Podcasts about Christmas Eve

Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld – the only person to serve as CEO of two Fortune 500 companies on different continents (Alcoa in the US, Siemens in Germany), global advisor, founder of K2 Elevation, angel investor, and author of Leading to Thrive. First Dollars & Early Hustle: At 12, worked illegally at a supermarket in Germany, later launched a Santa Claus business delivering gifts (and family messages!) on Christmas Eve. Early work taught the value of money, the realities of management at all levels, and why people must create and be paid for value. Mindset Developed by Adversity: Father died at age 10, grew up with a strong sense of self-reliance and urgency to earn. Immigrant family background; learned that “money is freedom” and that every dollar earned created options. Time spent with East German relatives instilled the lesson that money only matters if it can actually buy value. Spiritual & Emotional Energy: Foundation in faith (Protestant roots) was a crucial “anchor” through hard times and later in life. Dr. Kleinfeld's new book, Leading to Thrive, stresses the four types of energy: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Advocates for not shying away from love, gratitude, and faith even in the corporate world—even if those topics are often taboo at the boardroom level. Career Guidance & Advancement: Career wasn't about status, but about maximizing freedom and value creation. The path to more money: “Money comes in exchange for creating value—become indispensable and you'll gain negotiating power.” Focus less on salary and more on skill acquisition; become a self-starter and continually improve. Key mantra: “Love it, change it, or leave it.” Life is too short to waste in situations without progress or fulfillment. Overcoming Fear and Stagnation: Don't let fear (False Expectations Appearing Real) keep you “stuck”—analyze the true risks, and realize that most bad outcomes never materialize. Lessons from high performers: It's about energy management (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual), not mere time management. Embrace continuous experimentation and agile adjustments—failure is just feedback and learning (Edison paradigm: every failed attempt is progress). Legacy and Regret: Biggest regrets from those at the end of life: not being truer to themselves and not choosing happiness sooner. See happiness as a daily, conscious choice, not something to seek only at the end. Dr. Kleinfeld's Actionable Advice: Focus on increasing your value to others—money follows value. Regularly reassess: “Love it, change it, or leave it.” Invest in managing your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy. Don't let fear dictate your story—break it down and act despite uncertainty. Read and learn from others (“Books condense a lifetime into a few hours—take the shortcut!”). Connect with Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld: https://www.leading-to-thrive.com/

Today’s Story: A gambler murders a pawn broker on Christmas Eve and is haunted by it. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 24, 1947 Origina Read more ...

 In this episode of Hammer Lane Legends, explore the highs and lows of life on the road. Aaron shares stories of fatherhood, slip-seating, and the challenges of keeping shared trucks clean. The hosts dive into Florida's unique trucking rules, frustrating truck maintenance, canceled backhauls, and varying pay structures. With humor and camaraderie, they recount unpredictable moments—from grocery store deliveries to a Christmas Eve adventure—capturing the reality and resilience of truckers everywhere.    Donate to help our Coworker's son during his battle with Cancer! Click HERE to donate! Support The Show KEEP US FUELED: buymeacoffee.com/hammerlane Gear: https://www.hammerlanelegends.com/gear Share Your Stories EMAIL US YOUR STORIES: hammerlanelegends@gmail.com Website: www.hammerlanelegends.com Follow The Show YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC5TWlB5Yqx8JlQr3p3bkkMg Facebook: www.facebook.com/hammerlanelegends Facebook Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/hll Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/hammerlanelegends Instagram Mobile: @hammerlanelegends Twitter Desktop: www.twitter.com/HLLPodcast Twitter Mobile: @HLLpodcast Follow The Team Brian Merkel Facebook: www.facebook.com/brian.merkel.94 Instagram Desktop: www.instagram.com/brianmerkeloffical/ Instagram Mobile: @brianmerkelofficial Produced by: Jason York Follow Jason on Instagram @jyorkofficial 

Over the last two episodes, I've told you the story of five-year-old Dennis Vaughan Jr., known affectionately as “Boo,” who died in his grandmother's house on Christmas Eve, 2019. Boo's mom, Danielle Vaughan, fought to regain custody of her five kids, all of whom were under the guardianship of Danielle's mother, Sherry Conner. Despite dozens of reports to DCYF, all alleging that Sherry was abusing her grandkids, they weren't removed from her care until after Boo died.Now, you'll hear my conversation with Danielle, who was candid, raw, and honest as she told me about the abuse and the trauma her kids endured in Sherry's home. The details she shared had my jaw on the floor, and after you hear what Danielle has to say, I'm positive you'll be as horrified as I am.This is part three of the heartbreaking story of Dennis “Boo” Vaughan Jr.Justice for Dennis “Boo” Vaughan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile/100090309441118/ Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. **New! Become a member of my YouTube channel for perks, ranging from a shout-out, members-only chat emoji, and loyalty badges to other rewards. Click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCogRWoIzWMy7TX5PuX18smQ/join Join my Spreaker Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.

In this KCC Archives episode from March 4, 2021, we revisit the legendary saga of "Kermit D Frog Fooled My Cheating Soon-To-Be Ex-Wife…" A masterclass in patience, planning, and ultimate revenge. After discovering his wife's year-long affair, OP launched a months-long operation to gather evidence, play mind games, and dismantle her life both socially and professionally before ghosting her on Christmas Eve. Across the original post and four explosive updates, we follow the fallout, including family drama, job losses, an attempted reconciliation, and OP's new relationship with a long-time friend. This is nuclear revenge at its most calculated and cold.

On Christmas Eve, 1953, New Zealand's holiday celebrations were shattered by tragedy. The Wellington to Auckland night express, filled with passengers eager to be home for Christmas, was making its way north when disaster struck. A lahar (volcanic mudflow) had swept away the Tangiwai Rail Bridge, plunging the train into the raging Whangaehu River below. The result was catastrophic — lives were lost, and the nation was left in shock.It was one of the darkest moments in New Zealand's history. At the time, it ranked as the eighth-deadliest rail disaster in the world and captured international headlines. With a population of just over two million, nearly everyone in the country knew someone affected. The fact that it occurred on Christmas Eve only deepened the collective sorrow. To this day, it remains far more than a local railway accident — it is a national tragedy.Join Gary Kent as he explores the story of the Tangiwai disaster, uncovering its profound impact on the people involved and the country as a whole. In the midst of grief and loss, perhaps we too can find comfort and strength as we reflect on how to navigate sorrow and hardship in our own lives.

What's up, dudes? In memory of Ozzy, Duane Bailey from Tinsel Tunes and Matt Wheeler from Resurrection Metal Radio join me to talk 1988 Headbangers Christmas! Yes, it's Christmas Eve on MTV's Headbangers Ball, and Ozzy Osbourne and Zakk Wylde are hosting the festivities.We're introduced to a slew of ‘80s metal bands, but kicking off the festivities is Ozzy himself with “Crazy Babies!” Poison, Judas Priest, Winger, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, and Guns N' Roses follow. Ozzy and Zakk have a great time introducing the videos. In fact, they even dress up in Santa hats. Ozzy even wears an odd mask  and a pirate hook. Next up are videos from KISS, Hurricane, Alice Cooper, RATT, Aerosmith, and Cinderella. Ozzy suddenly appears in a picturesque Christmas fireside, but now inexplicably has on caveman feet and a club. Subsequently, videos from Lita Ford, Anthrax, Bad News (with the only Christmas song), Def Leppard, and Iron Maiden air. Finally, Hear N' Aid sang “Stars” and Headbangers Christmas concluded! Go get ‘em, boys!AC/DC singing “That's The Way I Wanna Rock 'N' Roll?” Yep. Yngwie Malmsteen performing “You Don't Remember, I'll Never Forget?” Uh huh. Sam Kinison? Sam Kinison?!?! Only if he's wailing on “Wild Thing!” So grab your axe, turn it up to 11, and rock out to this headbanging episode!Tinsel TunesFB: @tinseltunesIG: @tinseltunespodcastTwitter: @TinselTunesPodTownshend LightsGive us a buzz! Send a text, dudes!Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com! Later, dudes!

r amithejerk? where AITA for not allowing Airbnb guests to use my patio AITA for not getting rid of my cat? AITA for giggling at a family's problems during an HOA meeting? AITA for taking back the dress my sister stole from me? AITA for not inviting a stranger our pastor told us to invite over for Christmas Eve with just my husband and I? AITA for yelling at my partner who keeps buying crappy branded food when I've asked him not too WIBTAH if I don't tell my spouse the latest information I received about his biological parents ? AITA for not asking if our child could stay another night at their friend's? WIBTA for telling my boyfriend it's time for him to go bald? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was Christmas Eve, 1971. 17-year-old Juliane Koepcke and her mother, Maria Koepcke, excitedly boarded LANSA Flight 508. They were flying from the city of Lima, Peru, to spend Christmas with Juliane's father in Panguana, a biological research centre in the rainforest where the family lived. It would be a short flight, a little over an hour if they were lucky. But they weren't lucky. Far from it. Midway through the flight, with no warning, the plane broke apart! Juliane was thrown out, and suddenly found herself free-falling some 10,000 feet! How would she survive this colossal fall? What had caused the plane to break apart mid-flight? If you want answers to these questions and more, then stay tuned as we explore this unbelievable story of survival against all odds, and many more like it!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we take a look at one of the biggest cases in our lifetime, the disappearance and eventual death of Laci Peterson.  Laci Peterson was an 8 month pregnant woman who disappeared Christmas Eve from her home while her husband was out Golfing....or Fishing...or Golfing...no, fishing, yeah fishing. Suspicious? yeah there's a lot of that in this episode. Stay tuned as we navigate this super interesting case .   As always follow us on the stuff Merch Store- http://tee.pub/lic/doEoXMI_oPI Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/Artandjacobdoamerica Website- https://artandjacobdoamerica.com/ Network- https://podbelly.com/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/artandjacobdoamerica YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0rT6h3N2pWtlkxaqgIvaZw?view_as=subscriber Twitter- https://twitter.com/ArtandJacobDoA1 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/artandjacobdoamerica/

Episode 59: From Bankruptcy to Billions: The Business Comeback Stories Every Business Owner Needs to Hear - Part 1Episode Summary: In this powerful two-part series, Ryan and Brook dive deep into the mindset required to overcome seemingly impossible business challenges. Through the lens of Apple's 90-day death sentence in 1997 and Tesla's Christmas Eve miracle in 2008, they explore what separates those who survive crisis from those who quit. This isn't motivational fluff—these are real stories of companies closer to death than most entrepreneurs will ever face, and the lessons that can transform how you approach your own "impossible" moments.Key Takeaways: (09:50) The power of seeking reference points: Why Ryan actively hunts for stories of people who overcame worse challenges than what he's currently facing(12:09) Brook's "one, two, three, too many" strategy: How to organize overwhelming thoughts on paper and prevent decision paralysis in crisis moments(14:41) Apple's 90-day cash crisis: How Steve Jobs turned to his biggest rival Microsoft for $150 million and used breathing room to cut 70% of inventory(26:53) Elon's $40 million Christmas Eve gamble: The moment Tesla was two days from bounced payroll and Musk bet his entire PayPal fortune on the company(34:28) The gladiator mindset: Why less than 1% of businesses survive 10 years and what it takes to be in that elite groupNotable Quotes: "We're either learning or we're growing, right? And like you and I have been very good at turning quickly to go, okay, what story and language are we giving this shit?" - Brook (04:49)"One of my strategies around keeping my head screwed on straight when I have a challenge is I go seeking out as many examples and reference points of people who have overcome something way fucking worse than what I'm dealing with right now." - Ryan (09:17)"Picture this: You're Steve Jobs, and you've just returned to the company you co-founded only to discover that it's pretty much a walking corpse." - Ryan (14:10)"Business is a sport for gladiators. And it's like, we're not saying that like metaphorically, like straight up." - Brook (34:28)Resources Mentioned: Elon Musk SpaceX interview clip: "I don't ever give up. I'd have to be dead or incapacitated"What's your "impossible" right now? Instead of focusing on why it can't be done, start seeking out reference points of people who overcame something way worse. Remember: every time you decide not to pack it in, every time you get up off the mat one more time, you're stacking credibility with yourself and building the identity of someone who figures it out. Part 2 drops next week with even more incredible comeback stories that will change how you see challenge forever.Connect with Empire Partners: This is just Part 1 of an epic two-part series. Subscribe now so you don't miss Part 2, where Ryan and Brook share the most insane comeback stories you've never heard. Leave a review and share this with a coach who needs to hear that their current challenge isn't the end of their story—it might just be the plot twist.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The content of this podcast is provided for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health issue without consulting your doctor. Always seek medical advice before making any lifestyle changes. Francis Spruit, born in Djakarta, Indonesia, June 1959 The Netherlands - USA dual citizen Married to my high school sweetheart Roslyn Four kids and seven grand kids! Technology Program Manager, a mere two months away from retirement. Diagnosed December 2007 with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer, Stage 1B Treatment: right upper lobectomy on Christmas Eve 2007. Four cycles of Cisplatin and Etoposide chemotherapy in the spring of 2008. No active treatment since then. Annual chest CT scans to ‘keep an eye on things'. Actively advocating for the lung cancer community since 2012. Making our representatives in DC aware of the significant funding inequity of Lung Cancer research. Ready to enjoy retired life in Northern California and the Algarve. Transforming your health is more fun with friends! Join Chef AJ's Exclusive Plant-Based Community. Become part of the inner circle and start simplifying plant-based living - with easy recipes and expert health guidance. Find out more by visiting: https://community.chefaj.com/

Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHWelcome to the township of Gilford. We meet Lindsey Monroe, a city planner who is having to deal with Mayor Fred Barnes' current pressing project: rebuilding the long-gone gazebo in the town square exactly as it was, to be completed in time for the historic Christmas Eve town lighting. You know how it goes.The mayor hired Scott, a Gilford newbie, and someone who literally made me say oh my gosh when he walked on screen. He is tasked with building the gazebo. The problem is there are no records of the old gazebo itself. Lindsey and Scott meet for the first time and it's immediately clear that they are going to clash and fall in love.Lindsey is a widow who gets pretty sad around the holiday season. Her daughter, Hannah is ready to start celebrating Christmas again. So while at this Christmas market thing, she is given some Christmas decorations, including this stocking. When they get it home, they hang up the stocking and it magically falls to the ground. Lindsey reaches inside and finds an old locket. I'm sure it's nothing. Lindsey's mom comes and brings a Christmas tree. Lindsey is not thrilled. The stocking falls again and Hannah picks it up. Feels something in it so she reaches in and it's a dog tag with the word "magic". Hannah is pumped. WE'RE GETTING A DOG!!!!! Her mom is like sorry we're not getting a puppy. A side story is the mayor is very into Lindsey's mom. He is shooting his shot. He is all sorts of thirsty. She's not having it. The next day, she goes to check on Scott and how the gazebo is going. She just wants to get this project done but he wants to make sure it's authentic. He asks her on a date and she says no. But then she's like if you end up showing up to dinner tonight with my family and the mayor, I'm sure no one will mind. But they all ditch them so that they end up having dinner just the 2 of them. When Hannah and her grandma get back to their house, Hannah finds a puppy in their bushes. It's magic and it's meant to be. And the magic keeps coming including grandma getting the numbers exactly correct to the towns coin guessing competition. don't ask. Hannah and grandma are now completely convinced that the stocking is magic. Everything seems to be coming up aces. They even find pictures of the original gazebo. It's going great. Until Hannah sees a flyer for a missing song. She doesn't want to give the dog back but her hands are tied. She has to give it back.But Scott surprises her by getting her a dog named Magic. YOU KIDDIN ME RIGHT NOW?! So Lindsey is really unsure about Scott and the dog and stuff cuz her husband died in a car crash on the way to get a puppy. so that's tough. On her way out of the house to go to the town square, the stocking drops. Inside, a single Christmas light. What does it mean?!?! well when she gets there, she finds out that the Christmas lights are missing one light. She gives it to him and he fixes the light just in case. It works and the town lights up. He gives her the locket that he fixed. And then they kissssss. Cut to one year later. We're back at the Christmas market and they return the magical stocking to the lady and she winks. yay magic, yay us. 

They admitted to the assault and threatening his life but police refused to arrest them until it was too late. In rural Nebraska, 21‑year‑old Brandon Teena living as a trans man became a magnet for curiosity, until former friends John Lotter and Marvin “Tom” Nissen discovered his assigned sex at birth. What began with betrayal at a Christmas Eve party escalated into a brutal rape and murder in Humboldt. Despite credible evidence and a courageous report to law enforcement, sheriff Charles Laux dismissed the assault and warned the perpetrators placing Brandon's safety in jeopardy. This episode explores transphobic violence institutional failure and how Brandon's story shaped queer history and LGBTQ+ true crime awareness.Hosted by Jordi and Brad, Beers With Queers brings chilling crimes, queer stories, and twisted justice to light all through a distinctly queer lens and always with a cold one in hand.Press play pour yourself something strong and join us as we unearth one of the most haunting queer injustices of the 20th century.

Blending Our Lives.by T. Foxal. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.Chapter 20.The next morning I was awakened by a beautiful sensation on my hardened shaft. Carrie was licking and sucking me. When my hand caressed her face, she popped off of it and looked at me. “I couldn't help it Babe. It was so hard and wanting attention. Lay back and enjoy.”I smiled at her and said, “You know, if you are quiet, I too, could be licking and sucking something as you do that.” She smiled and moved so we could 69. As her damp panty clad cunt came down to me, my fingers moved the fabric to the side and I began enjoying her sexy slit.It wasn't long before Carrie's body stiffened and she began to cum. I have no idea how she kept from yelling out, like she usually does, but she managed. I was already close when she started cumming, and that just helped me along, because about a minute later I was ejaculating into her mouth, which she somehow kept in and swallowed. After taking one last lick, she came off of me and moved so we could kiss. It was a very passionate kiss, that we both could taste our handy work. After kissing, she looked at me and said, “Good Morning Honey. I like this new mouthwash we use.”, then giggled softly.After resting a bit, I had to get up and pee. Carrie just snuggled back under the covers and smiled at me. It was only 6:30 in the morning, but I was up now. I told her I needed some coffee. She said that I should make two cups and bring one back for her. I looked down at her and said, “You getting used to this morning service young lady?” “You betcha Baby.” then directed me to where the coffee pods were for her Keurig.As I entered the kitchen, lo and behold, Chief was sitting at the table, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. I didn't even think that the paper was even delivered anymore. I red the news online. “Morning Chief” He looked up and said, “Morning Mark.” Good sign I thought. At least he didn't call me Shitbird, or any other name.I got my coffee and started to get Carrie her's. John cleared his throat and told me to take a seat. “So Mark. Tell me what's up with my little girl. I know they found some spot on one of her ovaries.”“Trust me John. That's about all I know. It took some prying to get that out of her. Hell, she was going to send me packing because of this. No way would I walk away from her, especially with something like that. But, I think it is just a cyst, that time and some meds will take care of.”He just stared then said, “Mark. Honestly, I am an overprotective father, and grandfather. I just want only the best for my two girls. I know you and I like you. You have always been a man about things and someone I can trust, unlike that fuck knuckle she was married too. I never trusted that guy from the first day I met him. I know from just looking at Carrie, she is in love with you, and judging how you look at her, the same is true for you. All I ask, is don't play games with her. Either be all in, or all out. I don't want her hurt again. As for her cyst, or whatever it is, I'm sure it is nothing. Connie has had those in the past.”“Sir. And I mean sir as respect as her father. We both know that we had to call officers sir, but we both know they couldn't fight their way out of a paper bag, with a knife and directions on where to cut. But John, truthfully, this is the real deal for us and me. I have never let a woman into my life before. I saw too much when I was in. How they were in love but deployment after deployment, took a toll on those marriages and most ended in divorce, so I never got into that situation. But your daughter has my heart and soul now and I will do anything for her.”He chuckled then said, “Well, I am not complaining. I've seen the same as you. I got real lucky with Connie. We have been together almost 43 years now, married 42 of them. She is the love of my life. Best thing that ever happened to me. How she endured all of my deployments, I'll never know. But I never took her for granted. Every time I was gone, I hurt inside, but I'd never show you assholes that side of me. I made sure when I was home, that she, and Carrie were the only things important to me. And I always acted like we were dating. We had date night a couple times a week. I don't mean sex either. Taking her to dinner, or a movie, or anything that she had an interest in. You do that, and you'll have a very happy home life. And, the sex is great too, even to this day.”“Yeah Chief, Really? Last night?” I said and laughed. He just chuckled and told me “Hey. When she wants it, who am I to deny her”, then laughed again.“Deny Who?” we both heard, and there, standing near us was Carrie. She walked over and behind her dad. Put her arms around him and kissed his head. “Morning Daddy. So who weren't you denying.”“Nothing Princess. Some things you don't need to know.” then laughed. She looked at me and said, “Glad I wasn't dying of thirst Honey” then shot me a glare. “Sorry Babe. But your dad wanted to speak with me. Here, let me get yours now.”, then laughed. Her dad then chimed in, “Christ Carrie, you broke him already. 20 years in the Marines and never broke the man, and you do it in two weeks.”“Mwah? Not me. But you know those Gyrene's, they sometimes need direction. They're not as cool as us Navy people.” then laughed, which made us all laugh. I was glad to see her sense of humor back, and the twinkle in her eye.We were gone most of the day. There was a huge craft show at this one park they we stayed at for most of the afternoon. I did learn that John got into woodworking as a hobby now. He said he always wanted to do that, but being away so long, he never found the time. At one point, I found myself with Connie, while Carrie was with her dad, looking at something a few booths down from us.“Mark. I am so happy you came into Carrie's life. I have never seen her this alive before, except when she took in Jenny. I know that you are worried about her, with whatever this growth is. As I told her last night, it is probably nothing, but a simple cyst. I have had 4 in my lifetime, and they always go away. The specialist will know better on Tuesday. I bet they don't even do an exploratory on her. Her lab results will tell the tale. Her doctor should have eased her mind some, but some reason didn't. Just be there for her, no matter what. That's all I ask.”I told her I would. After a bit we headed to this little Italian place her parents knew of, for dinner. John picked up this tab, although I was willing too, but he told me my money was no good tonight. I did invite them to join us the next day at my sister's, but Connie said they already had made plans to spend the day with Jenny and Alan.After dinner we headed back to Carrie's. I stated I needed to go home and get some clothes. Carrie offered to go with me. But I told her stay and enjoy her time with her parents. I wouldn't be long. Just needed to shave and shower and get some more clothes. I was back within an hour. We stayed up some and chatted more, then we all retired to bed. After the I love you's, Carrie said she wished we were alone right now, and that she needed me inside her. I just held her close and told her soon Baby, soon.Chapter 21.We left for my sister's around noon. The get together was to start at 1pm, but I wanted to see Ann before any others arrived. I knew she would just love Carrie, there was no question in my mind. She'd probably love any woman who could tie me down. Ann and my brother in law have been married 18 years. They have two kids, Kyle, who will turn 16 in November, and Katie, who turned 14 yesterday. They have a very nice and modern house, which they moved into a few years back.Ann met us at the door, when we pulled into the drive. She is 41, same as Carrie, and stands 5'6, 130 pounds. She has dirty blond hair, and blue eyes. She is a spit fire too. Never afraid to speak her mind and tell you like it is. She has tried, unsuccessfully, to fix me up with a multitude of her friends or single neighbors. Nothing ever came to pass with them. A few became sex buddy's, but that was it. None ever made my heart beat fast, or my stomach tighten up in a knot, like Carrie does.After the introductions were made, and a few cracks about how Carrie somehow managed to corral me in, the girls went off to the kitchen, while Brad, Kyle and I went to the family room to watch some football. Eventually, my uncle and aunt showed up, along with 2 of their kids and grandkids. Also was some of my sister's neighbors and friends too. Two of which I had dated, but nothing was ever said around Carrie. At one point, Ann got me alone and said, “I love that woman. She is so right for you. You better not fuck this up little brother.”We stayed until after eating and cake was served, and presents opened. I did not what to get a 14 year old, so I went the safe way and got her a card with $100 visa gift card. She loved that. I signed the card from Uncle Mark and Carrie. When she gave me a hug and a kiss, she whispered in my ear, “I like her Unc. I hope she will be my aunt one day.” I just smiled at her, knowing full well that was my plan too.Carrie's parents left Tuesday morning, to visit, and stay with Connie's sister Bev. Connie did tell me to call her if there was anything wrong, after the doctor visit. I did not stay Monday night at Carrie's. I figure they all needed a break from me. Of course Carrie really did not like that, but I thought it best. We've laid a lot on her parents by being together as a couple and actually sleeping together.I went with Carrie to the doctor's office and sat with her in the waiting room. The whole time, I held her hand and at times, felt as though she was crushing mine, because she was so nervous. Once she was called, I stayed in the waiting room. About forty minutes later, a nurse called for me to come with her. She led me to an office that had Carrie and the doctor.I looked at Carrie and she was smiling. The doctor introduced himself to me, and I did the same. He then looked over some papers, then looked at Carrie.“Ms. Reynolds, you can rest assured that you do not have any tumor, benign, or cancerous. It is what we call a functional cyst. It is a sack that usually contains an egg, then releases that egg during your monthly cycle. The sack normally then goes away. Well this one did not, as of yet. They sometimes don't, which is what has happened to you. It may take a few weeks, but it will go away, and when you come back in three weeks, if it hasn't, we'll give you some medication that will help with that process. Otherwise, you are very healthy. If you have stopped having intimate relations, like many women do at this time, you are very safe to resume, and did not need to stop in the first place. I only say this, because that is the first question I am usually asked.” he said with a slight chuckle.As we were driving home, Carrie was all smiles. This was a huge relief for her, and me too. Maybe our lives could get back on track, after this slight derailment. I asked her if she was hungry, but she said no. She just wanted to get home.After arriving, she excused herself and went upstairs. Lord knows what she was doing, but I finally heard heard coming down the stairs. When I looked up, there she stood, with this white lace Baby doll outfit on. You talk about sexy looking. “Oh My Sweetie. You look absolutely beautiful and very sexy”“Thank you Honey. I feel absolutely sexy right now and I need you to make love to me all afternoon.”She grabbed my hand and led me upstairs to her bed. I did not waste any time in disrobing. My cock was as hard as a rock, before my boxers hit the floor. As I stripped, Carrie got on the bed and lay there, with her legs spread wide, inviting me to take her. Her white thong barely covered her moist sex, and the top did not hide the excitement she felt , with her nipples already hard as pebbles on her beautiful tits.I kneeled between her legs and slipped my fingers under her thongs waistband and gently tugged them down and off of her body. Her labia was glistening in the afternoon sunlight, filtering through the window. I leaned in and blew on her sex, which elicited a moan from her. Then lightly licked her swollen lips. “Later Baby. I need you inside me now” she softly said.I rubbed my head all over her soaking wet slit and then slowly inserted the head. “Oh Gawd” she moaned out. I slowly inched my way into her inner being, which was so soft, and so hot. “God. You feel so good Carrie.”My mouth lowered to her chest, as I sucked in one fabric cover tit. She arched her back some, like she was giving me her tit. I then sucked the other one, which made her moan so loud. Then I moved up and started kissing her. Her legs wrapped around me and we made slow, and very passionate love to one another. Neither of could hold back though. We were like teenagers doing it for the first time, and erupted in orgasm. I shot first. As I was shooting my love juice deep inside her, Carrie crushed me with her legs as this set her off on her own orgasm. Her nails dug into my back, but neither of us cared. My grip around her neck was tight as well. I felt like I hadn't cum in ages. As we settled down, we lay in each other's arms, panting from our euphoric bliss.I was still inside her, and surprisingly, still hard as well. I gently rolled us over, so she was now on top. Our lips still together. Our tongues exploring every inch of tongue. I loved her kisses, but best of all, I loved her more than ever. She sat up on me and looked down at me, smiling. Then slowly removed her teddy from her body, exposing her beautiful tits to me.“My God. You are so beautiful Carrie. You can stay her all day like this.” I told her. She smiled then said, “I had all intentions of doing this all day.” then she started to giggle. I asked what was so funny.“Last night, after we went to bed, I was laying here missing the hell out of you by the way, but I had to endure another night of my parents going at it. You have no idea how horny that made me.” she exclaimed. I asked, “Did you take care of that?”She sort of blushed, then laughed and said, “Yeah. I did. All I could think of was you, making love to me. This sure beats my fingers, or any toy I have.”I chuckled and said, “Wish I could have watched that. That would be so sexy to see.”“Maybe one day I will let you watch. But right now, Fuck me Babe. Fuck me so good”Later that evening, after napping and then showering together, we headed out to dinner at a local bar and grill. Afterwards, I brought her over to my house for the first time.She was in awe of it, just coming down the driveway. The house is big. It is 4 bedroom, Victorian style farm house. It was, at one time, 5 bedrooms. But my grandfather combined two bedrooms into one and made a new master bath in one portion of it. Otherwise, it only had one bathroom.When we entered the house and I turned on the lights, Carrie sort of gasped. I asked what was wrong, but she just smiled and said, “I'm waiting for June Cleaver to come out of the kitchen with her pearls and high heels on. God Mark, this is so 60's looking.”“I know, but it serves it purpose for me, at this time. I do plan on buying furniture, just never got around to doing it. Ann bitches at me all the time. Come on with me, while I gather some clothes for the morning.”We went upstairs to the master bedroom. When she saw the furniture up there, she really gasped. “Oh My Mark. This stuff is gorgeous. Please don't replace this. This stuff has to be from the 20's. I just love the bed.”“Yeah. Gramps said his father built it.” The bed was a big four poster and had matching dressers and nightstands. It was old, but finely built and well maintained.As I was gathering things, she laid out on the bed. “You know, maybe this weekend, we stay here and let the kids have the condo. I'd love to make love to you right here. Also, pack up some underwear and some shirts and pants, so you can leave them at my place.”“Sounds like a plan to me. Where does Alan live anyways?” I asked“He actually lives with his mom. Close by campus. She is divorced for years now. I am actually pretty friends with her. We have gone out for drinks a few times and have had dinners at each other's places. She just adores Jenny, which makes it a whole lot nicer.”After a few more minutes, we left and went back to Carrie's. Of course we made love again that night, and early the next morning, before she had to leave for work. This arrangement worked out quite well for us.Chapter 22.By Thanksgiving time, we were comfortably into our relationship. Most nights were spent at her place, and most weekends were spent at mine. There wasn't a night we did not spend together. I was hooked on her. I never, in a million years, could believe I could wake up every morning with someone. This felt awesome to me and so special. I loved looking at her while she slept. I also enjoyed just sitting with her at night reading, or just watching TV, then retire to bed. The best part is when she folds herself into me and falls asleep. I love that most.Thanksgiving is time for family. This year though, I was spending dinner with Carrie, Jenny and Alan, and Alan's mom, Brenda. I usually would be at Ann's, but she understood. I did tell Ann we would be over after dinner to visit.Carrie and Brenda did all the cooking. Alan and I set the table, but then retired to the couch to watch some football. Jenny was out with the ladies, so this left only Alan and I alone. As we watched, Alan and I would talk some. He was a nice young man and had his head together. He told he would be graduating in the spring and already had a job lined up. He wanted to work a while before he went for his Masters.Then he looked around to see where the ladies were, and saw they were still very busy in the kitchen. “Mr. Roberts, Mark. I… I want to ask Jenny to marry me this Christmas. Do I ask her mom beforehand?”“Well Alan. To be honest, I think that would be a great idea. Are you absolutely sure of this? This is a huge step in your life?” He smiled and said, “Oh yeah. I have never been sure of anything like this. I love her so much and can't wait to start our lives together.”“Tell you what. You get Carrie alone one day soon and ask her. I'm sure she will give her blessing. But, she's not the one you need the blessing from. You know who that belongs to.” I told him.He chuckled, then said, “Yeah. I kind of had a feeling you would say that. But I don't know when I will ever see them before Christmas. That's not something you ask over the phone.”I laughed, then said back to him. “Oh you are so right there. That old bastard would kill you if you did it like that. When can you get a Friday off in the next couple of weeks?”He shrugged his shoulders, “I guess any Friday. I usually have labs on those days, so no biggie, why?”I shook my head. “Between you and I, and I mean this, you don't say a word to Jenny. I too, plan on asking Carrie to marry me. So pick a Friday. We'll tell our fine ladies we are doing a guy thing that day, which we are. But we'll fly down to Florida, and ask the Chief and Connie in person.”“Oh wow Mark. But I can't afford that. Heck, the ring I want to get is a bit over my budget.”“Don't worry about the flight, I'll handle that. Where did you get the ring, or see it?He smiled and said, “Over at the mall, at Kay Jewelers. It's only a half carat, but one day, I'll get her a bigger one.”“Look, tomorrow, the girls are going shopping with my sister, god help me. So why don't you come with me. A friend of mine is a jeweler and has a lot of nice rings. We'll figure it out from there.” He just nodded, and as he was about to speak Jenny popped in.“What are you two talking about. It looks like a very deep conversation.” We both laughed and said football.Dinner was excellent, but the people really made it nice. By the end of the meal, we were all tired. I helped, as did Alan, wish dishes. We figured the girls spent all morning in there fixing it, it's the least we could do. Thank God for dishwashers.That night and Ann's, Carrie and Ann talked nonstop. Jenny and Alan had also come along, but weren't staying long. I was very happy that Carrie and her family were so accepted by my family. Ann and Brad made them feel right at home. I announced that Christmas Eve dinner was at my house this year. Ann, of course, had to bust my balls and ask what take out I was using.“I'll have you know, I am a pretty damn good cook, huh Honey?” Carrie smiled, “Oh Yeah. He actually is. I was very surprised. Jarheads usually know only a couple of things. Walk, March, shoot guns and eat.” then laughed. “Nice Squid. Real Nice”Katie then asked, “Mom? What's a Jarhead?” which made us all start busting out in laughter.“Well Pumpkin, it's like this. See a Marine is a very special person. He, or she, is the very best and people in the other services are very jealous of us. So they call us very derogatory names, to make them feel better about the lowly service they belong too, like the Navy. Squids are so jealous.” then laughed.Carrie was rolling her eyes, then said “Dream on Jarhead. We are just smart enough to stay on a boat, while you get all the crap jobs on land. But, I still love ya.”Once home and lying in bed, Carrie told what a great day she had. She just loves my sister and feels rather close to her. She also said she was so glad that they even accepted Jenny and Alan. I told her that I was glad that they have accepted her as well, and that spending the day with her and Jenny, and Alan's family made this pretty special to me.“Carrie. I don't want any secrets between us, so I need to tell you this.” “Uh Oh” was her response. “It's not bad, not bad at all. Alan is going to come ask you for permission to marry Jenny”Carrie got to her knees, “Really? When? Oh my God. I knew that they would do this.”“Not sure when he is going to ask you, but I do know it is Christmas time he asking her. He's pretty much laid out his life and how he sees it, and he does have a good head on his shoulders. He said they would wait until Jenny graduates in a year and a half.”Carrie was still on her knees, but crying now. “I am so happy for them. Jenny wants to marry him, that I am sure of. She loves him as much as I love you. I just told her when the time comes, be smart, and wait on having kids. Enjoy being a couple, because once kids come, it's whole new ballgame.”“Now you better act surprised about this. He is so scared of what you may say.”“I will. I promise. He has nothing to fear from me, it's gonna be a YES”, then leaned down and kissed me. That kiss turn into a hot, passionate kiss, which led to a love making session. Can't wait to see what she is like when I ask her the same thing.Chapter 23.The next morning Carrie was up and out the door by 7am. I knew I had most of the day to myself, so I got dressed and headed over to my place. Alan and I were to meet at the jewelers around noon.Alan was right on time as we entered the building, which was in one of those strip style shopping centers. My friend, John, was behind the counter when he saw me walk in. After a few good minutes of catching up he directed us to the engagement ring area . Alan stated he had $1200 to spend. John showed him quite a few rings in that price range. He was looking for a pear shaped style. I saw one that was one carat and asked the price. John said he could let that one go for $1800. Alan said it looked great, but he couldn't afford it.“Do you think Jenny would like it?” “Yeah. She's love that.” he said. “Well then, get it. I'll make up the difference. My future stepdaughter should have the best.” “Mark. I promise to repay you as quick as I can.” “You pay me when you can afford too, and nothing sooner. We'll be family for many years to come.”Then John directed me to this one ring. It was marquis shaped with 6 small diamonds around it. It just screamed Carrie to me. It was set in a platinum band, which I already knew she liked. It wasn't to pretentious, or gaudy. John said I could have that one for five grand , normally $6500 for it. He said it was a size 8, but I am not sure of her size. He said, no matter, just bring it in after I give it to her and he would resize it, unless I could find out her size. I chuckled to myself, and thought, I should call her ex and ask.After leaving there, we grabbed a sandwich and beer at this one bar and grill I knew. Then headed over to my house to see about flights to Florida. Alan was so excited, and kept thanking me over and over. I knew now the kid's father had very little to do with him, since the divorce. He's been gone from their lives for almost 12 years now. So this felt pretty good, acting like a father figure to him. Kids coming out of boot camp are kind of like this. They look up to the sergeants when you get them in your platoon. So I know the look all too well, except I'm not going to yell at this one.Once at my house, we went online and found a flight, non-stop to Pensacola, that got us there by 10am, and then one returning at 2:30, arriving back here at 5pm. Before I made the purchase, I called Connie. She had given me her cell number before they left back in October.After the obligatory how are you's and how's Carrie. I told her my plan. I really wanted to surprise them both, but had to make sure they would be home that day. It would have sucked to fly down and find they were gone.“Oh Mark. You are such a good man. John will be so happy you did this. I know he likes and respects you. He has been hoping you would do something like this, marrying his little girl. But to fly all the way down here to ask his permission, well, you'll be at the top of his list. You already are on mine. I promise I won't say a word either.”We hung up after that, and I hit the button to buy the tickets. I didn't tell Connie about Alan coming or his question too. That should make the old man really feel good. Tickets for both of us, just set me back a grand, but it was worth it. I told Alan this one is on me, which he protested too, but I told him tough, get over it.Later that night, while in my bed, Carrie told me about her day with Ann, and shopping. She said she thinks this will be the best Christmas ever for her. Ann told her what she thought I needed and clothes sizes and such. I can just imagine what Ann helped her pick out. I got to admit, when it comes to clothes for me, Ann knew what I liked.Since that few days back in October, when I thought she wanted to call this whole thing off, we have grown closer. Although we are not in our early twenties, we still made love quite a bit. Four or five times a week. But just going to bed with her and waking in the morning and see her next to me, was like heaven. I could care less about the sex actually. That was the bonus. Great thing too, is that she loves sex and on the weekends, it was two or three times a day, unless her monthly friend showed up, but even then, when it first starts, she isn't opposed to doing it in the shower. That has happened twice since we started.Weekends too, was when naughty Carrie comes to play. She is very boisterous, and loves talking dirty. She is always a lady outside of the home, but inside, she gets down right slutty. One evening I let her tie me up to the post of my bed. She teased quite a bit that night. 69ing with me, but having her sex hover above my face, where I couldn't reach it. While she played with my cock. Then she'd lower herself down to let me lick her for about thirty seconds, then pull away again. It drove me insane with lust. When she finally turned around and lowered herself onto me, she rode me like a bull. The whole time asking me how her cunt felt and did I want to cum, and things like that. It was fun and adventurous for us, and we both love it. I really think she has a Domme side to her, deep down.Chapter 24.A few nights before Alan and I took off to Florida, I fibbed a bit and told Carrie that on Friday I was going to help Brad close up their cabin, that he and Ann have by a lake near us. Ann knew of my plans and was willing to go along with it. I told her that Alan was going to help too and that we should be back by 6 that evening. Since the cabin is only 20 minutes from the airport, I was going to swing by before our flight, and move a few chairs on the porch, to a shed he had. That way, I really didn't lie. I hate lying to her.We arrived in Florida about ten minutes early, which was good. I rented a car and was at John and Connie's in no time, thanks to GPS. The look on John's face was priceless when he opened the door and saw both of us standing there. Of course, he thought something was wrong.“What in the world are you two doing down here? Are the girls  okay?”I laughed and said all is fine with them. He let us in and we took a seat on the couch. “Well? What's up. You didn't fly down here for your health.”“John. Connie. I came down here to ask permission to marry your daughter.”“You flew down here just to ask that? What the hell, you could have called on the phone and saved time and money Shitbird.”“No John. You deserve more respect than that. If I am doing this, I want to do it right. So, do I have your permission?”He looked at Connie, who shook her head yes, then said, “Mark. I would be proud to call you my son in law. I may seem gruff at times, but I do like you and respect you, and I know you will treat my daughter good, which is all I can ask for. Connie and I want only the best for her, and Jenny too. So yes, you have our permission.”We shook hands and he actually gave me a hug, and of course Connie did too. Then John asked,“Did you need a wingman, bringing Alan down with you?”“No sir”, Alan said. “I would like permission too, to ask your granddaughter to be my wife.”“Jesus H. Christ. Both of you? Well son, are you sure you are ready for a step like this. That is one person I never want to see hurt, besides my wife and daughter.”“Sir. I have never been so sure of anything in my life. I graduate in May and have a job already lined up and Jenny graduates the following year, and then we would marry.”After looking at his wife again, who stood there smiling, he spoke, “Then I guess I see no point in denying you her hand. Promise me you will always take care of her and love her with all your heart, like we do.”“I promise Mr. Reynolds, I swear.” He chuckled, “I bet you were as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs to ask me this. Both of you clowns, so help me God, if you ever hurt those girls, I will hunt you down and hurt you real bad, and if I am too old, I still know people who can do it. You know the last one Carrie was with, the asshole, the best I could do is have him shipped to San Diego. I wanted to have him put on that team in the Aleutians (Alaska), but the CO thought that would not be a good fit for that team.”We stayed and had lunch with them, then got back to the airport with plenty of time. We did ask if they could come up for Christmas. They had plans for a few days later that week, but said they would be up on Christmas Eve, which I thought was perfect. We also planned on surprising the girls with their presence , that evening at my house since I was cooking dinner that night. John did make a crack about eating before he got there, in case my meal sucked.I got to Carrie's around 6:30, and we went to eat, then to my place. We just cuddled on the couch that night, then went to bed. I was pretty tired, and she completely understood, so we just fell asleep in each other's arms.The next day, we met Jenny and Alan back at Carrie's and headed over to this tree farm to cut down two Christmas tree's They take you out on a wagon, then when you find and cut it down, pick you up and bring you back to the Chalet, where you pay. The four of us had a great time and Carrie, and Jenny were giddy most of the day. I dropped the kids off at Carrie's and helped put the tree in its stand. Jenny was going to start decorating it, while Carrie and I did the same at my place. This is the first tree I have decorated in over twenty years. I was usually never home for the holidays, or if I was, it was for a few days and it was spent with mom and Ann.It took most of the afternoon and part of the evening to string lights and attach the antique ornaments my grandmother had at the house. Carrie did run out to the store and bought ribbon and bows, and some garland too. While we did this, she had Christmas music playing in the background and I had a fire lit in the fireplace. What was real nice, was that it was now snowing some. Not heavy, but a nice downfall, just like you would see in any Christmas movie.We were both dressed in jeans and sweaters, but she looks a lot cuter than I do, in hers. After we finished and ate delivered pizza, we retired to the couch, which faces the fireplace, and the tree, all lit up, standing in the corner by it. Carrie sat next to me, sipping wine, with her legs curled under her. We talked about what we needed to get for people. I had told her I wasn't sure what to get Ann and Brad, or even Jenny and Alan. I did buy the kids laptops for each of them. Ann had only one computer, which they all shared, so this would help out in that department. I know Ann and Brad were going to buy Kyle a used truck, for when he passed his driver's license test. He was taking the driver's ed course now.Carrie said she would help with Ann and Brad, but I didn't need to get Jenny anything. I told her to stop there. She is part of you and she deserves presents as well. Carrie did tell me she is going to get Jenny a car, after the first of the year. Right now, she didn't have one, but she was taking an internship at this one accounting agency, and needed one for that. Then we started kissing, which led to more kissing. I stopped, and got up.“Hold that thought”, I said. Then went to the back closet and pulled out my sleeping bag. I came back in and unrolled it, and unzipped it. I laid it out over the oval rug in front of the fireplace and went and took her by the hand and had her stand up.“Umm, I like how you think Mr. Roberts.” I slowly removed her sweater, then her bra. Of course I had to suck her tits a few times, before unbuttoning her jeans and slowly peeled them down, exposing her black thong. With me now on my knees, I used my teeth to pull her thongs down, and when they hit the floor, she stepped out of them. I didn't even bother with her socks. Now naked, I leaned in and lightly licked her sex, tasting her juices that she was already emitting. God, I love how she taste.She pulled me up then and pulled my sweater over my head and then my t-shirt. She now got on her knees and removed my jeans and then my boxers. When my engorged member sprung free, she licked it a few times, especially on the tip. “Yummy” she said.I had her lay on the sleeping bag, and she readily spread her legs for me, letting me gaze at her beauty. The Christmas lights, and the glow of the fire made her especially beautiful. I wasted little time in going down on her. I wanted her to orgasm in my mouth. I needed to taste her. I stayed down there for a long while. Bringing her off two times, before I kissed my way back up to her mouth, stopping along the way to such each tit into my mouth, which I knew she loved having done.As I kissed her passionately, I made sure my weight was not fully on her, and my hardened member lay at her opening, ready to enter paradise. Her hips gyrated below me, trying hard to have me enter her.“Baby. Please put it in. I need you so bad. I love you”I too, couldn't wait any longer and slid in. Once I was fully in, we both moaned out. We then proceeded to make slow love to one another. We had no rush to this, just two people, deeply in love, joined together, making us one. I have no idea how long we made love for, but it had to have lasted at least a good fifteen minutes. We were lost in each other, until Carrie finally moaned out “Oh God, I'm cumming Baby.” I didn't last too much longer and started shooting my seed deep within her. “I love you baby.” I said as I was cumming.After we calmed a bit, I noticed I was still hard and rolled us over so she was on top. I looked at her, as she sat up. The firelight danced over her skin. She looked incredible to me. “My God Baby, you look so beautiful” I said. “You are beautiful Mark. I love you so much. This is going to be the best holiday ever.” I smiled, and thought, “If you only knew my Love”Chapter 25.The next two weeks flew by. I had talked with Connie a couple of times. She said she told Carrie that they were going to New Orleans to visit with friends down there, from their Navy days. Carrie was a little bummed, but understood. Connie said their flight got in at 4pm that day. Jenny was going to pick them up and bring them over a little past 7, on that evening, along with Alan's mom. Ann was going to meet them out front, so they could follow her up the drive, without lights on. Very clandestine like. I had told Ann to wait until I turned the kitchen and dining room lights out, before sneaking in the back door, and to stay in the dining room until I actually proposed to Carrie. God I was nervous now. This to me, was the biggest leap of faith I would ever take in my life.Carrie came over around 5, on Christmas Eve. She was wearing this beautiful red dress that made her look like a Goddess. Had no one been coming over, I would have taken her then and there.“My God. You are more beautiful than I have ever seen you Ms. Reynolds.” I told her. She smiled and said, “You are just biased, and you want to get into my panties JH. Thank You though. Compliments are always welcome. I love you.”She helped me prepare the rest of dinner. We were having Standing Prime Rib, mashed potatoes, rolls, gravy, and a bean casserole that Carrie prepared. We then set the table for 8, on the dining room table. This table was big enough to feed a platoon on. Everything was almost ready.It was now just coming on 7pm. The roast was done and I removed it from the oven, to let it sit a while before carving. Carrie was standing near me, sipping a glass of wine. I reached the light switch and turned it off, and then walked into the dining room and did the same there. The only light was from the tree and fireplace.I went to the stereo and put on Carrie's favorite artist, Shania Twain. I took Carrie's hand and led her to the middle of the living room, as the music started. I took her glass and set it down, then pulled her into my arms and started to dance to “From This Moment On”As we danced, I made sure her head was not turned so she could see into the dining room. Towards the end of the dance I softly sang the lyrics to her.You're the reason I believe in loveAnd you're the answer to my prayers from up aboveAll we need is just the two of usMy dreams came true because of youFrom this moment as long as I liveI will love you, I promise you thisThere is nothing I wouldn't giveFrom this momentI will love you as long as I liveFrom this moment on.As the music started to end, I looked into her eyes, which were now glazed over with tears, and got to my knee. With her one hand in my, I looked up at her, then reached into my sport coat, and pulled out the ring.“Carolyn Ann. I love you more than life itself, and like the lyrics said, I can't wait to start living my life with you. Would you do me the honor and be my wife, and I your husband?”Her whole body tremble as I awaited her answer. “Oh My God Sweetheart, Yes”I stood and pulled her into me and we kissed a long and very passionate kiss. Just then, our combined family's started clapping and cheering. Carrie broke the kiss and saw her mom and dad coming towards us, with Jenny and Alan, then Ann and her family.Carrie broke from me and ran to her mom and hugged her tight, then her dad. She was now full out crying, and since she yes, it must be from joy. Connie then hugged me and told me how beautiful that scene just was. Jenny and Carrie were hugging and crying together now. Brad and Alan both shook my hand. Ann went up and hugged Carrie and welcomed her to the family, then she came to me.“Brother. You sometimes shock the hell out of me. I never knew you could be this romantic” Then kissed me and told me she loves me and I better take care of that woman, always.John finally came over to me, “Mark. Never in a million years would I have thought I'd be calling you son. But you know what, I am glad I am. You are the type of man I would want for a son. Welcome aboard to our family Son.” then hugged me. I could have sworn I saw a tear in his eye.Dinner was excellent and everyone was in a very festive mood. Carrie made a toast, after saying grace before dinner. “To the best Christmas ever. To Ann and Brad, and the kids, I am so grateful to be part of your lives now. You have made me feel part of your family since the day I met you. To you, mom and dad, and you Jenny, for always being there for me and teaching what love really is, so I can now share that with my future husband Mark, who I plan on growing very old with. I love you all”After dinner, the girls shooed us away and told us to relax while they did the dishes. Connie said it was only fair, since I did the cooking. It was well past 9pm when we were all together in the living room. Carrie and I already decided we would open our gifts the next morning, at her place with Jenny and Alan, and now her dad and mom. But we still had to exchange gifts with Ann and the family.Carrie handed out our gifts to them. To Ann, Carrie picked out a couple of sweaters and we got her a $200 visa gift card, so she could buy what she wanted for herself. We got Brad a new fishing reel and a $200 visa gift card. The gift cards were in a Christmas card signed Mark and Carrie. The kids each got a laptop and $100 gift cards. When they opened the cards, their mom asked what was written. Of course they could care less about what was written but said it was from “Uncle Mark and Aunt Carrie” I had signed all of the cards, but Carrie had no idea I wrote that. She squeezed my hand tightly then.Alan and Jenny were sitting by the tree and had opened their presents from my sister. Then Alan reached around the tree and produced a box, and handed it to Jenny. “Please open this Honey.”Jenny was now sort of kneeling and slowly opened the box. Inside was a figurine of a bride. Around the head and neck, was the ring he bought a few weeks back. Jenny just Gasped. Alan was kneeling now too and took her hand.“I was going to wait until the morning, but I just can't. I want everyone to see and hear this. Jennifer Lynn, would you marry me and become my wife and the mother, someday, to our children”Jenny broke down and started crying, but finally said “Yes”, then actually tackled him and started kissing him. Jenny was over the moon now, as was Carrie and Connie, and Alan's mom. Lots of excitement this night, that's for sure. I went out to the fridge and took out 2 bottles of champagne that I had snuck in the back and opened them. With John's help, we gave everyone a glass, including the kids and toasted to a merry Christmas.Katie made me chuckle when she asked if Jenny was now their cousin. I said officially, no, not until Carrie and I marry, but yeah, she is. “Oh Cool. I don't have any girl cousins”, which made us all laugh.I was sitting in the one arm chair, and Carrie in my lap. Of course she had to wiggle her ass a few times, which wasn't the best thing to do, because Mr. happy liked the attention and started to rise. I whispered in her ear, “Keep it up and I'll take you upstairs and take care of this problem I am having.” She giggled and said, “Promises. Promises”Then Carrie asked, “Mark. Did you ask my dad for permission?” I just smiled and said, “Oh Yeah. I'm not that dumb. Actually. Remember two weeks ago when I was helping Brad at the cabin?” she nodded, “Well, Alan and I did go there at 5:30am. I can see Alan is not the type that likes getting up at Oh Dark Thirty either, but, we did go over there. Moved three things to the shed, then left for the airport. We flew down to Florida, got to your parents by 11, had lunch, asked Chief and your mom for their blessings, then back up here by 5 that evening, and you two fine ladies weren't the wiser. So before you say anything, we did not lie, but did not disclose our whole agenda. No way could I lie to you Babe.”John was laughing as I was recounting that day. “Oh yeah, I open the door to find these two Shitbirds. My first thought was something happened to one of you, but then Mark sorted it out for me. Connie already knew he was coming. But I'll tell you. I couldn't ask for two finer men to take care of my girls, than these two.After that, everyone started to leave. We told them we'd be over in the morning, and to not open stuff without us there. As soon as we saw the lights of their cars fade away, Carrie turned off the lights and pulled me upstairs.Carrie turned on the lamp, next to the bed, then turned off the overhead lights. She seductively stripped down for me, and I just stood there in amazement. Once naked, she stood there. So I stripped as well. Not as seductive as she had done, but still slow. I stood a foot away from here and she took both of my hands in hers.She smiled at me, “Baby, you have no idea how lucky I feel and so loved right now. What you see in front of you, is yours, until the day we die. I am all yours.”I smiled at her then, and said, “Babe. For the life of me, I don't know how I ever got as lucky to be with a beautiful person, as you are. I don't mean just in looks, but the whole essence of you. You are my life, and no one will ever come between us. I Love you Carrie”She led me to the bed and we lay beside each other. Her newly ringed hand reached around the shaft of my member and held it gently. “I love this ring Baby. And, quite frankly, it looks really good right now. When did you know you wanted to marry me?”My eyes looked into hers, “Honestly, I wish I could say that first kiss on Whiteface Mountain. But it wasn't then. I knew at that point I had a shot with you though. But, it was the night I made you dinner and drew your bath. I knew then, when you said I love you back to me, that this was it. And, it's gotten better every day since.”She crawled up on top of me, and without any help from our hands, slipped my hard member into her waiting sex. Looking up at her, after we both moaned, “When did you know this was real for us?”“When we kissed on that rock. There was just something about it. But when we made love that Saturday night in the cabin and professed our love to each other. I knew in my heart then. But finally, when you stuck by me, with that stupid ordeal back in October, I knew this man was it.”“Baby, there was no way I was walking away from you. Not then , not ever. Were you surprised this happened tonight?” I asked.She grinned, “Yes and no. I thought maybe tomorrow, and if not then, then Valentine's Day. But tonight threw me. But picking one of my favorite songs to dance too, then asking me then, well it made me speechless. Then to have our whole family here too. You made this the best Christmas I have ever had.”Carrie started pumping up and down on me now. She didn't want to talk anymore. She wanted to complete our love making. It really did not take us long either. Throughout the whole time, our lips were locked together, until we were both ready to cum.“Oh God Baby. I have to cum” I spoke out loudly. “Cum Baby. Give me it all. I Love You Mark”I started cumming deep inside her, and about half way through, she started cumming. My hands were holding her ass as she did. I could feel goosebumps on her cheeks, as she let loose with her orgasm. It was very powerful too. Her whole body was wiggling around as our orgasms continued.We kissed one last time, then both told each other I love you. I wouldn't let her leave me though and she settled in on top of me and we both fell asleep.Chapter 26.Christmas Day saw us going all over the place. First, I took Carrie out to the barn out back. Inside was my old 93 Ford Mustang Boss. I bought this right after boot camp. It was rarity that I got to drive it much. Sometimes, six months would elapse before it got driven. The most use I got out of it was when I was stationed at Quantico. When I moved back here, after getting out, I bought my truck. So this car just sits, except for an occasional spin. It's silver with black interior, and has the 5 liter engine, which is a small V8. The only enhancement it has, is a new radio that has Bluetooth for the phone. It is in mint condition and only has 22,000 miles on it.Carrie asked where did I get this. So I told her about its history. Then I told her I was going to give this to Jenny. “Oh My God Mark. You can't do that. This is an antique, isn't it?”“No. Not yet. Couple of more years. But she needs a car and I never use it. So why not let someone, who I happen to like and is going to be my daughter one day, have it.”“You amaze me JH. You don't have a selfish bone in your body. And you are right, she is going to have you for a father one day. I know she likes that idea too. The ex was never really close with her in the first place, and when I kicked him out, he has never even tried to contact her. Just be patient with her and love her Mark. That's all I ask.”I knew I was going to do this too, after Carrie said she had to buy a car for her. So I had it checked out at the garage I go too, and had new tires put on it. So it was good to go. She'll just have to watch driving in snow. Rear wheel drive and snow don't always mix well.When we arrived that morning, everyone was up. Connie had made cinnamon buns and coffee, which we all enjoyed, while opening presents. After all the presents were opened, I handed Jenny a small gift bag. “From us” I said. Her eyes got real big when she saw they keys. Then ran to the front door and opened it. When she saw the car, she squealed with excitement. This girl was in a fuzzy robe and put on sneakers and ran out to it. Then came back inside and ran up to me and hugged me.“Thank You so much Mark” then planted kisses all over my cheeks. Then she thanked her mom. I told her it was hers to use and to be careful with it. I then told her we would help with insurance and stuff like that. But it is her responsibility to maintain it. “You guys are the best. Come Papa. let me show you my new car.” she said. Jenny, Alan, and John trudged out into the cold. I told Connie that the car is old, but nowhere near the mileage that the old Seadog has on him. Connie winked at me and said, “You know Mark. I think you are going to make one great father.”That New Year's Eve, we were invited to a couple of parties, but we begged off and stayed home. We made dinner together. Watched some movies, then made love at midnight. We did talk about Carrie moving in here, with me. She readily agreed, and two weeks later, she moved in. Jenny and Alan moved into her condo. All Carrie asked of them was to make sure no babies were produced yet. At some point, once the kids were established, and found their own place after they were married, she would sell the condo. Luckily for us, this was not a drain on finances. She made almost $100 grand a year at her job and mine was bringing in almost double that, and this house was paid for.We did settle down and bought new furniture for all over. I let that up to her, and Ann helped out. Those two become thick as thieves. If I was to ever argue with Carrie, I'd never win, but we never argue. We do discuss stuff and come to common ground. One thing was constant though, and that was our love making. I made sure we had at least one date night a week, and I always try to be romantic.The first weekend in October, Carrie and I married. When Carrie got married the first time, it was in front of a judge. So she never had a real wedding, and, her parents weren't there for it, depriving her dad the chance to give her away.The one thing she did ask me to wear was my dress blues. I had to check to make sure that I was still allowed, and found out that it was  okay for that. I had to bring that out of mothballs. I even had the sword. MY uni had 5 gold service stripes indicating 20 years, plus a lot of ribbons and medals on the pocket area.John too, wore his dress blues, or winter uniform. Now he had 9 gold sleeve stripes, since he was just shy of 40 years in. His front pocket area had to weigh a ton with all the service ribbons and medals. He wore blue, so he wouldn't upstage his daughter, in her white dress.Seeing her come down the aisle, with her father, was one of the best days of my life. She was radiant and so beautiful. She picked From This Moment On as her entrance song, instead of the traditional wedding march. Jenny served as her maid of honor, and Brad served as my best man. Alan and Ann were in it as well, as was Kyle and Katie. We both have a small circle of friends, and limited family, so the reception wasn't really big, maybe 50 people in all, but we all had a great time. We spent our first night of the honeymoon, in my uncle's cabin, after climbing up Whiteface Mountain and kissed on that very same rock, where we did the first time.I do remember, as I stood there, at the altar, holding Carrie's hands and was reciting her vows to me, all I thought was,“All this, because I bumped into a this beautiful woman at the ranger's station, who just happened to be a bit clumsy and sprain her ankle later, on a path near the cabin I was staying at. Life is good.”by T. Foxal.

Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHTeenager Billy Jackson is helping his dad out with some deliveries despite it being Christmas Eve and he just wants to goof off with his buddies. He overhears his dad talking about some rumors about the future of the store but he doesn't care. It's basketball time! He's claims he's been working on his shot but his bully Joey isn't having it.  To make matters worse, Joey is dating his crush, Diane. After getting humiliated on the court, he forget the bag that he's supposed to deliver for his dad.He heads to the church where his mom is preparing for the pageant and he heads up to the rafters to try to get back at Joey by replacing all of the snow that's gonna fall with water and Joey will get blamed because he's the stage manager. They wake up on Christmas morning and Billy's dad surprises him with a new hoop & ball. His uncle David shows up and he's a fancy pants money man. He tells them that he's building a super mega store in this town and Billy's dad is like that'll put me out of business! David is like you'll be fine, you'll be running the store. They all head to the Christmas pageant and Billy's plan to get back at Joey works but Joey punches him in the eye and David, who had the water fall on him, leaves angry. Worst Christmas ever. His sister comes in to sleep in his room cuz she's scared and they get in an argument about Christmas being the best ever. She wishes it was Christmas every day and she makes him say it with her so that she'll go to sleep.Much to his surprise, he wakes up and it's Christmas again!!! He is so confused. He thinks its just a giant prank, but when he wakes up the next day and it's Christmas again... he's very confused. His parents are concerned about him and get a doctor to check him out but they think it's just puberty. He figures if nothing really matters, he might as well kiss Diane without her consent and Joey punches him in the face. He tries all sorts of different things - trying to make the perfect day, trying to get Diane to fall in love with him, trying to kill his uncle David, and even trying to be a hero by stopping bad stuff from happening around town. He finally decides, you know what, I'm just gonna be kind to everyone. I'm gonna try to give everyone in town the most wonderful Christmas. Ultimately, he figures out that the lesson here is to just love your family and embrace them and in doing so, his uncle remembers how much he loves being back home and decides he wants to come back and work in the store.

Laci Peterson went missing on Christmas Eve of 2002.  Her husband Scott was suspicious from the start of the investigation.  The Actors Room will highlight the documentary put out by Netflix and give it's take on everything surrounding this shocking story.  

Young mother Danielle Vaughan knew her children were being abused in the home of her mother, Sherry Connor. She spent years pleading for someone to intervene before it was too late. No one listened, and Danielle's worst nightmare became reality when her five-year-old son, Dennis “Boo” Vaughan Jr., was pronounced dead on Christmas Eve, 2019.Boo's body told a story of severe and prolonged suffering, and an autopsy revealed that Boo had been savagely beaten, ultimately dying from blunt force trauma to the head and neck. Even though it was painfully obvious what had happened, nearly five years passed without anyone being held accountable.This is the story of young siblings who were failed by the system at every turn, and whose mother's cries for help went ignored. This is part two of the heartbreaking story of Dennis “Boo” Vaughan Jr.Justice for Dennis “Boo” Vaughan Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile/100090309441118/ Photos related to today's episode can be viewed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpod You can also follow the podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sufferthelittlechildrenpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@STLCpodMy Linktree is available here: https://linktr.ee/stlcpod Visit the podcast's web page at https://www.sufferthelittlechildrenpod.com. By supporting me on Patreon, you'll also access rewards, including a shout-out by name on the podcast and exclusive rewards. Visit www.patreon.com/STLCpod. You can also support the podcast on www.Ko-Fi.com/STLCpod. **New! Become a member of my YouTube channel for perks, ranging from a shout-out, members-only chat emoji, and loyalty badges to other rewards. Click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCogRWoIzWMy7TX5PuX18smQ/join Join my Spreaker Supporters' Club: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children--4232884/support This podcast is researched, written, hosted, edited, and produced by Laine.Music for this episode is licensed from https://audiojungle.net. Subscribe to Suffer the Little Children:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/id1499010711Google Podcasts: https://playmusic.app.goo.gl/?ibi=com.google.PlayMusic&isi=691797987&ius=googleplaymusic&apn=com.google.android.music&link=https://play.google.com/music/m/I5mx3lacxpdkhssmk2n22csf32u?t%3DSuffer_the_Little_Children%26pcampaignid%3DMKT-na-all-co-pr-mu-pod-16Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/show/suffer-the-little-children Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/suffer-the-little-children/PC:61848?part=PC:61848&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC61848:podcast_organic_external_siteSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0w98Tpd3710BZ0u036T1KEiHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/77891101/ ...or on your favorite podcast listening platform.

Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHWe are dropped right into an episode of Renovating Romance. Chelsea hosts this show that renovates a house & helps a couple at the same time. She hosts the show with her boyfriend Jake. The season just ended and they go to this wrap party and then they're off on a little vacation. But uh oh - there's an opportunity in New Hampshire for a special - hosted by her. Chelsea really wants the time off but Jake is like this would be big for us! She is gonna say no but the executive Dan is like I'll make a big donation to your charity and she's in. Off to New Hampshire they go to meet the unhappy couple Cooper and Janice. They can not agree on what to do with their house. He's a country mouse. She's a big city girl. And they just have different ideas. So they're talking about that country mouse all the way to the house. Turns out that country mouse was their driver! Whoopsies.They get to the first day of shooting and Janice is immediately uncomfortable with talking about her and Cooper's relationship on national tv. He's like that's the whole point of the show. She decides to go to New York for a couple days to clear her head. Jake says he could go with her and film some stuff there and say it's for the show and Chelsea will stay there and film with Cooper. And the chemistry between Cooper and Chelsea is off the charts. Everyone is talking about it. They just keep flirting and having fun time. To make matters worse, the tabloids are about to run a story about Chelsea and Jake having relationship problems. Janice makes it back and her and cooper talk and decide to really give their relationship a shot. They tell that to Chelsea and Jake and Chelsea is kinda sad. It's almost time for the live Christmas Eve special and Chelsea decides now is the right time to dump Jake. Jake takes it ok but then we see that he was going to propose. On the show, Cooper and Janice are talking about how they saved their relationship but then they asked Janice if she's ready to leave the big city for good and she cries and says no and breaks up with cooper. Tough break bud. Jake still proposes to Chelsea on TV but tells her it's just for the show. Chelsea looks at Cooper and then says no. She gives a long speech about how America doesn't need to see everything tied up in a perfect bow. 

If you can afford it and love what we do, please consider supporting our show by becoming a BTT Podcast Patreon Member! Also, purchase a BTT Podcast t-shirt or two from our Pro Wrestling Tees Store!  This week's Time Stamps for our WCW Saturday Night on TBS recap from Dec 25, 1993 review are as follows (NOTE: This was recorded 7/15/2025): HOW TO GIVE OR GIFT A PATREON MEMBERSHIP: https://www.patreon.com/BookingTheTerritory/gift   Opening Shenanigans! And when will Harper do a "Ask Harper" episode? ( 0:02:00 )  Harper saw Superman and shares Dman's thoughts on the movie. ( 0:05:18 )  More Dman thoughts on Jelly Roll in WWE. And Doc's thoughts too. ( 0:08:12 ) Geopolitical Harper and Doc strike again thanks to Rx commercials? ( 0:16:11) If you want access to the Clashes or WCW PPVs, and over 400 Patreon show, become a patreon member at https://www.patreon.com/BookingTheTerritory or tinyurl.com/PatreonBTT! You can sign up monthly or annual. When signing up for an annual plan you get a MONTH FREE!  Apple Podcast and PodcastAddict 5 star review shoutout! Submit one and we will shout you out on air.  WCW Saturday Night on TBS Dec 25, 1993 recap. ( 0:17:39 )  Governor Carrol Campbell from South Carolina puts over Ric Flair. ( 0:26:52 )  WCW Saturday Night on TBS Dec 25, 1993 recap continues. ( 0:29:09 )  These trio of idiots don't realize Santa delivers on Christmas Eve and not Christmas Night? ( 0:35:44 )  WCW Saturday Night on TBS Dec 25, 1993 recap continues. ( 0:44:02 )  This week's edition of the Amateur Challenge. ( 0:59:35 ) Tony Schiavone's top moments from 1993! This will SHOCK you! ( 1:01:14 )  WCW Saturday Night on TBS Dec 25, 1993 recap continues. ( 1:03:49 )   Big boy doing some dong dancing in the crowd! ( 1:04:34 ) WCW Saturday Night on TBS Dec 25, 1993 recap continues. ( 1:07:56 ) Who gets the Rolex and/or Toot Toot award? And become a BTT Patreon member! Don't forget to become a BTT Patreon member at https://www.patreon.com/BookingTheTerritory ( 1:11:43 )   Harper lays out what it will take to do Ask Harper segments on the main show! Paypal him $5 per question. Harper's PayPal is, get your pen and paper out, cc30388cc@yahoo.com . Then email Harper ( ChrisHarper16Wildkat@gmail.com ) and Mike ( BookingTheTerritory@gmail.com ) letting them know you submitted $5 to Harper's paypal and he will answer your question on an upcoming show.  Information on Harper's Video Shoutout, Life and Relationship.  1. First things first, email Harper with the details of what you want in your video shoutout or who the shoutout is too. His email address is ChrisHarper16Wildkat@gmail.com . Also in that email tell him what your paypal address is. 2. Paypal him $20. Harper's PayPal is, get your pen and paper out, cc30388cc@yahoo.com .  3. Harper will then send you the video to the email address that you emailed him from requesting your video shoutout. That's it! Don't email the show email address. Email Harper. If you missed any of those directions, hit rewind and listen again. BTT Facebook Group! (WARNING: Join at your own risk) https://www.facebook.com/groups/281458405926389/ Pay Pal: https://www.paypal.me/BTTPod Follow us on Twitter @BTT_Podcast, @Mike504Saints, @CJHWhoDat and Like us on Facebook.  Follow us on blue sky or whatever its called: Mudshow Mike and BTT Podcast

Thos Judge is a retired computer programmer, management consultant - and proud nuclear weapons denier. He tells of his extraordinary discovery, which began on Christmas Eve in 1982 with a chance encounter in a pub with a British ex-Prime Minister, who invited him over a pint “Ask me a question. Any question you like…” His books include Oppenheimer's Deadly Toys; Nuclear Weapons Fact or Fiction? and the forthcoming Punk Pensioner's Guide To A 140 Year Lifespan. His website is Thosjudge.com ↓ Monetary Metals is providing a true alternative to saving and earning in dollars by making it possible to save AND EARN in gold and silver. Monetary Metals has been paying interest on gold and silver for over 8 years. Right now, accredited investors can earn 12% annual interest on silver, paid in silver in their latest silver bond offering. For example, if you have 1,000 ounces of silver in the deal, you receive 120 ounces of silver interest paid to your account in the first year. Go to the link in the description or head to https://monetary-metals.com/delingpole/ to learn more about how to participate and start earning a return on honest money again with Monetary Metals. ↓ ↓

Sometimes Christmas just doesn't feel like Christmas.  It's December 2001, and Richard is living alone, facing down his first Christmas Eve without his family.  But he's about to learn that Christmas has its own magic -- and its own surprising plans for him… One hundred and fifty-eight years earlier, Charles Dickens changed the world with his story of another lonely man on Christmas Eve who ended up getting far more than he bargained for.  What Dickens didn't know -- but Richard does all too well -- is that what he actually created was literatures most famous near-death experience.  Join Richard and Dickens as they each face down their Christmas ghosts -- and hope to wake up the next morning transformed… Notes & Links: You can get a copy of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol pretty much anywhere, but I highly recommend Michael Patrick Hearns' The Annotated Christmas Carol where I got most of the information for this episode.  You can get it at AbeBooks here: https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?ch_sort=t&cm_sp=sort-_-SRP-_-Results&ds=30&dym=on&isbn=9780393051582&rollup=on&sortby=2  Get the DVD of Albert Finney's musical Scrooge here:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-scrooge-ronald-neame/3719770?ean=0097361459745&gQT=0  Learn all about the GameBoy Advance Owen wanted so badly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQvSB3KBUIE 

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 398The Saint of the day is Saint Sharbel MakhloufSaint Sharbel Makhlouf’s Story Although this saint never traveled far from the Lebanese village of Beka-Kafra where he was born, his influence has spread widely. Joseph Zaroun Maklouf was raised by an uncle because his father, a mule driver, died when Joseph was only three. At the age of 23, Joseph joined the Monastery of St. Maron at Annaya, Lebanon, and took the name Sharbel in honor of a second-century martyr. He professed his final vows in 1853, and was ordained six years later. Following the example of the fifth-century Saint Maron, Sharbel lived as a hermit from 1875, until his death. His reputation for holiness prompted people to seek him to receive a blessing and to be remembered in his prayers. He followed a strict fast and was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament. When his superiors occasionally asked him to administer the sacraments to nearby villages, Sharbel did so gladly. He died in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve. Christians and non-Christians soon made his tomb a place of pilgrimage and of cures. Pope Paul VI beatified Sharbel in 1965, and canonized him 12 years later. Reflection John Paul II often said that the Church has two lungs—East and West—and it must learn to breathe using both of them. Remembering saints like Sharbel helps the Church to appreciate both the diversity and unity present in the Catholic Church. Like all the saints, Sharbel points us to God and invites us to cooperate generously with God's grace, no matter what our situation in life may be. As our prayer life becomes deeper and more honest, we become more ready to make that generous response. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Steve Beck is a virtuoso classical pianist known for his brilliant technique and wide-ranging repertoire. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic and the National Symphony among others. He's a regular at the Mostly Mozart Festival and at Bargemusic, where each Christmas Eve he performs Bach's Goldberg Variations. And he also performs all 32 Beethoven piano sonatas in a single day. My featured song is “African Nights (for Chick)”. ------------------------------------------The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries!Click here for All Episodes Click here for Guest List Click here for Guest Groupings Click here for Guest TestimonialsClick here to Subscribe Click here to receive our Email UpdatesClick here to Rate and Review the podcast—----------------------------------------CONNECT WITH STEVE:www.stevenbeck.me____________________ROBERT'S NEWEST ALBUM:“WHAT'S UP!” is Robert's new compilation album. Featuring 10 of his recent singles including all the ones listed below. Instrumentals and vocals. Jazz, Rock, Pop and Fusion. “My best work so far. (Robert)”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—--------------------------ROBERT'S RECENT SINGLES:“THE CUT OF THE KNIFE” is Robert's latest single. An homage to jazz legend Dave Brubeck and his hit “Take Five”. It features Guest Artist Kerry Marx, Musical Director of The Grand Ole Opry band, on guitar solo. Called “Elegant”, “Beautiful” and “A Wonder”! CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—----------------------------“DAY AT THE RACES” captures the thrills, chills and pageantry of horse racing's Triple Crown. Called “Fun, Upbeat, Exciting!”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS___________________“MOON SHOT” reflects my Jazz Rock Fusion roots. The track features Special Guest Mark Lettieri, 5x Grammy winning guitarist who plays with Snarky Puppy and The Fearless Flyers. The track has been called “Firey, Passionate and Smokin!”CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS____________________“ROUGH RIDER” has got a Cool, ‘60s, “Spaghetti Western”, Guitar-driven, Tremolo sounding, Ventures/Link Wray kind of vibe!CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEOCLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS—--------------------------------“LOVELY GIRLIE” is a fun, Old School, rock/pop tune with 3-part harmony. It's been called “Supremely excellent!”, “Another Homerun for Robert!”, and “Love that Lovely Girlie!”Click HERE for All Links—----------------------------------“THE RICH ONES ALL STARS” is Robert's single featuring the following 8 World Class musicians: Billy Cobham (Drums), Randy Brecker (Flugelhorn), John Helliwell (Sax), Pat Coil (Piano), Peter Tiehuis (Guitar), Antonio Farao (Keys), Elliott Randall (Guitar) and David Amram (Pennywhistle).Click HERE for the Official VideoClick HERE for All Links—----------------------------------------Audio production:Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com 

In this episode Diana welcomes back author Dana Diaz, who discusses her second book 'Choking on Shame.' Dana shares her experiences with narcissistic abuse in her marriage and childhood, emphasizing the importance of telling one's story, forgiveness, and healing. Dana also talks about her upcoming third book, 'Rising from the Ashes,' which focuses on her life post-abuse and her journey toward healing and self-love. Discussing the complexities of dealing with unhealed trauma and finding inner peace, Dana provides valuable insights and hope for those navigating similar struggles. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional help and understand that it's never too late to start the healing process. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:48 Welcome to the Podcast 01:27 Dana Diaz's Story: Choking on Shame 02:41 Understanding Narcissistic Abuse 03:57 The Impact of Abuse on Life and Healing 06:25 Rising from the Ashes: The Sequel 09:50 Forgiveness and Healing 26:03 The Power of Writing and Sharing Your Story 35:37 Closing Remarks and Resources Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/   Dana Diaz Part 2 [00:00:00] I do have a sponsor 7 5 3 Academy. Our martial art program specialized in anti-bullying programs for kids to combat proven Filipino martial arts. Colli. We take a holistic, fun, and innovative approach that simply works. Our fitness community is friendly and supportive without the over the top muscle gym atmosphere. Our coaching staff are professionally trained with over 30 years of experience. Get started by claiming your free class voucher. So go to the link in the show notes. This is in the Phoenix Metro area, so reach out to Coach David and coach Eric over at 7 5 3 Academy. Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic [00:01:00] violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Welcome, welcome to the podcast once more. I appreciate you coming back to hear some more of Dana Diaz. She is on her second book that she's been talking about, Choking on Shame. And again, she was on the podcast in season three, episode 1 53. So if you haven't heard, part one of this conversation, go back to part one. But it [00:02:00] would be really great to also listen to episode 1 53 'cause then you would get the whole picture of her story and some really great advice and help for those of you who have been with a narcissist or maybe you're dealing with one now. I'm not gonna go through her bio again. Everything is in a show notes for you. So without delay, here we go with part two, my conversation with Dana Diaz. And, I guess I should clarify that, what makes it called narcissistic abuse? It's just when a narcissist abuses you. But the difference is that a narcissist will enact multiple and all abuses in some cases versus, and I'm not trying [00:03:00] to minimize, but like in my childhood, I was physically abused and verbally abused and neglected in many ways in my marriage to this narcissist. Yes, there was verbal abuse for sure, which we discussed with the cussing 'cause he called me things that became as common as my name. I actually heard them more than my name. Um mm-hmm. There was sexual abuse. And yes, I will debate anybody who tells me that if you're married, you cannot be sexually abused. I disagree. If you are taking advantage of a woman that does not consensually want to be with you, uh, that is sexual abuse. Yes. There was financial abuse. So many examples of that. Legal abuse, the threatening to, call the authorities, creating the narrative of, you're crazy, you're unstable. I'm gonna call child services, so I'll have custody of our son if you leave me. I will do this legally to you. It's this constant threat. And then you add in all the other things , the [00:04:00] intimidation, the stalking, you're basically scared for your life. And I always say it's like, people call it walking on eggshells. I'm like, no, it was a minefield. It was a minefield. Yeah. Because I was stepping very carefully, very cautiously. Every time I opened my mouth, even my facial expressions, I could not say anything or do anything. And World War III would erupt because of my facial expression. So I was very careful, but it doesn't matter where I stepped, stuff was blowing up here, but I couldn't deal with it or process it. 'cause then something was blowing up over here and then in the midst of that, I'm trying to protect my son and shelter him from as much of it as I could, even though my ex was always trying to drag him into it so that he could blame me for our sons, unhealthy, witness of things that no child should ever have to witness or hear between parents. So it was, uh, yeah, it was something. And it's interesting because so many people read [00:05:00] Gasping for Air, including the owner of my publishing company. She actually at one point messaged me and said, I thought this was nonfiction. I said, It is. It was my true story. And she says, I can't even believe it. I said, well, you can't make this stuff up. Trust me. I would not have that kind of imagination. But it is a page turner. So it has appealed to people for entertainment that just like an exciting, uh, dysfunctional relationship read. But for the bulk of people who have been through this type of relationship, I'm glad to report that I get messages every day. Every single day of people saying that it gave them strength or it helped them to feel less alone because they thought it was just them or, you know, whatever it is. I've had people message me that they're finally leaving. They're divorcing, they're trying to get things in order or whatever it is. And I am certainly not [00:06:00] here saying, go get divorced, leave whoever. 'cause sometimes it's safer for somebody to stay. Um, it, it's just the reality, unfortunately sometimes. But I just want to give people, if nothing else, the hope that. There is something more to life and that no, you were not put here to suffer. And, it hurts my heart when I hear people say that. 'cause I, I remember feeling very much that way. But that's where the third book comes in. 'cause the third book is actually the sequel. Mm-hmm To gasping for air. We kind of went out of order, kind of like the Star Wars movies did for a while there. But again, I only intended to ever write the one. So gasping for error. Then we have the prequel, which is my childhood, choking on shame. So coming in March is rising from the ashes where it picks up. Right where gasping for error left off where I am leaving the driveway of the farm that I shared with my ex-husband moving out, moving on with [00:07:00] life. But I thought everything would be fine. I think when you get out of those. Uh, situations you think, oh, everything's fine. Nothing can go wrong. And, there's a lot of healing to do and things are a little messy while you're doing the healing. You don't necessarily perceive healthy relationships and healthy connections the way a healthy person would because there's this distrust and this anxiety, and we, there's so much still there that has to be dealt with. It's coming to the realization of those things. And as I said, coming to terms with even my mother who, went no contact with me before I even divorced with my ex, she opted to go no contact. 'cause she said that she could not be her husband's wife and my mother at the same time, and she was choosing to be his wife instead of being my mother. Mm-hmm. So that was heartbreaking. But this is my last resort and rising from the ashes, like, okay, I'm out of this marriage. Like, there's [00:08:00] one scene, it was hard to write in rising from the ashes where I'm actually on Christmas Eve at her house. I hadn't been invited, just my son had been, but I didn't get to see him Christmas day because of the divorce. My ex was going to have him. So that was my time with him was Christmas Eve and she took it. Without even consulting with me. So I ended up going with my son. Mm-hmm. I ended up on my knees on Christmas Eve in my mother's basement on the cold ceramic tile floor. Literally begging with my hands clasped, begging her just to be my mother to see me, to come to my wedding. 'cause I'm newly engaged, to this man. I've known many, many, many years and I just wanted her to be a part of that. There was no emotion stone face. And she actually walked away from me and left me there on the floor in tears on Christmas. Mm-hmm. So there's a lot of [00:09:00] heartbreak, but it's a very happy ending. And, we talked about coming full circle before, but the ending of rising for ashes. I'll give this little snippet. 'cause I haven't really talked about the book to anybody. Not even my husband knows about it. I don't let him read books until they're published. But, the very end actually comes back to my mother that I said, after everything I'd been through my healing, the key to my healing was resolving that very first relationship I had in my life. I'm getting chills right now just thinking about it because mm-hmm. Everything in my life had to do with my mother rejecting me. But it took somebody saying to me. You can't reject your mother, you can't hate her. You can't have these ill feelings towards her for what she, how she treated you. Because if you do that, you're rejecting a part of yourself. And that just, that was as eye-opening as telling me I'm a child of God. Because then I had to look at her, uh, and the same person said that I had to put a [00:10:00] picture of my mother up in my house where it was prominence. It couldn't be hidden away somewhere. And um, the very last chapter of the book of Rising from the Ashes is me doing that. And it was not pretty. And I had some choice words that I cannot say on this podcast to say to that picture. But you know what? I still have the picture right here in my office and I look at it every day. I even say, hi mom. We have no relationship. She has nothing to do with me. We have no communication. But she's there 'cause she's my mother. And I'm gonna love her anyway because she was just a kid. And I forgive that I had to come to terms with knowing that she came from an abusive household. She had an abusive alcoholic father and endured terrible domestic violence. And she was just a baby when she had me. And she was a baby [00:11:00] who hadn't resolved her own unhealed trauma. So even though I was her baby and I expected her to handle me better and to know what to do and how to do it, she didn't. And I have to forgive that because I mean, what 16, 17-year-old girl that's in an abusive household would know what to do with a baby she doesn't even want. So, with that, I just encourage people to maybe look at, I'm not saying it excuses it, but I think mm-hmm. It's helped me get past the past. To look at it with a more loving heart than a resentful one. Because if you hold onto that resentment and that anger and that pain, you don't have room for the blessings and the love and the hope for the future and in the present, everything that's right in front of you. So that, that's essentially where we go with rising from the ashes. And I want people to hear that message loud [00:12:00] and clear. I'm really glad that you pointed out the forgiveness aspect. 'cause we talk about that a lot. How do you forgive somebody that's done some really horrible things to you? And they never repent of it. They never ask forgiveness or come around like we want them to. But I'm glad you mentioned, yeah, I can still forgive my mother in. An aspect of I'm not gonna live or live rent free in my head and ruin the rest of my life. I'm gonna move on with my life and help other people. But yeah, I respect that. Yes, she is my mother. And that's okay to say that. Yeah. Yeah. She's my mother, but I don't have to let her ruin my life. Exactly. And we move on. I mean, at the end of the day, we're all human. I said it before, but I say [00:13:00] it almost every day. We all make mistakes. And I can own up to mine and not feel badly about it. It's just sometimes you make a mistake, things happen unintentionally, intentionally, we screw up. But you know, we have to give that same grace to other people, because not everybody. Is at the same level of consciousness. Not everybody is faithful. Even my mother, when she got with her husband, when I was very young, actually, he didn't feel he was not Christian at all. So we stopped going to church. I actually started getting rides with my friends that were Catholic to, or I'd sleep over at their houses on Saturday nights so I could go to Sunday mass with them. But, even in college, I was able to drive, so I would go myself and I continued that. But, you know, it's about respect. We can't assume that everybody thinks like we do because they don't, not everybody comes from the same history that we come from. [00:14:00] Geographic differences, cultural differences. We're all so unique and that's a beautiful thing, but even within our own families, she has the right to make her own choices. Mm-hmm. She has turned herself away from God, but that is her choice. It is not my place for anyone else's to, force her somewhere where she doesn't feel that she wants to be. But again, that's between her and God. But, um, it's not my place, so I have to respect it, understand that she has the right, and I almost, got even to the point in my healing where I was like, you know, I actually have to appreciate even how she, stood her ground as far as her relationship with me. As terrible it is as it is to reject your own child. She had a very clear idea, of what she wanted in life and how she wanted to live her life. Whether I agree with that or not. She was being true to herself and [00:15:00] respecting herself. And self-love is not something that I had the privilege of, even knowing what that was for most of my life. And I still, every once in a while have to, give myself a pat on the back or remind myself I'm pretty okay. You know? 'cause I grew up with such terrible self-esteem and that first marriage didn't help at all. But my mother always had a sense of exactly who she was and what she wanted, and I did not fit into that. So, there's things I think we can learn from people like that and understand and just give them that grace that they're having their own human experience. And it may not be the path we walked, may not be the way we would've walked it, but that's what they're doing. And just have to love them through it. Pray for them, hope for them. But at the end of the day, we also have to do what gives ourselves some inner peace, which sometimes means, not having that relationship with them. So, I respect that about her. We have, like I said, we are completely estranged, but my [00:16:00] life goes on and I have her picture here in my office and I look at it every day and. It's all right. It's okay because God loves me again. I'm his child and he loves my mother too. Even though she's made mistakes, and hopefully one day she'll realize that, there is love in her life and that she is worth more than what she is allowed herself to have. And open herself up to that. But that is not my place to force her to do so. Hmm. I'm very fortunate that it's, my narcissist ex, we have no contact at all. Because we didn't have any children together, which looking back I am grateful for that. I didn't bring children into that marriage. Yeah. To suffer along with me, it would've been a different ending. But yeah, I'm able, to say that I've healed. Significantly, because I'm not in that relationship. Yes. With him, I don't [00:17:00] have to have any contact. 'cause when you get out of that, you have a better perspective as to what you went through rather than you're still in it and you're still dealing with this person and, they're trying to make your life, miserable. I was really fortunate that I just cut 'em off. And you have to, unfortunately, that's the only way, and I try to tell people that you can't, there is no healing when you're still in those circumstances. But it's impossible. I always tell people, I liken it to growing flowers in your garden. If you plant the seeds and then as soon as the flowers start blooming, you start giving them chemicals and poison and. They're not gonna keep growing. You cannot heal something. You cannot grow as a human being if you're still in that toxicity. And it's a shame sometimes that we have to cut off people that are biologically, family. But, I think that [00:18:00] the way to look at that and what has been my experience in life from a very young age is that, we're all part of God's family. And I cannot tell you how much of a difference it has made since, sadly not having contact with my abusive mother and stepfather. And I don't have contact with my ex either and many other people who have enabled them and sided with them in some way. But, uh, or they have cut contact with me, which is fine, but it's amazing now that they're kind of out of the way, like pulling weeds outta that same garden, now the weeds are gone. So I can see the other flowers that were always there and they're rooting for me and they're growing with me, and they're wanting me to grow it all and, and want me to be the beautiful flower that I can be. And it's just astounding to me the difference that having supportive, encouraging positive people around you, that what that makes versus being in those situations where every [00:19:00] single day I was diminished, insulted, ridiculed, demeaned. It just any negative adjective you can come up with is what that experience is like. But then you turn that around. You can't help but smile when somebody speaks positivity to you or encourages you, and then you wanna do that to others. And it has this beautiful domino effect because I know people, there's that thing called resting bee face. You know that? Mm-hmm. People used to say that I had that back then, and it wasn't that I was just. I was miserable, I was suffering. I wasn't, there was nothing to smile about. But, um, now it's, it, it's nice because I run into people sometimes that I haven't seen in years. And I know one person said, oh, it's good to see you smile again. It's good to see you laughing. Or, you know, one person, the best compliments I've had, they looked at me just physically, they're like, you look healthy. Because I had, I had gotten [00:20:00] so sickly physically during that. Mm-hmm. And especially towards the end of my marriage with my first husband that, yeah, even my physical health has improved with my mental health. So, and it's such an empowering thing to, to know like, okay, I actually had the choice. You know? Thankfully I was able to get out of it alive, so to speak. And everything's just really good now. Everything's really good. It's giving me that time and that space now to just tweak those little things. I call them like bruises that sometimes, somebody might say or do something and that bruise gets poked a little. I'm like, Ooh, that hurts. That didn't feel good. But I can kind of explore that a little more now and be like, okay. We still, I don't think the healing journey ever ends, but I think that, no, you know, we take those opportunities when our, when our bruises get poked a little bit to say like, okay, what do we still have here to work out? Where is that coming from? And then [00:21:00] deal with it. Because more times than not, it's just, it's the past. I always tell people it's never about the presence and usually when somebody comes at you as in confrontational, abusive, mistreats you in some way, it doesn't even have to do with you. It has to do with them. Yes, it's their unhealed trauma speaking to you. It's their issues with themselves that they just can't stand something that they see about you, that it's your light that's disturbing their peace. It's your potential, your achievement that's making them feel. All that yucky stuff they already feel about themselves. But, all you can do is love. I just try to remind myself, even when, believe me, there's, I always say there's the angel and the devil on my shoulders, and the devil just wants to tell 'em a few f-bombs and say a few things, but then the angels like, love them, love them. And I just take a deep breath and okay, this is coming from a source of pain. Remind myself of that. I know what that's like. It's not gonna be helpful. It's not gonna be productive or [00:22:00] get anywhere if we're gonna go back at 'em, with more evil words and nastiness. We're just gonna love, and some people aren't receptive. I had that experience last week and, a very, very nasty person, who told me the most vicious and awful thing that I won't even repeat. And I went back to them with love and said, I hear pain in what you said to me, and I understand this isn't about me, but I wish that one day you would. Find out how wonderful you are and love yourself enough to respect and value other people's lives as well. And she came at me with, an equally, just like her first message that I deserved what she said to me in the beginning. And that's that. Some people just don't wanna hear it. They don't wanna receive it. But that's not gonna change who I am or make me change my character. I'm still gonna come from a good place and remind myself there is evil in the world. There are people in this world that want to sit with their demons and stay there forever more. All I can [00:23:00] do is love them and pray for them. That's it. I can't, I just like my mother, I can't make that choice for them. It's kind of like drug and alcohol addiction. They have to be able, just like we had to when we were in our situations, you have to make the choice for yourself. Nobody could have told me, I had people say, you don't look happy, or, he's a real this or that, and you should get out. You think, I don't know that you don't think, I don't know. I was being mistreated. Of course I did. It's just not that easy to walk away, especially when you do have a child with a person, it makes it that much more complicated. But if nothing else, but legally and financially, it's a little more complicated. Yeah, there's just so much there. But, all in all, I just hope people know, know that there, there's choices, there's hope, and, and one of the biggest choices you can make, and kind of like how I said about me and my sister, is just to choose where you're coming from. Choose to come from a place of love because, putting yourself out there and behaving in negative ways, behaving in, ways [00:24:00] that basically, like they're acting, it's not gonna get you anywhere and it's not gonna solve that. This world is angry and full of hate more now than ever. And I don't think we need to participate in that hatred in that division. We need to actually turn that around a little bit and we all can make that difference by starting with the people in our house. Well start with ourselves and then your kids, your spouse, your whoever, your grandma, your coworkers, the person at church, the person that you run into at the library or the post office or wherever. Just be kind. Be kind. And maybe then they'll be a little kinder that day too, to somebody else. Hmm. I agree with that. I wanted to comment on what you said about the bruises, I guess. Yeah. Yeah. I'm 52 and I had some triggers this past year and just brought up some, stuff from my past that I couldn't deal with the, the physical response to those memories. And for the first time in my [00:25:00] life, I'm going to a professional therapist and a psychologist and, I've had some peer counseling and peer groups that were extremely helpful that I'm, really glad that I have a therapist, to help me through these bruises or triggers that have come up in my life right now. I mean, I was married to my ex and I left in 2008. That was a long time ago, but it's never too late to get some help and to reach out to get help with hundred percent some of these things. I know my dear friend that I do mending this all groups with, she's a senior citizen now and she just wrote her book of her life after, so. Uh, her abuse was from her childhood and she had some memory loss, but, she's finally getting to write her book [00:26:00] now. And she's a fantastic writer as well. But what would you say to folks that they hear you and they see you writing these books about your experience, but they're afraid to write their story. They're like, people are gonna judge me. They're not gonna like what I say, or they're gonna sue me. Or what would you say to somebody that might be thinking about writing their story. Well, those are all very valid concerns and as somebody who is now publishing book three, they are still valid concerns. I am actually surprised that I have not faced any legal consequences, although, mm-hmm. On the other hand, it's very unlikely. In my, at least from my experience, I don't know many people who would like raise their hands loudly and say, oh, that's me in that book. You don't wanna claim that you're that person who did these awful things. But I tried to [00:27:00] be, I wrote my stories. I actually, gasping for air came from a journal that I kept when, it was towards the end of my marriage to my first husband, because I honestly thought that I was going to end up dead. And that it would be made to look like an accident or there would be some excuse, and I wanted there to be a record of what was really going on in that house. Wow. So the stories came out of that journal. So if nothing else, I tell people just journal, because sometimes I was joking with a friend this week, like some days my mind is like a bingo. Like that barrel, they spin in bingo, before they pull the little thing out. Like it's all this stuff just jumbling around six that sometimes if you just do, I've heard it called a brain dump. I've heard it called free writing. But just write. Just write everything. Don't monitor yourself. Don't feel bad. You let it come out however it comes out, even if it's not how you would normally talk. Say what [00:28:00] you have to say. Be angry, be hurt, cry, whatever. Get it out. Because the interesting thing is that. One, you'll feel better because it's like outside of you now. It's literally like extracting that pain from you and putting it on something else. It does actually make you feel mentally better, but you'll notice after a while when you go back, you'll start noticing patterns because visually you learn differently than mentally, if that makes any sense. So like even when I was writing Gasping for actually even the third book, all of my writing I'd read and have to revise over and over, and I would have a wake up in the middle of the night with. Oh my gosh. Like my brain just realized after I've written these stories, that this, it's kind of like connecting the dots, like a, an a detective or investigator trying to figure out a murder with all the strings on the walls pointing to this and that. It's like your brain starts [00:29:00] doing these, connect the dots, and you start making these connections and realizing things you hadn't seen before. Because when it's all in your head, it's, it is just jumbling around like that bingo barrel. Um mm-hmm. So it's good to get it out of you, but if you actually do wanna get into publishing a story Yes. They're, unfortunately, those fears are valid. They are always going to be there because as long as something is in print, if somebody does feel, even if you change their names, even if you change other geographical details, different things. If somebody can provide enough evidence that those circumstances or that person or whatever it was, it is actually them and wants to take you to court. They unfortunately do have a case. And so, I would definitely advise speaking to an attorney speaking to, different insurance companies. 'cause there are insurances you could get to cover to have that protection, for libel really, and things like that. Yes. I didn't know [00:30:00] that. Yeah, it's an expense, but, it's one worth having if you're gonna be speaking your truth. But the, thing that's been the struggle for me has been the judgment because surprisingly, the judgment has not even come from the people who have done awful things to me. It has come from their family members, which mm-hmm are and were my family members. You'd be surprised how many people just don't wanna believe you and we'll call you all kinds of things under the sun. And on the lighter end. 'cause you weren't there. They weren't where you were. They weren't there. They didn't see all that. They didn't. But the thing is, for them to believe you, they have to believe they love a monster. Mm-hmm. You see what I'm saying? Yep. That's pretty much it. My ex-mother-in-law, who I loved like a mother, 'cause she was a mother to me all those years, my mother was not my sister-in-law, who is my best friend. Even people in [00:31:00] my life, mutual friends, even. People that taught my son at his school that got word and read the book, and now for you to say those things about him or that, or even about my mother, whatever, in that book, I have to be the villain so that they feel better about associating with somebody who's capable of doing the things that I claim they did. So the judgment is honestly the biggest thing, but I keep, I just, I say it almost every day. God is the only judge. God is the only judge. You know what? And I know my truth. I know my truth firmly, and I can't let other people get me down. And let me tell you, strangers will say the most vile things, the most horrendous things behind an email or a social media post, or however they communicate with you, because they have that anonymity behind a screen. Yeah. And it is cruel. The things I have been told, such horrific things [00:32:00] and here I am, like I'm just trying to help people heal. I think I'm doing a good thing. And, the pushback is very strong. But what I've noticed and what I have to tell myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other is that those are the people, the ones who go through that great effort to go to my website and click on contact Dana to email me, or, put the post out or however they communicate their nastiness to me. I hit something, I hit some nail on the head. I triggered, I poked one of their bruises. That's what that is. And so in a sense, I look at those like, okay, I hear the pain. I wanna love them and help them, but they're not receptive right now. And that's okay. Hopefully that will come. But I gotta say, okay, good job, Dana. 'cause something I said or did, got to them. They can't let it go. It's haunting them. So maybe that's the propellant for change. Maybe that's the thing that's gonna compel [00:33:00] them, to change their circumstances or to take hold, take control of their life, and get that healing that they need. Because I wanna touch upon real quick what you said. I'm 49, let me tell you, I get so many people that contact me. I am actually, I just started this month, co-leading a women's group for healing from childhood abuse. And the thing that we get, the comment we get the most is that people that are our age, forties, fifties, sixties, even, I've even had a few in the seventies, that they kind of blame themselves. They shame themselves because, well, why now? Why am I just, how come it took me so long? I'm gonna answer that right now for you and I and for all these people that have said that to themselves. We were trying to live. We were trying to survive. Yes. Number one, when we got out, we had to go to work every day like we probably still do now. We were raising children possibly, which is not an easy [00:34:00] task. We had family commitments, church commitments, school, whatever it was we were. Life gets very busy. Life is very distracting, but I feel like when you get to where we're about in age, like for example, my son, he's gonna be 22, very soon. He bought his own house. He's moved up. When you start to be left with, yeah, when you start to be left with your own thoughts and you have time to reflect back and you're not in this constant hustle and bustle and have to and got and dah. Then you're like, oh my God, what the hell happened to me? You start to think back on the past, like, okay, and then when those things hit you, when somebody does say that thing or poke that bruise, you have the time and you're like, oh, oh, is that about, that was so long ago. And that's when you start really thinking about it. And that's when you have the opportunity and the time, to usually take the reins of your healing. So, if that's [00:35:00] any incentive, I think it's always good, whether you have a therapist or a group or whatever. There's so many, there's goat yoga, there's musical, healing, modalities. There's so many different options available to people right now that no matter what your niche is, so to speak, you can find something that will help you resolve all those feelings of the past, no matter what age you are. Yeah. Reach out to one of us. Yes. You all out there? We have resources. We know people Yes. Wherever you are. Even in other parts of the world. Yes. So I want to make sure that the folks know where to get your books. Not a problem. You can go to my website, dana s diaz.com, the links for the two that are out are there. And then the third, book will be on there when it comes out. Or you can go straight to Amazon anywhere. Books are sold online. I can't get the books on [00:36:00] shelves of the major retailers because of the content and the language. They, have all rejected the, application to have them on the bookshelves, but you can go anywhere online. I have it in it, it's on Kindle, so you can get the ebook if you like, having it on your phone or your iPad or whatever. Sometimes that's easier. It's more affordable. And if you are in an abusive situation still, that would be the best option because you don't want a book that says abuse in the title sitting on your coffee table. So, but it is available wherever books are sold online. This has been great to have you back on the show again and your invitation, is open door for you. Oh, thank you. I appreciate that. I know you're gonna write some more books. You're gonna have a big, long series like Star Wars here and, yeah, I'll eat it right up here. Just come back on, let me know if you have any, anything else to share with us. It's good to see [00:37:00] you. I, so related to what you shared, thank you so eloquently today. I appreciate that. And again, I just want everybody to know that there is hope. And there are people that are behind you. Even if you think you're alone, we're all with you and God is with you most importantly. Amen. God bless you. You as well. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us at DSW Ministries dot org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.

What's up, dudes? It's the gentleman thief...or at least his grandson! Yes, Robbie Sherman from Conversations with Robbie Sherman joins me to talk "Lupin III" Christmas episodes! Taken from part 2,  we meet Lupin and gang as they try to steal an important bottle of wine and rob Tiffany's jewelry store on a dare.In “The Sleight Before Christmas,” the last remaining bottle of Bordeaux from Napoleon for his wife will be given to the President on Christmas Eve. The team hides in wine barrels, and follows Zenigata to its location. Unfortunately, it was a trap, bud with Goemon's sword, they escape. Of course, they sneak onto the plane, gas everyone, and get away with the wine. Oh, and there's a bonjour/Bon Jovi joke.In “Christmas at Tiffany's,” the team is bribed by the owner of the jewelry store to attempt to rob it. The ratings of her show will skyrocket! Lupin refuses because he wants to relax, but Fujiko's spending forces his hand. Naturally, hilarity ensues. Is there an old boat captain who invented a lightsaber? Yes. They get away, and leave the jewels on the Statue of Liberty, of course!Blank check they can fill in? Check (no pun intended). A sword that cuts through buildings? Got it. A laser lasso gun? Now we're getting into James Bond territory! So grab your Napoleonic bottle of wine, put on your disguise, and steal this episode on the “Lupin III” Christmas episodes!Conversations with Robbie ShermanSherman Sux at SonicGive us a buzz! Send a text, dudes!Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com! Later, dudes!

In our first story, Jeremy Kenee and his buddies embark on a cross-country road trip with a Big Gulp super-glued to the roof of the car. Ride along with Jeremy to experience the hilarious reactions and unexpected encounters everywhere they went. Jeremy calls his story “Big Gulp”. Thanks for listening. Thanks, Jeremy. Jeremy Kenee graduated from the University of Colorado in 1994, landed a 3-month temp job in Missoula and never left. He met his wife, Heather, and they raised two talented daughters who are now flung far and wide in the world. After a long career engineering streets and highways, Jeremy became the City Public Works Director in 2019. When he’s not sailing on Flathead Lake, you might find him riding mountain bikes in the hills around Missoula or playing beer-league hockey at the Glacier Ice Rink. In our next story, Meco Correia is a former PACU nurse with a heightened awareness of horizons and the lingering echoes of trauma. Discover how a unique self-care practice involving Japanese rope art provides grounding and connection, setting the stage for an extraordinary encounter with the unknown on a quiet Missoula street. Meco calls her story “Eye on the Sky”.  Meco Correia is a believer that a nourishing meal cooked and shared in LOVE will advance soul healing on this planet. She is a co-creator in a sensual healing touch community, a culinary artist, a watercolor dabbler, a gypsy gardener and an RN that has touched many lives and BODIES in this community for over 25 years. Tom Attard shares his story about a raw and emotional Christmas Eve encounter at a Kalispell bar, where a man’s heartbreak leads him to his “little” brother, a drywall-delivering, street-fighting, functional alcoholic. Their intertwined lives, marked by a decade of distance and dangerous choices, build to a powerful, desperate conversation about change. Crack a beer and listen along to Tom's story that he calls “A Ride Home from the Rainbow”. Tom Attard was born and raised in the great state of Montana and is a father, husband, General Contractor, ultra runner and lover of all things outdoors.  You can find him on most dark winter mornings running a trail on any of the surrounding slopes. In constant motion from birth, Tom rarely sits still. Skiing, rafting, fishing, hunting, running and finding any excuse to get out there. Kali Neumeister invites you to forget what the movies taught you about pregnancy. This candid account reveals the surprising realities of pregnancy, from a challenging gestational diabetes diagnosis to an unexpected labor during a severe storm. Follow one woman’s unforgettable journey to motherhood, proving that real-life births are far more dramatic and unpredictable than anything on screen. Kali calls her story “A Womb Awakening” Kali Neumeister. Kali is 33 years old and was born and raised here in Missoula. A counselor by trade, Kali enjoys the quiet life of reading and storytelling and the adventures of skiing and scuba diving.

Medaya Ocher and Kate Wolf speak with writer Catherine Lacey, author of the novels Biography of X, Pew, The Answers, and a short story collection, Certain American States. Her most recent work is The Möbius Book, which is split in two — one half is fiction and the other memoir. The novel tells the story of two friends, catching up on a grim Christmas Eve. The memoir is about Catherine herself, set adrift after a brutal breakup. Lacey discusses new beginnings, the formal experiment in the book, the connection between memory and storytelling.

Medaya Ocher and Kate Wolf speak with writer Catherine Lacey, author of the novels "Biography of X," "Pew," "The Answers," and a short story collection, "Certain American States." Her most recent work is "The Möbius Book," which is split in two — one half is fiction and the other memoir. The novel tells the story of two friends, catching up on a grim Christmas Eve. The memoir is about Catherine herself, set adrift after a brutal breakup. Lacey discusses new beginnings, the formal experiment in the book, the connection between memory and storytelling.

Your hosts are joined in studio by Noah Vanderveen for a preview of the 2025 AuSable River Canoe Marathon. Special guest appearances pop up along the way as we record the Christmas Eve episode of canoe racing!!

TWO Christmas Adventures in ONE!  First, it's Christmas Eve, yet it's anything but a silent night when a villainous plot tries to keep Batman and Madison from a charity event at the Southside Mission!  Then, stepping in for Diana Prince, Madison has to face one of Wonder Woman's most evil foes who has done the unthinkable… kidnapped Santa! DON'T CHANGE THAT DIAL! It's an action-packed holiday season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TWO Christmas Adventures in ONE!  First, it's Christmas Eve, yet it's anything but a silent night when a villainous plot tries to keep Batman and Madison from a charity event at the Southside Mission!  Then, stepping in for Diana Prince, Madison has to face one of Wonder Woman's most evil foes who has done the unthinkable… kidnapped Santa! DON'T CHANGE THAT DIAL! It's an action-packed holiday season! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A warmer than usual holiday season has arrived in the Walnut Grove area and contrary to popular belief it hasn't made things easier. First, while Christmas shopping in Mankato with her parents, Toddler Rose is kidnapped by a grief stricken new mom. The search for her leaves the Carters, back in Walnut Grove, with zero presents to exchange come Christmas Eve. This news also leads to Lil Bro' Jason starting a Christmas Tree business to try and raise funds to get his mom a gift. According to Charles's Voice over the year is 1896, so is Rose a 10 year old toddler? Why wasn't Willie in this legacy movie AT ALL? What sort of Divine Intervention can we anticipate in this movie? Spotify Playlist Episode Track List ——————Body Shop - Madonna  Unholy - Sam Smith Feat. Kim PetrasThree Little Birds - Bob Marley & The Wailers  Who Will Save Your Soul - Jewel Message In A Bottle - The Police Playboy Mommy - Tori Amos  Baby Boy - Beyonce Feat. Sean Paul  Doll Parts - Hole  Main Title Theme "Servant" - Trevor Gureckis Time To Move On - Tom Petty Silver and Gold - Burl Ives  Teeth - Lady GagaStrangers - The KinksGod Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - REO Speedwagon I'm A Boy - The Who  Work - Rihanna, Drake The Loco-Motion - Kylie Minogue Eye - Smashing Pumpkins Down in Mexico - The Coasters I Ain't Got Nobody -  Sammy Davis Jr.Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town  - Bruce Springsteen What Is Love - Haddaway  The Truth About Love - P!nk Just My Imagination - The Temptations It's a Miracle - Culture Club Carry That Weight - The Beatles Lose yourself - Eminem Silent Night - Sinead O'Connor Baker Baker - Tori Amos  Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Whitney Houston Who Is It (Bell Choir Mix)- Bjork All Apologies - Nirvana Walking After Midnight - Cowboy Junkies  Music Box - Regina SpektorWhen I Grown Up  - Original Broadway Cast of Matilda the Musical Save Me - Aimee Mann  Star Of Wonder - Tori AmosShiny - Jemaine ClementTheme From "Shaft" - Issac Hayes Where Did You Sleep Last Night - Nirvana Safe and Sound - Capital Cities Miracles - Coldplay  Buttermilk Biscuits - Sir Mix-A-Lot From A Distance - Bette Midler Home - Philip Philips

Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHNikki Crandon is a BIG deal pop star and she's working on her upcoming Christmas album, sounding fine I guess. It's Thanksgiving day and Chris is heading over to his parents house for Thanksgiving with his 2 kids and he's feeling pretty sad cuz his wife is dead. His daughter Sophie seems totally fine with the fact that her mom is dead though, so that's good. They turn on the Thanksgiving football game and guess who's singing the national anthem? Nikki Crandon! Chris comes in and sees her on tv and gets weird. Sophie really wants to go see the Nikki Crandon Christmas concert on Christmas Eve  and everyone is weird about it so Sophie is like what the heck? He finally tells the truth - they went to high school with Nikki and she was his first love. And it's pretty clear he still has feelings for her. So the kids decide that they're going to sneak off to NYC for a meet and greet and tell her that their dad is still in love with her. At first, Sophie fumbles the opportunity but she turns around on her way out and belts out MY DAD IS CHRIS MARSHALL AND HE IS STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU! Nikki decides to give the kids a ride home and goes to say hi to Chris. And at first, he fumbles the opportunity (like father, like daughter). But before she drives off, he runs out and asks to get dinner. So the next day, she shows up to his basketball game and they go get a burger and it's going fine. The night ends with her asking him why he left her and he said he didn't wanna get in the way of her career taking off. Good enough for her and they kiss big ones. The next day, this picture is everywhere. Her manager wants her to call it off but she's not having it. Chris calls her and they agree to get dinner at a 5 star resteraunt. The dinner does not go well. First, the record exec shows up and gives him a wad of cash. Then when she's in the restroom, her movie star ex-boyfriend shows up. Chris realizes, once again, that he's just not right for her and her career, so he leaves. She shows up to his house and gives them tickets to her Christmas eve shows. He says they're not gonna go but after a pep talk from his mom, they all show up. He sneaks back stage and after the show, he gets on stage and professes his love. She comes back on stage and they kiss big ones and he asks if she wants to go steady. They kiss some more as the crowd cheers. 

Every mother deserves options. Every baby deserves safety.In this episode of Canadian Podcast, ZAK sits down with Jordan Guildford, the founder of Gems for Gems and The Gems Cup, to share the deeply personal story behind Hope's Cradle, a quiet solution to a devastating problem.After the heartbreaking abandonment of a newborn on Christmas Eve in 2017, Jordan and a dedicated team, including homicide detective Dave Sweet, worked to create an anonymous safe surrender space for newborns across Canada.Hope's Cradle is now installed at select fire stations and continues to grow nationwide. It offers dignity. It offers safety. It offers a way forward for women facing what feels like the end of the road.This isn't just about crisis. It's about compassion, collaboration, and saving lives, one cradle at a time.

Send us a text This week on Love on the Pod, we're heading back to 1999 with A '90's Christmas—Hallmark's newest time-travel holiday movie starring Eva Bourne as Lucy, a modern woman who mysteriously wakes up in her childhood home on Christmas Eve. With her 2025 life on pause, Lucy gets a second chance to reconnect with her late grandparents, rethink the self involved future she's been chasing and maybe even rekindle a spark with her high school crush. We're diving into the sweet emotional arcs and nostalgic throwbacks. Is this movie a cozy time loop of holiday heart—or just stuck in the past? Let's find out together.  Support the showThank you for listening to this episode of Love on the Pod! Subscribe, Rate, and Review: Don't miss an episode—subscribe to Love on the Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed the episode, please rate and review us! Shop Our Merch: https://www.loveonthepod.com/category/all-productsConnect with Us: Email: loveonthepod@gmail.com Instagram: @LoveOnThePod Visit Our Website: For show notes, episodes and more, visit https://www.loveonthepod.com. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll discuss another holiday favorite. See you next time!

Order my newest book Make Money Easy! https://lewishowes.com/moneyyouCheck out the full episode: greatness.lnk.to/1795"When you're in alignment, everything flows. The right people show up, the right conversations flow, the money attracts - it just starts piecing together." - Daniel PriestleySometimes it takes a phone call that stops your world to realize you've been living someone else's life. For Daniel Priestley, that moment came on Christmas Eve when his doctor delivered news that would change everything - his pancreas enzyme levels were dangerously high, and he needed to immediately stop drinking and change his eating habits. At 43, with Steve Jobs' story of pancreatic cancer haunting his thoughts, Daniel faced the brutal truth that he'd been judging people who prioritized their health as "selfish" and "vain" while slowly destroying his own body. This wasn't just a health scare - it was a complete misalignment between his values and his actions, and it forced him to confront what he calls the "Ghost of Christmas Eve moment" that would reshape his entire approach to living.What Daniel shares about alignment goes far beyond health - it's about recognizing when your past, present, and future are flowing through you like a straight line, creating what he calls "vitality." When you're out of alignment, you feel it in your bones. You show up to situations where you could leave and nothing would change, where your unique contribution isn't needed. But when you find that sweet spot where your origin story, mission, and vision converge, everything shifts. The right opportunities appear, conversations flow effortlessly, and you step into work that only you can do. Daniel's raw honesty about his own misalignment around health reveals how we all have blind spots where we're living by outdated beliefs rather than our evolved values.Sign up for the Greatness newsletter: http://www.greatness.com/newsletter

Zelda attacks Earth on Christmas Eve, convinced that the Terrahawks' guard will be down. However, Ninestein anticipates such a move, and all-out war erupts. Perhaps the Christmas spirit can even reach someone like Zelda....

Watch on Philo! - Philo.tv/DTHThe movie kicks off with a slowmo shot of a big ol horse pulling a sleigh. We go into a house and these 2 best friend are talking about where people are going to be sitting at her wedding. That's right - Kathy and police officer Matt are finally getting married! But Kathy's friend, Danielle, is feeling a bit sad. Last Christmas, she was broken up with on Christmas Eve at Church service in between Silent Night and Joy to the World. But she's here and she's gonna make the best of it helping Kathy plan the wedding. In the middle of the their conversation, we see a guy walking his Dalmatian. Danielle decides to go to the coffee shop and orders her fav: a tall caramel machinate sugar free with oat milk, no whip, and has a totally normal, real human conversation with the owner. She goes to enjoy her drink in the park in the freezing cold. She sets her drink down to take a call from her mom and she notices that a dog is drinking her drink. The man apologizes but she doesn't want any part of it.But when she's goes to the coffee shop the next day and orders her sugar free caramel macchiato with oat milk, no whip, he comes right up.  Turns out, he's the guy she's supposed to be meeting with. His name is Trevor but goes by TJ and he is Matt's best friend. They start working together to plan stuff, like cake taste testing, floral arrangements, stuff that the wedding party is in charge of. She invites him over to meet her old school Dad and Dad falls in love with him. And he takes her to the fire department to show her all of the fire stuff. But then he gets a call so has to leave.Turns out, the call is for her mom. She "fell down" while doing the dishes. I guess she was dehydrated. She talks to her mom about how she's not sure about really giving Trevor a chance but mom is like your dad likes him, we can't let this opportunity pass. Everything is good again until she gets a call - the baker who was making cupcakes for the wedding is in labor. So she and Trevor go to the bakery to make 200 cupcakes. And they have a blast until a girl shows up and says she's Trevor's girlfriend. Trevor doesn't correct her. She's real sad. Luckily, there's a random old guy on a bench who gives her some advice. Trevor shows up and explains - he actually never did break up with this girl but he thought they broke up cuz she moved. Which is good enough for her. They go to walk in the freezing cold and kiss. 

Well, I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days. - Crash David Get weekly bonus content on our Patreon: www.patreon.com/kingmepod Email us at kingmepod@gmail.com Letterboxd https://letterboxd.com/kingmepod/

In this episode of The IC-DISC Show, I delve into the journey of Kripke Enterprises from its humble beginnings to its current status as a leader in the scrap metal and recycling industry. Founded by a husband-and-wife team in 1993, the company has grown significantly with the involvement of their son, Matt. They discuss the strategic moves that helped propel their business forward, including key acquisitions like Mid-South Aluminum and a strong focus on aluminum trading. Matt and Scott highlight the importance of relationship building and trust in the scrap metal industry. They share insights into how their reputation and values, like keeping promises and problem-solving, have been instrumental in their success. The episode delves into the symbiotic relationships they have fostered with aluminum suppliers, emphasizing the value of maintaining strong personal connections in business dealings. We also hear about the transformative leadership styles within Kripke Enterprises. The discussion covers how innovative thinking and diverse perspectives, including contributions from those outside the traditional industry, have reshaped the company's culture. Matt and Scott talk about the balance between a hands-off leadership approach and active collaboration with executives to navigate industry changes. Finally, the episode touches on the future of the recycling industry, highlighting the role of technology and innovation. The Kripke team shares stories of employee growth and empowerment, including unique programs aimed at helping employees become homeowners. They reflect on the potential of a younger workforce and the exciting developments in material sorting and AI within the aluminum sector.     SHOW HIGHLIGHTS In this episode, I delve into the inspiring transformation of Kripke Enterprises from a small family venture into a major player in the scrap metal and recycling industry, led by brothers Matt and Scott. I explore the strategic acquisition of Mid-South Aluminum and discuss how building trust and maintaining strong relationships have been key to Kripke's success, emphasizing the unique dynamics of their coil distribution business. We discuss the innovative leadership styles within the company and how they've transformed company culture, with insights into how diverse perspectives, especially from non-traditional industry backgrounds, contribute to their growth. There's a focus on employee empowerment and personal growth stories, such as Eric Phillips' rise from warehouse manager to COO, highlighting Kripke's commitment to fostering leadership and financial education for employees. I cover the positive outcomes from switching to a specialized service provider, which resulted in improved efficiency, response times, and significant tax savings, underscoring the value of expertise in business operations. Advice is shared for younger generations entering the workforce, emphasizing the benefits of starting a career in smaller companies for broader exposure and discussing the impact of technology, especially AI, on the industry. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the excitement surrounding JJ Spahn's US Open victory and the anticipation of future events, providing a light-hearted end to a comprehensive exploration of Kripke Enterprises' journey.   Contact Details LinkedIn - Matthew Kripke (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-kripke-b225969/) LinkedIn - Scott Chaffee (https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-chaffee-63429bb/) LINKSShow Notes Be a Guest About IC-DISC Alliance About Kripke Enterprises Inc GUEST Matthew KripkeAbout Matthew Scott ChaffeeAbout Scott TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Dave: Good afternoon, scott and Matt. How are you? Matt: Fantastic. How are you doing? Dave: I am doing great. I get to talk to one of my favorite scrap metal company representatives, so it's always a good day for me. So let's get started. Where are you guys calling in from today? Matt: We are at Crypto Enterprises headquarters in Toledo, Ohio. Dave: Okay, and I believe that's made famous by the Mudhens right. Isn't that Toledo's claim to fame? Matt: That is correct, the Mudhens which Jamie Farr in MASH used to wax poetic about. Dave: Yeah, his character was Slinger, I believe. Matt: Yeah, you're showing all of our age that. That's how we're starting this interview. We're referencing a show from the 1970s and early 80s, agreed, agreed. Dave: Well, hey, matt, why don't you give us some background? What's the history of kripke, what year was it founded, who founded it and kind of how we got to today? Matt: sure, so kripke enterprises was started on january 4th 1993, which that date is important because that was my mom, or is my mom's birthday. Next year, on January 4th, it will be the 30, let's see 33rd anniversary of Kripke Enterprises and at the same time my mom will be turning 80 years old that day. She'll be thrilled that I shouted out her age in the beginning of this podcast. But the company was founded by my mom and dad. They started out with the two of them and one administrative assistant and the goal was to create a non-Ferris brokerage company where my dad could just put food on the table for him and my mom. They had their third kid at the time in college. Two of their kids had already graduated college and really not very grandiose ambitions. It was just going to be a small little trading company to capitalize on what my dad's career had been, which had been in the scrap metal. I know we call it the recycling industry today, but back then we did not. We called it the scrap metal company Sure, but back then we did not. We called it the scrap metal company Sure Industry and that was their goal and plan. I don't think that really in his mind he was ever going to grow it beyond those three people and I joined them in October of 1994. So the company was a year and a half old at the time. I had no intention of ever joining the company but my my dad got very ill and I came in and kind of kept the company going while he was spending 60 days in and out of the hospital and, um, at the end of 60 days we agreed to find a position for me and then he said to me point blank he said I really don't want to grow this company, but if you ever decide you want to grow it, I'll support you. It's just you have to do it. And okay, that was kind of the beginning and it took a while for me to get the confidence to begin to grow the company. But that process started from me being the fourth employee and today we're just under 70 employees and locations in Toledo, Jackson, Tennessee. We have a trading office in Florida and then we have a few people that work remote in different cities around and what's your commodity focus? Our specialty is aluminum, but we do trade in most metals, but still 95% of our volume is aluminum. Maybe even Scott's going to correct me with the numbers, but maybe even 98 percent is aluminum okay, does that sound right, scott? Dave: yeah, actually 99 okay, that sounds, that sounds good, and so you've had quite a bit of growth. Matt: Yeah, I think you know I would attribute a lot of it to just finding good people and then ultimately getting out of the way. You know, as an example, scott, who's in this interview. He came in in 2011 with us and was instrumental in setting up systems so that we could scale our business, and you know, one of the things people take for granted is that you really need to. You really need good systems in place in order to scale. You really need good systems in place in order to scale. You can grow your business a little bit at a time if you're doing it with spreadsheets and duct tape and super glue and you're MacGyvering it together, but you really need a good CFO and you really need a good IT person in today's day and age as well. Scott: Yeah, and to piggyback off of that, I mean the infrastructure is so important, whether it's the IT infrastructure, the bank line of credit, I mean there's a number of different things and once that's in place, I mean it becomes fairly easy. And I would say that you know we've been able to do that several times now. You know we acquired Mid-South Aluminum in 2017. And the single biggest thing that we were able to help out there was the infrastructure, the line of credit, the system, the line of credit, the system. We were able to, you know, bring them onto our system, and you know it took a company and we were able to increase that at quite a multiple so the hopline sales number when we acquired Mid-South in 17 was about what Scott? Call it about 30 million, and we were able to take it after we joined forces. We were able to take it all the way up to like about 150 million. Dave: Wow, in a short period of time. That is amazing. And so, Scott, how did you end up here? Did you grow up with a lifelong desire to be in the scrap metal business? Matt: He did Next question. Scott: No, go ahead, Scott. You know I can still remember the day. Yeah, so I've been here since 2011. You know, I tell people all the time it was the best move I've ever made, Including marrying his wife. Well, yeah, I'd worked for three large corporations, three international corporations, and even did a lot of international travel. For, and you know it, I can remember I had a mutual friend with Matt and Larry and I can still to this day remember going out to breakfast with them and at the restaurant here in Toledo, and from there I knew, you know, it was a good feeling. You could just, you could tell, I mean, it's got a, we got a great culture here that comes from there. I knew, you know it was a good feeling. You could just, you could tell, I mean, it's got a, we got a great culture here that comes from the top and makes all the difference in the world. Sure, yeah, Sure. Dave: So tell me more about this Mid-South acquisition. What was it about it? Acquisition, what was it about it? Because you know, so many times you do acquisitions, mergers, and you have these grand plans of all the synergies and growth and everything, and oftentimes it doesn't come to fruition, but it sounds like it did in your case. Matt: What would? Scott: you say, made that transaction so successful. What do you think, scott? Well, I, you know, I, I think I think there was a lot for both of us to benefit from. You know it was. The company was basically run on Excel spreadsheets at the time and you know we we had, we had access to a large line of credit with the banks, and so we were able to, you know, tap into that. We had the infrastructure, we brought them onto our system. I think that was probably the relationship that we'd had, or I should say the relationship that Larry and Matt had with the Salih family, and that went back many, many years. I don't know Matt how far back? 20 years before that yeah. Matt: Yeah, I think that's where it really started. So I think Scott tapped on what made it work from a logistics point of view logistical point of view. But that relationship piece is, you know, when you get into a negotiation, a lot of times they stall out because you start the conversation and people get a little freaked out about well, wait a minute. I'm just not sure that I want to do this because I don't know that I can fully trust you and we both had this longstanding trust of each other. We had been business partners for a long time. What made it really interesting to us was, you know, if you think about Mid-South Aluminum is a coil. It's an asset light coil distributor, which essentially means coil broker. But where I say coil distributor, our niche is we buy mill finish coil, bare coil, and we have relationships with various paint lines paint lines and we will get it painted to specific colors for our customers and then ship them. You know painted coil that would be used mainly in the bnc market, sometimes into producing signs, and sometimes mill finish that might go into like hurricane shutters or florida rooms or things like that. Where it's interesting for us is if you think about where coil is sourced from. Those are the same people that we're selling recyclable aluminum into. So we become customers of theirs, supplying them on the scrap side of the business. And then we're a customer of theirs on the other side of the business, buying coil from them. Oh wow, full circle. And so there's times in the cycle where they treat us really well because they really need us to supply them with scrap. And then there's times in the cycle where getting scraps easy but they really need us over here to help them out to take out quill. So interesting we've, because, you know, we kind of have a little bit more leverage, um, in those relationships. And that's become, you know, now, when we acquire mid-south, we, oh, this is going to be great, we're just going to do a ton of tolling. Well, that doesn't always work and, as a matter of fact, more often than not the tolling piece doesn't work. But when it does, it's great, for you know, two different parties. Now that's great. Dave: And this is one of the reasons that. Now, that's great and this is one of the reasons that you know I picked up. You probably know my very first scrap metal client, Arnie Gashman. You probably know Arnie. Everybody knows Arnie, Right. I think he was in college, at TCU, when his father or grandfather became ill. It may have been his grandfather, Maybe his father wasn't very interested in the business, and then I believe his grandfather passed somewhat suddenly. So Arnie was kind of thrust in to take him the place over at like 22 years old. So yeah, and same thing, he stuck around. But one of the things I love about the industry and I've I tried telling friends who aren't in the industry that I said I've never seen an industry where your reputation matters more than in this industry. And I said and I tell them, I said I believe my clients will buy and sell a million dollars of scrap metal on a phone call, like no formal contracts. I mean there may or may not even be an email, that that that documents it. But I said, can you, can you believe that they do transactions just on a handshake? And it's one of the things that I find just great about the industry. Matt: That is a hundred percent true. You know, I would say you know we have three core values that we run our business and we run our business on them, and everyone in our organization can recite them, and they also know that every decision they make needs to be filtered through these three things okay, one is. One is we do what we say, which you're referring to. You know your reputation. That's how you build your reputation by following through on what you say. Two is we provide solutions. And you know where we try to differentiate ourselves is people are used to at least in the recycling side of the business. They're used to rejections and downgrades. I mean, things go wrong and my dad's big thing was always don't call up a customer and say, hey, you got a rejection down in Kentucky, because that's what everyone else does. He said let's differentiate ourselves. Instead of saying that, let's call them up and say, hey, we have an issue, a little bit different verbiage, but before you call them already have worked out two to potentially three solutions of this, and they'll keep it. Two is we ran the freight to bring it up to our warehouse in Toledo is blank and we'll go through and clean it for you and evaluate the load. And a third option is we found this other place that is willing to buy it. If you go that direction. We're still going to owe this metal on the original contract, but this gives you an opportunity to. You know, get out of this loop. And that's the second one. The third one is also what you're referring to. The third core value Relationships are the backbone of our business. Backbone of our business and I think, while unique when we discuss other industries, that is not unique in the scrap metal industry. You know that we will put relationships ahead of making money, that we will say to you know, our employees, employees hey, if you have an opportunity to cement a relationship, don't worry about whether you make money on that particular deal, it'll come back to us many times playing the long game, playing the long game well. Dave: And I just find life's more fun when you do business with people you know as a customer or supplier. It's just more fun when you do business with people you like and trust. And, just like my wife and I have a saying we don't do transactions, we only do relationships. And that even means because everybody wants like a customers, right, don't complain, pay your bills right Easy to work with. Like a customers right, don't complain, pay your bills right Easy to work with. But my wife and I's theories we aspire to be a customers for all of our vendors because we just find it's more fun when you have a problem and the vendor calls you back right away because you're one of their better customers. And it's just more fun when you're you have great working relationships with your vendors, rather than them feeling like you're going to beat them up on price every time you talk to them. Scott: Right, but that's another relationship, you know, it goes way back and there is a lot. I mean, it can't emphasize enough how important relationships are. You know, this weekend I listened to a couple of the podcasts that you've done and there was somebody else that mentioned the importance of the relationship, and it is. I mean, that is definitely the case in everything that we do, even with the banks, like, for example, you know, we go through periods where, okay, maybe we're carrying a little bit more inventory than what we typically carry, or maybe the price is a lot higher than what it was six months ago. It's great to know that we can pick up that phone and say, okay, we've got a temporary situation, maybe it doesn't quite work with our reporting, what can we do? And we'll start talking, talking through some, some options, and I think, because we have a relationship like that with our banks and and others, I mean it makes it makes business a lot easier to do too. And the other thing you touched on was, uh, you know the integrity that is so important and we do what we, you know. And that goes back to another one of our three core values that Matt mentioned is we do what we say. I can remember when I started years ago, larry always used to say, okay, pay on time, pay on time, pay on time. Because, that is a really important thing. It builds trust, it builds a relationship, adds to the integrity. I mean it is really important and you know it goes a long way. Matt: That's the other thing, that pay your bills on time. You know it's's. Yes, there's many industries where that is an issue. But when I have friends and in other industries and I'm like, oh yeah, we pay our bills on time, they look at me like why is that unique? You know, everyone pays their bills on time. Dave: I'm like not in our industry. Matt: I mean there's, you know there's, unfortunately, uh, you know the road is littered with um, a lot of people who give you the highest price and then make you chase them for, uh, that last dollar and, um, you know, that's one of the. You know, if you say, what is our secret sauce and why do people like to do business with us? One of those things is they never have to track our CFO down and say why am I not getting paid? I mean they, they can set their clock to when the payment comes. Dave: Sure, well, you talked about the relationships. I remember when I ran into you guys in San Diego last month, you know, I had a chance to introduce you to a professional who might be able to help you all in a way, and then I happened to sit down and have breakfast with you guys and you were, you all were kind enough to introduce me to some, some guys who I didn't know and some others who I hadn't talked to in a long time. So, uh, yeah, in fact I leave tomorrow to go to san antonio for the gulf coast regional event. Matt: Yeah, I do my guess is there'll be some people from our. I don't even know anymore who goes to which event, but my guess is we have some people who are going to that event. Dave: I would suspect. So I also suspect it'll be warm, so that's my other suspicion. So, Matt, I believe that a few years ago you kind of changed your role with the company. Is that correct? Matt: That is correct. So, in trying to think of the year that we named Chad the president, was that three years ago, so 22. So, so for a number. So let me backtrack a little bit further. In 2012, I worked out an agreement with my dad that was going to be a 10-year buyout of his and my mom's shares in the company. As part of that we agreed that I think right before then I took over as president of the company and my dad became the CEO of the company and he maintained that CEO role almost all the way through that buyout, even though I would say the last five years I would call him he was much more of like our lovable founder than he was really leading the company strategy anymore. Everyone would love when he would come back from Florida and come in the office and and spend time here. I took over the CEO role maybe in 2019 or 20 and was president CEO for a few years, and then we identified my cousin, chad Kripke, as president, or that we're developing him to become the president of the company. Chad is really really strong at risk management and a lot of the. I mean he was one of our rainmakers probably towards the end of his trading career, our largest rainmaker and would put together these monster deals and really good at building relationships. He, you know, I say to people all the time I felt like I was a really good president of a company for a long time, but Chad is 14 years younger than me and Chad is so much better than I ever was at that age I mean he's he's probably better than I was towards the end of when I was president, but he's still learning. He's still learning many things, but he's done a great job in really leading the day-to-day of the company. I'm still learning what it means to. You know, I've been really, really careful about not wanting to step on Scott's toes as CFO, not wanting to step on Andy Golding's toes as our chief strategy officer, eric Phillips as our COO and wanting to give Chad the freedom to lead. That I probably have erred too much on, you know, kind of a laissez faire attitude of you guys make all the decisions and some of them, actually, almost every single person has come back to me and said, hey, we see what you're trying to do. We'd like you to maybe stay involved a little bit more than you have been and we'd like you to voice your opinion a little bit more forcefully than you have been, and it's a tough mix to figure that out, so I'm still learning what that means to lead more on the longer-term strategy side and less on the day-to-day side. But it's really been fun and then, also in 2022, I told you January of 2023, these guys that I mentioned, they all came in and wrote a check to buy some equity in the company, and they are now my partners in the company, which has been fun as well, and you know it's. Dave: that's been a learning experience too, because my only partner prior to this was my dad, okay, oh, that's that is great, and, and I believe that andy is on track to be, uh you know, the chair of uh rima in a couple years right, or three years next year, next year, next year, yeah, okay yeah, so so next, next year, uh, andy's reign of terror begins and, yes, you, I think that it will be very exciting for the industry because Andy thinks differently. Matt: The reason that he's so valuable to us is, I think, very black and white. Yeah, chad is pretty creative, eric is very black and white, scott is very black and white, andy thinks in all these different technicolor ways, okay, and he is going to bring that to the entire REMA board and it will be uncomfortable. I can guarantee you this. The board will be uncomfortable for a couple of years because he will push the boundaries and will get them to think of hey, yes, I acknowledge we've done it this way forever, or we've done it this way for a long time. I just think this is a great idea over here and I'm going to challenge everyone and there's going to be a lot of people that are going to be very uncomfortable, but the industry is going to be better off for it and I can tell you our company is certainly better off because of how creative he is and the way that his mind works. Dave: Yeah, because what do you think about that? Matt: although Scott's the CFO, and I will tell you that sometimes those creative types are not the best at details. What do you think, scott? Scott: It's funny, andy and I have have like a long running joke that you know he always jokes. He'll say, well, I'm extremely detailed, I'm not, you know, we laughed about it. So, but, yeah, I, you know, I think, I think Andy's going to be great for rima. I think that, uh, you know he's gonna, he's gonna bring a lot to the organization and uh, uh, they'll probably be looking at a lot of things a whole lot differently when, uh, yeah that's into the chair position so, matt, you know, I I believe that that Andy does not have a traditional scrap metal background. Matt: What was it? Dave: about him that made you think kind of outside the box and bring in somebody from outside the industry. Matt: Well, in 2004, my dad and I so 2001, we hired our first trader who was not family and that was Marvin Finkelstein in Florida, and Marvin is our senior vice president of domestic sales and trading and Marvin's been with us since 2001. And Marvin's been with us since 2001. 2004, we had a guy hired who was supposed to start like essentially January 1 of 25. And he called us. I think Christmas Eve, called my dad and he said I really appreciate the offer, I really appreciate getting to know you guys even better. I've gotten cold feet and I have this other opportunity and I'm going to take the other opportunity and I think that's the safer way for me to go. And so we knew that we needed to add someone. At the same time, andy was part of a family business that unfortunately ran into some tough times. They were in the auto glass industry and, similar to the way that, like doctor's reimbursement, changes on the whims of the way the insurance companies want to treat different procedures, that industry was having a seismic shift and they were a big enough company. They couldn't move quick enough to get out of the way, and so andy was uh, andy at the time, in september of 2004, had twins, so he then had four kids under four years old and his family business was kind of disintegrating and and I knew andy, we, we had known each other since we were kids and and, um, my dad had known andy probably since close to when he was born and I I pulled my dad aside and I said, hey, this, this thing with this other guy didn't work out. You know, andy is out there looking and he doesn't have any experience in our industry, but this guy is really creative and could be a great sales guy for us. My dad said if you think you can work with him and you don't, and you're not nervous about your friendship getting ruined, then bring him in, let's talk to him. And by February of 2005, we had an agreement worked out. He started and he was was. I mean, he had to learn the metals, he had to learn the industry, but one thing he didn't have to learn was how to be a salesman and how to be creative and okay it. It probably took me maybe three or four years until I started getting comfortable with his crazy ideas. That and they weren't. They weren't crazy, they were crazy to me. But once I got comfortable with, hey, this stuff that he's suggesting it's working. Maybe we should, maybe I should get out of the way and maybe I should get out of the way, and, and you know that success and him being successful encourage us to add Eric Phillips and encourage us to add Chad Kripke. And then we grew to the point that we needed a real CFO and, you know, instead of my dad just coming back from Florida and saying, all right, what do you guys, you know, where are we at, what should I do? And so that, really, you know, starting with Marvin, going to Andy and then adding the others, those were all key moments and, um, a lot of the people we've added did not have, uh, scrap metal or recycling experience prior to joining here, and I think that has actually worked a lot to our advantage to get fresh eyes on things. And instead, instead of someone saying, well, here's the way you do it in your industry, someone coming in and saying, why do you do it this way and can we do this differently? Dave: No, that makes sense. I can appreciate that different perspective that he was able to bring Scott. What do you enjoy the most about your role with Kripke? Scott: Well, I'll tell you what I mean. I think you know I mentioned my background and you know it's just, it is so refreshing to be here compared to, I mean, we're, you know, we got a great culture. I mean we stress that all the time. You know it's so different than you know, what I had previously. I mean we're still, you know, we're still, you know, reasonably small in the grand view of things, so we can change on a dime, you know, we're, we're, we're nimble, we're, you know, and that's the great thing. So we find, we find that if something isn't working, let's, let's do something, try something else. And you know, I I would say between between being able to to quickly change and, you know, I would say, between between being able to to quickly change and, you know, have make a real difference, um, that in just being someplace where the culture is so important, you know and and people feel part of the team. I mean, I, I, you know. I would say that that those are probably two of the biggest things that I enjoy, you know, working here. Dave: So OK, that makes sense. Scott: It goes throughout the entire organization. Dave: So, yeah, I like it. So, Matt, how about you? Same question to you in your current capacity what do you find most enjoyable or satisfying or gratifying in your current role? Matt: I love seeing growth in other people. I love seeing people grab opportunity. Seeing people grab opportunity, and you know I love the stories of someone coming in as a. You know I'll use Eric Phillips as an example. Eric Phillips, in 2008, gets hired to be our warehouse manager. As we decided we were going to move more into. You know, on top of the brokerage, we were going to concentrate also on having a physical operation for reworking and consolidating loads. And he comes in and within probably eight months, my dad pulled me aside and said you know, we really need to bring him up front. He needs to be a trader. He's got everything. He's got all the skills to do that. My dad was really, really good at warehouse manager. You know currently is a COO and a partner in the company, and you know I love seeing that. And then you know we have some other programs that are a little bit unique. We have we want to make people's lives better, not just our customers, but I'm talking about, you know, where Scott references the culture. We put together a program five years ago, I guess, that we put together a new homeowners program and we want to help any of our employees who have never owned a home. We want to help them get a home, and so we put together a six-month financial education course where they do, like these, lunch and learns, and we have a local credit union that comes in and leads these classes, and as long as they go through those courses and as long as they've been with us for one year, then we'll uh, we'll, give them a twenty five hundred dollar uh, at least they have to put up at least twenty five hundred themselves, which, of course, you're gonna have to do that to buy a home, but we'll match up to $2,500 and then we'll give them a hundred dollars a month for three years towards their mortgage. How cool is that? So, you know, keep in mind we're we're pretty small, but we've had five people in the program. We currently have another four that are in classes right now in a series of classes, and of those, I believe that as soon as three of them, as soon as they're done with the course, are going to be ready to buy their first home. So it's, it's exciting and you know, you know, of course, the side benefit of that is it does act a little bit as a golden handcuff. Sure, you know, let's face it, someone's not staying on a job for 100 bucks a month. Yeah, but it does give them something to think about. These guys help me with this and, and if they help me with this, what else are they going to help me with down the road? Dave: Now, that's awesome. So did all five of that first group buy houses then? Matt: We have, we've done. I think this is our fourth different class yeah, so we've had, we haven't had. Sometimes we've had people go through it and say I just want the financial education piece of it because I don't really understand. I hear people talk about credit score, but I don't really understand what it is or how I could affect it. That might be one of them. I hear people talk about what a mortgage is, but what is a mortgage and how does it work? And you know, and then some other people. One of the classes is how do you set up a budget so that you don't, you know, you, you, you don't think getting the house is the finish line. The finish line is making sure you can afford the house. Dave: Yeah, of course, of course. So you have had some people buy houses from the program. Matt: We've had five people. We have five people that we have put in new houses. Dave: Yes, that's awesome. I mean heck, that's almost 10 of your workforce yeah, that's, uh, that's a little under that. Matt: Yeah, a little you know, I would hope you're an account you. You do our icy disc. Your numbers have to be your. Your math skills have to be better than that, david. Well, that was a bit of. It's about seven percent. Well, that's where my that's where my marketing angle came in right. Dave: Just it sounded more appealing to say nearly 10 there you go. But if we look at, but if we look at the percentage of your employees who'd never bought a house before. Now we're talking, you know 20, right? Because some of your employees you know already owned a house before you know they came to work here. I think that is awesome. So, scott, I'd like to just digress just a bit. And so you had another service provider for the IC desk before we came along, and I think I you know, we talked to you for several years. I'd known Matt for a long time, and one of the things we talked about was that I thought we could do a better job from service, kind of turnaround time. And then I also said that we bring a more thorough kind of calculation to the table. And I'm just curious I know this is kind of unscripted, but how and this has been a few years how has that been? Did we live up to the expectation? Is there anything that you were disappointed by? Scott: Yeah, no, for sure, I mean we, we, we can't thank you enough, dave, um, if, if I think back, I think we have. We moved our icdiscs over to you. What three years ago I can remember, we met in nashville yeah, something like two years ago, and I think you'd already had our disc for a year at that point. Does that sound right? Dave: Yeah, I think so. Scott: Yeah, so you know we, I know that you and Matt had been in touch. I think I, you know we, I think you and I had been in touch. You know, before we made that move for for some time move for, uh, for some time, we, you know with, with our previous provider, you know, maybe the response times weren't quite what we had been looking for or expecting and okay, you know we had a couple years of that and uh, and then I can remember matt and I started talking and uh, um, I remember I, uh, I, and I remember I sent you a note at some point and then we started the discussions then and you know we made the move and it's worked out really well for us, not only with the response times and, you know, moving quickly through all the work that needs to be done, because you know it always comes up, the disc always comes up around around the tax deadline date of April 15. So you know it a little bit of a time crunch of the turnaround you know with your firm is is great, but the other, the other important thing here is the additional calculations that that you've been able to do the last couple of years. We've it's it, it. It takes a little bit more detail, but you take it to the next step and you're able to find some additional tax savings with those additional steps that you do Over the years going back, yeah, since 2011, our tax savings with the ICDIS has been anywhere from, say, a few thousand dollars up to the $60,000 to $70,000 range. Okay, and it's been interesting since you took it over, dave, we've been. The last two years have been in the $60,000 to $70,000 range for tax savings. Matt: So I do think it's interesting. I referenced that Scott became a partner in the company right around that time, dave. So I think, now that some of his money, his personal money, is at stake, look at what he's doing. He's really trying to, you know, maximize all these relationships to make sure so it worked. Dave: It worked, matt. It worked exactly like you hoped it would Well. Thank you for your kind words. The team will enjoy hearing that. Your kind words. The team will enjoy hearing that. I know when we were first talking, you'd said that the turnaround time with the prior provider was maybe as long as several months, and I told you that our guaranteed turnaround time is one week from the time we get all the data, and I think you were skeptical One week. Matt: Yeah. Dave: I think the most recent year with some of the more detailed stuff. It may have been a little more back and forth, but kind of from the time we get the final numbers we uh until we turn around the disc return because you know it's kind of like paying your bills on time, right. So we manage over 500 ic discs and whether we take a month to do them all or we take a week to do them all, it's still the same amount of work. The only difference is if we take a week, our clients on average get the work done three weeks sooner than if we take a month. Just like when I was in college I had these friends that were always paying their bills five days late and I'm like you know it costs the same amount of money to pay them five days early Actually less, because you know there's no late payment fees and stuff. So yeah, no we and the other provider, I believe, didn't specialize in just the IC desk. When all you do is one thing, you know, you develop some efficiency. So then anyway, I don't want to make this too much about me. Thank you again for your kind words and your feedback. And you know anything ever not to your satisfaction. You'd be sure to let me know. I can't believe how the time is flying by. I've got a couple other questions as we wrap up, guys, and I'll start, I'm going to start with Scott first. That way you can't steal Matt's answer. So if you could go back in time and give advice to like your 25-year-old self, Scott, what advice might you give yourself, knowing what you know now? Scott: yeah, it's, it's for myself personally. Uh, our, our younger daughter is going to be graduating maybe as soon as a year, and she graduated from college with a finance degree, not not. I have an accounting degree a little bit different, uh-huh. Um, my, my advice to her is probably don't start out with a large corporation I would. Actually I would. I've had a discussion with her a couple of times. I think there's can learn a lot more working at a smaller company whatever, whatever kind of company that is you get. You get a lot more exposure to, uh, to different things. I mean if, if I were to say to do one thing differently, I'd probably say that that would be, uh. Dave: My advice is go to work to my my younger, 25 year old self is to maybe don't over uh, don't over in index on large companies because that's their pitch. Right, you'll be exposed to more stuff you can rotate around, but that you might have considered a smaller operation sooner. Is that about? Scott: something, yeah, exactly. Dave: No, great great advice. Scott: Okay. Dave: Mr Kripke, how about you? What advice might you give to your 25 year old self? Matt: So I would say, I would tell my 25 year old self that in 2025, you should bet the farm on JJ Spahn to win the US Open to when the US opens, no one will have seen it coming. You'll make millions of that. Just mortgage the house, do everything, whatever you can throw at it. The real answer would be don't worry so much. I think we all have a tendency when we're young that everything feels like a big deal and everything feels like the end of the world, and things just have a way of working out. It doesn't mean that life is perfect. It doesn't mean that you're not going to have challenges. You know, kripke Enterprises had its share of challenges over the years that we've had to fight through. My wife and I have had our share of times where we had to band together as a team to get our family through difficult times and those aren't easy. But don't worry so much. Things have a way of working out as long as you put your, you know, as long as you put your nose down and go to work, to work through it. Dave: That's great. I think it was Mark Twain that said I'm an old man and I've known a great number of troubles, most of which never came to be Something to that effect. I've always loved that. Well hey, what did I not ask you guys that you wish I had? Matt: um, I would say I thought you did a really, uh, good job as an interviewer. I think maybe, if we want to talk a little bit about the, the future of the industry, yeah, let's do that. The the other thing that I'm, you know, obviously, obviously technology, you know, not just AI, but AI is going to change every industry, including our industry. People are going to find a way to harness it and put it to work and technology is going to change our industries for the better, which is exciting. Scott: Change our industries for the better, which is exciting which is exciting, but yeah, it's exciting but scary. Matt: The way that we're going to be able to. You know, the dream for years, at least on the aluminum front, has been the ability to really dig deep and really be able to sort material to the nth degree, it back to specific alloys, and it feels like we are almost there. We're really. We're probably 90 to 95 percent of the way there and I think that is going to be really awesome for aluminum. Scary, because any change is scary, and but there's always going in. People say well, you know what does that mean? Does that mean that there's going to be the haves and the have nots? People can afford this new technology and people who can't. My guess is that's what they were saying years and years ago about shredders and years before that about whatever the new equipment was that the industry is constantly evolving. It has to evolve to get better from a technology perspective. What I'm very excited about is, over the last I'd say, six, seven years, scott, we've really added some new traders and most of them are younger than you know. We had an older trading team and most of these people are younger, so good, and so they learn things so quickly and they're interesting and they really the future is bright. And because they're so young, I've gotten to know the people that they meet in the industry who are also younger, and I know a lot of times we're guilty, as I was at one point that young, hungry guy. Now I'm the guy with gray in my beard and no hair in my head and um. And a lot of times we are guilty as old people saying the young people, they don't like to do this or they don't do this sure. I will tell you there may be things that they don't do, but there's so much better and so many other things and I think the future is bright for our industry. We've got really good young people who have entered it and are leading it now. Dave: Oh, that is. That is great. Thank you for for adding that. It was actually on my list and I think I just was sidetracked. Scott, how about you? Anything we should have talked about or that you wish I'd asked you about? Scott: Yeah, I mean you know Matt touched on it briefly I mean, I think the whole AI thing is going to make a huge difference. Maybe five years from now, seven years from now. We're not there yet, but but I mean I see that being a huge, a huge change for us in the not so near future. I mean it's you know, some of the stuff that they're working on right now it's going to get us there. But you know, on the financial administrative side, I think that is going to be the biggest change that we're going to see in the future. Dave: And we see it and we all see it every day. And since we drive the same brand of cars, you know I drove, I drove a,400 mile trip with my wife a couple of weeks ago and this was the first time ever that she sat in the passenger seat the whole time. She didn't need to spell me to give me a break and I people don't believe me I drove about four miles of the 2,400 miles and that was probably a dozen times that I intervened for five to 10 seconds, mostly for convenience and politeness. You know I needed to get over three lanes and the exit was a mile away and I just, you know, wanted to just make it happen. But yeah, we've all seen that AI firsthand, haven't? We Sure have Well, excellent, Well, guys, I really appreciate your time and I also really appreciate the trust that you've shown in us and our team, giving us a chance to demonstrate the value, and just really want to let you know how much we value the relationship. So I really appreciate that right back at you. Matt: We value the relationship with you. Thanks for giving us a chance to talk. Dave: Today was fun yeah, that that sounds great. Well, you guys have a great day. In case the listeners haven't figured it out, so yesterday was the US Open, the JJ Spahn victory that Matt was talking about. What an amazing, amazing win that was. That was exciting, that last after the rain delay was. Matt: I mean it wasn't. I'm sure it wasn't fun for any of them, but boy was that fun to watch. Dave: It was. It was at that, well, hey. Well, thank you guys very much, and if I don't see you sooner, I'll see you in St Louis or in Las Vegas next year, all right, Great Thanks. Dave. Special Guests: Matthew Kripke and Scott Chaffee.

Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!At 44, serial entrepreneur Daniel Priestley received a Christmas Eve phone call that changed everything - his doctor warned him about dangerously high pancreas levels, forcing him to confront the health he'd taken for granted while building seven companies. This vulnerable conversation reveals how a successful entrepreneur making millions discovered that true wealth means nothing without vitality, and why he believes comfort is the enemy of greatness in your forties. Daniel shares his raw journey from overlooking health as "self-indulgent" to understanding it as the foundation for everything else, while exploring the deeper lessons he wants his kids to learn beyond money. If you've been coasting in your comfort zone, wondering what skills your kids actually need for life, or feeling like something's off even though your business is doing well, Daniel's brutal honesty will hit you right where you need it.ScoreAppDaniel's book Entrepreneur Revolution: How to Develop your Entrepreneurial Mindset and Start a Business that WorksDaniel's book Key Person of Influence (Revised Edition): The Five-Step Method to Become One of the Most Highly Valued and Highly Paid People in Your IndustryDaniel's book Oversubscribed: How To Get People Lining Up To Do Business With YouFollow Daniel on InstagramIn this episode you will learn:Why Daniel believes carrying $2,000 cash in your pocket will reveal every limiting belief you have about moneyThe three core subjects Daniel thinks should replace traditional schooling: health, relationships, and mindsetHow a Christmas Eve medical scare forced a millionaire entrepreneur to completely restructure his prioritiesWhy wanting less money is actually more greedy than wanting more, and how this mindset shift unlocks abundanceThe vitality test: how to know when you're in perfect alignment with your life's purpose and when you're notFor more information go to https://www.lewishowes.com/1795For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960More SOG episodes we think you'll love:Daniel Priestley – greatness.lnk.to/1776SCJim Curtis  – greatness.lnk.to/1755SCRobert Herjavec – greatness.lnk.to/1729SC Get more from Lewis! Get my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Get The Greatness Mindset audiobook on SpotifyText Lewis AIYouTubeInstagramWebsiteTiktokFacebookX

What happens when life delivers a devastating diagnosis? For Mitch Matthews, creator of the Dream, Think, Do podcast, it became the backdrop for witnessing six undeniable miracles in a single day. Mitch's powerful testimony takes us through the moment his wife received a cancer diagnosis on Christmas Eve to an extraordinary sequence of events that defied medical explanation. From planes departing early to chance encounters with specialists, Mitch reveals how remaining faithful through darkness opened doorways to divine intervention. With remarkable vulnerability, he shares how this experience transformed not just their health situation but their entire perspective on God's involvement in everyday life.Ready to stop drifting and lead with clarity, conviction, and brotherhood? Our Leadership Mastermind groups launch this July—just 7 men per group. Real discipleship. Real accountability. This isn't for everyone—but if you're ready to be sharpened, we want to hear from you. Step into the man God's called you to be. Your next level starts now. Apply here with our Leadership Mastermind Interest Form We're going live every weekday with our Daily Spiritual Kickoff—free and exclusive inside our community. Join us for a powerful Word, real encouragement, and practical ways to lead with faith at home and work. No cost. No excuses. Just truth, brotherhood, and bold leadership. Claim your free access now It's time to stop sitting on the sidelines.Step into the fight and become the man God called you to be. Join a brotherhood built on truth, strength, and action. Visit thelionwithin.us right now and start leading with boldness and purpose. Iron sharpens iron — let's go.

What does it take to lead at every level and shape the leaders of tomorrow? SUMMARY Long Blue Line podcast host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 sat with Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman '95, the U.S. Air Force Academy's vice superintendent, for a deep dive into leadership, humanity and building a world-class service academy. This episode is packed with wisdom for aspiring, emerging, and seasoned leaders alike.   SHARE LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK   GEN. SHERMAN'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS  - Leadership is a human experience - focus on connecting with and caring about people.  - Love what you do and love the people you lead; passion inspires others to follow you.  - Embrace failures and challenges as opportunities for personal growth and development.  - Set the right culture and values within your team to build trust and mutual support.  - Be present and engaged with your team, understanding their motivations and experiences.  - Leadership is about more than rank or position - it's about earning genuine trust and respect.  - Invest time in understanding different generations, cultural nuances, and individual perspectives.  - Balance professional excellence with personal growth and life experiences.  - Support your team's development by providing encouragement and holding them accountable.  - Your legacy is built through individual interactions and the positive impact you have on people's lives.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Major General Thomas P. Sherman 01:29 Choosing Leadership Over Flying 07:23 The Impact of Mentorship and Values 12:46 Heritage and Evolution of Security Forces 17:43 Personal Growth in Aviano, Italy 24:17 The Importance of Work-Life Balance 29:50 Culminating Command Experience at Bagram 42:25 The Role of Family in Leadership 51:29 Continuous Self-Improvement as a Leader 56:27 Embracing Failure as a Growth Opportunity 01:00:06 Legacy and the Impact of Leadership   ABOUT GEN. SHERMAN BIO Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman is the Vice Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. He is serving as the chief operations officer to the Superintendent and overseeing the Academy's blend of military training, academics, athletics, and character development for cadets. Gen. Sherman commissioned in 1995 from the Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He built a distinguished career as a security forces officer. He's held command at nearly every level. His key assignments include leadership of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB and critical staff positions at the Pentagon. In May 2024, Gen. Sherman was tapped to serve as the Academy's Vice Superintendent   CONNECT WITH GEN. SHERMAN LINKEDIN     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS       TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman '95  |  Host, Lt. Col. (ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz  00:00 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99 today. I'm joined by a leader whose career has taken him from the flight line to the halls of Congress and now back to the very institution that launched it all. Maj. Gen. Thomas P. Sherman currently serves as vice superintendent of the Air Force Academy, where he plays a critical role in guiding the development of our future officers and ensuring the Academy remains a world class institution for leadership, character and Day 1 readiness to win the future fight. A 1995 Academy graduate, Gen. Sherman has spent nearly three decades serving in key operational, strategic and command roles. He's led at every level, from squadron to wing command, and his assignments have included everything from nuclear security enterprise to homeland defense, policy development at the Pentagon, and legislative affairs at the highest levels of the Department of the Air Force. Prior to his role as vice superintendent, Gen. Sherman served in the Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, where he was a principal military assistant leading policy integration across joint staff, interagency services and combatant commands. He's perhaps best known in command circles for leading the 88th Air Base wing at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, one of the largest and most complex wings in the Air Force, with a focus on people first, leadership and mission excellence. Gen. Sherman, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. We're so glad you're here too.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  01:32 It is great to be here. Thank you.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:33 We're excited and we're going to dive right in, because I think what is so special for our listeners is really hearing these moments that have changed your life. I'd like to start at the Academy. You turned down a pilot slot. You were rated, but said no.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  01:48 Well, actually it was a little bit before that. You know, it's kind of interesting, because that was the draw that brought me here, is I just had this incredible passion to want to fly, and I love flying, and I truly enjoyed it, especially through all the different airmanship programs and things like and things like that we had here. The experiences were fantastic. But, you know, as I was starting to learn more about myself going through the Academy, I was starting to feel my heart getting pulled in a direction of wanting to really lead people and really spend a lot of time working with the enlisted. And I think that came from a couple different areas. I think it was some really unique exposure that I got during my ops Air Force time, which I went to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, during ops, and just had our action officer that worked this, I think just did a phenomenal job. And I really started getting pulled to what was then called security police. That is actually when Laurie and I got together and started dating, because Laurie is here in Colorado Springs, but she grew up as an Air Force brat. My father-in-law is a retired Chief Master Sgt., and so there was a lot of mentorship that was taking place around dining room table when I was a young cadet. And I think one of the things that her parents really taught me was just the value of the enlisted force, and so I was feeling my heart really getting pulled. And so obviously, there's a conundrum. There's a conundrum on what were the root desires that brought me here — what were the things that I was learning as a cadet, my joy of flying, and also, particularly the culture at that time, was that that was really the job that you needed to aspire to be, that was the expectation of cadets. And so then to really kind of run counter to that strong current was really kind of a unique, you know, almost unnavigated area, right? And so to really kind of take the story out to its next level is that I'd really gotten to a point where talking with people there — we hadn't had the AMT program, but there were these NCOs that were kind of tangentially attached to cadet squadrons. And so I got a chance to talk to one of the master sergeants that was there who was a maintainer by background. And I was kind of pouring my heart out to him on, you know, what had I been talking to him with my now in-laws, about where was my heart pulling me? And so he said, ‘Give me just a second.' And he picked up the phone, and he called my AOC and he goes, ‘Hey, you're gonna be there for a little while.' And this was a Friday afternoon. He said, ‘I got a cadet that needs to come talk to you.' And he hangs up the phone and he goes, ‘Now you go tell your AOC what you just told me.' And so I ended up going to my AOCs office that day, and we had about a two-hour conversation about this. I sat down and really, kind of took the time to explain to him what was I feeling, And obviously, I really try to see the best in people. And so I think from a noble place, he was doing his best to convince me that I was making a grave mistake. And went on to talk to me about what his concerns were, the career field that I was looking at, things along those lines. And we can save that conversation for another time, but I think really where the foundation came in is where we started to talk about leadership. And you know, what I was asking him to do was to pull my rated recommendation form, so we had just submitted them, and I was asking him to pull my rated recommendation form. I didn't want to compete for it anymore. And so we started to talk about leadership. And he says, ‘Hey, Cadet Sherman, you need to understand that leadership in this Air Force is being the lead F-16 pilot on a bombing run, you know, putting iron on target.' And that's true. It's a very important part of leadership. It is a very important part of tactical operational leadership in this Air Force. So he's not wrong in that space. But I was looking at it from a different lens, and I was looking at it, I think, on a larger level. And what I don't think he realized is that 30 seconds before I walked into his office, he set me up for success. I just happened to be waiting outside the office, and all of a sudden, I looked on his cork board, and somebody, and I don't know who it was, had pinned a note that was written to Airman Magazineby an airman first class. And this airman first class titled this, “I need a leader.” And this A1C felt so strongly about what they were feeling — and I have no idea who this person was — felt so strongly about it that they put pen to paper, and this would have been the fall of 1994, and sent this into Airman Magazine, and it says, “I need a leader.” Commissioning sources. ‘Send us lieutenants that we can look up to that will hold us accountable when we do wrong, that will encourage us when we do well, that will be an example that we can look up to, that will care about us as human beings, because you are not sending them to us now. Air Force, I need a leader.' Like that 30 seconds just before I walked into his office — that changed my life, and it changed my life, because for me, at that moment, what I was getting ready to go ask my AOC to do, what I was looking at inside myself, that became my charge. And so as we spoke, you know, 20-year-old Cadet First Class Sherman — I might have been a 21-year-old at the time — Cadet First Class Sherman pushed back on my AOC, and I said, ‘Sir, I disagree.' I said, ‘I want to be that guy. I want to be that guy that that A1c is asking for on your cork board outside, because that's leadership in this Air Force.' And so, to his credit, he said, ‘Hey, I want you to go think about this over the weekend. You know, think about what you're doing. Come back to me on Monday. No questions asked. I'll pull it if you want me to.' And I left there, and I remember feeling like, not like a weight had been lifted off my shoulder, but I almost felt like this sense of like, ‘Now I've got my purpose,' because that little article has shaped me my entire career, and I mean to this day, and at a scale. You know, as a lieutenant, my scale is this big on what I'm affecting to help do and be what that A1C needs to a wing commander. I always keep it in the back of my head, and after all of these years, I am still thinking about, Am I doing right by that A1C that 31 years ago, felt so strongly about something that they wrote a note to Airman Magazine, and that became my charge.   Naviere Walkewicz  08:09 That is incredibly powerful. I'm a little bit without words, because I'm thinking about, first off, being brave enough to disagree with an AOC. I mean, I think that takes courage in showing your leadership there. Were you always like that? Have you always been someone that is steadfast in a decision and being able to kind of speak out?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  08:30 So I get that from my parents. And, you know, I grew up in Corona, California. My mom and dad are amazing people. And we didn't grow up with a lot of money, and we grew up from a pretty meager background, and my mom and dad had made a decision early on in their marriage, when they had my sister and I, that my mom was going to focus to make sure that Nancy and I got an education, and my dad was going to work as many jobs as he had to to put food on the table. And sometimes my dad was holding down three jobs to make sure that we had nutritious food to eat, and my mom was working miracles to make sure that we were fed well, but that also that she was dedicated and had the time to volunteer for things like PTA, being involved as a class volunteer, making sure that we were involved in things and had exposure to things that what they did was they also instilled in me this really strong blue collar work ethic. And it was this aspect of, if I just roll up my sleeves and put in the work, anything is possible. And so on that line, this young kid growing up with a West Coast father and an East Coast mother, and just this, really neat family background that things for me, that I believed in I would go after with all of my heart and soul. And so I found out about the Academy when I was 12 years old. And so, you know, when I at 12 years — we were going to a community event there in Corona, and there was an officer recruiter — Capt. Craig. was her name — and we started talking. She says, ‘Hey, did anybody talk to you about the Air Force Academy?' And I said, ‘No, this sounds great.' So from there, I just made this decision as a 12-year-old, and I worked all the way through junior high and high school to get here, because to go to your point like, ‘I made a decision, I'm gonna see this thing through.'   Naviere Walkewicz  10:30 Whoa. OK, so you knew you were going to the Academy before you graduated high school.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  10:35 Yes, in my mind, there was no other option.   Naviere Walkewicz  10:39 And so anyone in your family serve, or were you the first one in your family to serve?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  10:43 So I am the first officer and career member of the family. My dad was drafted and went to Vietnam in 1967 and stayed through Tet of 1968. I had an uncle, Harry Lee Schmidt, who was a C-47 loadmaster in World War II and Korea, and my grandfather was actually a part of the initial kind of what was the foundation of the OSS and the Navy doing beach recon on beaches in the South Pacific, prior to island hopping campaign and island landings. And so there was this real heritage of service, right? Just not career service. But even then, as a kid, I always had in my mind, ‘OK, one way or another, I'm going to serve, and if I do an enlistment and then go to college afterwards —' but I had this idea that, ‘OK, I'm going to serve,' and then all of a sudden, this became this amazing conduit that got me here, right?   Naviere Walkewicz  11:38 And they also had ties to aviation. How did they feel about your decision, your family?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  11:43 It was interesting, because they knew how passionate I was about aviation growing up. I mean, we did not miss an air show at March Air Force Base, the Chino air show, which was planes of fame, which was all historic aircraft. I volunteered as a high school student to work there, and we helped restore airplanes with me and my friends. You know, it was interesting, because my parents were very supportive in ‘OK, where's your heart leading you? And, what makes you feel so strongly about this?' Because when I first talked to him on the phone, I called him from Ramstein Air Base and said, ‘Hey, I think I know what I want to do in the Air Force. I want to go to security police. And my mom was like, ‘What's that? And, so, as time went by and I explained it, I think my parents probably all along knew that that was probably going to be a very good fit. And then after commissioning and at my first assignment, I think that they were certain of it, right? Yeah, they were absolutely certain.   Naviere Walkewicz  12:37 That is amazing. Well, I want to dive into this profession a bit, because it's interesting. You know, you've mentioned, when you came in, it was security police, and, security forces and you hear people saying defenders and peacekeepers. So there's this lineage and this heritage. Can you maybe talk a little bit about that and then maybe lead us into that next transformational moment that you might have had in this role?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  12:58 OK, I'm very proud of the fact that, you know, I am part of an ever decreasing group of folks that came in when we were still security police, and that was really still the peacekeeper days, because this was all kind of the follow on on the Cold War. The peacekeepers were our cold warriors and that was a huge part. Our defenders came in and really, that name started to really grow in 1997 when the name changed from security police to security forces, and we were actually going back to some of our heritage that was in Operation Safeside, which was the combat security police squadrons in Vietnam. So when you think about the courage that was displayed during the Tet Offensive at places like Tan Son Nhat that those were safe side warriors that were a part of these combat security police squadrons. And so the very — part of the lineage of the very beret, and flash that we have is actually a tip of the hat to the lighter blue berets, and that flash with the Falcon and the crossed runways that goes back, actually, to our Safeside heritage days. The beret goes back even farther than that. It goes back to Strategic Air Command, Elite Guard back in the 1950s. So it's this great lineage. And so, you know, for me, part of it was like when I got my first beret, wow, that meant something to me. And then, you know, as we then kind of transformed along the way, and this amazing career field grew, and the aspects of this air based ground defense, which was really, I would say, was kind of the draw that got me into wanting to go into security police, was I really liked this idea of, ‘How do we do base defense?' The law enforcement side was intriguing to me, but it was based defense that just had me just had me captivated.   Naviere Walkewicz  14:44 And was that something that you found out early in your career? After you graduate the Academy, you're now in security police. Is that when you kind of realized, ‘This is where I want to go in, air, base, ground defense.'?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  14:54 It even happened at ops. So as we were spending time with the security police squadron, I ended up spending time with a captain who was heading up the Elite Guard, and there was an interaction we had as I was doing a ride along. He's like, ‘Hey, you need to come see me.' And so I went and met up with him, and he took me around and introduced me to all of his airmen that were part of the guard. He knew something all about them. And then we went to his office and talked, and he had gone to Ranger School and Airborne and things like that, and said, ‘Hey, like, the future of the career field is actually us looking to the past.' And really kind of got me fired up on what we call back then, air base ground defense. So when I got to McChord — McChord Air Force Base was my first duty station. And the great thing about going to AMC first is it AMC is a mobility — I mean, it is all about mobility and the operations associated with it. And so the first thing that that my task was as the second lieutenant in that squadron was, I was the air base ground defense flight commander. So that was, I mean — we would go out to Fort Lewis, and we would bivouac for days. And I had, you know, a 44 person team that was a base defense sector. I had specialized K-9 units heavy weapons. And back in those days, we had 81mm mortar teams and fire direction centers that we would set up. So I just got completely on board with the air base defense piece. And so that was that was very passionate for me, which then made the next step to Korea an absolutely logical next location, going to the wolf pack at Kunsan, not only getting a chance to then stand up Gwangju as a part of the first Air Expeditionary Unit to go back to Korea since the Korean War, but then doing the mobile reserve aspect of it. And it was just a great assignment.   Naviere Walkewicz  16:40 Wow. So you were right in from the very beginning. You got kind of just into it all.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  16:45 So when we go back, when you were talking to me about, ‘Hey, when you make your mind up...' So I had this five-year plan built out. And, you know, my five-year plan was ‘OK, I'm gonna do my first assignment at the first opportunity to PCS. I need to go remote. I need to go to Korea. And then, OK, how can I get another overseas assignment after that? And then what do I need?' So the thought was, “Let me get to as many match comms as I can, as fast as I can in my career, and use that as a place — OK, because I want to build my experience base out. Because even as a lieutenant and young captain, I didn't want to come across as a one-trick pony. So my thought was, “Let me just get as much as I could under my belt early on.' And so after I left Kunsan, I ended up going to Aviano Air Base in Italy, which, for me, when you look at like those moments in life that are transformational, this was transformational on a different level. You know, some assignments you go to are very much professional growth assignments. This assignment, for me, was very much a personal growth assignment.   Naviere Walkewicz  17:52 OK, so tell me more.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  17:55 I mean, when you think about it, four years at USAFA, very uniquely focused on a plate that is overflowing with things that you need to get done. So you are, you're focused on, you know, everything from grades to military training to all of those things. And then I get to my first base, and I am just working, and I'm volunteering for everything, and we have got a heavy ops tempo of exercises and things like that. And my leadership was fantastic, because they were throwing me into every opportunity I could. And then, boom, I go to Korea, and that is a unique warfighting focused — and at Kunsan especially was heavily warfighting focused. So now all of a sudden I am spending really, when you think about it, the last almost seven years being uniquely focused on mission, right? And so I get to Aviano Air Base, Italy, and the first thing that happens is Operation Allied Force kicks off. So I get there in January, boom. Allied Force kicks off. I think it was in end of February, beginning of March. And wow, what? Again, what an amazing, mission focused experience. And then after we finished up Allied Force and the base returned back to more of its steady-state standpoint, it was the Italians that took me under their wings, that because I made a specific choice, because I grew up — my mom's side of the family are all Italian immigrants — and I was always at my Nonnie and Papa's house, and there was just a lot of that growing up, which is that whole, like, you know, West Coast dad, East Coast mom thing, but I didn't know, you know, my mom and her brothers never spoke Italian. And there was a lot of that, that thought back in those days that, you know, ‘Hey, we're here to be American, so we're going to learn English, and we're not going to speak, you know, the language that we came from,' right? And so my mom and her brothers really never learned to speak Italian. And so my thought was, ‘Gosh, I grew up with this as such a strong part of my childhood that I need to put myself in a position where I can learn the language and start to kind of get an appreciation on the culture. Together.' And so I specifically — and really lucked out on a location, but I was about 20 kilometers away from Aviano. I was in an amazing town. I was the only American living in the complex that I was in. So I was like, ‘If I'm going to learn, I need to just dive in the way that you do, in the way that I do, and just start learning.' And so I ended up kind of building this support group of Italian families that all kind of took me under their wings.   Naviere Walkewicz  20:27 Wait, I have to ask you a question, because back when you're at the Academy, you said you spoke to your now in-laws. So was Laurie not a part of this?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  20:35 So Laurie and I, right. So that's an important part of the story. Laurie and I dated for two years while I was a cadet, and when I was in tech school, her and I made the very difficult decision — and as painful it was — to part ways, so her and I actually parted ways for a few years. I was single at the time. Laurie was still here in Colorado Springs, and I was getting a lot of assignments under my belt, which, to be honest with you, you know, in retrospect, it was very fortunate, because I may not have made the same assignment choices had I been married at the time. And because I wasn't married, there were no other variables that I needed to factor in, other than personal experience goals, right, that I wanted to play into, and so I could just put down whatever assignment I wanted, and that allowed me the opportunity to just focus on job. And while Laurie and I stayed in touch, and I stayed in touch with her parents over the years, I was in Aviano, and her and I were not together at that point,   Naviere Walkewicz  21:39 That makes sense. I was like, why were you alone in Italy?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  21:43 It's a fair question. But I also think that being single in that environment allowed me — and that's where I think it helped me develop as a person. And so there are a lot of, I think, really wonderful things that happened during that time, and that was because I was so uniquely mission focused. It was these, this amazing group of Italian friends together, that really kind of taught me about there, there's a time to relax, you know, there's a time to work, there's a time to relax, and there's also a real human need to enjoy life and enjoy time together, which is quintessentially Italian. And so, as my pool of this, these amazing people — that  by the way, for the last 25 years, we've been going to visit. It's the same families that took me under their wings when I was a lieutenant, are the same families that were all tuning in as we were doing a live stream of me pinning on my second star. And so I've never been stationed anywhere else in my career where I felt more at home. And so I think this sense of like, ‘Wow. This like independently as my own person, this feels like home.' And as time went by and I started to get an appreciation for actually things that were a part of my childhood. Because, you know, we would have these long, huge meals, we would spend four or five hours at the table as a family. And for me, this was all normal. Well, that was also a part of kind of normal Italian life and normal Italian culture. You're not going out to dinner with your friends unless you're investing at least three hours at the restaurant. But for me, this was all — this felt normal to me. And so it was about, you know, you don't need to eat your food in five minutes.   Naviere Walkewicz  So contrary to USAFA, by the way.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN You know, you don't need to chew no more than seven times and swallow. So it was about experiencing that, and learning even just some things that became personal passions. Like, you know, how wine is made and why wine pairing matters, and how is this process? And so all of a sudden, this personal experience — and I think growing as a human being was taking place there, and I was maturing as a human being because I had gotten all of this phenomenal job experience under my belt, but this was where I was growing as a human being. And you know what's interesting, as time has gone by, I have noticed just how impactful that time was, because there are things that I've noticed, even as a senior officer, that I feel very strongly about, that I don't think I felt as strongly about as a junior officer, and it was because of that experience, and it was the aspect of when people are on leave, let's let them take leave. There is a part of the human experience that you need to enjoy time with people that you care about, because what it does is you're not slacking off from work. You're not leaving everybody hanging. What's happening is that, because you're taking some time to just enjoy life with people you care about, when you come back, the restorative effects that have taken place because you simply breathe and you enjoyed what it was that you were doing and whatever your passion was, you know, unencumbered, you could enjoy that. And we all realize that there are times, especially as you get into positions of authority, that, hey, they're going to need to call you periodically. But what was interesting is that, especially, I mean, I'll give an example as a wing commander. As a wing commander, despite realizing how important that mission is and how big Wright-Patt was, we, Laurie and I took leave, and we took two weeks of leave, and we went back to Italia and visited our friends and enjoyed life, because the culture helps us to slow down. But what it also did is I gave my staff some parameters. ‘Hey, here are the things that I think are important, like on a scale of one to 10. Here are the things that I think are an eight. So an eight or higher, call me. Don't text me.' I said, ‘Physically call me, because I will answer the phone knowing it's for — and then you have my undivided attention.' But what it also does is it means that my vice wing commander who is there, that I am empowering my vice wing commander and showing to everybody else I trust this leader to lead this wing in my absence. And if it's something that really needs my involvement, they'll get a hold of me. But I think our junior leaders need to see that at the senior most levels, that I can physically trust and emotionally trust my vice, my deputy, to hold things down while I'm gone, and that I'm not irreplaceable, and that if I did my job as a leader, I set the conditions that allowed the wing to thrive in my absence, and didn't mean that the wing had to hang on every decision I made or every word that I said, that I set the conditions that allowed them to be successful and fostered the leadership that allowed them to lead in my absence. And I felt great while I was gone, because I knew the people that we had there, and I knew the investment that we made in them. So that was kind of a long, you know, trip around this…   Naviere Walkewicz  27:26 I mean, I think it was so powerful that you kind of learned that about yourself in Italy. And then would you say that there was anyone that you saw emulating that? Or was it just something over time, you developed this realization that you need to enjoy life and you need to allow people the space to do so.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  27:43 So I would say the people that I was emulating in that aspect were a lot of the families that were there. I have been fortunate that I have worked for some commanders who, at different times in their life felt the same way. Conversely, I also worked for commanders that did not feel the same way. And, you know, an interesting case in point on something that on an experience I had in a command bill and after I had left Aviano — this is when Laurie and I were back together; we were married at this point. I had a group commander that was frustrated about me taking leave and called me every day at 1500; every day at 1500 I got a telephone call. And you know what that does is now all of a sudden, you're eating lunch, and the clock is getting closer to 1500 and you start to get that knot in your stomach and you're like, ‘OK, what are we going to talk about today?' And so, unfortunately you don't see some of the same appreciation for that across the board. So how do we deal with it? The best thing that we deal with it is that that's where the buck stops. We don't pass it down to our people. So after I got the call from him, I didn't call back to the squadron. I got the call from him. We went through the call, we answered the questions, and I didn't then immediately turn around and call back to my ops officer who was running the Squadron at the time, and say, XYZ. And we just left it there, because at that point in time, the bucks got to stop it at that point. So I think that that's kind of the, you know, the alpha and the omega of learning and then also having your own personal resilience and courage to say, ‘I accept that the buck stops here, and I'm not going to let this roll downhill to my people.'   Naviere Walkewicz  29:41 That's an excellent leadership lesson, because I was going to ask you, ‘What does that look like, and how would you how would you handle that?' And so you went right into that. Thank you so much for that. So what has it been like leading security forces — defenders? What's it been like? Has there been a moment in time where — a particular assignment or something's really stuck into your mind or into your heart, because it's just really affected you?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  30:05 Absolutely. I will tell you, as we go back, as we were kind of talking about decisions that you make in your youth, and that critical decision that I made in the fall of '94 I mean, I have worked with some of the most amazing people I've worked in my life. I have gotten a chance to go to places I never thought that I would see. And so, when you kind of roll up, I would say it was my final squadron command, and I would say that that was a real culminating squadron command. So I commanded four squadrons, and we command early, and we command often, and there's a lot of responsibility that that's placed on us as young officers to command as a young officer. And so having the opportunity to command two times as a captain, or one time, you know, as a major-select, then as a major, then as a lieutenant colonel. So that culminating command would have been Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan in May of 2012 to May of 2013 and you know, it was interesting because all of my previous squadron commands had all been vested in either the contingency response or the kind of combat contingency environments. And it was almost like all of those were leading me to this moment. So let me just kind of set the conditions on what Bagram was like at that point in time. We had grown the squadron to about a 1,200-person squadron, huge squadron. And what we were also responsible for is we had taken over battle space ownership from the Army. So the Air Force was controlling 220 square miles of battle space throughout Parwan province, which is a huge. I mean, it's twice the size of Washington, D.C., if you want to try to give a comparison, more or less is fair to look at that level as just a huge amount of terrain in which our airmen were responsible from everything from humanitarian operations and goodwill outreach to engagements to literal kinetic action and combat in the battle space. And so a part of this culmination was, was an environment where as the defense force commander — as that squadron commander to them as a lieutenant colonel at that point — I mean how we are weaving ourselves into their lives, and how we are working with their section commanders, and how we're working and managing the value of our perimeter defenses with our teams that were going outside of the wire doing legitimate patrolling and engagement and things along those lines, was huge. And I think that that is an example. And when you look in the rearview mirror to say, ‘Gosh, now this, a lot of this makes sense, like all of these assignments, whether by design or whether by fate, somehow gave me an experience that at this moment, I needed it most.' And I think, as I talk, we've really enjoyed being here with the cadets and talking to them about, how does a leader really develop trust, and how does trust really manifest itself? And so, through the time that we were there, and the engagement as their leader — not just the leader who's just simply circulating, because that's important, but they also need to see your decision making and your strategic thought. And how do you react under pressure? How are you reacting as we've got incoming in, and what do you do being the person in the joint defense operations center, helping to manage that, and how are you both taking care of people, and how are you managing mission? And they see that. And so I would say that the development of that level of trust, especially in an environment where you are literally dealing with high costs, is huge. And so I think there was one, situation that really rests on my heart that and I don't talk about this to give validation, but I think I talk about it on it's about how people connect, and why do I feel so strongly that leadership is a human experience, like this is a what we are doing as a human experience. And so I was retiring my chief. So I was asked by my chief at Bagram — this was some years later. He's out of the 105th Base Defense Squadron out of the New York Air National Guard, and him and I were a phenomenal team there. Dave Pritchard and I just made a great team. And so he was retiring, and asked me to come back and do his retirement. So we had done the retirement ceremony. We were at the VFW afterwards, having his after-party and so forth. And so I had gone into the bathroom for a comfort break and washed my hands and things like that. And I noticed, as I was kind of moving towards the bathroom, there was kind of a young man who was kind of floating. You know, floating around. And so I came out of the restroom as I was finished, and he was waiting there at the exit of the restroom for me, and kind of, you know, got in front of me, and he stood there, and he looked at me, and he goes, ‘Hey, sir, I just, I needed to let you know this, that I was one of the airmen in one of your patrols that got hit by an IED, and he said, your investment in us, and the words that you used and when you came to talk to us, and the faith that you had in us gave me the courage to go back outside of the wire when you asked us to go back outside.' And so why that rests so heavy is when you think about what, what is the what is the con? The consequence there is that somebody believed in you so much that when you spoke to them and said the word, they were going to go back out and do it again, in spite of what had just happened to you. And I don't think there is any stronger level of trust that you can ask from somebody than to have one of those moments. And so that moment just resides very, very heavy on my soul, because I think it puts into real, tangible context, what is the responsibility of leadership? What is your responsibility of leadership?   Naviere Walkewicz  36:42 I'm letting that sit a little bit, because I can't even imagine the amount of feeling that you had first for him, the courage to share that with you. Because I'm sure that he really wanted to share that. I'm curious if you can remember perhaps, what he might have been referring to, like what you were sharing with the men and women there.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  37:02 So, you know, it was also a part of things that, in times after Bagram have really been used for me as a senior leader on why I reinforced the importance of values. And, this was one particular incident there that really comes to mind is, and I use this when I when I talk to people, because I again, it's the consequence, and it's why our responsibility as leaders to set the right conditions and culture and all of that is so incredibly valuable. And so I talked to people about a story about we had had a situation where we had some real destabilization in the battle space. There was a particular village that we were having some unique challenges with, and we were doing a lot of kind of battlefield shaping, and we were doing some particular village engagement, and the engagement just wasn't happening. And so we were now kind of starting to escalate our interaction with the village a little bit more and as we were doing that, we were now going to start doing more shaping operations. So it just so happens that one of these nights —this was in the late fall, early winter of 2012 — and we were sending one of our patrols outside to do some shaping and engagement operation there. But this was in the evening. This was a different aspect that we were working for this particular mission. And so mounted up that the airmen are ready to go. They're pushing outside, they're right on time, and everything is going according to plan, and they are getting close to what we call the objective rally point. So that was where they were going to rally up before they actually moved into the village after that. And so everything was going according to plan. And the only thing they needed to do before they got to the objective rally point was really kind of go down a small gully over a rise, and then they meet at their objective rally point at that point. And so teams are moving out. First truck over the rise, getting to the point. Second truck over, everything's going fine. Third truck over, fourth truck after that, BOOM, off goes the IED. And what had happened is, they were waiting for this opportunity, and they knew exactly what to do. And that is, if you hit the last truck in the movement, you've got three trucks that are gone ahead of time, and now we've got folks in a very precarious situation. And so what I talk to people about, when we talk about conditions and the real impact that a leader has, is I'll talk to them about who was in that truck, who was in that MRAP that we were sending down at that point in time. And inside that MRAP was the face of America. And the explosion was significant, and it did some considerable damage. It threw the engine out of it, penetrated the hole, ripped one of the doors off the side in the front. And so, you know, the truck commander was National Guard from, actually from Tennessee, and he had gotten injured, broken an arm because that door had peeled back. And as the door peeled back, his arm got caught and broke his arm. The driver, Asian American coming out of the state of California, active duty. He had injuries to his legs because of the penetration of the hole. We had a gunner up in the turret, African American female from the New York Air National Guard. She had a broken pelvis at the time, and she just stayed on the gun the entire time despite her injuries. We had our radio operator. European American female coming from the Midwest. She was actually Air Force Reserve. She had a case of TBI from the explosion, and she was still making calls on the radio. We had two of our riflemen in the back, both came from Hispanic heritage, one of them from Puerto Rican heritage, one of them from Mexican heritage. They were very fortunate that while they got tossed around the back and had some minor TBI issues, they were more or less bumps and bruises, and they were all by themselves. Yeah, because they were all alone, they were in the middle of Afghanistan, they had just gotten hit. And so for me, what's so important about that story is that if we did not set the right culture and the right values and the right expectations and be in a leader by example, and they were harassing each other on Bagram, and they were assaulting each other on Bagram, and they weren't respecting each other on Bagram, and they didn't care about each other on Bagram, they would have died out there that night. But they treated each other like a family, and they cared about each other like a family, and they took care of each other like a family that night, and they lived and they all came home. So for me, if we're going to talk about what is the true consequence of leadership — and I use consequence deliberately, because oftentimes that's used in a pejorative manner — but this is the true result of your actions, that if you don't set those conditions, then you are legitimately putting your people at risk. And so that whole experience at Bagram, and in so many ways that we all carry our scars and our bruises and things like that. I wouldn't trade that experience for the world, but that was tough. And I often describe it as a tale of two cities. You know, it was the best of times. It was the worst of times.   Naviere Walkewicz  42:34 I think a lot of times, when leaders go through experiences like that, they have some more fortunate than others, but a support network. And I would guess it would be your family. How has your family played a role in these moments in your life, in helping you as a leader?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  42:54 So I will say it's primarily my wife. I have got this wonderful support of parents and my in-laws and so forth. And what's been truly fortunate is how close I am with my in-laws. Because when Laurie and I were dating while I was a cadet, anytime I had an overnight or weekend pass, I was over at her mom and dad's house and so I think that being married to somebody that has truly known you from the beginning, you know, where, whether we got a training weekend going on, or something like that, or I'm working first BCT or whatnot, that Laurie was a unique part of all of these things. And I would say that it has been incredibly heartwarming to watch her interact with the cadets here, because it's fun, because her and I do everything together. And so as we're going to events, I'll have a group of cadets that I'm talking to, and then I'll look over and Laurie's surrounded by a group of cadets who are asking her just very insightful questions about our experiences together, and ‘Was it tough sending them away on deployments?' Or how, you know, in those tough times, ‘How do you how do you keep your marriage together?' Just really insightful questions to ask, but she has just been so central to everything that I do. And so going back a little bit and talking about, like the strength of our relationship and how much that helps, we actually needed to have that breakup period as horribly painful as that was, and wow, was I carrying a torch for her all of those years. I mean, I remember, you know, as time was going by, I would talk to my mom, and I'd be like, ‘Mom, I just wish that Laurie could see the man that I become.' But we needed that time because oftentimes, and what we found in ourselves, we didn't know it at the time, because you're living in your environment and you can't see it, right? Is that in youth, things are often absolutes. And you often will get to a place where you're starting your marriage, your relationship is growing. And if you start to talk about marriage, there are things that we have found were absolutes for us. You know, certain things that we did, how we practiced our faith. Did we open up presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, but the expectation was somebody was going to have to give up their particular tradition to conform to the tradition of one of the spouses. And in your youth, that seems reasonable, and I think we needed that time to be apart, having had that time together at such an important time in each of our lives here. But we needed that time apart, because I think we needed that frame of reference as we grew as people into adults. Grew as young adults. And now all of a sudden here I'm getting multiple assignments, and now being thrust into leadership positions with accountability and authority, and then coming back to that, all of a sudden, you're realizing, ‘Gosh, the world just isn't always in absolutes. And maybe a marriage doesn't have to be zero sum, but maybe a marriage can be positive sum.' And do we really have to make somebody give up something that is important to them, that is a part of their identity? Because somehow you feel like you have to conform your marriage into one side or the other. And so, I think for us that was that was so incredibly important. So to kind of get to that story is that, you know, I left Aviano and I went to Al Dhafra. I was in Al Dhafra actually for September 11. It was my first squadron command, but it was a squadron command I wasn't expecting, because I came there as a chief of security forces for about a 70-person security forces flight as a part of the 763rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at Al Dhafra. And then all of a sudden, 9/11 happens, and we went from about 400 people on Al Dhafra to about 4,000. And you know, U-2s came in, ISR platforms came in. Everything changed. And all of a sudden, this 70-person security forces flight that I had grew into about a 350-person security forces squadron. And AFSET said, ‘Hey, Sherman, you built it, you keep it, and we'll replace you with a major when you leave.' And I was a six-year captain, and so then finishing up that assignment, and I got picked up for — there was a point to that story — but it was about coming back, is that, hey, I got these new, unique experiences that grew me under my belt. And then I came back to do an AFIT program at Cal State San Bernardino. And that was the moment that brought Laurie and I back together.   Naviere Walkewicz  In what way?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN And so, I had a health scare. Nobody knows what it was. We never figured it out. Doctors never figured it out. But it was one of those things, like, all of a sudden, I shotgun something out to everybody I knew. I said, ‘Hey, doctors are a little bit concerned, you know, keep me in your thoughts.' And so Laurie, Laurie is like, ‘Holy cow, you can't just send a one liner and leave it at that.' So she called my mom and dad and said, ‘What's his phone number?' And so it started to turn into ‘Hey, give me all of your test results after you get it back.' Then pretty soon we're talking a couple times a week, and then pretty soon we're talking every other day, and then we are talking every day. And the beauty of this was that we already knew each other, so we already knew what everybody's favorite color was — by the way, Laurie's is purple. We knew what music each other liked. We knew things about each other. And some of the things that actually drew us together when we were dating here was, you know, we had things like some common family traditions, like, you know, Italian fish on Christmas Eve and sitting around the table for hours and stuff like that were all things that we had in common. So we already knew that about each other. Now, her and I on the phone, we're getting into some real, like substantive discussions, children, faith. How do you how you raise children? How do you know, what are we going to do for different traditions? What happens if I have to take a remote; what does that mean? And so we were getting into these really, deep conversations. And, you know, I would come back from either class or then when I PCs to the security forces center out at Lackland, you know, I would come home from work, and this was in the old flip phone days where you had a battery that came off the back. So I would have one battery in the charger, and then I would have an earbud in, and I'd have the phone in my pocket. Yeah, and I'd come home and to call her, and we would just go throughout the evening. So I'm ironing BDUs at the time, shining my boots and stuff like that, and so, and we were just talking. And then we were just kind of like living life together. And, after that point, it became very clear that those two young people who sincerely cared about each other, now, each of us grew up and had experiences in a place that allowed us to really appreciate each other and really love each other. And you know, we were married just a little over a year after that. And it has been phenomenal, her support. And I think one of the great testaments to that was, 10 days after we got married, I went to Baghdad, but she's like, ‘I grew up in the Air Force. I know how this works. We're gonna move the house. I'll get the house put together.' And she's also a professional in her own right, which is great. So she was working in a legal office here as a paralegal and legal assistant here in Colorado Springs, and has been a GS employee for the last 18-plus years. So what's great is she, too has her own aspect of service. What I love about it is that in the jobs that she's in and then the jobs that I'm in, we can talk shop, and then we cannot talk shop, right? And so she's the first person I go to if I have to ask a question, she's the first person that I'll go to say, ‘Hey, did I do that right? Or do I need to backtrack on that a little bit?' Because she knows me, and she knows me completely, and that level of trust and love and faith that we have for each other has truly enabled me to be able to serve our airmen on a level that I don't think would have been possible without her.   Naviere Walkewicz  51:59 Would you say that she's had a role in your development as a leader, in the way that you lead.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  52:05 Oh, absolutely, absolutely, because, and I love it, because her experience as a brat and her dad as a chief gives her a very unique lens to look through. And so the advice that she gives me she can give me from her teenage self in some way, you know, from that experience, watching how her dad interacted with something or knowing her aspect about this. And then as she's developed professionally, working on the E-Ring at the Pentagon a couple different times, working for very senior leaders, knows how to navigate that space. So then I'll go to her for advice, like, ‘Hey, how did your boss handle something like this?' ‘Well, let me tell you what, how we work through this...' And so I would absolutely say that that Laurie has uniquely influenced and helped me to become the best version of myself that I can be.   Naviere Walkewicz  53:03 Wow. Well, I want to ask you a little bit about developing yourself as well, because one of the questions we like to ask is, what are you doing every day to make yourself a better leader? Can you share what that might be?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  53:17 I've said it a couple times during this: I truly believe that leadership is a human experience, so for me, it's about the interaction. And so oftentimes, advice that I've given to people — like there are amazing resources abound that can help people, give people leadership perspectives, and we can either learn it from history, or we can learn it through study. We can learn it through analysis. We can learn it through books. And I've always talked to people about use the external tools that help to grow you, but make sure that you're using it to influence the personality that you already have. Because oftentimes what happens is, is that people will have this really strong desire to say, “OK, I want to make sure that I do this right. And so in doing this right, let me make sure I've got my checklist, and so I'm going to greet them, I'm going to ask them how their family is, I'm going to ask them if the kid did all right in the baseball game. And I'm going to go through my checklist, and if I do that, I fulfill my leadership obligation.' Now not everybody does, and I'm making generalities on but, but I think that there can oftentimes be the allure that when you are focusing on what may be the theory or the principle of the day, and not using it to supplement and grow and mature your personality, that there is a strong allure to want to wholesale replicate what it was that you learned, and you're doing it in a noble place. It's not nefarious. It's being done in a noble, genuine place. But there's that allure to say, ‘OK, good, I really like what I've learned. I'm going to do these things and step through.' And so why I talk so much about the experience, and why I talk so much about the interaction, is that the more that you know the people that you may be influencing by just simply being there and understanding what that means. It means you're eternalizing the value of your presence. You're listening to their stories, and you're understanding for them, what are the things that are motivating them? What are the things that they value? Because each generation, each environment, each condition is going to require something a little bit different from you, and if you don't take the time to understand your environment or generation or cultural nuances or things like that on where you're at, then you are missing that opportunity to develop trust, where they start to believe in you as a person, and not just the rank and position that you hold, because they'll do the right thing for the rank and position that you hold. That's the caliber of people that we have in this Air Force of ours. They'll do the right thing. But if you transcend that in the fact that they believe in you wholeheartedly and trust you, oftentimes with their own lives, it means that you've invested something into them, where they truly know that you care. And that goes back to that A1C on the cork board that said, ‘I need somebody who cares about me as a person.'   Naviere Walkewicz  56:41 You know, as I think about what you've experienced through your career and the lessons you've learned, both professionally and personally, what would you say to yourself back then that you should be doing back then to get to where you're at now? Because we have listeners that are like, ‘What can I start planting today, that will bloom down the road?'   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  57:03 Absolutely. And so I think if I was to go back and put my arm around Cadet First Class Sherman, I think what I would do is — because it is, it is oftentimes easy to look in the crystal clear mirror of hindsight, right? But I think instead, what I would do is I would put my arm around him and say, ‘Keep following your heart and let the failures happen, because the failures are going to grow and let the stumbles happen and enjoy the triumphs with people and be appreciative for what got you there.' And I think it would be more of the encouragement of like, ‘You have laid out a path for you take the path wherever it goes, the joy, the pain, the triumph, the failure, all of those things, because all of that helps to develop the leader.' And oftentimes you want to go back and say, gosh, if I was going to talk to my previous self, then I would say, ‘Ah, don't do that one thing,' right? But I'm looking at it saying that if I didn't do that one thing, then I'm not sure that I would be where I'm at at a time to make sure I didn't do that thing at a moment that was incredibly catastrophic. And so while we have this desire to want to prevent ourselves from the failure, I think that what we have to do is say you're going to fail and you need to fail, and it's going to sound — relish in the failure, because it is often emotionally troubling, especially those of us that come here because we are Type A perfectionist, and that's part of the draw of coming to this amazing place. Is there a certain personality traits that help us to be successful here, but not all of those personality traits make us uniquely successful in all situations outside, and so you've got to have that failure at some point in time. And the failure that you can get up and say, ‘OK, I did this. This happened. My soul is bruised. My ego is bruised. I may have to take a little bit of accountability for this. OK, now I need to have the courage to take the next step forward again.' Because I could easily retreat back to a safe place, and I could become risk averse, and all that does is hurt the people around you. OK. I have to have the courage to breathe and take the step again and get back in there. So I would tell my — I don't think I would want to prevent myself from doing anything. I think even the growth that took place while Laurie and I were apart — and, like I said, that torch that I carried for her — I think if I had whispered in my ear and said, ‘Hey, just relax, you're gonna marry her.' I think I needed that torch, because that in my own mind and my own emotion was me needing to become a better man, and so I think I needed to go through — like, sometimes you need the struggle, and sometimes the things that are most valuable are the things that you had to go through the struggle for, right? And I think that's where my blue collar ethics background comes in. It's like, I'm just going to roll up my sleeves and I'm going to work through the struggle.   Naviere Walkewicz  1:00:36 Wow. Well, we took a look back. I just want to ask you a question forward. So do you think about legacy? And what do you want your legacy to be? Is that something that plays in your mind as you wake up each morning or go to lead people?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  1:00:50 I think the way that I look at it is, I look at it in a in a different aspect, and the way that I look at it is in a very confined point to point. It's not about what is going to be Tom Sherman's legacy when he retires someday, but was that interaction that I had with somebody to give them some encouraging words when they fell down, did that matter to them at that moment? Because there are people for me in my failures that were commanders, that were leaders, that were mentors, that were senior enlisted, that, you know, grabbed that lieutenant by the arm and helped to lift me up. And their memories are etched in my fabric. And so I think that it's about that individual event that your legacy will live in the people in which you made a difference to them.   Naviere Walkewicz  1:01:49 Well, I'll share with you, I was telling my son — he's a cadet, a third-class cadet, actually, now he's about to be a C2C — that I was doing this podcast with you, and he said, ‘What an incredible leader, Mom, he motivates me. He's so inspiring.' So your legacy is already through my son—   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  1:02:05 Thank you! That means — thank you so much for sharing.   Naviere Walkewicz  1:02:10 —that you really made an impact. So we're going to get to your final thoughts here in a little bit. But before we do, I want to make sure that you know our podcasts publish on every second Tuesday of the month, and you can certainly listen to Gen. Sherman in any of our other podcasts on longblueleadership.org. So Gen. Sherman, what would you like to leave our listeners with today? This has been incredible, by the way. Thank you.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  1:02:32 I have truly enjoyed this, and it's just been — it was just wonderful having the conversation with you, and it's in real honor to be a part of this. I truly believe in what you're doing here.   Naviere Walkewicz  1:02:43 Thank you. It's my pleasure to help share your story and help inspire others. And is there anything we might leave with our listeners that that they can part with tonight?   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  1:02:51 I think, for me, you need to love what you do and love I think, is one of the most powerful words in language. And I don't just say the English language. I say in language because of the strength behind the meaning and how wide the meaning can be impactful. If you love what you do, people will feel that your very presence will make a difference. They'll feel that if you love what you do, then you're being, you know, internally, inspired by the love that you have for what you're being a part of, right? If you love and care about your people, they will follow you to the ends of the Earth, because they know the passion that you have and the belief that you have in them. So I think that as we go back to these things, we oftentimes look at the terms of courage and love may seem diametrically opposed, and I would attest that you can be most courageous and that your courage will be most effective only when it's buttressed by the love that you have in what you do and who you do it with.   Naviere Walkewicz  1:04:08 Thank you, sir, for that. Thank you for being on Long Blue Leadership.   MAJ. GEN. SHERMAN  1:04:11 Absolutely. Thank you. This was a wonderful time. It was a real honor.   Naviere Walkewicz  1:04:14 Thank you. Well, until next time, I'm Naviere Walkewicz. We'll see you on Long Blue Leadership.     KEYWORDS Leadership, Air Force Academy, Major General Thomas P. Sherman, mentorship, personal growth, security forces, work-life balance, family support, continuous improvement, legacy       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation        

Brian and Louise Hogan, missionaries and church planters in Mongolia, responded to God's call with obedience. They arrived in the city of Erdenet in the early 1990s; there were no churches in the city. After the conversion of 14 teenage girls, they witnessed the birth and growth of a church community. However, as Scripture reminds us, forward motion in God's kingdom often awakens spiritual resistance. As Brian noted, "Throughout history, whenever the Kingdom has advanced, someone has had to pay a terrible price." For the Hogans, that terrible price was the sudden death of their newborn son, who passed away on Christmas Eve due to sudden infant death syndrome. In the depths of grief and isolation, Brian and Louise felt God's closeness. They were aware that Christians around the world were praying for them. Louise found strength through a question inspired by Elisabeth Elliot: “Was I called? Was I chosen? And did I obey?” She says it should not matter what God does with our obedience; we are simply called to obey. Despite their loss, the Hogans chose to remain in Mongolia, grieving alongside their Mongolian Christian family. Their suffering became a powerful testimony of hope and resurrection in a culture unfamiliar with such concepts. In their loss, they were able to share unshakable Christian hope: “We are going to see our son again.” Brian is the author of There's a Sheep in my Bathtub and An A to Z of Near-Death Adventures. Listen also as VOM Radio host Todd Nettleton shares information about how you can send VOM Action Packs to persecuted Christians around the world.

A jewel thief (Denis Leary) attempting to evade the police, takes a constantly bickering couple (Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis) hostage on Christmas Eve.

When a college fabrication lab becomes more than just a place for welding and woodworking, one student starts piecing together something eerie. After multiple run-ins with strange sensations, flickering lights, and mysterious footsteps, a professor finally reveals the truth: the woodshop is haunted by the spirit of a former teacher named Todd, who died unexpectedly in the room. As more students and staff come forward with their own chilling experiences—including disembodied voices and a Christmas Eve scare—it becomes clear that Todd never really clocked out. He's still walking the halls, turning on machines… and watching from the shadows. This is a daily EXTRA from The Grave Talks. Grave Confessions is an extra daily dose of true paranormal ghost stories told by the people who survived them! If you have a Grave Confession, Call it in 24/7 at 1-888-GHOST-13 (1-888-446-7813) Subscribe to get all of our true ghost stories EVERY DAY! Visit http://www.thegravetalks.com Please support us on Patreon and get access to our AD-FREE ARCHIVE, ADVANCE EPISODES & MORE at http://www.patreon.com/thegravetalks

Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Daniel Priestley, one of the UK's top entrepreneurs and founder of seven successful businesses, reveals the harsh truth about what it takes to build a scalable empire in today's AI-driven economy. During our conversation, Daniel opened up about a Christmas Eve health scare that forced him to confront his mortality and completely restructure his priorities, sharing the vulnerable moment when his doctor gave him the news. His philosophy on entrepreneurship challenges everything you think you know about business success - from his military-inspired team scaling model to his controversial belief that less money is actually greedier than wanting more. This episode will transform how you think about wealth, health, and the dying economy versus the new digital age we're entering.ScoreAppDaniel's book Entrepreneur Revolution: How to Develop your Entrepreneurial Mindset and Start a Business that WorksDaniel's book Key Person of Influence (Revised Edition): The Five-Step Method to Become One of the Most Highly Valued and Highly Paid People in Your IndustryDaniel's book Oversubscribed: How To Get People Lining Up To Do Business With YouFollow Daniel on InstagramIn this episode you will learn:The military-inspired scaling model that takes businesses from startup to exitWhy wanting less money is actually greedier than wanting more (mind-bending perspective shift)The exact process for conducting "fast cheap experiments" before launching any businessHow AI will split society into 98% hyper-consumers and 2% hyper-creatorsThe five pillars of becoming a key person of influence in any industryFor more information go to https://www.lewishowes.com/1776For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960More SOG episodes we think you'll love:Chris Camillo – greatness.lnk.to/1771SCAlex Hormozi  – greatness.lnk.to/1723SCCodie Sanchez – greatness.lnk.to/1701SC Get more from Lewis! Get my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Get The Greatness Mindset audiobook on SpotifyText Lewis AIYouTubeInstagramWebsiteTiktokFacebookX