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"After a decade of devastating loss, and medical trauma nearly destroys his will to live, a man reaches the edge of giving up before the fragile birth of his son brings him a new hope. Today's episode featured Nathan Wieser. If you'd like to email Nathan, you can reach him at natelucywieser@gmail.com. Nathan is on Instagram @nathanwieser, and is on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nathan.wieser.3 Nathan's book, a memoir, We Did It: A rare perspective from a husband and father enduring a decade of miscarriages, infant loss and the roller coaster of emotion in the NICU: https://a.co/d/0iR6km0q, and also their website for the short term rental in Turks & Caicos: www.grandturkrentals.comProducers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits Content/Trigger Warnings: adoption, divorce, religious trauma, alcohol abuse, violence/fighting, pregnancy loss, termination for medical reasons, stillbirth, miscarriage, infant death, medical negligence, traumatic birth, uterine rupture, blood loss, near-death experience, PTSD, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, NICU hospitalization, premature birth, infant medical trauma, sepsis, emergency surgery, wildfire/house fire, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter/X: @TIAHPodcastFacebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.com Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happeningAudible subscribers can listen to all episodes of THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app or visit Audible.com. Read more about Whit's insights into each episode on Beyond The Story Substack: whitmissildine.substack.com. On the Substack, Whit will be sharing personal reflections on the deeper themes that emerge from each episode and from across the conversations he's been immersed in for years, including the psychology of radical transformation, the power of storytelling, the lessons of trauma and healing, and how we die to an old Self and are reborn. He'll share behind-the-scenes glimpses into the making of the show and his own personal journey in creating it. Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com Intro Music: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic Bed: Ambient Themes ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
There's a new Niles in the world. Joshua Benedict Rex was born this week, and Dave wants you to know how stressful it all was. For the dad, that is. The pressure. The anxiety. All those things. None of which come to mind right now. Joke's on Dave, though, because Lady Pamela got to the birth center, the midwife offered to break her water, and Joshua arrived eleven minutes later. That's boy number three, bringing the count to three boys and four girls. Adam got the "we're going in" text at the hospital, stopped to pray, and barely beat the birth. The baby's a content little guy. A stereotypical Niles baby, the spitting image of baby Davy. Baptism's in a couple weeks with Uncle Father Sean, godparents are Sarah and Drew, and somewhere in there is a real theology question the guys throw to the priests who listen: can you name godparents after the fact for a baby baptized in a rush? Asking for a Mary.That birth set the whole table. Every time a baby comes into this circle of friends, the men pull their money, buy one nicer bottle of whiskey, sign it with the kid's name, and drink it together. They call it the "baby bottles" tradition. It blends friends into family. And it's exactly the kind of gift that makes you grateful, which is what this whole episode is about.They're recording on a Friday, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, the same day the bishops of America consecrated the entire country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The pour is Glendalough, a pot still Irish whiskey the guys actually visited on pilgrimage. Triple distilled by law, smooth, no burn, and oddly cheap. The bottle shows St. Kevin in cruciform, a bird nesting in his open hand. The pious legend says he held that prayer posture so long the eggs hatched. Jim's scale (Irish edition): 3.96 out of 6.Then the meat: gratitude. Not the bumper-sticker kind. Gratitude is a virtue, a sub-virtue of justice, because it renders to another what's due, first to God who gave us everything. Aquinas lays out three degrees: recognition, expression, repayment. Most of us fail at the first one. We take the morning, the clothes, the breath for granted. St. Bernard calls ingratitude a scorching wind that dries up the streams of grace. God pours, the man doesn't return thanks, the flow stops.The hardest, most masculine turn in the episode is receiving. Men hate it. I don't need your charity. I can carry this cross. But refusing a gift graciously offered isn't humility. It's a wall. Adam's lived on the receiving end through Mary's time in the NICU, and he's learned the Christian paradox: the more graciously indebted you are, the richer your life, because the score is never even. That's not a debt to clear. That's a brotherhood.And the punchline ties it all together. Eucharist means thanksgiving. A man of gratitude is a Eucharistic man. You can't repay God for creating you, so He came down, became one of us, and offered Himself on your behalf. All you have to do is show up. Protect, provide, establish, and give thanks. Raise your glass.TOPICS COVEREDJoshua Benedict Rex Niles is born, baby boy number three, bringing the Niles count to three boys and four girlsDave's tongue-in-cheek case that the dad has it hardest in childbirthLady Pamela's eleven-minute birth at the birth center after the midwife broke her waterThe "kingship" theme running through the Niles boys' names: David, Joseph, and now Joshua Benedict RexWhy every Niles baby is a "cookie cutter" content baby, and Joshua looking just like baby DavyThe wonder that a child somehow looks like both mom and dad, "only God could make a baby look like both"Baptism plans with Uncle Father Sean and godparents Sarah and DrewThe open question for the priests who listen: can you name godparents after the fact for a baby baptized in a rush?The "baby bottles" tradition, the men pooling money for a signed bottle of whiskey to honor each new babyWhy this kind of tradition blends friends into familyRecording on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and the U.S. bishops consecrating the country to the Sacred Heart of JesusWhiskey of the week: Glendalough pot still Irish whiskey, triple distilled and smoothThe legend of St. Kevin of Glendalough, the bird's nest in his hand and his love of all God's creaturesWhy Irish whiskey is the most approachable place to start, and surprisingly cheapJim's scale (Irish edition): 3.96 out of 6"Better than I deserve, I'm sure," Adam's go-to answer to "how are you?"The man at the pharmacy who'd just lost his wife, and never knowing what people are carryingGratitude as a virtue, and specifically a sub-virtue of justiceThe book of Job as the model of gratitude to the core: "the Lord has given and the Lord has taken away"Why a member of the Body of Christ is doing well no matter what else is going wrongAquinas's three degrees of gratitude: recognition, expression, repaymentWhy recognition is the weak spot for most people, the habit of taking things for grantedThe internal act of the will toward the benefactor as the heart of repaymentThe humility it takes to receive a gift, and why most men refuse charityHow receiving a gift graciously multiplies joy and binds a community togetherThe Christian paradox of being "graciously indebted," and why the score is never evenSt. Bernard of Clairvaux on ingratitude as a burning wind that dries up the streams of graceDeacon Garlick's prayer of thanks as a model for opening prayerMeditating on the magnitude of the Incarnation, the worm-and-the-man analogyWhy real men don't complain or "vent," and complaining as carrying the cross while griping about its weightDying for your family is easy; living for your family is hard, the little deathsAre you willing to get up, eat right, moderate your drinking, and put the phone down for your family?The Malcolm Gladwell mentorship lesson and the hidden cost of remote work, tribal knowledge not getting passed downWhy none of our best fatherhood or business "hacks" are original, and the duty to pass them onSt. John Chrysostom and St. Thérèse of Lisieux: gratitude as the superpower of the soulWhy you won't become holy without the habit of gratitude"People need to be reminded more than they need to be instructed"Keeping the right perspective so you don't live in a false reality the devil wants for youEucharist means thanksgiving, a man of gratitude is a Eucharistic manREFERENCED IN THIS EPISODEBooks & Writings:The Book of Job (the model of gratitude through suffering)The Summa Theologiae by St. Thomas Aquinas, Second Part of the Second Part (the three degrees of gratitude; ingratitude as sin)Malcolm Gladwell's work on mentorship and learning a craft (referenced by Adam)Saints & Church Fathers:St. Thomas Aquinas (the three degrees of gratitude; gratitude as a sub-virtue of justice)St. Bernard of Clairvaux (the "leaky vessel"; ingratitude as a burning wind that dries up the streams of grace)St. Kevin of Glendalough (the bird's-nest legend; love of God's creatures)St. John Chrysostom ("gratitude is the superpower of the soul")St. Thérèse of Lisieux (gratitude and the spiritual life)Simon of Cyrene (carrying the cross with Christ)People:Adam Minihan (host; founder of M6 Marketing; writes The Grounded Builder on Substack)Jim (in studio, keeper of the yummy scale)Lady Pamela Niles (delivered baby number seven)Joshua Benedict Rex Niles (newborn), David Jr., and Joseph Niles (the "kingship" names)Baby Mary Minihan (still in the NICU, the gifts and prayers received)Uncle Father Sean (baptizing Joshua); Sarah and Drew (godparents)Deacon Garlick (his prayer of thanks)Programs & Institutions:The Catholic Man Show pilgrimage (where the guys visited Glendalough)Glendalough Distillery, IrelandSPONSOR BLOCKSponsor: Select International Tours: selectinternationaltours.comWhen Adam and Dave decided to lead their first pilgrimage, one name kept coming up: Select International Tours. They're the best. Having used them, the guys can vouch for it. No matter where in the world you want to go, Select has a tour ready for you. Whether you want to lead a pilgrimage or attend one, head to selectinternationaltours.com and take a look at everything they offer. You won't regret it.
Today's episode is a really special one because Ali is sitting down with three of her favorite people in the world: Helen, Aaron, and Blake—the real-life family behind her “Work of ART” children's book, Beautiful Bird.If you've read the book, then you already know a little bit about Jack Bird, the incredible boy at the center of the story. And today, you're going to hear the real origin story. This is a conversation about love, friendship, family building, and creating a family that looks different than what many of us grew up seeing—but is every bit as beautiful. Helen always knew she wanted to be a mom, and as a solo mom by choice, she embarked on a journey to build her family with the help of her dear friend Aaron. At the time, Aaron was building a life with his partner, Blake, and together, the three of them created a beautiful, intentional village around Jack from the very beginning.Ali, Helen, Blake and Aaron talk about fertility treatments, donor conception, LGBTQ+ family building, and what it means to redefine family in a way that puts love, honesty, and a child's well-being first. They also talk about one of the most difficult chapters of their journey: Jack's unexpected 33-day stay in the NICU after he was born, and how that experience shaped all of them as parents and as a family. Most of all, this is a story about showing up for one another. It's about friendship becoming family, about creating your own blueprint, and about the many different ways people can build a loving home.Snag a copy of Beautiful Bird for just $15 here: https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksEPISODE SPONSORS: THE WORK OF ART BOOK SERIESAli's Children's Book Series about IVF, IUI and Family Building Through Assisted Reproductive Technology https://www.infertileafgroup.com/booksThe 3-book bundle is now just $49 (normally $79)!The latest book in the Work of ART series, “You Are a Work of ART," is for every kiddo born through ART -- and the people who love them.PHERDALIG: @pherdal_sciencePherDal is the world's first and only FDA-cleared, sterile, at-home insemination kit designed to help people build their families in the comfort of home. Created by parents who've been there, PherDal is safe, simple, and affordable—putting more options in your hands as you grow your family. Explore at PherDal.com.Go to PherDal.com today and use code INFERTILEAF for $10 off.CARAWAYCaraway cookware is beautiful, first of all — like, actually gorgeous sitting on your stove — but it also makes cooking feel easier and less stressful.Visit carawayhome.com to take an additional 10% off your next purchase using code INFERTILEAF at checkout.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We are all born into a house of stories. That is something Dan, Jacob's dad, believes deeply, and it shapes everything about how he has carried his grief. Dan is a professional storyteller by trade, and when his son Jacob was born fragile and uncertain in the NICU, not expected to survive, Dan did the only thing he knew how to do. He sat by his side and talked. He told stories, sang songs, even recited Chaucer in Middle English, because he believed his voice could be a beacon, something Jacob's soul could navigate by to find his way into the world. He called the experience talking him in. Jacob lived. He was eventually diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome, a condition Dan explains in simple terms as leaving someone always, organically hungry, with locks needed on the fridge not because Jacob was sneaky, but because his body simply could not register being full. He grew up big, sometimes teased, slow to make friends, but open to the world in a way Dan deeply admired. His great-grandmother told him once that he was born for a purpose, and Jacob carried that with him quietly for the rest of his life. Years later, working as a beloved school crossing guard in Toronto, he helped save a toddler who had run into oncoming traffic, and told his dad afterward, through tears, maybe that is why I chose to live. Jacob died at 26, eight days after a car accident, with enough time for his mother and brother to make it to his bedside. Dan calls those final eight days talking him out. He believes there is a kind of circle in that. Talked in at the beginning of his life. Talked out at the end of it. In the two years that followed, Dan did something he had spent years encouraging other people to do, first as a storyteller in residence at Baycrest Health Sciences, and later in palliative care settings. He became Jacob's story keeper. He gathered every scrap of Jacob he could find, poems, apology letters, nicknamed lists of fishing rods and fedoras, all of Jacob's own words and ways, and wove them into a book written entirely in Jacob's imagined voice. It is called I Am Full: Stories for Jacob, and a major publisher offered to print it if Dan would write about his own experience instead. He said no. The book was never meant to be about him. It was meant to be about Jacob. Dan's belief is simple and profound. We are each other's story keepers. Not just parents and children, but everyone who has ever loved someone and chosen to remember them out loud. He shares the story of an Italian woman in a palliative care unit, encouraged to collect her dying mother's proverbs in her final days, who became her mother's story keeper in the process. He shares the old expression that a person is not truly dead until they are forgotten. This podcast exists, in many ways, to do exactly what Dan describes. We tell stories. We collect stories. We keep them, together, so that no child is ever just a name on a headstone, but a whole, full, remembered life. If this conversation moves you, Dan's book I Am Full: Stories for Jacob is available through Signature Editions, a small publisher out of Winnipeg and can be purchased on Amazon.
What is it really like to have a baby in the NICU? Katie Taylor sits down with NICU nurse, educator, and content creator Alyssa Saldivar (@alyssathenurse) to discuss how families can find confidence, connection, and support during one of the most challenging experiences of parenthood. Alyssa shares her journey of becoming a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for supporting both families and fellow nurses, and the practical ways parents can become active participants in their baby's care. Together, Katie and Alyssa explore everything from skin-to-skin care and developmental support to advocacy, bonding, and life after NICU discharge. Whether you're currently navigating a NICU stay, preparing for a high-risk delivery, or reflecting on a NICU experience from years ago, this conversation offers encouragement, validation, and actionable guidance. In This Episode, We Discuss: Becoming a NICU nurse during an unprecedented time in healthcare Supporting parents through the emotional realities of the NICU Why skin-to-skin care is so powerful for premature babies Helping families feel confident and involved in their baby's care How parents can advocate for themselves and their baby Pain management and comfort strategies in the NICU Developmentally appropriate ways to soothe premature infants Supporting parents who cannot be at the bedside every day Navigating bonding challenges and NICU trauma Resources available to support families during hospitalization The transition from NICU to home Timestamps 00:00 Meet Alyssa Saldivar and her journey into NICU nursing 02:15 Starting a nursing career during the COVID-19 pandemic 03:40 Building confidence as a NICU nurse and educator 05:30 How becoming a parent changed Alyssa's approach to family-centered care 06:20 Caring for extremely premature babies and empowering parents 06:50 The importance of skin-to-skin care in the NICU 07:45 Why first diaper changes matter for parent confidence 08:30 Supporting parents who can't be at the bedside every day 09:20 Scent cloths, breast milk, and maintaining connection 10:10 Creating a family-centered environment in the NICU 11:20 How parents can advocate for their baby's needs 13:15 Parent involvement during painful procedures and treatments 15:15 Helping babies recover and regulate after procedures 16:00 Developmentally appropriate ways to comfort premature babies 18:00 Alyssa's mission to support NICU families beyond the bedside 20:00 Processing NICU experiences years after discharge 21:00 Supporting NICU dads during moments of uncertainty 22:10 When bonding doesn't happen immediately 24:15 Child life specialists, social workers, chaplains, and other support resources 25:15 Filling the gap between NICU discharge and follow-up care 26:30 What Alyssa hopes families take away from her content 27:45 Final encouragement for NICU families Connect with Alyssa Instagram: @alysthenurse TikTok: @alysthenurse Connect with Us Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes easily Leave a Review: It helps other families find us and access our resources Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your care team for guidance specific to your child and family. Keywords: NICU Nurse, Neonatology, Family Centered Care, NICU Support
It's time for another Mamas Call In episode! Our call-in episodes are some of our favorites because they give us the chance to hear directly from YOU.This month's prompt was: “What words of hope or encouragement would you offer to a NICU mom who feels like it's all too much right now?”In this episode, mamas from across the country share heartfelt reminders of hope, resilience, and the power of community in the midst of a NICU journey. From taking things one breath at a time to holding onto the promise that brighter days are ahead, these stories offer encouragement for any NICU mom who feels overwhelmed, exhausted, or uncertain about what comes next.We are so grateful to the mamas in our sisterhood who shared their hearts and wisdom with us, and we'd love to hear your heart!Our next prompt is: “What does it mean to you to be a Walking Letter of Hope to another NICU mom?” To call in and share your heart, head to our submission form here!To get connected with DNM:Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramSupport the show
After nearly three years of infertility, two failed IUIs, and a successful IVF transfer, Stephanie finally became pregnant. What she didn't expect was that one embryo would split, leading to a twin pregnancy and a journey that would forever change her life.In this episode of Finding Hope After Loss, Stephanie shares her experience with infertility, IVF, twin loss, NICU life, and parenting after loss. She opens up about the heartbreaking decisions her family faced, the challenges of balancing grief while caring for her surviving son, and how loss continues to shape her motherhood journey.We also discuss coping with grief, mental health after infant loss, navigating loss and grief while parenting, finding support after tragedy, and the unique experience of loving a child in your arms while mourning the child who should be beside them.If you are navigating infertility, infant loss, twin loss, parenting after loss, or searching for hope while living with grief, this conversation offers an honest reminder that you are not alone.
In this powerful episode of the Inspire Health by Jen Podcast, Dr. Jen dives deep into a question so many women with chronic conditions face: Is your job making you sick? Drawing from her own transformative journey of leaving a demanding career in traditional nursing to build her dream holistic practice, Dr. Jen shines a light on how hustle culture and the traditional 40-hour workweek can create a state of disease in the human body. With her signature warmth and relatable wisdom, she breaks down five actionable, realistic steps to help you align your mind and soul, whether you want to transition into entrepreneurship or simply set fierce boundaries to thrive in your current corporate role. Dr. Jen reminds her community that the body never lies, and when you raise your physical and energetic frequency, true abundance and deep healing naturally follow. Themes: Understanding the internal warfare between the logical mind trying to keep you safe and the soul's divine calling. Why the 40-hour workweek wasn't designed with human health or vitality in mind. A look back at her transition from a NICU nurse to a Doctorate-level holistic practitioner specializing in natural healing, bioidenticals, and peptides. Practical tools for self-care, calming the nervous system, and managing the financial fears that come with big life pivots. How to step into your power, say no, protect your energy from EMFs and toxic environments, and demand the compensation you deserve. Connect with Jen:
Choosing where to give birth is about much more than proximity, provider preference, or a friend's recommendation. Your birthplace shapes your options, your support, your experience, and even how safe your body feels during labor.In this episode, we're exploring how to evaluate birth settings in Massachusetts and the questions every expecting parent should ask before making a decision.In this episode, we cover:Why your birthplace is more than just a buildingHow birth culture influences your experienceThe differences between hospital birth with an OB and hospital birth with midwivesFreestanding birth center options in MassachusettsHome birth as a model of careHow to determine where you feel safest giving birthQuestions to ask when touring hospitals and birth centersUnderstanding provider models and who may attend your birthTransfer plans, NICU levels, and escalation of careGreen flags and red flags when evaluating a birth settingHow to identify whether a birth environment aligns with your goalsThe best birth location isn't the same for everyone. The right choice is the setting that aligns with your values, risk profile, desired level of intervention, and what helps you feel supported and safe.Resources MentionedMassachusetts Pregnancy Guide for Low-Intervention BirthEpisode 117: Home Birth with Noel FernandezA Path to a Powerful Birth: Childbirth Education ClassesQuestions to Reflect OnWhere do I feel safest giving birth?Do I want midwifery-led care?How important is immediate access to medical interventions?What level of support for physiologic birth am I looking for?How does this facility respond when I ask questions?Connect with Clear Light BirthDownload the Massachusetts Pregnancy Guide:clearlightbirth.com/maguideLearn more about childbirth education and birth preparation through Clear Light Birth. Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Send us Fan MailWhat would it really mean to shorten neonatology fellowship training to two years? In this episode, Ben and co-host Dr. Shetal Shah sit down with three division heads, Dr. Jill Maron (Brown), Dr. Patrick McNamara (University of Iowa), and Dr. Sarah Taylor (Yale), to examine the ABP's proposed changes from the perspective of those who run major academic NICUs. From the operational and financial strain of losing an entire class of third-year fellows, to the erosion of scholarly development, dwell time, and faculty wellbeing, the conversation makes clear that the costs of this proposal go far deeper than the curriculum. How do you staff an 80-bed NICU without junior fellows? Who funds the gap? And what happens to the next generation of academic neonatologists if we train them in isolation from the very experiences that shape their identity as clinicians and scholars?Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!
In this special Father's Day episode of the Journey of Hope Podcast, host Elio Constantine sits down with Heart for Lebanon President Camille Melki for an encouraging conversation about the challenges fathers face in today's rapidly changing world and the hope that can only be found in Christ.From war and economic uncertainty to cultural pressures and the growing influence of technology, fathers everywhere are navigating difficult circumstances while striving to protect, provide for, and lead their families. Camille shares biblical insights on the role of fathers, pointing listeners to the example of our Heavenly Father and the enduring truths found in Scripture.Throughout the conversation, Elio and Camille explore how fathers can remain grounded in their faith, lead with integrity, and trust God even when circumstances feel beyond their control. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical examples, and the realities facing families in Lebanon and around the world, this episode offers practical encouragement for fathers seeking to lead their families well.Listeners will also hear a heartfelt reflection on God's faithfulness through life's challenges, including Elio's experience as a new father, and why prayer, Scripture, and dependence on Christ remain essential anchors for every parent.The episode concludes with a call to pray for fathers in Lebanon who are navigating conflict, economic hardship, and uncertainty while faithfully caring for their families.Show NotesThe Challenges Fathers Face Today· Navigating war, conflict, and instability· Providing security and stability during uncertain times· Financial pressures and economic hardship· Raising children in a rapidly changing culture· The influence of technology and social media on familiesThe Biblical Role of a Father· Protecting and providing for the family· Leading with integrity and righteousness· Modeling faith, patience, and forgiveness· Pointing children toward Christ· Reflecting the love of our Heavenly FatherLearning from Scripture· The example of the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son· God's love, grace, and pursuit of His children· Proverbs 20:7 and the importance of integrity· Finding wisdom and direction through God's WordTrusting God Through Every Season· Remembering God's faithfulness in past circumstances· Building confidence through prayer and Scripture· Finding peace when situations feel beyond our control· Trusting God's care for our children and families· Depending on Christ rather than our own strengthA Father's Personal Journey· Elio's experience as a new father of twins· Walking through uncertainty during a NICU stay· Learning to surrender fears to the Lord· Discovering God's peace in moments of helplessnessEncouragement for Fathers· God has not called fathers to carry every burden alone· Faithfulness matters more than perfection· Prayer remains one of the greatest gifts fathers can give their children· Our ultimate hope and security are found in ChristPrayer Requests· Pray for fathers around the world facing uncertainty and hardship.· Pray for fathers in Lebanon navigating economic and political instability.· Pray for wisdom, patience, and strength as parents raise their children.· Pray that fathers would lead their families with integrity and faith.· Pray for children to grow in their relationship with Christ.· Pray that families would find their hope and security in God alone.Key TakeawayNo matter how challenging the circumstances may be, fathers can find strength, wisdom, and hope in Christ. By remaining rooted in Scripture, committed to prayer, and dependent on God's faithfulness, they can lead their families with confidence and integrity through every season of life.Connect & Pray With Us
Leaders Special. Cătălin Striblea este live cu avocatul Gabriel Biriș, expert în drept fiscal. Cât de jos este acum economia României? Ce riscuri ne așteaptă în următoarele zile? Ce poate face un guvern plin? Comentăm și ultimele evoluții politice. De asemenea, vă prezentăm proiect 16 la puterea a treia, menit să facă echitate în taxele românești.
„Joia neagră” – așa a fost numită în spațiul public ziua de ieri în care primarul Capitalei a fost pus sub acuzare într-un dosar de luare de mită. Liderul USR a pierdut definitiv procesul cu ANI, iar președintele Nicușor Dan a evitat un răspuns privind susținerea AUR a guvernului Veștea. Totul pe fondul negocierilor privind soarta guvernului Veștea și doar cu câteva zile înainte de Congresul Extraordinar al PNL când tabăra pro Bolojan se pregătește să-l excludă pe Adrian Veștea din partid. Mai mulți politicieni susțin că este o mișcare coordonată de folosirea justiției ca armă în negocieri, în timp ce alții îi acuză pe cei din PNL și USR de dublă măsură. A fost „joia neagră”? Ce se întâmplă, România? Ce credeți că urmează?
In this week's episode, we're welcoming back Mary Farrelly, founder of The NICU Translator and NICU Doula Academy.Since her first appearance on the podcast, Mary has turned a dream into a growing movement. As a Level IV NICU nurse and professionally trained doula, she is passionate about helping families experience more support, more advocacy, and less trauma throughout their NICU journey.In this conversation, Mary shares what a NICU doula is, how this unique role supports families both in and beyond the NICU, and why collaboration between doulas and medical teams matters. She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at NICU Doula Academy and the work being done to train and equip more professionals to walk alongside NICU families during some of their most vulnerable moments.Whether you're a NICU parent looking for support or someone interested in serving NICU families, this episode is full of insight, encouragement, and hope.As you listen, we hope you're reminded that you deserve compassionate support throughout your NICU journey. You are not alone!To get connected with Mary:The NICU Translator | The NICU DoulaTo get connected with DNM:Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramSupport the show
In this listener story, Jess shares her experience with preeclampsia that went from seemingly mild and manageable to severe in a matter of days. As a first-time mom with an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy, she found herself blindsided by a diagnosis she knew very little about and quickly facing decisions she never imagined having to make.Jess opens up about the fear, confusion, and lack of education she encountered throughout her pregnancy, the emotional toll of a prolonged hospital stay, and the premature birth of her daughter at just 31 weeks. She also shares the guilt, grief, and healing that followed, along with the resources and support that helped her process her birth trauma and NICU journey.Jess's story is a powerful reminder that preeclampsia can happen to anyone and that education matters. Her experience highlights the importance of listening to your body, advocating for answers, and ensuring patients receive clear information about potential pregnancy complications. Most importantly, her story reminds parents that preeclampsia is not their fault, their bodies did not fail them, and healing is possible even after a traumatic pregnancy, birth, and NICU experience.In This Episode, We Discuss:
Cătălin Striblea a foat live cu principalele subiecte politice și sociale ale zilei. Căderea lui Nicușor Dan. Cum se explică deciziile președintelui. Ce-l leagă de PSD. Cât de mare este teama de suspendare. Toate calculele pentru guvernul Veștea. Analyze That 71.
After an emergency cesarean at 29 weeks due to HELLP syndrome with an ICU stay for herself and a 2-month NICU stay for her baby, Yazmine was told she would never have a vaginal birth. She was also given mixed information about the type of uterine scar that she had. But with lots of diet changes and medication, Yazmine didn't have preeclampsia or HELLP the second time around. She chose a repeat cesarean following her doctor's strong recommendation. During her third pregnancy, Yazmine educated herself on VBA2C, found a supportive provider through another TVL mama on the podcast, and continued with the same lifestyle changes as before. She had PROM at 38+6, labored for 40 hours with a Foley bulb, Pitocin, and got an epidural before having her beautiful VBA2C at 39+1. Yazmine had no tearing and the amazing recovery she was hoping for! Needed Website: Code TVL for 20% OffThe Ultimate VBAC Prep Course for ParentsOnline VBAC Doula TrainingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
When was the last time something changed in your life and you just... moved on? Didn't name it, didn't sit with it, just kept going? That's worth a second look. Kathy Mela spent 45 years in the NICU before becoming The Grief Navigator. Her take on grief will probably surprise you. Because she's not just talking about loss through death. She's talking about the grief of an empty nest, a career that ends, an identity you outgrow, a version of yourself you quietly left behind. In this conversation, Kathy breaks down why so many of us are walking around with unnamed grief and what it actually looks like to move through it. We get into the difference between sorrow and grief, why anger and disconnection are often grief in disguise, and a framework for navigating any life transition with more self-compassion and less self-judgment.
In this special Father's Day episode of the Twiniversity Podcast, Natalie sits down with Dr. Charles Glassman — internist, life coach, podcast host, and twin dad of identical girls now in their late 20s. Charles and Natalie cover the full arc of twin parenting from the moment of the surprise diagnosis (spoiler: his wife was "just pregnant" until a 16-week sonogram revealed two heads) all the way through the extraordinary milestone of his daughters celebrating their 21st birthday together in Paris — and the business partnership they've built since. It's an honest, warm, and deeply encouraging conversation for twin parents at any stage, told from the rare perspective of a dad who is also a physician, a middle child, and someone who has learned — sometimes the hard way — that patience, perspective, and knowing when to take a time-out are the best parenting tools in the kit. Charles opens up about the regret he carries most (not carving out enough individual one-on-one time with each twin), the moment he confirmed his daughters were monozygotic at Disney World, why discovering their identical DNA at age 12 may have accelerated their drive for independence, and how — after going to different colleges on purpose — they ended up choosing the same semester abroad rather than spend a year apart from each other's best friend. Plus: the "Daddy takes a time-out" technique that every twin parent needs to hear. Connect with Dr. Charles Glassman: Website: www.charlesglassmanmd.com The Coach MD Podcast: Listen on Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coachmd-podcast/id1728326555 His daughters' creative agency: Aperitif Collective — sister-owned branding & design, Miami - https://www.aperitifcollective.com/ Instagram: instagram.com/coachmdofficial Facebook: facebook.com/CoachMD X (Twitter): @CoachMDofficial YouTube: youtube.com/@CoachMDofficialEPISODE THEMES
Lynn Harris is a retired U.S. Army veteran and longtime volunteer at St. David's Medical Center in Austin. For more than a decade, he has served in the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as a "baby cuddler," providing comfort and gentle care to premature and medically fragile newborns. In this episode, Lynn encourages others, especially men, to consider what he considers to be "the most fun job I've ever had."
Episode 349 lands the day after the WWDC 2026 keynote, with two huge family announcements and a birthday celebration to match. Co-hosted by Salvis and JC, with Veronica, Donald, and Preston on the call, plus pre-recorded messages from Angela and George and a voice note from Phil. The crew is almost at the five-year anniversary, with episode 350 right around the corner.Veronica kicks things off with a smile, sharing how she plans to celebrate her birthday with a friend the next day. JC checks in next with podcast news, a quick health update from a recent ear and throat doctor visit, and an episode count reminder (349, 350 in sight).doctor visit, and an episode count reminder (349, 350 in sight).Preston joins to recap his work trip to Philadelphia, where his company's quarterly meeting was held at the historic Germantown Cricket Club. The conversation pivots straight into WWDC 2026, where the team unpacks the big Apple Intelligence wins: the rebuilt Siri 2.0 with on-screen awareness, the brand new macOS 27 Golden Gate, the iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 feature set, watchOS 27, and the long-rumored Liquid Glass opacity slider that finally addresses readability for low-vision users. JC walks through the 12GB RAM requirement for some of the heavier on-device Apple Intelligence features, the new standalone Apple Passwords app (a real VoiceOver win), and natural-language Voice Control. He also flags that VoiceOver and the Magnifier are powered by Apple Intelligence for richer real-time scene descriptions. powered by Apple Intelligence for richer real-time scene descriptions.The show then turns to family news. Angela and George share a pre-recorded message announcing the early arrival of their niece, NoahBarrera James, daughter of Angela's sister Madison. Noah will spend a few weeks in the NICU, and Angela steps back from the show indefinitely to help her mom support Madison through the transition.JC also sends a warm shoutout to Anya, who just welcomed baby Joseph Zapier, and to Madison's older child David. JC then shares his owntravel plans for Puerto Rico, his home island, with a teaser that he will try to record the iconic coqui tree frog at night for next will try to record the iconic coqui tree frog at night for next episode.The crew plays a custom birthday song for baby Noah, then turns to Veronica, with voice messages from Preston, Phil, and Angela and George ahead of a special song they made for her. JC then debriefs his weekend walk across the Newburgh-Beacon (Hamilton Fish) Bridge with an audio recording from the deck, plus plans to try the smaller Bear Mountain Bridge soon. A quick local detour to Village Pizza for a stack of logs from a friend wraps up his Hudson Valley updates.The team closes with Preston's reminder about an upcoming Residence Carnival, more WWDC chatter, and Salvis wrapping the night with the trademark sign-off and a tease about the five-year anniversarycelebration. Sign off: "Keep technology alive, let your talent shine, and remember, no matter what, Doodles always spilled the milk."This week's announcementsAngela and George welcome baby niece Noah Barrera James; Angela steps back from the show indefinitely to help Madison through the NICU stay.Anya welcomes baby Joseph Zapier; warm congratulations sent from the team. Veronica's birthday this week with custom voice messages and a songfrom the crew.JC travels to Puerto Rico for an extended trip; coqui tree frog recordings promised for a future episode.Vision Cast five-year anniversary is just around the corner with episode 350 right ahead.Keep technology alive, let your talent shine.Recorded 2026-06-10. Hosted by Salvis and JC on the VisionCast Network.
Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to truly improve outcomes for very low birth weight infants, and are we actually doing it? In this episode, Daphna sits down with Dr. Joseph Kaempf, neonatologist and Medical Director of Value Research and Innovation at Providence Health System in Oregon, to examine some uncomfortable truths about neonatal quality improvement. Dr. Kaempf shares findings from a study spanning 16 NICUs over 14 years showing that composite morbidity outcomes have remained flat while length of stay has increased. He explores why traditional QI tools like driver diagrams and PDSA cycles may no longer be sufficient, and why augmented intelligence may be the next frontier. The conversation also touches on culture as a driver of NICU performance and the gap between institutional interests and true shared decision-making with families. A candid episode for anyone invested in the future of neonatology.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!
Welcome to the #ShareYourHotness Podcast episode 183! Weston Brandon was widowed at just 23 years old when his wife tragically passed away during childbirth, leaving him to raise a 1 lb. 13 oz. NICU baby alone. But Weston's story is bigger than tragedy — it's about grit, faith, and transformation. Raised on a working cattle ranch, Weston learned early the values of hard work, discipline, and resilience. He went on to serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Florida, where he developed deep relational skills, communication strength, and a passion for service. Professionally, Weston first excelled in the world of door-to-door pest control sales and later in high-ticket engineering software sales — proving himself as a top performer under intense pressure. But when his wife's death reshaped his world, he pivoted, stepping into the HVAC/R service trades, where he rebuilt his career in a space that allowed him to prioritize stability, family, and healing. At the heart of Weston's work is one hard-earned truth: Clarity comes through committed movement. To help others break through stagnation, grief, or burnout, Weston developed his transformational system called D.R.I.V.E. — a powerful framework designed to help people overhaul their lives, rebuild with purpose, and reclaim their momentum. In this conversation, Weston will share the tools and mindset that reshape not just circumstances but entire lives — bringing raw, personal stories from his own journey and applying those lessons directly to listeners ready to move forward with clarity, purpose, and impact. Leta Greene has been a professional speaker since 2010, speaking on confidence, resilience, and the Hotness Factor. She is the author of two best-selling books and host of the Share Your Hotness podcast.
WE'RE BACK! omg i'm sorry y'all, life has been lifing! The book launched, my living son turned 3, we are showing our house to sell it, we are trying to expand out family, and i'm just living the grief dream! But I accidentally put the podcast aside, and I didn't even mean to...But it's back and it's not going anywhere!... My grief has changed because my life has changed and now at the 4.5 year mark, I want to talk about how normal life is with pain and joy at the same time. So this episode is about healing and how it's NOT a betrayal to our babies. It's so freakin hard you guys, like, the first year is suffocating and all we can do is survive, then we kind of come up for air and decide we want to try healing from this (which by the way, for me means, living and functioning happily with grief by my side always). How do we do that? Well that's the journey! I decided that I wanted to make Brody proud and live a life worth living. So I'm rebuilding and creating a life I love again. Healing is where it's at and that includes little joys, my family, friends, my mental health, creating a beautiful home, and a life I'm proud of. Coming with me?? I hope so! :) If you are new to Loss Life, please start the pod from the beginning. That is where I talk deep in the beginning of this journey and where it might resonate the most MY BOOK, Stillbirth Survival is now on AMAZON! Buy it HERE ************************************* This Podcast is brought to you by LossLink.com. Find your loss posse in our are or internationally! Join this private, membership based community today. NOTE: I am not a doctor or a therapist. This podcast is not in place of therapy. The views of my guests are not always reflective of my own. I am just a real life loss mom describing her experiences with life after loss. These are my experiences, and I'm putting it out there so you feel less alone. Always do your own research and make informed decisions! For more REAL TALK about stillbirth and grief, hit subscribe to be notified when another episode drops! Find me here: Instagram @thekatherinelazar Youtube: @thekatherinelazar Website: www.katherinelazar.com Local to Atlanta: https://www.northsidepnl.com/
Leaders Special. Cătălin Striblea a fost live cu Liliana Ruse. Aflăm culisele ședinței de la PNL. Cum a rezistat Bolojan în fața puciștilor. Ce dorește Nicușor Dan. Și cum își va impune guvernul.
In this "Mailbag" edition of the Healthful Woman podcast, Dr. Nathan Fox answers listener questions covering a range of women's health and obstetric topics. He addresses questions about chorioamnionitis found on placental pathology, returning to fertility after long-term Mirena IUD use, the history and current practice of episiotomies, and NICU level considerations for a planned VBAC delivery. The episode wraps up with a thorough discussion of Asherman's syndrome, including its causes, diagnosis, treatment via hysteroscopy, and implications for future fertility.
Conditions are becoming increasingly crowded in Oregon Health & Science University’s neonatal intensive care unit, raising concerns among patients and staff. That’s according to new reporting from InvestigateWest. Plans to expand capacity by building a new wing of OHSU's Doernbecher Children’s Hospital have largely stalled despite rising demand for neonatal intensive care nationwide. Danielle Dawson is a collaborative investigative reporter and Report for America corps member at InvestigateWest. She joins us with more details.
Guest: Sheehan Fisher Assistant Professor and Clinical Psychologist, Northwestern University CEU objectives for this episode: Explain the psychological and emotional impact of NICU hospitalization on fathers and male caregivers List three behavioral and/or nontraditional presentations of mental health concerns in men during the perinatal and NICU periods. Identify barriers to paternal mental health screening and referral This episode is eligible for CEUs. Visit https://handtohold.org/resources/podcasts/nicu-heroes/ to complete the questionnaire. It is the sole responsibility of the individual to verify if this credit is valid and eligible for use in your State and/or for your discipline for licensure or certification renewal.
Acest episod din Baricade a fost filmat într-un moment în care Eugen Tomac era încă premierul desemnat. Între timp, vestea acestei duminici (14 iunie) a schimbat complet tabla de șah politic: Tomac și-a depus mandatul, iar președintele Nicușor Dan l-a numit pe Adrian Veștea. Chiar vă rugăm să ne spuneți în comentarii: ce părere aveți despre această nouă mutare de la Cotroceni? Cum vedeți noul iureș politic? Înainte ca această bombă politică să explodeze, noi ne-am așezat la masă și am pus o întrebare grea, care ne apasă pe toți: Mai avem viitor în România? O dezbatere serioasă, cu argumente tari, perspective diferite și destule scântei între Radu Naum și Cătălin Striblea. Dacă îți place ce facem, nu uita să apeși pe SUBSCRIBE, să dai un LIKE și să activezi clopoțelul pentru notificări! 00:02:00 "Trăim în cea mai simpatică țară din lume" 00:12:50 Mai avem viitor în România? Argumentele lui Radu Naum 00:16:40 Cătălin Striblea: „În următorii ani, ești într-unul dintre cele mai bune locuri de pe pământ" 00:18:30 Paradoxul românesc: De ce avem cea mai mare migrație pe timp de pace? 00:21:00 O țară sufocată de clasa politică 00:25:18 Ce se întâmplă cu școala românească? 00:32:50 Sentimentul că "nu existăm" pentru stat 00:35:00 Care este, de fapt, modelul cultural românesc? 00:38:00 Cum funcționează România profundă? Despre „Neîncrederea" lui Radu Umbreș 00:45:20 Locul în care s-au întâlnit hoții cu proștii 00:47:17 Interviul cu Valeriu Stoica la Leaders 00:55:10 Vive la France éternelle 00:58:20 Exemplele bune din societate care ne dau speranță 01:02:45 O întâmplare bizară în parcarea unui mall 01:06:30 Portugalia: Un exemplu de succes în UE din care putem învăța 01:07:50 Pe când un parteneriat civil și în România?
If you’ve lived in New Orleans for any length of time, you know we love to rebuild. We rebuilt the levees. We rebuilt the schools. We rebuilt the Superdome. After every storm, we rebuild thousands of roofs and hundreds of homes. After Hurricane Katrina, a small group of New Orleanians decided that the way they could make a contribution toward saving the city was to help build companies. They revived a small volunteer-run organization called Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans. Three years later they turned it into a registered non-profit and gave it a new name. They called it, “Propeller.” The idea was - Find people in New Orleans who had identified a problem in their community and were trying to build a business or nonprofit to fix it. Get these folks in a room. Teach them how to read a balance sheet, how to apply for a grant, how to write a marketing plan, how to hire a bookkeeper. Then turn them loose. It worked. Today, Propeller is a business accelerator and co-working space that has seen more than 300 ventures go through its program. Those companies have generated over $290 million in revenue and external financing, and they’ve created more than 485 full and part-time jobs in the city. The CEO of Propeller is Jessica Allen. If you happened to watch HGTV in 2024, you may have caught a series called “Bargain Block: New Orleans.” It was a New Orleans spinoff of HGTV’s Detroit-based home renovation show. The two hosts had design ambitions. The person on the show who turned those ambitions into actual buildings, walls, and floors was a New Orleans general contractor named Charles Aponza. Charles came to New Orleans in 2012 to teach in the Recovery School District. He bought a fixer-upper, restored it himself, and then friends started asking him to help with their houses. In 2015 he turned his home building skills into a business - Brighter Horizons Construction. Charles and Brighter Horizons came up through Propeller’s Impact Accelerator. Then there’s the other side of what comes out of Propeller. A nonprofit. In 2014, Kimberly Novod and her husband Aaron were expecting their first child. Their son Saul was born prematurely at 28 weeks. He spent 20 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He died there. Kimberly has said publicly that the question she was left with was, “What do I do with all the love?” Her answer was Saul’s Light – a New Orleans nonprofit she founded to support NICU families and bereaved families across Louisiana. Today, Saul’s Light serves around 200 Louisiana families a year.Beyond emotional support, they provide financial assistance. And as an advocacy group, Saul’s Light has produced two Louisiana state laws – a tax credit for stillborn children, and a requirement that health insurance, including Medicaid, cover prescription human milk. There’s a tendency, when we talk about business in New Orleans, to default to conversations about tourism, hospitality, Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras… The fun stuff. We don’t hear so much about the social justice economy: people who are building businesses and organizations to fix things that are broken. At Propeller they put that work at the center of their existence. Charles came up through Propeller and grew a construction business that builds homes New Orleanians can actually afford. Kimberly came up through Propeller and built an organization that helps 200 families a year go through one of the hardest things a person can experience. As in music, sometimes in business the silence is as powerful as the conversation. Out to Lunch was recorded live over lunch at Columns in Uptown New Orleans. You can find photos from this show by Jill Lafleur at itsneworleans.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What happens when a nurse and a pediatrician decide that the antidote to moral distress might be poetry, circles, and the Artist's Way? In this episode, I sit down with Laura Holford, RN and Dr. Anu Gorukanti, co-founders of Introspective Spaces, to talk about contemplative practice, community care, and what it actually looks like to bring your whole weird human self to work. We get into activism, interfaith community, blackout poetry in the NICU, and why creativity isn't a luxury — it's an ethical necessity. This one lit a little firework show in my brain, and I think it might do the same for you.Connect with our guests:https://www.introspectivespaces.comhttps://www.instagram.com/introspectivespaces/https://www.linkedin.com/company/introspectivespaces/Learn more about Hippocratic Collective: https://hippocraticcollective.org/Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanchanmd
Send us Fan MailPhototherapy duration, jaundice and UTIs, extended CPAP, and The Pitt. A full week on the Incubator Journal Club.Ben opens with a nationwide Swedish cohort study from JAMA Network Open examining phototherapy duration in nearly 5,000 very preterm infants. Longer phototherapy was not significantly associated with late neonatal mortality, but six to seven days was associated with significantly higher rates of severe neonatal morbidity. With 95% of the cohort receiving phototherapy, Ben and Daphna question how much evidence actually supports the near-universal practice.Daphna follows with a retrospective study from Istanbul showing that 31% of term and near-term neonates hospitalized for unexplained hyperbilirubinemia had culture-proven UTIs, with pathological renal ultrasound findings independently associated with a 4.6-fold increased odds of UTI.Ben then reviews the extended CPAP secondary analysis by Mamidi and McEvoy, showing that two additional weeks of bubble CPAP reduced intermittent hypoxemia episodes from 151.7 to 57.6 compared to discontinued CPAP.Daphna closes with the NEOASP five-day UTI treatment guideline from Nationwide Children's Hospital, where a structured stewardship approach yielded a 1% failure rate.Ben and Eli close the week reflecting on The Pitt and what it reveals about the broken realities of American healthcare.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!
In this powerful episode of Very Bold Radio and Podcast, host Steve Teel sits down with Coach Joey Saxe, the newly appointed Assistant Athletic Director for Corpus Christi ISD and former head football coach at Akins High School in Austin. Coach Saxe shares his incredible journey of leadership, transitioning from a Title I high school football stadium to a larger district platform designed to resource and champion the next generation of educators and athletes. At the heart of this conversation is a breathtaking, unexplainable miracle. Coach Saxe opens up for the first time about his son Easton’s 100-day battle in the NICU after being born at just two pounds. He recounts the exact moment he prayed in a hospital chapel, asking God to transfer his son’s pain onto himself—only to witness a medical anomaly weeks later when severe brain bleeds completely resolved themselves, leaving doctors entirely speechless. Beyond the miracle, this episode is a masterclass in servant leadership. You will hear the genius "secret sauce" behind how Coach Saxe grew the Austin-area Peanut Butter Bowl into a community powerhouse—utilizing popsicles, pizza parties, and high school mascots to collect over a ton of peanut butter for local food banks. From achieving a 100% senior graduation rate to intentionally embedding core values across an entire school campus, Coach Sacks proves that a whistle is a tool for eternal transformation. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Power of a Visionary Coach: Why the lights on the stadium field eventually turn off for everyone, and why anchoring student-athletes in academics changes generations long after sports are over. The NICU Miracle: A raw, firsthand testimony of a father’s desperate prayer, a physical manifestation of taking on a son's pain, and a medical resolution that secular science could only call "unexplainable." Bridging the Campus Divide: How Coach Saxe built deep, intentional relationships with classroom teachers—from helping them unpack cars on day one to orchestrating formal, team-wide appreciation nights. The Peanut Butter Bowl Blueprint: Practical advice for young coaches on how to turn a simple community service project into a highly competitive, massive multi-school movement. Answering the Call: Understanding when to stay, when to step through an open door, and how to constantly strive to leave a place better than you found it. "Coaches will impact more kids in one year than most people will in their entire lives." — Billy Graham Connect with the Show: To stream more inspiring interviews and get the latest updates, visit verybold.com or email steve@verybold.com. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that God can heal, restore, and rewrite your story!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leaders Special. Cătălin Striblea a fost live cu omul de afaceri Matei Păun, fost colaborator al lui Nicușor Dan. Ce crede despre această criză politică. Cum gândește Nicușor Dan? De ce vrea un guvern tehnocrat. Și cum vede actuala criză economică. De ce nu s-a înțeles președintele cu Ilie Bolojan?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Neo News, Ben and Eli discuss the cultural phenomenon of HBO Max's new hit medical drama, The Pitt. Sparked by an insightful critique in The New Yorker by Dr. Dhruv Khullar, they dive into why this Noah Wyle-led series is capturing the attention of millions of Americans, including healthcare workers and patients alike. They explore how the show's unflinching portrayal of systemic failures, from ER overcrowding to uninsured patients leaving against medical advice, mirrors their daily reality in the hospital. Tune in as they discuss whether the shared humanity seen on screen can bridge the gap between doctors and patients or simply highlight the exhausting "pit" of modern medicine!----The Pitt: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-lede/what-the-pitt-taught-me-about-being-a-doctorSupport the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!
Happy Friday! Should be nice today with plenty of sun. Hope to see a bunch of you at Maple Grove Venues tomorrow night for 80's Fest!! In the news this morning, a false alarm at the Pentagon yesterday, another idiot at Yellowstone got too close to a bison and almost paid the price, the Wisconsin DNR & DMV have teamed up so you can purchase your state park pass when you renew your registration, the Rock(Dwayne Johnson) talks about his testicular cancer scare, and a message is etched in the lawn on the National Mall in D.C. In sports, the Brewers start a 3-game series against the Phillies tonight, the Hurricanes doubled-up the Golden Knights last night to take a 3-2 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final, the NBA Finals resume tomorrow night in San Antonio with the Spurs down 3-1 in the series, Nikita Kucherov wins his second Hart trophy, and Team USA plays against Paraguay later tonight in the World Cup. We talked about what's on TV this weekend and what's new in theaters. Plus, a look at some new music, and pop artist who's mom opted to see Korn at Lollapalooza last year rather than watch her own daughter! Elsewhere in sports, a look at the UFC 250 card, Zac Brown defends his upcoming performance of the National Anthem at that event, Phil Mickelson is accused of inappropriate contact with a female at a golf club & gets kicked out, and the crazy story about some la crosse players from Massachusetts who had to forfeit their shot at a state title. Great story about a missing dog that was reunited with it's owners after a car crash, and some NICU nurses created a special coloring book to help siblings of premature babies stay connected with their brothers & sisters who are in the unit. A woman is going viral for asking people how she can be more "difficult". Today is "Superman Day". It's also "National Jerky Day"…so make sure you grab some for a snack this afternoon! And check out this new way to fight back against oil spills. It's pretty friggin' cool. Doc joined us just after 8am this morning to talk NASCAR racing thanks to County Materials in Holmen & Eau Claire. And in today's edition of "Bad News with Happy Music", we had stories about a #FloridaMan who crashed his car…stole a woman's vehicle…stole a kid's French fry…tried to get a free milkshake…and got arrested while covered in blood, a pediatric surgeon installed a heart valve UPSIDE-DOWN in a 13 year-old girl, a fisherman on Nantucket beach wrestled with a Great White shark, a lemonade stand in South Boston gets robbed at gunpoint, and another #FloridaMan is wrongfully arrested because of A.I. facial recognition technology!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us Fan MailIs five days of antibiotics enough to treat a urinary tract infection in a NICU infant? In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a single-center study from Nationwide Children's Hospital examining adherence and safety of a five-day antibiotic treatment guideline for culture and urinalysis-proven UTIs in the NICU. Among 77 infants with 93 bacterial UTIs, the five-day course was associated with a 1% failure rate, defined as reinitiation of antibiotics within seven days for the same organism. The episode also explores the potential role of enteral antibiotic therapy and what shorter treatment courses could mean for babies still weeks away from discharge.----Urinary tract infection in the neonatal intensive care unit. Magers J, Burton A, Prusakov P, White NO, Miller RR, Moraille R, Theile AR, Sánchez PJ; Nationwide Children's Hospital Neonatal Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (NEO-ASP).J Perinatol. 2026 May;46(5):754-760. doi: 10.1038/s41372-026-02690-1. Epub 2026 Apr 29.PMID: 42056240 Free PMC article.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!
In this heartfelt episode, Kirsten shares the story of her unexpected twin pregnancy, a sudden placental abruption at just 27 weeks, and the terrifying emergency C-section that changed everything in a matter of minutes. Far from home and under general anesthesia, Kirsten woke up to a reality she never imagined: two extremely premature babies fighting for their lives in the NICU.Kirsten opens up about the grief, fear, and disconnection she experienced during those early days, as well as the challenges of navigating a lengthy NICU stay. She also shares how family support, community, faith, and time helped her process the trauma and begin healing. This episode is a powerful reminder that grief and gratitude can exist side by side, and that healing doesn't require forgetting what happened.In This Episode, We Discuss:
Send us Fan MailWhat happens to intermittent hypoxemia when you keep a stable preterm infant on CPAP for two extra weeks? In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a secondary analysis from the Journal of Pediatrics by Mamidi and McEvoy. Among 95 infants randomized to either two additional weeks of bubble CPAP on room air or discontinued CPAP, those in the extended CPAP group experienced significantly fewer intermittent hypoxemia episodes (57.6 versus 151.7), higher baseline saturations, and greater functional residual capacity. The episode also touches on the practical implications for units navigating oral feeding protocols alongside extended CPAP.----Extended Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Infants Born Preterm Decreases Intermittent Hypoxemia: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Mamidi RR, Go MDA, Harris J, Olson M, Milner K, Tepper RS, Morris C, Park B, Schelonka R, MacDonald KD, McEvoy CT.J Pediatr. 2026 May 25:115165. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2026.115165. Online ahead of print.PMID: 42190903Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!
In this week's podcast episode, Katonya shares the incredible story of her son Kareem and the unimaginable journey that led her into motherhood. At just 22 weeks and 6 days pregnant, Katonya unexpectedly went into labor and delivered Kareem alone at home before emergency responders arrived. She opens up about those terrifying moments, the shock of becoming a NICU mom in an instant, and the emotions of watching her son fight for his life.Katonya shares what it was like to navigate Kareem's 180-day NICU stay, the many medical hurdles he faced as a micropreemie, and the incredible NICU staff who helped carry their family through some of their darkest days. She also reflects on coming home as a medical mom, learning to navigate life after discharge, and how her perspective has evolved throughout the eight years since Kareem's birth.Today, Katonya is the founder of Konnected Thru 22, a nonprofit supporting NICU families through connection, resources, and hope.Whether you are in the NICU today or years beyond your stay, this conversation is a beautiful reminder to take life day by day and trust that you do not have to carry this journey alone!To get connected with Katonya:Website | Instagram | Podcast | BookTo get connected with DNM:Website | Private Facebook Group | InstagramSupport the show
Are Christian families looking for something different when it comes to education?With Texas public school enrollment declining by more than 47,000 students this year and national enrollment projections continuing downward, many parents are asking important questions about their children's education, faith formation, and sense of belonging.In this episode, Lynn sits down with Tricia Chinners, founder of Salt & Light Academy in Howe, Texas. A wife, mother, grandmother, and former NICU nurse, Tricia shares the incredible story of how God led her to create a unique learning environment where children can slow down, grow in responsibility, build meaningful relationships, and deepen their faith.Together they discuss:• Why families are exploring alternatives to traditional education• What parents are saying they want most for their children• How Salt & Light Academy combines faith, academics, farm life, and hands-on learning• The importance of belonging, connection, and character development• Biblical wisdom for moms making educational decisions• Following God's calling even when the outcome feels uncertain• How God has faithfully provided throughout the academy's journeyIf you've ever wondered how to raise godly kids in today's culture, sought Bible study verses for wisdom and direction, or wrestled with educational decisions for your family, this conversation will encourage and inspire you.Whether you're a homeschooling family, private school family, public school family, or simply seeking God's wisdom for motherhood, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope for raising children who know and love Christ.Seeing where God has been faithful before, we can rest that he will be faithful again!ENJOY friends and HAPPY WEDNESDAY!Quiet Time CoachLeave a ReviewBecome an InsiderLynn's DevotionalBLOGInstagramLYNN's Amazon StorefrontLinktree
Send us Fan MailIn this Journal Club episode, Daphna reviews a retrospective cohort study from Istanbul examining clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound factors associated with UTI in neonates hospitalized for unexplained hyperbilirubinemia. Among 96 term and near-term infants, 31% had culture-proven UTIs, a striking prevalence. Pathological renal ultrasound findings were independently associated with UTI, with affected neonates 4.6 times more likely to have a concurrent infection. Notably, standard laboratory markers including CRP and white blood cell count failed to distinguish UTI-positive from UTI-negative infants. The findings prompt a practical question: should urine culture be part of the routine workup for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia?----Renal ultrasonography findings are associated with urinary tract infection in neonates with asymptomatic hyperbilirubinemia. Sarı EE, Salihoğlu Ö.J Perinatol. 2026 Apr 13. doi: 10.1038/s41372-026-02686-x. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41975209Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!
In this deeply moving episode of Our Forever Smiles, host Laura Arroyo sits down with Maria, a cleft mom from Greece, to share her powerful journey of navigating a prenatal cleft diagnosis, unexpected fear, and finding strength through motherhood and community. Maria opens up about the emotional moment she learned her son had a cleft lip, the devastating and ultimately incorrect Down syndrome scare she received from her first doctor, and how that experience forever changed her as a mother, wife, and advocate. She shares the realities of cleft care in Greece, where resources and feeding supplies are limited, and how a small but passionate Facebook community of cleft families became a lifeline of support. Together, Laura and Maria discuss NICU experiences, surgery fears, feeding challenges, postpartum emotions, and the incredible resilience parents discover when advocating for their children. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that no matter where you are in the world, cleft families are connected through love, courage, and community. Whether you are newly diagnosed, preparing for surgery, or simply searching for reassurance, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and less alone. Links: Greek FB Group Buy Us a Coffee FB Support Group
Send us Fan MailIn this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a nationwide Swedish cohort study examining the association between phototherapy duration and neonatal outcomes in very preterm infants (22 to 31 weeks). The study's primary outcome, late neonatal mortality on days 8 to 27, was not significantly associated with phototherapy duration. However, longer phototherapy exposure was associated with increased odds of severe neonatal morbidity, including IVH and BPD, in infants born at 26 to 31 weeks. The findings prompt an important conversation about the near-universal use of phototherapy in preterm neonates and whether current practice warrants reassessment.----Phototherapy, Morbidity, and Mortality in Very Preterm Newborns. Deschmann E, Håkansson S, Söderling J, Norman M.JAMA Netw Open. 2026 May 1;9(5):e2614107. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.14107.PMID: 42166159 Free PMC article.Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.Enjoy!
More from VPM News: New Woodville ES on hold due to $41M Richmond Public Schools funding gap Richmond 311 flood calls show uneven reporting, response times Henrico releases development plan for Best Products site, Brook Road corridor On the agenda: RPS budget cuts, Richmond resident planning commission WATCH: Some Virginian Voters Still in 'Limbo' (YouTube) Other links: Former RPS employee's defamation suit has its first hearing, but without her lawyer (The Richmonder) Report finds Henrico Doctors' Hospital threw ‘cloak of secrecy' over internal investigation into NICU nurse (WRIC) $13B USS Ford needs costly system flush for plumbing repairs (WHRO) Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.
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Dave took another trip to the emergency room this week — though this one wasn't for him. His daughter Bernadette and one of his boys built a foam block bridge, she went off the side of it, landed on the wall, and broke her clavicle. Clean break. When Adam got the x-ray, he zoomed in, screenshotted just the broken collarbone, and sent it to Lady Haylee with no context — let her think Adam had been out grinding, building fences, shouldering it like a tough guy. Bernadette, for the record, is doing great. Three weeks and she's back to normal. As Dave put it, if you're going to break your clavicle, do it young. Don't do it at Jim's age.A lot of life packed into this one before the topic. Adam and his boys, Luke and Jude, are going to read the Aeneid together this summer — Luke already read it at Holy Family Classical School, so he'll lead the way. Adam helped Dave harvest wheat (the invoice is coming), and the two of them talked homesteading honestly: you don't get into it to save time or money. It's a lifestyle, and the pork chop costs $400 if you're foolish enough to count your own labor. Adam also turned 40 — by the time this airs, the birthday's passed — and he spent his Substack this week reflecting on the four ten-year cycles he's got left, if he's lucky. The big lesson from 30 to 40: he had it backwards. He was making his life serve the business instead of the business serve his life. Build the habits of prayer, reading, and friendship young, because life only gets busier, and it's far easier to keep a habit than to add one.Two prayer requests worth holding. Lady Pamela's due date is this week — baby Niles number seven, two middle names this time, names not yet shared. And baby Mary is still in the NICU. They're going to try again this week to take her off the breathing tube. She's weaning off sedation — which means withdrawals, which is hard — but she's gaining weight and getting stronger. Get past the tube and the next hill is open heart surgery. Adam's grateful for every prayer, and for the guys who sent DoorDash cards. Keep praying for Mary. And a shout-out to Dan O'Brien, David's father-in-law, walking the Camino as this drops — Dan, hope the feet are holding up.This week's pour is a funny one: WhistlePig's 250th Anniversary of America 10-Year "Piggy Bank" Limited Edition Straight Rye, 55% ABV. The box is a literal piggy bank and the bottle is a chrome-plated ceramic pig. Spicier and more herbal than your Weller or Buffalo Trace — but smooth for the proof, with caramel and warm undertones. Picked up at Broken Arrow Wine and Spirits, owned by a good Catholic family from St. Benedict. Jim's yummy scale (bourbon scale): 5.87 out of 6.Then the main course: the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. Luke 2, the last joyful mystery, the only Gospel that records it — and the very first time Jesus is recorded speaking. Adam walks through it with the Catena Aurea, Aquinas's compilation of the Church Fathers edited by St. John Henry Newman. The caravan to Jerusalem split women and children up front, men in the back, and a twelve-year-old could be in either — so Mary thought He was with Joseph, Joseph thought He was with Mary. Theophylact says it wasn't negligence. A logistical blind spot. Any father who's left a kid at church after coffee and donuts gets it.The three days they searched? St. Ambrose says that's no accident — a rehearsal for the three days of the Passion, lost and then found again. The age of twelve is no accident either: right before the bar mitzvah, the Lord fulfilling the law perfectly, right on time, and twelve standing for the tribes and the apostles. Watch Mary, too. She brings her grief straight to her Son without accusation — "why have you done this to us?" — modeling how a soul carries pain to Christ: honestly, blaming no one, trusting before she fully understands. Watch Joseph, who says nothing, and pursues his mission relentlessly without drama. That's the masculine answer to adversity: very well, and you handle it. Protect, provide, establish.Was Jesus being disobedient? The Fathers say no — His higher obedience to His Father's business ran underneath the surface, and verse 51 shows Him going home and being subject to them. God first, then family, and that order doesn't fracture the home. It grounds it. And where did they find Him? In the temple. His Father's house. Which is the whole point: you can find Jesus in nature, in the car, anywhere — but you are guaranteed to find Him in the church, body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the tabernacle of every Catholic church in the world. If you want to become holy, go be with Him. Get an adoration hour. Holiness doesn't happen the way Adam's buddy Juan figured he'd "just kind of one day have a six pack." You have to do something about it. Raise your glass.TOPICS COVEREDDave's daughter Bernadette breaking her clavicle falling off a foam block bridge the kids builtAdam screenshotting the x-ray and sending just the broken collarbone to Lady Haylee with no contextAdam reading the Aeneid with his sons Luke and Jude this summer — and why he's doing it men's-group styleHarvesting wheat, and the honest economics of homesteading ("the $400 pork chop")Why you never homestead to save time or money — it's a lifestyle, not a shortcutAdam turning 40 and his Substack reflection on the four ten-year cycles he has leftThe biggest lesson from 30 to 40 — making the business serve your life instead of your life serving the businessWhy habits of prayer, reading, and friendship are easier to keep than to add laterLeveraging competent friends instead of trying to do everything yourselfLady Pamela due this week with baby Niles number seven — and the two-middle-names debateBaby Mary update — another attempt to come off the breathing tube, weaning off sedation, gaining weightWhy open heart surgery is the next hill after the breathing tubeDan O'Brien walking the Camino — a shout-out for sore feetBourbon of the week: WhistlePig 250th Anniversary 10-Year "Piggy Bank" Limited Edition Straight Rye, 55% ABVThe ceramic pig bottle, the piggy-bank box, and why a limited shelf whiskey runs $250–$350Jim's yummy scale hitting 5.87 out of 6 on the bourbon scaleThe Finding of Jesus in the Temple — Luke 2, the last joyful mystery, and the only Gospel that records itThe first recorded words of Our LordReading the story through the Catena Aurea — Aquinas's compilation of the Fathers, edited by St. John Henry NewmanHow the Passover caravan split women and children up front and men in the back — and how Jesus fell into the gapTheophylact on why it was a logistical blind spot, not negligence or bad parentingSt. Ambrose on the three-day search foreshadowing the three days of the Passion and ResurrectionWhy the age of twelve matters — the year before the bar mitzvah, and the symbolism of the twelve tribes and apostlesJesus fulfilling the law perfectly and right on time, not jumping aheadMary bringing her grief to Christ without accusation — the model for carrying pain to the Lord"About my father's business" vs. "in my father's house" — the translation and what it meansSt. Bede on faith preceding comprehension — assenting before fully understandingSt. Joseph as the model father — pursuing his mission relentlessly, without drama or self-pityMary honoring Joseph's fatherhood — "your father and I" — and why spouses don't belittle each otherHow complaining about your spouse to others actually breaks your wedding vowsWas Jesus disobedient? The Fathers say no — the higher obedience running underneathThe devil's-advocate case that He chose to be left behind, and His right as the Logos to do soJesus using the Socratic method in the temple — asking questions and "making them wonder upon him"The hierarchy of Christ's presence — and why you're guaranteed to find Him in the tabernacleA convert's story and the simple counsel: you just need to be in front of Jesus"Nothing if not you" — non nisi te, Domine — St. Thomas Aquinas's answer to the LordThe spiritual six pack — why holiness never just "happens on its own"Getting an adoration hour as a statement about the kind of man you want to beREFERENCED IN THIS EPISODEBooks & Writings:Catena Aurea by St. Thomas Aquinas, edited by St. John Henry Newman (the Fathers' commentary on the Gospels)The Gospel of Luke, chapter 2 (the Finding in the Temple, vv. 41–52)The Aeneid by Virgil (Adam's summer read with his sons)The Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer (mentioned alongside Luke's classical reading)Adam's Substack, The Grounded Builder — this week's reflection on his ten-year cyclesSaints & Church Fathers:St. Thomas Aquinas (the Catena Aurea; non nisi te, Domine)St. John Henry Newman (editor of the Catena Aurea)Theophylact (the caravan blind spot, not negligence)St. Ambrose (the three days foreshadowing the Passion; Mary's grief without rebuke; "right on time")St. Bede the Venerable (faith preceding comprehension; the hierarchy of loves)St. Teresa of Avila ("no wonder you have so few friends, with how you treat them")St. Humbert of Romans (the importance of place and location in prayer)The Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph (the model of unified, honoring...
On June 1, Illinois' Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act went into effect. The law entitles eligible parents with babies in the NICU with up to 20 days of unpaid leave. For more on what this new law could mean for families, In the Loop sits down with three Illinois mothers: Francennett Llamas of The Little Warriors Project, Amanda Santoro with The Little Giraffe Foundation, and Chicago resident Areli Flores. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.
Adam's youngest son, John, locked himself in the bathroom. No big deal — kid's fine, sang songs in there for forty-five minutes like a champ. The problem was the doorknob. Broken cam, broken spring, faceplate screws on the wrong side, and no way in. So Adam did what any father of six at the end of a long day does: he took an angle grinder to the thing and ground the entire doorknob into a pile of metal shards on the floor. Dave's suggestion — order the door open under holy obedience — came in a little too late.Then Dave told on himself. Reseating a toilet, scraping the wax ring, already in a state of borderline rage. He bumped the tank against the tile and cracked it. In a fit of Herculean fury he hoisted the seat over his head, ready to Hulk-smash it into a million pieces — and heard, somewhere, his guardian angel. Jesus doesn't want you to do this. He set it down. Didn't destroy it. And got rewarded for it: American Standard honored a lifetime warranty he didn't know he had and shipped him a $1,600 toilet, free, to replace the $200 one he broke. Resisting the rage paid out at eight to one.Then a quieter note. Baby Mary is still in the NICU. They got her off the breathing tube — she lasted about 24 hours before she had to be re-intubated. Good progress, long road still ahead. Oklahoma City's two hours off, the kids are out of school, and the Minihans are looking at hiring a nanny. But Adam wanted to brag on Lady Haylee. A stranger at the NICU left her a handwritten note and a crochet sweater with Mary's name on it — telling Haylee her faith had been an encouragement, that God is using her right there in that place. Haylee wasn't trying to be a witness. She was just being a mother in a hard place. That's exactly why it landed. Keep praying for Mary.This week's pour: Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Straight Bourbon from Nevada H&C Distilling out of Las Vegas. 59.29% ABV — hand-written on the bottle, so every batch runs a little different. Hot, full-flavored, plenty of grit. Jim's yummy scale gave it a 6.0, which broke the scale, because the scale apparently only went to four until tonight.Then the real work. The spiritual significance of manual labor. Summer's coming — the season of labor — and the guys make the case that work isn't a curse of the fall. Adam was tending the garden before sin entered the world. His very name comes from the dirt — adamah — made from it, named for it, made to work it. St. Augustine: what's more wonderful than to watch God's creation respond to human hands? Aquinas gives his four reasons for manual labor — obtain your livelihood, remove idleness, curb concupiscence ("I'm almost too tired to sin"), and give alms from the surplus. And the deeper distinction: servile work, done out of necessity, and liberal work, done for the sake of rest. We don't work to work. We work so we can look at what we've made, see that it is good, and rest. Same thing a man does in the soil, he does for his wife — order the environment so the thing entrusted to him can thrive. Protect, provide, establish.It's hard. It's supposed to be. What did you think hard was going to be? The man who can fix things is a threat to the throwaway culture — and the same will that fixes a thing is the will that prays the rosary on the morning you'd rather not. Raise your glass.TOPICS COVEREDAdam grinding his kid's bathroom doorknob into shards with an angle grinder after his son John got locked inDave nearly Hulk-smashing a toilet seat in a fit of rage — and the guardian angel that stopped himHow resisting the rage earned Dave a free $1,600 American Standard toilet under a lifetime warrantyBaby Mary update — off the breathing tube for 24 hours, re-intubated, long road still aheadThe Minihans looking at hiring a full-time nanny with the kids out of schoolThe handwritten note and crochet sweater a stranger left Lady Haylee at the NICUHow you carry suffering as a Christian can be a witness even when you're not trying to be oneBourbon of the week: Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Straight Bourbon, Nevada H&C Distilling, 59.29% ABVJim's yummy scale hitting 6.0 and breaking its own four-point ceilingWhy we even have to talk about manual labor when it used to be everybody's daily lifeAttention as agency — guarding what you direct your mind toward in a world built to fracture itAcedia, apathy, and becoming a cog flung to and fro like Francesca in Dante's ninth circle"The world fears the man who can fix things" — Fr. Mori of Clear Creek AbbeyThrowaway culture and why things are programmed now instead of built to be repairedAdam's M6 Marketing memo on "character without exception" — work and life are one line, not twoManual labor in Genesis — Adam tending the garden before the fall, not afterAdamah — why the first man was made from dirt, named for dirt, and made to work itSt. Augustine on God's creation responding to human handsAquinas's four necessities of manual labor: livelihood, removing idleness, curbing concupiscence, giving alms"I'm almost too tired to sin" — why a hard day's work curbs temptationServile work vs. liberal work — laboring out of necessity vs. laboring for the sake of restJosef Pieper and the Catholic mind: we work so that we can restWhy hard is supposed to be hard, and how it trains the willChoosing to pray the rosary on the morning you've already decided you won'tSelf-sacrificial love — doing the dishes when you don't want to, because she shouldn't have toPrayer as both work and rest — peace as the tranquility of order in this life, rest in the nextWhy unstructured, leisurely time is where the desire to write, paint, and create actually surfacesPassing the habit of manual labor — and the courage to fix things — down to your kids"It's not about the nail" — the philosophy of life behind refusing to just throw things awayREFERENCED IN THIS EPISODEBooks & Writings:In Tune with the World: A Theory of Festivity by Josef PieperLeisure, the Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper (Pieper's broader work on work and rest)Adam's Substack, The Grounded Builder — recent article on five overlooked books worth readingThe Book of Genesis (the creation and naming of Adam; the call to tend the garden)Dante's Inferno (the ninth circle; Francesca in the second circle, flung to and fro)Shakespeare's As You Like It (staged locally by the Sheard family and other homeschool families)Saints & Historical Figures:St. Thomas Aquinas (the four necessities of manual labor; servile vs. liberal work)St. Augustine ("what is more wonderful than to observe the workings of nature...")Adam (the first man — adamah, made from and for the dirt)People:Adam Minihan (host; founder of M6 Marketing; writes The Grounded Builder on Substack)Dave Niles (host)Jim (in studio — keeper of the yummy scale; shipping Patreon gifts; prays with Hallow)Fr. Mori of Clear Creek Abbey ("the world fears the man who can fix things")Brandon Sheard (quoted the same line; the Sheard family staged the Shakespeare production)Dan (Dave's father-in-law — never trusted a man who works with music on in the background)Josef Pieper ("the peepster" — Adam's favorite German philosopher)Bob Ross (Dave's aspirational painting instructor)Lady Haylee MinihanLady Pamela NilesPrograms & Institutions:Clear Creek AbbeyHallow (prayer app — Jim uses it; not a sponsor)M6 Marketing (Adam's company)SPONSOR BLOCKSponsor: Select International Tours — selectinternationaltours.comWhen Adam and Dave decided to lead their first pilgrimage, one name kept coming up: Select International Tours. They're the best. Having used them, the guys can vouch for it. Wherever in the world you want to go, Select has a tour ready. Whether you're looking to lead a pilgrimage or attend one, head to selectinternationaltours.com and see everything they offer. You won't regret it.Support the show: patreon.com/thecatholicmanshow — Patreon gifts are shipping out again, and the Catholic Man Show Glencairn glass is being paused soon (maybe back around Christmas). If you want one, become a patron now — you've got about four minutes.
Romanian authorities say a Russian drone has crashed into a residential building in eastern Romania, causing a fire and injuring two people in the major port city of Galati. The episode has sparked a chorus of condemnation from NATO and EU leaders, who have accused Russia of acting recklessly. The Romanian president, Nicușor Dan, has described this as the most serious security incident to occur on Romanian territory since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Also: eight students have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a deadly fire at a girls school in Kenya; Anthropic, the firm behind the Claude chatbot, overtakes OpenAI to become the world's most valuable AI startup; WHO chief lands in the Democratic Republic of Congo to address rare Ebola outbreak; what two decades of anonymous Google searches tell us about our habits over time; and Lucian Freud's muse Sue Tilley tells us what it's like to be the subject of a painting worth a fortune. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk