Podcasts about moving beyond

Most lawyers know relationships lead to referrals. The challenge is keeping those relationships alive when everything else gets busy. In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Jay Ruane about analog marketing and the simple systems that make staying connected part of running a firm.  Jay explains why offline marketing often falls apart after the first month and how a repeatable approach can help lawyers follow through. They explore using AI to identify forgotten connections in your inbox, making time for short coffee meetings, and becoming the person others trust to make a useful introduction.  The conversation also covers networking as an introvert, asking about someone else's ideal client, and choosing thoughtful gifts that people actually want to keep. Jay shares why his firm sends clients blankets without its logo and why a manageable network of 50 referral partners can support a successful practice.  If your marketing plan depends on remembering to reach out when things slow down, this episode offers a more practical way to build relationships, generate referrals, and keep showing up.    Listen to the previous episodes of our Referral Marketing, Relationship Building & Law Firm Growth.  #636: Why Past Clients May Be Your Law Firm's Best Growth Strategy, with EJ Stern & Katherine Wilson Apple | Spotify | LTN  #608: Business Development for Lawyers: Building Real Relationships That Lead to Clients, with Megan Senese Apple | Spotify | LTN  #606: Breaking the Copycat Cycle: Building a Law Firm with Personality, with Patrick Patino Apple | Spotify | LTN  #515: Simple Marketing Hacks Lawyers Swear By, with Gyi Tsakalakis Apple | Spotify | LTN  Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.   Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.   Subscribe to Lawyerist Podcast: https://play.megaphone.fm/xrm0mqp4tqwi0ozntiu41g Chapters / Timestamps  00:00 – Introduction  00:59 – Stephanie's Blog and the Lawyerist Community  03:02 – Meet Jay Ruane  03:57 – Why Relationship Marketing Needs a System  07:17 – Keeping Your Systems Simple  08:46 – Why Analog Marketing Still Works  11:01 – Using AI to Rediscover Referral Connections  12:07 – Building a Network by Connecting Others  14:13 – Networking as an Introvert  17:19 – Preparing for Better Conversations  19:31 – Talking Business Without Forcing a Pitch  20:32 – Asking for Introductions  21:43 – Moving Beyond a Scarcity Mindset  22:41 – Thoughtful Gifts vs. Branded Merchandise  26:16 – Conference Giveaways People Actually Want  27:11 – Making a Book a Personal Gift  28:31 – Building a Repeatable Marketing Routine  29:49 – Why 50 Referral Partners Can Be Enough  30:46 – Closing Thoughts 

This week on the SUPERLATIVE Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch founder, Ariel Adams, is joined by Lilian Thibault, founder of AWAKE Watches. They discuss the evolution of AWAKE and how the brand found its identity by embracing Métiers d'Art, traditional craftsmanship, and a more focused creative direction. Lilian explains why launching a watch brand may be easier than ever, while building one that lasts has become increasingly difficult. He also shares how AWAKE's handmade dials and use of techniques such as Vietnamese Son Mài lacquer have helped the brand offer collectors something distinctive at a more accessible price point.Ariel and Lilian also explore why watches have become expressions of personality and emotion, the freedom founder-led brands have to take creative risks, and why AWAKE has no ambition to become a high volume watch company. They discuss the growing appeal of independent brands, changing collector attitudes toward resale value, and the importance of creating a more personal relationship between brands and their customers. Lilian also explains how AWAKE searches around the world for talented artisans, why great craftsmanship is not defined by where it comes from, and how the brand plans to bring greater sophistication to its watches while remaining committed to Métiers d'Art and accessible pricing.Keep up with Lilian and AWAKE Watches:Website - https://awakewatches.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awake.concept/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!Key Chapters:0:36 Lilian Thibault and the Evolution of AWAKE Watches2:32 Why Starting a Watch Brand Is Easier Than Ever4:47 Finding the Idea That Made AWAKE Different7:52 Making Métiers d'Art More Accessible10:47 Defining Métiers d'Art and Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship13:42 Why Presentation Matters as Much as the Watch17:26 Watches, Emotion, and Personal Expression20:00 Reinventing AWAKE and Its Brand Identity25:36 Why Founder Led Brands Can Take More Risks27:54 Why AWAKE Does Not Want to Become a High Volume Brand32:12 Moving Beyond the Investment Watch Era36:18 Why Collectors Are Turning to Independent Brands41:49 Navigating U.S. Tariffs and the Customer Experience46:50 The Challenge of Affordable Artisanal Watch Dials48:15 Why “Talent Has No Passport”53:23 Finding Artisans Around the World58:37 Why Developing New Craft Techniques Takes Years1:00:45 What Comes Next for AWAKE Watches

This week on the SUPERLATIVE Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch founder, Ariel Adams, is joined by Lilian Thibault, founder of AWAKE Watches. They discuss the evolution of AWAKE and how the brand found its identity by embracing Métiers d'Art, traditional craftsmanship, and a more focused creative direction. Lilian explains why launching a watch brand may be easier than ever, while building one that lasts has become increasingly difficult. He also shares how AWAKE's handmade dials and use of techniques such as Vietnamese Son Mài lacquer have helped the brand offer collectors something distinctive at a more accessible price point.Ariel and Lilian also explore why watches have become expressions of personality and emotion, the freedom founder-led brands have to take creative risks, and why AWAKE has no ambition to become a high volume watch company. They discuss the growing appeal of independent brands, changing collector attitudes toward resale value, and the importance of creating a more personal relationship between brands and their customers. Lilian also explains how AWAKE searches around the world for talented artisans, why great craftsmanship is not defined by where it comes from, and how the brand plans to bring greater sophistication to its watches while remaining committed to Métiers d'Art and accessible pricing.Keep up with Lilian and AWAKE Watches:Website - https://awakewatches.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awake.concept/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!Key Chapters:0:36 Lilian Thibault and the Evolution of AWAKE Watches2:32 Why Starting a Watch Brand Is Easier Than Ever4:47 Finding the Idea That Made AWAKE Different7:52 Making Métiers d'Art More Accessible10:47 Defining Métiers d'Art and Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship13:42 Why Presentation Matters as Much as the Watch17:26 Watches, Emotion, and Personal Expression20:00 Reinventing AWAKE and Its Brand Identity25:36 Why Founder Led Brands Can Take More Risks27:54 Why AWAKE Does Not Want to Become a High Volume Brand32:12 Moving Beyond the Investment Watch Era36:18 Why Collectors Are Turning to Independent Brands41:49 Navigating U.S. Tariffs and the Customer Experience46:50 The Challenge of Affordable Artisanal Watch Dials48:15 Why “Talent Has No Passport”53:23 Finding Artisans Around the World58:37 Why Developing New Craft Techniques Takes Years1:00:45 What Comes Next for AWAKE Watches

Recorded 27th November 2024Discover the deeper spiritual essence of Vrindavan, divine love, and internal heart transformation.In this profound satsang recorded in Vrindavan, the speaker explores the true meaning of Radha not merely as a name but as the personification of divine love that elevates our consciousness from the sensory level (Muladhara) to the heart (Anahata).Key topics covered in this video: The Esoteric Meaning of Radha: Understanding divine love as an upward flow of spiritual energy, comparing this unconditional love to how Jesus addressed God as "Abba". True Devotion vs. External Rituals: The vital difference between Vidhi Bhakti (external practices) and the internal transformation of the heart. Overcoming False Ego: Why the false ego creates conflict in our lives and how surrendering it to the spiritual master brings true inner peace. Living Intelligently in the World: How an intelligent seeker fulfills material responsibilities without getting lost in material entanglements. Vrindavan Beyond Tourism: Why Vrindavan is a sanctuary for shedding inner blockages and sharing love, rather than a place for sightseeing. Universal Love Beyond Religion: How pure love transcends formal religious boundaries, referencing Saint Raskhan and the teachings of Jesus. Ecstatic Kirtan: Concluding with heartfelt chanting of "Radha Rani Ki Jai".visit: http://beautyofreallove.com/visit: https://sadhumaharaja.net/audio: https://tinyurl.com/BeautyOfRealLove#bhakti #bhaktiyoga #raganugabhakti #radha #krishna #gaudiya #sadhumaharajaVilapa Kusumanjali Lectures: https://tinyurl.com/VilapaKusumanjaliVilapa Kusumanjali morning lectures: https://tinyurl.com/VrindavanMorningKIRTAN live: https://tinyurl.com/MungerKirtanLiveQandA with Sadhu Maharaja: https://tinyurl.com/QandAwithSadhuMaharajaRadha Rasa Sudhanidhi Lectures: https://tinyurl.com/RadhaRasaSudhanidhiLectures

Have you ever reached a point where you've done the inner work—read the books, gained the insights, perhaps even healed old wounds—yet still found yourself wondering, Now what? Self-awareness can help us understand ourselves more deeply. But eventually, insight alone isn't enough. The question becomes: how do we take what we've learned and use it to create a meaningful life? My guest today is Gary John Bishop, a New York Times bestselling author whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide. Known for his refreshingly direct approach to personal development, Gary challenges conventional self-help wisdom and encourages us to stop waiting for the next breakthrough and start taking ownership of the lives we're creating. In this conversation, we explore why we can remain stuck despite years of inner work, how our identities quietly shape the lives we create, and what it means to stop fixing ourselves and start living with greater intention. If you're ready to move beyond self-improvement and into intentional living, this conversation is for you. ✨ A little something for you: Explore Otter Spirit's beautiful natural gemstone jewelry and use code SELINE20 at checkout for 20% off your order. Every bracelet purchased also helps support the protection of wild sea otters in Monterey Bay.

Grid storage is growing faster than the industry expected. EVs accounted for more than 70% of global battery deployment in 2025, down from almost 80% in 2024, according to the IEA. On this CPH Live, Tim Montague and John Weaver unpack stationary battery storage growth and follow the batteries to two places: 230 GW of data center interconnection requests and a solar plus storage copper mine in Congo. They also cover China clean tech investment, EV charging costs, and agrivoltaics. These stories show where new batteries are going and why.Episode Highlights:Stationary storage is taking a larger share of global battery deployment. EVs fell to more than 70% in 2025, down from almost 80% in 2024 (IEA), as EV growth ran slower than projected and grid storage grew faster. Tim opened with a 95% EV figure, John corrected it with the IEA data live, and the hosts named CATL, BYD, and Illinois' new grid law as drivers of grid-scale battery storage. Cross Boundary Energy's Kamoa Copper project in the Democratic Republic of Congo pairs 233 MW of east-west solar with a 526 MWh battery and 30 MW of output. John calls the roughly 8 to 1 DC to AC ratio the largest he has seen. (Crossboundary Energy)Tim reports 230 GW of data center interconnection applications across the U.S., against a grid running near 500 GW. He argues 20 million Powerwall 3 units, or one in five homes, would match that load. The hosts discuss grid edge computing from Lektra and Base Power's 40 kWh home batteries, which entered Illinois through the state's virtual power plant legislation.China's share of global clean manufacturing investment fell from 71% in early 2023 to 33% in Q2 2026 (Reuters). Tim asked why this counts as good news for solar. Maize under the panels produced 19.6% more dry matter than an open control plot during a drought and heat wave. The panels cut evapotranspiration by 20% (PV Magazine). A Sydney green roof ran 28 degrees Celsius cooler, and its solar outperformed a metal roof array by 11% (Renew Economy).This episode serves battery storage professionals, solar developers, clean energy investors, and policy watchers. Data center load, gas price spikes, and shifting battery demand all affect project economics right now. Tim and John give you the numbers and more. Support the showConnect with Tim  Clean Power Hour  Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email:  CleanPowerHour@gmail.comCorporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems.  Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

On today's episode of the Illumination by Modern Campus podcast, podcast host Shauna Cox was joined by Harika Rao to discuss how institutions can build a culture of continuous improvement beyond accreditation while using data and stakeholder feedback to strengthen academic quality and workforce relevance.

In this episode of the Celebrate Kids podcast, host Wayne Stender and Dr. Kathy emphasize the critical roles boys and young men need to embody as sages, explorers, servants, warriors, and husbands. The discussion is sparked by recent events, including the assassination of their friend Charlie Kirk, and touches on the perceived crisis among young men exacerbated by the COVID pandemic and cultural shifts. Dr. Kathy advocates for a holistic understanding of masculinity that balances strength with servitude, aiming to inspire resilience and growth in the younger generation. Tune in to explore these vital themes and learn how we can support boys in their development.

Most lawyers know relationships lead to referrals. The challenge is keeping those relationships alive when everything else gets busy. In this episode of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Jay Ruane about analog marketing and the simple systems that make staying connected part of running a firm.  Jay explains why offline marketing often falls apart after the first month and how a repeatable approach can help lawyers follow through. They explore using AI to identify forgotten connections in your inbox, making time for short coffee meetings, and becoming the person others trust to make a useful introduction.  The conversation also covers networking as an introvert, asking about someone else's ideal client, and choosing thoughtful gifts that people actually want to keep. Jay shares why his firm sends clients blankets without its logo and why a manageable network of 50 referral partners can support a successful practice.  If your marketing plan depends on remembering to reach out when things slow down, this episode offers a more practical way to build relationships, generate referrals, and keep showing up.    Listen to the previous episodes of our Referral Marketing, Relationship Building & Law Firm Growth.  #636: Why Past Clients May Be Your Law Firm's Best Growth Strategy, with EJ Stern & Katherine Wilson Apple | Spotify | LTN  #608: Business Development for Lawyers: Building Real Relationships That Lead to Clients, with Megan Senese Apple | Spotify | LTN  #606: Breaking the Copycat Cycle: Building a Law Firm with Personality, with Patrick Patino Apple | Spotify | LTN  #515: Simple Marketing Hacks Lawyers Swear By, with Gyi Tsakalakis Apple | Spotify | LTN  Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.   Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.   Chapters / Timestamps  00:00 – Introduction  00:59 – Stephanie's Blog and the Lawyerist Community  03:02 – Meet Jay Ruane  03:57 – Why Relationship Marketing Needs a System  07:17 – Keeping Your Systems Simple  08:46 – Why Analog Marketing Still Works  11:01 – Using AI to Rediscover Referral Connections  12:07 – Building a Network by Connecting Others  14:13 – Networking as an Introvert  17:19 – Preparing for Better Conversations  19:31 – Talking Business Without Forcing a Pitch  20:32 – Asking for Introductions  21:43 – Moving Beyond a Scarcity Mindset  22:41 – Thoughtful Gifts vs. Branded Merchandise  26:16 – Conference Giveaways People Actually Want  27:11 – Making a Book a Personal Gift  28:31 – Building a Repeatable Marketing Routine  29:49 – Why 50 Referral Partners Can Be Enough  30:46 – Closing Thoughts 

Complexity is the Next Step — Street Photographer Julia Coddington on Moving Beyond Simple Images, Flow State, and Compositional Evolution.Julia Coddington is an Australian photographer specializing in street and documentary photography. She's the co-founder of the Unexposed Collective, administrator of Women in Street, and member of the Little Box Collective, Julia championsdiverse voices in contemporary street photography. Julia embraces complexity in your images, capturing intimate, unguarded moments that reveal the fascinating diversity of human behavior, emotion, and connection, seeking to capture the joy in humanity in return, experiencing joy through the photographic process.Notable Links:Julia Coddington PhotographyJulia Coddington on InstagramUnexposed Collective on InstagramThe Pool ProjectBeyond The Lens Episode 114. Books That Matter: John Szarcowski And ‘The Photographer's Eye' — The Thing Itself, The Detail, The Frame, Time, And Vantage Point – on Apple Podcasts*****Request a free copy of the Muench Workshops Destinations Magazine, and it will be mailed it straight to your door. It's packed with photography education, ideas, and some of the remarkable places Muench Workshops explores around the world: https://muenchworkshops.com/request-a-magazine/*****This episode is brought to you by Kase Revolution Plus Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I've tried all of them, but in recent years I've landed on Kase Filters.Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, Ultra-Low Reflectivity, zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code 10BERNABEKase Filters, Capture with Confidence.Follow Richard Bernabe:Substack: https://richardbernabe.substack.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernabephoto/Twitter/X: https://x.com/bernabephotoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bernabephoto

Order Paul Anleitner's new book BASED ON A TRUE STORY: Vibe Shifts, the End of Deconstruction, and the Reboot of Meaning https://a.co/d/02xpRbWK Today's episode features a conversation between Paul and John Mark McMillan on the new FLIRTING WITH ENCHANTMENT podcast. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Bs0GWBQegjVcJUa9dBUiY?si=Hgt6HIjrQAmgXN5r-KikHQ

On a new episode of the Gaming News Canada Show presented by Bede Gaming, mkdodo Commercial Director Will Whitehead spoke with host Steve McAllister on the UK company's continued expansion into North America – including Alberta – introduction of new products and other topics. Whitehead, who joined mkodo as an account executive in 2013 and has been in the commercial director's role for almost five years, talked about the retirement of Stuart Godfree this summer and the lessons learned from the company's co-founder and long-time managing director. The conversation with McAllister included the introduction of mkodo's GeoLocs product into Alberta over the summer and its presence in the Ontario market that includes collaborating with Bede Gaming to support OLG's igaming business. There's also a segment on mkodo's adoption of new tools, including Fraud Shieldand the challenges and opportunities around the demand for products beyond geolocation in today's regulated gaming industry. Whitehead also addressed mkodo's expansion strategy for the North American regulated market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking a cycle takes more than just stopping. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe explains how repenting, renouncing old patterns, and taking bold new steps in the opposite direction can break a generational cycle for good. It’s like rowing against a current … you don’t just stop rowing, you turn the whole boat around. Your history doesn’t have to write your future … listen to Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe. Bold Steps Gift: Bold Steps Gift: Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants - Louie Giglio Visit or watch Mark Jobe at New Life Community ChurchBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know your family history can quietly shape your future? Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe digs into Exodus chapter 20 with a look at generational patterns and how they take root, much like filling out a family history form in a doctor’s waiting room. The first step toward breaking a cycle is simply admitting it exists … for more, listen to Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe. Bold Steps Gift: Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants - Louie Giglio Visit or watch Mark Jobe at New Life Community ChurchBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter thought fishing was all he had left. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe shows how Jesus met Peter in his failure, telling him to cast his nets on the other side one more time. It’s a small act of obedience that points toward a much bigger restoration than Peter ever expected. Learn how trusting God’s plan means letting go of your own plans and timeline … listen to Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe. Bold Steps Gift: Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants - Louie Giglio Visit or watch Mark Jobe at New Life Community ChurchBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever since Donald Trump was reelected in 2024 and started talking about Canada as a 51st state, cross border trade has been a sore point. But in recent weeks, there has been great urgency as the United States slapped tariffs on many goods and the fate of CUSMA hangs in the balance. PM Mark Carney has said “America is trying to break us so that they can own us.” So what can Canada really do to diversify its trade and thrive next to a suddenly unfriendly neighbour? Host Michael Serapio talks to Canada's former chief trade negotiator and PPF Fellow Steve Verheul about his new report From Reliance to Resilience and what could happen next. Read Verheul's report for PPF: https://ppforum.ca/publications/from-reliance-to-resilience/Subscribe to PPF's Canada-U.S. newsletter: https://ppforum.ca/newsletters/Learn more about PPF Academy's learning program, Managing Canada's interests under Trump 2.0: https://ppforum.ca/academy/canada-united-states-policy-program/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you do the morning after you’ve completely blown it? Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe turns to John chapter 21 and Peter’s return to his old fishing boat after denying Jesus. Failure sends some people running from God, but Peter’s story shows there’s a better way to respond … listen to Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe. Bold Steps Gift: Goliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants - Louie Giglio Visit or watch Mark Jobe at New Life Community ChurchBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presented at the 2026 National Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

In this podcast, Greg Voisen sits down with author and mind fitness expert Liam McClintock to uncover how a former Yale graduate and private equity rising star walked away from high-stakes success to search for the world's fittest minds. From the depths of the Amazon jungle to the Himalayan foothills—and ultimately ordaining as a Buddhist monk—Liam shares the pivotal moment in a rainy parking lot that shattered his ego and redefined his life. Discover how his book, Fit Mind: 4 Steps to Lasting Bliss—Neuroscience and Meditation for Daily Life, bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with ancient wisdom to turn meditation from a tedious chore into a dynamic, daily superpower.

Our guest today is Maureen Geraghty, CEO of In the Flow and a good friend of both Isabel and I for many years. Now I have done over one hundred podcasts over the last 6 years, but this podcast definitely ranks way up there. 25 years ago, on September 11, 2001, what we all call 9-11, Maureen lost a brother and a brother-in-law in those attacks, both New York City Firefighters who were in the building rescuing people when the towers collapsed.  She then later lost another brother just a few years ago from cancer as a result of the environmental effects from that day. Overall there were 2,977 immediate deaths and over 10,000 related deaths since as a result of that attack. Maureen and her family tragically suffered what I cannot even imagine. But despite the horrific loss Maureen has been able to turn that loss and grief into something loving and positive that's making an impact on those around her and that's what this podcast (and her event) are all about. “The intention isn't to erase what happened or tell anyone how they should feel about 9/11. It is to create a space where, 25 years later, we can remember, honor, heal—and perhaps consciously choose again.” On September 11, 2026, the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Maureen is presenting an event she named “The Choice on 9/12: A Healing Experience” at New Vision Center for Spiritual Living in Phoenix. This will also be live streamed. Maureen is a Licensed Spiritual Practitioner, coach, speaker, and facilitator, she creates spaces for people to explore what might be possible when they see themselves—and their lives—in a new way. Drawing from her own life experiences, Maureen shares stories that illuminate the love and connection that unite us all.For 25 years, Maureen hasn't publicly told this story in this way & this 25th anniversary feels like the right time for her to share the story of her family's profound loss and the extraordinary love that emerged from the darkness. Through story, music, reflection, and healing, we'll remember what brought us together—and discover what 9/12 still has to teach us at the event below. Here is the link to RSVP https://newvisioncsl.org/events/the-choice-on-9-12/2026-09-11  For photos from this episode and to see all of our past episodes of Inspiring Living, visit our website's Podcast Page: https://www.candelariadesign.com/inspiring-living-podcast

Join Ravi Shekhar, Founder and CEO of Terra-X, for an honest, no-nonsense exploration of sustainable fashion-tech and the real mechanics of eco-friendly footwear manufacturing. The fashion industry produces billions of shoes annually, yet the vast majority end up in landfills—bound together by non-biodegradable synthetic polymers, petroleum-based foams, and toxic glues. While many legacy brands rely on "greenwashing" buzzwords and superficial recycled-plastic marketing, real sustainability requires a fundamental overhaul of supply chains, materials, and product performance. Drawing from extensive global experience working across Milan, international sourcing networks, and top-tier luxury labels (Armani, Dior, Marc Jacobs), Ravi shares how Terra-X builds high-performance, 95%+ bio-based footwear that rivals synthetics in durability while gently returning to the earth.

What if bravery isn't something you're born with?What if it's something you choose?In this episode of Girl, Take the Lead!, I'm joined by Broadway actress, bestselling author, success coach, and host of the Unstoppably Creative Podcast, Leslie Becker, for a conversation about the beliefs we carry—and the bravery it can take to question them.Leslie spent years believing she simply wasn't brave. Her sister, she thought, had gotten the “brave gene.” She also loved acting but was afraid to claim it as a career, convinced she wasn't good at auditions and unsure she could actually make a living doing what she loved.Eventually, she began to see those thoughts for what they were: beliefs, not facts.That opened up a conversation between us about the stories we tell ourselves, where those stories come from, and how easily they can become part of our identity without our even realizing it.Leslie uses the metaphor of a coat—a role or belief we put on because of our experiences, expectations, or what others have told us about who we are. We can wear that coat for so long that we forget to ask: Is this actually mine?Sometimes we have to walk down a path before we can recognize that it isn't ours.And maybe that recognition is part of living a brave life.In this conversation, we explore:Why bravery may be a choice rather than a personality traitHow limiting beliefs can quietly become part of our identityLeslie's “Gotcha Exercise” for catching the conversations we repeatedly have with ourselvesWhy replacing an old belief requires practice—not a one-and-done affirmationHow to ask, Where did this belief come from? Is it mine or someone else's?Why transitions can force us to reconsider who we are nowThe bravery required to admit when a path no longer belongs to usWhy creativity exists in all of us—even if we don't consider ourselves “creative”How our creative gifts can find expression through art, business, problem-solving, performance, or simply the way we liveWhat it means to become unstoppably creative, even when we're scaredAnd when I ask Leslie what she would tell her 20-something self, her answer brings us right back to where we began:You are way more brave than you realize you are.About Leslie BeckerLeslie Becker is a Broadway actress of 25 years, bestselling author of The Organized Actor®, host of the Unstoppably Creative Podcast, and a top success coach for creatives.With a 30-year career in the industry, Leslie has consistently offered books, courses, coaching, and digital tools for actors and entrepreneurs while continuing her own unstoppably creative journey. Whether helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses or bringing bold, creative experiences to light, Leslie is a force to help others build a business and a life that is unapologetically their own.Connect with LeslieWebsite:https://lesliebecker.comThe Organized Actor®:https://organizedactor.comFree Gotcha Exercise Guide:https://lesliebecker.com/landing/gotcha-exerciseInstagram:https://instagram.com/thelesliebeckerLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelesliebecker/Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/thelesliebeckerYouTube / Unstoppably Creative:https://www.youtube.com/@unstoppablycreativeEmail: Leslie@LeslieBecker.comLeslie's Upcoming Fetching Water ConcertLeslie is continuing her own unstoppably creative journey with Fetching Water, a musical she wrote with collaborator Michael Hunsaker.On September 12 in Nashville, Leslie will present a 45-minute concert presentation of songs from the musical at Analog at the Hutton Hotel.Concert Information & Tickets:https://www.analognashville.com/events/nmtn-presents-the-first-stage-3/Follow Fetching Water on Instagram:https://instagram.com/fetchingwaterthemusicalThree Takeaways1. Bravery isn't necessarily something we have. It's something we practice.2. Not every belief we carry belongs to us.3. Creativity doesn't disappear just because we stop calling ourselves creative.

"We don't really think as much about who we are when no one's watching... that's where a lot of integrity comes from, and it's where we learn to enjoy our lives." — Kathryn Jezer-MortonIn a world obsessed with digital efficiency and quick fixes, the real currency of a meaningful life remains independent thought, presence, and intentional effort.In this episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with Kathryn Jezer-Morton, sociologist, columnist at The Cut, and author of The Story of Your Life: How Social Media Shapes the Way We Experience Everything. Kathryn breaks down the concept of "friction maxing"—reintroducing positive friction into our lives to counteract frictionless, algorithm-driven efficiency. She explores how social media platforms have transformed everyday experiences into performative brand management and why reclaiming nuanced, "flat" stories can restore authentic human connection.10 Memorable Quotes:"We don't really think as much about who we are when no one's watching... that's where a lot of integrity comes from, and it's where we learn to enjoy our lives." — Kathryn Jezer-Morton"Humanity itself is never going to be simple. It's never going to be linear." — Kathryn Jezer-Morton"The purpose of a flat story is to provide an honest accounting of what real life is like." — Kathryn Jezer-Morton"Real currency in a meaningful life remains independent thought, presence, and intentional effort." — Chris Schembra"When a metric becomes a measure, it ceases to become a good measure." — Chris Schembra (referencing Goodhart's Law)"Friction maxing is about inviting the unknown into your life and having to react to it." — Kathryn Jezer-Morton"To take a photograph of something is to appropriate the thing being photographed." — Chris Schembra (quoting Susan Sontag)"We have come to see ordinary stories as boring because we are so used to crazy up-and-down peaks and valleys." — Kathryn Jezer-Morton"Unjudgmental listening gives people the confidence to become better storytellers." — Kathryn Jezer-Morton"Gratitude doesn't change your circumstances; it changes your capacity to carry them." — Chris Schembra10 Key Takeaways:Understanding "Friction Maxing": Embracing intentional, offline friction to counter hyper-optimized digital culture and restore real meaning to personal relationships.The Strength of Weak Ties on Social Media: How digital platforms leverage loose acquaintances to pass social information, while strong ties remain essential for deep emotional resilience.Moving Beyond the "Man in the Hole" Formula: Rejecting performative, dopamine-driven comeback narratives in favor of "flat stories" that capture the realistic, everyday plateaus of human life.The Rise of "Brand Called You": Examining how ordinary social media users inadvertently communicate like corporate brands, curating a polished, risk-averse front stage.Developing "Backstage Integrity": Cultivating personal experiences, private habits, and self-worth when cameras and social media audiences aren't watching.Escaping "Airspace" and Homogenized Experiences: Resisting standardized, Instagram-curated travel aesthetics in order to invite unpredictable, authentic cultural discovery.The Trap of Dual Experiences: Recognizing how document-first culture forces people to experience life twice—first living the moment, then packaging it for public consumption.Communal Storytelling Roots: Drawing lessons from intentional communities and hippy communes on how shared stories hold groups together without commercial incentives.Building Critical Media Literacy: Developing a "skeleton key" to understand algorithmic behavior and view performative social media posting with greater empathy rather than judgment.Unjudgmental Listening as Mentorship: How safe, non-evaluative spaces provided by mentors and family allow individuals to explore complex personal narratives.About our Guest:Kathryn Jezer-Morton is a journalist and sociologist whose work sits at the intersection of family life, identity, and digital culture. She is the author of "Brooding," the biweekly column at New York Magazine's The Cut, where she reports on modern family life and the invisible ways social platforms shape it. Her debut book, The Story of Your Life: How Social Media Shapes the Way We Experience Everything (Penguin Random House, August 2026), examines how algorithm-driven platforms have quietly rewritten not just how we share our lives, but which lives we choose to lead.The book was named a Best New Book of Summer by The Globe and Mail, a Must-Read of August by Marie Claire, Chicago Review of Books, and Lit Hub, and was among The New York Times's 22 Books Coming in August. The Times called it "breezily inquisitive... intellectual generosity... hopeful and unscolding."Kathryn's byline has appeared in The New York Times, The Nation, The Guardian, BuzzFeed, Jezebel, Maisonneuve, and elsewhere. Much of her writing centers on ambivalence, the shady human emotion that social media, with its bright performative hits and insistence on redemption, largely fails to capture. Her work has become a touchstone for readers navigating the widening gap between the life they are actually living and the life the feed rewards them for performing.Kathryn holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Concordia University, where her doctoral research focused on motherhood and online discourse. She is represented by Aevitas Creative Management and lives in Montreal with her partner and their two children.

Retrieval has become one of the central problems in building useful AI systems. The standard approach to grounding a model in one’s own data has been retrieval augmented generation, or RAG, where an agent searches a vector database for relevant information at query time. That pattern works, but it has limitations, such as retrieving information that’s not truly relevant, repeating the same lookup work on every query, and producing inconsistent answers to the same question. Pinecone is a vector database that’s widely used to power semantic search and RAG at scale. The team recently developed Nexus, which is a knowledge engine that reframes context as a first-class, precomputed asset rather than something reassembled on the fly. The approach borrows the database concept of a materialized view, and curates context once into a versioned artifact that carries its own schema, metadata, permissions, and lineage. Jörg Schad is the VP of Engineering at Pinecone. In this episode, he joins Kevin Ball for an in-depth conversation about the frontier of retrieval technology. They discuss precompiled context, how context artifacts are curated and versioned much like code, how metadata and semantic layers help agents choose the right information, and much more.Sponsorship inquiries:sponsor@softwareengineeringdaily.com The post Moving Beyond RAG with Precomputed Context appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.

Emily Logan Stedman, commercial litigator at Husch Blackwell, discusses moving beyond the billable hour not just to modernize legal billing but to also prioritize lawyer well-being. The conversation explores the practical steps required to transition traditional litigation models toward Alternative Fee Arrangements (AFAs). Emily details her methodical approach to utilizing secure legal AI tools to analyze historical time entries, allowing her to offer phased flat fees, strategic counsel subscriptions, and predictable contract review pricing. The discussion also covers strategies for maintaining mental health in demanding legal environments, taking control of chaotic schedules, and reframing the billable hour as a tool for career management rather than a burden. Things We Talk About in this Episode Emily's transition from bankruptcy law to general commercial litigation after moving to Wisconsin. The motivation behind launching The Grace Period podcast and advocating for lawyer well-being in big law. Strategies for managing the billable hour, shifting daily mindsets, and setting strict boundaries for deep work. The genesis of applying Alternative Fee Arrangements (AFAs) to unpredictable, complex litigation matters. Structuring strategic counsel subscriptions and granular phased flat fees to provide cost predictability for corporate clients. Utilizing AI to analyze historical billing data and build accurate, profitable flat-fee pricing models that secure firm buy-in. Leveraging secure legal AI agents like Legora and Prompt Composer to map out discrete litigation phases and draft modern engagement letters.

Retrieval has become one of the central problems in building useful AI systems. The standard approach to grounding a model in one’s own data has been retrieval augmented generation, or RAG, where an agent searches a vector database for relevant information at query time. That pattern works, but it has limitations, such as retrieving information that’s not truly relevant, repeating the same lookup work on every query, and producing inconsistent answers to the same question. Pinecone is a vector database that’s widely used to power semantic search and RAG at scale. The team recently developed Nexus, which is a knowledge engine that reframes context as a first-class, precomputed asset rather than something reassembled on the fly. The approach borrows the database concept of a materialized view, and curates context once into a versioned artifact that carries its own schema, metadata, permissions, and lineage. Jörg Schad is the VP of Engineering at Pinecone. In this episode, he joins Kevin Ball for an in-depth conversation about the frontier of retrieval technology. They discuss precompiled context, how context artifacts are curated and versioned much like code, how metadata and semantic layers help agents choose the right information, and much more.Sponsorship inquiries:sponsor@softwareengineeringdaily.com The post Moving Beyond RAG with Precomputed Context appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.

Retrieval has become one of the central problems in building useful AI systems. The standard approach to grounding a model in one’s own data has been retrieval augmented generation, or RAG, where an agent searches a vector database for relevant information at query time. That pattern works, but it has limitations, such as retrieving information that’s not truly relevant, repeating the same lookup work on every query, and producing inconsistent answers to the same question. Pinecone is a vector database that’s widely used to power semantic search and RAG at scale. The team recently developed Nexus, which is a knowledge engine that reframes context as a first-class, precomputed asset rather than something reassembled on the fly. The approach borrows the database concept of a materialized view, and curates context once into a versioned artifact that carries its own schema, metadata, permissions, and lineage. Jörg Schad is the VP of Engineering at Pinecone. In this episode, he joins Kevin Ball for an in-depth conversation about the frontier of retrieval technology. They discuss precompiled context, how context artifacts are curated and versioned much like code, how metadata and semantic layers help agents choose the right information, and much more.Sponsorship inquiries:sponsor@softwareengineeringdaily.com The post Moving Beyond RAG with Precomputed Context appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.

Retrieval has become one of the central problems in building useful AI systems. The standard approach to grounding a model in one’s own data has been retrieval augmented generation, or RAG, where an agent searches a vector database for relevant information at query time. That pattern works, but it has limitations, such as retrieving information that’s not truly relevant, repeating the same lookup work on every query, and producing inconsistent answers to the same question. Pinecone is a vector database that’s widely used to power semantic search and RAG at scale. The team recently developed Nexus, which is a knowledge engine that reframes context as a first-class, precomputed asset rather than something reassembled on the fly. The approach borrows the database concept of a materialized view, and curates context once into a versioned artifact that carries its own schema, metadata, permissions, and lineage. Jörg Schad is the VP of Engineering at Pinecone. In this episode, he joins Kevin Ball for an in-depth conversation about the frontier of retrieval technology. They discuss precompiled context, how context artifacts are curated and versioned much like code, how metadata and semantic layers help agents choose the right information, and much more.Sponsorship inquiries:sponsor@softwareengineeringdaily.com The post Moving Beyond RAG with Precomputed Context appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.

Retrieval has become one of the central problems in building useful AI systems. The standard approach to grounding a model in one’s own data has been retrieval augmented generation, or RAG, where an agent searches a vector database for relevant information at query time. That pattern works, but it has limitations, such as retrieving information that’s not truly relevant, repeating the same lookup work on every query, and producing inconsistent answers to the same question. Pinecone is a vector database that’s widely used to power semantic search and RAG at scale. The team recently developed Nexus, which is a knowledge engine that reframes context as a first-class, precomputed asset rather than something reassembled on the fly. The approach borrows the database concept of a materialized view, and curates context once into a versioned artifact that carries its own schema, metadata, permissions, and lineage. Jörg Schad is the VP of Engineering at Pinecone. In this episode, he joins Kevin Ball for an in-depth conversation about the frontier of retrieval technology. They discuss precompiled context, how context artifacts are curated and versioned much like code, how metadata and semantic layers help agents choose the right information, and much more.Sponsorship inquiries:sponsor@softwareengineeringdaily.com The post Moving Beyond RAG with Precomputed Context appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.

Regret and the tendency to punish ourselves can show up in everyday moments, like forgetting your phone at home, or in life-altering ways, like wondering what you could have done differently to prevent a tragedy.Today's guest on Grieving Out Loud shares why holding onto that regret can be so damaging. Stephanie Renner lost her 18-year-old son, Jordon, to suicide after years of mental health struggles.Even after 25 years as an attorney helping CEOs and leaders navigate high-stakes decisions, nothing prepared her for the emotional trial she faced in the aftermath of her son's death.What she discovered wasn't a way to go back, but a way to move forward.From that journey, she created the “Regret to Resilience Method,” a framework designed to help others release guilt and shame and begin healing. In this episode, Stephanie shares her story, the lessons she's learned, and how her approach is helping people rebuild with renewed purpose and authentic confidence after trauma or loss.Learn more about Stephanie's speaking, workshops, and coaching services here. Related episodes:Author Peggy Green on surviving your child's suicideA Young, Accomplished Woman's Secret Struggle with Addiction Results in SuicideMother blames cannabis-induced psychosis for son's deathSend us Fan MailBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with AngelaFollow Grieving Out LoudFollow Emily's HopeRead Angela's BlogSubscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily's Hope UpdatesSuggest a GuestFor more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

AdTechGod is joined by Marissa Ramirez, Chief Commercial Officer at ShopSense AI, to discuss her journey from Amazon to the startup world, how AI is connecting content with commerce, the future of shoppable CTV, and why better ad experiences could help strengthen the open internet. Interested in sponsoring the show? Contact ⁠ http://marketecturemedia.com Takeaways: Marissa shares how her decade at Amazon shaped her approach to building and scaling ad tech products. ShopSense AI uses specialty AI to connect inspiration across video, audio, images, and text to commerce opportunities. Better, more relevant ad experiences could help the open internet compete with walled gardens. Shoppable CTV needs to go beyond simply adding QR codes and create more intentional consumer experiences. Specialty AI models could play an increasingly important role in media planning, creative, commerce, and advertising infrastructure. Chapters:00:00 Welcome to the Ad Tech God Pod00:47 Marissa Ramirez's Journey Into Ad Tech03:07 Building and Scaling Products at Amazon04:04 What Kept Marissa at Amazon for a Decade05:44 Moving From Amazon to ShopSense AI06:00 What ShopSense AI Does07:06 Why Marissa Made the Startup Leap09:25 The Open Internet vs. Walled Gardens10:23 Why Better Ad Experiences Matter13:04 Building a New AI and Commerce Category15:06 What Drives Shoppable Content Engagement16:58 Misconceptions About Shoppable CTV19:37 Moving Beyond the QR Code20:53 ShopSense AI's Role in the Advertising Ecosystem21:51 The Future of AI and Ad Tech23:19 Closing Thoughts Guests: AdTech God Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

VR doesn't just have a vacancy problem. It has a pipeline problem. What if the answer to VR's workforce shortage isn't simply filling the next vacancy? Across the country, VR agencies are competing for talent, losing experienced staff, and trying to prepare a new generation of professionals—many of whom may not even know that VR is a career option. In this episode of the Manager Minute, George Michna of Connecticut and Mario Lucero of New Mexico join Carol Pankow to talk about a different approach: intentionally building the VR workforce pipeline. Drawing from their National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute (NRLI) project, George and Mario explore how career pathways, mentorship, apprenticeships, stronger onboarding, and leadership development can help agencies move from reacting to vacancies to developing talent for the long term. They also tackle an equally important question: once we bring talented people into VR, what makes them want to stay? If your agency is thinking about recruitment, retention, succession planning, or developing its next generation of leaders, this conversation is worth a listen.   Listen Here Full Transcript {Music} George: One of the biggest values of NRLI was the opportunity to step outside of your day to day work and to engage with colleagues, people who eventually become good friends of yours that live across the country, who are dealing with many of the same challenges. Mario: We've really invested hard in our leadership team, and we're seeing the results of that now. We got out of a cap. We're really making positive progress towards meeting our performance metrics. We have a way better understanding of our data, and now we're really focusing on leadership and culture within our agency.   Intro voice: Manager minute, brought to you by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center. Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host, Carol Pankow. Carol: Welcome to the Manager Minute. Joining me in the studio today are George Michna, Bureau Chief for Community Living from Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, and Mario Lucero, Field Operations Director for New Mexico General. So, George, how's it going in Connecticut? George: It's going good. Actually, the weather's finally holding it up here, so it's kind of nice to finally enjoy. Hopefully, a really nice summer. Carol: Yeah, that is awesome. I know we've all been talking a lot about the weather in Minnesota. It's hot and sultry. It was 95 yesterday so you never think of that here. And Mario was so great to have you here as well. How are things on your end in New Mexico? Mario: Thanks for having me, Carol. We're doing good here in New Mexico. Had a little bit of rain the last two weeks, which is really welcomed because we have been so dry and we have problems with forest fires here in New Mexico. So any rain that we get is welcome. So we're doing well. Carol: Well, I never think of New Mexico and forest fires. I'm sorry Mario, I just think of you as being more deserty. But I know you have trees. I know you have... Mario: We do. Carol: So today we're going to talk about a topic that's coming up across the country and it's the workforce challenges in vocational rehabilitation. And George and Mario, part of a cohort from the National Rehabilitation Leadership Institute, or NRLI, which is a leadership program that brings together emerging leaders from across the VR system to take on some of the field's biggest challenges. And as part of that experience, their group developed a project focused on career pathways as a strategy for recruitment and retention in VR. And we're going to unpack what they found and why it matters right now. So let's dig in. So let's start with each of you. How did you get into VR and what has kept you in this work? And Mario, I'm going to go to you first. Mario: Thanks, Carol. Well, for me, vocational rehabilitation is always aligned with who I am personally and professionally. I've spent my life around ministry, teaching, and helping professions. My father was both a minister and a teacher, and I think that shaped how I view people and purpose. I also live with significant physical disabilities myself, so I understand firsthand the importance of opportunity, independence, dignity, and meaningful work. VR gave me the opportunity to turn that into a lived experience and into a career where I could help others overcome barriers and pursue employment goals they may have once thought were impossible. What's kept me in this work is honestly the mission. We're not just processing cases or authorizing services. We're helping people build lives, support families, and regain confidence in themselves. You get to see real transformation in people's lives, and that's hard to walk away from once you've experienced it. Carol: I love that, Mario, Thanks for sharing that. George, how about you? George: So my pathway into vocational rehabilitation started in education. I was a special education teacher, later taught pre-service teachers. It was also a school administrator and then worked for the Connecticut State Department of Education. A lot of it has just been through those roles is that one thing that became clear that we put a lot of effort into supporting students while they're in school, but there's a disconnect. when it came to what happened after they exited school. So students would graduate, but the transition to employment or post-secondary pathways was not always strong or consistent. And I think that's really what drew me into vocational rehabilitation. It's one of the few systems that is specifically designed to bridge that gap between education and employment. And I think that what's really kept me here is both the impact and the work that we do. You see real outcomes when someone moves into employment and independence. And in my current role, I'm focused on kind of how those systems connect, both on the employment side and within community living, as well as education through a grant that we're running. So that's really kind of what's kept me engaged in the work, and just having those meaningful conversations with individuals about finding success in their lives. Carol: Yeah, I had no idea about you. George: Yeah. Carol: Being an educator, that is very cool. It's always fun to see people's stories and how they get into this sort of a career. Appreciate that. So I know you both participated in NRLI, and I just wondered if you could tell our listeners a little bit about what that experience was like. And how did that shape your thinking as a leader? And George, I'll tag you first on that. George: First and foremost. NRLI gave me the opportunity to step outside of my state and look at vocational rehabilitation from more of a national perspective. We were teamed with about, I think, 30 individuals or so as our cohort, and they represented both VR, general VR Blind and also combined agencies. And so you really get a mix of perspectives from individuals. And I think that's really powerful. And the other thing was, is that what really started finding, for example, was, is that, you know, you start looking at issues with your workforce, challenges that you might have, bringing in counselors and the like, and you start finding out that others are facing similar challenges. So you're able to have these kind of sidebar conversations throughout the time that you spent together. And you really get to learn from individuals about what other states are doing and how to kind of effectively problem solve. Mario: And NRLI was an incredible experience because it forced us to step back and think beyond just our own state systems and day to day operations. You're sitting in a room with leaders from all over the country who are dealing with many of the same challenges, but often approaching them in different ways. For me personally, it challenged me to think more strategically and systemically as a leader, instead of only asking, how do we solve today's problem? It pushed me to ask, how do we build sustainable systems for the future? One of the biggest takeaways for me was realizing that many of our workforce challenges in VR are not isolated problems, they're national trends. That realization helped reinforce the importance of collaboration, innovation and leadership development across the entire VR system. Carol: Well, I think we're definitely better together. NRLI, I love that bringing that sense of community because you can feel very isolated, you know, in your individual states and your agencies, and you learn how to do things a certain way. So you guys bring up a good point. You know, you hear other people with the same challenges, but they've tackled them differently. And so I love that kind of that transplanting of ideas that happens naturally through that cohort model. And you get, you know, you're with your group a whole year and you really get to know people. And I think that transplanting of ideas and that building that network that you can rely on later, because I'm sure you probably each have like email groups and all of that good stuff or chat groups with your folks from NRLI that you can just like, hey, we have this going on. What do you know about this? Or what are you guys doing? I think there's a lot of value in that. So I know as part of NRLI, your group focused on workforce and career pathways. How did you guys come up with that as your project? George: Well, I gotta say this, it wasn't a project that we landed on right away. The way NRLI is structured, we do have multiple weeks that we meet across the year, and we also had opportunities to connect virtually to work through how the paper would shape out. Really, in the beginning, it was a lot of brainstorming where we were sitting, you know, outside by the pool on a break. And I still remember this to this day. And we went around the group just kind of mentioning some of the hot topics that we had and what were we thinking about. And really kind of what we started coming back to was the same issue was kind of a staffing piece. And I think that's kind of where we ended up thinking about the staffing and then kind of what solutions could we bring from our various states to address that? And I guess from a point of view, it was kind of a self-discovery process of the group in realizing what to write about. Carol: Very cool. I love that organic. I know. Other groups too. They said they struggled like they might have come up with a particular topic. And then they were like, hey, we don't want to do that anymore. And they kind of move through the year and got exposed to different things. Other ideas came forward and they pivoted to something else. George: I would say that was exactly the same experience that we had, and almost feeling at some point that we had to figure out something because time was running out. Mario: I still remember that first day that you said when we sat around the pool and we were just brainstorming and we threw out like 50 million ideas. I think how we finally settled on career pathways and recruitment and retention was that we saw that this was a problem that we could realistically solve. We didn't want to bite off too much that we couldn't chew. And so we thought that maybe this was something that we could have an actual impact on. Carol: So Mario, a little more about that. You know, it's a problem you were trying to solve. Why do you think this is so important right now. Like what's going on? Give it kind of the picture of what's happening out there. Mario: Well, you know, Carol, the biggest problem we identified was that vocational rehabilitation is facing a workforce pipeline issue at a time when demand for services continues to grow. Across the country agencies are struggling with vacancies, burnout, retirements and turnover. At the same time, fewer people are entering the field intentionally because many people simply don't know that VR exists as a career pathway that creates a long term sustainability problem for the public VR system. What made this especially important to us is that workforce shortages don't just affect agencies internally, they directly impact the participants that we serve. Vacancies can lead to delayed services, increased caseload sizes, and less capacity for innovation and individualized support. So our group started asking instead of only reacting to vacancies after they happened, how do we intentionally build built pathways that introduce people to VR earlier. Developing future talent and creating opportunities for long term career growth within agencies that shift from reacting to shortages to proactively developing talent really became the foundation of our project and our paper. Carol: Nice. So what are you guys seeing right now across the states in terms of the staffing shortages and turnover? I just wondered if there's been any kind of movement where it's getting a little bit better. I just, what did you find out. George: When we looked at the work, kind of to build out the paper, we were seeing kind of a consistent piece where I think states were kind of dealing with this combination of persistent vacancies and high turnover, and that some states are, you know, obviously making a little bit of better progress in that. I think, you know, going back to looking at with Connecticut, I came to our agency on the heels of the Covid 19 pandemic. If you think about it, about five years ago, I was coming out of that rebounding. From that, we saw individuals with disabilities wanting to get back into employment. So you had this influx of people requesting services, but what you saw on the staffing side from the agency was, is that we had a lot of staff that either retired early or had kind of exited the employment of the agency. And so we were in the process of trying to refill those positions as we could. And we've done a really good job at that. But the implication of that is, is that we now shifted the agency from a mid to late career group of counselors to a workforce that's now more heavily weighted towards early mid-career staff. And that has implications for us because newer counselors often require smaller caseloads and more support to kind of ensure the quality services, as well as trying to ensure how do we prevent burnout among those staff as well? Also, what's happening is, is that we're seeing an added strain on our community rehabilitation providers in the state, and we see them as a critical part of the service delivery system. And so this now speaks to kind of the broader system that how can it then support individuals in achieving career goals? So that's kind of the perspective here in Connecticut. Carol: Here you bring up a really good point, George, you know I hadn't thought about that with the newer counselors coming in. I guess just the way you had stated it and having people earlier in their career, you are shaping then you have in a smaller caseload, which impacts then your overall capacity for serving folks. So when you have a big bulk of people in that early part, even though you have the same number of people, they can't produce the same amount of work. George: Exactly. Carol: Yeah, you always need exponentially more folks to carry that out. And it takes a while. This system is hard, like to learn and understand and really feel like you're getting good and proficient at it. So we've kind of lost those later career counselors that were also serving as mentors and such. And I know in some states people are saying like, hey, we've got a whole new group. You've got 90% of your people have been there five years or less. You don't have that other group that can help to support them. George: You know, it kind of then impacts your ability for supervisors to effectively mentor those staff because the added impact on them as well. So the entire system starts feeling that strain. Carol: Yeah, it's really a ripple effect for sure. So I know you guys have mentioned before that people don't always choose VR as a career. So why does that matter for recruitment? Mario: It matters because many of us in VR didn't grow up saying, I want to work in VR someday. Most people find this field accidentally through counseling programs, disability services, workforce programs, social work, education, or even personal life experiences such as myself. The challenge with that is that people don't know the profession exists. They're never going to intentionally pursue it. Other helping professions like teaching, nursing or social work. They have clear career pathways and pipelines and stronger public awareness. VR doesn't have that. So VR agencies are competing for talent in a field that many potential candidates never even heard of. That's why career pathways and apprenticeship models are so important. They create exposure. They allow students, paraprofessionals, community partners, and individuals with lived disability experience to see VR as a meaningful career option before they're already established somewhere else. I think the field has a huge opportunity here, especially because VR work is incredibly mission driven, that once people understand what we actually do and the impact we have, they'll be drawn to it, and the challenge is getting them exposed to it early enough. Carol: Well it does really fit with our new administration. I mean, maybe not so new with our president now he's, you know, in his year two, but very big emphasis on apprenticeships and career pathways. And so it lines up with the administration's thinking on that as well. George, I know you've had a little touch with this. What would it look like, kind of the career pathway and apprenticeship model in a VR agency. George: in Connecticut, we're starting to put together a formalized kind of mentorship program, if you will, where we're bringing in staff within our community, rehabilitation providers, where we can then provide a structured mentorship for them to kind of upskill their knowledge of working within kind of the VR space. The hope there is, is that they can gain experience in the areas like eligibility, plan development, employer engagement, and being able to kind of have that mentorship and feedback that's built into the process. And so our hope really is, is that kind of, you know, if you think about this as about opening the door wider at the front end, so that way we can become more intentional about how we develop staff once they're within our agency or within a provider. Again, this isn't about just simply filling positions. It's more about creating a pathway where someone can enter the field, develop the necessary skills over time, and see a future in the work. And I just want to say, you know, to your question before, if I can, I'm kind of a perfect example here because coming in from education, right? At no point in my kind of career trajectory was vocational rehabilitation presented as kind of a viable option for what I was doing. But an interesting note here is, is that within our NRLI cohort, and I was thinking about this, you know, in kind of getting ready for this podcast, there was at least three other individuals who started in special education and eventually ended up in VR. So I think there's something powerful there in terms of how we think about where we can draw upon individuals to help do the work that we're doing. Carol: Absolutely. There definitely is a natural alignment there. I know back in the day, even in Minnesota, there was a while where school districts were laying off school counselors because they didn't have the funds. And we found that the school counselors had such a interesting background in the training they had that was super transferable over into VR because they're helping students think about employment goals. You know, think about all of that and then that group of people and you're like, why didn't we think of this before and had some really lovely staff come in from that background. I love that. Yeah, it's smart to think about what we align with. Now, I know in NRLI, the fourth week is always the DC week and that can be super impactful. You get to meet the, you know, agency kind of heads from all different, you guys were at Labor and Department of Ed with the Rehab Services Administration. Did you guys have an opportunity at all to share your work and get any sort of feedback from the feds about what you were working on here with this paper? Mario: Yeah, we did. We had the opportunity to discuss our project and our paper and engage with leaders and stakeholders who are thinking about these same workforce challenges. One of the encouraging things was that the feedback we got really validated that this issue is being felt across the country. People recognize that recruitment and retention challenges are not just temporary, they're systemic issues that require long term strategies. And there was strong interest in the idea of developing intentional career pathways and apprenticeship style models because they create a more sustainable workforce pipeline instead of relying solely on traditional recruitment methods. I also think people appreciate that our approach focused not just on filling vacancies, but on developing leaders, increasing retention and creating growth opportunities within the VR agencies. That's important because recruitment and retention really go hand in hand. Bringing people in is only half the battle. You also have to create environments where people want to stay and grow, right? Carol: Yeah. Excellent point Mario, because if you bring people in and they don't stay, you just have a churn that's not going to help anything. You've got to create that inviting, welcoming, wonderful environment that people can learn and grow. Because that's what lots of our, you know, our young people coming in, they aren't coming to the state to just work for 40 years like maybe their parents had or someone else. They want a job they can grow into. Mario: And to add to that, Carol, I've been in the field of VR for almost 19 years now. I can remember going back to the early 2000, when a lot of the people in VR had a master's in VR, and there were plenty of people within the field offices to mentor new counselors coming in. But ever since the mid 20 tens, you know, WIOA came out, that's really dwindled. And we have people with less and less experience and really nobody to mentor. And as George mentioned, really heavily, depending on the program managers to be those mentors and trainers, It's just too hard because they're also having to drop below their 3000-foot level, down to the 1500 zero foot level to take on case load work, you know? Carol: Right. Mario: And he's not able to provide that mentorship as well as we maybe once did in VR in previous generations. Carol: Yeah, we got to look at this in a whole different way. So speaking of looking at this, looking ahead, what's one change you guys hope to see in the VR workforce because of this work? And George, I'm going to throw it to you first. George: It's like the million dollar question right? Carol: Yes. Drum roll. George: Drum roll. (laughter) George: I think the biggest thing I would like to see is a shift in how we think about building the vocational rehabilitation workforce. And what I mean by that is, is that a lot of energy goes into reacting to vacancies and trying to fill positions quickly. And I think what we really need to do, kind of what Mario was mentioning earlier is, is that, you know, building something that looks a little bit more intentional that we have these clear pathways into the field. We have strong mentorships, better onboarding, and real opportunities for growth over time. And I also think that I'm really hoping that we are able to continue strengthening the professional identity of VR. This is incredibly meaningful work for anyone that does this. It truly sits at the crossroads of education, workforce development, disability services, employment, and a host of other things. But what's kind of unfortunate is, is that a lot of individuals are just not aware about the field or the impact that it can have. So it's kind of an interesting paradox, and I would love to see individuals more intentionally choose VR as a career because of how powerful the mission is. I think Mario had mentioned that before about a mission, and I think that that kind of holds true there. If I had a wish, I guess that's what it would be. Carol: I love it. Mario, how about you? Mario: Well, if I could say ditto, I would. But what George and I have said today is that our paper and our project, we wanted to be more intentional about workforce development within the VR system. We'd love to see students, interns, apprentices, and professionals from all related fields become aware of VR much earlier in their careers. We also hope that agencies continue building cultures that invest in mentorship, leadership development, and professional growth so employees can see long term futures within the system. But ultimately, we hope this work helps strengthen the stability of the VR workforce because when agencies are fully staffed, supported and developing future leaders, participants receive better services and better outcomes. And at the end of the day, that's what we're really all about, right? Carol: Absolutely. I think it'd be super cool if somebody came up and did this and came up with that. Like the registered apprenticeship for this, for the VR program, if someone took that on and, and did the thing because it would set the way for the rest of the country. And who knows, you could end up getting some credentials there, Mario and George, You know that you could report on your common performance measures and all of that. I think it would be pretty incredible. Okay. I'm going to throw you guys one last question. I wanted just to circle back to NRLI. I know we have lots of listeners and people are on the fence about whether, you know, to do something or make that investment because it is an investment of time and money for that year. In doing that kind of training, do you have any kind of little parting comment or little plug you could do for NRLI? And George, I'm going to throw out to you first. George: To me again. Oh boy. All right Mario, you can't say ditto. Okay. Without a question, 100% hands down. I would recommend it. I can't even talk enough about it. It was an amazing experience. You're absolutely correct, Carol, it is a lot of work. There certainly are some time constraints, me being on the East Coast, for example, having to go out to San Diego three times a year and then DC also, you know, just kind of the impact on terms of like how you can do your normal job, right? And as well as kind of your personal and family commitments. But I think we said this earlier was, is that one of the biggest values, if you will, of NRLI, was the opportunity to step outside of your day to day work and to engage with colleagues and actually people who eventually kind of become good friends of yours that live across the country, who are dealing with many of the same challenges. We have text groups, we kind of have friended each other on social media. And, you know, we're kind of, you know, shooting questions back and forth to each other to this day. And I think that speaks a lot to what NRLI can give to an individual. So it's certainly about value and relationships and this national network of individuals that are still kind of keeping in touch with. And I think probably the saddest part of the entire experience, if anyone wanted to ask, was that last day when we were all leaving DC and kind of realizing that we're not really going to have an opportunity to see each other. Carol: Yeah, well said George, well said. Mario, you get our last word, but it can't be. Ditto. George: Yeah. Mario: All right. You know what I would have to say is, if I'm speaking to the directors of VR agencies, and especially those that are kind of on the fence of sending staff from their agency to NRLI, What I would definitely say is it's a commitment and it's a long term commitment. And what I mean by that is you can't just send a few once and think that that's enough value added to your agency. You've got to commit over a long time horizon to send staff each year. And you know, Carol, you worked with New Mexico VR through the VRTAC. I'm sure that you've seen our leadership team within New Mexico really grow and develop over the last few years. And that's because the New Mexico VR agency has sent cohorts to the last, I would say at least six, maybe even seven cohorts. And so we've really invested hard in our leadership team in New Mexico. And we're seeing the results of that now. We got out of a cap, we're really making positive progress towards meeting our performance metrics. We have a way better understanding of our data. And now we're really focusing on leadership and culture within our agency. And we're really hoping that going forward, New Mexico VR will be a real place that people want to work at and stay. Carol: Yeah, it really is an investment in your people. I've seen it all over the country and my own, my work with you all, I've seen it, seen the deck chairs move. People have been in interline. They've moved up in their career in New Mexico VR, like I've seen folks in new positions. And it's really been lovely, lovely to see. And I've been appreciative of the management they're investing in VR and we are just so our listeners know why I'm plugging NRLI. It is part of our VRTAC grant and so we do support NRLI. A number of us on the TAC also serve as instructors throughout the various sessions, in addition to there's a faculty for NRLI. So I appreciate you both. I think you did a great job on your paper. If people want to see your paper, they can go to VRTAC.org and go to our top nav NRLI. There's a whole section on NRLI. And you can see the cohort's paper right there. So thank you both. I hope you have a great day. Thanks for joining me. Mario: Thanks, Carol. George: Thank you, Carol. {Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time. One minute at a time. Brought to you by the VRTAC. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening.

In this week's episode, I speak with Dr. James Holt, Associate Professor of Religious Education at the University of Chester in England and author of On Holy Ground: Inter-faith Encounters and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I wanted to chat with him about how Latter-day Saints can hold unapologetic convictions in the Restored Gospel while simultaneously recognizing and celebrating God's active hand in other world religions. Drawing on decades of classroom teaching, interfaith leadership, and scholarly research, Dr. Holt shares how genuine, respectful dialogue can transform our understanding of God's children without compromising our own faith.We explore the theological foundations of interfaith work, the beauty of "holy envy," and practical ways we can move past mere tolerance toward deep, loving, and Christlike relationships in our everyday communities.Some highlights from this episode include:God at Work Across Faiths: Dr. Holt examines the 1978 First Presidency statement regarding God's light in moral leaders and philosophers throughout history, unpacking why recognizing divine truth across all religions is essential to understanding the full depth of Christ's grace.Moving Beyond the "Fortress Church": Addressing Patrick Mason's concept of the fortress church, Dr. Holt explains why Latter-day Saints cannot fulfill the call to be the "salt of the earth" if they isolate themselves in cultural echo chambers rather than engaging meaningfully with their neighbors.The Power of "Holy Envy": Reflections on learning from other traditions, including the Sikh principle of seva (selfless service without expectation of reward), Pope Francis's inclusive ministry in Catholicism, and the transformative focus of Buddhist mindfulness in our daily discipleship.Engaging Without Contention: Practical advice on how to handle difficult or patronizing interfaith encounters by choosing understanding over "winning," avoiding defensive "Bible bashes," and adopting Martin Buber's "I-Thou" framework to view others as fellow children of God rather than objects or potential converts.Everyday Steps for Interfaith Connection: Simple, actionable ways to start building bridges this week—from offering a warm, supportive presence to neighbors of minority faiths to asking thoughtful questions about upcoming religious holidays and traditions.Books Referenced in This Episode:On Holy Ground: Inter-faith Encounters and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ by James Holthttps://www.cedarfort.com/products/on-holy-groundUnderstanding Sikhism: A Guide for Teachers by James D. Holthttps://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/understanding-sikhism-9781350263161/Understanding Buddhism: A Guide for Teachers by James D. Holthttps://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/understanding-buddhism-9781350330245/Towards a Latter-day Saint Theology of Religions by James Holthttps://jamesdholt.com/books/Connect with Dr. James Holt:Website: https://jamesdholt.comSocial Media (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook): @drjamesdholtFollow For All The Saints on social media for updates and inspiring content:www.instagram.com/forallthesaintspodhttps://www.facebook.com/forallthesaintspod/For All The Saints episodes are released every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDUQg_qZIU&list=UULFFf7vzrJ2LNWmp1Kl-c6K9Qhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3j64txm9qbGVVZOM48P4HS?si=bb31d048e05141f2https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-all-the-saints/id1703815271If you have feedback or any suggestions for topics or guests, connect with Ben & Sean via hello@forallthesaints.org or DM on InstagramConversations to Refresh Your Faith.

We are living in a technological century. Everything we do will have some form oftechnology supporting our collective functions. While voice communications havedominated public safety operations for a hundred years, there is an opportunity todayto incorporate the visual element into how we operate.The podcast guest is Alex Joyce the company's Head of Tech Safety for LiveU. Heleads a team focused on supporting public safety agencies & broadcasters withrealtime video solutions leveraging cellular & satellite technologies across software andhardware environments.With over 30 years of experience in telecommunications, as well as FAA 107 and FCCAdvanced Radio licenses and a passion for supporting 1st responders, Alex is excitedto use this background to support federal, state, and local agencies to help demystify thetechnologies related to TAK, search and rescue drone programs, and communityoutreach via realtime video streaming and interagency collaboration tools that cansave lives.Please visit our sponsors!L3Harris Technologies' BeOn PPT App. Learn more about this amazing product here: www.l3harris.com Visit The Readiness Lab and learn about our Next Level Emergency Management training! https://www.thereadinesslab.com/Impulse: Bleeding Control Kits by professionals for professionals: www.dobermanemg.com/impulseDoberman Emergency Management Group provides subject matter experts in planning and training: www.dobermanemg.comCheck out how you can use digital twins in your training, exercising, and planning using RSET https://rset.com/ For sponsorship requests, check out our Sponsorship Portfolio here or email us at contact@thereadinesslab.com

What if creativity is a cure for anxiety?  That is the radical possibility bestselling author Martha Beck explores in her latest book, Beyond Anxiety. She says the two states–anxiety and creativity–simply cannot exist at the same time.  In this episode, Women Amplified host Lisa Bennett and Martha explore how society often makes us anxious today, how to address it in the workplace, and how simple creative practices can help break the cycle.  Martha also offers a guided practice that just might lower your blood pressure.

Climate “hushing” (start time: 5:41) Since President Trump began his second term as president in January, 2025, his administration, at a dizzying pace, has attacked climate change as a Democratic elite “hoax” and gutted federal funding for climate-related research and institutions. Partly in response to these attacks, and in an attempt to appeal to more … Continue reading "Moving Beyond Climate “Hushing”"

Have you ever left a conference buzzing with motivation, ready to change everything, only to find yourself back in the same old routine a week later? It's a common cycle, and it's not yours or the speakers fault. The fact is, there is a difference between motivation and transformation. Motivation often comes from external sources, like an inspiring speaker or a great book. Transformation, however, is an internal process supported by consistent practice. While motivation asks, "What can I do to feel inspired?", transformation asks, "What systems can I build to support myself when inspiration fades?" This shift in perspective is crucial for moving beyond temporary fixes and creating lasting well-being.On this episode I explore why this happens. Motivation is a powerful spark, but it's short lived. It can't, by itself, rewrite ingrained habits or change a demanding work culture. Transformation doesn't always have to be a massive overhaul. True, lasting change and transformation comes from pairing that initial inspiration with small, consistent actions and supportive systems. Listen now!

In this episode, Drew Perkins talks with veteran high school math teacher and author Kristen Smith to discuss her evolution from a more traditional approach to math teaching, in the style of Teach Like a Champion, to one that might best be described as "teacher-led inquiry". We explore her "Inquiry Sandwich" methodology—a balanced pedagogical framework that leverages explicit routines to build fluency while creating space for deep, conceptual exploration. Links & Resources Mentioned In This Episode Have some feedback you'd like to share? You can email me at drew@thoughtstretchers.org. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it and please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening. Key Takeaways The "Inquiry Sandwich" Methodology: Learn how to bridge the "math wars" divide by blending explicit instruction with inquiry-based learning. This structure—starting with retrieval practice, moving into conceptual inquiry, and concluding with formal explicit instruction—allows students to build fluency while developing deep mathematical understanding. Disrupting the "Not a Math Person" Narrative: Math anxiety is often a result of rigid instruction. Discover how to engineer classroom experiences that prioritize consistent student success, clear modeling, and structured problem-solving to help students see themselves as capable mathematicians. Moving Beyond the "Geometry Sandwich": A critique of traditional fragmented course sequences (Algebra 1 → Geometry → Algebra 2). We explore the benefits of integrated mathematics pathways and the importance of allowing student choice in elective courses like financial math during the 11th and 12th grades. Bridging the Research-Practice Gap: Why relying on "laboratory" research can hinder classroom reality. We discuss the necessity of pedagogical synthesis—taking the best of structured classroom management and blending it with conceptual inquiry—rather than strictly adhering to one "side" of pedagogical theory. The Realities of PBL in Mathematics: While Project-Based Learning (PBL) is valuable, the hierarchical nature of math standards makes it difficult to implement in every unit. We discuss strategies for when to use PBL (e.g., specialized financial math courses) versus when to prioritize standards coverage and scaffolding. Episode Highlights & Timecodes [00:04:08] Background and Teaching Experience: Kristen shares their journey from finance into education via the Math for America program and their reflections on high-quality teacher preparation. [00:11:29] Addressing Math Anxiety: Insights from Kristen's book, Cultivating Math Confidence, on disrupting the "not a math person" narrative. [00:15:56] Math for the Real World: A discussion on why high-level math education is essential for developing transferable problem-solving and modeling skills. [00:23:06] Rethinking Math Pathways: Why moving away from the traditional "Geometry Sandwich" and toward integrated math pathways supports better student engagement. [00:29:09] The "Easter Egg" Pedagogical Model: How Kristen blends the structured "I do, we do, you do" explicit instruction model with inquiry-based, conceptual lessons. [00:32:34] Influence of Illustrative Mathematics: The origin and philosophy of the problem-based curriculum designed to uncover mathematical meaning. [00:44:04] Inquiry vs. Procedural Fluency: The "both and" approach—why students need conceptual inquiry and fluency in prerequisite procedures to succeed. [00:51:37] The "Inquiry Sandwich" Methodology: A breakdown of Kristen's lesson structure: warm-up/skill-builder, inquiry experience, and concluding explicit instruction. [01:01:34] The Challenges of PBL in Math: Why Project-Based Learning can be difficult to implement in math courses due to the hierarchical nature of standards. [01:07:14] Closing & Resources: Where to find Cultivating Math Confidence and The Confidence Interval newsletter.

The U.S. is hesitant to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missiles locally, partially to protect U.S. military IP, but more so because it doesn't want Ukraine to do it better.Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/4qtxJD0

This episode is sponsored by Epsilon.Loyalty Buyer's Guide from Epsilon - a free practical guide to help you evaluate loyalty platform options. Download it here now. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Tomas Warden, Group Owner of Digital Customer Success at Telstra, shares how Telstra Plus is moving beyond points and rewards to create meaningful customer experiences, drive retention and build emotional loyalty.Discover how Telstra is using digital innovation, travel partnerships and customer-centric experiences to make loyalty a powerful strategic lever.Hosted by Carly Neubauer Show Notes: 1) Tomas Warden2) Telstra3) Telstra Plus4) Diary of a CEO by Stephen Bartlett.

Scientometrics article in question: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11192-019-03064-5.pdf _______________________________________ To order Suicidal Empathy: https://lnk.to/SuicidalEmpathy To order a signed copy of Suicidal Empathy: https://premierecollectibles.com/suicidalempathy _______________________________________ If you appreciate my work and would like to support it: https://subscribestar.com/the-saad-truth https://patreon.com/GadSaad https://paypal.me/GadSaad To subscribe to my exclusive content on X, please visit my bio at https://x.com/GadSaad _______________________________________ This clip was posted on August 17, 2026 on my YouTube channel as THE SAAD TRUTH_2067: https://youtu.be/-EhXlpnE3UA _______________________________________ Please visit my website gadsaad.com, and sign up for alerts. If you appreciate my content, click on the "Support My Work" button. I count on my fans to support my efforts. You can donate via Patreon, PayPal, and/or SubscribeStar. _______________________________________ Dr. Gad Saad is a professor, evolutionary behavioral scientist, and author who pioneered the use of evolutionary psychology in marketing and consumer behavior. In addition to his scientific work, Dr. Saad is a leading public intellectual who often writes and speaks about idea pathogens that are destroying logic, science, reason, and common sense.  _______________________________________

Brian was recently interviewed by Brent Saccucci (@brentsaccucci) from the University of Lethbridge to talk about Queer Theology and how […] The post a Moving Beyond Affirmative Ministry with Queer Theology: Brent Saccucci Interview of Brian appeared first on Queer Theology.

Physiologist Mac Cassin and the team at Wahoo are developing ways for athletes to better understand their strengths, weaknesses, and biggest areas for improvement with their Dimensional Training Load ecosystem.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is changing hiring from both sides of the desk—companies are creating stronger job descriptions while candidates are creating stronger resumes, leaving recruiters with a growing blind spot between what looks good on paper and what actually predicts performance. In this FDE+ conversation, host Kortney Harmon is joined by Dr. Maya Huber, CEO and co-founder of Tatio, to explore why traditional, keyword-based hiring processes are becoming less reliable in an AI-driven market.Maya makes the case for shifting from promise to proof by measuring actual skills, competencies, and job-specific performance. She explores how staffing and recruiting teams can define what “good” looks like, standardize qualification across recruiters, and gather more meaningful evidence through structured questions, work samples, and virtual job simulations. The goal isn't simply greater speed or efficiency—it's greater certainty, transparency, and trust for clients and candidates alike.Explore how performance-based hiring can help recruiters make smarter talent decisions, strengthen client relationships, and become the performance authority their market trusts.________________Follow Maya Huber on LinkedIn: LinkedIn | MayaFollow Crelate on LinkedIn: CrelateWant to learn more about Crelate? Book a demo hereSubscribe to our newsletter: The Full Desk Experience

“I've been seeing someone. It started a while ago. I tried to stop it, but…I didn't.”“Do you love her?”“I don't know. I think I might.”The words above will resonate with many who have walked through betrayal and its aftermath.If you've been part of our community for a while, then you'll know that Mark and I have written many books about our experience healing from infidelity.My guest for this episode is an author who has walked through a similar hard season in her own life. But rather than writing about her real-life story, she chose to channel her experience into fiction. Through her writing, she explores the emotions, challenges, and pain of betrayal in a way that she hopes will encourage others.Danna Demetre is a Christian author, speaker, and wellness educator. She has a deep and enduring faith that has shaped her life and writing. For decades, she has encouraged women to pursue emotional, physical, and spiritual wholeness through biblical truth, personal growth, and resilient hope.In this episode, you'll hear:Why forgiveness doesn't immediately fix every hurtPractical tips for navigating betrayalHelpful tools to work through the aftermathAnd more!Danna's journey includes so many similar details to our own. I hope you are just as encouraged as I was through this conversation.Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes: jillsavage.org/danna-demetre-310Looking for Empty Nest resources after launching your kids? Grab the Empty Nest, Full Life book, and check out the companion Empty Nest Full Life Course.Check out our other resources:Mark and Jill's Marriage StoryMarriage CoachingMarriage 2.0 IntensivesSpeaking ScheduleBook Mark and Jill to SpeakOnline CoursesBooks Marriage Resources:Infidelity RecoveryFor Happy MarriagesFor Hurting MarriagesFor Marriages Where You're the Only One Wanting to Get Help Mom Resources:New/Preschool MomsMoms with GradeschoolersMoms with Teens and TweensMoms with Kids Who Are LaunchingEmpty Nest Moms

Must a Christian reject modern science to hold a faithful view of Genesis? In Part 1 of this two-part collaborative episode, Dr. Chris Firestone (The Firestone Files) sits down with Dr. Nathan Jacobs (The Nathan Jacobs Podcast) in Nashville to tackle the contentious, heavily polemical debate surrounding creation, Young Earth Creationism, and evolution.Moving past the rigid false dichotomies often found online, Firestone and Jacobs draw from their shared philosophical training and the rich history of the early Church—including the Eastern Church Fathers like St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. Irenaeus. They explore how theology categorizes dogma versus theologoumena (theological opinion), how the Alexandrian school of allegorical reading functioned, and whether ancient authors like St. Paul accepted the science of their era without making it a test of orthodoxy.Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Framing the Debate 03:08 Evolution, Creation, and the Modern Online Polemics 05:18 Personal Backgrounds: Hugh Ross, Genesis, and Modern Science 10:25 The High Demand: Does Faith Require Rejecting All Science? 14:15 Moving Beyond the False Dichotomy (Young Earth vs. Evolution) 18:00 The Dogmatism of Secular Science vs. Unyielding Fundamentalism 21:50 Dogma, Heresy, and Theologoumenon (Theological Opinion) 27:18 Protestant Fundamentalist Assumptions in Modern Creationism34:38 Philosophy of Creation: Divine Omnipotence and Divine Deception 42:33 Did Physics and Biology Function Differently Before the Fall? 48:48 Alvin Plantinga, Modal Logic, and Disarming Polemical Objections01:00:18 Substantive Consensus vs. Ancient Scientific Views in the Fathers 01:15:24 Storytelling, Inerrancy, and How the Bible Approached History 01:31:08 The Alexandrian School, Genesis Oddities, and the "Eighth Day"======================================Do you like this content? Join Jacobs Premium to get exclusive access to essays, lecture series, monthly Q&A Zoom calls, and ourbook club. Use code: LEWIS to get a discount: https://www.thenathanjacobspodcast.com/Support the East West Series: http://theeastwestseries.com/======================================Relevant Links:Do the Church Fathers Reject Evolution: https://youtu.be/4BugOwStHqg​Why I Reject Evolution: https://youtu.be/IBwZBDlu8CAGod's Omnipotence Explained: Can God Really Do Anything? https://youtu.be/qEYzy1Wbjcg All links:The Theological Letters (Substack): https://nathanajacobs.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenathanjacobspodcastX: https://x.com/NathanJacobsPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathanandrewjacobsAcademia: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/NathanAJacobsListen and please review the podcast elsewhere:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hSskUtCwDT40uFbqTk3QSApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nathan-jacobs-podcast

I sit down once again with Francis Weller to explore the cultural collapse we are living through and what it means to navigate "the long dark". We delve into how modern individualism and market-driven growth strip us of primary soul satisfactions, leaving us increasingly abstracted from nature, community, and our own inner lives. Francis shares profound insights on reframing grief, defeat, and vulnerability, offering a path to move beyond chronic self-obsession and return to true reciprocity with the living world.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00:00 - 11 Years of ManTalks and Welcoming Back Francis Weller00:01:02 - Cultural Collapse and Navigating "The Long Dark"00:05:07 - Living Culture vs. Disparate Society00:08:00 - Individualism, Capitalism, and Primary Satisfactions00:15:04 - The Illusion of Constant Growth and Systemic Deficit00:17:56 - Artificial Intelligence and the Abstraction of Human Life00:26:28 - Original Instructions: Reciprocity with the Living World00:32:00 - "Wetiko" and the Psychological Toll of Disconnection00:36:08 - Understanding Soul as Depth, Vulnerability, and Terrain00:44:00 - Moving Beyond the Hero Myth to Embrace Defeat00:50:43 - Transforming Shame: From Contempt to Compassion00:59:39 - Re-encountering Otherness and Reclaiming Wild Soul Life01:02:40 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Francis Weller***Tired of feeling like you're never enough? Build your self-worth with help from this free guide: https://training.mantalks.com/self-worthPick up my book, Men's Work: A Practical Guide To Face Your Darkness, End Self-Sabotage, And Find Freedom: https://mantalks.com/mens-work-book/Heard about attachment but don't know where to start? Try the FREE Ultimate Guide To AttachmentCheck out some other free resources: How To Quit Porn | Anger Meditation | How To Lead In Your RelationshipBuild brotherhood with a powerful group of like-minded men from around the world. Check out The Alliance. Enjoy the podcast? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Podchaser. It helps us get into the ears of new listeners, expand the ManTalks Community, and help others find the tools and training they're looking for. And don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | SpotifyFor more, visit us at ManTalks.com | Facebook | Instagram

In this episode of the NASP Podcast, Sheila Arquette, R.Ph., President & CEO of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP), sits down with Dr. Caroline Girardeau, PharmD, MBA, PMP, BCPS, Pharmacy Program Director at the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC), to explore the evolving specialty pharmacy accreditation landscape. Together, they discuss the scope and value of comprehensive specialty pharmacy accreditation, examining how rigorous accreditation standards help improve patient safety, clinical outcomes, operational excellence, and the overall quality of care. They also highlight how specialty pharmacies can leverage accreditation as more than a requirement for participation in payer or limited distribution networks, using it as a strategic framework to drive continuous quality improvement, strengthen operations, and elevate the patient experience.

Do you struggle to spend time with God consistently? Maybe you've started a Bible reading plan with the best intentions, only to fall behind and feel guilty. If your quiet time has begun to feel more like another task on your to-do list than a relationship with God, this episode is for you. In Episode 221 of the Faith Led Working Moms Podcast, we're talking about why it's so hard to stay consistent in your devotional life and how guilt may actually be keeping you from growing closer to God. Instead of trying harder or chasing the perfect quiet time routine, you'll discover how to move from obligation into a life-giving relationship with Jesus. In this episode, you'll learn: Why spending time with God can feel so difficult, even when you truly desire it. The hidden guilt cycle that keeps many Christians feeling stuck. Why rushing through your Bible reading and prayer isn't the real problem. How to build a sustainable quiet time rooted in grace instead of performance. Practical ways to grow closer to God one faithful step at a time. If you've ever wondered why your devotional life feels inconsistent or you've struggled with guilt after missing time with God, I hope this conversation encourages you to stop striving and start enjoying the relationship God is inviting you into. Scriptures Mentioned: James 4:8 Romans 8:1 Continue Growing with Faith Led Ministries If today's episode encouraged you, I'd love to invite you to continue growing with us at FaithLedMinistries.com. There you'll find: Biblical encouragement for everyday life More podcast episodes for overwhelmed Christian working moms Free resources to strengthen your faith Biblical counseling Christian life coaching The Faithfully Balanced course designed to help working Christian moms move from overwhelm to intentional, faith-filled living Our mission is to help you know Christ, apply God's Word, and walk faithfully through every season of life through biblical encouragement, practical strategies, and biblical counseling principles. Email: Lindsay@faithledministries.com Website: www.faithledministries.com Instagram: @faithledworkingmoms Facebook Community: Faith Led Working Moms Community

Evan Ellis examines Mexico's economy, increasingly integrated into the American market and moving beyond oil into diverse manufacturing sectors. Despite Trump administration objections to the USMCA, the treaty includes provisions requiring a ten-year exit process. Current negotiations reflect tensions over Chinese inputs, automotive tariffs, and labor standards. President Claudia Sheinbaum manages these diplomatic challenges while cooperating with the US on extradition, drug lab seizures, and stemming illegal immigration through Mexican territory. (1)1900 MEXICO