Podcasts about minimize

🧭 REBEL Rundown 🔑Key Points Try the coffee nap! Where you combine caffeine and a 30-minute nap to then have that boost energy and alertness by the time it kicks in.💤 Sleep isn’t optional—it’s crucial for memory, mood regulation, and physical recovery. It is fundamentally different from rest❌ Replacing sleep with caffeine isn’t effective and can have negative health impacts. Make getting enough sleep a priority🌞 Sunlight exposure is important for maintaining circadian rhythms and sleep quality. This applies even if you work as a nocturnist💡 Creating a personalized sleep system enhances quality and consistency. It gives you back control of a schedule that you may feel like is out of your hands.🧩 If you’ve tried these strategies and you’re still struggling, consider true sleep pathology (insomnia, shift work disorder, sleep apnea) and get help—this is not a “be tougher” problem.🩺 Better sleep isn’t just about feeling good; it’s directly tied to error reduction, patient safety, and longevity in EM/ICU careers. Click here for Direct Download of the Podcast. 👀Previously Covered and Related Content: REBEL Core Cast: Sleep HygieneREBEL MIND: Rest Is Not Sleep: The Seven Dimensions of True RecoveryRebellion in EM: Care For Yourself – Sleep HygieneFirst10EM: Some Evidence For Working Night ShiftsREBEL MIND: Dunning Kruger Effect 📝 Introduction Welcome to this episode of REBEL MIND, where MIND stands for Mastering Internal Negativity during Difficulty. Here we sharpen the person behind the practitioner by focusing on things that improve our performance, optimizing team dynamics and the human behavior that embodies the hidden curriculum of medicine. Today we are exploring the imperative topic of rest and why it’s not just about sleeping. The second of a two part series, hosted by Dr. Mark Ramzy with guests Dr. Maureen Aiad and Dr. Amil Badoolah, continue our discussion but this time on the multifaceted nature of sleep, how it serves as medicine and how we can use our tools deliberately to get more of it! Cognitive Question How would your clinical performance, patience with families, and long-term career sustainability change if you treated sleep as a non-negotiable clinical intervention rather than a flexible “nice-to-have”? 💤How is Sleep Different From Rest? 1. Rest reduces load; sleep repairs systemsWe previously talked about the 7 types of rest and you can check that out hereExamples of physical rest include: pausing tasks, stepping away from the monitor, taking a walk, stretching, breathing, journaling, connecting with a colleague. This lightens your cognitive/emotional burden.Sleep is fundamentally different in that it’s an active biologic process that helps:Consolidates memory and learning (yes, including the tough cases from last night).Regulates mood, impulse control, and emotional reactivity.Supports immunity, metabolic health, and cardiovascular function.Repairs tissue, replenishes neurotransmitters, and fine-tunes neural networks.You can have “rested but underslept” days (you took breaks but got 4 hours in bed), and “slept but unrested” days (you got hours, but all junk sleep). Both matter, but they are not interchangeable.2. Sleep architecture vs. “knocking out”True restorative sleep cycles through NREM and REM in predictable patterns.Alcohol, late caffeine, and fragmented nights may help you fall asleep faster but:Suppress REM.Shorten deep sleep.Increase awakenings and light sleep.The result: you technically slept, but your brain didn’t get the “software updates” it needed.Biology isn’t built for your scheduleCircadian rhythms were designed for light-day / dark-night cycles, not:10 pm–7 am ED shifts.24-hour calls.6 nights in a row followed by days.Your body can adapt partially, but not instantly and not perfectly. That’s why:You can feel “jet-lagged” even when you haven’t traveled.Sleep before and after nights feels odd and fragile.Recognizing that “this is biologically unnatural” is key: you’re not weak; you’re fighting physiology. 🏥How This Applies to the Emergency Department or ICU? Performance & safetySleep deprivation:Slows reaction time and increases error rate.Impairs risk assessment and complex decision-making.Drops your frustration tolerance with consultants, families, and staff.In both emergency medicine and critical care, that translates into:Anchoring on the wrong diagnosis.Missing subtle clinical changes.Snapping at a tech, nurse or resident and damaging team culture. Chronic health for chronic shift workLong-term sleep disruption is associated with:Hypertension, diabetes, obesity.Depression, anxiety, burnout.Arrhythmias (e.g., AFib) and increased stroke risk.Possibly increased all-cause mortality.You’re already in a high-stress, high-exposure specialty. Chronically poor sleep amplifies that risk profile and can end a career early—or make you miserable while you’re still in it.Culture of “heroics” vs. healthSkipping sleep to pick up extra shifts, late meetings, or “just one more note” is often praised.We rarely celebrate:The attending who says “no” to a 2 pm meeting post-nights.The resident who defends their blackout-curtains-and-earplugs routine. 🛏️Different Ways to Improve Your Sleep Clarify your “sleep non-negotiables”Decide how many hours you realistically need to function (e.g., 7–9 on off days, realistic blocks on nights).Treat those hours as you would a procedure time—blocked, protected, and respected.Use caffeine like a drug, not a reflexAim for ≤ 2 cups equivalent on most days.Avoid caffeine within 4–6 hours of your planned sleep time (remember: it can hang around up to 12 hours).Consider scheduling caffeine for:Early in the shift for alertness.Strategic “coffee naps” (see below), not late-night chugging.Respect alcohol’s impact on sleepRecognize that even small to moderate doses degrade sleep architecture.Avoid using alcohol as a “sleep aid”—you’ll fall asleep faster but sleep worse.If you do drink, separate it from bedtime and keep it modest.Optimize food and fluid timingHydrate consistently on shift, but taper fluids ~4 hours before bed to reduce nocturnal bathroom trips.Avoid heavy, spicy, or large meals within 2–3 hours of sleep to decrease reflux and discomfort.Plan a light, balanced “pre-sleep” snack if going to bed hungry keeps you awake.Move your body (but not right before bed)Regular exercise improves sleep depth and latency.Try to avoid intense workouts within 2 hours of bedtime.On shift: micro-movement (stairs, brisk walks between pods, quick stretch sessions) can help alertness without wrecking sleep later.Control light exposureMaximize sunlight or bright light after waking (even if that’s 3–4 pm after a night).Minimize bright light and screens before sleep:Dim lights.Use night mode/blue-light filters if you must scroll.For daytime sleep:Use blackout curtains, tinfoil, cardboard, or sleep masks.Yes seriously use tinfoil if you have to, we talk about it on the podcast episode!Aim for “I might be blind” darkness—so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face.Dial in your sleep environmentCool room temperature (fan or AC if possible).White noise or sound machine to mask household/traffic noise.Earplugs and eye masks as needed.Bed used primarily for sleep (and sex)—not for charting, doom scrolling, or email.Strategic power napsKeep naps ≤ 20–30 minutes to avoid sleep inertia.Prefer early-afternoon or pre-night-shift naps.Coffee nap strategy:Drink a small coffee.Immediately lie down for a 20–30 min nap.Wake up as the caffeine kicks in, combining nap benefit + stimulant.Thoughtful melatonin useRemember melatonin is a hormone, not a vitamin gummy.Lower doses often work as well as (or better than) large OTC doses.Use it intentionally and intermittently, not as a crutch every night.Over-reliance may reduce your own natural production and its effectiveness over time.Build pre-sleep ritualsRepeated, calming habits signal your body it’s time to downshift:Warm shower, gentle stretching, or yoga.Guided breathing or body scan.Brief journaling or “brain dump” of tasks to get them out of your head and onto paper.Protect from pathologic patternsIf despite consistent effort you:Snore heavily, stop breathing, or gasp in sleep.Feel excessively sleepy driving home or at work.Cannot fall asleep or stay asleep for weeks to months.Consider evaluation for sleep apnea, insomnia, or shift-work sleep disorder with your physician or sleep specialist. ⏩Immediate Action Steps for Before/During/After Your Next Shift 1. **Before the Shift**: Plan a 20–90 minute nap before your first night shift (many clinicians find 3–5 hours earlier in the day is ideal).I treat ED and ICU shifts very differently. I always sleep 3-5 hours before my night shifts aiming for the full 5 (sometimes 6 or more) hours for my ED shifts because you always have to be “on”. Depending on the ICU I’m working in, I may have a bit more downtime so 3 to 5 hours is plenty.Set a caffeine plan: decide in advance when your last dose will be (e.g., none after 2–3 am if sleeping at 8–9 am).Tell your household, “This is my sleep block” and agree on a plan for kids, pets, deliveries, etc.On my calendar, I completely block off time called “Pre-call sleep” so no meetings can be scheduled and then put my phone in airplane mode2. **During the Shift** Hydrate early; taper fluids in the last 3–4 hours of your shift Eat something light but adequate; avoid “last-minute” heavy meals right before sign-out.Build in micro-breaks and movement: one or two short walks, a few stretches, even a quick stair run if safe.Get outside or near a window for a few minutes of light exposure if possible.3. **After the Shift**On the way home:Use sunglasses to reduce bright morning light if you’re aiming for sleep soon.Avoid “just checking” email or messages; shift into wind-down mode.At home:Do a brief, calming decompression (shower, light snack, 10–15 minutes of low-stimulation TV or reading).Make your room cold, quiet, and dark (blackout curtains, tinfoil/cardboard, white noise, fan).Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and physically place it away from the bed.On my calendar, I completely block off time called “Post-call sleep” so again no meetings can be scheduled and then I personally don’t just put my phone on Do Not Disturb but rather in airplane mode and WIFI OFF If you can’t sleep after ~20–30 minutes:Get out of bed, do something calming in dim light (breathing, gentle stretching, journaling).Return to bed when sleepy—this trains your brain to associate bed with sleep, not frustration. Conclusion Rest and sleep are both critical—but they’re not interchangeable. Rest helps you step out of the constant “on” of our jobs, while sleep is the biological intervention that restores your ability to show up safely and sustainably. Rest ≠ sleep. Rest reduces load; sleep repairs your brain and body. You need both, on purpose.As EM and ICU clinicians, we’re trying to perform formula-one-level medicine with engines that often only see half their maintenance. You won’t fix shift work. You can build a sleep system that respects your biology, your schedule, and your life at home.That system starts with valuing sleep, then prioritizing it, personalizing it, trusting the process when it’s imperfect, and actively protecting both your routine and your mindset. 🚨 Clinical Bottom Line Sleep is medicine. Shift work is biologically unnatural. Struggling does not mean you’re weak; it means you’re human fighting physiology. Use your tools deliberately. Caffeine, naps, light, food, movement, melatonin, and environment can be leveraged—or can quietly sabotage you. Build and defend a personalized sleep routine. Communicate it, normalize it, and protect it from casual encroachment. You can’t control every trauma, code, or admission—but you can control how seriously you take your own recovery. Your patients, your team, and your future self all benefit when you do. Further Reading Espie CA. The ‘5 principles’ of good sleep health. J Sleep Res. 2022 Jun; PMID: 34676592Solodar, J“Sleep hygiene: Simple practices for better rest.” Harvard Health, 31 January 2025 Link is HereSuni, E.“Mastering Sleep Hygiene: Your Path to Quality Sleep.” Sleep Foundation, 7 July 2025, Link is Here Meet the Authors Mark Ramzy, DO Co-Editor-in-Chief Cardiothoracic Intensivist and EM Attending RWJBH / Rutgers Health, Newark, NJ Maureen Aiad, DO Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York Amil Badoolah, DO Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, New York REBEL Core Cast 119.0 – Sleep Hygiene REBEL Core Cast 119.0 – Sleep Hygiene Click here for Direct Download of ... Read More The post REBEL MIND – How to Sleep When the World Says You Can't appeared first on REBEL EM - Emergency Medicine Blog.

In this episode of Business Brain, we dig into FridAI territory with updates, experiments, and smarter AI workflows. We kick things off with a Press Row Hoops app update, then pivot into something far more powerful: upgrading our custom AI instructions. Instead of settling for generic outputs, we refine how ChatGPT behaves—focusing on decision-making style, pushback tolerance, clarity versus depth, and minimizing fluff. We share a tight prompt that forces better performance from ChatGPT 5.2, helping us get sharper answers with fewer wasted cycles. The goal? Make AI think more like we do. We also explore Google's Pomelli and what it signals about where AI tools are heading. The bigger takeaway is this: when we intentionally design how AI supports us, we reclaim leverage and reduce friction. We stop accepting default settings and start engineering better results. That's how we build businesses—and lives—on our terms. That's the path to a Charmed Life. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs' Podcast #731 for Casual FridAI, February 27th, 2026 February 27th: Anosmia Awareness Day 00:01:22 David-Press Row Hoops app update 00:05:27 Ian-Update your custom AI prompt/instructions, and here's a prompt: Review my existing custom instructions. Identify what works well and what is outdated, redundant, unclear, or ineffective for ChatGPT 5.2. Ask only the minimum number of high-value questions needed to meaningfully improve the instructions. Questions should focus on decision-making style, pushback tolerance, clarity vs depth, and how I prefer ChatGPT to behave when uncertain. Do not ask generic preference questions or enter question loops. After I answer, draft a replacement custom instruction that reflects my preferences and how I actually use ChatGPT. Requirements for the new custom instruction: Maximum 1500 characters, including spaces and line breaks. Written as direct instructions to ChatGPT, ready to paste. Optimized for ChatGPT 5.2 behavior. Clear, human-sounding, and practical. Favor correctness over politeness. Avoid fluff, buzzwords, and assistant-sounding language. Minimize unnecessary clarifying questions. Default to direct answers with light supporting rationale. Be opinionated when useful and push back on weak assumptions. Reuse prior context and preferences automatically unless I say otherwise. Constraints: Do not draft the final instructions until after I answer your questions. Do not explain your reasoning unless I ask. Deliver one final custom instruction, not multiple options. Sponsors 00:08:09 SPONSOR: Granola is an AI-powered notepad built for the way real people actually meet, and it integrates seamlessly into the video conferencing tools you already use. Try Granola totally free for three months – just head to granola.ai/brain. 00:10:03 SPONSOR: Fundera from NerdWallet – A free, easy-to-use platform that lets you compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Visit NerdWallet.com/BRAIN to learn more and talk to a real person! 00:11:26 Google Pomelli 00:18:00 Business Brain 731 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI Pomelli and Lyria – Business Brain 731 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Philippe Pinel remarked in 1800 that "It is an art of no little importance to administer medicines properly, but it is an art of much greater and more difficult acquisition to know when to suspend or altogether to omit them." This insight remains profoundly relevant today, especially in hospice care, where inappropriate prescribing is a common issue. Studies show that 20%–70% of hospice patients receive at least one unnecessary medication near the end of life, including drugs like antihypertensives, statins, and vitamins. In this episode of the GeriPal Podcast, we tackle the pressing topic of deprescribing at the end of life with expert guests Jennifer Tjia, Jon Furuno, and Simon Mooijaart. The conversation focuses on identifying medications that should almost always be discontinued—such as statins, osteoporosis meds, finasteride, and vitamins, which offer minimal benefit for patients with limited life expectancy. We also delve into more nuanced cases, such as antithrombotics, which present complex decisions that challenge clinicians, particularly when prognosis spans the many weeks to months range. Finally, we explore practical strategies for engaging patients and families in deprescribing conversations. Our guests highlight tools such as the FRAME mnemonic (Focus on the goals of care, Review current medications, Assess each medication's risk/benefit, Minimize the medication burden, and Evaluate regularly) and the Goal Concurrent Prescribing tool, which helps ensure medication decisions align with patients' values and end-of-life priorities. By: Eric Widera Other resources discussed in the podcast Prevalence and Factors Associated With Receiving a Prescription for Antithrombotic Therapy on Hospice Admission," JAGS. 2025 Discontinuation of Anticoagulants and Occurrence of Bleeding and Thromboembolic Events in Vitamin K Antagonist Users with a Life-limiting Disease. 2025 Effects of the discontinuation of antihypertensive treatment on neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in nursing home residents with dementia (DANTON): a multicentre, open-label, blinded-outcome, randomised controlled trial. 2024 Perspectives on deprescribing in palliative care. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology. 2023 Developing a decision support tool for the continuation or deprescribing of antithrombotic therapy in patients receiving end-of-life care: Results of a European Delphi study. Thrombosis Research. 2025 Human-Centered Design Development and Acceptability Testing of a Goal Concordant Prescribing Program in Hospice. JPM 2025 Reduction of Antihypertensive Treatment in Nursing Home Residents. NEJM 2025  

Crypto's newest threat isn't a smart contract exploit, it's a knock at your door. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Jameson Lopp (Casa) and Beau (former CIA, now safety at Pudgy Penguins) to map the real security landscape for crypto holders in 2026: the phishing traps you'll see daily, the physical “wrench attacks” that terrify the community, and the practical systems that can make both dramatically less effective. If going bankless is about freedom, this is the playbook for keeping that freedom without turning into your own security team. ---

“A joyful heart is good medicine.” But not the kind of joy you fake. In this episode, Dr. Alison explores the difference between healthy humor and harmful humor — and why that distinction matters for your nervous system, your relationships, and your spiritual formation. Humor can soothe. It can bond. It can bring relief. But it can also deflect. Minimize. Or quietly wound. You'll learn: Why humor can feel safe for one person and threatening for another How teasing can create intimacy… or erode it What it looks like to practice discernment without shaming yourself Why “getting your joy back” is often a sign of real healing This conversation is part of Pillar Three in Dr. Cook's Four Pillars series: Joy & Delight — not as a personality trait or a passing mood, but as a practice of inner formation. Because joy is not just an emotional expression. It's a signal. When your nervous system begins to feel safe enough to soften, laughter shifts. Delight becomes accessible. Connection deepens. And sometimes the kind of humor you practice reveals more about your healing than you realize. More Resources: Follow Dr. Alison on Instagram @dralisoncook  Join the 80,000+ soul menders in our email community and receive weekly reflections and gentle practices here. If you liked this episode, then you'll love: Episode 191: The 5 Most Important Things I've Learned About Faith, Attachment, & The Inner Life Episode 194: When Relationships Start to Drain You—Using Discernment to Stay Connected Without Losing Yourself Episode 111: How to Transforms Parenting Triggers & Blind Spots Into Growth & Connection With Beth McCord

Dr. Saiyad Salahuddin Ahmed returns to break down the REAL science and spiritual benefits behind Islamic practices and how Ramadan could be the most powerful health reset of your year.We cover the healing power of Islamic prayer, the neurological and physiological effects of reciting the Quran, and the well-documented health benefits of fasting including how Ramadan can help you kick addictions.Dr. Ahmed also gives practical guidance on what to eat for Suhoor, which foods to avoid during Ramadan, and how to build a daily routine that maximizes your energy, focus, and spiritual growth throughout the month. This episode serves as a complete guide on physical health and spiritual health during Ramadan from the perspective of the sciences and the physical body. JOIN OUR YOUTUBE MEMBERSHIPORSupport Us @ https://www.ansaripodcast.com/ORPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/theansaripodcast/membershipJoin The Cosmos Club Newsletter: https://www.ansaripodcast.com/cosmos-club#muslimpodcast #islamicpodcast #ramadan #fasting #health #fitness #healing #ramadan2025 #wellnessAyubi CollectiveFREE 10-Part Masterclass “How to Build Your Own Multi-Billion Dollar Business”https://www.ayubi.com/ansariProvision Capital: https://www.provisioncapital.comHumaniti: https://donor.muslimi.com/page/Humaniti-emergency-Ansari00:00 The Healing Power of Prayer 06:29 Healing Power of Quran 19:27 Healing during the Epstein Files 23:30 The Healing power of “dry fasting” 33:10 Foods to Eat and to Avoid in Ramadan 37:44 What to Eat for Suhoor 45:43 Foods to Avoid or Minimize in Ramadan 53:28 Caffeine & Kicking Addictions 55:42 Using Ramadan to leave Addictions01:03:16 Mahmoud's Routine 01:09:23 How to Prepare for Ramadan 01:13:48 Final ThoughtsListen on All Audio Platforms: https://tr.ee/JeX-ILYSyjFollow The Ansari PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/ansaripodcastTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@theansaripodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ansaripodcast

Load Planning is the hidden hero of successful LTL shipping.   In the LTL industry, Load Planning is the difference between a high-performing supply chain and a costly logistical nightmare. When executed with clarity and precision, it ensures freight moves efficiently through the carrier's network to arrive intact and on schedule.   Host Samantha Jones talks with Skip Velardo (VP of Transportation, Old Dominion Freight Line) about how data accuracy and proactive communication enable carriers to achieve load planning success by co-mingling freight, optimizing trailer density, and guaranteeing capacity and cost stability for shippers.   Key Takeaways:   LTL carrier load planning essentials. [2:07] Accurate data offers peak efficiencies when co-mingling freight loads. [5:59] Clear communication and a comprehensive data exchange benefit shippers. [8:57] The transformative role of AI within the shipping industry. [11:37] Shipping success demands proactive communication and coordination. [18:26]   Shareables:   "Usually, whoever has the fastest service wins." — Skip Velardo, Vice President of Transportation, ODFL   "We are on the doorsteps of getting more AI into our networks." — Skip Velardo, Vice President of Transportation, ODFL   "There are so many different points between origin and destination that we have to be mindful of and we have to be planning around." — Skip Velardo, Vice President of Transportation, ODFL   "If we get good information from the customer on the front end, it will help them out with pricing, claims, and hidden costs." — Skip Velardo, Vice President of Transportation, ODFL   Resources:   Connect with Samantha Jones   Skip Velardo on LinkedIn   OD Outlook   ODFL.com   Cargo Shorts Podcast   Shippers Can Direct Freight Related Questions to marketing@ODFL.com

Where do you need to go with your farming? Doug Fifer of Fifer Family Farms joins Jeff, Mary, and Eric to talk about his experience and journey with no-till crop farming over the past fifteen years. Doug raises turkeys and cash crops in Mount Solon, Virginia, and is the president of the Virginia No-Till Alliance (VANTAGE).For Doug, his journey with no-till farming began in 2010 when he began questioning where his farm needed to go. As a youth, Doug remembers having to pick up rocks from the field after tilling and cultivating the soil for planting. He and his family eventually sent the moldboard plow to the scrap heap and stopped tilling the soil completely.In Doug's journey, he continues to learn, read, and experiment with vetch and more families of cover crops. He particularly enjoys meeting with and mentoring other farmers, and sharing his experience and lessons learned. One of Doug's regrets is that he did not start no-till farming sooner. To register for the VANTAGE Winter Conference scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, please visit https://www.virginianotill.com/winter-conference. You will benefit from hearing Dr. Ray Weil, James Hoorman, and the panel discussions with farmers.     We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and starting your journey to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

Do you typically look forward to a big tax refund? If so, you're probably doing taxes all wrong. In this episode, Holly C. Wanegar, CFP® shares how you can minimize what you pay in taxes in the first place, and keep more of your hard-earned money working for YOU. Read more on the WHZ blog >- Subscribe to the You and Your Money podcast- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube- See how we can create a tailored financial strategy to help you live with Absolute Confidence, Unwavering Partnership, For Life: whzwealth.com

https://fallbrookfinancialservices.com/Georgia's film tax credit offers significant incentives, but real value depends on timing, staffing choices, and documentation. A film finance expert explains how the credit works in practice and where productions often run into trouble. Fallbrook Financial Services Company City: Calabasas Address: 26610 Agoura Road Website: https://fallbrookfinancialservices.com/

Sewing should be a source of joy and creative energy, not stress. In this episode, we share our favorite strategies for keeping the sewing process calm and peaceful, from managing your time more realistically to building rituals that make you excited to sit down at your machine. We'll talk about why stress happens when we sew and how small shifts in your approach can transform your entire creative practice. Join Seamwork to create your wardrobe with us each month. Get our free sewing planner and start designing. Get our free Snippets newsletter Download our free fitting journal Watch our tutorials and see what Sarai's making on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Find us on TikTok Seamwork is the online sewing community that supports the whole sewing process, from design to closet. We help you uncover your style, what matters to you, and how to express yourself through sewing. Join us on this creative journey!  

work with me, free 7 days: https://www.skool.com/inspired-life-method-9441/ When you (or your partner) get triggered, your relationship doesn't need another fight — it needs a reset.Here's what to do during the trigger and after the trigger so you stop repeating the same arguments.What you'll learn (fast + scannable)The 3 scenarios: you triggered / them triggered / both triggeredHow to regulate first (so you don't say things you regret)How to co-regulate your partner when you're calmHow to find the real trigger underneath the conflictA simple agreement to stop “the same trigger” looping foreverThe exact script to say when the moment hitsThe core idea (simple + practical)Most couples don't fail because triggers happen — they fail because they don't have a plan for what happens next. If you try to “fix it” while you're activated, you'll default to blame, defensiveness, shutdown, or attack. So the order matters: Regulate → Reflect → Integrate.What to do DURING the trigger (regulation)If your partner is triggered and you're not:“You're safe. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.”Slow your breathing, soften your tone, reduce intensityAsk what they need: space, touch, reassurance, or silenceIf BOTH of you are triggered:Minimize damage (pause, separate, breathe)Agree to revisit when you're both calmWhat to do AFTER the trigger (reflection + integration)Name the trigger: “What was it really?” (control, abandonment, disrespect, etc.)Track repetition: if it's the 3rd time, schedule a healing/integration sessionDo the work with a professional you trust (coach/therapist/healer) so the trigger stops running your relationshipThe Script (say this instead of escalating)“Hey love — I can feel I'm getting triggered. I don't want to fight.Can we pause for 20 minutes, regulate, and then come back and talk about what this is really about?”(And if your partner is triggered:)“I'm here. You're safe. I love you. Take your time — we can talk when your body settles.”

In this energetic episode of Business Coaching Secrets, Karl Bryan and Rode Dog dig deep into the mindsets, frameworks, and daily practices that separate the world's best coaches and entrepreneurs from the rest. Through rapid-fire "word association," Karl reveals actionable insights for productivity, building a powerful personal brand, becoming an ideal mentor, and thinking like legends such as Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerburg. Whether you're wondering why most coaches fail or how to stop making unforced errors, this episode is stacked with real-world advice for coaches ready to upgrade their business and impact. Key Topics Covered The To-Do List Trap and Productivity Hacks Karl explains why most people never complete their to-do list and how focusing on just three critical tasks each day—especially before 10 AM—can 10x productivity and happiness. He urges coaches to build "done lists," embrace the 80/20 rule, and set high-leverage priorities. Amateur vs. Pro: The Mindset Shift Karl breaks down how professionals obsess over what could go wrong, practice to improve (not just to practice), and invest in personal development as the ultimate asset—channeling wisdom from Warren Buffett to Tom Brady. Rules of Business and Coaching From Warren Buffett's investing rules to Karl's "two rules of business" (get clients, keep clients), the hosts link real-world examples to a simple guiding framework. Coaches are reminded that keeping clients is even more vital than getting them. The Ideal Mentor Karl introduces three coach archetypes—Hider, Winger, and Installer. The most successful mentors don't just pile on tasks but help clients cut through noise and focus on what not to do, providing systems, accountability, and transformation over mere motivation. Learning from the Great Entrepreneurs Insights from Bezos, Musk, and others show that solving bigger problems, operating as if you're always 30 days from going out of business, and having a compelling North Star all lead to outsized success. Avoiding Unforced Errors Business is a game of minimizing mistakes, from "stupid taxes" to client audits using the 80/20 rule. Whether in the Super Bowl or business, those who avoid unforced errors typically win. Why Most Coaches Fail Instead of acting with conviction and serving business owners directly, many coaches waste productivity hanging out with other coaches, lack clarity, or never truly commit. The Power of a North Star and Personal Brand From Elon Musk's Mars mission to Gary Vee's obsession with attention, a powerful vision attracts results. Karl discusses practical personal branding in the social media era and why "who knows you" outweighs "who you know." Notable Quotes "Remember, a real mentor can tell you what NOT to do." "Amateurs talk, pros listen. Amateurs want to make it, pros want to keep it." "If you really want to feel productive… create a 'done list' versus a to-do list and get your top three done by 10am." "If you can't make fast buying decisions, you won't attract people who make fast buying decisions." "You don't need more motivation. What you need is less options." Actionable Takeaways Network where your clients are: Spend 80% of your outreach time in the spaces business owners frequent, not just talking shop with other coaches. Prioritize and narrow your focus: Each day, pick your top three high-leverage actions before adding anything else. Success compounds through focus and execution. Think in mental models: Apply the 80/20 rule, "what could go wrong?", and profit-driven frameworks to decision-making and client strategy. Build your personal brand deliberately: It's not just what you know or who you know, it's who knows you. Be visible, use social media strategically, and craft a clear message. Become an Installer, not a Winger: Develop systems your clients can implement and show them where to look, not what to see. Hold yourself and others accountable for action. Imitate the greats with your North Star: State your dream and mission boldly. Big claims lead to big impact, clarity, and opportunities. Minimize unforced errors: Audit your client list for profitability, avoid busywork, and learn from athletes: controlling mistakes wins championships (and businesses). Resources Mentioned Profit Acceleration Software™ by Karl Bryan: Enables coaches to demonstrate real ROI to clients and boost profitability. Networking Opportunities: BNI, Chamber of Commerce, industry groups, higher-level events (golf clubs, yacht clubs). Book Recommendations: Money: Master the Game by Tony Robbins The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Mindset Tools: 80/20 Rule, Marginal Gains, Matthew Principle, Mental Models Social Media & Branding: Study the strategies of Gary Vee, Alex Hormozi, and Patrick Mahomes for rapid audience and brand building. If you enjoyed the episode: Please subscribe, share with a fellow coach, and leave a review. Check out Focused.com for more strategies, daily emails, and information on Profit Acceleration Software™. Ready to transform your coaching business? Don't wait. Listen now and join Karl Bryan's community at Focused.com. Demo Profit Acceleration Software™ at https://go.focused.com/profit-acceleration

Last week we celebrated Have Fun At Work Day and today is Working Naked Day. Well…I guess this is one way to have more fun at work. I think that working naked is more for those of us who work alone and at home…with no chance of a customer dropping in. In fact, a recent study found that 1 in 8 male teleworkers and 1 in 14 female teleworkers actually work naked. Some suggest that working naked, means that you work alone, without the support of a corporate group around you. If this is the case, I guess I do work naked. Being in business for yourself means that you have to push your limits, test new waters and find new paths. Without supporters around you, you can feel exposed and vulnerable. Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!      Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Working Naked Day: If you are literally going to work naked today, it is best to ensure that no one else is around. It is very difficult to use the celebration as a line of defense with your boss. If you are an entrepreneur, working alone, celebrate that you have courage. Though many wish to work for themselves, it takes true courage to actually go out on your own and sink or swim on your own merits. Minimize your exposure. Surround yourself with those who will cheer you on, give you honest feedback, pick you up, dust you off and send you back out. Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In #mentalhealth #hr

View this video at https://macmost.com/10-tips-for-minimizing-windows-on-a-mac.html. Here are some tips for using the Minimize feature on your Mac that lets you temporarily move windows into the Dock and bring them back easily.

What priorities excite you? Heirloom Chrysanthemums, soil health, and contributing back to the community are exciting priorities for Harmony Harvest Farm. In the previous episode, we learned the vision of Harmony Harvest Farm and their overarching aim to help people live and experience a better life through fresh flowers. Our returning guest, Jessica Hall, talks with us about her passion for growing heirloom mums and building healthy soil, and how these are two essential ingredients for achieving their vision.Jessica emphasizes the importance of engaging your roots and making them stronger. For Jessica and her team, the farm business roots started with research, collection, and cultivation of heirloom mums. Mums are dear to Jessica's heart and are a phenomenal crop with great potential for small-acreage flower farmers in Virginia and beyond.To learn about their heirloom chrysanthemums, plan a pick-your-own flower trip, experience a virtual mum summit and on-farm educational events, or order a floral bouquet, please visit Harmony Harvest Farm's website. To register for the Virginia No-Till Alliance (VANTAGE) Winter Conference scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds, please visit https://www.virginianotill.com/winter-conference. Speakers of note include Dr. Ray Weil and James Hoorman.     We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, soil health principles, and composting practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

As the Retirement Plan Live case study continues, Roger Whitney helps Henry and Lucy move from dreaming to feasibility, organizing the real financial resources available to support an early retirement in their 40s. This episode centers on trade-offs, confidence, and the reality of giving up earned income decades early. Roger and the couple walk through income assumptions, assets, and risk tolerance before closing with listener advice, a Smart Sprint, and words for the year.OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN(00:00) This show is dedicated to helping you not just survive retirement, but to have the confidence and comfort to lean in and rock retirement.(00:27) Roger introduces Week 3 of the Retirement Plan Live case study with Henry and Lucy.(02:15) What are Henry and Lucy giving up to retire early?RETIREMENT PLAN LIVE(05:00) Roger asks Henry and Lucy if they pick a word of the year.(06:05) Henry and Lucy reflect on why retiring even one year earlier feels uncomfortable without proof.(10:50) Review of Social Security assumptions and why it's excluded from their base plan.(14:13) Confirmation that the plan assumes no earned income after retirement.(20:40) Overview of after-tax assets, cash buckets, and sinking funds.(26:20) Review of retirement accounts, savings rates, and long-term strategy.(31:30) Home equity, college savings, and inheritance assumptions.(33:40) Clarifying the goal for the after-tax bridge bucket.ADVICE FROM A RETIREE(38:39) Listener Bonnie shares an alternative approach using sabbaticals and flexible work.(41:10) Roger reflects on optionality, skill relevance, and maintaining professional networks.SMART SPRINT(42:30) Roger encourages listeners to organize or update their net worth statement.WORD FOR THE YEAR(43:40) Listener Alex shares his word for the year: Healing.(45:10) Listener Valerie shares her word for the year: Minimize.REFERENCESSign up for our next webinar!Submit a Question for RogerSign up for The NoodleThe Retirement Answer Man

How can we live and enjoy a better life? Harmony Harvest Farm began with a lofty dream in 2011 and a vision of helping people to live and experience a better life through fresh flowers. Jessica Hall of Harmony Harvest Farm and Flower Genius joined Mary, Jeff, and Eric for a conversation about the farm business's vision, mission, values, and history.Jessica owns and operates the farm business with her mom and sister in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Jessica and her family believe Virginia-grown and American-grown flowers should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. To fulfill this vision and mission, they built up soil health and nourished their flowers from the start, while being mindful of good land management, soil erosion, irrigation needs, and bed layout to fit the topography. Jessica emphasizes that a sustainable business that lives its values needs a complete toolbox with the right tools at the right time for the right application. For Jessica and Harmony Harvest Farm, the toolbox includes a strong, growing network of personal and business mentors. To learn about their heirloom chrysanthemums, plan a pick-your-own flower trip, experience a virtual mum summit and on-farm educational events, or order a floral bouquet, please visit Harmony Harvest Farm's website. We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

Spencer and Jamie break down the 10 core principles of Bogleheads investing and show how military service members can apply this simple, low-cost approach to build wealth through the TSP and other accounts. If you're overwhelmed by investing advice or tempted by day trading and crypto, this episode cuts through the noise with a proven strategy that's worked for decades. Hosts: Spencer Reese (former Air Force pilot, 12 years active duty) and Jamie (active duty officer) The 10 Bogleheads Principles Develop a workable plan - Create an investment policy statement (even informal) to guide decisions during market volatility Invest early and often - Automate contributions to remove decision fatigue; increase TSP allocation today Never bear too much or too little risk - Age-appropriate asset allocation; avoid the old G Fund default trap Diversify - Don't put all eggs in one basket; TSP funds cover entire US market plus international exposure Never try to time the market - Time IN the market beats timing the market; market dropped 19% in April 2025, now up 38% from that low Use index funds when possible - TSP offers five low-cost index funds; 90% of active managers can't beat index funds over 20 years Keep costs low - TSP expense ratios under 0.1%; avoid predatory companies charging 1-2%+ fees Minimize taxes - Leverage Roth TSP and Roth IRA; military tax advantages (BAH, BAS, combat zone exclusion) Invest with simplicity - LADS approach (Low-cost, Automated, Diversified, Simple); Warren Buffett's S&P 500 bet crushed hedge funds Stay the course - Measure performance in decades, not days/weeks; don't panic sell during downturns Key Takeaways Why Bogleheads Philosophy Works for Military: Takes power back from financial advisors and complex products Simple enough anyone can succeed with minimal effort Perfect match for TSP's low-cost index fund structure Removes emotion from investing decisions TSP Advantages: Five index funds (C, S, I, G, F) cover nearly entire investable market Lifecycle funds automatically balance risk by retirement year Expense ratios under 0.1% (incredibly low) Now defaults to lifecycle funds instead of G Fund (huge improvement with Blended Retirement System) Common Military Investing Mistakes: Old G Fund default trap - cost retirees millions in missed gains Trying to time the market or day trade Paying high fees to predatory companies Not automating contributions Measuring performance over days/weeks instead of decades The Math That Matters: First $100K took Spencer 4+ years; second $100K took 2 years (compound growth accelerates) Market will drop 30% in next 10 years (guaranteed) - but timing it is impossible S&P 500 gained 125% over 10 years vs. best hedge fund's 87% in Warren Buffett's famous bet April 2025 market drop: 19% down, then 38% up from that low within months Diversification Made Easy: C Fund: 500 largest US companies (S&P 500) S Fund: ~2,000 smaller US companies I Fund: 5,000+ international companies (20+ developed + emerging markets, excludes China/Hong Kong) Combined: Total US and international market exposure Add VXUS in Roth IRA for China/Hong Kong exposure if desired Automation is Your Friend: Log into MyPay once, increase TSP allocation, never think about it again Every promotion or time-in-grade raise = bump allocation by 1% One decision removes 100 future decisions Eliminate decision fatigue and emotional reactions Fee Impact Example: Predatory companies charge 1-2%+ fees TSP: Under 0.1% Fidelity FZROX: 0% expense ratio Vanguard funds: 0.03% Rule of thumb: Stay under 0.25%, ideally under 0.10% Resources Mentioned Books: "The Little Book of Common Sense Investing" by Jack Bogle "The Military Money Manual" by Spencer Reese (available at MWR Library, Libby app, Amazon) Investment Accounts: TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) - Military 401k Roth TSP and Roth IRA (tax-advantaged accounts) Recommended brokerages: Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab Key Terms: LADS: Low-cost, Automated, Diversified, Simple Index fund vs. active management Expense ratio and basis points Asset location strategy Investment Policy Statement Previous Episodes Referenced: TSP deep dives (search podcast) Roth TSP vs. Roth IRA explanations "Do Better" episode on predatory companies Real-World Examples Lieutenant with $50K in checking account - proves military pay allows saving, just need to invest it Service member paid off all auto and student loans in 3 months of deployment Retirees with $250-500K in G Fund who missed out on millions Enron, WorldCom, Lehman Brothers - why diversification matters MicroStrategy (MSTR) - current example of concentrated risk Who This Episode Is For Military service members at any rank TSP participants unsure how to invest Anyone tempted by day trading, crypto, or "get rich quick" schemes New investors overwhelmed by options Service members paying high fees to financial advisors Anyone who wants a simple, proven wealth-building strategy Quick Action Steps Log into MyPay and increase TSP allocation (even 1% helps) Verify you're in appropriate Lifecycle Fund (birth year + 60-65 years) NOT in G Fund unless near retirement Set automatic annual increases (1% per year) Open Roth IRA at Fidelity, Vanguard, or Schwab Read "The Military Money Manual" (free at base library) Stop checking account daily - check quarterly at most Contact Website: MilitaryMoneyManual.com Instagram: @MilitaryMoneyManual Book: "The Military Money Manual" (Amazon, $3 Kindle, free at MWR libraries) The Bogleheads philosophy has helped millions become millionaires through simple, low-cost index fund investing. As a military service member, you have access to one of the best low-cost investment vehicles in the world - the TSP. Stop overthinking it, automate your investments, and stay the course.  

When I left you in 2025, I challenged you to do a quick wrap up of the year. Now, I know some of you had zero energy to do any such thing, but in that wrap up, my last question for you to ponder was, "What's the ONE thing you could upgrade in 2026 that would give you the biggest return on your investment?" In this episode, we're going to focus on that ONE thing and how you can effectively put that thing into action. Let's be honest, last year was bad. None of us can afford for 2026 to be another 2025. You can't control everything going on in the world, but you do have a choice. Are you ready to... Stop overthinking to make better, faster decisions, EVEN under pressure Minimize interpersonal conflicts and resolve them BEFORE they escalate Distribute the workload more equitably and REDUCE burnout and attrition? If you're ready for change in 2026, join us this Spring for the Strengths Accelerator Academy OR the Supervisor Strengths Institute! Which is the best fit for you and your team? Register for the Strengths Accelerator Academy if you want to... Develop a strengths-based culture, whether you aren't sure where to start or how to regain momentum. Discover how to set up the right systems to get you the results you want without overwhelm. https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/acceleratoracademy Register for the Supervisor Strengths Institute if you want to... Lead your team to greater success without sacrificing your or their wellbeing. Discover the right things to focus on so you stop doubting your abilities and become the confident leader you are. https://learn.strengthsuniversity.org/Institut...

GS#472 January 20,2015.  There's nothing that will kill a good round faster then when it starts to downward spiral out of control. Tom Good, PGA returns for part 2 to discuss how to minimize the damage when things start to go wrong, and his method of “swinging the club head”.If you have a question about whether or not Fred is using any of the methods, equipment or apps we've discussed, or if you'd like to share a comment about what you've heard in this or any other episode, please write because Fred will get back to you. Either write to golfsmarterpodcast@gmail.com or click on the Hey Fred button, at golfsmarter.com

When it comes to building your business or achieving your goals, waiting until everything is perfect can prevent results.  On Designing Your Life Today, Pat Council explains the power of consistency over perfection.  Discover how consistency can help you improve your performance and get the results you desire, much smoother.  Minimize frustrations and fears so you can move forward as needed. Resources and Mentions  Email:  Join Pat's email list.  Click here. You Tube Video:   What You Must Do Before Goal Setting   If you found value in this episode, please share with a friend.      

In manufacturing plants, the same leadership action can motivate one employee and overwhelm another. Why? It's all about brain science! In this episode, guest Falisha Karpati discusses how frontline leaders can harness brain science to build more inclusive, human-centered organizations. Falisha is a Brain-Based Inclusion Consultant located in Montreal, Canada. She holds a PhD in neuroscience and a decade of experience studying the brain. Through her signature UNITING BRAINS framework, she guides organizations through the development of inclusion-focused initiatives and provides interactive brain-based training. In this episode, Falisha breaks down how differences in how our brains are wired directly impact manufacturing leadership, communication, recognition, and team engagement on the shop floor. She covers topics like the neuroscience behind introversion and extroversion, why uncertainty creates stress in manufacturing environments, and how leaders can improve manufacturing culture by asking better questions, minimizing ambiguity, and running more inclusive meetings.  01:05 –Recognition can backfire when manufacturing communication ignores individual brain differences 02:12 – Neuroscience explains how self-awareness in leadership shapes perception, behavior, and relationships in manufacturing plants 04:54 –Manufacturing teamwork and employee engagement manufacturing improve when leaders understand natural brain diversity 9:53 – Brain science brings data—not opinions—into manufacturing management and leadership in industrial operations 11:20 – A powerful reminder that perceptions matter more than intentions in building trust in leadership and strong manufacturing relationships 13:39 – Curiosity-driven leadership starts by asking instead of assuming to close the showing up gap 15:32 – High-stimulus environments explain why leaders take shortcuts that undermine manufacturing culture and clarity on the shop floor 17:11 – Autonomy looks different for everyone, redefining supervisor development, coaching in manufacturing, and performance conversations. 19:55 – Minimizing uncertainty strengthens manufacturing safety culture, emotional intelligence, and consistent leadership behaviors 20:21 – Transparent expectations help close the expectation gap and improve accountability in manufacturing plants 22:40 – Inclusive meetings unlock manufacturing innovation by improving manufacturing communication and psychological safety 24:30 – Simple meeting practices support continuous improvement culture and better team engagement in manufacturing 28:53 – Inclusive discussions fuel operational excellence and authentic leadership across manufacturing organizations Connect with Falisha Karpati Visit her website Connect on LinkedIn and Instagram Read her newsletter Full Transcript [00:00:00]  We have some changes today. We've changed the name of the podcast since 2019. It's been mindfulness manufacturing our company name changed a few years ago to manufacturing greatness. So we're just aligning that 'cause we're gonna be here manufacturing greatness today, and we're gonna be talking about building some bridges and, and you know, how we continue to manufacture and, how we deal with changes people's moods and what's going on. And it remind me of a time when we were, had a great manufacturing line at the kickoff meeting in the morning, we recognized one of the team members showed appreciation, [00:00:30] put this person's name and picture up and gave them a little gift. they were upset with us and we're kind of like, well, hold on a minute. we did all this and this person's not very appreciative and getting to learn them a little bit more is that they didn't. They don't like that type of attention. people's brains are different. And in manufacturing it just complicates it for us 'cause we don't understand it. So fortunately I have a great guest on and friend today, Falisha Caridi. Welcome to the show. Thank you so much. [00:01:00] It's a pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me. you are an inclusive consultant. You harness brain science to build inclusive human-centered workplaces. You create space where all brains thrive. And you studied the neuroscience, having a PhD in neuroscience, which for those who don't know what it takes to get a PhD, it's a mountain. So congratulations on that. Thank you. excited to get your knowledge and expertise to talk about this on the show what did we miss Falisha when we upset that team member? how are [00:01:30] people's brains working here? a key point is that everybody's brain works a little bit differently,  Humans in general share a core brain structure. we generally have the same parts that do the same functions, but our brains also have differences. like how big certain parts are, how different parts connect to each other, and when different parts get activated. this connects with differences in behavior. so when we [00:02:00] think, behave, communicate, everything we do. Is filtered and processed through our brain. there's a, well-known quote that I love, that says You don't see the world as it is. You see the world as you are. Mm-hmm. And what that means, it's really rooted in brain science. And it means that everything you perceive, take in, think, and express. Goes through your brain. what happened [00:02:30] that day was there was a disconnect between what some team members who created that recognition process, thought this person would want and what they actually wanted,  So if we take that recognition experience, maybe it's, getting an award in front of a group And having your name called out and going on stage. if you put two people in that exact same [00:03:00] situation, their brains might react completely differently. we don't necessarily know how people are going to react, what they like, what they don't like. Unless we have those conversations and ask them. just diving into a bit more about why those differences exist, why can you put two people in the same situation and they can react completely differently? our brains are shaped by two main factors. the first is natural [00:03:30] variation in how we're born. there's a wealth of research that shows genetics are connected with many aspects of how our brain works. natural variation is great. It's what keeps us interested. Yeah. We don't wanna, you know, be communicating with people who are exactly the same as us. the natural variation is there for a reason. It's super productive and positive. the second factor is our environment. each of us is shaped from our observations and experiences over time. this includes a whole range of [00:04:00] experiences like our early childhood, our family and community environments. our experiences at school, at work, even our hobbies and interests can change our brain. there's a huge body of neuroscience research that shows brain differences related to living in different cultures. practicing different skills, traumatic experiences and much more. Basically everything you're exposed to, everything that you experience over time, especially if they're repeated or intense, experiences, can change your [00:04:30] brain. what really resonated with me is that Trevor's way is not always the best way. the way you explain like my biases, right? Like. My bias was show appreciation in front of the team. Right? And, and why would I need to check in with that person? in my early manufacturing leadership days, I missed the mark. Often, I just didn't know better. Right? Like, I just thought, you start to learn that. that's why we're hoping that if you're driving into work today, through my mistakes and Falisha's knowledge, we can save you that pain. we're gonna leave you with [00:05:00] some ideas of, what you can do today, to get in front of that. 'cause it makes sense. What you're saying is that, we just have how we grew up and, and our different, you know, the. I think of Lisa Feelman Barrett and, and the theory of constructed emotions. your personality and emotions are based on your experiences and we have different experiences  Right. they're just different. And that's what makes us unique and I like that. I was going through some of your material and I'm trying, 'cause I'm trying to, you know, like our listeners. To understand and better [00:05:30] equip ourselves so that we can, respond differently. But you had some neat research on introverts and extroverts, and I was reviewing it with Ryan, a client today, and he's kinda like, Hey, I think you skimmed over, that whole concept on introverts and extroverts. So can you unpack that for us and help us understand? Definitely. so I also wanna clarify, my background and what I'm doing now compared to what I did before. I have a background in neuroscience research, that was focused on brain plasticity and how our brains, are impacted by training. so what I [00:06:00] do now is, work with the wealth of research that's there. I don't do, neuroimaging research anymore. I used to, so I know exactly how these things work and I bring that experience now into. Applying neuroscience research in organizational context. Mm-hmm. so I summarize research, I communicate it. but the research, for example, an introversion extroversion is not something that I did myself. there's amazing researchers all around the world that have done this, so I'm more of a curator and a communicator Of the [00:06:30] research now. That's why you're on the show, right? Because we need to apply. So you're kind of like the translator for us, right? Because we're not gonna go through all this research, but we need someone like you that can say, Hey, here's the simpler version of it and here's what you can do today. So thank you for doing what you do. Yeah, my pleasure. I love it. so introverts, extroverts is one example of how. Our brain structure and how our brain works is really aligned with the behaviors that we see in the workplace and beyond. there's a spectrum of traits, of [00:07:00] introversion, extroversion. many people will fall somewhere in the middle and people can also express themselves differently. depending on different situations, different contexts might bring out, different types of behavior. so I'm just gonna generalize a little bit here, for time. And so there's research that compares people who tend to, behave more introverted ways and people that tend to be more extroverted. introverted meaning, getting energy by recharging alone, extroverted meaning, getting energy from, spending time with [00:07:30] others. And there's a really cool study that, people were in the brain scanner and while they were in the brain scanner, they were showed a series of pictures. Some of the pictures were flowers and some of the pictures were faces. So flowers is a non-social stimulus. and so, you know, we don't associate that with people, whereas the face is very social. the study found that introverts and extroverts showed different patterns of electrical activity in the brain in response to these images. So [00:08:00] in the introvert, if there was a bunch of flowers shown in a row and then a face, their brain sort of went, eh, well, it didn't really process a difference, but an extroverts, when there was flower, flower, flower face, when the brain saw the face, It got super excited. So the brain really processed a difference between the non-social and the social images. so that just shows that personality [00:08:30] traits and behaviors. And those differences we see in people are actually rooted in how the brain is processing information. we can also see structural differences. in how the brain is built, there's other research that has looked on that. And they found that, introverts tend to have bigger brains in areas responsible for behavior inhibition. Meaning stopping yourself from behaving impulsively. that is a trait commonly associated with introversion is introverts [00:09:00] tend to think before speaking, before acting. and extroverts, brain extrovert brains were bigger in areas responsible for regulating emotions. And smaller in areas related to social information processing. And the way that was interpreted is that extrovert brains can be more efficient at processing social information, maybe selecting what's important and what's not. I could feel that I've had to work on pulling out my introvert. [00:09:30] I think we all have some of both, right. But I've had to practice not everything that I say people want to hear and just that filter and pause. I'm fascinated with the technology. here we are working, manufacturing, all kinds of technology, but when I hear brain scans it's not people's opinions, It's the signals as a neuroscientist, with a PhD you can see that, right? that's just, wow. Like you talk about, one of the sayings we have is that, you bring data. not opinions to a meeting and, well, here you're bringing the data. There are scans that says, Hey, this is what people do. [00:10:00] What I just did was, for that individual, I just had, a reaction which was negative to that person. And if we don't, see that and recognize that, then we may miss that. I wanna bring back the, initial story with the recognition as well. now that we have some foundation about why our brains are different and how, our behaviors actually connected with brain differences, if we reflect back on that person getting recognized when that wasn't what they're inclined for, we can imagine what was happening in their brains. [00:10:30] It wasn't. The reward circuits and the social connection circuits. It was the pressure, stress. Everybody's watching me. So that same circumstance of being recognized in one person can activate reward and in somebody else can activate stress and anxiety. we like to say that. perceptions matter more than good intentions. Yes. Right. And I think that's what we're [00:11:00] focused on learning here. so I've got my manuscript I'm working on this week and I got, I got a hand in at the end of this week for my book, I've written a new chapter on this relationship audit. it's like an internal 360, but instead of. Fixing what's wrong? We're just moving more towards what's right, right? We wanna do more of the behavior. So I've, you know, we've got some questions we ask individuals, direct reports, managers, peers, and we just ask 'em, when do you tune into me? you know, what expectations do we have of each other? Those types of conversations. [00:11:30] And I think that this work that you are doing really helps us with ideas of. How can we be more mindful? Because what we did after that event is that before we ever gave someone an appreciation, we stopped surprising people and we just started asking them, are you okay if we mention you at the meeting this morning? getting their permission seemed to work. and what I liked was when I went over, some of your material, you had three kind of takeaways That you can do now, maybe when you're [00:12:00] having one-on-ones with people or you're just interacting with them. Absolutely. it's great to hear that you took action after, that experience and learned from it Asking people for permission to, to recognize 'em, to ask them something in public is a really great practice and not connect. With the first practice, area that I, like to share, which is asking people what they want, need or prefer. [00:12:30] especially if people are really busy and don't have time and are overwhelmed, it can be really easy to make assumptions our brain naturally does that. there's a known brain bias. called the false consensus effect. Where we tend to think that people agree with us and have the same beliefs, behaviors, knowledge as we do, that's definitely me. Everyone does it. It is a human brain bias. We all share that. especially in times [00:13:00] of busyness and stress, our brains do tend to fall back on those natural shortcuts to save time and energy. but they can end up causing some strains, some conflict, reduced productivity because we're making assumptions instead of asking. So, hold on. You gotta say that again. We're taking shortcuts and what'd you say after that? we're taking shortcuts basically to save [00:13:30] time, to save time and energy. Our brains naturally do that in many different contexts. like there's so much information coming into our brains constantly  Choosing what to filter, choosing what's important. That's a natural state. we're in that all the time. Can you imagine if your brain right now was processing. Absolutely every single thing that was present in your environment. It's impossible. We can't do that. Oh no. Hang on a minute. For the listeners. Falisha has not ran manufacturing [00:14:00] plants. I. She hasn't even spent a lot of time with them, but she just described our life that is our life. this is why it's important. This is why we need to listen to you and say, okay, so what can we do? 'cause you just described manufacturing, there's so much stimulus. it's how many parts we make the last hour. Is the machine running right now? is the quality inspection done? and then we take shortcuts. That's what we do. Thank you for describing us. [00:14:30] Brain science applies everywhere. I'm happy to hear that resonates and we can make the connection with the manufacturing processes as well. so what can we do about it? So we know, you know, from the manufacturing experiences, from the brain science that. When we're busy, we take shortcuts and tend to assume instead of asking. making that intentional space to invite sharing is really important, and that can happen in some different formats. It can happen in one-on-ones. It doesn't even [00:15:00] need to be a new one-on-one, just to ask what your work preferences are. if you're already having these kinds of conversations. We can integrate questions into that. So even asking someone a general question of, you know, what can I do? What can we as an organization do to make work more productive, fulfilling, enjoyable, whatever your objective is, to make the workplace better for you? the reason you really got me thinking about [00:15:30] this was in our relationship audit was really looking as when we have a team of say, 10 people, one of the practices to sustain relationships is having regular, one-on-ones or certain touchpoints, certain meetings. but when I hear you say about, you know, ask people what they want. Right. So just because. I say, you know what? We should have a one-on-one every two weeks. I'm the leader, but that may not be the right [00:16:00] approach. that's a great example. when we're asking people what they want, need or prefer, that encompasses so many things. It can be, how they work best, schedules, certain times of day they work best. It can be a physical space, it can be communication preferences, what motivates them. There's so many different aspects here that we can touch on, and that's a great example with, how they would like to have communication with a leader How they would like to have check-ins. some people love space, [00:16:30] love autonomy, and autonomy is great for the brain. in general, autonomy is awesome. some people love to have lots of autonomy and that can look like having a conversation once every two weeks and giving space. We'll have the chat, some general objectives, some goals for the next couple weeks, and then I will go and do my work on my own with my team. I don't need to be checked in on unless I have a question. Okay. There are other people who, that [00:17:00] feels overwhelming and the way that, that their autonomy can be expressed is by choosing to have more check-ins. Someone might want to have a quick two minute check-in every morning.  What's your objective for today? have those more smaller pieces that can feel a lot less overwhelming. It can feel like there's a clear map. It can feel like you know somebody's there and supporting them more frequently. Both approaches can be fantastic if they're [00:17:30] paired with the right people. But if there's a mismatch, that's when we start to get, more concerns. Because if you imagine somebody that likes to have more space If they're being checked on daily, that can feel like micromanaging. They can feel like they're not being trusted. but then if we have somebody who likes those daily check-ins and those shorter goals, if they're not receiving that. And they're left on their own when they didn't want to be. that [00:18:00] can add stress. Oh, I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing today. am I on the right track? I'm not sure. so it's really just about adjusting everything from check-ins to how goals are set to really match with what's going to work for each individual. For the listeners, I'm sorry, but it is, it is, you know, more flexibility in our part. Right. But this is, Hey, this is 2026. This is just where we're going right now. I don't see this changing of situational leadership. we gotta [00:18:30] ask more of those questions because North America. Manufacturing got great when we did lower, more lean, had more standards, more structure. And that's great for, greasing a cylinder that we know is gonna fail after so many cycles. And we wanna do the same with humans, right? So we're gonna have a meeting every two weeks and then check on you, every three days. the reality is that with the neuroscience that you have, we're not machines. And we're different. especially with the rise of technology now [00:19:00] and AI again, that's a whole conversation. something that I really work towards is creating human-centered workplaces. We work with machines, which is great, and it really helps, advance many aspects of our society. But human-centered workplaces is really important to, Just to, to create spaces where humans can thrive, be healthy, be included, and do our best work to advance our society people who are treated like machines [00:19:30] are more likely to feel. Stressed to not be motivated to not be expressing their creativity. And that just doesn't it, it doesn't do anything for the output either. when we focus on treating everyone like humans, and you know, we have. Feelings. We have brains, we have the word, you know, we have bodies that need to be taken care of. when we really prioritize that, that's where we [00:20:00] spark the ideas, the creativity, the connection, all of the things that are great for us and also for our products. It's like going to the gym, right? you can't go to the gym for 24 hours, you gotta do a little bit of this every day, and then you build up that muscle  I don't wake up in the morning and go to the gym and say, yes, I get to work out. But I do leave there thinking, this feels good. I've invested into this. I know this is gonna pay off. I feel better about it. like you said earlier we're taking shortcuts. We're trying to take that, that quick fix where really we need to have discipline. Like when we're trying to save [00:20:30] money, you gotta put that investment now into those conversations and just how you described it. We need to keep evolving with technology and the only way we're gonna do that is if we're not spending time on lack of clarity,  that was your second one Minimize. uncertainty. So yeah, minimize uncertainty. we spend a lot of time doing that. what are some ideas that we can spend less time on uncertainty. our brains in general don't like uncertainty and [00:21:00] we can feel that when it happens. as an example, let's say you get an unexpected meeting invitation that says all company meeting tomorrow at noon. That's it. Your brain, most people's brains we're getting laid off. You're like, why? Why is this happening? Did I do something wrong? Did my team do something wrong? Is the company shutting down? your brain tries to fill in the gaps by guessing what it could be, and [00:21:30] that comes from the fact that our brain is protective. Our brain is trying to figure out what those missing pieces of information could be. So that we can feel prepared and better able to handle the situation when it comes. it's coming from a good evolutionary place, but it's really unproductive because we waste so much time and energy on trying to fill in those gaps. And half the [00:22:00] time we get it wrong and it's something we didn't even think of. the other point here is that when there's something that's vague, it can also be interpreted in different ways by different brains. like we were talking about before, even the same thing can create a different response in different brains. Somebody might, maybe be like, okay, I don't know. It's fine, no problem. And somebody else might, lose sleep that night and have a really tough time managing [00:22:30] that. and by providing that clarity, that certainty, the information when we're able to. that reduces the waste of time and energy and makes sure that everybody's on the same page about what's happening and prevents those different interpretations. This is resonating because in the manufacturing greatness model, there's three gaps, the second gap's the expectation gap, and that's really that space between what we believe others expect and what we believe is expected, and that [00:23:00] can go in any direction. So that's our model and it takes more conversations to close that gap. what were your tips around that? in general, if you're having communication, whether it's an email a discussion, a meeting or something else, provide as much information as is relevant. So, for example, with that meeting invitation, provide information in the invitation about. What is the topic? [00:23:30] Why is this being, why is the meeting being called? What's the agenda, for example? What are the discussion questions that people might be asked to share on, just to make sure that people know, okay, why is this happening and what am I going to be expected to do or share when I show up? And it's not just about meetings. transparency and clarity is also really important in the broader organizational structure. For example, sharing policies and procedures openly with the team. [00:24:00] Maybe that's like an internal shared drive, a binder with paper copies. There's lots of ways that can be done. also being transparent about things like criteria for promotions and raises. So we don't need people to wonder, what do I need to do to get a raise? It's there. And that's also really great for fairness. and if you're having, for example, a social event. Sharing some information about what to expect. So where are we going? Is [00:24:30] there games or activities? What's the plan for the day? that can make people feel a lot more comfortable knowing what they're getting into. It can help make it easier to choose whether somebody would like to participate or not. it can help people prepare as they feel they need to. some people like to prepare themselves in advance in different ways, so it just gives the opportunity for them to do so. That's something that I believe. I've gotten better at, I know I've worked at it, but [00:25:00] you know, even just like for a podcast guest like yourself, right before I was like, yeah, just jump in. We'll have a conversation. I got some feedback saying, It'd be better if I knew what to expect coming into your podcast. And I'd be like, that's fair. I was thinking about what I like, not about what you like, so I'm working on that That's an example of differences in communication styles  some people would be very happy to jump in and have an informal conversation. other people share their best ideas when they've had some time to prepare. Both are great. They are different, and they [00:25:30] require having that conversation, in advance to make sure that discussion fits with both people. So the last one here is, about manufacturing and our standards, we want Consistency, especially around safety, keep people safe. And then we get struggling around this fine line of also innovation, right? Where we can be more creative and have meetings and conversations that are more inclusive and, step outside the boundaries a bit. that's around your third tip there. And just [00:26:00] making these group sessions more productive. So group meetings is, is one aspect of workplaces where I find that there's a lot of exclusion, a lot of unfairness, and people aren't having their perspectives considered. And a big root of that is meeting practices that aren't inclusive. So I'll share some tips for how we can do better here. how can we [00:26:30] hold. Inclusive meetings and discussions that really facilitate equal opportunity for everyone to contribute. this connects back to the brains because each of our brains drives us to communicate and express ourselves in different ways. that means people can share their best ideas in different environments and in different ways. for example, some people share their best ideas when they've had some time to prepare. Others like to think on the spot. some people [00:27:00] communicate best through speaking and others communicate best through writings or drawings. And some people really thrive off the energy of big groups and lots of people jumping over each other. that's something I would say, especially in, North American culture, work meetings tend to be like 10 people diving in. but that also excludes a lot of people, because many people, and I'm one of them, feel really strongly about this  it can be really challenging to know when to jump [00:27:30] in. I have an idea, I have something to share, but three people are trying to talk at the same time and I have no idea when I'm supposed to start talking. and what can happen there is people just won't, Hmm, they're scared of interrupting. I don't wanna cut somebody off and they just n never find the spot, and then the topic moves on. those ideas get missed. some specific practices we can implement to make our meetings more inclusive. include, providing agendas and discussion questions in [00:28:00] advance. This overlaps with clarity and transparency as well. so team members can prepare their thoughts in advance if they like to do so. We can give a minute to think after asking a question or presenting a topic, this can feel uncomfortable at first. We are not used to that at all. But it can make a huge difference to allowing team members to really process, yeah, what do I think about that? What do I want to share here? and [00:28:30] then inviting responses, and I said try that out and see if, if team members are, have more contributions after they've had a moment to process. That's my challenge to you listener today, driving into work because you're gonna be courageous, like if you're facilitating a meeting or it doesn't really matter if you're facilitating it. You can be a participant. it's interesting because we don't take that minute. When we do, it's even more powerful in our fields of manufacturing, logistics, transportation. [00:29:00] It's all so urgent that we don't allow. The best ideas to come forward. even when I'm talking to a plant manager about getting their executive team to get together and just talk about the different, you know, how are we working together, right? Like, how are we sharing ideas? What's working and what's not? it's like, oh, I don't know if we can have time to have that discussion. Well. you're losing the money, you're tripping over the dollars and picking up the penny sometimes because we're so busy. which to me means not productive. But hey, I appreciate you [00:29:30] sharing that today. I think we all need to hear that Falisha it can feel like we're taking a bit more time, but in the end, it can be more productive because we are getting the team's best ideas and we're inviting everybody to participate, which in the end can support a better product. and a couple of last tips to help generate ideas from everyone. one of them is offering a shared document or a form where team members can share their thoughts in a written format. this can be during the meeting and also after. [00:30:00] sometimes. It can take a bit more time for a great idea to brew in somebody's brain. it's, half an hour after the meeting and they're like, oh, I wish I could have shared that. So having that form or shared doc really helps, create a space for people to add their ideas when they come. lastly, starting a discussion with a turn-taking structure, where each team member is invited to contribute without interruption. And if you are on a time crunch, there can be a time limit per person. what's [00:30:30] really important here is that everybody. Has a turn if they would like to share. They don't have to. They can pass, but everyone has a turn to share without interruption. you can ask a question, raise a topic, go around the team members. this helps ensure that everyone who would like to share has equal opportunity to do so without having to navigate jumping into an overlapping conversation. And what I find when I implement this People [00:31:00] who weren't contributing as much in other meeting formats, share fantastic ideas and feel more connected with the team. we get a broader range of ideas because everybody can share before we open it up. you can still open it up to discussion afterwards to build on the ideas and connect with each other, but That initial practice of giving everybody some space has benefits for the meeting, for team connection, for creativity, and, generating more ideas.[00:31:30]  Listening to you, it's like, oh, yeah, that makes sense. you go around every person and ask them, but. We don't do it, it's just Okay, good. We got a solution. I think we just hit the whack-a-mole. We can, we can all get outta this meeting now. And, and three people never got to contribute and probably had a better idea. I could go on for about another five hours with you, but how do our listeners get more of you, Falisha, and follow you, connect with you? what's the best basis for that? I've got a few [00:32:00] ways that we can connect, LinkedIn, Instagram, or my newsletter, brain Science for better workplaces. maybe we can put those links, in the description and I'd be very happy to connect with any of you. please feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat more about brains. thank you. Shout out to Nina Na Doley, our mutual friend and previous, guest here that, that suggested you. so glad we got to meet I've already learned so much from you, Falisha, it's just these reminders of like, it's okay. We're, we're, we're just hardwired [00:32:30] like this. We've been conditioned this way and We can make changes. We can build workplaces that align with how our brain functions. Thank you, Falisha. I appreciate you coming on the show. My pleasure. Thanks for having me.    

A desire and passion for caring for the earth, soil, and the natural environment can start at a young age.Fatema Mohajir and her family are from the Bamyan province in central Afghanistan. As a child, Fatema's family lived in Iran, where her father worked at a large-scale vegetable farm. Fatema's father and older brother inspired her interest in soil science and farming.Fatema studied at Kabul University and graduated in 2020. As a part of her studies, Fatema participated in a year-long Permaculture Program led by Rosemary Marrow from Australia. After graduating, Fatema received a scholarship to study in Uzbekistan, where she focused on bioeconomy and irrigation.Fatema moved to the United States in 2023 and has been working at the Farm at Willow Run in Harrisonburg for the past two seasons. Fatema shares about her interest in organic farming and her overall aim to be a role model for others in caring for the earth, soil, and the bioeconomy.To learn about Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community's farm-to-table initiative and the Farm at Willow Run, please visit https://www.vmrc.org/the-farm. You can listen to Rosemary Morrow's Journey to Permaculture on The Permaculture Podcast.We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

In this episode, we explore 'The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life' by Morgan Housel, the bestselling author of 'The Psychology of Money.' Show notes / Free Audiobook Discover how mindset shapes our relationship with wealth and happiness. Learn the key concepts that will transform the way you think about spending: • Spending is a psychological journey, not just a numbers game—it's about envy, social aspirations, identity, and insecurity • Money serves two purposes: as a tool to live a better life, or as a yardstick to measure your status against others • Spend for utility and meaning, not for status—real value comes from comfort, time, and relationships • Independence is the ultimate form of wealth—every dollar saved is freedom purchased • The 'Deserted Island Test': Would you want this if no one could see it? • Minimize future regret by aligning spending with personal values • The greatest luxury isn't material—it's calmness and financial peace • Learn how generosity multiplies wealth in ways that numbers can't capture • True wealth lies not in net worth, but in the alignment of money with your life goals Whether you're struggling with overspending, comparing yourself to others, or searching for financial clarity, this episode offers practical wisdom for making intentional choices about money. Morgan Housel reminds us that the art of spending is truly the art of living well. Join us as we unpack the psychology behind money and discover how simple choices can lead to a richer, more intentional life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Choosing your retirement date may seem like a small detail, but for federal employees, it can have a significant financial impact. In this podcast episode, David Raetz of Benchmark Financial Group explains how to align your exit date for maximum benefits and minimal income disruption for a smooth transition into retirement.---------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Benchmark Financial Group:Website | bfgkc.comLinkedIn | @benchmark-financial-group-llcFacebook | @BenchmarkFinancialGroupLLCBenchmark Financial Group is located at 10975 Benson Dr., Suite 500, Overland Park, KS 66210, Corporate Woods Building 12. You can contact us by visiting our website at https://bfgkc.com, calling 913.227.4224, or emailing David at david.raetz@bfgkc.com.Securities and Advisory Services are offered through CreativeOne Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC and an Investment Advisor. Benchmark Financial Group, LLC, and CreativeOne Securities are not affiliated companies.

The holiday season inspires generosity, but smart gifting can go far beyond festive moments and gifts under the tree. On the show this week, we're digging into the world of gifting strategies, just in time for the end of 2025. Whether you're navigating last-minute holiday shopping, planning gifts for loved ones, or looking to maximize your charitable donations, this episode is packed with practical advice and fresh ideas.  We break down everything from tax implications of gifting cash, stocks, and even real estate, to making the most of donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions to help you balance generosity with smart financial planning, so you can give with both a warm heart and a wise mind. Outline of This Episode 00:00 Balancing gifting and planning. 03:18 Choosing between gifting or inheriting. 09:13 Tax implications of gifting stocks. 11:42 Caution when gifting non-cash assets. 15:17 Tax deductions and SALT limit. 17:29 2026 tax changes for donations. 20:46 Tax benefits of stock donations. 25:00 Qualified charitable distributions explained. 27:30 Tax-efficient inheritance strategies. ***********

[Original air date: June 5, 2025]How can finance leaders identify where their capital is silently going to waste and where it can be better used to drive growth? In this episode, CJ interviews Russell Lester, the CFO of Tropic, where capital allocation is both the product and the mission. Russell introduces the concept of “spoilage”, deployed capital that fails to deliver its intended value. He also talks about “levers”, positive actions that force multiply your efforts, and “leakages”, headwinds or detractors that sap momentum. Russell believes it is the job of the CFO (or “Chief Alignment Officer”) to proactively go looking for these levers and leakages. He then explains how he uses his “center of the table” framework to redeploy the freed-up capital to fuel growth. Russell also covers how to address misalignment, what helicopter skills are and why you need them, what a data safari is and why you should take one daily, and why every CFO needs a spend management tool.—SPONSORS:Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Sage Intacct is a cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, automates workflows, and keeps your books audit-ready as you scale. It unifies accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for finance, retail, logistics, tech, and professional services. With payback in under six months and up to 250% ROI, and eight years as the customer-satisfaction leader, Sage Intacct helps you take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHtMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.—LINKS:Russell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-lester-aa98463/Tropic: https://www.tropicapp.io/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Wasted Capital and Where to Find It The CFOs Guide to Spoilage Levers Leakageshttps://youtu.be/xOby7CcdljI—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Mostly Classics: Russell Lester on Capital and Alignment00:00:48 Sponsors — Tipalti | Aleph | Fidelity Private Shares00:04:07 Russell Lester Joins the Show00:06:45 Capital Spoilage and Wasted Spend00:08:34 Why Spoilage Goes Unnoticed Inside Companies00:10:16 Creating Accountability for ROI00:11:08 Spoilage Beyond Tools and Software00:13:04 Strategy Drift and the Sunk Cost Trap00:14:14 Sponsors — Sage Intacct | Mercury | RightRev00:17:44 Levers and Leakages: A Framework for Momentum00:19:27 Identifying Levers Across the Funnel00:21:48 Efficiency Levers Inside the P&L00:23:31 Common Spend Leakages in Practice00:24:21 The Center of the Table Framework00:26:47 Budget Ownership vs Corporate Stewardship00:28:49 The CFO as Chief Alignment Officer00:31:31 Trust, Tact, and Executive Leadership00:33:35 Helicopter Skills for Finance Leaders00:35:41 Curiosity as a CFO Superpower00:36:02 Data Safaris and Asking Better Questions00:38:16 Breaking Down Net Dollar Retention00:40:32 Navigating Data Overload00:42:16 Building a Single Source of Truth00:43:03 Intelligent Spend Management in Action00:44:44 Capital Allocation as the CFO's Core Job00:46:04 How Spend Management Drives Growth00:49:14 Why Companies Delay Spend Tools00:50:49 A Career Mistake with Investors00:52:49 Auto-Renewals: Revenue vs Leakage00:54:07 Advice to a Younger CFO#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFOLeadership #CapitalAllocation #FinancialStrategy #SpendManagement This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

We celebrated Christmas Eve together by having a fun episode and looking at "The art of Losing". As we get older, we learn how to fall gracefully. The art of losing is about how we land. Whether we have a good landing or not is all about how we fall. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when, and when we fall are we prepared for the landing? It's all about having a good landing. Minimize the collateral damage, life is going to happen, if need be, we lean on one another when the weight is too heavy to bear. We dusted off the board games and played Christmas Recovery Jeopardy by light of our Christmas Trees and counted ourselves grateful for the moment. Merry Christmas everyone.

Send us a text*This is a replay of one of our most popular episodes to date, which originally aired as episode 71 on January 22nd, 2025. Enjoy!*Have you ever wondered if the food on your plate could help reduce your pain and give you more control over your body? Spoiler alert: it can. Today, we're breaking down how to create an anti-inflammatory diet tailored specifically for you and your endometriosis.In this episode, you'll hear:-Debunking myths: Common misconceptions about anti-inflammatory diets and endometriosis.-What an anti-inflammatory diet looks like for YOU: How to personalize it for your unique needs.  -The 10 key steps to creating an individualized anti-inflammatory diet.Identify and eliminate common inflammatory foods.Focus on incorporating key anti-inflammatory nutrients.Support your gut health.Personalize your diet based on your unique sensitivities and symptoms.Incorporate anti-inflammatory spices into your diet.Balance macronutrients.Minimize toxins in your food.Stay hydrated.Consider cycle syncing with your meals.Thinking about targeted supplementation when necessary.  Making sustainable changes can feel overwhelming, so start small! Focus on one or two adjustments at a time to build lasting habits.Join the Free Endo Diet Reset ChallengeResources:Episode 55Episode 63 Subscribe to the Aligned to Rise Podcast: Apple | SpotifyConnect w/ Alyssa: Instagram Website Work w/ Alyssa: Free Endo Diet Guide Free Quiz: What's Your Poop Telling You? Work with me 1:1 Learn more about AlyssaDisclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Minimize the Gatekeeper, Maximize Access Hi everyone, Carl Gould here with your #70secondCEO. Just a little over a one minute investment every day for a lifetime of results. Between 7 and 9 a.m. The reason why I do that is that I minimize the gatekeepers that keeps me away from my prospects. I know at 7 a.m., business owner, decision makers, get their phone, it's arm's distance away, and they can't help themselves. They'll see that phone ring and they're like, Oh, my assistant isn't around. Someone has got to answer this phone. Ring number three, ring number four. Drives them crazy. Go to that networking event. You know who's there? They're truly committed. In the summer, yeah, the meetings aren't as big, but who's there? The board, the influencers, the people that never miss. These are the people that you want to make sure that you're networking with. That trade show that you were like, I don't know if I'm going to go to this. Go. Go and have some fun with it.  Like and follow this podcast so you can learn more. My name is Carl Gould and this has been your #70secondCEO.  

A judge has been found guilty of felony obstruction of justice — and the implications go far beyond one courtroom.In this episode of WMXI we break down what this conviction says about judicial overreach, illegal immigration, and the growing tension between the courts, Congress, and the presidency. We discuss why many believe the judiciary has stepped outside its constitutional role, how immigration enforcement has been undermined, and why President Trump argues that executive power must be restored as written in Article II of the Constitution.Is the justice system enforcing the law — or rewriting it from the bench?Do we need constitutional amendments, term limits, and real accountability?This is a must-watch discussion on law, liberty, and the future of American governance. ▶️ Watch now and join the conversation

Key Links:  Find out more about Dr. Wittstein's book “The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan” HERE  Improve your mobility and agility with the Blaze Pods HERE   Summary  In this kickoff episode of AGE BETTER: The Road to 70, I sit down with orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein to map out the strength, mobility, and wellness strategies I need to put into practice at 69 to prepare for the decade ahead.  We talk about the essential role of strength training—even low and moderate intensity—on bone density, metabolism, mobility, and long-term independence. Dr. Wittstein explains why cardiovascular activity remains a cornerstone of longevity, how balance and agility work protect us from falls, and the ways physical therapy can help us train smarter, especially if we're dealing with arthritis, past injuries, or knee pain.  We also get into the benefits of creatine supplementation, the importance of dietary protein for maintaining muscle mass, why walking remains one of the most underrated tools for reducing fall risk, and how impact exercises can specifically strengthen hip bone density.  If you're preparing for your next decade—or helping someone you love stay strong—this episode is a clear, doable roadmap to aging with strength, confidence, and mobility.  Takeaways  Minimize barriers to entry for strength training—simplicity builds consistency.  Low and moderate intensity strength work is still powerful and protective.  Physical therapy can provide expert guidance, especially when dealing with pain or injury.  Cardiovascular activity is essential for long-term health and longevity.  Strength training improves metabolic health and supports strong bones.  Balance and agility work help prevent falls and maintain independence.  Creatine supplementation can support gains in muscle mass.  Regular walking reduces fall risk and supports overall wellness.  Impact exercises are beneficial for hip bone density.  Adequate dietary protein is crucial for maintaining muscle as we age.  Connect With  Barbara:    Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to hear from you!    - Email: agebetterpodcast@gmail.com    - Connect on Instagram ⁠HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jane Beddall, founder and principal of Dovetail Resolutions. Jane is a seasoned mediator, facilitator, and consultant, as well as a certified CINERGY® Conflict Management Coach and a Conflict Dynamics Profile® Certified Practitioner. She works with legacy families, family enterprises, and family offices to help individuals and families handle communication and conflict better. Jane is the host of the weekly podcast Crafting Solutions to Conflict, providing a practical and positive perspective on conflict. In 2014, she received The Honorable Robert C. Zampano Award for Excellence in Mediation, which recognizes and celebrates leadership, initiative, and creativity in mediation in Connecticut. The word "conflict" comes up often in our work with UHNW families and few people misunderstand its meaning, so Jane provides some useful foundational definitions. She defines what conflict is, both in general as well as in the context of family enterprises and family wealth situations and describes the different manifestations of conflict that are common among families of wealth. Jane zeros in on conflict within families and explains how families generally deal with different kinds of conflict and highlights the best ways for them to manage and cope with conflict in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for the family. Dealing with conflict is a sensitive subject, and many families are not familiar with the kind of resources that are available to them in this field. Jane describes the conflict resolution landscape and the different professionals out there, pointing out how families can decide whom to work with or whether to deal with the conflict on their own. Family advisors and service providers – even those who are not experts in conflict management – can get caught up in the middle of tense family situations. Jane offers her practical advice on how professional family advisors should deal with conflict in the family when they encounter it or get drawn into it. Enjoy this practical discussion with one of the most experienced and recognized practitioners in the field of UHNWE family conflict management.

How can we care for the soil and farm for better health outcomes?   Dr. Christine Mahoney of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Wayflowering Flower Farm joins Mary and Eric for a conversation about soil health, regenerative farm design, and organic flower farming. Dr. Mahoney shares how better outcomes, such as health, peace, and tranquility, can be achieved through enriching the soil, enhancing biodiversity, sequestering carbon, strengthening local ecosystems, and supporting pollinator habitats. For Dr. Mahoney, caring for the soil and creating an incredible place for flowers, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators is foundational and inspirational. Please visit https://www.wayflowering.com/ to learn more about cut-your-own flower opportunities and immersive experiences at Wayflowering Flower Farm. For details about the flower farming course and podcast that inspired and influenced Dr. Mahoney's thoughts on farm design and organic no-till flower farming, please visit Floret Flowers and The No-Till Flowers Podcast.    We can all be 4 The Soil, for the future! Here is how with four principles:1) Keep the soil covered -- with living plants and residue. Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid leaving soil bare.2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden.3) Maximize living roots -- for the longest time to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil.4) Energize with diversity -- aboveground and belowground with high-quality food for soil and plants, and integration of livestock on cropland. If you are interested in art and framing the 4 The Soil posters for your office or home, the 16” by 20” posters are available for purchase and printing as single posters or a set of five posters.If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

In this special, table-turning episode of Run the Numbers, CJ Gustafson steps out of the host's chair as Paul Stansik—Operating Partner at ParkerGale and author of the Hello Operator newsletter—takes over the interview. What began as a planned discussion on annual planning best practices quickly evolves into a candid deep dive on Mostly Media, CJ's growing niche B2B media business, and the thinking behind his own operating plan for the year ahead. Fresh off exiting his CFO role in January 2025, CJ walks through the origin story of Mostly Metrics, how it scaled into a broader media platform, and what it's like being “the boss of me” for the first time. Paul presses on the real questions—growth opportunities, monetization, and strategic tradeoffs—making this episode a transparent look at how a modern, metrics-driven media business is built and run.—SPONSORS:RightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Sage Intacct is a cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, automates workflows, and keeps your books audit-ready as you scale. It unifies accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for finance, retail, logistics, tech, and professional services. With payback in under six months and up to 250% ROI, and eight years as the customer-satisfaction leader, Sage Intacct helps you take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHtMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.com—LINKS:Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulstansik/Hello Operator: https://hellooperator.substack.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Portfolio Operations: This Is What You Actually Have To Do To Make Sure a Company Is Successfulhttps://youtu.be/pOj4JwGUTSoGrindr's $0 CAC Secret from the CFO Who Launched Disney+ | Vanna Krantzhttps://youtu.be/ijFIMmtpLNw—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:10 Sponsors — RightRev | Tipalti | Aleph00:06:23 Episode Setup and Context00:07:22 Why This Episode Exists00:08:44 The Origin Story00:10:03 First Signs of Traction00:10:26 Memes, Early Growth, and “Big Ballers”00:12:01 Defining the Brand Feel00:13:28 Leaving a Job to Write00:15:07 Writing His Way to CFO00:16:26 Sponsors — Fidelity Private Shares | Sage Intacct | Mercury00:19:01 Growth Tactics That Worked00:21:31 First Monetization Moment00:22:13 Balancing CFO Life and Media00:24:06 Going All-In on the Business00:25:02 A CFO Lens on Media00:28:09 Asset Businesses vs Cash Flow00:31:35 How the Business Makes Money00:32:42 Revenue Compounding Over Time00:33:29 Scaling to $3M00:34:08 Partnerships and Buying Cycles00:36:19 Building the Core Team00:39:09 Adding Recruiting to the Mix00:41:01 Strategy for the Next Phase00:42:03 Boredom, Discipline, and Craft00:43:08 Defining the Core Audience00:46:09 Staying in the Game00:47:22 Advice for Creators00:49:15 Brand, Fun, and Value00:52:08 Following the Momentum00:53:14 Finding Your Unique Edge00:55:19 Enjoying the Build00:56:25 Closing and Outro#RunTheNumbersPodcast #creatoreconomy #mediabusiness #cfoperspective #buildinpublic This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

Watch Here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=637NmaMJBBA Website: https://vigoroussteve.com/ Consultations: https://vigoroussteve.com/consultations/ eBooks: https://vigoroussteve.com/shop/ YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/VigorousSteve/ Workout Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWi2zZJwmQ6Mqg92FW2JbiA Instagram: https://instagram.com/vigoroussteve/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vigoroussteve Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/VigorousSteve/ PodBean: https://vigoroussteve.podbean.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wR0XWY00qLq9K7tlvJ000 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vigoroussteve

1-Infidelity 2-Child Custody Victims ~ 1-Evading the evidence that a spouse is unfaithful (starts at 8m 0s) 2-How can I minimize the bad effects on my child of my ex getting part custody? Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divorce, hobbies, career, mental health - any personal issue! Call anytime, toll free 877-Dr-Kenner. Visit www.drkenner.com for more information about the show (where you can also download free chapter one of her serious relationships guidebook).

In today's Daily Shift, we explore what happens when you grow up learning to minimize your emotions. Many people weren't told their feelings were wrong — they simply learned their feelings weren't welcome. Over time, this can show up as downplaying emotions, second-guessing reactions, or telling yourself "it's not that big of a deal." This short episode invites gentle awareness around emotional minimization, without blame or judgment. What once helped you stay safe may still be shaping how you relate to your emotions today. In this episode, you'll reflect on: How emotional minimization develops Why downplaying feelings can be a survival response What it means to acknowledge emotions without shrinking them How awareness creates space for change

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ Gustafson sits down with Larry Contrella, General Partner at JMI Equity, to unpack how JMI invests in software without financial engineering or roll-up strategies. Larry explains how the firm builds conviction through founder relationships, long-term partnership, and a product-and-brand-first view of durable growth. They discuss how JMI supports companies through scaling, why operating partners keep returning, and how underwriting looks different in mission-driven sectors like K–12 and nonprofit tech where customers are schools and communities, not Fortune 500s. Larry's background as a competitive runner at Penn ties the conversation together with a clear ethos: patience, discipline, and playing the long game.—SPONSORS:Mercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Sage Intacct is a cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, automates workflows, and keeps your books audit-ready as you scale. It unifies accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for finance, retail, logistics, tech, and professional services. With payback in under six months and up to 250% ROI, and eight years as the customer-satisfaction leader, Sage Intacct helps you take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHt—LINKS:Larry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-contrella-160a8a25/JMI Equity: https://www.jmi.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Is taking a company public even worth it? | Fullstory's Chad Goldhttps://youtu.be/zSD8y9dr4VgSo You're Looking for a “Strategic” CFO? Bloomerang's Steve Isom on What That Really Meanshttps://youtu.be/cgHOtvG1Ces—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:49 Sponsors — Mercury | RightRev | Tipalti00:06:41 Joining the JMI Conversation00:07:13 College Running and Team Dynamics00:08:13 New York Marathon Story and Career Intersection00:11:04 Competitive Drive and Patience With Founders00:12:54 Building Long-Term Partnerships and Underwriting Credibility00:15:27 Growth Equity as a Long Sales Cycle00:15:48 Sponsors — Aleph | Fidelity Private Shares | Sage Intacct00:18:44 Fund Planning, Deal Pacing, and Board Commitments00:20:59 Sourcing Philosophy and Developing Investors Over Time00:22:09 Hustle as the Only Sustainable Edge in Sourcing00:24:14 Early Sourcing Tactics and Information Arbitrage00:26:06 Reputation, Experience, and Breaking Into Competitive Deals00:29:42 Organic Growth Over Roll-Ups and M&A Discipline00:32:51 Brand, Product Leadership, and Paying for the Best Businesses00:33:29 Bloomerang and Brand-Led Growth in Nonprofit Software00:34:46 Why JMI Operators Keep Coming Back00:36:28 Collaborative Leadership and Giving Constructive Advice00:38:20 Using Data Without Slowing Decisions00:39:20 Transparency, Alignment, and Knowing Where You Stand00:40:31 Why JMI Invests in K–12 and EdTech00:42:07 Mission-Driven Businesses and Talent Advantage00:43:24 Monetization Models in Nonprofit SaaS00:45:40 Conviction Bets and Product-Market Fit Stories00:48:49 Rethinking TAM and Expanding Markets Over Time00:50:40 Lightning Round: Sourcing Stories and Lessons00:52:58 Traits of Great Founders and Changing Beliefs00:54:20 Closing Thoughts and Outro#RunTheNumbersPodcast #GrowthEquity #B2BSoftware #FounderRelationships #PrivateEquity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

In this episode, Bud Williams shares a timeless, experience-driven perspective on livestock marketing that challenges conventional thinking and expands how producers view profitability. Rather than focusing solely on selling animals, Bud explains why true marketing success comes from a whole-system approach that includes buying decisions, grazing management, inventory control, cash flow, and understanding market cycles. Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, Bud breaks down commodity cash markets, futures, and direct marketing—while emphasizing that profit is made at the time of purchase, not by hoping for higher prices later. This classic presentation remains as relevant today as ever, offering practical wisdom for producers navigating volatile markets and long-term business sustainability. Bud details how market cycles truly work, why declining markets often create the best opportunities, and how poor pricing discipline across the industry leads to instability. He also explains why scale isn't required for profitability—clarity, discipline, and smart decision-making are.

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ Gustafson sits down with Brian Brown, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at Rocket Companies, to unpack how Rocket has built a differentiated, full-stack fintech business far beyond its mortgage roots. The conversation explores Rocket's approach to long-tail monetization, the strategic importance of mortgage servicing, and how recapture rates become a durable competitive advantage in volatile rate environments. Brian shares lessons from leading complex M&A transactions, managing a business that reacts in real time to macro signals, and building a finance organization that prioritizes storytelling, strategy, and cross-functional thinking over pure accounting prowess. The result is a wide-ranging discussion on what traditional financial services companies can teach modern SaaS and fintech leaders about metrics, brand, and disciplined execution.—SPONSORS:Sage Intacct is a cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, automates workflows, and keeps your books audit-ready as you scale. It unifies accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for finance, retail, logistics, tech, and professional services. With payback in under six months and up to 250% ROI, and eight years as the customer-satisfaction leader, Sage Intacct helps you take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHtMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.—LINKS:Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-brown-3aa37a8a/Rocket Companies: https://rocket.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:From $500M Losses to $500M Profits: The CFO Who Helped Major League Baseball Win off the Fieldhttps://youtu.be/7xw9qY2w5C4—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:30 Sponsors — Sage Intacct | Mercury | RightRev00:05:55 CJ's Rocket Mortgage Fanboy Moment00:07:13 How Rocket Mortgage Actually Makes Money00:12:06 Investing in Brand Trust for Infrequent but High-Stakes Decisions00:15:17 Mortgage Servicing as a Long-Term Relationship Engine00:17:17 Sponsors — Tipalti | Aleph | Fidelity Private Shares00:20:40 Why the Long Tail of Customer Relationships Is Underrated00:23:01 Recapture Rate and Why Mortgage Loyalty Is Broken00:25:23 Lower CAC Through Lifetime Value and Repeat Borrowers00:30:55 Financial Storytelling as a CFO's Real Job00:33:03 Why CFOs Must Sell the Story, Not Just the Numbers00:40:49 Public vs. Private M&A and Why Public Deals Are Harder00:45:21 Redfin Acquisition Thesis and Top-of-Funnel Strategy00:52:18 Being Swarmed by Merger Arb Funds Like Taylor Swift00:55:18 How Rocket Forecasts in a Volatile Interest Rate Environment00:58:04 Weekly Forecasting, Scenario Planning, and Avoiding Forecast Fatigue01:00:32 Finance Teams as Business Consultants and Strategic Partners01:02:23 Why CFOs Need a Seat at the Strategy Table01:04:19 Long-Ass Lightning Round: A Leadership Mistake and Building Teams01:05:58 Leadership Lessons on Team Size and Accountability01:07:33 Advice to Younger Self and Slowing Down01:08:49 Finance Software Stack and AI Tools01:11:31 Lessons from Working with Dan Gilbert01:16:58 Craziest Expense Story01:17:55 Outro#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFOLeadership #FinanceStrategy #MergersAndAcquisitions #FinancialStorytelling This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

Blake Grayson, CFO of Docusign, joins CJ Gustafson to discuss how a company that redefined e-signature and became a verb is now navigating its next chapter in intelligent agreement management. Drawing on more than a decade at Amazon—where he helped forecast AWS and worked inside some of the company's most operationally demanding businesses—Blake explains how financial discipline, operational depth, and clear narrative-building shape his approach as CFO. The conversation explores how to evolve a beloved product without diluting the brand, why pricing is as much about positioning as revenue, how to communicate go-to-market mechanics without losing the room, and why effective capital allocation accepts that not every big bet needs to land to shape the leader you become.—SPONSORS:Fidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Sage Intacct is a cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, automates workflows, and keeps your books audit-ready as you scale. It unifies accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for finance, retail, logistics, tech, and professional services. With payback in under six months and up to 250% ROI, and eight years as the customer-satisfaction leader, Sage Intacct helps you take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHtMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/run—LINKS:Blake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-grayson-3197043/Docusign: https://www.docusign.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:“Steal Your Boss's Job”: Calendly CFO John McCauley on Leadership, Ownership & Growthhttps://youtu.be/VRpTNDIfzPY—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:39 Sponsors – Fidelity Private Shares | Sage Intacct | Mercury00:05:09 DocuSign as a Top CFO Tool00:07:33 From E-Signature to Intelligent Agreement Management00:09:09 Complexity Before and After a Signature00:11:02 Cost of Poor Agreement Management00:12:30 Agreement Oversight and CFO Risk00:13:28 Pricing: Usage to Seat Models00:14:12 Enterprise vs SMB Pricing00:15:00 Sponsors – RightRev | Tipalti | Aleph00:19:18 Simplicity, Tiers, and IAM Value00:20:36 Forecasting New Products in a Renewals Base00:22:13 Modeling Mix Shift and GTM Enablement00:23:56 Faster Time-to-Value With Intelligent Repositories00:25:06 Building GTM Muscle for a Platform00:26:29 Launching IAM in Commercial First00:27:31 Forecasting Growth vs Cost00:28:41 Company-Wide Alignment on Priorities00:30:02 Aligning Investor Messaging With Operations00:31:20 Staying Focused on Long-Term Outcomes00:32:27 Customer-First Decision Making00:33:41 Transparency and What Not to Disclose00:34:52 Asking Better Metric Questions00:36:28 Avoiding Data Paralysis00:38:52 Amazon's Weekly Business Reviews00:41:07 Bezos Meetings and the Silent Read00:45:09 The “Question Mark Email” and Customer Anecdotes00:50:22 Unit Economics of a Server and Early AWS Bets00:53:42 Handling Nonpayment Risk00:55:07 Operational Chaos: Perishables and Regulation00:57:04 The “No Eggs in California” Story00:59:31 Treating Escalations as Company Problems01:00:59 Biggest Career Mistake01:02:44 Advice to His Younger Self01:06:34 Tools Finance Uses: Oracle, Bots, IAM, Salesforce, Workday01:09:21 Wildest Expense Attempts01:12:32 Closing Thanks and Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #Docusign #CFOInsights #SaaSLeadership #AIManagement This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

What role can social entrepreneurship have in building soil health and achieving positive ecological goals?Mary and Eric explore this question with Dr. Christine Mahoney of the University of Virginia's Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and Wayflowering Flower Farm. Dr. Mahoney shares her own experiences with social enterprises, systems thinking, and regenerative organic flower farming in this episode. Dr. Mahoney reflects on the catalytic effect organizations and businesses can have on innovation and change, such as enriching the soil, enhancing biodiversity, sequestering carbon, strengthening local ecosystems, and supporting pollinator habitats.To learn more about cut-your-own flower opportunities and immersive experiences at Wayflowering Flower Farm, please visit https://www.wayflowering.com/.If you want to become a member of the Central Virginia Flower Collective, send an email inquiry to CVAFlowers@gmail.com. If you are interested in impact investing, specifically related to displaced people and refugees, please visit the Refugee Investment Network that Dr. Mahoney helped found at https://refugeeinvestments.org/As always, we encourage you to cooperate with other farmers, graziers, and gardeners for peer-to-peer learning and to follow the four core soil health principles: 1) Keep the soil covered -- Cover crops are our friends and allies; avoid bare fallows;2) Minimize soil disturbance -- Practice no-till or gentle tillage as much as possible in your field or garden;3) Maximize living roots year-round -- to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and life in the soil; and4) Energize with diversity -- through crop rotation, high-quality food for soil and plants, farm enterprises, and livestock integration. If you have questions about soil and water conservation practices, natural resource concerns, and soil health principles and practices to restore the life in your soil, call or visit a USDA Service Center, a Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District office, or your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.  4 the Soil: A Conversation is made possible with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Agua Fund. Other partners include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia State University; Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; and partners of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.Disclaimer: Views expressed on this podcast are those of each individual guest.To download a copy of this, or any other show, visit the website 4thesoil.org. Music used during today's program is courtesy of the Flip Charts. All rights reserved. 4 the Soil: A Conversation is produced by On the Farm Radio in collaboration with Virginia Tech. The host and co-hosts are Jeff Ishee, Mary Sketch Bryant, and Eric Bendfeldt.

Cassie Young brings hard earned lessons from a career spanning CRO roles, customer success leadership, turnarounds, and now investing as a General Partner at Primary Venture Partners. She talks about building and rebuilding go to market teams, why sometimes you should fire customers on purpose, and how churn is a lagging indicator that hides deeper retention issues. Cassie shares strong views on overrated metrics like NPS, the incentives that actually drive behavior inside a business, and the myth of finding one perfect KPI. She also brings signature Cassie isms like sunlight is the best disinfectant and the reminder that leaders often get stuck working in the business instead of on it offering practical insights for anyone trying to keep their SaaS metrics from going sideways.—SPONSORS:Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Sage Intacct is the cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, eliminates manual work, and keeps your books audit-ready—so you can scale without slowing down. It combines accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for retail, financial services, logistics, tech, professional services, and more. Sage Intacct delivers fast ROI, with payback in under six months and up to 250% return. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction for eight straight years. Visit Sage Intacct and take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHtMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.—LINKS:Cassie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassyoung/Primary Venture Partners: https://www.primary.vc/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Getting fired 4 times made me a founder | Sam Jacobs of Pavilionhttps://youtu.be/8X-JVOF-1A0—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:30 Sponsors Aleph | Fidelity Private Shares | Sage Intacct00:05:21 Returning From Pavilion & GTM Summit Takeaways00:06:49 What Makes a Great Executive00:11:07 The Importance of True P&L Fluency00:12:17 First Team Leadership vs Functional Loyalty00:13:33 Reading the Macro Environment and Market Forces00:14:29 Sponsors Mercury | RightRev | Tipalti00:18:26 Applying First Team Leadership in Practice00:22:24 Churn as a Lagging Indicator00:24:23 Finding Real Leading Indicators of Renewal00:25:30 Customer Value as the Only Path to Enterprise Value00:26:52 Product Adoption Perception and Retention00:29:16 Price to Value Ratio as a Predictor of Guaranteed Churn00:30:37 The Ultimate Question What Gets Your Customer Promoted00:32:33 How NPS Is Actually Calculated00:34:56 Sailthru's Minus 26 NPS and What It Signaled00:37:31 Rebuilding Customer Trust Through Transparency00:40:24 Why Net and Gross Retention Must Be Paired00:42:51 Aligning the Executive Team Through a Unified Bonus Plan00:45:18 Firing Customers When Misaligned Segments Drain the Org00:49:35 Carrot vs Stick How to Motivate a Modern GTM Org00:52:31 Why MBO Plans Fail CSMs01:03:51 Why Time to Value Matters More Than Ever#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CustomerSuccess #ChurnPrevention #GoToMarket #VentureCapital This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

Dear Boss Babe... if you are thinking I should be further along by now… This episode is your reminder that hustling yourself into the ground is not the path — intention is. If you've been battling burnout, second-guessing your pace, or comparing your journey to someone who isn't living your reality… this one's for you. In today's pep talk, I'm pulling back the curtain on what it really looks like to build a dream while holding down a 9–5 — the identity shifts, the emotional weight, and the discipline it takes to grow without slipping into hustle culture or burning yourself out. You'll walk away feeling grounded, re-centered, and reminded of what your spirit already knows: You are not behind. You are building with intention, not urgency. Why your pace does not determine your potential How high achievers accidentally slip into burnout loops Using your 9–5 as leverage instead of letting it drain you The difference between building with pressure vs purpose The self-care habits that keep you steady through the climb The mindset reframe that every multi-hyphenate founder needs ✨ If you loved this pep talk, go listen to the full episode (#128) where I break down the actual structure, boundaries, and energy management skills that help you grow both sides of your life without crumbling under the pressure. ✨ Come connect with me on Instagram: @theerickanicole / @bossbabereset ✨ Podcast produced by: Your Girl Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CoreWeave CFO Nitin Agrawal joins Run the Numbers to unpack the finance engine behind one of the fastest-growing AI infrastructure companies on the planet. CJ and Nitin dive into what it takes to build financial discipline in an environment where business models are being invented in real time, discussing the company's 700% growth last year and massive first-quarter performance as a newly public company. They cover capex strategy, securitizing GPUs, managing billion-dollar revenue backlogs, and structuring incentives for hyperscale deals, all while keeping investors grounded and servers running at full tilt. If you want a front-row seat to finance in the AI arms race, this episode delivers.—SPONSORS:Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Sage Intacct is the cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, eliminates manual work, and keeps your books audit-ready—so you can scale without slowing down. It combines accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for retail, financial services, logistics, tech, professional services, and more. Sage Intacct delivers fast ROI, with payback in under six months and up to 250% return. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction for eight straight years. Visit Sage Intacct and take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHtMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.—LINKS:Nitin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-agrawal-cloudcfo/Company: https://www.coreweave.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:The Art and Science of a Day-One IPO Pop with OneStream Software CFO Bill Koefoedhttps://youtu.be/kYCn7XNkCBcFrom Facebook's Hypergrowth to Daffy's Disruption: A CFO's Playbook for Saying Yeshttps://youtu.be/bRIZ6oNPGD0—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:54 Sponsors – Tipalti | Aleph | Fidelity Private Shares00:06:12 Interview Begins: Scaling CoreWeave00:06:52 CoreWeave's Pivot From Crypto to AI00:11:41 Why CoreWeave Is Uniquely Positioned to Lead AI Infrastructure00:13:32 Hiring for Both Scrappiness and Scale00:16:01 Post-IPO Whirlwind: Acquisitions, Debt Raises, and 10-Year Deals00:16:43 Sponsors – Sage Intacct | Mercury | RightRev00:20:13 Managing Investor Expectations With Radical Transparency00:22:39 Doubling Active Power in Six Months00:25:19 Risk-Balanced Capital Deployment: Power First, GPUs Second00:27:12 Financing GPUs With Delayed-Draw Facilities00:29:38 CoreWeave Rated Platinum for GPU Cluster Performance00:32:25 Compute as the Bottleneck for AI Growth00:33:47 Explaining Revenue Backlog Shape & Timing00:35:06 The Strength of Reserved Instance Contracts00:36:07 Giving Tight but Honest Guidance00:40:26 How Mega-Deals Require C-Suite Participation00:42:19 Tackling Revenue Concentration Through Diversification00:44:05 Building an AI-Only Cloud, Not a General-Purpose Cloud00:46:27 Capital Markets Muscle: Raising Billions at Speed00:47:47 Accounting Complexity in a Business With No Precedent00:49:33 Even the CFO Must Unlearn Old Cloud Assumptions00:51:29 Scaling Public-Company Processes in 90-Day Cycles00:54:42 The Couch Fire vs. House Fire Framework00:57:17 Balancing Risk Mitigation With Opportunity Seeking01:00:30 No Downtime for ERP Changes During Hypergrowth01:02:33 Why the Team Stays Energized Despite the Chaos#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFOInsights #Hypergrowth #AIInfrastructure #FinanceStrategy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

You ever feel like your phone owns YOU? Every ding and light-up screen yanking you around like a dog on a leash? The "urgent" text that could've waited. The random notification breaking your focus. The email that suddenly derails your morning. Let's be real. You're not "staying connected." You're being controlled. And it's costing you your focus. Your energy. Your relationships. YOUR GOALS. What I learned very quickly in my professional career – if you don't manage how people get access to you, they will control you. And when you're "ON" 24/7? That's not commitment – that's chaos! That's why in this week's 5-Minute Drill on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show, I share the exact 3-play strategy I use to… Protect your boundaries without losing results Minimize distractions, so you can maximize your momentum Put your phone (and the people who abuse your availability) back in their place In this episode, you'll hear: Why constantly being "ON" 24/7 is usually a symptom of a poor or non-existent communication strategy. How Nehemiah's focus while rebuilding Jerusalem's wall offers a biblical blueprint for resisting constant digital distractions. A 3-play strategy to manage your phone use and protect your focus. Two tactics to weaken the habit loop and reduce impulse checking your phone. How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to filter true priorities from false emergencies. Practical steps to create a communication strategy so you can  protect your boundaries and define urgency on your terms. Key Quotes "If what is asking to get your attention is not urgent or important, it can wait." - J.R. "Your phone and its apps aren't bad. Your management of them is." - J.R. "Define urgent and important on your terms." - J.R. Connect with J.R.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid Website: jamesreid.com Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only) Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3828: Chalene Johnson shares four refreshing ways to cut through holiday chaos and reconnect with what really matters. By learning to say no, delegate tasks, and let go of outdated expectations, you'll create more space for joy, reflection, and meaningful connection this season. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.chalenejohnson.com/how-to-minimize-holiday-stress/ Quotes to ponder: "We all have so much going on in December. How about we spend this time with our loved ones and pick this up again in the New Year?" "It's the thought that counts! Not the time you spent going to the store and wrapping it." "If it doesn't actually bring you joy and feels like more of a burden, just drop it!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Run the Numbers, CJ sits down with Greg Henry, CFO of 1Password and one of the most commercially minded finance leaders in tech, to break down why he left the public-company grind at Couchbase for a PLG-driven security business and what he's relearning in the private sphere. Greg explains how forecasting changes when the product does the selling, how to think about comp and pricing in a usage-led world, and the early tells that a model is quietly over- or under-performing. He shares why CFOs should meet far more customers than they do, how finance can drive revenue without stepping on sales, and what it actually takes for a company to plan with clarity instead of reacting. Greg also recounts the near-derailing of the Couchbase IPO, reflects on the “back nine” of his career, and offers grounded advice for aspiring first-time CFOs.—SPONSORS:RightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/runFidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Metronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.comMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.com—LINKS:Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greghenry23/1Password: https://1password.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:Behind the Earnings Calls: Couchbase CFO Greg Henry on Consumption Models & Analyst Relationshttps://youtu.be/o_pDfz5a-Hw—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:57 Sponsors – RightRev | Tipalti | Aleph00:07:03 Back in the Private Sphere: Why Greg Joined 1Password00:07:49 Greg's Four-Part Framework for a Great Role00:10:12 Thinking About the “Back Nine” & Legacy00:13:16 Transitioning to PLG & SLG at 1Password00:15:12 Blending PLG Efficiency with Enterprise Sales00:17:12 Sponsors – Fidelity Private Shares | Metronome | Mercury00:20:03 B2C vs. B2B ARPU Contrast00:22:41 Forecasting in PLG vs. Sales-Led Models00:24:18 Building Toward Chunky Enterprise Upside00:25:39 Comp Plans: Complexity, Pitfalls & the Alexander Group00:27:35 Keep Comp Plans Simple & Focused on ARR00:29:10 Why Mid-Year Comp Plan Changes Are Dangerous00:31:04 Governance & Guardrails for SPIFFs00:33:19 Using the CFO Network to Drive Revenue00:34:52 Why CFOs Must Meet Customers Directly00:36:19 Wallet Share & Being a Buyer AND a Seller00:38:08 Why He Avoids 3-Year+ Commitments00:40:20 How Much Discount Is a “Year” Worth?00:42:31 Greg's Structured Annual Planning Framework00:43:50 3–5% Upside/Downside Menu00:44:57 Comp Plans Must Go Out Early00:47:23 January Compensation & System Cutover Challenges00:48:31 Why Roadmap Alignment Must Kick Off Planning00:50:21 Sustain / Differentiate / Durable Growth / World-Class Teams Framework00:52:29 Couchbase IPO Almost Going Sideways00:54:59 How to Actually Become a CFO01:00:11 Legacy Greg Wants to Leave at 1Password#RunTheNumbersPodcast #CFOInsights #SaaSLeadership #PLGvsSLG #FinanceStrategy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com