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EP166 Interview With Mark & Simon From Elinchrom UK I sit down with Mark Cheatham and Simon Burfoot from Elinchrom UK to talk about the two words that matter most when you work with light: accuracy and consistency. We dig into flash vs. continuous, shaping light (not just adding it), why reliable gear shortens your workflow, and Elinchrom's new LED 100 C—including evenly filling big softboxes and that handy internal battery. We also wander into AI: threats, tools, and why authenticity still carries the highest value.   Links: Elinchrom UK store/info: https://elinchrom.co.uk/ LED 100 C product page: https://elinchrom.co.uk/elinchrom-led-100-c Rotalux Deep Octa / strips: https://elinchrom.co.uk/elinchrom-rotalux-deep-octabox-100cm-softbox/ My workshop dates: https://masteringportraitphotography.com/workshops-and-mentoring/ Transcript: Paul: as quite a lot of, you know, I've had a love affair with Elinchrom Lighting for the past 20 something years. In fact, I'm sitting with one of the original secondhand lights I bought from the Flash Center 21 years ago in London. And on top of that, you couldn't ask for a nicer set of guys in the UK to deal with. So I'm sitting here about to talk to Simon and Mark from Elinchrom uk. I'm Paul and this is the Mastering Portrait Photography podcast. Paul: So before we get any further, tell me a little bit about who you are, each of you and the team from Elinchrom UK Mark: After you, Simon. Simon: Thank you very much, mark. Mark: That's fine. Simon: I'm, Simon Burfoot. I have, been in the industry now for longer than I care to think. 35 years almost to the, to the day. Always been in the industry even before I left school because my father was a photographer and a lighting tutor, working for various manufacturers I was always into photography, and when he started the whole lighting journey. I got on it with him, and was learning from a very young age. Did my first wedding at 16 years old. Had a Saturday job which turned into a full-time job in a retail camera shop. By the time I was 18, I was managing my own camera shop, in a little town in the Cotswolds called Cirencester. My dad always told me that to be a photographic rep in the industry, you needed to see it from all angles, to get the experience. So I ended up, working in retail, moving over to a framing company. Finishing off in a prolab, hand printing, wedding photographers pictures, processing E6 and C41, hand correcting big prints for framing for, for customers, which was really interesting and I really enjoyed it. And then ended up working for a company called Leeds Photo Visual, I was a Southwest sales guy for them. Then I moved to KJP before it became, what we know now as Wex, and got all of the customers back that I'd stolen for them for Leeds. And then really sort of started my career progressing through, and then started to work with Elinchrom, on the lighting side. Used Elinchrom way before I started working with them. I like you a bit of a love affair. I'd used lots of different lights and, just loved the quality of the light that the Elinchrom system produced. And that's down to a number of factors that I could bore you with, but it's the quality of the gear, the consistency in terms of color, and exposure. Shooting film was very important to have that consistency because we didn't have Photoshop to help us out afterwards. It was a learning journey, but I, I hit my goal after being a wedding photographer and a portrait photographer in my spare time, working towards getting out on the road, meeting people and being involved in the industry, which I love. And I think it's something that I'm scared of leaving 'cause I dunno anything else. It's a wonderful industry. It has its quirks, its, downfalls at points, but actually it's a really good group of people and everyone kind of, gets on and we all love working with each other. So we're friends rather than colleagues. Paul: I hesitate to ask, given the length of that answer, to cut Simon: You did ask. Mark: I know. Paul: a short story Mark: was wondering if I was gonna get a go. Paul: I was waiting to get to end into the podcast and I was about to sign off. Mark: So, hi Mark Cheatham, sales director for Elinchrom uk this is where it gets a little bit scary because me and Simon have probably known each other for 10 years, yet our journeys in the industry are remarkably similar. I went to college, did photography, left college, went to work at commercial photographers and hand printers. I was a hand printer, mainly black and white, anything from six by four to eight foot by four foot panels, which are horrible when you're deving in a dish. But we did it. Paul: To the generation now, deving in a dish doesn't mean anything. Simon: No, it doesn't. Mark: And, and when you're doing a eight foot by four foot print and you've got it, you're wearing most of the chemistry. You went home stinking every night. I was working in retail. As a Saturday lad and then got promoted from the Saturday lad to the manager and went to run a camera shop in a little town in the Lake District called Kendall. I stayed there for nine years. I left there, went on the road working for a brand called Olympus, where I did 10 years, I moved to Pentax, which became Rico Pentax. I did 10 years there. I've been in the industry all my life. Like Simon, I love the industry. I did go out the industry for 18 months where I went into the wonderful world of high end commercial vr, selling to blue light military, that sort of thing. And then came back. One of the, original members of Elinchrom uk. I don't do as much photography as Simon I take photos every day, probably too many looking at my Apple storage. I do shoot and I like shooting now and again, but I'm not a constant shooter like you guys i'm not a professional shooter, but when you spent 30 odd years in the industry, and part of that, I basically run the, the medium format business for Pentax. So 645D, 645Z. Yeah, it was a great time. I love the industry and, everything about it. So, yeah, that's it Paul: Obviously both of you at some point put your heads together and decided Elinchrom UK was the future. What triggered that and why do you think gimme your sales pitch for Elinchrom for a moment and then we can discuss the various merits. Simon: The sales pitch for Elinchrom is fairly straightforward. It's a nice, affordable system that does exactly what most photographers would like. We sell a lot of our modifiers, so soft boxes and things like that to other users, of Prophoto, Broncolor. Anybody else? Because actually the quality of the light that comes out the front of our diffusion material and our specular surfaces on the soft boxes is, is a lot, lot more superior than, than most. A lot more superior. A lot more Mark: A lot more superior. Paul: more superior. Simon: I'm trying to Paul: Superior. Simon: It's superior. And I think Paul, you'll agree, Paul: it's a lot more, Simon: You've used different manufacturers over the years and, I think the quality of light speaks for itself. As a photographer I want consistency. Beautiful light and the effects that the Elinchrom system gives me, I've tried other soft boxes. If you want a big contrasty, not so kind light, then use a cheaper soft box. If I've got a big tattoo guy full of piercings you're gonna put some contrasty light to create some ambience. Maybe the system for that isn't good enough, but for your standard portrait photographer in a studio, I don't think you can beat the light. Mark: I think the two key words for Elinchrom products are accuracy and consistency. And that's what, as a portrait photographer, you should be striving for, you don't want your equipment to lengthen your workflow or make your job harder in post-production. If you're using Elinchrom lights with Elinchrom soft boxes or Elinchrom modifiers, you know that you're gonna get accuracy and consistency. Which generally makes your job easier. Paul: I think there's a bit that neither of you, I don't think you've quite covered, and it's the bit of the puzzle that makes you want to use whatever is the tool of your trade. I mean, I worked with musicians, I grew up around orchestras. Watching people who utterly adore the instrument that's in their hand. It makes 'em wanna play it. If you own the instrument that you love to play, whether it's a drum kit a trumpet a violin or a piano, you will play it and get the very best out of your talent with it. It's just a joy to pick it up and use it for all the little tiny things I think it's the bit you've missed in your descriptions of it is the utter passion that people that use it have for it. Mark: I think one of the things I learned from my time in retail, which was obviously going back, a long way, even before digital cameras One of the things I learned from retail, I was in retail long before digital cameras, retail was a busier time. People would come and genuinely ask for advice. So yes, someone would come in and what's the best camera for this? Or what's the best camera for that? Honestly there is still no answer to that. All the kit was good then all the kit is good now. You might get four or five different SLRs out. And the one they'd pick at the end was the one that they felt most comfortable with and had the best connection with. When you are using something every day, every other day, however it might be, it becomes part of you. I'm a F1 fan, if you love the world of F1, you know that an F1 car, the driver doesn't sit in an F1 car, they become part of the F1 car. When you are using the same equipment day in, day out, you don't have to think about what button to press, what dial to to turn. You do it. And that, I think that's the difference between using something you genuinely love and get on with and using something because that's what you've got. And maybe that's a difference you genuinely love and get on with Elinchrom lights. So yes, they're given amazing output and I know there's, little things that you'd love to see improved on them, but that's not the light output. Paul: But the thing is, I mean, I've never, I've never heard the F1 analogy, but it's not a bad one. When you talk about these drivers and their cars and you are right, they're sort of symbiotic, so let's talk a little bit about why we use flash. So from the photographers listening who are just setting out, and that's an awful lot of our audience. I think broadly speaking, there are two roads or three roads, if you include available light if you're a portrait photographer. So there's available light. There's continuous light, and then there's strobes flash or whatever you wanna call it. Of course, there's, hybrid modeling and all sorts of things, but those are broadly the three ways that you're gonna light your scene or your subject. Why flash? What is it about that instantaneous pulse of light from a xenon tube that so appealing to photographers? Simon: I think there's a few reasons. The available light is lovely if you can control it, and by that I mean knowing how to use your camera, and control the ambient light. My experience of using available light, if you do it wrong, it can be quite flat and uninteresting. If you've got a bright, hot, sunny day, it can be harder to control than if it's a nice overcast day. But then the overcast day will provide you with some nice soft, flat lighting. Continuous light is obviously got its uses and there's a lot of people out there using it because what they see is what they get. The way I look at continuous light is you are adding to the ambient light, adding more daylight to the daylight you've already got, which isn't a problem, but you need to control that light onto the subject to make the subject look more interesting. So a no shadow, a chin shadow to show that that subject is three dimensional. There are very big limitations with LED because generally it's very unshapable. By that I mean the light is a very linear light. Light travels in straight lines anyway, but with a flash, we can shape the light, and that's why there's different shapes and sizes of modifiers, but it's very difficult to shape correctly -an LED array, the flash for me, gives me creativity. So with my flash, I get a sharper image to start with. I can put the shadows and the light exactly where I want and use the edge of a massive soft box, rather than the center if I'm using a flash gun or a constant light. It allows me to choose how much or how little contrast I put through that light, to create different dynamics in the image. It allows me to be more creative. I can kill the ambient light with flash rather than adding to it. I can change how much ambient I bring into my flash exposure. I've got a lot more control, and I'm not talking about TTL, I'm talking about full manual control of using the modifier, the flash, and me telling the camera what I want it to do, rather than the camera telling me what it thinks is right. Which generally 99% of the time is wrong. It's given me a beautiful, average exposure, but if I wanted to kill the sun behind the subject, well it's not gonna do that. It's gonna give me an average of everything. Whereas Flash will just give me that extra opportunity to be a lot more creative and have a lot more control over my picture. I've got quite a big saying in my workshops. I think a decent flash image is an image where it looks like flash wasn't used. As a flash photographer, Paul, I expect you probably agree with me, anyone can take a flash image. The control of light is important because anybody can light an image, but to light the subject within the image and control the environmental constraints, is the key to it and the most technical part of it. Mark: You've got to take your camera off P for professional to do that. You've got to turn it off p for professional and get it in manual mode. And that gives you the control Paul: Well, you say that, We have to at some point. Address the fact that AI is not just coming, it's sitting here in our studios all the time, and we are only a heartbeat away from P for professional, meaning AI analyzed and creating magic. I don't doubt for a minute. I mean, right now you're right, but not Mark: Well, at some point it will be integrated into the camera Paul: Of course it will. Mark: If you use an iPhone or any other phone, you know, we are using AI as phone photographers, your snapshots. You take your kids, your dogs, whatever they are highly modified images. Paul: Yeah. But in a lot of the modern cameras, there's AI behind the scenes, for instance, on the focusing Mark: Yeah. Paul: While we've, we are on that, we were on that thread. Let's put us back on that thread for a second. What's coming down the line with, all lighting and camera craft with ai. What are you guys seeing that maybe we're not Simon: in terms of flash technology or light technology? Paul: Alright. I mean, so I mean there's, I guess there's two angles, isn't there? What are the lights gonna do that use ai? What are the controllers gonna do, that uses ai, but more importantly, how will it hold its own in a world where I can hit a button and say, I want rebrand lighting on that face. I can do that today. Mark: Yeah. Simon: I'm not sure the lighting industry is anywhere near producing anything that is gonna give what a piece of software can give, because there's a lot more factors involved. There's what size light it is, what position that light is in, how high that light is, how low that light is. And I think the software we've all heard and played with Evoto we were talking about earlier, I was very skeptical and dubious about it to start with as everybody would be. I'm a Photoshop Lightroom user, have been for, many years. And I did some editing, in EEvoto with my five free credits to start with, three edits in, I bought some credits because I thought, actually this is very, very good. I'll never use it for lighting i'd like to think I can get that right myself. However, if somebody gives you a, a very flat image of a family outside and say, well, could you make this better for me? Well, guess what? I can do whatever you like to it. Is it gonna attack the photographer that's trying to earn a living? I think there's always a need for people to take real photographs and family photographs. I think as photographers, we need to embrace it as an aid to speed up our workflow. I don't think it will fully take over the art of photography because it's a different thing. It's not your work. It's a computer generated AI piece of work in my head. Therefore, who's responsible for that image? Who owns the copyright to that image? We deal with photographers all the time who literally point a camera, take a picture and spend three hours editing it and tell everyone that, look at this. The software's really good and it's made you look good. I think AI is capable of doing that to an extent. In five years time, we'll look back at Evoto today and what it's producing and we'll think cracky. That was awful. It's like when you watch a high definition movie from the late 1990s, you look at it and it was amazing at the time, but you look at it now and you think, crikey, look at the quality of it. I dunno if we're that far ahead where we won't get to that point. The quality is there. I mean, how much better can you go than 4K, eight K minus, all that kind of stuff. I'm unsure, but I don't think the AI side of it. Is applicable to flash at this moment in time? I don't know. Mark: I think you're right. To look at the whole, photography in general. If you are a social photographer, family photographer, whatever it might be, you are genuinely capturing that moment in time that can't be replaced. If you are a product photographer, that's a different matter. I think there's more of a threat. I think I might be right in saying. I was looking, I think I saw it on, LinkedIn. There is a fashion brand in the UK at the moment that their entire catalog of clothing has been shot without models. When you look at it on the website, there's models in it. They shoot the clothing on mannequins and then everything else is AI generated they've been developing their own AI platform now for a number of years. Does the person care Who's buying a dress for 30 quid? Probably not, but if you are photographing somebody's wedding, graduation, some, you know, a genuine moment in someone's life, I think it'd be really wrong to use any sort of AI other than a little bit of post-production, which we know is now quite standard for many people in the industry. Paul: Yeah, the curiosity for me is I suspect as an industry, Guess just released a full AI model advert in, Vogue. Declared as AI generated an ai agency created it. Everything about it is ai. There's no real photography involved except in the learning side of it. And that's a logical extension of the fact we've been Photoshopping to such a degree that the end product no longer related to the input. And we've been doing that 25 years. I started on Photoshop version one, whatever that was, 30 years More than 33. So we've kind of worked our way into a corner where the only way out of it is to continue. There's no backtracking now. Mark: Yeah. Paul: I think the damage to the industry though, or the worry for the industry, I think you're both right. I think if you can feel it, touch it, be there, there will always be that importance. In fact, the provenance of authenticity. Is the high value ticket item now, Simon: Mm-hmm. Paul: because you, everything else is synthetic, you can trust nothing. We are literally probably months away from 90% of social media being generated by ai. AI is both the consumer and the generator of almost everything online Mark: Absolutely. Paul: Goodness knows where we go. You certainly can't trust anything you read. You can't trust anything you see, so authenticity, face-to-face will become, I think a high value item. Yeah. Mark: Yeah. Paul: I think one problem for us as an industry in terms of what the damage might be is that all those people that photograph nameless products or create books, you know, use photography and then compositing for, let's say a novel that's gone, stock libraries that's gone because they're faceless. Simon: Mm-hmm. Paul: there doesn't have to be authentic. A designer can type in half a dozen keywords. Into an AI engine and get what he needs. If he doesn't get what he needs, he does it again. All of those photographers who currently own Kit are gonna look around with what do we do now? And so for those of us who specialize in weddings and portraits and family events, our market stands every chance of being diluted, which has the knock on effect of all of us having to keep an eye on AI to stay ahead of all competitors, which has the next knock on effect, that we're all gonna lean into ai, which begs the question, what happens after Because that's what happened in the Photoshop world. You know, I'm kind of, I mean, genuinely cur, and this will be a running theme on the podcast forever, is kind of prodding it and taking barometer readings as to where are we going? Mark: Yeah. I mean, who's more at threat at the moment from this technology? Is it the photographer or is it the retouch? You know, we do forget that there are retouchers That is their, they're not photographers. Paul: I don't forget. They email me 3, 4, 5 times a day. Mark: a Simon: day, Mark: You know, a highly skilled retouch isn't cheap. They've honed their craft for many years using whatever software product they prefer to use. I think they're the ones at risk now more so than the photographer. And I think we sort of lose sight of that. Looking at it from a photographer's point of view, there is a whole industry behind photography that actually is being affected more so than you guys at the moment. Simon: Mm-hmm. Paul: Yeah, I think there's truth in that, but. It's not really important. Of course, it's really important to all of those people, but this is the digital revolution that we went through as film photographers, and probably what the Daguerreotype generators went through when Fox Tolbert invented the first transfer. Negative. You know, they are, there are always these epochs in our industry and it wipes out entire skillset. You know, I mean, when we went to digital before then, like you, I could dev in a tank. Yeah. You know, and really liked it. I like I see, I suspect I just like the solitude, Mark: the dark, Paul: red light in the dark Mark: yeah. Paul: Nobody will come in. Not now. Go away. Yeah. All that kind of stuff. But of course those skills have gone, has as, have access to the equipment. I think we're there again, this feels like to me a huge transition in the industry and for those who want to keep up, AI is the keeping up whether you like it or not. Mark: Yeah. And if you don't like it, we've seen it, we're in the middle of a massive resurgence in film photography, which is great for the industry, great for the retail industry, great for the film manufacturers, chemical manufacturers, everything. You know, simon, myself, you, you, we, we, our earliest photography, whether we were shooting with flash, natural light, we were film shooters and that planes back. And what digital did, from a camera point of view, is make it easier and more accessible for less skilled people. But it's true. You know, if you shot with a digital camera now that's got a dynamic range of 15 stops, you actually don't even need to have your exposure, that accurate Go and shoot with a slide film that's got dynamic range of less than one stop and see how good you are. It has made it easier. The technology, it will always make it. Easier, but it opens up new doors, it opens up new avenues to skilled people as well as unskilled people. If you want, I'm using the word unskilled again, I'm not being, a blanket phrase, but it's true. You can pick up a digital camera now and get results that same person shooting with a slide film 20 years ago would not get add software to that post-production, everything else. It's an industry that we've seen so many changes in over the 30 odd years that we've been in it, Simon: been Mark: continue Simon: at times. It exciting Mark: The dawn of digital photography to the masses. was amazing. I was working for Olympus at the time when digital really took off and for Olympus it was amazing. They made some amazing products. We did quite well out of it and people started enjoying photography that maybe hadn't enjoyed photography before. You know, people might laugh at, you know, you, you, you're at a wedding, you're shooting a really nice wedding pool and there's always a couple of guests there which have got equipment as good as yours. Better, better than yours. Yeah. Got Simon: jobs and they can afford it. Mark: They've got proper jobs. Their pitches aren't going to be as good as yours. They're the ones laughing at everyone shooting on their phone because they've spent six grand on their new. Camera. But if shooting on a phone gets people into photography and then next year they buy a camera and two years later they upgrade their camera and it gets them into the hobby of photography? That's great for everyone. Hobbyists are as essential, as professional photographers to the industry. In fact, to keep the manufacturers going, probably more so Simon: the hobbyists are a massive part. Even if they go out and spend six or seven or 8,000 pounds on a camera because they think it's gonna make them a better photographer. Who knows in two years time with the AI side, maybe it will. That old saying, Hey Mr, that's a nice camera. I bet it takes great pictures, may become true. We have people on the lighting courses, the workshops we run, the people I train and they're asking me, okay, what sessions are we gonna use? And I'm saying, okay, well we're gonna be a hundred ISO at 125th, F 5.6. Okay, well if I point my camera at the subject, it's telling me, yeah, but you need to put it onto manual. And you see the color drain out their faces. You've got a 6,000 pound camera and you've never taken it off 'P'. Mark: True story. Simon: And we see this all the time. It's like the whole TTL strobe manual flash system. The camera's telling you what it wants to show you, but that maybe is not what you want. There are people out there that will spend a fortune on equipment but actually you could take just as good a picture with a much smaller, cheaper device with an nice bit of glass on the front if you know what you're doing. And that goes back to what Mark was saying about shooting film and slide film and digital today. Paul: I, mean, you know, I don't want this to be an echo chamber, and so what I am really interested in though, is the way that AI will change what flash photography does. I'm curious as to where we are headed in that, specific vertical. How is AI going to help and influence our ability to create great lip photography using flash? Mark: I think, Paul: I love the fact the two guys side and looked at each other. Mark: I, Simon: it's a difficult question to answer. Mark: physical light, Simon: is a difficult question to answer because if you're Mark: talking about the physical delivery of light. Simon: Not gonna change. Mark: Now, The only thing I can even compare it to, if you think about how the light is delivered, is what's the nearest thing? What's gotta change? Modern headlamps on cars, going back to cars again, you know, a modern car are using these LED arrays and they will switch on and switch off different LEDs depending on the conditions in front of them. Anti dazzle, all this sort of stuff. You know, the modern expensive headlamp is an amazing technical piece of kit. It's not just one ball, but it's hundreds in some cases of little arrays. Will that come into flash? I don't know. Will you just be able to put a soft box in front of someone and it will shape the light in the future using a massive array. Right? I dunno it, Simon: there's been many companies tested these arrays, in terms of LED Flash, And I think to be honest, that's probably the nearest it's gonna get to an AI point of view is this LED Flash. Now there's an argument to say, what is flash if I walk into a living room and flick the light on, on off really quickly, is that a flash? Mark: No, that's a folock in Paul: me Mark: turn, big lights off. Paul: Yeah. Mark: So Simon: it, you, you might be able to get these arrays to flush on and off. But LED technology, in terms of how it works, it's quite slow. It's a diode, it takes a while for it to get to its correct brightness and it takes a while for it to turn off. To try and get an LED. To work as a flash. It, it's not an explosion in a gas field tube. It's a a, a lighter emitting diode that is, is coming on and turning off again. Will AI help that? Due to the nature of its design, I don't think it can. Mark: Me and s aren't invented an AI flash anytime soon by the looks of, we're Simon: it's very secret. Mark: We're just putting everyone off Paul, Simon: It's alright. Mark: just so they don't think Simon: Yeah, Mark: Oh, it's gonna be too much hard work and we'll sort it. Paul: It's definitely coming. I don't doubt for a minute that this is all coming because there's no one not looking at anything Simon: that makes perfect sense. Paul: Right now there's an explosion of invention because everybody's trying to find an angle on everything. Simon: Mm-hmm. Paul: The guys I feel the most for are the guys who spent millions, , on these big LED film backdrop walls. Simon: Yep. Mark: So you can Paul: a car onto a flight sim, rack, and then film the whole lot in front of an LED wall. Well, it was great. And there was a market for people filming those backdrops, and now of course that's all AI generated in the LED, but that's only today's technology. Tomorrow's is, you don't need the LED wall. That's here today. VEO3 and Flow already, I mean, I had to play with one the other day for one of our lighting diagrams and it animated the whole thing. Absolute genius. Simon: Mm-hmm. Paul: I still generated the original diagram. Mark: Yeah, Paul: Yeah, that's useful. There's some skill in there still for now, but, you gotta face the music that anything that isn't, I can touch it and prod it. AI's gonna do it. Mark: Absolutely. If you've ever seen the series Mandalorian go and watch the making of the Mandalorian and they are using those big LED walls, that is their backdrop. Yeah. And it's amazing how fast they shift from, you know, they can, they don't need to build a set. Yeah. They shift from scene to scene. Paul: Well, aI is now building the scenes. But tomorrow they won't need the LED wall. 'cause AI will put it in behind the actors. Mark: Yeah. Say after Paul: that you won't need the actors because they're being forced to sign away the rights so that AI can be used. And even those that are standing their ground and saying no, well, the actors saying Yes. Are the ones being hired. You know, in the end, AI is gonna touch all of it. And so I mean, it's things like, imagine walking into a studio. Let's ignore the LED thing for a minute, by the way, that's a temporary argument, Simon: I know you're talking about. Paul: about today's, Simon: You're about the. Mark: days Paul: LEDs, Simon: we're in, We're in very, very interesting times and. I'm excited for the future. I'm excited for the new generation of photographers that are coming in to see how they work with what happens. We've gone from fully analog to me selling IMACON drum scanners that were digitizing negatives and all the five four sheet almost a shoot of properties for an estate agent were all digitized on an hassle blood scanner. And then the digital camera comes out and you start using it. It was a Kodak camera, I think the first SLRI used, Paul: Yeah. Simon: and you get the results back and you think, oh my God, it looks like it's come out of a practica MTL five B. Mark: But Simon: then suddenly the technology just changes and changes and changes and suddenly it's running away with itself and where we are today. I mean, I, I didn't like digital to start with. It was too. It was too digital. It was too sharp. It didn't have the feel of film, but do you know what? We get used to it and the files that my digital mirrorless camera provide now and my Fuji GFX medium format are absolutely stunning. But the first thing I do is turn the sharpness down because they are generally over sharp. For a lovely, beautifully lit portrait or whatever that anybody takes, it just needs knocking back a bit. We were speaking about this earlier, I did some comparison edits from what I'd done manually in Photoshop to the Evoto. Do you know what the pre-selected edits are? Great. If you not the slider back from 10 to about six, you're there or thereabouts? More is not always good. Mark: I think when it comes to imagery in our daily lives, the one thing that drives what we expect to see is TV and most people's TVs, everything's turned up to a hundred. The color, the contrast, that was a bit of a shock originally from the film to digital, crossover. Everything went from being relatively natural to way over the top Just getting back to AI and how it's gonna affect people like you and people that we work with day to day. I don't think we should be worried about that. We should be worried about the images we see on the news, not what we're seeing, hanging on people's walls and how they're gonna be affected by ai. That generally does affect everyone's daily life. Paul: Yeah, Mark: Yeah. But what Paul: people now ask me, for instance, I've photographed a couple head shots yesterday, and the one person had not ironed her blouse. And her first question was, can we sort that out in post? So this is the knock on effect people are becoming aware of what's possible. What's that? Nothing. Know, and the, the smooth clothing button in Evoto will get me quite a long way down that road and saves somebody picking up an eye and randomly, it's not me, it's now actually more work for me 'cause I shouldn't have to do it. But, you know, this is my point about the knock on effect. Our worlds are different. So I didn't really intend this to be just a great sort of circular conversation about AI cars and, future technology. It was more, I dunno, we ended up down there anyway. Simon: We went down a rabbit hole. Mark: A Paul: rabbit hole. Yeah Mark: was quite an interesting one. Simon: And I'm sorry if you've wasted your entire journey to work and we Paul: Yeah. Simon: Alright. It wasn't intended to be like that. Paul: I think it's a debate that we need to be having and there needs to be more discussion about it. Certainly for anybody that has a voice in the industry and people are listening to it because right now it might be a toddler of a technology, but it's growing faster than people realize. There is now a point in the written word online where AI is generating more than real people are generating, and AI is learning that. So AI is reading its own output. That's now beginning to happen in imagery and film and music. Simon: Well, even in Google results, you type in anything to a Google search bar. When it comes back to the results, the first section at the top is the AI generated version. And you know what, it's generally Paul: Yep. Simon: good and Paul: turn off all the rest of it now. So it's only ai. Simon: Not quite brave enough for that yet. No, not me. Mark: In terms Paul: of SEO for instance, you now need to tune it for large language models. You need to be giving. Google the LLM information you want it to learn so that you become part of that section on a website. And it, you know, this is where we are and it's happening at such a speed, every day I am learning something new about something else that's arriving. And I think TV and film is probably slightly ahead of the photography industry Mark: Yeah. Paul: The pressures on the costs are so big, Simon: Yes. Paul: Whereas the cost differential, I'm predicting our costs will actually go up, not down. Whereas in TV and film, the cost will come down dramatically. Mark: Absolutely. Simon: They are a horrifically high level anyway. That's Paul: I'm not disputing that, but I watched a demo of some new stuff online recently and they had a talking head and they literally typed in relight that with a kiss light here, hairlight there, Rembrandt variation on the front. And they did it off a flat picture and they can move the lights around as if you are moving lights. Yes. And that's there today. So that's coming our way too. And I still think the people who understand how to see light will have an advantage because you'll know when you've typed these words in that you've got it about right. It doesn't change the fact that it's going to be increasingly synthetic. The moment in the middle of it is real. We may well be asked to relight things, re clothe things that's already happening. Simon: Yeah. Paul: We get, can you just fill in my hairline? That's a fairly common one. Just removing a mole. Or removing two inches round a waist. This, we've been doing that forever. Simon: Mm-hmm. Paul: And so now it'll be done with keyword generation rather than, photoshop necessarily. Simon: I think you'll always have the people that embrace this, we can't ignore it as you rightly say. It's not going away. It's gonna get bigger, it's gonna feature more in our lives. I think there's gonna be three sets of people. It's gonna be the people like us generally on a daily basis. We're photographers or we're artists. We enjoy what we do. I enjoy correctly lighting somebody with the correct modifier properties to match light quality to get the best look and feel and the ambience of that image. And I enjoy the process of putting that together and then seeing the end result afterwards. I suppose that makes me an artist in, in, in loose terms. I think, you know, as, as, as a photographer, we are artists. You've then got another generation that are finding shortcuts. They're doing some of the job with their camera. They're making their image from an AI point of view. Does that make up an artist? I suppose it still does because they're creating their own art, but they have no interest 'cause they have no enjoyment in making that picture as good as it can be before you even hit the shutter. And then I think you've got other people, and us to an extent where you do what you need to do, you enjoy the process, you look at the images, and then you just finely tune it with a bit of AI or Photoshop retouching so I think there are different sets of people that will use AI to their advantage or completely ignore it. Mark: Yeah. I think you're right. And I think it comes down, I'm going to use another analogy here, you, you know, let's say you enjoy cooking. If you enjoy cooking, you're creating something. What's the alternative? You get a microwave meal. Well, Paul Simon: and Sarah do. Mark: No. Paul: Sarah does. Simon: We can't afford waitress. Mark: You might spend months creating your perfect risotto. You've got it right. You love it. Everyone else loves it. You share it around all your friends. Brilliant. Or you go to Waitrose, you buy one, put it three minutes in the microwave and it's done. That's yer AI I Imagery, isn't it? It's a microwave meal. Paul: There's a lot of microwave meals out there. And not that many people cook their own stuff and certainly not as many as used to. And there's a lesson. Simon: Is, Mark: but also, Simon: things have become easier Mark: there Simon: you go. Mark: I think what we also forget in the photographic industry and take the industry as a whole, and this is something I've experienced in the, in the working for manufacturers in that photography itself is, is a, is a huge hobby. There's lots of hobbyist photographers, but there's actually more people that do photography as part of another hobby, birdwatching, aviation, all that sort of thing. Anything, you know, the photography isn't the hobby, it's the birds that are the hobby, but they take photographs of, it's the planes that are the hobby, but they take photographs. They're the ones that actually keep the industry going and then they expand into other industries. They come on one of our workshops. You know, that's something that we're still and Simon still Absolutely. And yourself, educating photographers to do it right, to practice using the gear the right way, but the theory of it and getting it right. If anything that brings more people into wanting to learn to cook better, Paul: you Mark: have more chefs rather than people using microwave meals. Education's just so important. And when it comes to lighting, I wasn't competent in using flash. I'm still not, but having sat through Simon's course and other people's courses now for hundreds of times, I can light a scene sometimes, people are still gonna be hungry for education. I think some wills, some won't. If you wanna go and get that microwave risotto go and microwave u risotto. But there's always gonna be people that wanna learn how to do it properly, wanna learn from scratch, wanna learn the art of it. Creators and in a creative industry, we've got to embrace those people and bring more people into it and ensure there's more people on that journey of learning and upskilling and trying to do it properly. Um, and yes, if they use whatever technology at whatever stage in their journey, if they're getting enjoyment from it, what's it matter? Paul: Excellent. Mark: What a fine Paul: concluding statement. If they got enjoyment outta it. Yeah. Whatever. Excellent. Thank you, Mark, for your summing up. Simon: In conclusion, Paul: did that just come out your nose? What on earth. Mark: What Paul: what you can't see, dear Listener is the fact that Mark just spat his water everywhere, laughing at Si. It's been an interesting podcast. Anyway, I'm gonna drag this back onto topic for fear of it dissolving into three blokes having a pint. Mark: I think we should go for one. Simon: I think, Paul: I think we should know as well. Having said that with this conversation, maybe not. I was gonna ask you a little bit about, 'cause we've talked about strobes and the beauty of strobes, but of course Elinchrom still is more than that, and you've just launched a new LED light, so I know you like Strobe Simon. Now talk about the continuous light that also Elinchrom is producing. Simon: We have launched the Elinchrom LED 100 C. Those familiar with our Elinchrom One and Three OCF camera Flash system. It's basically a smaller unit, but still uses the OCF adapter. Elinchrom have put a lot of time into this. They've been looking at LED technology for many years, and I've been to the factory in Switzerland and seen different LED arrays being tested. The problem we had with LEDs is every single LED was different and put out a different color temperature. We're now manufacturing LEDs in batches, where they can all be matched. They all come from the same serial number batch. And the different colors of LED as well, 15 years ago, blue LEDs weren't even possible. You couldn't make a blue LED every other color, but not blue for some unknown reason. They've got the colors right now, they've got full RGB spectrum, which is perfectly accurate a 95 or 97 CRI index light. It's a true hundred watts, of light as well. From tosin through to past daylight and fully controllable like the CRO flash system in very accurate nth degrees. The LED array in the front of the, the LEDA hundred is one of the first shapeable, fully shapeable, LED arrays that I've come across and I've looked at lots. By shapeable, I mean you put it into a soft box, of any size and it's not gonna give you a hotspot in the middle, or it's not gonna light the first 12 inches of the middle of the soft box and leave the rest dark. I remember when we got the first LD and Mark got it before me And he said, I've put it onto a 70 centimeter soft box. And he said, I've taken a picture to the front. Look at this. And it was perfectly even from edge to edge. When I got it, I stuck it onto a 1 3 5 centimeter soft box and did the same and was absolutely blown away by how even it was from edge to edge. When I got my light meter out, if you remember what one of those is, uh, it, uh, it gave me a third of a stop different from the center to the outside edge. Now for an LED, that's brilliant. I mean, that's decent for a flash, but for an LED it's generally unheard of. So you can make the LED as big as you like. It's got all the special effects that some of the cheaper Chinese ones have got because people use that kind of thing. Apparently I have no idea what for. But it sits on its own in a market where there are very cheap and cheerful LEDs, that kind of do a job. And very expensive high-end LEDs that do a completely different job for the photographer that's gone hybrid and does a bit of shooting, but does a bit of video work. So, going into a solicitor's or an accountant's office where they want head shots, but also want a bit of talking head video for the MD or the CEO explaining about his company on the website. It's perfect. You can up the ISO and use the modeling lamp in generally the threes, the fives, the ones that we've got, the LEDs are brilliant. But actually the LED 100 will give you all your modifier that you've taken with you, you can use those. It's very small and light, with its own built-in battery and it will give you a very nice low iso. Talking head interview with a lovely big light source. And I've proved the point of how well it works and how nice it is at the price point it sits in. But it is our first journey into it. There will be others come in and there'll be an app control for it. And I think from an LED point of view, you're gonna say, I would say this, but actually it's one of the nicer ones I've used. And when you get yours, you can tell people exactly the same. Paul: Trust me, I will. Simon: Yes. Mark: I think Paul: very excited about it. Mark: I think the beauty of it as well is it's got an inbuilt battery. It'll give you up to 45 minutes on a full charge. You can plug it in and run it off the mains directly through the USB socket as well. But it means it's a truly portable light source. 45 minutes at a hundred watt and it's rated at a hundred watt actual light output. It's seems far in excess of that. When you actually, Simon: we had a photographer the other day who used it and he's used to using sort of 3, 2 50, 300 watt LEDs and he said put them side by side at full power. They were virtually comparable. Paul: That is certainly true, or in my case by lots. Simon: I seem to be surrounded Paul: by Elinchrom kit, Which is all good. So for anybody who's interested in buying one of these things, where'd you get them? How much are they? Simon: The LED itself, the singlehead unit is 499 inc VAT. If you want one with a charger, which sounds ridiculous, but there's always people who say, well, I don't want the charger. You can have one with a charger for 50 quid extra. So 549. The twin kit is just less than a thousand quid with chargers. And it comes in a very nice portable carry bag to, to carry them around in. Um, and, uh, yeah, available from all good photographic retailers, and, Ellen crom.co uk. Paul: Very good. So just to remind you beautiful people listening to this podcast, we only ever feature people and products, at least like this one where I've said, put a sales pitch in because I use it. It's only ever been about what we use here at the studio. I hate the idea of just being a renta-voice. You it. Mark: bought it. Paul: Yeah. That's true. You guys sold it to me. Mark: Yeah, Simon: if I gave you anything you'd tell everyone it was great. So if you buy it, no, I've bought Paul: Yeah. And then became an ambassador for you. As with everything here, I put my money where my mouth is, we will use it. We do use it. I'm really interested in the little LED light because I could have done with that the other night. It would've been perfect for a very particular need. So yes, I can highly recommend Elinchrom Fives and Threes if you're on a different system. The Rotalux, system of modifier is the best on the planet. Quick to set up, quick to take down. More importantly, the light that comes off them is just beautiful, whether it's a Godox, whether it's on a ProPhoto, which it was for me, or whether if you've really got your common sense about you on the front of an Elinchrom. And on that happy note and back to where we started, which is about lighting, I'm gonna say thanks to the guys. They came to the studio to fix a problem but it's always lovely to have them as guests here. Thank you, mark. Thank you Simon. Most importantly, you Elinchrom for creating Kit is just an absolute joy to use. If you've enjoyed the podcast, please head over to all your other episodes. Please subscribe and whatever is your podcast, play of choice, whether it's iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or a other. After you head, if you head across to masteringportraitphotography.com the spiritual home of this, particular, podcast, I will put in the show notes all the little bits of detail and where to get these things. I'll get some links off the guys as to where to look for the kit. Thank you both. I dunno when I'll be seeing you again. I suspect it will be the Convention in January if I know the way these things go. Simon: We're not gonna get invited back, are we? Mark: Probably not. Enough. Paul: And I'm gonna get a mop and clean up that water. You've just sprayed all over the floor. What is going on? Simon: wish we'd video. That was a funny sun Mark: I just didn't expect it and never usually that sort of funny and quick, Simon: It's the funniest thing I've ever seen. Paul: On that happy note, whatever else is going on in your lives, be kind to yourself. Take care.

Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation joins the Exchange along with Kurt Hildebrand of OCF.

  OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Keep an eye out for this fall's Connected print newsletter: A digital copy of the newsletter is also available online at ocfusa.org/connected  https://www.ocfusa.org/connected/   Serve as the ministry support volunteer position: Check out the full volunteer listing for details and the application. https://www.ocfusa.org/volunteer/ministry-support-volunteer/  Calling all female cadets & mids: Connect with your peers via OCF Sisters in Service's monthly Zoom calls. Find out more on SIS' Instagram: @sisters_in_service_ocf    Register for a Winter Retreat session at one of OCF's Conference Centers:  20-27 December, 28 December-4 January at Spring Canyon in Buena Vista, Colo. https://www.springcanyon.org/winter-retreat/   21-26 December, 27-30 December, 30 December-2 January at White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa. https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/winter-retreat/     GUEST SPOTLIGHT  Today's episode features the first half of Crosspoint host Josh Jackson's conversation with Lt Gen Clint Hinote, USAF (Ret.). After a 35-year career as a fighter pilot, military strategist, and senior leader, Clint retired in 2023 and now serves as a futurist for the Air Force. He is also a professor of policy analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy.  Interested in leadership since his teen years and having gained experience through a variety of leadership roles ever since, Clint shares his thoughts on the definition of leadership, the importance of leaders' influence, and lessons to learn from the book of Nehemiah.   Resources mentioned during this episode include:   Clint's Nehemiah Bible study, developed during a prior deployment and used at WSS  Jim Collins' Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996   White Sulphur Springs' Summer R&R, where Clint served as a speaker this past summer https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/summer-rnr/   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Clint, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How would you define leadership? Is “influence” a sufficient definition?  How have your own leadership roles affected your understanding of leadership?  Why is it important to remember the “human connection” aspect of leadership?  What role does consistency have in a leader's communications skills? 

  OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Check out and attend any of these local events:   Aspentime Retreat: 26-28 September at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) https://www.springcanyon.org/aspentime/   BBQ Bonanza: 3-4 October at Fort Leavenworth (Kan.) https://www.ocfusa.org/event/fall-bbq-bonanza-2025/   OCF Hampton Roads Region Annual Fall Picnic: 4 October at Fort Monroe, Va. https://evite.me/M6xMVkCshv  USNA Fall Retreat: 10-13 October at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) mailto:usna@ocfusa.org  OCF Mid-Atlantic Fall Retreat: 14-16 November at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/ocf-mid-atlantic-fall-retreat/   Start an OCF small group: Read Rich's article, full of practical guidance to help you take the next step. https://www.ocfusa.org/2011/01/starting-ocf-small-group-fellowship-2/   Help OCF steward its ministry buildings: Email Director of Infrastructure and Facility Management Joe Orosz (joe.orosz@ocfusa.org) to get more information or offer your expertise in master planning, design, construction, and/or facility maintenance. mailto:joe.orosz@ocfusa.org   GUEST SPOTLIGHT  Today you're going to hear from Kristin “KG” Goodrich, a Navy veteran and OCF's new director of women's ministry. KG talks about ministry efforts from her role, the impact of our current cultural climate, and an update about the military sisterhood KG discussed in a 2019 episode of OCF Crosspoint. https://www.ocfusa.org/2019/11/47-goodrich-military-sisterhood/   She mentions a few resources in today's episode: American Bible Society and Planting Roots' Bible Boot Camp for Military Women and Planting Roots' Growing Deeper: Spiritual Nourishment for Military Women by Kasey Raia Stout. https://resources.armedservicesministry.org/products/bible-boot-camp-for-military-women https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Deeper-Spiritual-Nourishment-Military/dp/B0FHH4FT6J   Save the date for these events KG mentioned, and keep an eye out for more details and registration links in the coming months:  Growing Deeper Conference: 31 January at Grace Community Church (Pensacola, Fla.)  OCF Leading Women Retreat: 20-22 March at White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.)  Women's Week of Summer Celebration: 28 June-3 July at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.)  Contact KG via kristin.goodrich@ocfusa.org with any input regarding women's ministry, and be sure to follow @sisters_in_service_ocf on Instagram, too. https://www.instagram.com/sisters_in_service_ocf/  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with KG, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  What challenges would you say women in the military face today?  How can you as an individual and OCF as a parachurch ministry support them in those challenges?  KG talks about a scaffolding approach to her role as OCF's director of women's ministry. How can you take a similar approach to come alongside and mentor the next generation for ministry and service?  KG also talks about the isolation female officers can sometimes feel when they're the only one among all male officers. How has finding someone with similar experiences been an encouragement to you? 

Show Notes In this second part of “Military Brats React,” host Courtney Burdick continues the roundtable conversation with 2LT Dani Volle, USA, ENS Mary Ann Leonard, USN, and Matt Taylor as they reflect on their experiences growing up in military families. Listen to Part 1 here. While the first part of the discussion centered on the challenges and mental health struggles faced by military kids, this episode shifts to the “strengths-based perspective”—seeing the good that can come out of a hard, transient lifestyle—discussed in Josh Jackson's Crosspoint interview with Claire Anderson.    Have thoughts or want to share your own experience? Reach out to Josh at josh.jackson@ocfusa.org and/or Courtney at courtney.burdick@ocfusa.org.  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with the brats, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  Looking back on your own military or life experiences, what unexpected strengths have you developed through hardship?  Who or what helped you most in your difficult seasons, and how might you offer that same support to someone else today?  What role has your faith (or your family's faith) played in helping you navigate challenges?  How do you think churches or ministries could better support military families in your community? 

In a recent Crosspoint episode, Josh Jackson and Claire Anderson discussed the “hidden epidemic” of mental health challenges among military kids. In this follow-up conversation, Courtney Burdick hosts three fellow military kids—2LT Dani Volle, USA, ENS Mary Ann Leonard, USN, and Matt Taylor—for a roundtable-style reaction episode.  Having met at White Sulphur Springs, OCF's eastern camp and conference center, they discuss stories from their respective military kid experiences, thoughts on Claire's research, and more.  Have thoughts or want to share your own experience? Reach out to Courtney at courtney.burdick@ocfusa.org.  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with the brats, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  Which challenge of military life (deployments, moving, role confusion, food insecurity, etc.) has impacted you or someone you know the most, and how did you see God at work in it?  What do you think might help military kids and families?  What struck you about this conversation?  How do you see military culture—often marked by toughness and stoicism—affecting kids' ability to talk about struggles openly? 

OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Become findable on the OCF Directory: Visit ocfusa.org/list-me to add or update your group's information on our online directory of Bible studies.  Apply for Spring Canyon's Deputy Center Director opening: Check out the job description and apply NLT 15 August.   Check out our new Widowed Ministry webpage: Visit ocfusa.org/widowed-ministry/ to access helpful resources, invitations to fellowship, and scholarship funding for summer programs at the Conference Centers.   GUEST SPOTLIGHT  Why is mentoring important to the Christian in the military? Answering that question and others in this episode are COL Jim Brown, USA (Ret.), and Navy veteran and OCF Director of Women's Ministry Kristin “KG” Goodrich.   Jim and KG discuss the unique elements of Christian mentoring, their own personal experiences with mentors or mentees, and how military culture might create challenges to the idea of mentoring, among other topics.   Mentoring has always been part of OCF's DNA—from prayer and accountability to sharing wisdom across generations. Check out our Mentoring Program page, which offers a structured approach to equipping Christian military leaders to grow in their faith and leadership while walking alongside others.  Whether you feel called to invest in someone else's journey—or you're looking for someone to invest in yours—we invite you to get involved.   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage for consideration. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with KG and Jim, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How would you define mentoring, and what have your experiences as a mentor or mentee been like?  In what areas of your life might you most benefit from having a mentor?  How might God be equipping you to mentor others around you?  What barriers might you see to mentoring, and how can you go about overcoming those? 

  OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Sign up for summer programs at the Conference Centers: Visit ocfusa.org/CCexperience to find the right program and week for you at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) or White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.). https://www.ocfusa.org/CCexperience/   Consider your next steps at the Caleb Challenge Career Transition Strategies Workshop (12-14 September): Visit White Sulphur Springs' website to learn more about and sign up for this impactful weekend. https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/caleb-challenge-career-transition-strategies-workshop/   Update your information and stay connected: Whether it's your address, military status, rank, contact information, or something else, take 30 seconds to let us know via the Update My Info form. https://www.ocfusa.org/update/   Check out Crosspoint Highlights: Don't miss our new episode format, designed to share just a portion of a previously posted podcast for an encouraging listen even when you're short on time. Find Crosspoint Highlights wherever you get your podcasts.  GUEST SPOTLIGHT  What does it look like to follow Christ in uniform? LTC Lee Robinson, USA, director of the U.S. Military Academy's American Politics Program and an academy professor in the Department of Social Sciences, joins the podcast to address questions like this.   Hailing from Georgia and having graduated from West Point in 2000, Lee now teaches and researches topics like civil-military relations and organizational leadership. In this episode, Lee shares about the cadet ministry that takes place through USMA OCF, led by Field Staff Bob & Tracy Phillips, then dives into complex topics ranging from balancing personal and professional choices to studying the United States' historical approach to religion.  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Lee, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  Why is it important to understand the historical context of the First Amendment?  How does the vague language of the First Amendment impact us today?  As you listen to Lee's example of the company commander with the cross on his desk, how would you respond if you were in Lee's position?  How do you think you balance your private and public personas?  What do you learn from Jesus' example of rejecting political power?  “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.” How does this quote from seventeenth-century German Lutheran theologian Rupertus Meldenius tie into today's conversation?  In what ways can your life be an example of the gospel and the work of Christ?  What Scriptures shape your leadership philosophy, even in ways that might be subtle to the non-believer?  Where's the line between encouraging religion and morality and compelling it?  What can we learn from the Founding Fathers as they faced tension and disagreement regarding the government's approach to religion?  Lee explains that "liberty is freedom to follow laws and freedom of conscience." What are your thoughts on this definition?  Why is it important to understand not only what the Constitution says but also why it says what it does? 

OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Sign up for summer programs at the Conference Centers: Visit ocfusa.org/CCexperience to find the right program and week for you at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) or White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.). https://www.ocfusa.org/CCexperience/   Connect with OCFers at USNA and USAFA:  OCF at USAFA: Pre-Inprocessing Day Reception (Class of 2029), 24 June, Monument, Colo. https://www.ocfusa.org/event/ocf-at-usafa-pre-inprocessing-day-reception-class-of-2029/   USNA OCF: Class of 2029 Open House, 25 June, Annapolis, Md. https://www.ocfusa.org/event/usna-ocf-class-of-2029-open-house/   Volunteer as a Local Leader at one of these locations: Columbus AFB, Fort Campbell, Fort Drum, Fort Eisenhower, Fort Jackson, Fort Riley, Fort Stewart / Hunter AAF, Goodfellow AFB, JB Charleston, MCAS Beaufort, MCB Quantico, Norwich University, NSB New London / Groton, Schofield Barracks / Wheeler AAF, Sheppard AFB, Texas A&M University, The Citadel, Tyndall AFB, University of North Georgia, USCG Air Station and Base Kodiak, USCG Air Station Miami, USCG District 11 and Base Alameda, USCG District 13 and Base Seattle, USCG Sector Key West, USCG Sector St. Petersburg, USCG Station Port Canaveral, Virginia Tech. When you are ready to volunteer, complete our quick List Me form so that members can find you on the OCF Directory and OCF staff can equip you based on local needs. https://www.ocfusa.org/list-me/   Help OCF steward its ministry buildings: Email Director of Infrastructure and Facility Management Joe Orosz (joe.orosz@ocfusa.org) to get more information or offer your expertise in master planning, design, construction, and/or facility maintenance. mailto:joe.orosz@ocfusa.org   GUEST SPOTLIGHT  Today's guest spotlight features Claire Anderson, a military child and new graduate of Liberty University. Claire joins the podcast to talk about the military kid experience, informed by her own upbringing and her recent honors thesis, titled “Analysis of the At-Risk Mental Health of Military Children and Proposed Intervention Plans To Be Implemented by Mental Health Professionals.”  Having gotten connected to OCF through friends as a freshman in high school, Claire shares how her summers at White Sulphur Springs, particularly her work with youths attending the Camp Caleb program, piqued her interest in the military child experience. She and Josh discuss some statistics from her thesis research, connections to The Performance Paradox: The Unexpected Way to Grind Less, Grow More, and Unlock Success by Eduardo Briceño, and a Biblical view of trials.           If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Claire, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  If you've grown up in the military and/or raised children in the military, what of your own firsthand or secondhand experiences relate to what Claire discussed today?  How did the statistics shared during this episode impact you?  What factors of the military lifestyle have you seen contribute to low mental health, and how might you work to address and/or mitigate those factors?  Claire's thesis and interview talks about taking a “strengths-based perspective,” and Josh mentions Romans 5:3-4, too. How can our relationship with Jesus transform our view of trials we may experience? 

Crosspoint Highlights: Big ideas, short episodes … for your busy schedule Guests: Joshua and Lindsey Bowen From Episode 54: “The importance of small group fellowship.” Listen to the full episode here.    Highlight Summary: In this Crosspoint Highlight, Joshua and Lindsey Bowen reflect on the lasting impact of biblical community, mentorship, and servant leadership during their time in the military. They share how their early experiences in a diverse OCF small group at Fort Carson shaped their spiritual maturity and inspired them to pour into cadets at West Point years later. From late-night Bible studies to one-on-one mentoring moments, Josh and Lindsey offer a deeply personal look at how fellowship across generations can transform lives and prepare future military leaders for both spiritual and professional challenges. Find an OCF group near you Find out more about Christian mentoring   Key Takeaways: Intergenerational fellowship fosters growth: Being surrounded by older couples in their Fort Carson group helped Josh and Lindsey mature spiritually and understand what Christlike leadership looks like in marriage, military life, and beyond. Mentorship happens in everyday moments: Watching how mentors cared for their spouses, shared struggles, and modeled vulnerability left a deep and lasting impression on the Bowens—one they now strive to replicate. Leading means serving: As small group leaders at West Point, Josh and Lindsey invest time, energy, and emotional bandwidth into cadets—not just during Bible study, but through desserts, coffee chats, and showing up when it matters most. Spiritual black holes are real: Without proactive preparation, cadets can find themselves spiritually adrift after graduation. Josh shares candidly how his own post-academy faith stagnated, and how he now helps cadets plan ahead to avoid the same pitfall. God equips those He calls: Lindsey never saw herself in women's ministry or spiritual mentorship—until someone invited her. Now she thrives in that space, walking alongside young women facing challenges she never imagined when she was in their shoes.

OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Sign up for summer programs at the Conference Centers: Visit ocfusa.org/CCexperience to find the right program and week for you at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) or White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.). https://www.ocfusa.org/CCexperience/   Free Bible studies for OCFers and groups: Visit ocfusa.org/library to download, dive in, and leave a rating to help others discover one of these 18 impactful resources. https://www.ocfusa.org/library/   Help us keep the OCF community connected: If you or someone in your OCF circle has celebrated a birth, wedding, or experienced a loss since 1 March, please send updates to Courtney Burdick (courtney.burdick@ocfusa.org) for the next issue of our print newsletter.  Introducing Crosspoint Highlights: Don't miss our new episode format, designed to share just a portion of a previously posted podcast for an encouraging listen even when you're short on time. Find Crosspoint Highlights wherever you get your podcasts.    GUEST SPOTLIGHT  Today's guest spotlight features COL Kurt & Donna Schosek, USA (Ret.), who share their stories of hope through grief as they each lost a spouse before meeting and marrying one another. They talk about what surprised them most in the midst of their respective loss, GriefShare, the importance of community, what hurts, what helps, and more. https://www.griefshare.org/   They both have a heart to walk alongside those who have lost their spouses in any season of life, and the Schoseks will do just that later this year when they serve as speakers during the Summer R&R #6 program at White Sulphur Springs. https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/summer-rnr-6/  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.   POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Kurt and Donna, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  If you've lost a loved one before, what helped you in the midst of your grief?  How would you describe what it means to grieve well?  What are your takeaways from the Schoseks about how you can care for others as they grieve?  What Bible passages comfort you most during loss? 

In una puntata speciale, che va in onda dai nostri studi di Roma, torniamo a parlare di consulenza finanziaria. riepiloghiamo quali sono le diverse figure di professionisti a cui possiamo affidarci e come possiamo individuarle con le giuste garanzie di affidabilità. Ci chiediamo inoltre in base a quali aspetti scegliere la persona giusta per seguirci nella gestione del nostro risparmio.Per l'occasione vengono a trovarci in studio:Mauro Maria Marino - presidente OCF, organismo consulenti finanziariMaximiliano Travagli - consulente finanziario autonomo

OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Staff changes across the OCF team: Visit ocfusa.org/job-openings to learn more about vacant positions as a result of OCF's ongoing job moves. https://www.ocfusa.org/job-openings/   Sign up for summer programs at the Conference Centers: Visit ocfusa.org/CCexperience to find the right program and week for you at Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) or White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.). https://www.ocfusa.org/CCexperience/   Take the next step in growing as a Local Leader: Visit springcanyon.org/3b to learn more about the upcoming OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track at Spring Canyon this June.   ASK OCF  Landon Spaulding, who now serves as OCF's Online Training Development Coordinator, shares his experience as a SkillBridge intern with OCF.   To learn more about SkillBridge opportunities, read our latest article or visit ocfusa.org/skillbridge. https://www.ocfusa.org/2025/03/serving-beyond-the-uniform-ocfs-skillbridge-internships/ https://www.ocfusa.org/skillbridge/   GUEST SPOTLIGHT  Today's guest spotlight features an excerpt of a conversation with Jay Seegert about defending the Christian worldview. Author, international speaker, and managing director of The Starting Point Project, Jay holds degrees in both Physics and Engineering Technology and has been lecturing on the authority of Scripture for the last 40 years. https://www.thestartingpointproject.com/   He explains what it means to defend the Christian worldview, the significance of addressing the existential questions, and how the Bible ought to be our key source for these conversations. Jay also shares what our motive should be when engaging in discussions with those who hold other worldviews.  Interested in hearing more from Jay about similar topics discussed in today's episode? Stay tuned for the full, bonus episode coming this month, and consider attending the first week (6-13 June) of White Sulphur Springs' Summer R&R program as Jay will lead speaker sessions related to his topic: “Defending the Christian Worldview.” https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/summer-rnr-1/   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Jay, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  In your own words, why is it important to be able to defend your Christian worldview?  When speaking with individuals of other worldviews, how do you ensure you care more about the individual with a need for the gospel than you do about winning the argument?  What topics have you been faced with during worldview-oriented conversations that you'd like to study further?  Jay mentioned 1 Peter 3:15. What other relevant verses come to mind when thinking about how to discuss worldviews? 

Gli italiani sono sempre stati definiti un "popolo di risparmiatori", ma negli ultimi anni - stando a diverse analisi - la propensione ad accantonare un gruzzolo e progettare, anche economicamente, il proprio futuro sembra lasciare il posto alle preoccupazioni e alle incombenze del presente. Parliamo di tutto questo con Stefano Volpato - direttore commerciale Banca Mediolanum - che viene a trovarci in studio nel nostro secondo appuntamento in diretta da ConsulenTia. Nel corso dell’evento annuale dedicato al mondo della consulenza finanziaria organizzato dall'Anasf, l’Associazione Nazionale dei Consulenti Finanziari, trova spazio anche l’Organismo di vigilanza e tenuta dell’albo dei consulenti finanziari (OCF). Nel 2023 l'albo ha registrato un bilancio positivo con 52.200 professionisti, in aumento rispetto al 2022, e si prepara ad affrontare le sfide future, prima fra tutte quella posta dall’intelligenza artificiale. Ne parliamo con Maurizio Donato, vicepresidente OCF e Consigliere territoriale Anasf Lombardia.

This month's special episode enables you to listen to the Global Town Hall, which OCF hosted on 8 February at its Home Office in Colorado Springs, Colo., and over Zoom for members around the world.   You'll hear from OCF Council President Dale Holland, OCF CEO/Executive Director Scott Fisher, Director of Field Operations Colin Wooten, Local Leaders Josh and Lindsey Bowen, USMA OCF Field Staff Bob Phillips, and OCF Conference Center Directors Paul Robyn and Kim Hawthorne. After the ministry updates from these individuals, attending members asked a variety of questions of the staff present.  If you'd prefer to watch the video of GTH 2025 and/or provide follow-up questions, comments, or feedback, visit ocfusa.org/gth2025.  Here are the links for some of the resources mentioned in this episode:   Local fellowships https://www.ocfusa.org/directory/  OCF Conference Centers https://www.ocfusa.org/experience/  ROTC ministry https://www.ocfusa.org/rotc/  OCF LEAD! Local Ministry Leadership Track (during Spring Canyon's Summer Celebration #3) https://www.springcanyon.org/event/summer-celebration-3b/  Fellowship of Christian Military Ministries Annual Conference (21-24 March) https://militarybeliever.com/fcmm-conference/  OCF Handbook https://www.ocfusa.org/handbook/  Mentoring opportunities https://www.ocfusa.org/mentoring/  OCF's Annual Priorities: What you need to know and how you can get involved https://www.ocfusa.org/2023/03/ocfs-annual-priorities-what-you-need-to-know-and-how-you-can-get-involved/  Interested in sharing your own story on a future Crosspoint episode? Complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to these ministry updates and Q&A session, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How have you seen God work through OCF in your own life?  What can OCF do to serve you better? (And visit ocfusa.org/gth2025 to let us know!)  What obstacles—whether personal, logistical, or financial—have kept you from engaging more deeply with Christian community and discipleship opportunities?   As you listen to this recording, what might the Lord be putting on your heart to do to engage with military ministry in a new way?

    OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Watch the latest OCF Global Town Hall: Visit ocfusa.org/gth2025 to watch the Town Hall. https://www.ocfusa.org/gth2025/  Serve and adventure at an OCF Conference Center this spring: Make this March a meaningful mix of service, growth, and adventure through one of these two opportunities.  Spring Break Service Project Week, 10-16 March, White Sulphur Springs (Manns Choice, Pa.) https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/event/sbsp-week/   Spring Break Service and Adventure Week, 21-30 March, Spring Canyon (Buena Vista, Colo.) https://www.springcanyon.org/event/spring-break-service-and-adventure-week-2/   Support OCF during your trips to the grocery store: Visit our Ways to Give page and scroll to the bottom to see if a store near you is eligible for the Community Rewards Program. https://www.ocfusa.org/donate/   ASK OCF  Col Houstoun Waring, USAF (Ret.), who serves as OCF's Central Regional Coordinator, answered this frequently asked question from another OCFer: Why did OCF develop a Handbook? Who should use it? How should people use it?  To learn more about this impactful resource for military ministry, read the article about the Handbook's background. https://www.ocfusa.org/2022/09/introducing-the-newest-tool-for-military-ministry-the-ocf-handbook/  Visit our website to access the online version of the OCF Handbook. https://www.ocfusa.org/handbook/   If you have a question that you want us to consider for a future “Ask OCF” segment, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  GUEST SPOTLIGHT  This month's episode features not one but two guests: Lt Col Scott and Lisa Bedrosian, USAF (Ret.). The Bedrosians have been longtime supporters of White Sulphur Springs, OCF's eastern Conference Center located in Manns Choice, Pa. Having had roles there as guests, staff, and volunteers over the years, Scott and Lisa recount some of their cherished memories made at WSS and share how God has used this special home away from home in their lives.  https://www.whitesulphursprings.org/   The Bedrosians describe how WSS helped them navigate the challenges of military life through mentorship, Biblical teachings, and a sense of belonging. They share influential anecdotes, like being reminded of their identity as missionaries in uniform, keeping symbolic “rocks” with spiritual truths, and renaming chores “blessings” because of a simple spatula on a dining room table at WSS. Knowing the conference center's spiritually rich and personally challenging programs might be intimidating to some, they also answer the frequently asked question: “But will I have fun?”  Interested in having your own impactful experience at a Conference Center? Visit ocfusa.org/experience to learn more about White Sulphur Springs and its sister center Spring Canyon, located in Buena Vista, Colo. https://www.ocfusa.org/experience/   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Scott and Lisa, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  When was a time you were able to truly step away from your daily rhythms to rest and spend time with the Lord?   How did that experience affect your day-to-day life?  The Bedrosians share a few examples of life-changing advice through connections made at WSS. What impactful advice have you received, and have you shared it with others?  Scott calls a stay at WSS an “investment in your family and in your ministry.” What might be the difference that makes your average vacation that kind of investment instead? 

Welcome to another episode of Orange County Catholic Radio, featuring host Rick Howick. In the wake of the devastation brought on by the recent fires in LA County, Bishop Vann has called on the clergy, religious and faithful to be generous in spiritual, social and economic support for those suffering from this fire disaster. That is where the good people of the Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF) have stepped in to assist. On this week's show, Rick welcomes Kathleen Hurtt to the program. Kathleen is the Executive Vice President of the Orange Catholic Foundation, which is the fundraising arm of the Diocese of Orange. At the request of Bishop Vann, The OCF has established a special Help LA Fund to aid parishes and other reputable Catholic ministries in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as they support those affected by the wildfires.Learn how you can help by visiting www.rcbo.org/Help-LA

OCF MINISTRY NEWS  OCF Global Town Hall: Visit ocfusa.org/gth2025 to learn more about and register for the next iteration of this annual, virtual event, scheduled for 8 February.  Regional ROTC retreats: Visit ocfusa.org/rotc to find the next regional ROTC retreat near you.   Annual impact report: To hear more about Freddy's OCF experience and other stories of impact from our conference centers, field locations, and more, download our Annual Impact Report by visiting ocfusa.org/air2024.     Mentoring opportunities: If you're interested in mentoring or being trained in mentoring and want to learn more, visit ocfusa.org/mentoring or contact Bill Rue via bill.rue@ocfusa.org.      ASK OCF  LT Will Parker, USN, who serves as the OCF Submarine Community Coordinator, answered this frequently asked question from another OCFer: How do you balance/integrate OCF involvement with commitment to the local church?  To learn more about church-OCF dynamics and ways you can integrate your involvement in both, visit ocfusa.org/handbook/chapter-22.   If you have a question that you want us to consider for a future “Ask OCF” segment, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.    GUEST SPOTLIGHT  This month's episode puts the guest spotlight on CAPT Terry Wichert, USN (Ret.). Having served in the U.S. Navy for 30+ years, he now serves as the executive director for Association for Christian Conferences, Teaching and Services (ACCTS), a sister ministry of OCF.    Through personal experiences and some of the 650+ recorded prayers in the Bible, such as those in the books of Nehemiah and Daniel, Terry unpacks the power of persevering prayer. He explains what prayer is and what it isn't, gives some ideas for developing a prayer life, and viewing prayer as a way to have a relationship with our Lord and align our hearts with His.  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.     POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Terry, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  Terry reminds us that God “loves for us to pray” and “hears our prayer.” How do these reminders affect your view of prayer?  To pose the question Terry says he often asks other believers: Are you satisfied with your prayer life? Why or why not?  Terry mentions a monthly habit of spending an entire day in prayer before the Lord. What habits might benefit you in your prayer life?  When was a time you prayed often about a certain topic but ultimately the Lord orchestrated circumstances that differed from your prayers? How did you respond? How did that experience grow you in your faith in Him? 

In this episode of the Wedding CEO podcast, Alora discusses the relaunching the Cinematic Editorial course, which will be available at a 70% off Black Friday discount. For just $297, you will learn how to master flash, OCF, natural lighting, storytelling, and directing your couples with ease by your next session. 00:00 Welcome to the Wedding CEO Podcast02:42 Black Friday Sale Announcement03:20 The Cinematic Editorial Course08:23 Course Modules Overview12:52 Bonus Content and Final ThoughtsLove the show? Send me a text! Would love to hear from you. xxWe help Female Wedding Photographers Make $100k without hustling to burnout or giving up all their weekends so they can enjoy their life & business.

Alexandros is the first ever full-time Orthodox Christian Campus Missionary! He met his wife, Rachel, at OCF's college conference, and now they have two children and are serving the community at Texas A&M, with great success.

Show Notes  In this bonus episode, Josh, Beth, and Corrie explore the challenges of bitterness and resentment in military marriages, highlighting the influence of faith, perspective shifts, and community support. They discuss the importance of diverse friendships, flexibility in family life, and seeking counseling. Emphasizing teamwork, Beth and Corrie share strategies for balancing responsibilities and overcoming feelings of isolation and resentment.   Beth introduces insights from her new book for military spouses called “Another Move, God?: 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife,” while Corrie shares about her dynamic Instagram platform, @ajoyfulmilspouse, that celebrates military life. Together, they stress that community and shared experiences can strengthen relationships amid military life's unique challenges.  In the course of this conversation, we also reference Beth's list of 10 ways to overcome bitterness and resentment, which you can view here.   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. https://www.ocfusa.org/podcastguest/  Takeaways  The person most affected by bitterness is often the one holding onto it.  Military spouses often feel bitterness due to the challenges of military life.  Community support is crucial for military spouses to overcome feelings of isolation.  Engaging in activities outside of the marriage can help alleviate pressure on the spouse.  Maintaining connections with friends, even if they are far away, is important.  Perspective shifts can help in dealing with feelings of loss and resentment.  Faith and reliance on God can transform bitterness into growth.  Assuming the best in your spouse fosters a healthier relationship.  God has a purpose for every assignment in life.  Points to Ponder   As you listen to this conversation with Beth and Corrie, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How does unresolved bitterness affect not only the individual experiencing it but also their relationships with family, friends, and community members? How can someone recognize when bitterness is taking a toll on their life and relationships?  In what ways can military spouses balance the demands of military life with self-care and maintaining friendships, even with distance involved? How might maintaining these connections positively impact their mental health and family life?  How can a change in perspective help military spouses navigate feelings of loss, resentment, or inequality in responsibilities? What strategies can help shift perspective from bitterness to personal growth?  Why is community support so crucial for military families, and what are some effective ways to build a support network? How can this support network contribute to overcoming isolation and fostering resilience? 

    OCF MINISTRY NEWS  New Bible study available: Visit ocfusa.org/suffering to access this newest study, A Faithful Approach to Hardship and Suffering, on our website.  GivingTuesday fundraiser: Give the gift of Christlike leadership this GivingTuesday (3 Dec.) by visiting ocfusa.org/givingtuesday and donating now.  Job opening at WSS: If you would like more information and/or an application for this ministry opportunity, contact the WSS Center Director Paul Robyn (wssdirector@ocfusa.org) or the WSS Director of Hospitality Susanne Pappal (wssoffice@ocfusa.org), or call the main office via 814-623-5583. Visit ocfusa.org/job-openings to learn more about or to apply for the new facilities director position at White Sulphur Springs in Pennsylvania.  Winter Retreats at OCF Conference Centers: Visit whitesulphursprings.org/winter-retreat to register for one of White Sulphur Springs' Winter Retreat sessions, or visit springcanyon.org/winter-retreat to register for one of Spring Canyon's Winter Retreat sessions.  Ministry update from MMI OCF: Visit ocfusa.org/directory to learn more about and connect with local fellowships like the one at MMI in Alabama.  ASK OCF  Lt Col Larry Sherbondy, USAF (Ret.), who serves as the OCF Director of ROTC Ministry, answered this question from another OCFer: How much time might be involved in participating in or starting an ROTC OCF group?  Many resources and opportunities await those interested in plugging into ROTC ministry. Visit ocfusa.org/rotc to get in touch with Larry, check out upcoming ROTC events, and more.  If you have a question that you want us to consider for a future “Ask OCF” segment, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  GUEST SPOTLIGHT  Today's guest spotlight features two military spouses: Beth Runkle and Corrie Reeter. Beth and her husband currently serve with Cru Military, and she recently published a book called “Another Move, God?: 30 Encouragements to Embrace Your Life as a Military Wife.” Corrie is a blogger with a dynamic following on Instagram as @ajoyfulmilspouse, where she and her followers celebrate the uniqueness, blessings, and adventures of military marriage and family life.  Speaking from their experiences as military spouses, Beth and Corrie discuss the bitterness that may arise for some military spouses as they experience deployments, moves, and more. In the course of this conversation, we reference Beth's list of 10 ways to overcome bitterness and resentment, which you can view here.   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Beth and Corrie, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  When was a time you personally experienced bitterness in your life as a military service member and/or spouse?   How did you overcome that bitterness?  In what ways is the military life a sanctifying one?  What is the value of counting your blessings, entrusting everything to the Lord, and maintaining an eternal perspective? 

Show Notes OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Job opening at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Contact PK Carlton (pk.carlton@ocfusa.org) or Marci Morris (marci.morris@ocfusa.org) for more info, or visit ocfusa.org/job-openings to learn more about and apply for the opening at USCGA. Applications are open until 31 Oct.   In His Service Retreat for women in uniform: Visit events.navigators.org/women-in-uniform-in-his-service-retreat-2024 for more details about this retreat coming up in Jefferson, Texas.  OCF Mid-Atlantic & Northeast Fall Retreat: Visit whitesulphursprings.org/events to learn more and register, and email any questions to the Chiaravallottis at midatlantic@ocfusa.org.     Winter Retreats at OCF Conference Centers: Visit whitesulphursprings.org/winter-retreat to register for one of White Sulphur Springs' Winter Retreat sessions, or visit springcanyon.org/winter-retreat to register for one of Spring Canyon's Winter Retreat sessions.  ASK OCF  LTC Ryan Wainwright, USA (Ret.), who serves as the Assistant Director of Field Operations, answered this question from another OCFer: Is our membership expanding or contracting?  OCF isn't just for military officers—anyone sincerely able to sign the Statement of Faith and Participation and agree with the OCF Biblical Guidelines for Member Conduct can become a member of OCF. To become a member, first acknowledge your agreement with the Statement of Faith, then visit ocfusa.org/join to fill out the form.   If you have a question that you want us to consider for a future “Ask OCF” segment, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  GUEST SPOTLIGHT  Today's guest spotlight features Col PK Carlton, USAF (Ret.), who currently serves as OCF's Director of Field Staff. In this role, he focuses on the care and engagement for our Field Staff at the four Service Academies and our Gateway ministries at Leavenworth and Maxwell.   PK and his wife Lindsey have served as Local Leaders across their Air Force career, later serving as Ministry Team at USAFA that led to them leading the USAFA ministry for two years. They love having cadets over and mentoring young officers and have a heart for the Field Staff and their families that serve our key ministries.  Earlier this year, PK led a retreat session for USAFA cadets at Spring Canyon (springcanyon.org) to unpack this frequently asked question in OCF circles: “How do I evangelize in uniform?” PK joined us on Crosspoint to share some of the encouragement he gave those cadets and to share his own testimony as well.  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with PK, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How do you feel about evangelism, and what experiences have shaped your impression?   Why is it important to keep Matthew 5:16 and Romans 10:14 in mind when thinking about sharing your faith?  Who might be able to mentor you in evangelism?  What techniques have you found work well for sharing your own testimony? 

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the "I Am Dad" podcast! Today, we are honored to have with us Kimberly A. Dent, the Executive Director of the Ohio Commission on Fatherhood (OCF). With over 26 years of experience serving fathers, children, and families in Ohio, Kim has dedicated her career to making a positive impact on the lives of countless families across the state. Through her leadership at OCF, Kim oversees the funding of fatherhood programs, makes crucial policy recommendations, and works tirelessly to train professionals and engage the community on the vital role that fathers play in their children's lives. Her extensive background in child support programs and public policy has equipped her with the expertise and passion to drive meaningful change.

In this episode, COL Andy MacLean, USA (Ret.), the coordinator for Latin America at the Association for Christian Conferences, Teaching and Services (ACCTS (https://accts.org/)), discusses the mission of ACCTS and its work in developing Christian leaders in the armed forces worldwide.   He shares his experiences working with military communities in Latin America and the challenges and opportunities he encounters. Andy also highlights the upcoming AMCF World Conference and the need for financial support and prayer for the conference's success.  Andy then shares his testimony and the five fingerprints of God in his life. He discusses his journey from being a missionary kid to a military officer and the unexpected opportunities and doors that God opened for him. He emphasizes the importance of being a good steward of what God has entrusted to us and thinking strategically about where God has placed us.   He encourages Christians in the military to use their credentials and experiences to make an impact for the kingdom of God and to be mindful of the bigger picture in their actions and decisions.  Andy mentions a few resources in this interview: OCF small groups (https://www.ocfusa.org/directory/), Rocky Mountain High (https://www.springcanyon.org/rocky-mountain-high/), and the AMCF World Conference (https://www.worldconferenceamcf.com/en).     Takeaways   ACCTS' mission is to assist in the development of Christian leaders in the armed forces worldwide and establish military Christian fellowships.  Andy works as the coordinator for Latin America, supporting military Christian fellowships in 20 countries.  The AMCF World Conference aims to encourage and equip military Christians from around the world and provide a vision for their mission.  Financial support and prayer are needed for the success of the conference and the ongoing work of ACCTS.  There is a need for more people to get involved in ACCTS and support military Christian communities globally.  Be a good steward of what God has entrusted to you.  Think strategically about where God has placed you.  Use your credentials and experiences to make an impact for the kingdom of God.  Be mindful of the bigger picture in your actions and decisions.     Points to Ponder  Andy talks about the Lord using his military career to prepare him for his role with ACCTS. How have you seen God use an experience in your life for another?  When have you seen hardship bear fruit?  Andy shares about connections and networking being a way to further the gospel elsewhere. What do his anecdotes remind us of when it comes to the Lord and His church?  Thinking of the theme for this year's AMCF World Conference, what does it mean to you to “arise and shine” (Isaiah 60:1)?  How are you stewarding what God has given you? 

    OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Fort Knox OCF update: Continue praying for the ROTC cadets as they've returned to their campuses and begun new semesters. To learn more about and/or get involved with OCF's ROTC ministry, visit ocfusa.org/rotc  Connected print newsletters: If you don't receive this biannual piece in your mailbox this fall, be sure to update your info via ocfusa.org/update so that we don't miss you next spring. This fall's newsletter will also be available online at ocfusa.org/connected  Ted & Beverly Kaiser: Contact this newest couple on the OCF team by emailing europe@ocfusa.org  OCF Mid-Atlantic & Northeast Fall Retreat: Visit whitesulphursprings.org/events to learn more and register, and email any questions to the Chiaravallottis at midatlantic@ocfusa.org.     The Bowens' Fort Carson OCF group: Visit ocfusa.org/directory to connect with groups like the Bowens', and visit ocfusa.org/list-me to start your own group wherever you are.  ASK OCF  COL Steve & Miriam Shambach, USA (Ret.), who serve as the OCF Mountain Central Regional Coordinator couple, answered this question from another OCFer: Retired, I don't live near a military base, no local OCF folks near me...what opportunity is there for fellowship/training through Zoom?  In case you missed the Shambachs' article in the spring 2024 issue of Connected print newsletter, you can find it here: From Service to Support: How Veterans Can Stay Engaged in OCF.  If you have a question that you want us to consider for a future “Ask OCF” segment, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  GUEST SPOTLIGHT  COL Andy MacLean, USA (Ret.), graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1995 and later returned there to be a professor. After retiring in 2019, he joined the Association for Christian Conferences, Teaching, and Services (ACCTS), a sister ministry of OCF. He currently serves as the ACCTS coordinator for Latin America.  Whether discussing the origin story of ACCTS, the countries he works with as an ACCTS staffer, or his own life, Andy's passion for sharing how God works in the details is clear. He talks about the upcoming AMCF World Conference, approaching this October in Brazil, which you can support by attending, praying for the gathering, and/or contributing to a scholarship for other guests.  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Andy, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How can you engage in the international ministry ACCTS does?  When have you seen God work through hard situations, whether in your own life or in events across the world?  Why is it important to discuss how God is working in other nation's military communities? 

Show Notes  OCF MINISTRY NEWS  New hires; jobs still available on OCF team: While couples have stepped forward to fill open positions at USMA and USCGA on an interim basis, the application window at both West Point and the Coast Guard Academy is now extended to 31 October with an expected start date in the summer of 2025. To learn more and apply, visit our job openings page.   Fall programs await at Spring Canyon and White Sulphur Springs:   Caleb Challenge Career Transition Strategies Workshop, 13-15 September, at WSS: Jump-start your career transition with a weekend of interactive work, group discussions, and personal exercises, all facilitated by retired military leaders with over 200 years of combined leadership and life-coaching experience.   Climb Together, September 2024, at SC: This three-day wilderness experience, complete with outdoor activities, campfires, spectacular mountain vistas and events, is tailored to meet the needs of busy families who yearn to “Reconnect in the Rockies.” Parent-Youth Adventure Weekends, October-November 2024, at WSS: Designed for one parent and one child, these weekends are an opportunity to build memories that will last a lifetime.   ASK OCF  TSgt Ryan Padgett, USAF (Ret.), answered the FAQ: Is OCF only for officers? Ryan shares about his own experience with joining OCF and encourages other enlisted service members to get involved, too.  Interested in getting involved in OCF? Fill out our membership form and/or find an OCF study near you.  If you have a question that you want us to consider for a future “Ask OCF” segment, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.    GUEST SPOTLIGHT  CH(CAPT) Michael Will, USA (Ret.), spoke on this month's episode about hardship and suffering, topics which also served as his focus while he was the speaker for a week of Summer R&R at White Sulphur Springs last month.   Having enlisted in 1992 and later commissioned as a chaplain, Michael has also pastored churches in Ohio and Canada. He currently serves as the associate pastor for discipleship at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church in Knox, Pa.   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.    POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Michael, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  What personal experiences have shaped your definition of suffering?  How have you seen God use suffering in your own life and in the lives of others?  What Bible verses encourage you in the midst of hardship?  Michael talks about prayer as “the most effective tool” in his toolkit. What additional tools can you use when facing hard times?

Show Notes OCF MINISTRY NEWS  OCF purchased a new staff home at Spring Canyon: To contribute to OCF's purchase of this house, make an online donation to the Refreshing the Canyon Fund.   OCF is expanding efforts in ROTC ministry with a new job opening at The Citadel: To learn more about the Council's approval of this opportunity and/or find the link to apply, click here.  July marks the halfway point of OCF's conference center ministry: Visit our conference center webpage to learn more about programs and opportunities available later this summer and fall.   The AMCF World Conference 2024 in Brazil is coming up: This transformative opportunity to connect with other military communities around the world is scheduled for 16-20 October. Click here to learn more and register. Can't attend? Donate to this fund that will provide financial scholarships to other attendees.  OCF small group spotlight: OCF Field Staffer Paul Homan shared one of several questions posed during the OCF at USAFA spring retreat and spiritual commissioning. What's your small group studying? What questions are you wrestling with? Let Courtney know by emailing her at courtney.taylor@ocfusa.org.  ASK OCF  CH(COL) Douglas H. Ball, USA answered the FAQ: What are the challenges that our Christian Military Chaplains are facing? His three-part answer mentions busy schedules, role expansion, and cultural change.  Interested in learning more about resources for chaplains and ways to support your chaplains? Check out Chapter 17 of the OCF Handbook.   If you have a question that you want us to consider for a future “Ask OCF” segment, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  GUEST SPOTLIGHT  This month, Josh sat down with Brig Gen Jeff H. Hurlbert, USAF (Ret.), who retired from the Air Force in 2023 after 32 years of service. He's currently the chief security officer for Applied Materials, a global leader in the semiconductor, display, and solar panel industries.   Jeff is also a longtime OCF member and current member of the OCF Council. This month, Jeff is speaking at Spring Canyon during the sixth week of Summer Celebration on the topic of humility, and he discusses that same topic here in today's episode of Crosspoint.   Inspired by an OCF Bible study he participated in 15 years ago in Germany and having seen the impact of humility in his own life and career, Jeff addresses several questions such as why humility matters to the military leader, what it is and what it isn't, and more.  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Jeff, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How would you define humility?  What's a personal example of humility making a difference, whether you were the one displaying humility or observing someone observing humility?  How does Christ's example encourage you to lead and live humbly?  What gifts has God given you that you can use to serve others for His glory? 

Crosspoint Show Notes, June 2024:  Today's episode introduces a new format for the OCF Crosspoint podcast. Moving forward, each monthly episode will consist of three segments: OCF ministry news, an “Ask OCF” segment, and an interview with a guest about a particular topic or personal story.  Read on for links and details from each of these three segments for June 2024.  OCF MINISTRY NEWS  Volunteers needed for Fort Knox CST ministry: If interested in leading small groups for cadets during summer training at Fort Knox, particularly in July, reach out to Bob Deckard via rwdeckard@gmail.com or to Larry Sherbondy via ROTC@ocfusa.org.     Conference Center summer programs begin: Visit ocfusa.org/experience to watch our newest video about opportunities at OCF's two Conference Centers—White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa., and Spring Canyon in Buena Vista, Colo. From there, check out each Conference Center's website to learn more about summer programs and discounts available to first-time guests, active-duty military, and OCF Local Leaders.   SkillBridge opportunities now available at OCF: Visit ocfusa.org/skillbridge to check out OCF's newest webpage about our new opportunities available through SkillBridge.   OCF small group spotlight: Maj Nathan Flack, USAF, serves as the Local Leader for Barksdale AFB OCF and shared what question his group wrestled with recently. What's your small group studying? What questions are you wrestling with? Let Courtney know by emailing her at courtney.taylor@ocfusa.org.  ASK OCF  OCF Council President Col Dale Holland, USAF (Ret.), answered some FAQs about Local Leaders and mentioned resources available online. Visit ocfusa.org/toolkit to access these resources. If you'd like to become a Local Leader or if you've not yet listed yourself on our online directory, visit ocfusa.org/list-me to do so.   If you have a question that you want us to consider for a future “Ask OCF” segment, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  GUEST SPOTLIGHT  Have you thought about what that next season of life might look like after military service?  What does it look like to have a Biblical approach when it comes to a career transition? And what does your identity have to do with this?  This month, Josh sat down with Maj Gen Pete Peterson, USAF (Ret.) to discuss these questions. Pete is a co-founder of Caleb Challenge, an organization that uses Biblical principles to help men and women transition from military service to the next season that God has planned for them.   Having experienced a career transition himself after 34 years of service in the Air Force, Pete shares his own lessons learned, Biblical principles for a career change, and details about Caleb Challenge. Caleb Challenge is hosting its next workshop at OCF's White Sulphur Springs in Manns Choice, Pa., later this fall. Visit WSS' website to learn more and register for this valuable 13-15 September workshop.   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic we should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  POINTS TO PONDER  As you listen to this conversation with Pete, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  Consider Pete's big question for those who will eventually transition out of a military career: What's your real focus?  How can you start preparing for your own career transition now?  What does it mean to you to “include God in the process”?  Why is our identity in Christ important to consider when going through a big life change like a career transition?   

Han pasado tres semanas desde la intervención de Coopeservidores y estamos ya a pocos días de que se cumpla el primer plazo establecido para el informe del interventor, que ciertamente podría ampliarse, aunque ello podría generar aún más incertidumbre sobre el caso, cuyo elemento más novedoso fue la decisión del interventor de ordenar hace ocho días el despido sin responsabilidad patronal del gerente general de la cooperativa Óscar Hidalgo, lo cual nos anticipa la contundencia de las pruebas sobre las que se está construyendo todo el caso. Los restantes miembros del Consejo de Administración siguen suspendidos, pero las vísperas no les presagian aguas tranquilas. En tanto, para mantener a flote y llevar calma al negocio de todo el sector cooperativo financiero, la Oficina del Consumidor Financiero (OCF) estableció canales de comunicación para evacuar inquietudes y orientar a las personas afectadas por el proceso. Es un esfuerzo que se sumó a otros de las entidades supervisoras, para acompañar la intervención. En esa línea conversamos con el economista y director de la OCF, Danilo Montero.

https://youtu.be/0cCBn-iMOUY Forum Discussion Thread (https://forum.tuxdigital.com/t/256-linux-desktop-growth-fedora-dropping-xorg-nintendo-vs-yuzu-lawsuit-amp-more-linux-news/6185) We've got a lot of big news for Linux users this week! We've got everything from marketshare growth to the latest updates for your favorite distros. Desktop Linux hits 4% market share! That's the highest ever by the way. Linux From Scratch just released a new version for those of you who dream of building your own OS. Fedora is considering dropping XOrg entirely on Fedora 41 Workstation. Arch Linux users are getting a pretty big update to their package manager, Pacman. Plus we are so close to 30,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel, if you enjoy this show and aren't subscribe to my channel then I'd appreciate it if you help me reach that milestone. That would be awesome. Now let's jump into This Week in Linux, Your Source for Linux GNews! Download as MP3 (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/2389be04-5c79-485e-b1ca-3a5b2cebb006/4edd037a-6771-4d27-b289-6abd39780b1d.mp3) Sponsored by: Kolide - thisweekinlinux.com/kolide (https://thisweekinlinux.com/kolide) Want to Support the Show? Become a Patron = https://tuxdigital.com/membership (https://tuxdigital.com/membership) Store = https://tuxdigital.com/store (https://tuxdigital.com/store) Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:08 I'm going to SCALE - [link (https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/21x)] 03:31 4% Marketshare for Linux on StatCounter! - [link (https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop/worldwide)] 06:28 Nintendo says Game Over to Yuzu Emulator with $2.4 Million lawsuit - [link (https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2024/03/yuzu-agrees-to-pay-nintendo-2-4-million-and-will-entirely-shut-down/)] 11:40 Open Collective Foundation is shutting down - [OCF (https://opencollective.foundation/), OSC comment (https://opencollective.com/opensource/updates/regarding-the-announcement-to-dissolve-open-collective-foundation)] 15:04 Sponsored by Kolide - [link (https://thisweekinlinux.com/kolide)] 16:26 Fedora Project Considering Dropping XOrg from Workstation - [link (https://www.phoronix.com/news/Fedora-41-No-GNOME-Xorg-Install)] 20:56 Flock to Fedora Conference - [link (https://fedoramagazine.org/flock-2024-rochester-new-york/)] 23:28 HDMI Forum 'blocks AMD open sourcing its 2.1 drivers' - [link (https://www.phoronix.com/news/HDMI-2.1-OSS-Rejected)] 24:37 Zorin OS 17.1 Released - [link (https://blog.zorin.com/2024/03/07/zorin-os-17.1-is-released/)] 26:37 OpenMediaVault 7.0 Released - [link (https://www.openmediavault.org/?p=3663)] 28:40 Arch Linux's Pacman 6.1 Released - [link (https://gitlab.archlinux.org/pacman/pacman/-/releases/v6.1.0)] 30:10 Linux From Scratch 12.1 Released - [link (https://lists.linuxfromscratch.org/sympa/arc/lfs-announce/2024-03/msg00001.html)] 33:34 Outro

In this special episode of OCF Crosspoint, you're going to hear audio from the inaugural OCF Global Town Hall, which was broadcasted live on 10 February from the new Home Office in Colorado Springs, Colo. The first voice that you're going to hear is OCF Council President Col Dale Holland, USAF (Ret.). He and OCF's CEO / Executive Director, Col Scott Fisher, USAF (Ret.), started by discussing the impactful journey and future visions for OCF. After their opening remarks, the remaining hour or so was used as a Q&A time. During the Q&A portion, you'll also hear the voice of LTC Colin Wooten, USA (Ret.), who helped moderate and also posed a mix of both real-time questions from the event and questions submitted ahead of time. The questions covered in this episode centered on these 12 topics: Local Leader training and information. Balancing OCF involvement with commitment to the local church. Starting an OCF ROTC group at a university that does not have one. Opportunities for retired ex-military to get involved with OCF. Creating more awareness about OCF. Challenges that our Christian military chaplains are facing. OCF funding shortfalls. Focusing on the National Guard and Reserves. Reaching out beyond U.S. membership. Pursuing GRACE relations amid a divisive and dismissive culture. Regional training conferences. Two to three things that both Dale and Scott are excited about in the upcoming year. If you'd rather watch a video of the Global Town Hall, visit ocfusa.org/townhall. On that page, there's also a form you can fill out if you have questions, comments, or feedback, or send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org. We'll make sure your message is sent to the appropriate person.

Hard Truths and A Serendipitous Journey The firstborn child of a Ukrainian immigrant to the US, and following in her career father's Military footsteps, Jessica gladly accepted and thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of Cadet life at West Point. While at the academy, she ran collegiate cross country, competed in three years of the Sandhurst competition, Officers of Christian fellowship (OCF), ski team and debate team. She also was an exchange cadet to the Coast Guard academy cow/junior year. Jessica didn't graduate West Point; instead she served back her service obligation as a 91W/ combat medic in Alaska at Ft Richardson. After the sudden death of her mother and struck by the difficulties of working through assignments with her army orders and her husbands Coast Guard assignments, Jessica left the service and had some very cool and unique Alaskan jobs in security and project management following her service obligation. Jessica's trajectory changed completely when the family moved back to the East coast/NC in 2012. A very different set of challenges remained for her there, as she faced divorce and a lack of employment options that correlated with the oil and gas industry. This is Jessica's story on how she survived deep personal loss, being a new single parent, and becoming self aware enough to find her life's professional calling as a top producing mortgage loan originator/mortgage broker. She credits the environment of West Point for her toughness, but also relied much on counseling, faith and familial bonds, for their role in her journey from “failure” to “success” Jessica knows that more is often learned and more personal growth is actually experienced and obtained from failure than success…and she hopes others can learn and benefit from her story. This is her story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joe-harrison0/support

Join host Julia Kasten as she talks with longtime Project Mexico Religious Education Coordinator, Shannon Todd. Shannon entered the Orthodox church along with her family in 1997. She participated in various spiritual formation and fellowship programs including youth camps, CrossRoad, OCF and young adult gatherings. She also has served as an OCMC Ambassador, Sunday school teacher and choir member for many years. Throughout her life, she was encouraged to draw closer to Christ through these programs while the friends and mentors she met within the Church always helped her stay connected, confirming the Orthodox faith for her.

Today, you'll hear audio from the conclusion of a speaking session by CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA, this past fall at Spring Canyon's Aspentime Retreat. If you're new to OCF and you've never heard of Spring Canyon, it's OCF's western conference and retreat center located near Buena Vista, Colorado. And if you've never heard of Aspentime, it's a weekend getaway at Spring Canyon for Christian military members and families, and it features teaching and small group sessions led by a speaker like CH Snodgrass. Participants at the weekend retreat explored the profound concept of spiritual formation through the lens of renowned authors such as John Mark Comer, Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, and Donald Whitney, and they uncovered principles and practices that challenge contemporary ideals, emphasizing the necessity of community in the pursuit of spiritual growth. There were also interactive discussions, activities, and real-life applications in which leaders discovered how to build and sustain a vibrant military ministry while fostering personal renewal in an increasingly secular world and military.   About CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA Chaplain Jacob Snodgrass is a native of Ames, OK, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. He was commissioned from ROTC in 2002, and has served as a Chaplain since 2009, endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention. He currently serves as the 10th Special Forces Group Chaplain and as the lead pastor of Agape Carson, Fort Carson, CO. Chaplain Snodgrass has served numerous assignments as a chaplain, pastor, and church planter, including Camp Humphreys, Korea; Fort Lewis, WA; and Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was named U.S. Army Chaplain of the Year in 2019. Chaplain Snodgrass has been married for 18 years to the former Heather Dostal of Leakenheath, UK, and they have six kids: Manuel 24, Karmen 22, Gage 15, Boyce 14, Jovie 11, and Bennett 8.

Today, you'll hear audio from Part 2 of a speaking session by CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA, this past fall at Spring Canyon's Aspentime Retreat. If you're new to OCF and you've never heard of Spring Canyon, it's OCF's western conference and retreat center located near Buena Vista, Colorado. And if you've never heard of Aspentime, it's a weekend getaway at Spring Canyon for Christian military members and families, and it features teaching and small group sessions led by a speaker like CH Snodgrass. Participants at the weekend retreat explored the profound concept of spiritual formation through the lens of renowned authors such as John Mark Comer, Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, and Donald Whitney, and they uncovered principles and practices that challenge contemporary ideals, emphasizing the necessity of community in the pursuit of spiritual growth. There were also interactive discussions, activities, and real-life applications in which leaders discovered how to build and sustain a vibrant military ministry while fostering personal renewal in an increasingly secular world and military.   About CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA Chaplain Jacob Snodgrass is a native of Ames, OK, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. He was commissioned from ROTC in 2002, and has served as a Chaplain since 2009, endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention. He currently serves as the 10th Special Forces Group Chaplain and as the lead pastor of Agape Carson, Fort Carson, CO. Chaplain Snodgrass has served numerous assignments as a chaplain, pastor, and church planter, including Camp Humphreys, Korea; Fort Lewis, WA; and Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was named U.S. Army Chaplain of the Year in 2019. Chaplain Snodgrass has been married for 18 years to the former Heather Dostal of Leakenheath, UK, and they have six kids: Manuel 24, Karmen 22, Gage 15, Boyce 14, Jovie 11, and Bennett 8.

Today, you'll hear audio from a speaking session by CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA, this past fall at Spring Canyon's Aspentime Retreat. If you're new to OCF and you've never heard of Spring Canyon, it's OCF's western conference and retreat center located near Buena Vista, Colorado. And if you've never heard of Aspentime, it's a weekend getaway at Spring Canyon for Christian military members and families, and it features teaching and small group sessions led by a speaker like CH Snodgrass. Participants at the weekend retreat explored the profound concept of spiritual formation through the lens of renowned authors such as John Mark Comer, Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, and Donald Whitney, and they uncovered principles and practices that challenge contemporary ideals, emphasizing the necessity of community in the pursuit of spiritual growth. There were also interactive discussions, activities, and real-life applications in which leaders discovered how to build and sustain a vibrant military ministry while fostering personal renewal in an increasingly secular world and military.   About CH(MAJ) Jake Snodgrass, USA Chaplain Jacob Snodgrass is a native of Ames, OK, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Applied Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City. He was commissioned from ROTC in 2002, and has served as a Chaplain since 2009, endorsed by the Southern Baptist Convention. He currently serves as the 10th Special Forces Group Chaplain and as the lead pastor of Agape Carson, Fort Carson, CO. Chaplain Snodgrass has served numerous assignments as a chaplain, pastor, and church planter, including Camp Humphreys, Korea; Fort Lewis, WA; and Kandahar, Afghanistan. He was named U.S. Army Chaplain of the Year in 2019. Chaplain Snodgrass has been married for 18 years to the former Heather Dostal of Leakenheath, UK, and they have six kids: Manuel 24, Karmen 22, Gage 15, Boyce 14, Jovie 11, and Bennett 8.

art inspires culture unites Get to know Tucson's arts and culture scene with MK and Beezy, whose first podcast episode is a riotous preview of local happenings. With infectious humor and chemistry, they run through upcoming events like November's graffiti festival Rock the Spot, Chef Chepe's new spot Lucky Roll on Oracle, and the Halloween party Bar with Friends. Their passion for Tucson comes through as they flex their music and nightlife expertise, dishing on hip-hop happenings, classical music drops, and Friday night poor decisions. MK and Beezy's podcast is your ticket to the Old Pueblo's vibrant cultural side. October 21st was officially declared Favianna Rodriguez Day in South Tucson! https://www.instagram.com/p/CywhkjPPQsv/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== “Rock Tha Spot” graffiti festival returns this year https://www.instagram.com/p/CxZ4lhjuwfX/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Bar w/Friends Halloween party! https://www.instagram.com/p/CyblbVHPxAs/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Halloween around the world https://www.npr.org/2022/10/28/1130836737/how-halloween-is-celebrated-around-the-world LuckyRollOnOracle is coming 10/31 https://instagram.com/luckyrollonoracle?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== SAACA/Catalyst Tucson Hip Hop City Council Meeting https://www.saaca.org/ SASO & OCF have linked up to do concert videos https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy051kMrpX_/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== & https://sasomusic.org/ The Couch: presented by Takeover Lounge https://instagram.com/loungetakeover?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Quotes from Mk "Jump and Annette will appear." "I should have some classical music playing behind me right now." Quotes from Beezy "I love gunshots." "Poor choices that you can make on a Friday night." #Podcast #Culture #Art #Music #Tucson #Halloween #Graffiti #HipHop #Rap #Festival #Chef #Symphony #Concert #Lounge #Friday #Nightlife #Party #Costume --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/artinspirescultureunites/message

Got an idea for a guest or topic?   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.    Show Notes:   Today's guest is Col Jassen Bluto, USAF, (Ret.), a 32-year veteran who commanded four squadrons, served in combat in Iraq, and oversaw physical security and anti-terrorism policy and training at Air National Guard headquarters. He also gained extensive leadership experience in academia and then in law enforcement, where he served on three separate police agencies before retiring as a detective from an agency in Los Angeles County.  Pulling from decades of experience in enlisted and commissioned roles, Jassen shares three leadership principles–trust, respect, and caring–principles that inspired his short book titled Three Leadership Principles for the Christian in the Military. While the military certainly provides ample leadership training and experience, Jassen shares about the importance of leading from a Christ-centered life, Bible verses that shape his leadership style, and more.  >Check out these resources mentioned in Jassen's interview:  Three Leadership Principles for the Christian in the Military, Jassen's short book that features Biblical examples and methodology  Leadership Essentials Podcast, Jassen's podcast that focuses on practical insights for leaders    >Study questions for this episode As you listen to this conversation with Jassen, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How would you characterize a good leader and a bad leader?  What effect does right relationship with God have on our relationships with others on earth, especially in leadership contexts?  What Bible verses come to mind to shape your leadership practices?  How does humility produce good leadership?  Why is it important to have deeper relationships with those operating under your leadership?  Who in your life is providing you with feedback in order to develop your leadership skills? 

Got an idea for a guest or topic?   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.    Show Notes  How do emotional intelligence (known as EQ) and leadership go together? What does EQ have to do with leading in the military? How does EQ line up with scripture? Noble Gibbens, also known as the EQ Gangster, joins me on the podcast to answer these questions. An Oklahoma-born West Point graduate who served in the U.S. Army in the 82nd Airborne Division, Noble combined his entrepreneurial spirit and experience with his passion for emotional intelligence to become a certified emotional intelligence practitioner, corporate speaker & trainer, and executive leadership coach.  After growing up in a home where he “learned absolutely nothing about conflict resolution” and realizing his emotional dysfunction in his own home as an adult, Noble met with a counselor and began his emotional fitness journey. In this episode, he defines emotional intelligence, shares experiences with leadership in and out of the military context, talks about David and other biblical examples of emotional intelligence, and more.  Check out these resources mentioned in Noble's interview:  Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Dr. Travis Bradberry and Dr. Jean Greaves  EQ-i 2.0, an online self-rating assessment tool  EQ Gangster podcast, Episode #273: Dr. Brooks Gibbs, Emotional Resilience in Teens & Adults, and Creating Unstoppable Humans  Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You by Dr. Henry Cloud  Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Dr. Henry Cloud, Dr. John Townsend  Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute  Running on Empty: Overcome Your Childhood Emotional Neglect by Jonice Webb, PhD, with Christine Musello Running on Empty No More: Transform Your Relationships With Your Partner, Your Parents and Your Children by Jonice Webb, PhD   As you listen to this conversation with Noble, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How would you define emotional intelligence?  Think back to your own upbringing. How did your community, family, etc. talk about emotions? How has that impacted your understanding of emotional intelligence now?  To pose Noble's question mentioned in this episode: How often do anxiety and frustrations, motivation, impulses, fear, and distress affect and impact your decision-making?  Having listened to Noble explain the impact emotional intelligence can have on working relationships, what can improve within your own workplace?  We talk about Jesus as the biblical model of being unoffendable, a trait that indicates high emotional intelligence. What can we learn from His example?   

Got an idea for a guest or topic?   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.    Show Notes   So many conversations within the OCF community circle back to this question: How ought Christians in the military integrate their faith and profession? One week after graduating from high school, CW4 Rich Smith, USA (Ret.), embarked on 24 years of military service that provided him experiences that answer that very question. Upon retiring from the Army, Rich has developed a passion for encouraging other service members not to camouflage their faith in Christ during their years in the military.   In this episode, we discuss what hinders and helps Christians live out their faith in the military, his personal experiences with Christian fellowship during years on active duty, and more. He also shares about his book, Camouflaged Christian, which provides a deeper dive on the topics he discussed on Crosspoint. Rich now resides in his hometown of Rome, New York, with wife Teri and granddaughters Amerie, Elodie, and Maisy. As you listen to this conversation with Rich, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  What motivates you to camouflage your faith while serving in the military context?  How does Ephesians 6:10-20 encourage you to live out your faith in all areas of life?  Rich shares a couple of personal anecdotes about how fellowship with other believers strengthened his walk during his time in the Army. What impact have you seen fellowship or the absence of it have in your own life?  What Scripture can you commit to memory for the seemingly impossible tasks you'll face at work?  Rich talks about the value of turning to the Bible first in all circumstances. What things do you find yourself turning to first for encouragement, comfort, etc.? 

Got an idea for a guest or topic?   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.    Show Notes:   After graduating from West Point in 1989, Ricky Preciado served in the Army on active duty for five years then as a reservist for an additional five before shifting into business operations for a variety of manufacturing companies. Since 2017, he's been working for Chick-fil-a, and he currently works for them as an owner-operator in the San Diego area.   Ricky joined USS Somerset OCF for a day to share about one of his favorite topics, servant leadership, with Chick-fil-a in tow, of course, and he joined Assistant Director of Communications Courtney Taylor on the podcast to discuss the very same topic. He breaks down what can often seem to be a “Christianese” term in the church, shares what he's learned about servant leadership via his work with Chick-fil-a, and recaps his visit with USS Somerset OCF.  To find a small group fellowship similar to the USS Somerset OCF group Ricky visited, check out the OCF directory online.  As you listen to this conversation with Ricky, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  How would you define servant leadership?  Who are your role models, biblical or personal, for servant leadership? Why?  What personal experiences have humbled you and can be used in developing your own servant leadership?  How does surrendering your responsibilities to God enable better servant leadership?  Ricky talks about taking the focus off yourself as an impactful means to being a servant leader. What are some practical ways you can focus on others? 

Got an idea for a guest or topic?   If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.    Show Notes What is resilience? Is there a correlation between resilience and the prevalence of suicide in the military? How do you know if you've become resilient? Minutes after leading a session about the topic of resilience during OCF's annual Local Leader Conference held at Spring Canyon earlier this year, Col Tim Hale, USAF (Ret.), sat down with me in the dining hall of Hartley Holmes Lodge to address these questions and others.  Raised in a military community near Scott AFB, Tim began his own career in the Air Force after completing Air Force ROTC at St. Louis University. Throughout his decades of service, Tim's command positions at a variety of levels, bolstered by post-retirement experiences as a cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Veteran Services and as an elder at his church, enabled him to see the importance of resilience firsthand. Tim now resides in Oklahoma, where he serves as OCF's Area Coordinator for Central Oklahoma, Southern Kansas, and Northern Texas.   Check out the various resources mentioned throughout this episode “March or die”: Turning to Christ & community in times of trauma, OCF Crosspoint episode with Jeremy Stalnecker that focuses on topics related to today's episode with Tim Path to Resiliency by Chad Robichaux, Jeremy Stalnecker, and John Mizerak (foreword by MG Bob Dees, USA (Ret.)) Days of Anguish, Days of Hope by Bill Keith The Resilience Trilogy by MG Bob Dees, USA (Ret.) As you listen to this conversation with Tim, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor Tim says the best time to build resilience is before a traumatic event takes place. How can you build resilience now so that you're better prepared if and when potentially traumatic life events occur? Referring to Path to Resiliency, Tim reminds us that God can heal our trauma and enable us to move forward. What examples, biblical or personal, come to mind as you think of God restoring people after a traumatic event? Specifically, what spiritual disciplines can you cultivate now so that those habits are already established if and when traumatic experiences occur? Who do you consider your community to support you through trauma and recovery? Tim shares 2 Corinthians 1:3 as a biblical encouragement that God sustains us through trials. What scripture can you begin clinging to now that will encourage you through the hardships of life?  Tim suggests that a self-examination of behavior in day-to-day life–even when things are good–can help assess personal resilience that will prove necessary in hardships. Reflect now on how you're handling the “small things” during this season of life, and ask yourself if there are spiritual disciplines to pursue as you seek to develop this resilience. 

Got an idea for a guest or topic? If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org Show Notes: Earlier this season, Nicole Breining spoke about her husband's pornography addiction that resulted in betrayal trauma and a serious strain on their relationship. But what impact does pornography addiction have on the rest of the family? Do kids experience a similar type of trauma when they learn parents struggle with a problematic sexual behavior? How should parents respond if and when they discover their children are viewing pornography? In this episode of Crosspoint, Dr. John Thorington addresses these questions. John is a licensed professional counselor and certified sexual recovery therapist, and he has a private practice in Huntsville, Alabama, called Restoring Hearts Counseling. If you haven't already, listen to his first episode with Crosspoint from its first season, titled “The Theological Implications of Addiction.” John talks about how parents might navigate a conversation with kids when a parent is struggling with problematic sexual behaviors, how to set boundaries in recovery, and what resources to use in next steps. We then flip the script to talk about how parents can move forward when they learn their child is the one struggling with problematic sexual behaviors, turning to God's design rather than the world's during ongoing conversations. Check out the various resources mentioned throughout this episode:  Restoring Hearts Counseling, John's practice that offers competent counseling and treats teen pornography addiction and other compulsive online behaviors with a Christian perspective Pure Desire Ministries, which seeks to provide hope, freedom, and healing from sexual brokenness through Jesus Christ Be Broken Ministries, which helps men, women, and families move from sexual brokenness to wholeness in Christ and equips others to do the same Treading Boldly through a Pornographic World: A Field Guide for Parents by Daniel Weiss and Joshua Glaser, written to help parents navigate conversations with their kids about pornography Honest Talk: A New Perspective on Talking to Your Kids About Sex by John Fort, a guide that provides parents a new approach to help children safely navigate today's hypersexual culture The Porn Phenomenon: The Impact of Pornography in the Digital Age, a Barna Report published in partnership with Josh McDowell Ministries Focus on the Family, a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive Covenant Eyes: Screen Accountability™ Sexpectations: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Healthy Relationships by Barb Winters Pure Teens: Honoring God, Relationships, and Sex by Dr. John Thorington As you listen to this conversation with John, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  What is the value of backing up promises with action when navigating recovery from addiction with your family? If you're a parent finding out that your child is viewing pornography, how can you make sure you respond well so that your relationship is not damaged? What can we learn from Jesus' example as He interacts with the woman at the well in John 4:1-26? How can you be proactive in educating your kids about God's design for sex and sexuality in a world where we often see a rebellion against that design? John talks about the potential harm we can do by framing conversations about sex in a negative light. How ought God's design and His positive view of it shape how we talk about sex? 

Show Notes:  CAPT Brent & Nicole Breining, USN (Ret.), return to the podcast today to continue our series on pornography and sexuality. If you haven't listened to the first three episodes in this series, I encourage you to check out those episodes first and then return to hear today's episode as we discuss the three parts of the healing process, resources for recovery, and more.  The Breinings break down the three parts of addiction recovery—breaking denial structures, understanding the addictive cycle, and accessing the wound. We then address why we can feel so discouraged by the time and effort required to heal, the value of understanding the nature of addiction regardless of personal experience, and the importance of addressing these sin struggles for the purpose of restoration rather than rejection.  Check out the various resources mentioned throughout this episode:  Pure Desire Ministries, through which Brent and Nicole help men and women heal from unwanted sexual behaviors and their repercussions  Unraveled: Managing Love, Sex, and Relationships, a resource for women  Sexual Integrity 101, an eight-week study for men, women, and churches  Unwanted: How Sexual Brokenness Reveals Our Way to Healing, a book that explores the “why” behind self-destructive sexual choices  Covenant Eyes: Screen Accountability™  If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email topodcast@ocfusa.org As you listen to this conversation with Brent and Nicole, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  Brent says, “Sexual bondage is not about sex, but medicating the pain in your life.” No matter what addictions you might struggle with, what pain might you trying to be medicate?  Who can you trust and talk to about your traumatic experiences and addictive behaviors? How can you be someone others can talk to about their struggles as well?  How does our quick-fix culture present challenges in recovering from addiction?  In what ways can you help the church adopt a culture of grace when it comes to ministering to broken people in this context?  What tools can you utilize to overcome unwanted sexual behaviors and/or keep in mind to recommend to others struggling with such behaviors?

Show Notes:  CAPT Brent & Nicole Breining, USN (Ret.), return to the podcast today to continue our series on pornography and sexuality. If you haven't listened to the first two episodes in this series, I encourage you to check out those episodes first, get to know Brent and Nicole's story, then return to hear today's episode as we explore the concept of betrayal trauma in the context of marriage and romantic relationships.  In this episode, we discuss how the symptoms and effects of betrayal trauma present uniquely in different individuals, then Brent and Nicole share their personal experiences with betrayal trauma. The Breinings remind us that this betrayal trauma falls under the category of inevitable struggles Jesus promised we'd face in this life, but they remind us of our hope we have in Him.   Check out the various resources mentioned throughout this episode:  Your Sexually Addicted Spouse: How Partners Can Cope and Heal by Dr. Barbara Steffens  Struggle Well by Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg   Pure Desire Ministries, through which Brent and Nicole help men and women heal from unwanted sexual behaviors and their repercussions    If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.  As you listen to this conversation with Brent and Nicole, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor:  Have you experienced hurt that has prompted you to question God's goodness? How did you work through that doubt?  How might a desire for control over your own life be connected to betrayal trauma?  How do traumatic experiences shake your understanding of your core beliefs?  What is the value of processing past traumatic experiences to better understand your reactions to present circumstances that might result in trauma?  Nicole shares several things she found helpful in her recovery from betrayal trauma: finding community she could trust, practicing self-care, educating herself about sexual addiction and betrayal trauma, not rushing into big decisions when working through betrayal trauma, and creating boundaries for safety. What practical ways within those categories might you be able to work through or help a loved one work through betrayal trauma?

Got an idea for a guest or topic? If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.   Show Notes: CAPT Brent & Nicole Breining, USN (Ret.), return to the podcast today to continue our series on pornography and sexuality. If you haven't listened to the first episode in this series, I encourage you to check out that episode first, get to know Brent and Nicole's story, then return to hear today's episode as we dive into the nature of addiction.  We discuss statistics and real-world case studies regarding the pornography industry that reveal the magnitude of its harmful effects on society and on individuals alike. Brent and Nicole then unpack terms and concepts such as the cyclone of addiction, the shame cycle, and neurochemistry of the brain that all point to God's intricate design for His creation. Check out the various resources mentioned throughout this episode: ·      Restoring the Soul podcast: Part 1 with Tony Anderson, and Part 2 with Tony Anderson ·      Fight the New Drug ·      The Social Dilemma ·      Pure Desire Ministries, through which Brent and Nicole help men and women heal from unwanted sexual behaviors and their repercussions   As you listen to this conversation with Brent and Nicole, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: We refer to the statistic that 49% of rescued sex trafficking victims were forced to participate in the production of pornographic material. How ought that knowledge affect decisions to consume that pornographic material?   How does the pornography industry harm our perceptions of others as individuals made in the image of God? Why might “rigid, disengaged homes,” per Brent's description, often become an environment in which many individuals become sex addicts? What habits can you establish to “live in this world of technology… but do it in a healthy manner,” as Brent says? What sin struggles have prompted you to feel shame and hide from God and from fellow believers?   Loads of Additional Resources on this topic Problematic Sexual Behavior (Men): Books: Laaser, M. (2004). Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction (3rd ed.). Zondervan. Roberts, T. (2008). Pure Desire: How one man's triumph can help others break free from sexual temptation. Regal. Roberts, T. (2021). Seven Pillars of Freedom (5th ed.). Pure Desire Ministries International. Stringer, J. (2018). Unwanted: How sexual brokenness reveals our way to healing. NavPress. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, January 19). What If My Betrayed Spouse Doesn't Want Healing? (No. 185) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/what-if-my-betrayed-spouse-doesnt-want-healing/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, March 8). How To Help Your Spouse Heal From Your Sexual Betrayal (No. 244) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/how-to-help-your-spouse-heal-from-your-sexual-betrayal/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, November 22). The Impact of Sexual Addiction w/ Dr. Adrian Hickmon (No. 281) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-impact-of-sexual-addiction-w-adrian-hickmon/ Video Series: Kolb, H. [Editor]. (2020). Sexual Integrity 101 [Video series]. Pure Desire Ministries International. Ward, G., Wiles, J., & Wiles, T. [Executive Producers]. (2013). Conqueror Series: The battle plan for purity [Video series]. KingdomWorks Studios.   Problematic Sexual Behavior (Women): Books: Kolb, H. [Editor]. (2019). Unraveled: Managing love, sex, and relationships. Pure Desire Ministries International. Stringer, J. (2018). Unwanted: How sexual brokenness reveals our way to healing. NavPress. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, October 20). The Female Addict and Unraveled (No. 172) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-female-addict-unraveled/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, January 19). What If My Betrayed Spouse Doesn't Want Healing? (No. 185) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/what-if-my-betrayed-spouse-doesnt-want-healing/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, March 8). How To Help Your Spouse Heal From Your Sexual Betrayal (No. 244) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/how-to-help-your-spouse-heal-from-your-sexual-betrayal/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, November 22). The Impact of Sexual Addiction w/ Dr. Adrian Hickmon (No. 281) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-impact-of-sexual-addiction-w-adrian-hickmon/ Video Series: Kolb, H. [Editor]. (2020). Sexual Integrity 101 [Video series]. Pure Desire Ministries International.   Betrayal Trauma: Books: Kolb, H., Jameson, A., & Roberts, D. (2022). Betrayal & Beyond: Healing the trauma of sexual betrayal (3rd ed.). Pure Desire Ministries International. Pure Desire Ministries. 7 Keys to Understanding Betrayal Trauma (ebook). https://puredesire.org/free-ebook-7-keys-to-understanding-betrayal-trauma/ Steffens, B. & Means, M. (2021). Your Sexually Addicted Spouse: How Partners Can Cope and Heal (2nd ed.). Armin Lear Press Inc. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, November 3). Boundaries in Recovery (No. 174) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/boundaries-in-recovery/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, May 11). What If My Struggling Spouse Doesn't Want Healing? (No. 201) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/what-if-my-struggling-spouse-doesnt-want-healing/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, July 13). Hope for Betrayed Men (No. 210) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/hope-for-betrayed-men/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, July 27). 7 Keys to Understanding Betrayal Trauma (No. 212) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/7-keys-to-understanding-betrayal-trauma/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, February 1). Women's Takeover #1: Healing From Betrayal w/ Dr. Barbara Steffens (No. 239) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/womens-takeover-1-healing-from-betrayal-w-dr-barbara-steffens/   Healthy Sexuality: Books: Gregoire, S. (2022). The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex (2nd ed.). Zondervan Books. Gregoire, S. & Gregoire, K.  (2022). The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex. Zondervan Books. Roberts, T. & Roberts, D. (2010). Sexy Christians: The Purpose, Power and Passion of Biblical Intimacy. Baker Books. Slattery, J. (2018). Rethinking Sexuality: God's Design and Why It Matters. Multnomah. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, July 9). Soul Ties (No. 105) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/soul-ties/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, July 30). Sexual Discipleship w/ Juli Slattery (No. 108) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/sexual-discipleship-w-juli-slattery/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, April 26). The Good Guide to Great Sex w/ Dr. Keith and Sheila Wray Gregoire (No. 251) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-good-guide-to-great-sex-w-dr-keith-sheil-wray-gregoire/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, November 1). The Four Pillars of Sexual Love w/ Dr. Juli Slattery (No. 278) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-four-pillars-of-sexual-love-w-dr-juli-slattery/   Young Adults/College Age: Books (Young Men): Bennett, B., Butcher, B., & Roberts, T. (2016). Living Free. Pure Desire Ministries International. Books (Young Women): Bradley R. & Roberts, D. (2012). Behind the Mask: Authentic living for young women. Pure Desire Ministries International. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/  Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2018, January 30). Living Free w/Ben Bennett (No. 30) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcast/living-free/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, September 17). Love, Sex, and Dating (No. 115) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/love-sex-and-dating/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, March 31). Getting Healthy Before Marriage w/ Drew Boa (No. 143) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/getting-healthy-before-marriage-w-drew-boa/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, January 12). Groups for Young Women (No. 184) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcast/groups-for-young-women/   Parents: Books: Roberts, B. & Kolb, H. (2018). Digital Natives: Raising an Online Generation. Pure Desire Ministries International. Wright, R. & Wright, T. (2020). How to Talk with Your Kids About Sex. Pure Desire Ministries International. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, August 13). What Parents Need to Know about Porn (No. 110) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/what-parents-need-to-know-about-porn/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, August 3). The Effects of Pornography w/ Josh McDowell (No. 213) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-effects-of-pornography-w-josh-mcdowell/   Pastors/Chaplains/Churches: Books: Laaser, M. (2004). Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction (3rd ed.). Zondervan. Roberts, T. (2008). Pure Desire: How one man's triumph can help others break free from sexual temptation. Regal. Stumbo, N. (2017). Safe: Creating a Culture of Grace in a Climate of Shame. Pure Desire Ministries International. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, August 3). The Effects of Pornography w/ Josh McDowell (No. 213) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-effects-of-pornography-w-josh-mcdowell/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, October 27). No Shame Churches (No. 173) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/no-shame-churches/   Singles: Books: Gregoire, S. (2022). The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex (2nd ed.). Zondervan Books. Gregoire, S. & Gregoire, K.  (2022). The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex. Zondervan Books. Slattery, J. (2018). Rethinking Sexuality: God's Design and Why It Matters. Multnomah. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, September 17). Love, Sex, and Dating (No. 115) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/love-sex-and-dating/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, March 31). Getting Healthy Before Marriage w/ Drew Boa (No. 143) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/getting-healthy-before-marriage-w-drew-boa/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, July 26). Unmet Longings & Unhealthy Behaviors w/ Ben Bennett (No. 264) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/unmet-longings-unhealthy-behaviors-w-ben-bennett/   Miscellaneous: Books on Trauma: Falk, K. & Goldberg, J. (2018). Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma. Lioncrest. Van Der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Penguin Books.   Websites: Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists: https://www.apsats.org/ Authentic Intimacy: https://www.authenticintimacy.com/ Pure Desire Ministries International: https://puredesire.org.

Got an idea for a guest or topic? If you would like to share your own story, complete the form on OCF's “Be a Guest” webpage. Alternatively, if you have an idea for a guest or topic I should consider for a future episode of the show, send an email to podcast@ocfusa.org.   Show Notes: In January 2023, Pensacola OCF hosted a one-day workshop to discuss sexual brokenness and unwanted sexual behaviors like pornography addiction and to introduce solutions for healing and wholeness. CAPT Brent & Nicole Breining, USN (Ret.), led sessions throughout that one-day workshop, and they join me today on the podcast as we begin a series of episodes focusing on similar topics. Brent and Nicole share their story and the impact that porn had on their marriage in this episode, and their remaining three Crosspoint episodes will cover topics such as the nature of addiction, the shame cycle, and the neurochemistry of the brain. Having reached a breaking point in their marriage in 2012 and recovered since then by God's grace, Brent and Nicole talk about why that addiction placed such a strain on their marriage, how God worked through accountability partners in their healing process, and more. Above all, their desire is for listeners to understand there is hope and that God can restore anyone struggling with problematic sexual behaviors. Brent retired from the Navy in 2017 after a distinguished 27-year career, and he currently serves as a Foursquare Institutional Chaplain with Pure Desire Ministries, through which he helps men walk in sexual purity and break free from unwanted sexual behaviors. Nicole received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Illinois and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago, going on to work as a hospital pharmacist for 25 years. Nicole also has been working with Pure Desire Ministries, leading their betrayal and beyond groups for spouses for about three years. Both Brent and Nicole are accredited pastoral professionals. As you listen to this conversation with Brent and Nicole, here are a few questions to ponder in your personal time, with a small group, or with a mentor: How can the church establish a culture of grace, especially as applies to this topic of addiction? Brent refers to Ephesians 5:25, which says “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” How does this verse shape your view of emotional intimacy in marriage? Brent talks about the iPhone's contribution to an increased accessibility to pornography in recent years. What steps can you take to ensure your own devices aren't contributing to addictive behaviors? How does our freedom in Christ set us free from the shame of our secrets? Nicole talks about realizing her husband's struggles with pornography prompted her to react in sin as well. If you've been hurt by someone else's sin, what's the value of not using their sin as license to sin in response? If you're struggling with addictive behaviors, sexual or otherwise, what positive habits can you establish to replace those behaviors? Why is assessing your heart posture in all things so critical?   Loads of Resources on this topic Problematic Sexual Behavior (Men): Books: Laaser, M. (2004). Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction (3rd ed.). Zondervan. Roberts, T. (2008). Pure Desire: How one man's triumph can help others break free from sexual temptation. Regal. Roberts, T. (2021). Seven Pillars of Freedom (5th ed.). Pure Desire Ministries International. Stringer, J. (2018). Unwanted: How sexual brokenness reveals our way to healing. NavPress. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, January 19). What If My Betrayed Spouse Doesn't Want Healing? (No. 185) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/what-if-my-betrayed-spouse-doesnt-want-healing/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, March 8). How To Help Your Spouse Heal From Your Sexual Betrayal (No. 244) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/how-to-help-your-spouse-heal-from-your-sexual-betrayal/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, November 22). The Impact of Sexual Addiction w/ Dr. Adrian Hickmon (No. 281) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-impact-of-sexual-addiction-w-adrian-hickmon/ Video Series: Kolb, H. [Editor]. (2020). Sexual Integrity 101 [Video series]. Pure Desire Ministries International. Ward, G., Wiles, J., & Wiles, T. [Executive Producers]. (2013). Conqueror Series: The battle plan for purity [Video series]. KingdomWorks Studios.   Problematic Sexual Behavior (Women): Books: Kolb, H. [Editor]. (2019). Unraveled: Managing love, sex, and relationships. Pure Desire Ministries International. Stringer, J. (2018). Unwanted: How sexual brokenness reveals our way to healing. NavPress. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, October 20). The Female Addict and Unraveled (No. 172) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-female-addict-unraveled/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, January 19). What If My Betrayed Spouse Doesn't Want Healing? (No. 185) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/what-if-my-betrayed-spouse-doesnt-want-healing/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, March 8). How To Help Your Spouse Heal From Your Sexual Betrayal (No. 244) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/how-to-help-your-spouse-heal-from-your-sexual-betrayal/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, November 22). The Impact of Sexual Addiction w/ Dr. Adrian Hickmon (No. 281) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-impact-of-sexual-addiction-w-adrian-hickmon/ Video Series: Kolb, H. [Editor]. (2020). Sexual Integrity 101 [Video series]. Pure Desire Ministries International.   Betrayal Trauma: Books: Kolb, H., Jameson, A., & Roberts, D. (2022). Betrayal & Beyond: Healing the trauma of sexual betrayal (3rd ed.). Pure Desire Ministries International. Pure Desire Ministries. 7 Keys to Understanding Betrayal Trauma (ebook). https://puredesire.org/free-ebook-7-keys-to-understanding-betrayal-trauma/ Steffens, B. & Means, M. (2021). Your Sexually Addicted Spouse: How Partners Can Cope and Heal (2nd ed.). Armin Lear Press Inc. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, November 3). Boundaries in Recovery (No. 174) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/boundaries-in-recovery/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, May 11). What If My Struggling Spouse Doesn't Want Healing? (No. 201) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/what-if-my-struggling-spouse-doesnt-want-healing/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, July 13). Hope for Betrayed Men (No. 210) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/hope-for-betrayed-men/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, July 27). 7 Keys to Understanding Betrayal Trauma (No. 212) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/7-keys-to-understanding-betrayal-trauma/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, February 1). Women's Takeover #1: Healing From Betrayal w/ Dr. Barbara Steffens (No. 239) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/womens-takeover-1-healing-from-betrayal-w-dr-barbara-steffens/   Healthy Sexuality: Books: Gregoire, S. (2022). The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex (2nd ed.). Zondervan Books. Gregoire, S. & Gregoire, K.  (2022). The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex. Zondervan Books. Roberts, T. & Roberts, D. (2010). Sexy Christians: The Purpose, Power and Passion of Biblical Intimacy. Baker Books. Slattery, J. (2018). Rethinking Sexuality: God's Design and Why It Matters. Multnomah. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, July 9). Soul Ties (No. 105) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/soul-ties/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, July 30). Sexual Discipleship w/ Juli Slattery (No. 108) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/sexual-discipleship-w-juli-slattery/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, April 26). The Good Guide to Great Sex w/ Dr. Keith and Sheila Wray Gregoire (No. 251) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-good-guide-to-great-sex-w-dr-keith-sheil-wray-gregoire/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, November 1). The Four Pillars of Sexual Love w/ Dr. Juli Slattery (No. 278) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-four-pillars-of-sexual-love-w-dr-juli-slattery/   Young Adults/College Age: Books (Young Men): Bennett, B., Butcher, B., & Roberts, T. (2016). Living Free. Pure Desire Ministries International. Books (Young Women): Bradley R. & Roberts, D. (2012). Behind the Mask: Authentic living for young women. Pure Desire Ministries International. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/  Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2018, January 30). Living Free w/Ben Bennett (No. 30) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcast/living-free/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, September 17). Love, Sex, and Dating (No. 115) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/love-sex-and-dating/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, March 31). Getting Healthy Before Marriage w/ Drew Boa (No. 143) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/getting-healthy-before-marriage-w-drew-boa/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, January 12). Groups for Young Women (No. 184) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcast/groups-for-young-women/   Parents: Books: Roberts, B. & Kolb, H. (2018). Digital Natives: Raising an Online Generation. Pure Desire Ministries International. Wright, R. & Wright, T. (2020). How to Talk with Your Kids About Sex. Pure Desire Ministries International. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, August 13). What Parents Need to Know about Porn (No. 110) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/what-parents-need-to-know-about-porn/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, August 3). The Effects of Pornography w/ Josh McDowell (No. 213) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-effects-of-pornography-w-josh-mcdowell/   Pastors/Chaplains/Churches: Books: Laaser, M. (2004). Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction (3rd ed.). Zondervan. Roberts, T. (2008). Pure Desire: How one man's triumph can help others break free from sexual temptation. Regal. Stumbo, N. (2017). Safe: Creating a Culture of Grace in a Climate of Shame. Pure Desire Ministries International. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2021, August 3). The Effects of Pornography w/ Josh McDowell (No. 213) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/the-effects-of-pornography-w-josh-mcdowell/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, October 27). No Shame Churches (No. 173) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/no-shame-churches/   Singles: Books: Gregoire, S. (2022). The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex (2nd ed.). Zondervan Books. Gregoire, S. & Gregoire, K.  (2022). The Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex. Zondervan Books. Slattery, J. (2018). Rethinking Sexuality: God's Design and Why It Matters. Multnomah. Podcasts: https://puredesire.org/podcasts/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2019, September 17). Love, Sex, and Dating (No. 115) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/love-sex-and-dating/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2020, March 31). Getting Healthy Before Marriage w/ Drew Boa (No. 143) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/getting-healthy-before-marriage-w-drew-boa/ Stumbo, N. & Winsor, T. (Hosts). (2022, July 26). Unmet Longings & Unhealthy Behaviors w/ Ben Bennett (No. 264) [Audio podcast episode]. In Pure Desire Podcast. https://puredesire.org/podcasts/unmet-longings-unhealthy-behaviors-w-ben-bennett/   Miscellaneous: Books on Trauma: Falk, K. & Goldberg, J. (2018). Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma. Lioncrest. Van Der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Penguin Books.   Websites: Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists: https://www.apsats.org/ Authentic Intimacy: https://www.authenticintimacy.com/ Pure Desire Ministries International: https://puredesire.org.

Happy Woo Wednesdays!Michele is my student and went through my Fill you inbox + Master the sales call program. Michele loves the in person chat, and enthusiastic follow ups. She is a female who flashes. (OCF + color + artwork)She got on 2 venue vendor list and did a whole new rebrand, Congrats to MicheleHot Topic: when and how to rebrand your businessMichele is a Texas wedding photographer, who focuses on bold photography for vibrant souls. She turns memories into legacy through timeless, colorful images, set tangible by gorgeous heirloom wall art and albums.Rebranding.- why rebrand?- two types: refresh vs. overhaul- it isn't just changing a logo (all the things)- how to: 5 stepswww.1836photographie.comDownload my 7 step sales process for free and connect with mehttps://heckyesmedia.co/https://www.instagram.com/carissawoo