Podcasts about Openness

Join this channel to get access to exclusive members only videos:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQTAVxA4dNBCoPdHhX9nnoQ/joinJoin Members Only On My Website. 7 day free trial. Save 25% when you choose an annual Membership plan. Cancel anytime:https://understandingrelationships.com/plansJoin Members Only on Spotify:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coachcoreywayne/subscribeWhy it's important to do social activities you enjoy & have fun at.In this video coaching newsletter I discuss an email from a viewer who recently moved to a new city and says he goes to bars and nightclubs to meet new women. He says they're often standoffish towards him, but the guys are open and friendly. This also happened when he was in college. He clearly feels uncomfortable around women and is too worried about what other people think about him. I tell him what to do instead.If you have not read my book, “How To Be A 3% Man” yet, that would be a good starting place for you. It is available in Kindle, iBook, Paperback, Hardcover or Audio Book format. If you don't have a Kindle device, you can download a free eReader app from Amazon so you can read my book on any laptop, desktop, smartphone or tablet device. Kindle $9.99, iBook $9.99, Paperback $29.99 or Hardcover 49.99. Audio Book is Free $0.00 with an Audible membership trial or buy it for $19.95. Here is the link to Audible to get the audiobook version:https://www.audible.com/pd/B01EIA86VC/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-057626&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_057626_rh_usHere is the link to Amazon to purchase Kindle, Paperback or Hardcover version:http://amzn.to/1XKRtxdHere is the link to the iBookstore to purchase iBook version:https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/how-to-be-3-man-winning-heart/id948035350?mt=11&uo=6&at=1l3vuUoHere is the link to the iTunes store to purchase the iTunes audio book version:https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/how-to-be-a-3-man-unabridged/id1106013146?at=1l3vuUo&mt=3You can get my second book, “Mastering Yourself, How To Align Your Life With Your True Calling & Reach Your Full Potential” which is also available in Kindle $9,99, iBook $9.99, Paperback $49.99, Hardcover $99.99 and Audio Book format $24.95. Audio Book is Free $0.00 with an Audible membership trial. Here is the link to Audible to get the audiobook version:https://www.audible.com/pd/B07B3LCDKK/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-109399&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_109399_rh_usHere is the link to Amazon to purchase Kindle, Paperback or Hardcover version:https://amzn.to/2TQV2XoHere is the link to the iBookstore to purchase iBook version:https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/mastering-yourself-how-to-align-your-life-your-true/id1353139487?mt=11&at=1l3vuUoHere is the link to the iTunes store to purchase the iTunes audio book version:https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/mastering-yourself-how-to-align-your-life-your-true/id1353594955?mt=3&at=1l3vuUoYou can get my third book, “Quotes, Ruminations & Contemplations” which is also available in Kindle $9,99, iBook $9.99, Paperback $49.99, Hardcover $99.99 and Audio Book format $24.95. Audio Book is Free $0.00 with an Audible membership trial. Here is the link to Audible to get the audiobook version:https://www.audible.com/pd/B0941XDDCJ/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-256995&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_256995_rh_usHere is the link to Amazon to purchase Kindle, Paperback or Hardcover version:https://amzn.to/33K8VwFHere is the link to the iBookstore to purchase iBook version:https://books.apple.com/us/book/quotes-ruminations-contemplations/id1563102111?itsct=books_box_link&itscg=30200&ct=books_quotes%2C_ruminations_%26_contemplatio&ls=1

### Core Message Not every thought that enters the mind originates from oneself or from God. Many harmful, discouraging, or destructive thoughts are portrayed as external attacks intended to undermine identity, peace, joy, relationships, and calling. The central call is to take thoughts captive and align them with truth. ### Key Themes 1. Nature of Invasive Thoughts • These thoughts are sudden, unwanted, and often dark or discouraging. • They may involve fear, despair, self-condemnation, anger, or harm. • Having such a thought is not failure; dwelling on or acting on it is the danger. 2. Spiritual Framework • The sermon draws heavily from Scripture (notably Ephesians 6, John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 10, Philippians 4). • Invasive thoughts are described as “fiery darts” meant to steal peace, identity, confidence, joy, hope, and purpose. • The enemy’s strategy is isolation—breaking relationships and unity so individuals are more vulnerable. 3. Identity and Authority • Believers are reminded of their identity “in Christ,” emphasizing that condemnation and shame do not define them. • Confidence and authority come not from self-effort, but from humility and reliance on God. • The message stresses that God’s voice brings life, encouragement, and truth—never destruction. 4. How to Respond Practically • Recognize the thought: identify whether it aligns with God’s character. • Reject it: do not accept or “own” thoughts that contradict truth. • Replace it: actively substitute Scripture and truth rather than fixating on the negative thought. • Resist consistently: resistance causes the enemy to retreat, though vigilance is ongoing. 5. Community and Support • Openness and prayer within community are emphasized as protective. • Unity is portrayed as strength—like interlocking shields that prevent attack. • Isolation increases risk; honesty and shared prayer reduce it. ### Closing Emphasis Victory comes not from striving alone, but from standing in Christ. The sermon ends with encouragement: believers are “more than conquerors,” never alone, and equipped to guard their minds and hearts through truth, prayer, Scripture, and community.

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Allen, Rosemary, and Yolanda, joined by Morten Handberg from Wind Power LAB, recap WOMA 2026 live from Melbourne. The crew discusses leading edge erosion challenges unique to Australia, the frustration operators face getting data from full service agreements, and the push for better documentation during project handovers. Plus the birds and bats management debate, why several operators said they’d choose smaller glass fiber blades over bigger carbon fiber ones, and what topics WOMA 2027 should tackle next year. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly newsletter on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard’s StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on YouTube, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary’s “Engineering with Rosie” YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! [00:00:00] The Uptime Wind Energy Podcast brought to you by Strike Tape protecting thousands of wind turbines from lightning damage worldwide. Visit strike tape.com and now your hosts. Welcome to the Uptime Winner Energy podcast. I’m your host, Alan Hall. I’m here with Yolanda Pone, Rosemary Barnes, and the Blade Whisperer, Morton Hamburg. And we’re all in Melbourne at the Pullman on the park. We just finished up Woma 2026. Massive event. Over 200 people, two days, and a ton of knowledge. Rosemary, what did you think? Yeah, I mean it was a, a really good event. It was really nice ’cause we had event organization, um, taken care of by an external company this time. So that saved us some headaches, I think. Um. But yeah, it was, it was really good. It was different than last year, and I think next year will be different again because yeah, we don’t need to talk about the same topics every single year. But, um, yeah, I got really great [00:01:00] feedback. So that’s shows we’re doing something right? Yeah, a lot of the, the sessions were based upon feedback from Australian industry and, uh, so we did AI rotating bits, the, the drive train blades. Uh, we had a. Master class on lightning to start off. Uh, a number of discussions about BOP and electrical, BOP. All those were really good. Mm-hmm. Uh, the, the content was there, the expertise was there. We had worldwide representation. Morton, you, you talked about blades a good bit and what the Danish and Worldwide experience was. You know, talked about the American experience on Blades. That opened up a lot of discussions because I’m never really sure where Australia is in the, uh, operations side, because a lot of it is full service agreements still. But it does seem like from last year to this year. There’s more onboarding of the technical expertise internally at the operators. Martin, [00:02:00] you saw, uh, a good bit of it. This is your first time mm-hmm. At this conference. What were your impressions of the, the content and the approach, which is a little bit different than any other conference? I see an industry that really wants to learn, uh, Australia, they really want to learn how to do this. Uh, and they’re willing to listen to us, uh, whether you live in Australia, in the US or in Europe. You know, they want to lean on our experiences, but they wanna, you know, they want to take it out to their wind farms and they ga then gain their own knowledge with it, which I think is really amicable. You know, something that, you know, we should actually try and think about how we can copy that in Europe and the US. Because they, they are, they’re listening to us and they’re taking in our input, and then they try and go out. They go out and then they, they try and implement it. Um, so I think really that is something, uh, I’ve learned, you know, and, and really, um, yeah, really impressed by, from this conference. Yeah. Yolanda, you were on several panels over the, the two days. What were your impressions of the conference and what were your thoughts [00:03:00] on the Australia marketplace? I think the conference itself is very refreshing or I think we all feel that way being on the, on the circuit sometimes going on a lot of different conferences. It was really sweet to see everybody be very collaborative, as Morton was saying. Um, and it was, it was just really great about everybody. Yes, they were really willing to listen to us, but they were also really willing to share with each other, which is nice. Uh, I did hear about a few trials that we’re doing in other places. From other people, just kind of, everybody wants to learn from each other and everybody wants to, to make sure they’re in as best a spot as they can. Yeah, and the, the, probably the noisiest part of the conferences were at the coffees and the lunch. Uh, the, the collaboration was really good. A lot of noise in the hallways. Uh, just people getting together and then talking about problems, talking about solutions, trying to connect up with someone they may have seen [00:04:00]somewhere else in the part of the world that they were here. It’s a different kind of conference. And Rosemary, I know when, uh, you came up to with a suggestion like, Hey. If there’s not gonna be any sales talks, we’re not gonna sit and watch a 30 minute presentation about what you do. We’re gonna talk about solutions. That did play a a different dynamic because. It allowed people to ingest at their own rate and, and not just sit through another presentation. Yeah. It was made it more engaging, I think. Yeah, and I mean, anyway, the approach that I take for sales for my company that I think works best is not to do the hard sell. It’s to talk about smart things. Um, and if you are talking about describing a problem or a solution that somebody in the audience has that problem or solution, then they’re gonna seek you out afterwards. And so. There’s plenty of sales happening in an event like this, but you’re just not like, you know, subjecting people to sales. It’s more presenting them with the information that they need. And then I, I think also the size of the conference really [00:05:00] helps ’cause yeah, about 200 people. Any, everybody is here for the same technical kind. Content. So it’s like if you just randomly start talking to somebody while you’re waiting for a coffee or whatever, you have gonna have heaps to talk about with them, with ev every single other person there. And so I think that that’s why, yeah, there was so much talking happening and you know, we had social events, um, the first two evenings and so. Mo like I was surprised actually. So many people stayed. Most people, maybe everybody stayed for those events and so just so much talking and yeah, we did try to have quite long breaks, um, and quite a lot of them and, you know, good enough food and coffee to keep people here. And I think that that’s as important as, you know, just sitting and listening. Well, that was part of the trouble, some of the conference that you and I have been at, it’s just like six hours of sitting down listening to sort of a droning mm-hmm. Presenter trying to sell you something. Here we were. It was back and forth. A lot more panel talk with experts from around the world and then.[00:06:00] Break because you just can’t absorb all that without having a little bit of a brain rest, some coffee and just trying to get to the next session. I, I think that made it, uh, a, a, a more of a takeaway than I would say a lot of other conferences are, where there’s spender booze, and. Brochures and samples being handed out and all that. We didn’t have any of that. No vendor booze, no, uh, upfront sales going on and even into the workshop. So there was specific, uh, topics provided by people that. Provide services mostly, uh, speaking about what they do, but more on a case study, uh, side. And Rosie, you and I sat in on one that was about, uh, birds and bats, birds and bats in Australia. That one was really good. Yeah, that was great. I learned, I learned a lot. Your mind was blown, but Totally. Yeah. It is crazy how much, how much you have to manage, um, bird and wildlife deaths related to wind farms in Australia. Like compared to, I mean, ’cause you see. Dead birds all the time, right? Cars hit [00:07:00] birds, birds hit buildings, power lines kill birds, and no one cares about those birds. But if a bird is injured near a wind farm, then you know, everybody has to stop. We have to make sure that you can do a positive id. If you’re not sure, send it away for a DNA analysis. Keep the bird in a freezer for a year and make sure that it’s logged by the, you know, appropriate people. It’s, it’s really a lot. And I mean, on the one hand, like I’m a real bird lover, so I am, I’m glad that birds are being taken seriously, but on the other hand, I. I think that it is maybe a little bit over the top, like I don’t see extra birds being saved because of that level of, of watching throughout the entire life of the wind farm. It feels more like something for the pre-study and the first couple of years of operation, and then you can chill after that if everything’s under control. But I, I guess it’s quite a political issue because people do. Do worry about, about beds and bats? Mm-hmm. Yeah, I thought the output of that was more technology, a little or a little more technology. Not a lot of technology in today’s world [00:08:00] because we could definitely monitor for where birds are and where bats are and, uh, you know. Slow down the turbines or whatever we’re gonna do. Yeah. And they are doing that in, in sites where there is a problem. But, um, yeah, the sites we’re talking about with that monitoring, that’s not sites that have a big, big problem at sites that are just Yeah, a few, a few birds dying every year. Um, yeah. So it’s interesting. And some of the blade issues in Australia, or a little unique, I thought, uh, the leading edge erosion. Being a big one. Uh, I’ve seen a lot of leading edge erosion over the last couple of weeks from Australia. It is Texas Times two in some cases. And, uh, the discussion that was had about leading edge erosion, we had ETT junker from Stack Raft and, and video form all the way from Sweden, uh, talking to us live, which was really nice actually. Uh, the, the amount of knowledge that the Global Blade group. Brought to the discussion and just [00:09:00] opening up some eyes about what matters in leading edge erosion. It’s not so much the leading edge erosion in terms of a EP, although there is some a EP loss. It’s more about structural damage and if you let the structure go too far. And Martin, you’ve seen a lot of this, and I think we had a discussion about this on the podcast of, Hey, pay attention to the structural damage. Yeah, that’s where, that’s where your money is. I mean, if you go, if you get into structural damage, then your repair costs and your downtime will multiply. That is just a known fact. So it’s really about keeping it, uh, coding related because then you can, you can, you can move really fast. You can get it the blade up to speed and you won’t have the same problems. You won’t have to spend so much time rebuilding the blade. So that’s really what you need to get to. I do think that one of the things that might stand out in Australia that we’re going to learn about. Is the effect of hail, because we talked a lot about it in Europe, that, you know, what is the effect of, of hail on leading edge erosion? We’ve never really been able to nail it down, but down here I heard from an, [00:10:00] from an operator that they, they, uh, referenced mangoes this year in terms of hail size. It was, it was, it was incredible. So if you think about that hitting a leading edge, then, uh, well maybe we don’t really need to, we don’t really get to the point where, so coding related, maybe we will be structural from the beginning, but. Then at least it can be less a structural. Um, but that also means that we need to think differently in terms of leading edge, uh, protection and what kinds of solutions that are there. Maybe some of the traditional ones we have in Europe, maybe they just don’t work, want, they, they won’t work in some part of Australia. Australia is so big, so we can’t just say. Northern Territory is the same as as, uh, uh, um, yeah. Victoria or uh, or Queensland. Or Queensland or West Australia. I think that what we’re probably going to learn is that there will be different solutions fitting different parts of Australia, and that will be one of the key challenges. Um, yeah. And Blades in Australia sometimes do. Arrive without leading edge protection from the OEMs. [00:11:00] Yeah, I’m sure some of the sites that I’ve been reviewing recently that the, the asset manager swears it’s got leading edge protection and even I saw some blades on the ground and. I don’t, I don’t see any leading edge protection. I can’t feel any leading edge protection. Like maybe it’s a magical one that’s, you know, invisible and, um, yeah, it doesn’t even feel different, but I suspect that some people are getting blades that should have been protected that aren’t. Um, so why? Yeah, it’s interesting. I think before we, we rule it out. Then there are some coatings that really look like the original coating. Mm. So we, we, I know that for some of the European base that what they come out of a factory, you can’t really see the difference, but they’re multilayer coating, uh, on the blades. What you can do is that you can check your, uh, your rotor certificate sometimes will be there. You can check your, uh, your blade sheet, uh, that you get from manufacturer. If you get it. Um, if you get it, then it will, it will be there. But, um, yeah, I, I mean, it can be difficult to say, to see from the outset and there’s no [00:12:00]documentation then. Yeah, I mean. If I can’t see any leading edge erosion protection, and I don’t know if it’s there or not, I don’t think I will go so far and then start installing something on something that is essentially a new blade. I would probably still put it into operation because most LEP products that can be installed up tower. So I don’t think that that necessarily is, is something we should, shouldn’t still start doing just because we suspect there isn’t the LEP. But one thing that I think is gonna be really good is, um, you know, after the sessions and you know, I’ve been talking a lot. With my clients about, um, leading edge erosion. People are now aware that it’s coming. I think the most important thing is to plan for it. It’s not right to get to the point where you’ve got half a dozen blades with, you know, just the full leading edge, just fully missing holes through your laminate, and then your rest of your blades have all got laminate damage. That’s not the time to start thinking about it because one, it’s a lot more expensive for each repair than it would’ve been, but also. No one’s got the budget to, to get through all of that in one season. So I do really [00:13:00] like that, you know, some of the sites that have been operating for five years or so are starting to see pitting. They can start to plan that into their budget now and have a strategy for how they’re going to approach it. Um, yeah. And hopefully avoid getting over to the point where they’ve missing just the full leading edge of some of their blades. Yeah. But to Morton’s earlier point, I think it’s also important for people to stop the damage once it happens too. If, if it’s something that. You get a site or for what, whatever reason, half of your site does look like terrible and there’s holes in the blade and stuff. You need to, you need to patch it up in some sort of way and not just wait for the perfect product to come along to, to help you with that. Some of the hot topics this week were the handover. From, uh, development into production and the lack of documentation during the transfer. Uh, the discussion from Tilt was that you need to make sure it is all there, uh, because once you sign off. You probably can’t go back and get it. And [00:14:00] some of the frustration around that and the, the amount of data flow from the full service provider to the operator seemed to be a, a really hot topic. And, and, uh, we did a little, uh, surveyed a about that. Just the amount of, um, I don’t know how to describe it. I mean, it was bordering on anger maybe is a way. Describe it. Uh, that they feel that operators feel like they don’t have enough insight to run the turbines and the operations as well as they can, and that they should have more insight into what they have operating and why it is not operat. A certain way or where did the blades come from? Are there issues with those blades? Just the transparency WA was lacking. And we had Dan Meyer, who is from the States, he’s from Colorado, he was an xge person talking about contracts, uh, the turbine supply agreement and what should be in there, the full service [00:15:00] agreement, what should be in there. Those are very interesting. I thought a lot of, uh, operators are very attentive to that, just to give themselves an advantage of what you can. Put on paper to help yourself out and what you should think about. And if you have a existing wind farm from a certain OEM and you’re gonna buy another wind farm from ’em, you ought to be taking the lessons learned. And I, I thought that was a, a very important discussion. The second one was on repairs. And what you see from the field, and I know Yolanda’s been looking at a lot of repairs. Well, all of you have been looking at repairs in Australia. What’s your feeling on sort of the repairs and the quality of repairs and the amount of data that comes along with it? Are we at a place that we should be, or do we need a little more detail as to what’s happening out there? It’s one of the big challenges with the full service agreements is that, you know, if everything’s running smoothly, then repairs are getting done, but the information isn’t. Usually getting passed on. And so it’s seems fine and it seems like really good actually. Probably if you’re an [00:16:00] asset manager and everything’s just being repaired without you ever knowing about it, perfect. But then at some point when something does happen, you’ve got no history and especially like even before handover. You need to know all of the repairs that have happened for, you know, for or exchanges for any components because you know, you’re worried about, um, serial defects, for example. You need every single one. ’cause the threshold is quite high to, you know, ever reach a serial defect. So you wanna know if there were five before there was a handover. Include that in your population. Um, yeah, so that’s probably the biggest problem with repairs is that they’re just not being. Um, the reports aren’t being handed over. You know, one of the things that Jeremy Hanks from C-I-C-N-D-T, and he’s an NDT expert and has, has seen about everything was saying, is that you really need to understand what’s happening deep inside the blade, particularly for inserts or, uh, at the root, uh, even up in, with some, some Cory interactions happening or splicing that It’s hard to [00:17:00] see that hard to just take a drone inspection and go, okay, I know what’s happening. You need a little more technology in there at times, especially if you have a serial defect. Why do you have a serial defect? Do you need to be, uh, uh, scanning the, the blade a little more deeply, which hasn’t really happened too much in Australia, and I think there’s some issues I’ve seen where it may come into use. Yeah, I think it, it, it’ll be coming soon. I know some people are bringing stuff in. I’ve got emails sitting in my inbox I need to chase up, but I’m, I’m really going to, to get more into that. Yeah. And John Zalar brought up a very similar, uh, note during his presentation. Go visit your turbines. Yeah, several people said that. Um, actually Liz said that too. Love it. And, um, let’s this, yeah, you just gotta go have a look. Oh, Barend, I think said bar said it too. Go on site. Have a look at the lunchroom. If the lunch room’s tidy, then you know, win turbine’s gonna be tidy too. And I don’t know about that ’cause I’ve seen some tidy lunchroom that were associated with some, you know, uh, less well performing assets, but it’s, you know, it’s [00:18:00] a good start. What are we gonna hope for in 2027? What should we. Be talking about it. What do you think we’ll be talking about a year from now? Well, a few people, quite a few people mentioned to me that they were here, they’re new in the industry, and they heard this was the event to go to. Um, and so I, I was always asking them was it okay? ’cause we pitch it quite technical and I definitely don’t wanna reduce. How technical it is. One thing I thought of was maybe we start with a two to five minute introduction, maybe prerecorded about the, the topic, just to know, like for example, um, we had some sessions on rotating equipment. Um, I’m a Blades person. I don’t know that much about rotating equipment, so maybe, you know, we just explain this is where the pitch bearings are. They do this and you know, there’s the main bearing and it, you know, it does this and just a few minutes like that to orient people. Think that could be good. Last, uh, this year we did a, a masterclass on lightning, a half day masterclass. Maybe we change that topic every year. Maybe next year it’s blade design, [00:19:00] certification, manufacturing. Um, and then, you know, the next year, whatever, open to suggestions. I mean, in general, we’re open to suggestions, right? Like people write in and, and tell us what you’d wanna see. Um, absolutely. I think we could focus more on technologies might be an, an area like. It’s a bit, it’s a bit hard ’cause it gets salesy, but Yeah. I think one thing that could actually be interesting and that, uh, there was one guy came up with an older turbine on the LPS system. Mm. Where he wanted to look for a solution and some of the wind farms are getting older and it’s older technology. So maybe having some, uh, uh, some sessions on that. Because the older turbines, they are vastly different from what we, what we see in the majority with wind farms today. But the maintenance of those are just as important. And if you do that correctly, they’re much easier to lifetime extent than it will likely be for some of the nuance. But, you know, let. Knock on wood. Um, but, but I think that’s something that could be really interesting and really relevant for the industry and something [00:20:00] that we don’t talk enough about. Yeah. Yeah, that’s true because I, I’m working on a lot of old wind turbines now, and that has been, um, quite a challenge for me because they’re design and built in a way that’s quite different to when, you know, I was poking, designing and building, uh, wind turbine components. So that’s a good one. Other people mentioned end of life. Mm-hmm. Not just like end of life, like the life is over, but how do you decide when the life end of life is going to be? ’cause you know, like you have a planned life and then you might like to extend, but then you discover you’ve got a serial issue. Are you gonna fix it? Or you know, how are you gonna fix it? Those are all very interesting questions that, um, can occur. And then also, yeah, what to do with the. The stuff at the end of the Wind Farm lifetime, we could make a half day around those kinds of sessions. I think recycling could actually be good to, to also touch upon and, and I think, yeah, Australia is more on the front of that because of, of your high focus on, on nature and sustainability. So looking at, well, what do we do with these blades? Or what do we do with the towers of foundation once, uh, [00:21:00] once we do need to decommission them, you know, what is, what are we going to do in Australia about that? Or what is Australia going to do about that? But, you know, what can we bring to the, to the table that that can help drive that discussion? I think maybe too, helping people sort of templates for their formats on, on how to successfully shadow, monitor, maybe showing them a bit mute, more of, uh. Like cases and stuff, so to get them going a bit more. ’cause we heard a lot of people too say, oh, we’re, we’re teetering on whether we should self operate or whether we continue our FSA, but we, we we’re kind of, we don’t know what we’re doing. Yeah. In, in not those words. Right. But just providing a bit more of a guidance too. On that side, we say shadow monitoring and I think we all know what it means. If you’ve seen it done, if you haven’t seen it done before. It seems daunting. Mm-hmm. What do you mean shadow monitoring? You mean you got a crack into the SCADA system? Does that mean I’ve gotta, uh, put CMS out there? Do I do, do I have to be out [00:22:00] on site all the time? The answer that is no to all of those. But there are some fundamental things you do need to do to get to the shadow monitoring that feels good. And the easy one is if there’s drone inspections happening because your FSA, you find out who’s doing the drone inspections and you pay ’em for a second set of drone inspections, just so you have a validation of it, you can see it. Those are really inexpensive ways to shadow monitor. Uh, but I, I do think we say a lot of terms like that in Australia because we’ve seen it done elsewhere that. Doesn’t really translate. And I, if I, I’m always kind of looking at Rosemary, like, does it, this make sense? What I’m saying makes sense, Rosemary, because it’s hard to tell because so many operators are in sort of a building mode. I, I see it as. When I talked to them a few years ago, they’re completely FSA, they had really small staffs. Now the staffs are growing much larger, which makes me feel like they’re gonna transition out an FSA. Do we need to provide a little more, uh, insight into how that is done deeper. [00:23:00] Like, these are the tools you, you will need. This is the kind of people you need to have on staff. This is how you’re gonna organize it, and this is the re these are the resources that you should go after. Mm. Does that make a little si more sense? Yeah. That might be a good. Uh, idea for getting somebody who’s, you know, working for a company that is shadow monitoring overseas and bring them in and they can talk through what that, what that means exactly. And that goes back to the discussion we were having earlier today by having operators talk about how they’re running their operations. Mm. And I know the last year we tried to have everybody do that and, and they were standoffish. I get it. Because you don’t want to disclose things that your company doesn’t want out in public. And year two, it felt like there’s a little more. Openness about that. Yeah, there was a few people were quite open about, um, yeah, talking about challenges and some successes as well. I think we’ll have more successes next year ’cause we’ve got more, more things going on. But yeah, definitely would encourage any operators to think about what’s a you A case study that you could give about? Yeah, it could just be a problem that’s unsolved and I bet you’ll find people that wanna help you [00:24:00] solve that problem. Or it could be something that you struggled with and then you’re doing a better job and Yeah, I mean the. Some operators think that they’re in competition with each other and some think that they’re not really, and the answer is somewhere, somewhere in the middle. There are, you know, some at least small amounts of competition. But, you know, I just, I just really think that. We’re fighting against each other, trying to win within the wind industry. Then, you know, in 10, 20 years time, especially in Australia, there won’t be any new wind. It’ll just be wind and solar everywhere and, and the energy transition stalled because everyone knows that’s not gonna get us all the way to, you know, a hundred percent renewables. So, um, I do think that we need to, first of all, fight for wind energy to improve. The status quo is not good enough to take us through the next 20 years. So we do need to collaborate to get better. And then, yeah, I don’t know, once we’re, once we’re one, wind has won, then we can go back to fighting amongst ourselves, I guess. Is Australia that [00:25:00] laboratory? Yeah, I think I, I say it all the time. I think Australia is the perfect place because I, I do think we’re a little bit more naturally collaborative. For some reason, I don’t know why, it’s not really like a, a cultural thing, but seems to be the case in Australian wind. Um, and also our, our problems are harder than, uh, than what’s being faced elsewhere. I mean, America has some specific problems right now that are, you know, worse, but in general, operating environment is very harsh Here. We’re so spread out. Everything is so expensive. Cranes are so expensive. Repairs are so expensive. Spares spare. Yeah, spares are crazy expensive. You know, I look every now and then and do reports for people about, you know, what, what’s the average cost for and times for repairs and you know, you get an American values and it’s like, okay, well at a minimum times by five Australia and you know, so. It, there’s a lot more bang for buck. And the other thing is we just do not have enough, um, enough people, enough. Uh, we’ve got some really smart people. We need a lot more [00:26:00] people that are as smart as that. And you can’t just get that immediately. Like there has been a lot of good transfer over from related industries. A lot of people that spoke so that, you know, they used to work for thermal power plants and, um, railway, a guy that spoke to a guy had come in from railway. Um. That’s, that’s really good. But it will take some years to get them up to speed. And so in the meantime, we just need to use technology as much as we can to be able to, you know, make the people that good people that we do have, you know, make them go a lot further, um, increase what they can do. ’cause yeah, I don’t think there’s a single, um, asset owner where they couldn’t, you know, double the number of asset managers they had and, you know, ev everyone could use twice as many I think. Yeah, I agree. Yeah. I think something that we really focused on this year is kind of removing the stones that are in people’s path or like helping at least like to, to say like, don’t trip over there. Don’t trip over here. And I think part of that, like, like you mentioned, is that. [00:27:00] The, the collaborative manner that everyone seemed to have and just, I think 50% of our time that we were in those rooms was just people asking questions to experts, to anybody they really wanted to. Um, and it, it just, everybody getting the same answers, which is really just a really different way to, to do things, I think. But more than, I mean, we, we we’re still. We’re still struggling with quality in Australia. That’s still a major issue on, on a lot of the components. So until we have that solved, we don’t really know how much of an influence the other factors they really have because it just overshadows everything. And yes, it will be accelerated by extreme weather conditions, but. What will, how will it work if, if the components are actually fit, uh, fit for purpose in the sense that we don’t have wrinkles in the laminates, that we don’t have, uh, bond lines that are detaching. Mm-hmm. Maybe some of it is because of, uh, mango size hails hitting the blades. Maybe it’s because of extreme temperatures. Maybe it’s [00:28:00] because of, uh, uh, yeah. At extreme topography, you know, creating, uh, wind conditions that the blades are not designed for. We don’t really know that. We don’t really know for sure. Uh, we just assume, um, Australia has some problems with, not problems, but some challenges with remoteness. We don’t, with, uh, with getting new, new spares that much is absolutely true. We can’t do anything about that. We just have to, uh, find a way to, to mitigate that. Mm-hmm. But I think we should really be focused on getting quality, uh, getting the quality in, in order. You know, one thing that’s interesting about that, um, so yeah, Australia should be focused more on quality than anybody else, but in, in, in the industry, yeah. Uh, entire world should be more focused on quality, but also Australia. Yeah. But Australia, probably more than anyone considering how hard it is to, you know, make up for poor quality here. Um. At the same time, Australia for some reason, loves to be the first one with a new technology, loves to have the biggest [00:29:00] turbine. Um, and the, the latest thing and the newest thing, and I thought it was interesting. I mean, this was operations and maintenance, um, conference, so not really talking about new designs and manufacturing too much, but at least three or four people said, uh. Uh, I would be using less carbon fiber in blades. I would not be, not be going bigger and bigger and bigger. If I was buying turbines for a new wind farm, I would have, you know, small glass blades and just more of them. So I think that that was really interesting to hear. So many people say it, and I wasn’t even one of them, even though, you know, I would definitely. Say that. I mean, you know, in terms of business, I guess it’s really good to get a lot of, a lot of big blades, but, um, because they just, people, I don’t think people understand that, that bigger blades just have dramatically more quality problems than the smaller ones. Um, were really kind of exceeded the sweet spot for the current manufacturing methods and materials. I don’t know if you would agree, but it’s, it’s. Possible, but [00:30:00] it’s, it, you know, it’s not like a blade that’s twice as long, doesn’t have twice as many defects. It probably has a hundred times as many defects. It’s just, uh, it’s really, really challenging to make those big blades, high quality, and no one is doing it all that well right now. I would, however, I got an interesting hypothetical and they’re. Congrats to her for, for putting out that out. But there was an operator that said to me at the conference, so what would you choose hypothetically? A 70 meter glass fiber blade or a 50 meter carbon fiber blade, so a blade with carbon fiber reinforcement. And I did have to think quite a while about it because there was, it was she say, longer blades, more problems, but carbon blade. Also a lot of new problems. So, so what is it? So I, I ended up saying, well, glass fiber, I would probably go for a longer glass fiber blade, even though it will have some, some different challenges. It’s easier to repair. Yeah, that’s true. So we can overcome some of the challenges that are, we can also repair carbon. We have done it in air, air, uh, aeronautics for many, many years. But wind is a different beast because we don’t have, uh, [00:31:00] perfect laboratory conditions to repair in. So that would just be a, a really extreme challenge. So that’s, that’s why I, I would have gone for carbon if, for glass fiber, if, if I, if I could in that hypothe hypothetical. Also makes more energy, the 70 meter compared to it’s a win-win situation. Well, it’s great to see all of you. Australia. I thought it was a really good conference. And thanks to all our sponsors, uh, til being the primary sponsor for this conference. Uh, we are starting to ramp up for 2027. Hopefully all of you can attend next year. And, uh, Rosie, it’s good to see you in person. Oh, it’s, uh, it’s, it’s exciting when we are actually on the same continent. Uh, it doesn’t happen very often. And Morton, it’s great to see you too, Yolanda. I see you every day pretty much. So she’s part of our team, so I, it’s great to see you out. This is actually the first time, me and Rosie, we have seen each other. We’ve, we’ve known each other for years. Yeah. Yeah. The first time we actually, uh, been, been, yeah. Within, uh, yeah. [00:32:00] Same room. Yep. And same continent. Yeah. Yeah. So that’s been awesome. And also it’s my first time meeting Yolanda in person too. So yeah, that’s our first time. And same. So thanks so much for everybody that attended, uh, woma 2026. We’ll see you at Woma 2027 and uh, check us out next week for the Uptime Wind Energy Podcast.

Psychedelics are having a cultural moment. Research is promising. Stories of healing are everywhere. But here's the truth: these experiences aren't magic cures. And they aren't right for every nervous system at every time.   In this episode, Elisabeth Kristof and Jennifer Wallace slow the conversation down. Instead of asking, "Do psychedelics heal trauma?" They explore a more grounded question: What becomes possible when psychedelic or peak somatic experiences are approached through the lens of nervous system safety, preparation, and integration?   If you've been curious about psychedelics, already had experiences, or feel unsure whether they're right for you, this episode offers nuance, research, and deep nervous system perspective. Because post-traumatic growth isn't about becoming someone new. It's about becoming more available to the life that's already waiting for you.   Topic Covered Why psychedelics may reorganize meaning, not just reduce symptoms How trauma fragments narrative and how safety allows integration The science of psychological flexibility and why it predicts long-term outcomes What "somatic journeying" is and why it can feel disorienting The importance of preparation, titration, and facilitator trust Why intensity does not equal healing Psychedelics vs antidepressants in research on connectedness Default Mode Network (DMN), identity rigidity, and belief updating Why creativity often emerges when survival softens The risks of over-reliance and "chasing the medicine" Why discernment and self-trust matter more than hype   Chapters  00:00 – Psychedelics Aren't Magic Cures
 03:00 – Meaning-Making & Narrative Reorganization
 08:58 – Psychological Flexibility & Emotional Capacity
 17:00 – Preparation, Somatic Journeying & Integration
 23:29 – Connectedness & Relational Repair
 34:33 – Identity, Neuro Tags & the Default Mode Network
 41:03 – Creativity as a Byproduct of Safety
 48:14 – Discernment, Industry Hype & Self-Trust   Calls to Action: Neurosomatic Intelligence is now enrolling : https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/nsi-certification Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.    Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.   FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired  Learn to work with Boundaries at the level of the body and nervous system at https://www.boundaryrewire.com Get a two-week free trial of neurosomatic training at https://rewiretrial.com Sources:    Amada, N., et al. "The Transformative Potential of Psychedelic Experiences: A Qualitative Analysis of Meaning-Making and Narrative Reorganization." Journal of Consciousness Studies, vol. 27, no. 7–8, 2020, pp. 122–150.   Carhart-Harris, Robin L., et al. "Neural Correlates of the Psychedelic State as Determined by fMRI Studies with Psilocybin." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 109, no. 6, 2012, pp. 2138–2143.   Carhart-Harris, Robin L., et al. "The Entropic Brain: A Theory of Conscious States Informed by Neuroimaging Research with Psychedelic Drugs." Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, vol. 8, 2014, article 20.   Carhart-Harris, Robin L., et al. "Psilocybin with Psychological Support for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Six-Month Follow-Up." Psychopharmacology, vol. 235, no. 2, 2018, pp. 399–408.   Davis, Alan K., Roland R. Griffiths, and Frederick S. Barrett. "Psychological Flexibility Mediates the Relations between Acute Psychedelic Effects and Subjective Decreases in Depression and Anxiety." Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, vol. 15, 2020, pp. 39–45.   Davis, Alan K., et al. "Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial." JAMA Psychiatry, vol. 78, no. 5, 2021, pp. 481–489.   Erritzoe, David, et al. "Effects of Psilocybin Therapy versus Escitalopram on Depression and Emotional Connectedness in Major Depressive Disorder." The New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 384, 2021, pp. 1402–1411.   Griffiths, Roland R., et al. "Psilocybin Produces Substantial and Sustained Decreases in Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Life-Threatening Cancer: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial." Journal of Psychopharmacology, vol. 30, no. 12, 2016, pp. 1181–1197.   MacLean, Katherine A., Matthew W. Johnson, and Roland R. Griffiths. "Mystical Experiences Occasioned by the Hallucinogen Psilocybin Lead to Increases in the Personality Domain of Openness." Journal of Psychopharmacology, vol. 25, no. 11, 2011, pp. 1453–1461.   Watts, Rosalind, et al. "Patients' Accounts of Increased 'Connectedness' and 'Acceptance' after Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression." Journal of Humanistic Psychology, vol. 57, no. 5, 2017, pp. 520–564.   Weiss, B., et al. "Associations between Naturalistic Psychedelic Use, Psychological Insight, and Changes in Social Connectedness and Personality." Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 12, 2021, article 667987. Disclaimer: Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.   If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911.   We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast.   We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs.   We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in a mental health crisis.   Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved.   We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com. All rights in our content are reserved.

But don't worry, she can still see.Addy Diaz returns to This Whole Life to share a hilarious story of gaming, shame, and vulnerability. Listen in!Get your copy of He Leadeth Me for our Lenten book studyLet us know your thoughts on this 3-minute This Whole Life listener surveySupport the showThank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters! Visit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.Follow us on Instagram & FacebookInterested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for IntegrationMusic: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.

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What is one thing that you can do today to start your impact on God's Kingdom?In this episode, Jeff and Todd discuss: Surrendering your life to Jesus.Seizing the opportunities God provides.Trusting in God, not the resources of the world.Seeing God's picture as greater than what we can dream.Taking the chance to just start.  Key Takeaways: Don't be afraid to live your faith out loud. You never know who is watching and who is being impacted.God is enough. You don't have to know every verse of scripture or have all the answers. He is enough.Don't get so stuck in your own ideas that you stop listening to God's voice.God will expand our footprint as we scatter seeds and trust in Him during times of transition.  "I think we overthink transitions sometimes as if God doesn't know what's coming. And in my case, He not only knew, but He confirmed it in a way that brought a lot of peace." —  Todd Stewart Episode References: Hope Legacy Collective: https://hopelegacycollective.org/C12: https://www.joinc12.com/ About Todd Stewart: Todd Stewart is first and foremost a follower of Christ, one who seeks to live out kingdom principles and pursue kingdom growth on a daily basis.Beginning as a forklift operator and later becoming CEO of Gulf Winds, he charted an unusual course for the company: faith first, and profit followed. Todd graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a bachelor's degree in marketing in 1996 before joining his father in the bold logistics venture of Gulf Winds. His wife, Nikki, has adventured side by side with him through his rise to CEO; the raising of their two beautiful children, Lexi and Lane; and his travels across the globe, sharing the gospel of Christ with family, friends, and colleagues-and with those hungry to hear.Through the years, Todd has been honored by C12 with the Hero Award and by International Cooperating Ministries with the Rock Award. Todd personally lived the Gulf Winds story as a son, an employee, the CEO, and finally through the sale of the business. As he dared to run the family company with the mission of impacting eternity and a determination to put God first in it all, he saw firsthand the incredible things God would do with a business devoted to Him. Connect with Todd Stewart:Website: https://toddstewart.com/Book: Delivering Hope: Leading a Business That Builds the Kingdom of GodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-stewart-0168a54/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddstewart819/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583392180447  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdvFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

“How do you tend to respond when you do not know?” We had this question in our Journal Circle a couple of weeks ago. It’s at the heart of many issues in our world right now. How do we hold it?When do we conceal it?Where do we turn for knowledge?And what do we do with it when we acquire it? That’s what we explore in this episode of The Gentle Rebel Podcast. https://youtu.be/QRAS1dib_GM Our Relationship With Not Knowing I find this advert baffling. A couple are wandering around the Leeum Museum in South Korea. They didn't know it was big; they only gave themselves an hour. He thinks a roof tile is a book. Even when his phone corrects him, they skip off giggling without listening to the information. It reminds me of a billboard from the AI company Turing that says the quiet part out loud: “We teach AGI to think, reason, and code—so you don’t have to.” Are we being encouraged to outsource our thinking and reasoning, not to support and deepen our cognitive abilities, but to replace them? Are they saying we don’t have to think or reason anymore? Even if that’s not the intention, it’s certainly the outcome of using many tools like this. There seems to be a disregard for the sacred delight of human consciousness, thought processes, and creativity. And a subtle quest to eliminate mystery, curiosity, and the learning that comes from not knowing. Yet not knowing has always been central to human potential. It is the driving force of creativity, innovation, and deeper connection to the worlds within, around, and between us. Open and Closed Stances As people reflected in our Journal Circle, a thread emerged: openness vs closedness. Closed not-knowing: defensive, protective, secretive. Open not-knowing: curious, relational, exploratory. Closedness can feel tight. Clenched. Like rushing to paint over the threat of embarrassment or being found out. Openness can feel spacious. Physically expansive, deeper, and less pressured. Where the uncertainty is met with an invitation into possibility and curiosity rather than grasping, clinging, and defensiveness. We explore several ways this plays out in everyday life. Pretending To Know One response to not knowing is pretending to know. We’ve probably all done it. Nodding along when everyone else seems to understand. Staying quiet because asking a question feels risky. Research in 2007 found that children aged 14 months to five years ask an average of 107 questions per hour. By the time they reach late primary school, many stop asking questions altogether. In the episode, I share an anecdote from research led by Susan Engel, where a ninth grader is stopped mid-question with the instruction: “No questions now, please; it's time for learning.” Within institutional settings, our natural curiosity and creativity can be left behind, and if questions are deemed disruptive or inappropriate, we may simply pretend to know and struggle quietly. This is especially true for many more introverted and sensitive people, who are already generally disposed to slot in around others without drawing much attention to themselves. Child-like Curiosity A child doesn’t see their lack of knowledge as a reason to be ashamed. It’s underpinned by the electric buzz of connection. Everything is new, mysterious, and waiting to be explored. For an adult moving through and out of a rigid system, not knowing can feel like an exposing story in which their worth as a human is assessed. Pretending to know can become an adaptive strategy. A way to keep the peace. A way to belong. There's also the technological version, prominent in many AI tools people rely on for accurate information. These systems are designed to always produce an answer, even when they are wrong. This reflects the kind of closed pretending that aims to foster a perception of expertise, so those listening believe that the source’s confidence equates to competence. But pretending doesn't only come from intentional deception. It can stem from stories we absorb, linking knowledge with worth: “I must know in order to be useful.”“I must be useful in order to be accepted.” Letting go of that story can be liberating. Saying “I Don't Know” “I don't know” is an option. A surprisingly radical one. When it is open, it creates space to explore our unknowing. An open “don’t know” admits not knowing with hands turned towards learning and discovery. It might come with an inner spark and the freedom from performance. A closed “I don't know” shuts things down. It can signal indifference or defensiveness. Sometimes that boundary is healthy. Sometimes it is armour. Being “In The Know” There is also the social currency of being “in the know.” Trends. News. Other people's business. Ignorance can feel like bliss. It can also feel like exclusion. From a closed place, being in the know becomes about control. From an open place, it can become a source of connection. The ability to link ideas, introduce people, and catalyse collaboration. Knowing What's Best Another response to uncertainty is doubling down on certainty. We are pattern-seeking creatures. We build cognitive maps to navigate a complex world. But when ambiguity feels overwhelming, certainty can feel like solid ground, even if it's forged, manufactured, and brittle. Closedness says “this is how it is”, refuses nuance, and punishes curiosity and accountability as disrespect, insolence, and rudeness. Open wisdom looks different. It sits shoulder to shoulder, acknowledges nuance, and is willing to say, “I don't know the best thing to do here.” Admitting one does not know can be a radical act in cultures that equate doubt with weakness and desperately seek a way to explain and understand everything, even without empirical evidence. Knowing That We Don't Know In a 1933 essay lamenting the rise of the Nazi movement in Germany, Bertrand Russell wrote, “The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure, while the intelligent are full of doubt.” Charles Bukowski said something similar when giving advice to budding writers: “But the problem is that bad writers tend to have the self-confidence, while the good ones tend to have self-doubt.“ These quotes highlight the importance of knowing what we do not know — and recognising the limits of our own perspective. This took us to a detour into the Dunning–Kruger effect, which is the idea that we can speak confidently about subjects precisely because we don't yet know what we don't know. Reading Maps and Navigating Life “I don't know, but I am aware of where to look to figure it out.” In The Return To Serenity Island course, we map elements of life, seeing it as a treasure laden island. Not knowing is a door to connection, curiosity, creativity, and exploration. But it can also feel disorienting, confusing, and alienating at times. Maps help disorientation become orientation-in-progress without strict instructions or someone else’s path to follow. They can bring us home to ourselves.

In this episode Mark interviews Ka-Yee Essoe about the power of stories to instil empathy, resilience, joy, and hope, based on her experiences in the academic world, in research, in teaching, and in writing an epic fantasy novel. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update and word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Toronto Indie Author Conference, taking place in Toronto, ON in April 2026. In the interview, Mark and Ka-Yee talk about: Mark and Ka-Yee's connection to Joshua EssoeKa-Yee's background with two different careers in academia Studying how to help people learn therapeutic techniques better Starting her creative writing journey in 2021 How this story (that became the first of a trilogy she is writing) started to unfold in her head as dialogue 128,000 words of the first draft coming out in about 2 months of writing Ka-Yee's move into an academic teaching role, which is something she's always wanted to do One of the classes that Ka-Yee co-teaches for writers HEXACO - the six-dimension personality test Some of the opposite-character writing exercises that derive from this test Debunking Myers-Briggs because it's not as science-based Ka-Yee's desire to help writers to write who has some sort of disability Helping students understand what therapy looks like and how to depict that relationship Techniques on how to learn memory enhancement How to evaluate routines and your process as a writer The problem with getting into a habit of doing things a certain way and missing out on how to make it better Ka-Yee not realizing she had ADHD until she was an adult The side-effect of suffering from long Covid The concept of deliberate rest Applying the scientific principle to writing an epic fantasy novel How people tend to have two different careers in their life The Kickstarter that Ka-Yee is running for her new book SHAZZWICK OF LAND VOL1: Time Becomes Relevant Aaron Fors as the talented narrator for the audiobook version What Ka-Yee's book is about How she sees the world differently now that she has written this novel   After the interview Mark shares a few reflections inspired by the interview. Notes from Ka-Yee as mentioned in the interview: Guidance I provided students to create their own weekly evaluation on their writing process Before you begin, I encourage you to take stalk of your current process. What's your goal, what's your why, what works/doesn't, how often do you write, what resources do you need -- not what you WANT it to be, but what it is now. Then create a survey using the guideline below. Answer the questions now as your baseline, then check in every week (ideally on the same day), revise the questions as you go.  There is no wrong way to do this. These can be any format as you see fit, or a combination of. You can make the questions open-ended, some form of rating scales (e.g., rate from 0 to 10, or 1 = Completely Disagree to 5 = Complete Agree), multiple choice, or fill in the blanks.  Just don't get too attached, you should be adjusting these as your process evolves or as life encroaches.  Ask yourself 6-10 (ish) questions 1-3 questions on what you did in the past week: e.g., did you change/stick with your process? did try something new? how did it go? were you able to stick to it? 2-3 questions on how "productive" or "successful" you are--but remember, every one's measure of success is different. E.g., how much did you write? how good were the writing? how brave were you in sharing your work with others? how zen you were about taking feedback. 2-3 questions on how you are flourishing vs languishing: e.g., do I have mental space to do OTHER things I love? Did I spend time with people who matter to me? Did I feel my life has purpose, joy, satisfaction, and meaning? Last question: ask yourself something that gets to the "why" of your creative endeavour. WHY did you write this week? Did you remember to keep your eyes on that which drives you and keeps you up at night when you forget it. That which makes your writing something that you must do. (okay, then the last last question: do I need to revise these questions for next week?)  The most important thing is: again, update these questions as you go. This needs to be a living document, otherwise you aren't giving yourself room to grow and learn.    Links of Interest: Snow Quill Press The Novel: Shazzwick of Land, Vol. 1: Time Becomes Relevant Kickstarter for Shazzwick of Land Vol 1 HEXACO Personality Inventory-Revised (by Drs. Lee and Ashton (2009, 2018)) HEXACO is a 6-factor personality test that measures personality across six dimensions: Honesty-humility, Emotionality, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Openness. There's also a bonus trait, Altruism, that pools from subscales within the 6 larger traits.  The Big Five Personality Inventory (by Goldberg (1992)) The Big Five is probably the most widely used personality test in psychology. It measures personality across five dimensions, often forming the acronym of OCEAN or CANEO: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. Episode 137 - Action Sequences and Sex Scenes with Joshua Essoe Episode 260 - Mood, Atmosphere, and Worldbuilding with Joshua Essoe Superstars Writing Seminars Stark Reflections on Pushing for Better (Team Landing Page) CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) Mental Health Meter What's Your Stress Index? Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Mark's YouTube channel ElevenLabs (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate link) Mark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup) An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building Once Bitten (Novella) The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard Merry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation I Think It's A Sign That The Pun Also Rises   Ka-Yee Essoe, Ph.D. (Psychology, UCLA; Psychiatry Postdoc, Johns Hopkins Medicine) is an assistant professor at a small, public university at rural Maine. As a cognitive neuroscientist specialising in learning enhancement, she understands the power of stories to instil empathy, resilience, joy, and hope. She began writing novels to do just that. As an East Asian immigrant who enjoys many intercultural friendships, rich cultural diversity permeates the worlds and conflicts she crafts in her epic fantasy novels with integral love-story threads. Drawing on her personal experience and 10+ years mentoring others to navigate anxiety, disabilities, abuse, discrimination, trauma, and grief, her stories follow characters facing these struggles to encourage readers through their journeys and growth.     The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast ("Laser Groove") was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

Exclusive $2,510 Cash Incentive at Calala Island (Nicaragua)! | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast (ft. James of the Churn and Burn Podast) In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula is joined by James from the Churn and Burn Podcast to discuss one of the wildest luxury travel promos we've seen: an exclusive $2,510 cash incentive tied to a four-night stay at Calala Island in Nicaragua. We cover what the offer includes, how the booking works, and the real-world logistics: flights, transfers, timing, and what to expect on an ultra-exclusive private island with a tiny guest count. You'll also hear practical strategy talk on Hilton points, free night certificates, credit cards, and the common pitfalls people may miss when trying to replicate deals like this. If you're into points and miles, Hilton redemptions, Hilton free night certificates, luxury travel hacks, and Caribbean/Central America resort escapes, this one's for you. Recorded February 9, 2026 Chapters 00:00 Intro: Travel Rewards + Why This Deal Is Huge 00:59 Guest Intro: James (Churn and Burn Podcast) 02:03 Calala Island Promo ($2,510 Incentive) 08:24 Booking Steps + Travel Logistics (Flights/Transfers/Timing) 19:20 Podcast Updates + Other Promotions 22:03 What You Actually Do on Calala Island 22:32 Openness to Experience 22:47 Deserted Island Picnic 24:04 Rum Tasting Adventure 25:36 Cooking Lobster Pizza 25:49 Hawksbill Turtle Nesting 27:06 Maximizing Hilton Points + Free Night Certificates 33:01 Listener Questions + Practical Travel Tips 35:47 Final Thoughts + Where to Follow —

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2898: Courtney Carver shows how emotional healing begins by creating space in your heart, clearing out pain, guilt, and cluttered thoughts to make room for joy, connection, and purpose. Through gentle yet powerful steps like speaking your truth, slowing down, and letting go, she offers a path to a more meaningful, present, and love-filled life. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://bemorewithless.com/heartspace/ Quotes to ponder: "While your bookshelves and countertops have a finite amount of space, the capacity for space in your heart is limitless." "Busyness might mask that heavy heart, but the only way to repair the damage is to slow down, pause and then come to a full stop and address your heart ache." "You deserve a big, full, open heart. A heart full of joy, wonder, love and gratitude." Episode references: Thrive: https://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Arianna-Huffington/dp/0804140847

The high court in Hong Kong has sentenced Jimmy Lai to a 20-year prison term for his role in anti-China riots in the city (01:07). A senior diplomat says China will help boost Asia-Pacific cooperation and advance regional economic integration, as the APEC China Year kicks off in Guangzhou (07:17). China records about 1.4 billion passenger trips in the first week of the Spring Festival travel rush (36:51).

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Ido Portal, a movement coach and world expert on human movement. We explore the science and practice of movement, including how the nervous system shapes our actions, the distinction between reflexive and deliberate movement patterns and how emotion and awareness influence our movement. Ido shares how to build a holistic movement practice into everyday life through an exploration-based approach grounded in playfulness and self-inquiry. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Ido Portal (00:00:20) Movement Practice, Self-Inquiry (00:02:08) Wordlessness, 3 Core Elements of the Body; Focus & Movement (00:06:35) Sponsor: LMNT (00:08:09) Mental & Physical Postures; Virtuosity (00:12:36) Vision & Eyes; Focus vs Relaxed Vision; Tool: Panoramic View (00:17:53) Hearing; Different Opinions (00:20:59) Body Shape; Developing Many Walks (00:23:53) Sponsor: AG1 (00:24:45) Playful Exploration, Openness (00:27:25) Peripersonal Space & Movement, Proximity, Reactivity, Discomfort (00:32:18) Exercise, Traditional Movements; Examination of Movement (00:37:43) Exploration; Acknowledgements Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology and AutelWatch Full Video EpisodeA random YouTube Shorts interview turns into a surprisingly sharp lesson in leadership. Matt shares a story from Rob McElhenney about working with Danny DeVito—and how DeVito's humility and audience-awareness reveal something shop owners and managers can use immediately: collaboration beats ego, and if you want to reach a demographic (customers or employees), you'd better listen to them. Process matters. Culture matters. And the best people in any field tend to be the most open to input.Matt talks about:Rob McElhenney (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Wrexham co-owner, Ryan Reynolds connection)Working with Danny DeVito (also Taxi, Twins)The key moment: DeVito asks Rob what to say during an improv gap because:DeVito knows what's funny to his generationBut Rob knows what's funny to the target audienceSo DeVito wants direction to serve the project, not his egoThe Big TakeawaysProcess matters more than outcomeThe “how” shapes culture, quality, retention, and long-term success.Great collaboration can be surprising—but it shouldn't beEven top-tier people can be genuinely curious about your perspective.If you're targeting a demographic, listen to that demographicMarketing, messaging, shop vibe, even hiring… all improve when you seek input from the group you want to attract.Openness is a leadership signalApproachable leadership reduces fear of dismissal/condescension and increases idea-sharing.Ego-check is good business“What's best for the shop?” beats “what do I prefer?”Retention + recruiting bonusWhen employees feel heard and respected, they stay—and they tell others.Memorable Lines“You hired me to be the old guy… but you're not going for my generation.”“Be a leader, not a dictator.”“Lesson number one: pay attention to YouTube Shorts… don't just mindlessly scroll.”Thanks to our Partner, Pico...

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, Michelle Madrid discusses the complexities of adoption, focusing on identity, the significance of names, and the emotional challenges faced by adoptees. She emphasizes the importance of openness in conversations about adoption, the pain points that adoptees experience, and the need for adoptive parents to create a safe space for their children to explore their identities. The discussion also touches on the concept of ambiguous loss and the importance of recognizing and addressing the grief that comes with adoption. In this conversation, the speakers explore the complexities of adoption, including the emotional challenges faced by adoptees, the importance of openness in adoptive families, and the healing journey that comes with understanding one's identity. They discuss the intersections of adoption-related grief and other family traumas, the significance of using metaphors like quilts to describe family dynamics, and the resources available for both adoptees and adoptive parents. The dialogue emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and the transformative power of forgiveness in the adoption experience.Important LinksRG Adoption Consulting• Website → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com• Book a 30-Minute Consult → https://rgadoptionconsulting.com/contactOur Chosen Child• Use code ROADMAP for $100 off the Social Media Plan + Post Program.→ https://ourchosenchild.comMichelle Madrid• Website → https://themichellemadrid.com/• ⁠Instagram⁠• Unboxed, Unburdened, Unstoppable Podcast→ https://themichellemadrid.com/podcast• Book: "Let Us Be Greater" → https://themichellemadrid.com/bookChapters00:00 Navigating Adoption and Identity02:53 The Importance of Names in Adoption06:12 Understanding the Adoptee's Perspective09:04 Pain Points of Adoptees12:11 The Journey of Trust and Self-Acceptance15:05 The Role of Openness in Adoption17:54 Ambiguous Loss and Grief in Adoption26:44 Listening to the Wind: Embracing Adoption Stories27:58 Intersections of Grief: Adoption and Family Trauma35:42 The Journey of Adoption: From Pain to Healing38:05 The Quilt Metaphor: Redefining Family for Adoptees41:16 Finding Your Voice: Resources and Support for Adoptees44:54 Advice for Adoptive Parents: Openness and UnderstandingTune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review! THANK YOU!For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email⁠⁠⁠⁠ support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

Is The Republican Party Strong Enough to Survive Its Own Gatekeepers?#GoRight with Peter BoykinWatch: https://rumble.com/v743h6y-is-the-republican-party-strong-enough-to-survive-its-own-gatekeepers.htmlhttps://youtu.be/ifS1tunZUKQRead more: https://gorightnews.com/is-the-republican-party-strong-enough-to-survive-its-own-gatekeepers/ Listen on Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/is-the-republican-party-strong-enough-to-survive-its-own-gatekeepers--69433130Is the Republican Party strong enough to survive its own gatekeepers?Welcome to #GoRight with Peter Boykin.This is where we talk honestly about conservatism, constitutional limits, and the uncomfortable conversations that parties avoid when they stop listening.A party can survive opposition.A party can survive criticism.A party can even survive losing elections.What it struggles to survive is truth spoken from inside.Peter Boykin leads one of the largest national networks of gay conservatives, moderates, independents, and Trump supporters in the country that operates independently of Log Cabin Republicans.That distinction matters.Not because of rivalry, but because collaboration should not require permission.What many of us encounter instead is quiet exclusion.And he is not alone.Figures like Brandon Straka.Scott Presler.Others who expanded conservative reach beyond its comfort zones.Their success should have been multiplied.Instead, it was often minimized.That does not protect a movement.It limits it.Growth requires trust.Trust requires openness.Openness requires courage.One of the longest running myths in politics is that L G B T Q voters are a single Democratic bloc.They are not.Roughly half identify as Democrats.About a third are independent or unaffiliated.And around fifteen percent identify as Republican.That fifteen percent represents millions of Americans.Many voted not as symbols, but as citizens prioritizing economic stability, national security, and constitutional restraint.They did not vote because the party was flawless.They voted because they wanted a government with limits.Log Cabin Republicans serve a purpose.Their presence matters.But representation is not ownership.When any organization becomes a gatekeeper of identity rather than a bridge for ideas, the movement stops expanding.Constitutional rights are not party property.Civil marriage is a state function.Religious marriage is a matter of faith.Limited government means the state does not decide which families qualify for equal protection.You can support families without empowering the state to exclude.Unity does not require silence.Principle does not require uniformity.Liberty requires consistency.If the Republican Party wants to grow, it must stop confusing loyalty with quiet compliance and values with control.A Constitutional Republic survives when rights are defended consistently, or they eventually fail altogether.For more context, analysis, and the full written piece, visit GoRightNews.com.This has been #GoRight with Peter Boykin.Remember, ideas only move when people are willing to stand behind them.And wherever the conversation goes next, don't forget to #GoRight.#GoRight, #GoRightWithPeterBoykin, #GoRightNews, #ConstitutionalRepublic, #ConservativeVoices, #RepublicanParty, #PoliticalPodcast, #SpokenWord, #FreeSpeech, #EqualProtectionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/goright-with-peter-boykin-gorightnews-com--3096608/support.

(Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat)

In this episode, we take a leadership journey through the four essential pillars of successful organizational change: Vision, Emotional Intelligence, Decisiveness and Openness. Drawing from the recent article How to Successfully Lead Organizational Change, we explore how every leader – whether founder, C-suite executive or emerging internal change champion – can step into their role with clarity, confidence, and humanity. Expect concrete take-aways, real-world application and reflection prompts for your next big change initiative. Key Take-aways Vision is non-negotiable Change without a clear destination is like driving in the fog; your team will feel lost and unmotivated. (Breakfast Leadership Network) As the article states: “If you don't have a vision, you will also find it very difficult to motivate and lead your team.” (Breakfast Leadership Network) In practice: create a vivid picture of the “after-state” for your organization and share that widely. Emotional intelligence is the hidden accelerator Recognizing how your people are feeling—and why—is vital. (Breakfast Leadership Network) Change triggers uncertainty, fear, resistance. As the article reminds, being tuned in helps you support team members effectively. Practical tip: map out the emotional journey your team might take during the change. Pre-empt fears and build empathy early. Decisiveness keeps momentum alive In times of change, leadership vacillation kills progress. The article highlights that your team looks to you to “take the reins.” (Breakfast Leadership Network) It's not about making everything perfect—rather, about making the right call, owning it, and moving forward. Consider installing a decision framework: how will you determine when to act vs. when to pause and reflect. Openness builds trust and fuels participation Transparency matters more when things are shifting. The article says that being “open with your teams” is “especially important.” (Breakfast Leadership Network) Communicating the “why,” the “how,” and the “what's next” helps reduce fear and invites buy-in rather than resistance. Real-world practice: hold regular “change check-ins” where people can surface concerns, ask questions, and feel heard. Discussion Questions for Your Team: Reflect on a major change you led (or were part of). How clear was the vision? How did that shape the outcome? How do you as a leader stay emotionally tuned in during change—what practices help you sense team mood and response? In your experience, where do leaders most often hesitate during change? What tends to cause that hesitation and how can it be mitigated? What transparency looks like in your organization? Are you striking the right balance between “too little” and “too much” communication? Looking ahead: in your next organizational change initiative, which of these four pillars deserves most of your attention—and what will be your first action step? Action Steps for Listeners Grab a blank sheet and map your current or upcoming change initiative using the four pillars: Vision, Emotions, Decisiveness, Openness. Identify one thing you are not doing now (or could do better) in each pillar—and pick one pillar to focus on this week. Schedule a “change check-in” with your team where you openly share the vision, invite questions, and surface emotional reactions. Commit to a decision-cadence: set a fixed date (within next two weeks) when you will make a key change decision and communicate it, rather than letting it linger. Who Should Listen Founders, CEOs, senior leaders facing a significant organizational change (e.g., pivot, restructure, culture shift) HR, change-management and OD professionals charged with leading or supporting change efforts Emerging leaders looking to step into change-leadership roles and build their competence in guiding transitions Anyone interested in the human side of change—how emotions, trust and clarity influence outcomes. Links & Resources Link to the article: How to Successfully Lead Organizational Change Learn more: BreakfastLeadership.com/blog If you're planning a change initiative and need support, reach out for coaching and advisory services with the Breakfast Leadership Network. Final Thought Change is inevitable—but successful change doesn't just “happen.” It is led. As the article reminds us, it takes a visible vision, emotional attunement, bold decisions and open communication. If you lean into these four pillars, you'll lead not just a transition, but a transformation.

Ever felt like no matter how much you prepare for an important conversation with your partner, you still end up missing each other entirely? In the heat of tough conversations, even the best intentions can get lost as tension rises and defenses go up. It's all too easy for moments of misunderstanding to snowball, leaving both people feeling disconnected and unsure how to find their way back to each other. In this episode, you'll discover a radically simple approach to transforming those tense moments into opportunities for true connection. Looking through the lens of openness, which the conversation calls the "aperture effect," you'll learn why slowing down, becoming mindful, and attuning to each other's emotional states can help you break free from unhelpful patterns. Explore practical techniques to foster emotional safety, collaboration, and presence so you can turn even challenging interactions into pathways for deeper understanding and closeness. Kathryn Ford, M.D., is a psychiatrist, couples therapist, and author. Her work is a unique integration of mindfulness, psychotherapy, and neuroscience. After receiving her M.D. degree from Brown School of Medicine, Dr. Ford completed a residency in psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her meditation practice and studies developed her understanding of the power of mindfulness for building deeper, more resilient relationships. She has taught at Stanford Continuing Studies, Stanford Medical School, and  Santa Clara University, and publishes regularly online in Psychology Today.   Episode Highlights 04:02 The Aperture Effect—an exploration at the intersection of psychiatry, mindfulness, and neuroscience. 09:40 What happens when openness shuts down in conversation? 11:26 The brain's role in relationship dynamics and mindful self-awareness. 15:23 Recognizing and responding to real-time emotional signals. 17:14 How our openness fluctuates moment to moment: Practical awareness skills. 21:08 Why slowing down changes everything: Strategies for connection over resolution. 26:06 Openness on a continuum: Tracking your state in challenging conversations. 29:16 Regrouping when things get rocky: Navigating pauses and timeouts. 33:53 Moving between vulnerability and defensiveness. 38:13 Vulnerability as the pathway to connection. 42:18 The power of naming your emotional state. 43:30 Learning and practicing aperture awareness and mindfulness.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Practice mindful pausing: When you notice tension or confusion in conversations with your partner, pause for a deep breath to ground yourself and slow the interaction. Regularly check in with yourself during discussions. Ask, "Am I open or closed right now?" and observe your body for cues like warmth (open) or tension (closed). Use the "Two Sentences" exercise by limiting your speaking turns to one or two sentences and then pausing, giving both you and your partner time to process before responding. Be explicit about your emotional state, for example, saying, "I'm feeling a bit vulnerable discussing this," to invite empathy and understanding. When things get heated, intentionally slow down the dialogue. Avoid rapid-fire responses and give space for reflection. Call a timeout if needed: If either partner rates their openness as a 4 or lower (on a 1-10 scale), suggest a short break to allow both people to regroup and prevent escalation. Reassure and regroup: Offer reassurance like, "I didn't mean to sound harsh," and check if both partners feel ready to continue before moving forward. Acknowledge the need for ongoing conversations: Accept that not every topic needs a final resolution. Focus on maintaining connection, trust, and openness even when issues remain unresolved.   Mentioned The Aperture Effect (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) Polyvagal Theory (website) Gottman Institute (website) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) (*Psychology Today) (link) ERP 340: The Essential Skill Of Tracking Openness in Relationship — An Interview With Dr. Kathryn Ford 12 Relationship Principles to Strengthen Your Love (free guide)   Connect with Kathryn Ford M.D. Websites: kathrynfordmd.com Facebook: facebook.com/KathrynFordMD Instagram: instagram.com/KathrynFordMD LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathryn-ford-m-d-1a675b2b Substack: substack.com/@kathrynfordmd   Connect with Dr. Jessica Higgins Facebook: facebook.com/EmpoweredRelationship  Instagram: instagram.com/drjessicahiggins  Podcast: drjessicahiggins.com/podcasts/ Pinterest: pinterest.com/EmpowerRelation  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drjessicahiggins  Twitter: @DrJessHiggins  Website: drjessicahiggins.com   Email: jessica@drjessicahiggins.com  

Making friends on the playground was easy, but why does it feel so hard now? In this episode of Bacon Bits with Master Happiness, host Marty Jalove and special guest Tiffany dive deep into the beautiful and messy world of adult friendships.Ever wonder how to build new connections or gracefully end a friendship that's run its course? Marty and Tiffany explore the common struggles adults face in forming and breaking bonds. They'll walk you through the five levels of friendship; from the "Passerby" to the "Best Friend" and help you understand where your connections truly stand.Plus, discover the secret to better relationships with the unforgettable BACON framework: Boundaries, Authenticity, Courage, Openness, and Nurture. If you're ready to build a more fulfilling social life, this is the episode you can't afford to miss. Tune in for an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation that will change the way you see your friends.Follow "Bacon Bits with Master Happiness" for more insights on creating the life you love. If you enjoy the show, please leave a reviewwww.MasterHappiness.comwww.WhatsYourBacon.comwww.BaconBitsRadio.com

Text your thoughts and questions!If you've listened to the podcast before, you know that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to productivity. So if you feel like you're constantly fighting against your own brain, forcing yourself to use productivity systems that just don't stick, and feeling overwhelmed in trying to be disciplined, you've likely been trying to operate in systems that weren't designed for your unique wiring. This week, on episode 298 of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I am continuing my special series guiding you through my Positively Productive Toolkit and talking about how your strengths and personality can be used to your productivity advantage. In this episode of the Positively LivingⓇ Podcast, I share why self-awareness is your number one productivity tool and outline how you can use my Assessments Workbook to help you quit forcing strategies that don't fit and start choosing the habits and tools that support you. The assessments I cover in this episode include:The Big Five (OCEAN): Think of this as your trait blueprint, measuring 5 broad traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) on a spectrum.The Four Tendencies: This framework by Gretchen Rubin categorizes you as an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel based on how you handle inner and outer expectations, revealing your natural motivation style.VIA Strengths: Unlike performance-based tests, this identifies your top character strengths and uncovers which qualities you naturally express to help you lean into what is already strong and meaningful within you.16 Personalities: Considered a modern version of the Myers-Briggs test, this assesses how you instinctively think, relate, and connect with the world.Your strengths, personality, and tendencies are not obstacles to overcome. Rather, they are your greatest advantages. Stop trying to fit into someone else's system and start designing a life that fits you.Stop trying to fit into someone else's productivity rules! Grab my free Productivity Toolkit, a collection of workbooks designed to help you explore how you work, uncover what truly matters to you, and create your very own energy-friendly systems. Get it here: www.positivelyproductive.com/plpkitCONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:FacebookInstagramResourcesWork with Lisa! LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)Ep 1: The #1 Tool to Achieve ProductivityEp 88: Play to Your Strengths with Julia de'CanevaEp 181: How to Improve Your Productivity Using the Four TendenciesEp 267: How the Big 5 Personality Quiz Helps You Achieve MoreEp 268: Build Strong Habits Based On Y

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Deirdre Nero discuss:Action can precede clarityGrowth requires delegation, not enduranceAuthenticity strengthens leadership and trustExpertise must be valued to be sustainable Key Takeaways:Starting a firm without certainty can still create momentum and direction. Waiting for perfect readiness delays growth more than risk does.Handling every task personally creates a hard ceiling on scale and sustainability. Hiring support is the necessary step to move beyond survival mode.Hiding core aspects of identity fractures credibility and connection. Openness creates deeper trust, healing, and stronger professional relationships.Giving away high-level knowledge undermines both business viability and professional worth. Confident pricing is essential for long-term independence and freedom. "I think honestly that was probably the biggest crime I committed in my firm… trying to do it all myself." —  Deirdre Nero Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Deirdre Nero: Deirdre D. Nero is the founder of NERO Immigration Law, which she established in 2009 after practicing for several years at large domestic and international law firms. She previously led the immigration practice of a major international firm's Coral Gables office and has deep experience advising individuals and small to mid-sized companies.Her practice focuses on business and family immigration, including employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, PERM labor certifications, and naturalization. Deirdre represents clients nationwide and around the world, working closely with them to execute immigration strategies before U.S. immigration agencies.Fluent in Spanish and certified at the highest level by the Spanish government, Deirdre is a passionate advocate for immigration reform. She frequently lectures and writes on immigration topics and has lived, studied, and worked in Spain, where she completed legal internships and comparative law research. Connect with Deirdre Nero:  Website: https://neroimmigration.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdrenero/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neroimmigration Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Send us a textThe ground under therapy keeps moving, and we're digging into why. We sit down with returning guest Marie Sloane, LPC, to trace how telehealth became the default, why insurance cuts and clawbacks are reshaping private practice, and what it really costs to keep care accessible without burning clinicians to ash. Marie shares the realities of leaving agency life, navigating panels directly versus using intermediaries, and the surprising leverage you can gain by simply asking for a rate increase. We get candid about the trade-offs of platforms like Alma and Headway, the tension between sustainability and access, and the quiet math behind student loans, healthcare, and the hours a therapist can truly carry.Then we turn to the culture shift powered by TikTok and social media. Openness is rising and stigma is falling, which can jumpstart meaningful therapy. But there's a catch: self-diagnosis trends and algorithm-friendly “advice” blur traits with disorders and can worsen compulsions. We talk about how licensed voices can step into the feed with clear, compassionate education—translating buzzwords into grounded care and helping people move from scrolls to sessions.The heart of this conversation is moral injury. Beyond burnout, it's the pain of acting against your values—or watching systems do it—because the rules demand it. Teachers triaging classrooms without aides, clinicians pushed to see nine or ten clients a day, frontline staff who lived the pandemic up close while hearing it denied. We name the guilt, shame, and betrayal that follow, and why “do more self-care” falls flat when the workload itself is inhumane. If you've felt that strain and wondered what to call it, you're not alone—and naming it is a step toward changing it.If this episode resonates, share it with a colleague, subscribe for more real talk on the future of care, and leave a review with the one shift you'd make to improve access and sustainability. Your voice helps shape the system we all rely on.For more about Marie, check out her website: Marie Sloane: counseling and consulting services – Online Therapy for People in Arizona, Texas and MinnesotaThis podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcastIf you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area.If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/ooy8QirpgL2JSLhP6Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.comSupport the showwww.bethtrammell.com

H.O.W.--Honesty, Openness, Willingness In recovery, things usually don't fall apart because we didn't know enough — they fall apart because we stopped practicing the basics. H.O.W. isn't clever, trendy, or complicated. It's simple, uncomfortable, and effective. Today, Two Sober Guys, we're talking about H.O.W. Honesty, Openness, and Willingness — and why these three principles are often the first to slip when things start going sideways. We'll look at how honesty goes quietly before relapse, how openness gets replaced by isolation, and how willingness fades when ego takes the wheel. This isn't a motivational talk. It's a gut check. Are we being honest about where we're at? Are we still open to direction, feedback, and growth? Are we willing to do what we don't feel like doing — consistently? H.O.W. isn't about perfection. It's about participation. You don't have to understand everything to stay sober, but you do have to stay honest, open, and willing. When one of those drops out, recovery gets shaky fast. If you're feeling stuck, restless, or quietly disconnected, this conversation might help you spot where things changed — and how to get back to solid ground. Drop a comment and share: Which part of H.O.W. do you struggle with most right now? Two guys. Same fight. No one does this alone.

What we resist persists. Especially our feelings. So what if we could be open to our feelings? Be openhearted. Ride life's emotional rollercoaster with more ease. Listen in as Cindy talks about vulnerability, openness and much more...Ms. Cindy Sarai is the Founder and Executive Director for Adoption Dreams Come True, a non-profit domestic adoption agency based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With 23 years in the field of Social Work and 15 years in the adoption arena, her passion is clear. Her belief that every child deserves a home that is loving, safe and permanent is the foundation for the work her agency does for birth parents, adoptive parents and children. As a result of her focus, Cindy has been a part of over 500 placements of children into permanent happy homes.Cindy created a diverse agency that was not exclusive in any aspect, but served all birth parents and adoptive families regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation. Cindy provides free life-time counseling for all birth parents regardless of their final choice and often meets with birth moms whom she met years ago. Adoptive family fees are based on a sliding scale, using annual income, so that adoptive families are not taken out of the adoption process based solely on income. Adoption Dreams Come True has always mirrored our diversity rich world and values the uniqueness of every client who comes through its doors.https://www.adoptiondreams.org/https://www.facebook.com/AdoptionDreamsComeTruehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdlTbJSW7UtYqHBNZWK8X6A Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.

(Gaia House)

I'm so thrilled to have Dr. Kelly Flanagan back on the show. Today he is talking about his newest book The Road Less Triggered, focusing on the importance of recognizing and managing emotional triggers in relationships. The work of faith, self awareness, and compassion is vital in our relationships. Dr. Flanagan shares how to stay engaged, remain soft, and practically manage conflict in a way that brings connection to your marriage. Episode Highlights: Understanding Triggered Moments in Relationships Your body is an early warning system Living in the security of God's unconditional love provides a foundation of safety. The posture of your heart affects how you receive communication. Quotes from This Episode: Most relationship conflict isn't like D-Day—it's more like Groundhog Day. We keep repeating the same patterns until we decide to break the cycle. The heart of this work is restoring a sense of choice—the power to keep your heart open, even when you're triggered and it feels impossible. A response is the fruit of self-regulation. A reaction is a failure of self-regulation. You can't connect if you're protecting. Openness is required for real connection. Our culture pushes us to blame others, but real progress comes from taking personal responsibility for how we show up. Until we move out of being triggered and back into connection mode, we'll keep self-sabotaging every attempt to connect. Becoming a safe environment for the people you love inspires them to open their own hearts—and builds true connection. Seeing the ways we differ as sources of complementary wisdom, not flaws to be fixed, can revolutionize your relationship. Questions for Conversation: Think about a recent moment in your marriage where you felt triggered. What physical or emotional signals did your body give you, and how might noticing these earlier help you respond rather than react? Consider a way your spouse differs from you that has caused tension. How could reframing that difference as complementary wisdom rather than a flaw shift your approach and deepen your connection? TRIGGER CHALLENGE: Together, identify one habit or action that makes each of you feel safe and heard. Commit to practicing that habit in your interactions over the next week, then reflect on how it affected your connection.   Mentioned in this Episode:   Read The Road Less Triggered   Connect with Dr. Kelly Flanagan   Awesome Marriage is on Instagram! Marriage need a reset so you can reconnect? This month's 4 Week Connection Challenge helps you and your spouse intentionally reconnect emotionally, physically, and spiritually—one simple, meaningful step at a time. Start closing the distance and rebuilding the intimacy you're longing for today. Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. You and your spouse differ and that's a good thing. Find out how to Celebrate Differences in Marriage, rather than allow them to divide. If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Sign up for Dr. Kim's Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips! Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our 4 Week Connection Challenge  

The grace of God frees us to open up our lives and share with others.  

A Main Service Message by Pastor Glen Kline on January 18th, 2026

What is Consciousness Really? Professor Jonathan Schooler joins Dr Tevin Naidu the Mind-Body Solution Podcast for a deep exploration of consciousness, mind wandering, and the Nested Observer Windows (NOW) model. In this conversation, Schooler—founder of Meta Lab (Memory, Emotion, Thought & Awareness) at UCSB—explains why introspection can distort experience, how mind wandering reveals hidden layers of awareness, and why consciousness may be structured as a hierarchy of nested experiential windows.We explore:Why self-reports both matter and misleadMeta-awareness and the illusion of continuous attentionPanpsychism, idealism, and materialismSynchronization and coherence in conscious systemsThe three dimensions of time (objective, subjective, alternative)Free will, creativity, and openness to experienceConsciousness beyond the brain—and possibly beyond deathThis episode bridges psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and physics, offering one of the clearest articulations of Schooler's most ambitious ideas to date.TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) — Why Consciousness Is Paradoxical (04:24) — Why Introspection Distorts Experience (Verbal Overshadowing)(08:26) — How Scientists Measure Mind Wandering(11:25) — Do We Directly Access Experience or Construct It Later?(14:29) — Near-Death Experiences, Memory, and Illusion(17:43) — Evolutionary Advantages of Mind Wandering(20:35) — Inside Meta Lab: Memory, Emotion, Thought & Awareness(22:52) — Materialism vs Idealism vs Panpsychism(27:04) — Introducing the Nested Observer Windows (NOW) Model(30:49) — Consciousness as a Mosaic of Nested Windows(33:35) — Synchronization, Coherence & Cross-Frequency Coupling(41:50) — Why Information Is Lost as Awareness Scales Up(45:04) — Three Dimensions of Time Explained(50:51) — Why Science Struggles With Experience, Time & Free Will(55:09) — Subjective Time, Frame Rates & Flow of Consciousness(59:15) — Alternative Time & the Possibility of Free Will(1:05:46) — Measuring Subjective Time in the Brain(1:10:18) — Many Worlds Theory Reimagined Through Consciousness(1:18:48) — Creativity, Mind Wandering & Openness to Experience(2:01:09) — Consciousness, Openness & Humanity's FutureEPISODE LINKS:- Jonathan's Website: https://labs.psych.ucsb.edu/schooler/jonathan/members/schooler- Jonathan's Publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3UEI9NIAAAAJ&hl=en- Jonathan's Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Schooler- Jonathan's X: https://twitter.com/JonathanSchool6CONNECT:- Website: https://mindbodysolution.org - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mindbodysolution- Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu- Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com=============================Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.

We would love to pray for you! Please send us your requests here. --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

If you've ever wondered how your brain's inner workings play into your growth, relationships, or resilience—or if you want real, practical tips for building healthier self-talk—I think you'll find this episode especially meaningful.I'm joined by Dr. Hector Rodriguez, an integrative psychiatrist and founder of The White Butterfly Clinic. His work focuses on trauma-informed care, brain health, emotional intelligence, and helping individuals move from survival mode into clarity, resilience, and purpose. Dr. Hector integrates neuroscience, lifestyle psychiatry, and compassionate clinical insight to support healing at both the individual and relational level. He is especially passionate about working with high-performing, emotionally complex, and often marginalized individuals, and about changing how we understand and care for the human mind and soul.In this episode, Dr. Rodriguez and I talk about what your brain health can reveal about your emotional intelligence. We explore some powerful ideas, like the concept of the “inner bully” versus the “inner cheerleader” and how the way our brain is wired shapes our self-talk and beliefs.Dr. Rodriguez unpacks the science behind self-awareness and negativity bias, shares practical strategies for rewiring our thought patterns, and guides us through how both major traumas and smaller, everyday micro-traumas impact who we are.We also talk about the true roots of psychiatry—as the management of the soul—and why that perspective matters more than ever. Our conversation touches on everything from loneliness and connection to the role of technology in our lives and the essential human need for genuine bonds.Moments00:00 "Bully and Cheerleader Brain Concept"05:07 Silencing Your Inner Critic07:09 "Identifying and Addressing Negative Thoughts"10:45 Internal Bully vs. Cheerleader15:05 Reframing Mental Health Perspectives18:28 Openness to Soul Beyond Religion22:20 Emotional Block and Vulnerability24:39 Building Trust Over Time29:08 Overthinking Disrupts Sleep30:23 Nervous System's Hidden Impact36:36 "Urgent Help Needed for Injury"37:06 Avoiding Mental Health Attention41:55 "Life Isn't a Football Game"43:47 "The Connection Issue"49:56 Loneliness and OnlyFans Impact51:33 AI Companions and Mental Health54:44 "Insight on Family and Perception"59:09 Improving and Seeking Help01:00:32 "Dr. Hector's Info & Updates"3 Key Takeaways:You can retrain your brain: Through daily practices and conscious reframing, it's possible to move from automatic negative thoughts to self-supportive beliefs.Emotional intelligence is rooted in brain health: Being self-aware isn't just a soft skill—it's physically mapped in the brain, and can be strengthened like a muscle.True connection matters: Human bonding and authentic relationships are essential for mental and emotional health—no app or artificial substitute can replace the brain's need for real connection.In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com, or go to their website, Spirit of EQ.You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast...

In this episode, hosts Charlie and Shane welcome Jesse Greenfield, MPHCHES—public health educator, improviser, and co-founder of Kaleidoscope Training Center. Jesse shares their journey from the medical field to applied improvisation, exploring how storytelling and play can empower individuals and communities to build stronger, healthier relationships. The conversation dives deep into the concept of "affective capacity"—our ability to connect emotionally with ourselves and others—and why it's essential for personal well-being, effective communication, and thriving workplaces.Listeners will learn practical tools for increasing affective capacity, including the power of play, somatic practices, and authentic self-reflection. Jesse also guides the hosts through an improv game, demonstrating how simple, playful exercises can foster trust, openness, and collaboration. Whether you're a leader, team member, or just curious about emotional intelligence, this episode offers actionable insights for nurturing healthy relationships and creating supportive environments at work and beyond.Episode Chapters:0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction0:39 – Jesse's Journey: From Medicine to Applied Improv7:51 – Defining Affective Capacity8:10 – Emotional Connection in Health & Communication13:46 – The Role of Trust and Relational Dynamics17:51 – Building Affective Capacity: Personal Practices27:06 – The Power of Play and Improv31:41 – Bandwidth Check-Ins & Self-Reflection34:25 – Tips for Novices: Starting Your Affective Capacity Journey37:54 – Supporting Each Other: Extroverts, Introverts, and Processing Styles40:12 – Leadership & Fostering Team Capacity45:18 – Creating Safe, Supportive Work Environments46:50 – Improv Game: “Accept This” in Action51:16 – Debrief: Lessons from Play1:01:01 – Openness, Exploration, and Growth1:04:47 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways1:04:54 – Closing RemarksLearn about our guest:Jesse Greenfield, MPH, CHES (they/them) is a public health educator and improviser living in San Diego, California. They love using storytelling as an information-sharing tool to empower individuals and communities to live their fullest and healthiest lives. As co-founder and Director of Programming for Kaleidoscope Training Center, Jesse facilitates applied improvisation workshops to support people in improving their spoken and unspoken communication with others, creating joyful connections, and being effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Some groups they have worked with in this capacity include school staff, medical professionals, queer youth, social workers, and more.Guest contact information Jesse's Business Website https://www.kaleidoscopetrainingcenter.com/, which has all of their info about programming and upcoming offeringscontact info jesse@kaleidoscopetrainingcenter.com in case folx want to reach out. If people are looking for a great book that will support them in improving their facilitation using applied improv, I'd highly recommend the book Training to Imagine by Kat Koppe

DOWNLOAD "THE POWER OF TOO MUCH," our FREE modern-day grimoire that helps you reclaim your intensity, your magic, and your voice: https://babephilosophy.com

Good morning, dear one—it's Jody Agard. Today's meditation is about opening your heart wide, letting love flow freely, and stepping into the day with compassion and courage. Take a breath with me, and let's start. Xo, Jody Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his address to the opening ceremony of China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the two sides to prioritize development, maintain a people-centered approach, and commit to mutual learning and openness.

“I've been fired from four churches in five years because weak men can't handle my masculinity.” Yep. That's a real tweet - and it's the perfect picture of what happens when men refuse to take responsibility for their own failures. In this episode, we break down why blame-shifting is destroying the credibility of Christian men, and why building a culture of accountability is essential if you want to lead your home, church, or community with integrity. If you want to be a man your family trusts, your church respects, and God can use—this is where it starts. About Abraham's Wallet: Abraham's Wallet exists to inspire and equip Biblical family leaders. Please partner with us in inspiring and equipping multi-gen families at https://abrahamswallet.com/support AW website Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Chapters (00:00:00) - Be a Biblical Boss(00:00:48) - Employee Complaints and the Economy(00:02:49) - Pastor Loses His Fourth Job in 5 Years(00:07:35) - This Pastor Lashes Out Over His Long Twitter Rant(00:11:26) - I Misspoke On The Sukkot Epistle(00:14:34) - Culture of Accountability and Reparation(00:15:50) - Proverbs: Open Rejection of Bad Parenting(00:19:48) - Galatians 6: For Brothers' Accountability(00:20:19) - What is Repentance?(00:25:24) - Holding Others to Accountability(00:26:01) - What Does a Leader Need to Be Like?(00:34:17) - The Culture of Accountability in a Church(00:40:38) - The Importance of Conviction, Humility and Openness(00:44:44) - Call to Action for Christians(00:46:53) - Look inward before you blame(00:50:22) - Abraham's Wallet

Musings as we transition to new opportunities for a new year. SmilingForSuccess22@gmail.com IG DebbieParkerNet

In this episode, John welcomes Mark Vernon to discuss his two books, 'Dante's Divine Comedy: A Guide for the Spiritual Journey' and 'Awake: William Blake and the Imagination'. They explore the profound psychological, philosophical, and spiritual insights offered by Dante and Blake, touching upon topics like pilgrimage, the imaginal, and the role of the imagination in renewing perception. Mark shares his experiences and how these works resonate with contemporary cognitive science and spirituality. The conversation delves deep into understanding the connections between ancient wisdom and modern thought. Mark Vernon is a writer, psychotherapist, and philosopher whose work explores the meeting point of spirituality, psychology, and philosophy. Based in London, his background in physics, theology, and psychotherapy shapes a multidisciplinary approach that bridges ancient wisdom traditions with contemporary understandings of the mind and meaning.  

We journey with Chris Morris as he candidly shares his lifelong battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the restorative process of faith and community. He draws out practical wisdom for both those who struggle with mental health and the people who walk alongside them.Chris Morris opens up about his initial encounters with God during his teenage years amid deep depression and a suicidal crisis. Despite not being raised in a Christian home, he experienced a life-changing introduction to faith through a neighbor's invitation. However, contrary to many “testimonies” often heard in church that promise total healing, his struggle with mental health did not vanish after conversion. Fast forward 30 years, he found himself in a psychiatric ward after a suicide attempt, feeling unworthy and broken.In the depths of crisis, Chris Morris shares a pivotal moment when he sensed God telling him, “Chris, I still love you.” Initially, he argued with this gentle assurance, convinced he wasn't worthy of love. Over time, however, this truth took root: if God still saw value in him at his lowest, perhaps his own self-perception was deeply flawed.A recurring theme is the negative impact of judgmental or dismissive church environments. Chris recounts how a pastor once told him, “Man up and pray more,” reinforcing guilt and isolation. In contrast, his current church responded with compassion and affirmation, restoring his hope and sense of belonging. He highlights the critical role of the “ministry of presence”—simply being with someone in their pain, without trying to fix them or offer platitudes. Support is less about having answers and more about empathy, presence, and genuine curiosity. Being a safe, nonjudgmental companion can offer hope and healing.Chris shares practical tools for managing destructive thought patterns, such as asking reflective questions: Is this thought necessarily true? What else might be true? What should I do in response? What might God be doing right now? These questions help reframe negative self-talk and encourage a posture of grace toward oneself. Learning to question and reframe harmful thoughts is vital. Spiritual and emotional health often require new skills and intentional practice.Chris describes how his journey to recovery involved rebuilding trust with family, especially after broken promises and repeated crises. Openness, accountability, and continued professional help were essential, not just for himself but to reassure and support his loved ones. Restoration is gradual and requires honesty, humility, and consistent effort. Loved ones can support, but are not responsible for, someone's mental health recovery.Key Takeaways:·         Struggling with mental health does not mean a lack of faith or spiritual immaturity.·         Community and empathetic support play a crucial role in recovery.·         God's love and acceptance are not dependent on our success or failure.·         Healing may require therapy, medication, and time.·         The church is called to be a place of presence, grace, and hope for all who struggle.Challenge: Consider how you can offer the ministry of presence and curiosity to someone around you, and reflect on how God's love remains steadfast regardless of life's valleys.MORE ABOUT CHRIS MORRISChris Morris writes, “Welcome to my Christian mental health website. This is a safe place for followers of Jesus dealing with depression, anxiety, and every mental illness under the sun. If you've asked yourself, “if I'm a Christian, why am I depressed?“ or, “where is God when my life is falling apart?“, or “How do I overcome depression biblically“, you're in the right place. Everything here is written as Christian help for those in the mental illness community as we redefine normal and rediscover hope together. Let's talk about these two things for just a moment. What does it mean to redefine normal? It means that nobody but you gets to tell you what's normal and what's abnormal. You are the arbiter of your own life, and you get to decide that.For you, maybe a normal day is not getting out of bed until noon because of chronic pain, and having to carefully calculate where you spend your limited energy. If so, I honor your normal here. How about rediscovering hope? So many of us struggle to fell there's any objective reason for hope in our lives, because, to be honest, our lives stink a lot of the time. It's full of difficulty and complexity, hard conversations and unmet expectations. But we can find the keys to having hope despite all these setbacks. I spend a lot of time talking the nuts and bolts of hope from a biblical perspective, so it's more tangible, meaningful, and applicable to real life.”More at https://www.chrismorriswrites.com/ MORE ABOUT THE BOOK, “RESILIENT AND REDEEMED”You Are Not Alone, Regardless of Any Mental Health DiagnosisGod cares deeply about you and your mental health. Author and mental health advocate Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidality his entire adult life. Even coming to Christ didn't change this, which is something many fellow Christians don't seem to understand. He still had to face the grief of unrelenting illness, the shame of struggling, and the pain of poor guidance.In this compassionate and engaging book, Chris shares how he overcame these challenges and invites you to do the same--no matter your diagnosis. Weaving biblical truth and personal stories with thoughtful strategies and hard-earned wisdom, he helps you move past fear and shame to combat the specters of depression and suicidality.God is still there, even in the darkest of places. May this book be a step in the process of healing and help you find hope in your battle.Includes reflection questions, Scripture meditations, and a bonus video course.More at https://www.chrismorriswrites.com/books/resilient-and-redeemed-lessons-about-suicidality-and-depression-from-the-psych-ward/ Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not be content with stale, boring, leftover faith. Jesus tells us that the most important thing is to love the Lord our God, so we take Him seriously. He adds that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now, there are many ways to do that, but I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – it is modern day slavery, and it revolts the heart of God. And so, they are our particular neighbors here at Gospel Spice. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil.  Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways:1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too!2, play Gospel Spice forward by telling your friends about us, and by please leaving positive reviews and comments on your podcast listening app;and 3rd, PAY GospelSpice forward. Less than 1% of our listeners are supporting us financially. We need your help! Please pay Gospel Spice forward today. It can be a one-time donation, or a monthly one, for the amount of your choice. Your donation is fully tax-deductible in the US. Plus, once we cover our costs, a significant portion of your donation will be given back to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking, and that we vet thoroughly. So, you can know that every dime you give is used for the Kingdom of God. Every little bit helps. So, be part of the spice of the gospel by becoming a financial partner today!Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Welcome to the YOU CAN CALL ME “BOSSY” PODCAST! In this quick hit episode I get into the conversation which centers around breaking free from the trap of perfectionism and embracing incremental progress especially for high achieving women who often feel stuck waiting for the “perfect” opportunity. Drawing from real-life coaching stories and personal experiences, I explore how taking even small steps towards change can create momentum and shift your life from “the suck” to something better, without needing every detail mapped out. Whether you're dreaming of a major career leap, recovering from burnout, or simply craving more freedom and alignment, this episode offers practical guidance, relatable anecdotes, and inspiring questions to help you move forward inch by inch, instead of mile by mile. Tune in as we reflect on finding a new way forward, even when circumstances aren't ideal, and learn how to release what's no longer serving you so you can step into the freedom and fulfillment you deserve in the new year. Key Takeaways: The distinction between self-correction and being true to oneself. The importance of being open to “less sucky” steps instead of waiting for perfection. Openness to solutions appearing differently than initially expected If you enjoyed this episode and are excited for more, please be sure to SUBSCRIBE and write a review to help build momentum and support the show (5-stars would be AWESOME!) _____________________________________________ JOIN US IN - THE CLUB - An annual membership where high-achieving women come together to unapologetically OWN THEIR “BOSSY” in order to rise to the top, make massive impact, and not burn out while doing it. Join TODAY to get access to all past workshop replays and past group coaching calls - always incredible takeaways and AHA moments from reviewing these sessions! Grab your spot in THE CLUB today by CLICKING HERE! _____________________________________________ LET'S FREAKING GO!FREE RESOURCE: JOURNAL PROMPT VAULTWant to work on connecting with your subconscious mind to work through blocks, limiting beliefs and stories that aren't working for you? Download my free GET OUT OF YOUR OWN DAMN WAY PROMPT VAULT - over 50 prompts to help you connect with your subconscious and build awareness around what needs to get cleared! CLICK HERE to download now! LET'S CONNECT: Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok Grab a signed copy of my bestselling book STAND IN YOUR POWER HEREWatch my TEDx Talk “The Wisdom of Your Ancestors Should Be Ignored” HERE

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2844: Evan Marc Katz shares the powerful story of how his sister found lasting love by challenging her assumptions about men, dating, and online platforms. He contrasts this with another woman stuck in a cycle of frustration, showing that a shift in mindset, not circumstances, often determines success in love. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.evanmarckatz.com/blog/dating-tips-advice/why-you-should-ignore-your-previous-experience-with-men Quotes to ponder: "Online dating is creepy." "The only reason she is happily married and househunting today is because she was open to the possibility that her beliefs weren't 100% foolproof."

Send us a textET Phone Spaceman. Sup spacemen. Today, we explore an interest of Matts; UFOs. Or, as they are not more accurately called, UAPs. Despite what you may be thinking, this episode is not full of conspiracy theories. But it IS focused on how looking at things a little differently and being open to a differently way of thinking can make you a better man. Tune in and find out. KeywordsUFOs, UAPs, Roswell, gas station food, documentaries, quantum physics, relationships, time, cultural perspectives, memoryTakeawaysThe conversation begins with humorous anecdotes and segues into deeper topics.Roswell is portrayed as a tourist trap with disappointing attractions.Gas station food is explored as a unique cultural experience.The term UFO has evolved into UAP, reflecting a shift in societal understanding.Documentaries like 'The Age of Disclosure' provide insights into UAPs.Quantum physics is discussed in relation to UAP sightings and technology.The importance of perspective in relationships is emphasized.Time is presented as a construct that varies across cultures.Openness to different experiences can enhance personal growth.Memory is fallible and should be approached with caution in relationships.Sound bites"Roswell is a real disappointment.""I dropped down seven feet on the roof.""We must be open to new experiences."Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Man Space Podcast03:01 Exploring Roswell and Alien Culture06:00 Gas Station Food Adventures08:57 The Shift from UFOs to UAPs12:08 Documentaries and the Age of Disclosure15:02 The Science Behind UAPs17:47 Interpersonal Relationships and Perspectives20:57 Challenging Certainty in Relationships22:31 The Nature of Time and Its Constructs25:08 Experiencing Awe and Insignificance27:03 The Value of Openness in Conversations30:05 Understanding Different Perspectives32:18 Exploring the Concept of Time35:43 Integrating Different Types of Time38:33 The Impact of Time on Mental Health40:51 Cultural Perspectives on Time and Life46:14 Finding Balance in Daily LifeSpread the word! The Manspace is Rad!!

Lindsi Lane is on the podcast today! Lindsi is a fashion, motherhood, and beauty influencer. We discuss finding a partner in your 30s, weeding out the bad ones when dating, second child infertility, the “perfect time” to be a mom, and so much more.Get More We Met At Acme!Youtube: @wemetatacmeIG: @lindzmetz @wemetatacme @wemetatbabySubstack: @wemetatacme + @wemetatbabyWebsite: @wemetatacmeChapters:06:49 Family Planning and Pregnancy Challenges23:33 The Struggles of Sharing Personal Journeys on Social Media25:08 Balancing Privacy and Openness in Relationships29:20 Navigating Motherhood and Family Dynamics35:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Life AdviceSponsors:Go to myskylight.com/ACME for $20 off your 10 inch frame.Start your free online visit today at forhers.com/acmeUse code ACME at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to quince.com/acme for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.Produced by Dear Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sheriff Chris Swanson strives to live in the moment: On May 30th 2020, when he found himself in the center of a volatile situation, he chose to listen to the people he has sworn to protect, put down his baton, and walk with them by their side. And in doing so, more than a billion people across the world tuned in to see one everyday person change the tide from negative to positive, from what could have been bad to something good. While the world around us seems to be on a constant, unstoppable path of division, Sheriff Chris continues to embrace unity, through his community in Flint, Michigan and beyond. We talk a lot on this show about shining the light into - and finding the light in - the darkness. Sheriff Chris is doing that on the daily. This episode is one of the most profoundly inspiring and uplifting ones we've ever offered and serves as the perfect way to close out the year with you, our good listeners, reminding you that there IS still good out there, lots of it, and you - YES YOU - can find and be that good yourself. _________________________________ GOOD HOLIDAY GIFT ALERT: Steve's third book in his cozy mystery series, THE DOG WALKING DETECTIVES is finally here: SEASON'S SLAYINGS lights up the holidays! Get your copy on Amazon: https://bit.ly/3WYTPiR or Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/4hOjILR Grab the first two: Book 1: DROWN TOWN Amazon: https://amzn.to/478W8mp Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3Mv7cCk & Book 2: MURDER UNMASKED Amazon: https://shorturl.at/fDR47 Barnes & Noble: https://shorturl.at/3ccTy

Experience a rare, long-form movement lesson with Ido Portal, one of the most influential thinkers in human movement, coordination, and physical practice.CHAPTERS:00:00 - Introduction01:12 - Exercise 1: Right Side10:43 - Exercise 2: Left Side16:29 - Post-Exercise Discussion21:43 - How to Train Movement25:24 - Two Archetypes of Movers26:36 - Ipsilateral and Contralateral Training31:23 - Ipsilateral and Contralateral Game33:58 - Movement Intelligence Techniques38:20 - Variance and Control in Movement42:35 - Catch the Stick Game47:52 - Catch the Stick Game with Bilateral Squats53:13 - Breathing Techniques for Movement58:18 - Reaction Training Strategies1:07:15 - How to Improve Movement Quality1:13:00 - Importance of Reactionary Training1:17:21 - Openness to Play in Movement1:19:34 - Learning from Traditional Cultures1:23:10 - End of the First RecordingSpecial perks for our listeners below!

An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart: Prepare your heart for Christ through Scripture, the saints, and the gentle practice of daily listening. Week One: Awakening the Listening Heart DAY 4 – Openness “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in ... Read more The post Day 4 – Openness – An Advent Journey for the Discerning Heart – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Content warning: this episode contains discussions of disordered eating and body image issues Jayme Cyk is no stranger to vulnerability. On today's episode of Naked Beauty, the former beauty director at Violet Gray and co-founder of the brand And Repeat shares her extensive background in the beauty industry, her experiences with ADHD medication, and the creation of her focus supplement, And Focus. Our discussion covers the emotional complexities of motherhood as it relates to body image, the interplay between beauty rituals and mental health, and Jamie's favorite beauty and fashion products. Jamie also opens up about her ongoing challenges with self-acceptance and body dysmorphia, highlighting the importance of grounding practices and vulnerability in personal growth.Tune in as we discuss:(01:52) Guest Introduction: Jamie Syke(02:20) Jamie's Career Journey(04:11) Mental Health and Openness(05:29) Early Beauty Experiences(15:00) Body Image and Pregnancy(40:32) Personal Experiences with Medication(44:08) Impact of Parental Influence on Body Image(48:34) Beauty and Skincare Favorites(54:37) Balancing Beauty and Mental Health(58:04) Hair Care and Fashion Finds(01:02:56) Finding Grounding PracticesCheck out Jayme's Substack, I'm On An AntidepressantRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Jayme: @jaycykProducts Mentioned:Sophie Pavitt Cleanser, Moisturizer, SerumGood Weather Skin Mineral SunscreenFarah Homidi Concealer, Lipgloss Maed Lip Balm Eadem Lip Balm Crown Affair Roz Shampoo and Conditioner Dehanche BeltsRLT White t-shirt And Repeat Supplements Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.