael Cross. For 13 years, Kiesel sat opposite Republican political consultant Neva Hill, as they provided analysis and discussion of the week's political and state government news.We have more about Kiesel's life and legacy and KOSU.org.You can leave your remembrances of him by clicking the ‘Contact Us' page at KOSU.org.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Speaker Steve Lewis sitting in for Ryan Kiesel about President Trump's executive order to freeze federal funding grants, the State Board of Education advancing a new rule requiring parents to give citizenship status upon enrollment of their children and State Superintendent Ryan Walters announcing Oklahoma history standards had changed to include the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley.The trio also discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to take up a Catholic charter school in OKC and the State Supreme Court making a ruling over tribal compacts.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Speaker Steve Lewis about an upcoming subpoena from the Ethics Commission to State Superintendent Ryan Walters concerning his run for office in 2022, Governor Stitt's call to create an Oklahoma State Guard and bills to watch as we get ready to kick off the 60th legislative session on February 3rd.The trio also discusses Attorney General Gentner Drummond's decision to join other state's in suing the Environmental Protection Agency and electric vehicle manufacturer Canoo filing for bankruptcy after getting state incentives

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Speaker Steve Lewis sitting in for Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt signing an executive order allowing colleges and foundations to pay for student athletes name, image or likeness and Superintendent Ryan Walters announcing a lawsuit against federal officials for costs associate with educating immigrant children.The trio also discusses Attorney General Gentner Drummond announcing his run for governor and a new study showing Oklahoma ranks fourth nationally for incarceration rates.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Speaker Steve Lewis about a video from State Superintendent Ryan Walters attacking teachers and teachers' unions, Oklahoma County ending its lawsuit against OKC over the location of a new jail and supporters of an open primary ballot measure refiling their initiative petition with the Secretary of State.The trio also discusses Organizational Day at the State Capitol for lawmakers to elect leaders and adopt rules for the coming legislative session and three Republican representatives appeal a $127M OG&E rate increase to the State Supreme Court.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the State Supreme Court refusing to issue a prohibition against Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, resignations at the Pardon and Parole Board cause delays in a clemency hearing for a death row inmate and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority increases tolls across the state effective January First.The trio also discusses the creation of an online portal for Oklahomans to discuss government efficiency and state agencies make budget requests to lawmakers for the next fiscal year asking for $833M more than last year.

Join Brook Bullock and Michael Cross as they dive into the exciting details of Campaign 3, highlighting the intriguing character of Dr. Elias Stone, a cleric inspired by the iconic Dr. Leonard McCoy from Star Trek. Michael shares his creative process behind developing Elias, emphasizing the character's 19th-century Americana roots and his role as a healer who embodies kindness and compassion. The duo discusses the collaborative world-building that has taken place among the cast, setting the stage for a narrative filled with steampunk elements and familiar archetypes from the Old West. As they explore Elias's backstory and personality traits, listeners are given a glimpse of the dynamics that will unfold in the campaign. With the launch date approaching, excitement builds for the new adventures awaiting the characters in this richly crafted world.Brook and Michael Cross engage in a lively conversation about the excitement surrounding Campaign 3 of their podcast. Michael, known as the 'demigod of Foley', shares his enthusiasm for the new campaign, emphasizing a return to their roots with a Western, late 19th-century aesthetic. The duo discusses how the characters will reflect archetypes from the Old West, blending them with traditional Dungeons & Dragons elements. Michael elaborates on his character, Dr. Elias Stone, a cleric inspired by the iconic Dr. Leonard McCoy from Star Trek. This character aims to embody the spirit of an old country doctor, complete with a healer's skills and a commitment to caring for those in need. The conversation delves into the collaborative nature of world-building for this campaign, highlighting their long-standing relationships and shared experiences as players over the past four years.As the discussion continues, Michael reveals the thought process behind Elias's creation, noting how the 2024 Players Handbook influenced him to simplify his approach and focus on a more traditional clerical role. The character's grounding in Americana allows for a unique blend of fantasy and realism, as Elias will not only wield magical healing powers but also employ mundane medical skills reminiscent of a 19th-century physician. The podcast also touches on deeper themes, like the impact of personal tragedy on character development, with Elias's backstory driving him towards a life of healing rather than despair, contrasting sharply with Michael's previous character, Gideon Block, who succumbed to alcoholism.The duo also explores the significance of character age and experience, with Elias being 49 years old and possessing a wealth of life experiences that will enrich the narrative. Michael's intention is to portray a seasoned character who can offer wisdom and perspective to younger adventurers. As they wrap up, the excitement for the campaign's launch on December 4th is palpable, with Michael hinting at more character details and interactions to come, all while maintaining a playful tone. This teaser not only sets the stage for what listeners can expect but also invites them into a world where old-fashioned values meet fantastical adventures, promising an engaging and heartfelt journey throughout Campaign 3.Takeaways: The new campaign is inspired by Americana and set in a late 19th-century western style. Michael Cross's character, Elias Stone, is designed as a healer with a unique backstory. The collaborative world-building process among the cast has been a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Elias Stone draws inspiration from the iconic Dr. Leonard McCoy of Star Trek fame. The character's personality will reflect kindness, with a somewhat crass bedside manner. The campaign aims to explore deeper character stories and relationships over the course of play. Links referenced in this episode: