Podcasts about optimized

In this episode of Business Brain, we dig into FridAI territory with updates, experiments, and smarter AI workflows. We kick things off with a Press Row Hoops app update, then pivot into something far more powerful: upgrading our custom AI instructions. Instead of settling for generic outputs, we refine how ChatGPT behaves—focusing on decision-making style, pushback tolerance, clarity versus depth, and minimizing fluff. We share a tight prompt that forces better performance from ChatGPT 5.2, helping us get sharper answers with fewer wasted cycles. The goal? Make AI think more like we do. We also explore Google's Pomelli and what it signals about where AI tools are heading. The bigger takeaway is this: when we intentionally design how AI supports us, we reclaim leverage and reduce friction. We stop accepting default settings and start engineering better results. That's how we build businesses—and lives—on our terms. That's the path to a Charmed Life. 00:00:00 Business Brain – The Entrepreneurs' Podcast #731 for Casual FridAI, February 27th, 2026 February 27th: Anosmia Awareness Day 00:01:22 David-Press Row Hoops app update 00:05:27 Ian-Update your custom AI prompt/instructions, and here's a prompt: Review my existing custom instructions. Identify what works well and what is outdated, redundant, unclear, or ineffective for ChatGPT 5.2. Ask only the minimum number of high-value questions needed to meaningfully improve the instructions. Questions should focus on decision-making style, pushback tolerance, clarity vs depth, and how I prefer ChatGPT to behave when uncertain. Do not ask generic preference questions or enter question loops. After I answer, draft a replacement custom instruction that reflects my preferences and how I actually use ChatGPT. Requirements for the new custom instruction: Maximum 1500 characters, including spaces and line breaks. Written as direct instructions to ChatGPT, ready to paste. Optimized for ChatGPT 5.2 behavior. Clear, human-sounding, and practical. Favor correctness over politeness. Avoid fluff, buzzwords, and assistant-sounding language. Minimize unnecessary clarifying questions. Default to direct answers with light supporting rationale. Be opinionated when useful and push back on weak assumptions. Reuse prior context and preferences automatically unless I say otherwise. Constraints: Do not draft the final instructions until after I answer your questions. Do not explain your reasoning unless I ask. Deliver one final custom instruction, not multiple options. Sponsors 00:08:09 SPONSOR: Granola is an AI-powered notepad built for the way real people actually meet, and it integrates seamlessly into the video conferencing tools you already use. Try Granola totally free for three months – just head to granola.ai/brain. 00:10:03 SPONSOR: Fundera from NerdWallet – A free, easy-to-use platform that lets you compare real financing offers from trusted lenders — all in one place. Visit NerdWallet.com/BRAIN to learn more and talk to a real person! 00:11:26 Google Pomelli 00:18:00 Business Brain 731 Outtro Tell Your Friends! Review Business Brain Subscribe to the show feedback@businessbrain.show Call/Text: (567) 274-6977 X/Twitter: @ShannonJean & @DaveHamilton, & @BizBrainShow LinkedIn: Shannon Jean, Dave Hamilton, & Business Brain Facebook: Dave Hamilton, Shannon Jean, & Business Brain The post FridAI Pomelli and Lyria – Business Brain 731 appeared first on Business Brain - The Entrepreneurs' Podcast.

Below is my complete list of job search items. I hope that they help you attain your goals. 1. If you are a jobseeker or if you are not, please pass on this information to someone who is looking as all who are unemployed absolutely should subscribe to my 100% TOTALLY FREE YouTube jobsearch page by clicking this link. Just go to " https://www.youtube.com/@JobSearchHelpRightNow " & watch my videos & shorts which are constantly updated based on market conditions and new information. Listen to my listed audio podcasts on that page as well. Please set your notifications so that you will be alerted when I post new episodes. All of my items are now organized into playlists that allow you to easily access my video or audio episodes based on your needs and media preference. Check it all out today and get your jobsearch moving quickly. Then I ask that you please spread the word to anyone who could use this information so that I can help as many people as possible. There are many people out there that are hurting terribly and I want to help as many as I can with my tips and tools, so please spread the word. 2. Check out my YouTube Jobseeker Special Membership Page. Get my BEST Tips here. -- https://lnkd.in/epu2dP4J - 3. Join my FREE LinkedIn Jobsearch Group here. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6691390 4. Jobseekers, get jobs emailed to you. Join this newsletter by emailing ChrisGrasso@gmail.com. 5. Check out all my free and patron level podcasts here. https://patron.podbean.com/Ahines1 6. Get you job search flying. Jamie Edwards is a voice & advocate for jobseekers who offers USA an Canada job searching advice & paid, hands on 1-on-1 coaching. He offers many job search services at very cheap prices. Sign up for a FREE 15-minute discovery call go to https://lnkd.in/eftnjMPa and get your FREE discussion scheduled. Please tell him that I sent you. 7. You can also purchase my ebook on Amazon. Check it out and learn how to TAKE CHARGE of your job search by going to https://lnkd.in/e85PzKq 8. Newly revised list of top job boards could be the key to unlocking your next career move. Here's what makes this list stand out: 102 curated job board Organized by industry. Optimized for maximum impact. Want to supercharge your job search? Check out this post here: https://lnkd.in/g-gavJts. Remember, Over the last 14 years, I have done everything I can to help as many #jobseekers as possible via Power Point presentations, documents , speaking engagements and now LinkedIn presentations that LinkedIn promotes for me. I also, whenever possible, scroll down my feed and every time I see a person that is #opentowork, I drop an invite to my next     #LinkedInLive event or if I am not having one my #YouTube page that has hundreds of videos and audio events. I know that I have helped thousands of people in some way to get out of the canyon called #Unemployment and back into the job world. I could've charged a lot of money to a lot of people over the years because my stuff works and it works fast if you are someone that goes and attacks challenges. I don't charge people a lot of money because they need their money to eat and pay their rent and provide for their family when they are unemployed because they don't know when that nightmare will end. That is why I don't make it a giant moneymaking endeavor. I do this from the heart because I never forget how bad it felt to be unemployed and how awful every day was until I knew what my next job was. That said, I cannot believe when someone is offered free help from someone who has been doing it for as long as I have that they would ignore my invite and not come to the event. All I will say is here is an invite to my next event and if you are a #jobseeker you should come because something I say will help you to get in next great opportunity. It's different for every person, but something will resonate. With all of the people being mistreated and ghosted and punched in the face on this platform by people who have no interest in helping, I offer all I can give you to help you get back on your feet. Anthony Hines

In this episode of The Great Indoors, Shelly Palmer, tech strategist and CEO of The Palmer Group returns for his third appearance to explain why the digital world has become unrecognizable in just two years since his last appearance. Listeners will gain an inside look at the brutal reality of the media business, where traditional purchase funnels have collapsed in favor of short-form video and zero-click AI search results. The conversation provides a roadmap for the transition from simple automation to agentic AI. Autonomous systems that can now plan and initiate tasks independently and explores the rise of vibe coding, where English becomes the new programming language. So if you're fascinated by media, machine learning, and the conversations shaping what comes next, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Jaideep Tandon, CEO of Infinx, shares a sensible, leadership-driven perspective on the evolving role of AI in RCM. Rather than focusing on technology for technology's sake, the conversation centers on outcomes: improving efficiency, reducing revenue leakage, and supporting better financial decision-making across increasingly complex healthcare environments. Jaideep addresses how revenue cycle leaders can play a more active role in shaping AI success with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate AI initiatives, set realistic expectations, and lead AI adoption as an ongoing journey.

routine Routine: The Most Underrated Survival Tool | Episode 587 Hey, it's James from SurvivalPunk.com. It's 45 degrees, I can barely see, and today we're talking about routine — why it's a great survival tool, how it helps you now, and how it helps you later. Routine is one of those preps that benefits you in the “for now” times and in the “oh crap” times. In a stressful situation, you fall back to your lowest level of training. So the higher you make that floor, the better you perform. And routine is how you raise the floor. You Will Fall to Your Routine Under Stress There's a part of my brain that loves routine. I didn't fully realize that until I got older, but I thrive on it. I get legitimately irritated when something messes up my routine. My morning coffee routine is streamlined. Optimized. Efficient. I've tweaked it over and over to make it faster so I can get out the door on time. Lately it's gotten too long, and I may need to rethink it — but the point is this: Once something becomes routine, you don't debate it. You just do it. That's powerful. Because when life gets chaotic, you don't rise to motivation. You fall back to habit. Eating Routine: Stop Letting Hunger Make Decisions Meal timing and food planning are huge. Yes, there's nuance. Yes, fasting can have benefits. Yes, you don't need to force-feed yourself at 9:00 if you're not hungry. But if you consistently don't plan food, you will make bad decisions when hunger hits. Your brain only has so much willpower. Decision fatigue is real. Every food choice drains a little bit of mental energy. If you don't plan, eventually you'll say, “Screw it,” and grab whatever is easy. Consistency beats intensity every time. I've seen people do crash diets — thousand calories a day, one meal a day, massive swings — and sure, they lose weight. Then they binge five pizzas and gain it back. Sustainable routines win. For me, that means: Meals prepped Protein prioritized Food ready before I'm starving If I'm not hungry at the exact time? Fine. But it's there when I need it. No panic decisions. Sleep Routine: Your Immune System Depends On It Sleep is massive. Bad sleep tanks your immune system. It wrecks hormones. It crushes recovery. It makes everything else harder. I try to go to bed at the same time every night. My wake time is consistent. Even on off days, I rarely sleep in past 5 or 6 a.m. When you wake up at a consistent time, you're proactive. When you sleep until noon, you're reactive all day. You're behind before you even start. Dial in: Bedtime Wake time Light exposure Supplements if needed Consistency compounds. Money Routine: If You Don't Plan It, It Plans You There's a quote floating around — if you don't plan your money, your money will plan you. It's true. When I review the budget regularly, everything works. We know where the money's going. Savings grows. There's less stress. When I don't? It's foggy. It feels tight. You wonder where everything went. Routine budgeting reduces anxiety. It reduces decision fatigue. It increases control. The more you can automate — savings transfers, bills, investments — the fewer decisions you have to make. Less friction means fewer mistakes. Fitness Routine: The Cascade Effect Fitness might be number four on this list, but it's powerful. A solid training routine creates a cascade of positive effects: Better sleep Better insulin sensitivity Better mental clarity Better mood I'm planning a body recomposition phase. That requires structure. I need a clear plan for when I train, what I eat, and how I recover. Again — routine lowers friction. You don't argue with yourself. You just execute. Final Thoughts Routine is boring. Routine is not sexy. Routine doesn't go viral. But routine raises your baseline. And in survival — whether it's job loss, stress, health issues, or disaster — baseline matters. Dial in: Food timing Sleep schedule Budget reviews Fitness structure You don't need perfection. You need consistency. This is James from SurvivalPunk.com.DIY to survive. Amazon Item OF The Day 50-Pack Meal Prep Containers, 26 OZ Microwavable Reusable Food Containers with Lids for Food Prepping, Disposable Lunch Boxes, Plastic Food Boxes- Stackable, Freezer Dishwasher Healthy Think this post was worth 20 cents? Consider joining The Survivalpunk Army and get access to exclusive content and discounts! Don't forget to join in on the road to 1k! Help James Survivalpunk Beat Couch Potato Mike to 1k subscribers on Youtube Want To help make sure there is a podcast Each and every week? Join us on Patreon Subscribe to the Survival Punk Survival Podcast. The most electrifying podcast on survival entertainment. Itunes Pandora RSS Spotify Like this post? Consider signing up for my email list here > Subscribe Join Our Exciting Facebook Group and get involved Survival Punk Punk's The post Routine: The Most Underrated Survival Tool | Episode 587 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Episode Full Show Notes: https:/bengreenfieldlife.com/optimizedliving In this special "Best Of" episode, I pulled together some of the most impactful conversations to help you kickstart your boundless life. If you’re feeling stuck, battling brain fog, chronic fatigue, or just know that you’re capable of more, this episode is your reset button. I’ve pulled together the most actionable, powerful conversations with multiple experts from the past year to give you a true roadmap to kicking off your boundless life. You’ll hear from Dr. Trish Leigh on how porn rewires your dopamine system and how to reclaim your focus, Leela Centner on detoxing practices ranging from grounding and rebounding to colonics, and Sharad Baid breaking down practical biohacks you can use all around the world. We’ll also dive into cold exposure versus cryotherapy with Maria Ensabella. Whether you listen start to finish or jump to the section that speaks to you most, you’ll find actionable tips to optimize your health, fitness, and longevity. This isn’t just theory—it’s a collection of real-life, practical strategies from some of the best minds in health and wellness. Episode Sponsors: Fatty15: Fatty15 is on a mission to optimize your C15:0 levels and help you live healthier, longer. You can get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/BEN and using code BEN at checkout. Hiya: Give your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults. I’ve secured a special deal with Hiya on their best-selling children's vitamin—get 50% off your first order today! To claim this deal, you must go to hiyahealth.com/BEN (it is not available on their regular website). Young Goose: To experience the transformative power of Young Goose's cutting-edge products, visit younggoose.com and use code BEN10 at checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on your first order. Quantum Upgrade: Recent research has revealed that the Quantum Upgrade was able to increase ATP production by a jaw-dropping 20–25% in human cells. Unlock a 15-day free trial with the code BEN15 at quantumupgrade.io.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EMR upgrades, clearinghouse changes, and AI automation are reshaping revenue cycle operations, but they can also disrupt cash flow if not carefully managed. This episode focuses on maintaining revenue continuity during system transitions, highlighting where delays commonly occur, how AI automation fits into modern workflows, and what operational safeguards help ensure revenue continues to flow through change. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

On this Kaya Cast episode, host Tommy Truong chats with Jason Reposa, founder of Good Feels, the team behind the Good Vibes fast-acting tinctures and hemp beverages. Jason shares his founder journey—from selling a media business to embracing a mission-driven cannabis tech company—and how a focus on liquid formats delivers fast, precise dosing across high- and low-dose customers. Learn how Good Feels evolved from early beverage experiments to a syrup-based, drink-friendly delivery that can be dosed from 5 mg to 1000 mg per one-ounce bottle, with onset in roughly 10–15 minutes. The discussion covers product iteration, taste optimization, and the balance between consumer education and regulatory realities in Massachusetts, including hemp versus cannabis rules and COA transparency. Jason offers candid perspectives on marketing versus sales, in-store partnerships, sampling strategies, and the need for strong branding to stand out in a crowded market. If you're a dispensary owner, buyer, or brand founder, you'll gain actionable insights on product development, category positioning, retailer partnerships, and building a brand that makes people feel good—and empowers them to do more good. Find out more about Good Feels at:https://getgoodfeels.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonreposa/https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-feels/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:29 Journey into the Cannabis Industry01:37 Product Development and Market Reception03:34 Personal Motivation and Business Evolution13:33 Challenges and Innovations in the Beverage Market22:32 Marketing Strategies and Consumer Insights30:33 Target Audience: High Dose Consumers31:59 Product Development Journey33:24 Challenges in the Cannabis Market35:49 Product Improvement and Feedback39:55 Cannabinoid Innovations and Regulations46:55 Marketing and Retail Partnerships53:40 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights57:13 Mission and Vision of Good FeelsKaya Cast podcast, Kaya Cast episode, cannabis business podcast, cannabis industry podcast, hemp beverage podcast, fast acting cannabis tinctures, liquid cannabis dosing, fast onset THC products, fast acting hemp drinks, cannabis beverage innovation, cannabis tincture technology, liquid cannabis delivery systems, precise THC dosing, low dose THC products, high dose THC tinctures, microdose cannabis products, high potency hemp tinctures, syrup based cannabis beverages, drink friendly cannabis syrup, 10 to 15 minute onset cannabis, fast acting hemp tincture Massachusetts, cannabis beverage market trends, cannabis product development insights, cannabis founder journey, cannabis startup story, mission driven cannabis brands, cannabis branding strategy, cannabis category positioning, dispensary product buying insights, dispensary buyer education, cannabis retail partnerships, in store cannabis sampling strategies, cannabis sales versus marketing, cannabis consumer education, cannabis regulatory compliance Massachusetts, hemp versus cannabis regulations MA, cannabis COA transparency, hemp COA compliance, cannabis beverage dosing accuracy, cannabis tincture taste optimization, cannabis product iteration process, cannabis innovation leadership, cannabis beverage manufacturing, hemp beverage formulation, cannabis syrup formulation, cannabis liquid formats, cannabis drink additives, cannabis wellness beverages, functional cannabis drinks, cannabis brand differentiation, standing out in cannabis retail, dispensary shelf strategy, cannabis merchandising insights, cannabis buyer decision making, cannabis retailer partnerships US, cannabis distribution strategy Massachusetts, Massachusetts cannabis market insights #kayacast #cannabis #tips #dispensaries #business #podcast

Welcome to Ozempic Weightloss Unlocked, the podcast where we dive into the latest breakthroughs and real-world impacts of one of medicine's most talked-about medications. I'm your host, and today we're exploring what's happening right now in February 2026.Let's start with the basics. Ozempic, which contains semaglutide, works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. It stimulates insulin when blood sugar rises, suppresses appetite signals in your brain, and slows how quickly your stomach empties. This combination makes you feel fuller longer and dramatically reduces cravings.The weight loss results speak for themselves. Most listeners using Ozempic can expect to lose around fifteen to twenty percent of their body weight. In head-to-head comparisons, patients achieved an average of thirteen point seven percent weight loss over seventy-two weeks. Real-world data shows approximately eight point three percent weight loss at twelve months.Now here's something critical that researchers at the University of Cambridge recently warned about. When calorie intake drops by sixteen to thirty-nine percent, which is exactly what happens on these medications, many patients aren't receiving adequate nutrition guidance. Without proper support, you risk muscle loss, vitamin deficiencies, and nutrient gaps that can affect energy, hormone regulation, and even your hair health.One major change coming soon: generic Ozempic will likely be available starting March 2026, dropping prices from eight thousand eight hundred to eleven thousand one hundred seventy-five rupees monthly down to three thousand six hundred to five thousand rupees. This could transform access for millions of listeners.But here's what you need to know about stopping. According to the STEP trial extension, when people stopped semaglutide after sixty-eight weeks, they regained approximately two-thirds of their lost weight within one year. A January 2026 study published in the British Medical Journal found patients regain weight at zero point four kilograms per month after discontinuing treatment.The cardiovascular benefits are remarkable though. Research shows up to eighteen percent reduction in serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, and these benefits occur regardless of how much weight you lose.The FDA has received over six hundred adverse event reports associated with compounded versions of semaglutide, with serious incidents including severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. This underscores why getting your medication from approved sources and under proper medical supervision matters.Moving forward, experts stress that Ozempic works best as part of a comprehensive strategy. That means working with your healthcare provider, consulting a registered dietitian about protein intake and micronutrients, and maintaining physical activity. This isn't a standalone solution, listeners. It's one powerful tool in a larger toolkit.Thank you for tuning in to Ozempic Weightloss Unlocked. Please subscribe so you don't miss our next episode covering emerging developments in weight loss science. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

AI can extract data from documents, but making that data usable, reliable, and scalable is where most efforts fall apart. Charu Nevatia, VP of Automation, explores why AI document capture isn't plug and play and what it really takes to operationalize it in healthcare. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

Amber had always been someone people counted on. A nurse. A mom. For most of her life, sleep wasn't something she worried about. It just happened. Then life changed. After her second baby — who arrived early and had some health problems — nights became more difficult. She'd lie down only to wait for the next cry. It felt easier to stay awake than to sleep. Years working as a NICU nurse added another layer. More responsibility. More pressure to perform. Sleep felt increasingly fragile and one night she couldn't sleep at all. Panic showed up. Heart racing. Mind spinning. Insomnia became something to fix. She researched. Tightened her routine. Optimized sleep hygiene. Tried teas. Tried prescriptions. Got in and out of bed. Tried relaxing harder. Tried doing everything “right.” Nothing worked. In fact, the harder she tried, the more she struggled. Nights became lonely and exhausting. Life started to revolve around sleep. Then, in the middle of the night, searching for help, she stumbled across stories of people who weren't fixing sleep — they were changing how they responded to being awake. Less fighting. More flexibility. More focus on living. It wasn't quick. It wasn't perfect. But little by little, Amber’s struggle loosened. And sleep stopped being the boss. Click here for a full transcript of this episode. Transcript Martin: Welcome to the Insomnia Coach Podcast. My name is Martin Reed. I believe that by changing how we respond to insomnia and all the difficult thoughts and feelings that come with it, we can move away from struggling with insomnia and toward living the life we want to live. Martin: The content of this podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. The statements and opinions expressed by guests are their own and are not necessarily endorsed by Insomnia Coach LLC. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied. Martin: Okay. So Amber, thank you so much for taking the time out for your day to come onto the podcast. Amber: Thank you. Martin: Let’s start right at the very beginning, as always. Can you tell us when your issues with sleep first began and what you think might have caused those initial issues with sleep? Amber: Yeah. For the most part I’ve been a pretty good sleeper. Amber: However, I’ve had some points in my life where it’s become a little bit hard and I would say the first time that I noticed a significant change was that was after I had my second baby, he was early, he had some health problems. And I noticed, that I started losing my sleep then. Obviously every new mother does anyways, but I was worried about feeding him. Amber: I was worried about him getting enough to eat. I would get him settled and then I would lay down and just be waiting for that next cry. And so it was like almost easier to stay awake in a way, but not in the long run. So that was the first time I noticed it. And then the bulk of my career I have been a NICU nurse, which also made me a little anxious about my newborns. Amber: Sometimes I would be a little bit anxious before certain shifts. Not always, ’cause I worked for 25 years and it was great. But occasionally I would be anxious about getting to bed and in time and getting enough sleep. And so I noticed it there. And then I went back to school a few years ago to become a nurse practitioner and I probably had a little bit of a harder time sleeping during school. Amber: I got a lot more sensitive to my husband’s snoring during that time and, very light sleeper. And then after that, when I got my first job as a nurse practitioner, I was very on edge and very anxious. And while I was orienting for that job, I did not get a lot of sleep. I still at that time wasn’t paying a lot of attention to the sleep itself. Amber: Just aware that I wasn’t sleeping enough. Then I would say a couple years ago is where it really came to a head. I had various just normal life stresses going on with various kids and things. And one night I just could not sleep. And I started to recognize that I was having a bit of panic attack and I had some experience with panic and anxiety in the past, like mainly around that baby that I told you about. Amber: I had learned to work through that and I really hadn’t experienced a lot of it for probably a good decade and a half, but I noticed it that night and that generated a real fear response to me. And I thought, I remember distinctly having thought, oh my gosh, is this gonna keep me from sleeping now? And that’s, that was the hallmark. Amber: That’s what started it. And it became its own beast from that point on. Martin: You can recall a lot of times in your life when there were some stressors going on, for want of a better word, and that impacted your sleep. But it tended to be the case that once those initial triggers were no longer present or as relevant, things tended to get back on track. Amber: I had experienced times in the past where my anxiety was higher and I have always known that my personality goes a little in that direction, but it was manageable. I had been able to manage it and I had learned to manage it pretty well previous to that. Amber: But this time it I think the fear that it was going to affect my sleep, I did not know how to deal with that, and that scared me on a whole new level. And so now I feel like I was dealing with two things, just, being an anxious sort and now not being able to sleep on top of that. Amber: I value my health and I work in healthcare and so I do pay attention to details for sure. Amber: And getting enough sleep was very important to me. I know all the health benefits of that I’ve, and so the thought of not being able to have that and trying to function without it was quite terrifying to me, especially thinking of taking care of other people’s health. Martin: So you’ve got that added pressure to perform sleep because it’s not just about you, it’s also about all the other people you’re interacting with and caring for each day. What were you doing to try and get things back on track? Amber: I just go right to trying to problem solve. And of course that’s an important part of my job. That’s how I’ve dealt with being a mother and any other role I’ve had is to figure out, okay, what do I need to do differently? Amber: I need to understand this better. I’m gonna research it. I’m going to read about it. I’m gonna see what other people do and I’m gonna try all those things just, and I’m gonna, I’m gonna fix this. That’s what I thought. I’m gonna fix it. And so I did several different things. A lot of things that I’ve heard described on your other episodes. Amber: Sleep hygiene was a big thing, and that is actually something I talked to patients about. And so I thought I need to make my sleep hygiene better and I need to make sure I get in bed at a certain time and have everyone be quiet. I can’t have my noise in my room. I need to be really relaxed, so I’ve got to force myself to be relaxed. Amber: Try some of the sleep herbal teas. I don’t love medication, so I was trying not to go there in the beginning. Eventually I did go and try some medication. I have plenty of nurse practitioner friends that could write me a prescription for something. And so I tried various things, but only briefly I will say I, because I quickly realized that there was no medication that was helping. Amber: It might help initially. And then very quickly I discovered that my alarm system was stronger than the medication. And I think I tried maybe two or three different things and I just thought, I’m not gonna do this anymore. ’cause I don’t really wanna be on it anyways and it’s not helping. So yeah, I tried all those things. Amber: It was a difficult time. Amber: There was one night where I tried Ambien. I had tried hydroxyzine, I had tried Trazodone. Those two didn’t help at all. Amber: And one night I tried Ambien and I knew as a professional that’s not a medication that you want to take for very long ’cause it can really be disrupted to sleep. But by that point I was so desperate that I thought maybe if I took it a couple nights, it would help reset me. And that was even the term that the provider I talked to and I had was that maybe I needed a couple nights of reset. Amber: And I, so the first night I tried it and I was really relieved knowing that I had it that night. So I think my anxiety went down quite a bit right there. ’cause I knew I had something that was going to help and I just slept like a log that night. And so I thought, great this is it. I’m gonna do this a couple nights, I’m gonna get rid of it and I’m gonna move on and be normal again. Amber: And the very next night I took it and I slept really hard for maybe two hours and then I was up the rest of the night and I was pretty blown away that I had overpowered that medication that I knew to be pretty strong. And so from, I just threw it out at that point because I thought this isn’t working and it’s not gonna, it’s gonna, give me side effects anyway, so I don’t want it. Amber: So yeah I was really to the end of my rope at that point. I didn’t know what else to do. Martin: I think a lot of people will identify with at least some kind of aspect of your experience with the medication there. You’ve got that thing and it can feel like a sense of relief. Martin: It’s almost like you’re delegating all of the effort that you might felt you had to put into sleep to try and make it happen, now it’s not your issue anymore, it’s down to whatever this thing is. So you take it and it’s that’s it. Now there’s no more effort. There’s no more trying, there’s no more pressure, there’s no more performance anxiety, and that in itself can just immediately create better conditions for sleep. Martin: Maybe the real issue is all the understandable trying and the pressure and the effort. Amber: Yeah that’s very true. And as you were talking, I actually was thinking of something else I tried. I had an another provider tell me to at night it was a CBT thing. It was to get out of bed when I started feeling those anxious feelings so that I wouldn’t associate my bed with that anxiety. Amber: And I thought that makes sense ’cause I’m really struggling when I’m laying in my bed. And she told me also to pull out the Old Testament and read Leviticus ’cause it’s really boring. And maybe that would help. And I did it and it was boring. But I found after a while it, it helped a bit initially, but I found after a while that the exercise of getting in and out of bed when I was feeling anxiety was adding to my anxiety. Amber: ’cause I was just like, oh, here I go again. I’ve, been in bed for 15 minutes. I gotta get out again. It was just something else I had to keep track of. Martin: Did it almost feel like an additional punishment on top of being awake, this kind of obligation that I should be getting out of bed as well? Amber: Yes, it did. Very much yeah, it was not relaxing to me. Martin: I’ve had guests on the podcast that have found it really helpful to get out of bed during the night, and I have other guests just like yourself that did not find it helpful to get out of bed during the night. Martin: And I think really it just comes down to what our intent is. If we are getting out of bed because we are trying to get rid of anxiety or thoughts or feelings or to get rid of insomnia, to make ourselves feel sleepy again, to make sleep happen, then we might be setting ourselves up for some struggle if our experience tells us that’s out of our control if we’re getting out of bed, just because to us, that feels like a more productive way of spending our time awake during the night. Martin: Maybe that is gonna be helpful for you. And if your goal is to just use that time awake in a way that’s more useful, that involves less struggling, we can then see that it doesn’t matter, does it? You can do that in bed. You can do that out of bed. Because our goal is just to experience this with less struggle. Martin: It’s the struggle that kind of adds all that extra difficulty on top. Amber: That is very true. And that is what I had to come to. It took me a while. And I know I actually emailed you a few times about, I wanted you to tell me exactly what to do and of course you won’t do that. Amber: Your answers are to help people search themselves to find out what they need to do because it is very individual. And I finally came to. I just need to see how I feel in the moment. If it feels better, if I want to stay in bed, then I’m gonna do that. But if the feelings of, I don’t know, anxiety or restlessness, get too much for me and I would rather do something out of my bed, then I’ll do that. Amber: So I really ended up not having a certain way of doing things, which I think was a key. Martin: You were giving yourself more flexibility. Whereas when we were in problem solving mode, it’s I have to do this, I have to do this, I have to do this. And they’ve got this long list, haven’t we? Amber: Yeah, the algorithm. Martin: Exactly. Yeah. But then when we start to ease up a little bit, don’t cling onto it quite so tightly, we can become a little bit more flexible. And that in itself can be quite freeing, right? Because Amber: it is Martin: now we realize we’ve got options again, and that just opens things up a little bit. Martin: That doesn’t mean that things are just immediately gonna change, but it can just relieve some of that weight from our shoulders and help us realize that we can choose what we want to do. Amber: It’s quite liberating actually, when you get to that point. Martin: Just to rewind a little bit, what was an average night like for you back then, if there was such a thing? Amber: In the beginning, just sheer difficulty. It was miserable. It was absolutely miserable. I felt very isolated and very alone because of course everyone else in my house is completely out sleeping beautifully. And I am not. Amber: And it seemed to me like everybody in the neighborhood was sleeping great too. And I am up pacing and walking the hallways or trying to, focus on something that I can’t focus on. Having a lot of an anxious feelings. It just was awful. And then dreading the next day when I was going to be exhausted and very certain I wasn’t going to be able to perform in any of my roles the way I wanted to. Amber: That was the beginning. As time went on, that very slowly improved, but I did still have a lot of difficult nights as I moved forward. Martin: How was this influencing your days when you were still tangled up in the struggle? Amber: Yeah, that was really hard. I called in sick the next day at work and I hardly ever call in sick. I think I’ve missed, gosh, two days and two and a half years. I really, but I didn’t think I could be capable of my job the next day, and I was terrified of myself and terrified of how I would let down other people. Amber: And so I stayed home and just continued to suffer at home. And then, I mentioned my job a lot. That’s a really important role to me. But of my most important role is that of mother. And as family member to my family. And I also felt like I was not able to do a good job there. I felt like I was not quite present. Amber: They could tell that I just wasn’t as happy or didn’t have the energy. I wasn’t doing things that I enjoyed as much. It was just really became enclosed in myself and an obsessed about how I could fix this problem, not a good way to live. Martin: It makes sense why you called in sick to work not only for yourself, for your own wellbeing. It felt what if I might make a mistake at work because I can’t really focus. I’m so distracted. So it’s completely understandable why you would do that. And then at the same time, when you call in sick, you’re not doing that career or that job that might feel important to you. Martin: That’s reflection of who you are. It’s all this stuff influences your actions in a way that you get pulled away from that life you want to live. And that could be your work, your home life, your family life, your identity. It just feels like your actions start to serve insomnia, sleep, all these thoughts and feelings rather than your actions serving you, who you are and the life you want to live. Martin: And that just makes it all so much more difficult. Amber: Yeah, that’s so true. It’s like insomnia became the boss. Amber: I wasn’t new to the sensation of anxiety or panic. I had episodes of that in the past and I was feeling pretty confident that I knew how to handle that. ’cause it had been so long and I had moved through some really difficult things in my life. Amber: And I did okay. So then this thing came along and it was mysterious because I’d had this confidence so I could handle anxiety and difficult things. But this was a whole new thing and it caused me to go right down to the bottom again and go, what is wrong with me? What is wrong with my brain? Amber: Why I felt like I wasn’t doing it to myself, but I couldn’t understand how or why I was doing it to myself. So yes, very mysterious and very difficult for me to understand in the beginning. Martin: When you came across my work, what made you think that there was something different or something new or opened up this possibility that there’s a new way forward here? Amber: As probably most people that encounter your work it was in the middle of the night while I was on, looking for help in the middle of the night because I was just desperate. And I stumbled upon some of your, maybe one of your YouTubes, I think, and you were interviewing somebody like this. Amber: I listened to the person’s story and I thought, oh my gosh, that sounds exactly like how I feel right now. They were really expressing how desperate they were in the beginning and how confusing all the feelings I was feeling at the time. And so that really grabbed my attention because I heard the same level of desperation in this person’s description of themself, and yet they were now being interviewed by you and having worked through that. Amber: And so it gave me hope. And as I listened to it more, I realized that it actually was very similar to how I had learned to manage anxious thoughts or anxiety in the past. And that was to let them happen. So it was a different level of learning how to let something happen. So that cognitive understanding started coming. Amber: The more I would listen to your things on YouTube and your podcasts, I had, I felt like it made sense. It resonated with me. Martin: This is why I’m just so grateful that people like yourself are willing to come on because it, it can be so powerful to hear these journeys and these stories. Martin: There’s that validation. There’s the acknowledgement that you’re not alone, and then there’s that hope, and you had the bonus of being familiar with an approach of opening up to insomnia, opening up to panic, fear, anxiety. Amber: It’s a paradoxical thing that, that is how you get through it is by actually allowing it to happen. Amber: So that, that was a pivotal moment for me and started my process of recovery, which certainly didn’t happen overnight. But the cognitive understanding was there. Martin: So in terms of allowing it to happen, in a practical sense, how do you allow insomnia, for example, to happen when you really don’t want it to happen. Martin: How do you allow anxiety to happen when you really don’t want it to happen? What does that look like in, in terms of practical action? Amber: Yeah. That that, that was the next big hurdle was trying to figure that out. I asked that question of myself and of you, I think several times again, and it’s not something that you can figure out overnight. Amber: It takes a lot of practice. I think ongoing practice, I don’t think that practice ever ends because there’s always a new layer of things. Amber: One of them was to not beat myself up for things, because I realized that when I would get really frustrated and go, why can’t I do this? Why can’t I? What’s, why do I think this? Amber: Why is my brain so busy? Why do I think I have to problem solve everything? Why? I realized that I was just throwing fuel on the fire. I was just putting more pressure on myself. Friend said to me one morning, something that stuck with me, and you actually repeated in an email something very similar. Amber: She said I would never change your problem solving mind. It makes you who you are and look at all the things you’ve been able to do and accomplish. Because of the way your mind works and who would you be without your mind the way you were? And you had said something pretty similar to me about that too. Amber: So from that point on, I started looking at that differently and not flogging myself for just being who I am and seeing the benefit of the way my brain works. That was a big realization for me. And then another one was to realize when I was starting to try to prob over problem solve, maybe, oh, it worked this night but this didn’t work that night. Amber: Maybe I did it a little bit wrong. Maybe you know, I’m not following the algorithm. It was frustrating ’cause professionally, I really do have to follow algorithms a lot. And so I was having to pull away from that natural way of thinking. And not get stuck in this loop of problem solving and just letting it be, not worrying about it so much. Martin: Step one perhaps was, not beating yourself up over something that your own experience is telling you is out of your control. If you could have made a certain amount or type of sleep happen, you would’ve, you’d be doing it, right? If you could magically and permanently delete anxiety from your mind, you would’ve done it. Martin: But your experience tells you that’s not possible. You tried and tried. The conclusion from your experience was that’s not possible. So it sounds like part of your journey towards opening up a little bit more to this difficult stuff that you’d rather not experience is to acknowledge that it is out of your control and that your mind isn’t working against you, it’s not your adversary, even though it can sometimes feel that way. Martin: Because anxiety generally speaking doesn’t feel good. We can see it as a negative thing or a bad thing. If only this anxiety will go away, I would be able to sleep. If only this anxiety would go away, I would be able to be the person I want to be. Martin: But the brain generates anxiety because it’s trying to give us information about something. It’s trying to remind us of something that’s important. It’s trying to protect us. It’s trying to look out for us. It’s trying to keep us safe, and it’s gonna do this whether there’s a real threat or not, because it’s hyper cautious. Martin: It’s focused on doom and gloom. ’cause all the good, happy, fluffy, safe stuff isn’t a threat or a concern. So the brain spends no time on that. It’s only ever gonna focus on what might happen or the worst possible outcome or the worst possible experience. Martin: If we feel anxious that maybe we left the gas stove on. And so we turn around in our driveway and we go back in, we find out we did leave the gas stove on. Is anxiety still a bad thing when it stopped our house from exploding? It’s like what we add on top of it that is the source of so much of our struggle. Amber: Yes, very true. I think, I started using an analogy in my head as I was figuring this out more as a NICU nurse, which. Amber: All those years, if you’ve ever been in, in a neonatal intensive care, there’s a lot of alarms that go off all the time. And so sometimes the nurses get a sense of whether it’s an alarm that needs to be paid attention to or not. And people who haven’t been in there are really on edge because they can just, why are we not getting on top of all these alarms, but the nurses like this one, this is okay. Amber: We’re okay. We don’t need to do anything about it. And I started to realize that’s what was probably going on in me is I, I had an alarm that had some value to it and at times I needed to, of course I need to attend to it. I don’t wanna not be fearful of anything. But it also can go off for things that are not really urgent or really emergent. Amber: It might be a mistake, it might be like in the nicu, maybe the baby’s wiggling and setting off their alarm, and it’s not a problem. So realizing that a little more was helpful to me. Martin: I think that’s a fantastic analogy and I love how you connected it to a real ongoing experience that’s relevant to your life. Martin: ‘Cause that always makes this stuff so much more powerful. And yeah, there’s, these alarms are going off. Sometimes they’re helpful, sometimes they’re useful, sometimes they’re less helpful, sometimes they’re not helpful, they’re not useful. Sometimes maybe they’re more of a distraction than anything else, but what are they? Martin: At the end of the day, they’re snippets of information and we get to decide how to respond. The alternative approach if you’re in that ward is to just be so focused on, I must not hear any alarms today. I can’t hear any alarms. That’s first of all, that’s just gonna take so much of your energy, focus and attention. Martin: How are you gonna be able to care for your patients and do the stuff that matters when your brain is, all of its capacity is on trying to avoid hearing an alarm. Amber: And as time went on, I think my alarm system got a little smarter. I wasn’t going off as much because it wasn’t bothering me as much. Amber: One other thing that’s come to me while we’ve been talking that I also realized I had a few different epiphanies while going through this, and I realized, I kept realizing different levels at which I was trying to force something to happen. Initially it was trying to force sleep. Amber: Then it was trying to force myself to relax and not have anxiety. And then when I started doing your program and going about it that way, then I was trying to force myself to be okay or maybe even being awake or be okay with the anxiety. And I wasn’t. And it took me a while to realize, oh, I don’t have to like this actually, I can acknowledge this is hard. Amber: It is not. This is not ideal. This is not what I wanna do. This is not how I wanna feel. And that’s okay. But I can make a choice here. I do have a choice in what I’m gonna do next. I can have a choice in my discernment. And that was probably one of the bigger epiphanies that I had. ’cause that one really carried out over into other parts of my life too. Martin: I’m glad you made that point because when we hear about this idea of reducing our resistance to something that we don’t really want to experience or to accept it, this whole philosophy of acceptance, a common reservation I guess that people have is but I’m not okay with this. How do I make myself be okay with something that I’m not okay with? Martin: I want to be asleep. I don’t want to be awake. And that’s where we can get tripped up. Because it’s not about pretending that you are okay with it. It’s not about pretending that you enjoy being awake pretending that fatigue doesn’t exist, pretending that anxiety doesn’t make things more difficult, that you enjoy it, that it’s great to experience. Martin: It’s about accepting that this stuff is gonna show up and it’s trying to fight it or avoid it just makes things more difficult. And it’s about, just as you touched upon, bringing your focus back to how you choose to respond to it when it shows up. Choosing to respond in a workable way, a way that isn’t going to layer on all these extra pieces of difficulty and struggle on top of it when it shows up. So I’m really glad you mentioned that because I think that is important. Amber: Yeah. Yeah. I think that is important. I think that’s a really common misconception when someone starts back on this journey, whether it’s insomnia or trying to deal with anxiety, is then trying to figure out how am I supposed to be okay and enjoying this? And you really can’t, that’s not, that’s really not what we’re trying to do here. Amber: It’s okay to acknowledge that it’s hard. Martin: It might even be essential to acknowledge that it’s hard and that in itself might be part of opening up to it. Amber: Yeah. Agreed. Amber: I have memory of when I was young, when as a child and I’d get the stomach flu and I had to throw up. It was just a horrible thing. I did not wanna throw up. I would fight it, and my mom would come with me to the toilet, she would hold my head up and she would just rub my back. Amber: And she would keep saying, just let it come. Just let it come. And I trusted her, and I would let it come, and I would let you know, have the release, and then I would feel better. And it’s more like that to me now. It’s I can let this happen. It doesn’t feel good right now. Might even feel worse before it’s done, but it’s not gonna stay this way. Amber: I know that now. So that’s a different thing. And then instead of getting really frustrated with my busy brains that likes to think about everything and figure out everything. Now it’s more oh, let’s just see what’s on, what’s on TV tonight? What’s on the brain tonight? Amber: I’m more like, wow, look at my busy brain. Isn’t that amazing? It can bounce back and forth. To this, that and the other. And it goes fast. Sometimes it’s a little fast for me, but I’m actually more grateful for it now ’cause it helps me keep track of a lot of things and stay on top of a lot of things. Amber: So I look at that differently as well. Amber: Another big learning point is what what I can control and what I cannot, and to, there are a lot of things we cannot control and to try to control them, escape from them, or numb yourself to them, distract yourself, it just adds to something that might already be difficult. Amber: So letting those things be, and then finding where I can control, which is my actions, my response I went into, when I started this out, I did try some meditation, but my understanding of meditation has changed so much in the beginning. I was trying to force myself to relax. I was trying to make my really naturally busy brain not think of anything, and it just doesn’t happen. Amber: And so that would become more and more frustrating to me. It was just a frustrating experience. I thought I’m never gonna get this down. Now. I choose to relax. I can relax my muscles and my body and I can let myself breathe. But it, you mentioned the word intent or motive in the beginning. My intent of my motive is different. Amber: It’s not to force total relaxation and calm and quiet my brain and not have thoughts. Now it’s, I am relaxing myself to allow them, if that makes sense. And it has been that has been a real game changer for me as well, because I realize the more I do that, oh, actually, I. I don’t really feel that anxious anymore. Amber: It’s just gotten better and better. It doesn’t mean I don’t have anxiety, but I’ve, I have a very different approach now and it feels so doable to me compared to the way it used to feel. Martin: Would you say it’s almost like you are practicing and building skill in experiencing, I’m just gonna say anxiety ’cause that’s the last one that you mentioned. Martin: Experiencing anxiety with less struggle. So it’s showing up, but it’s losing the more you practice experiencing it with less resistance, it’s almost like it starts to lose its power and influence. So it still shows up, but it’s not as strong, it’s not as distracting. It’s not got that power it once maybe held over you. Amber: That’s exactly what’s happening now. The thing if I, if for example, if I go to bed and I’m worried about one of my kids or a patient I saw, and it’s leaving me with this unrest inside. I, now we’ll just realize, okay, I’m going into one of these loops where I’m thinking about this a lot, worrying about it all. Amber: The worry in the world is not gonna change it. I’m gonna just name I’m feeling this way because this is going on, or this is happening and I’m just gonna allow it to happen. I’m gonna relax and allow it to happen. I can maybe think of some more solutions tomorrow, or I can check in on the thing. I just start coming up with things I can do. Amber: To help it. And it really has it has more of a profound effect on me in helping me get through this. Martin: Whilst you were talking, I was thinking back to that alarm analogy you were sharing, and I was thinking that maybe a brand new member of staff, maybe they’ve just finished their training and they’re in that ward for the first time, hearing all those alarms go off, it must be terrifying. Martin: It feels like you’ve really thrown in the deep end, but then as you build up that experience of listening to those alarms going off nonstop choosing through experience on how you’re responding to each of one, each of them, the alarms are still going off, but they’re not having that huge effect on you, that huge physiological effect on you anymore. Amber: Yeah, that’s exactly right. It’s very it’s very comparable to that experience. Martin: How does this transfer to sleep then? So we’ve talked about opening up to the thoughts and the feelings. How does that get you to a place where you are not struggling with sleep anymore? Amber: With sleep it’s really was the same thing. Amber: The, I bring up anxiety a lot because I feel like the anxiety and the lack of sleep was just so intertwined with this experience. I did have to become more okay with being awake and that took time. And your direction on choosing values, value-based activities was very helpful to me because I’m very aware of what my values are and you know what things lead me more towards those and that type of life I wanna live and. Amber: So I did go I went through a very sleepless period of time. I think there was one time where I felt like I didn’t get sleep for three nights in a row. Sometimes I don’t know that we’re totally aware of how much sleep we actually get, but that’s what it felt like to me. And I actually carried on. Amber: I didn’t feel my best. Of course it wasn’t great, but I carried on very normally for those days and I was able to see, wow, I was able to accomplish, these things at work, at home. I had connection with people. I laughed with people. I had some good conversations. And so that was a big confidence builder to see that I actually really can do a lot without sleep. Amber: It doesn’t feel, the way I like to feel, but I can do it. And so it took some of the fear out of that for me, and that was very helpful. Martin: Maybe it comes down to exploring what we can do that might make this whole experience a little bit less difficult or a little bit less traumatic. It sounds like one way that you moved toward that goal was by committing to actions that reflected your values, living the kind of life you wanted to live, even when sleep wasn’t showing up. Martin: And by doing that, I think a natural byproduct maybe, is that we do start to get a little bit more comfortable with being awake because it’s not having such a huge impact over our lives anymore. Even if it’s just a 10th of a percentage point better, we’ve got that 10th of a percentage point more control over our lives now. Martin: It can snowball. So we become a little bit more comfortable with being awake. That’s not to say we want to be awake, but we just start to get a little bit more comfortable with it. We are less resistant to it. It’s not gonna pull us into quite so much of a struggle and in effect. That kind lowers it down on our list of priorities, perhaps for our problem solving brain. Martin: Our brain’s oh, maybe we don’t have to fight this quite so hard. We don’t have to engage in this battle. And when we are not engaged in that battle conditions for sleep just become better because we’re not in the middle of a battleground at two o’clock in the morning. We’re awake. We’re experiencing all these thoughts and these feelings, but we’re not in a battleground anymore. Amber: That’s absolutely correct. And since then, my attitude now I’ve had a couple of circumstances with maybe a teenage child that’s, been late for curfew coming home or maybe a medical issue with somebody that I need to help with. It’s late in tonight. And instead of thinking, oh my gosh, I’m not gonna get sleep now, I’m like, bring it. I can stay up and I can handle tomorrow. I’ve done it for three nights in a row. Amber: I, it doesn’t scare me like it used to. So it’s a big shift in my perspective on that now. Martin: That is a really big shift. I’m curious to know, as you were practicing this whole new approach that we’ve been talking about, did you find that progress was just it was kinda like this up upward curve where things just progressively got better and easier and less struggle. Martin: Or was it more kind of ups and downs, or was it more just like someone had thrown a plate of spaghetti against the wall and it was just all over the place? What was it like for you? Amber: I like the spaghetti analogy that it probably felt like that for a while. All over the place. I keep using the term cognitive understanding because in my head I could understand what you were saying or what I was hearing from other people. Amber: It made sense to me. It resonated and I knew this was the way to do it, but anything else I’ve had to learn, whether it is becoming a nurse or a nurse practitioner or I used to run a lot of marathons, learning the best way to do that. Learning it in the book can make absolute sense. Amber: And you think you’ve got it, but then actually putting it into reality and doing it experientially is an entirely different thing. And that does not come as quickly and it takes a lot of practice. And that’s exactly what happened with this. It took a lot of practice and I had a lot of ups and downs. I have a plate of spaghetti. Martin: Yeah. And like when you’re learning any new skill there’s gonna be times when it maybe things feel easy, that you’re making great progress, you’re ahead of schedule, and then there’s gonna be times where it feels like nothing is working. You’re doomed to failure, you’re beyond help that you need to go back down that rabbit hole of looking for some something else to do instead. Martin: I love the fact that you drew in your experience, in marathon running in your own career, the skills, achievements, they take a lot of practice, they take a lot of action, they take a commitment to action, and they also come with ups and downs, and they also come with all those thoughts and feelings that I just gave a few examples of, this isn’t working. We should give in. Martin: If we think of where we’re most skilled in life, that wasn’t just immediately given to us, we had to earn it, and we earned it through committed action. Even if it’s just doing a little bit every day, it all adds up. It’s just continuing to do things that move us in the direction that we want to be heading. Amber: Absolutely. And I do think when you start making that initial improvement, so when I first started to improve and I had a few good nights of sleep and I thought, oh, this is it. I’ve arrived. I figured it out. And then you have your first whatever you wanna call it, set bump, or, barrier in the road and you have another bad night. Amber: It can be really deflating. ’cause you thought, oh, I figured this out and now this isn’t working, and what did I do wrong? You start, you catch yourself going through all of the same rabbit hole again. And so it is, there is a lot of patients required with those setbacks, they are going to continue to happen. Amber: And I heard. I don’t remember where I heard it, but I heard someone say that they those types of setbacks come up for a reason. It’s an opportunity to practice. It just means that you need to practice again. It’s not really a bad thing, it’s just an opportunity to refine a skill. And again, changing the way I looked at those, ’cause those were pretty, they’re pretty hard, those setbacks once you start on the road to recovery. Martin: 100%. And especially like you said early on especially if you’re really early in your journey and maybe you string some good nights together, or you have a few days where you notice you’re not completely overwhelmed with all these thoughts and feelings and you can feel really confident and motivated, yes, this is working, I’m doing really well. Martin: And it can be so deflating and difficult when the difficult stuff shows up again. And even when you are further along in your journey, there can be lots of ups and downs and it can feel like you’re, it’s almost like your brain is, whoa, you’re back to square one. Martin: Everything you’ve been doing up to this point was a complete waste of time, waste of effort. The truth is that it’s just your brain looking out for you. Again, the truth is you’ve just had this experience of some difficult nights or some nights where less sleep happened or some nights of no sleep, or you’ve noticed those thoughts and feelings showing up and gaining a little bit more power. Martin: That’s what’s happened. Anything else that you are getting from that is stuff that we are understandably adding on top because we still don’t want to experience it. But what matters is identifying this is a normal part of any journey and that it is about how we choose to respond. And that’s something that we always have power over. Martin: We have the power over our choice of actions, and it’s easy to respond in the way we wanna respond. When things feel good, when things feel easy, it’s when things feel difficult, that it’s most important we respond in the way that reflects how we wanna respond, and that’s really what counts. Martin: How long would you say it took for you to get to a point where insomnia and all the thoughts and the feelings that can show up with it and after it weren’t creating a struggle for you that you could do things that matter, live your life, do what’s important to you, independently off sleep, and even in the presence of uncomfortable, difficult thoughts and feelings. Amber: I think it’s hard to put a specific number on that because in the journey, I feel like I, I would go to that for quite a while and then maybe have a little, regression or whatever, and then I would go back to that. Amber: But I will say, I think over time those regressions would get further and further apart. And so maybe six to eight months is where I started feeling like I was settling in back into my more normal self, my more baseline self. Martin: Yeah, that’s helpful because I think it’s a reminder that really what we’ve been talking about this whole time are skills. They’re action-based skills and skills. Take time to learn, to develop, to practice. There’s gonna be ups and downs, there’s gonna be setbacks. And that takes time. We all obviously want immediate results. We wanna be able to just deal with this right now. Martin: If I could offer that to people, I would offer it. I’d be a trillionaire. But it doesn’t work that way. It’s not easy, it’s difficult, and it requires ongoing practice. Amber: I can honestly say that even though there were times where I just feel like this really brought me to my knees I wouldn’t change it now because of the benefit I’ve gotten from it. I don’t think there, there’s things that I don’t think I could have learned in another way. I think it’s benefited how I’m able to help others and of course my values, my roles, my role as mother. Amber: Professionally as nurse practitioner or family member or friend, the people in my life, those are really important to me. And so this outlook and this focus of what I can and cannot control and how to allow these things to move through, to just be able to move through them and not go down the rabbit hole has been really helpful. Amber: I’m very empathetic towards people that are going through something similar and it doesn’t have to be insomnia because so many struggles go down this road, right? They don’t necessarily have to be insomnia. And of course professionally I hear a lot about these types of things. I’m in that type of a position, and so I do, I have a lot of empathy. Amber: I understand how things feel how difficult thoughts and feelings can fill, and I can give better guidance and direction. I can do that for my children and other people in my life. Martin: It can be really hard to think of any positive aspects to this struggle when you are in the midst of it. It can almost sound disrespectful to think that there could be a growth opportunity, or it could have somehow have any positive impact on our lives. But a common theme that runs through so many of these podcast episodes is this sense of growth that can only come from that journey that has been experienced. Amber: I mentioned how when I have had setbacks with insomnia or anxiety, I can see it more as an opportunity to practice. And so now when other things occur in my life that are difficult I think I can go to that maybe a little more quicker now because of that experience that here’s another opportunity. Amber: This is happening. How can I go about handling it? What can I control, what can I not? And let myself move through it. And then I would say even just day to day, I think I take more I have more gratitude for things too, because. I’m not struggling with the battle and the calv calvary, as you mentioned. Amber: Now I have more awareness of things around me that are important to me, or even small things like, good weather or flower. It does, it opens your eyes to other things. Martin: These are transferable skills. Martin: They don’t exist only for insomnia, only for anxiety. They can enrich or enhance your life in so many other ways, and that’s where you can end up coming out ahead. So like you shared, maybe now you’re finding yourself better at practicing gratitude. You find yourself better able to focus on values-based action. Martin: Maybe you’re getting more from life because your values have just become more front and center. And so you’re ensuring that your actions reflect who you are, who you want to be and your, you focus, the focus of your attention is expanded. So maybe you are able to savor a few more of those moments that we might once have been on autopilot and missed out on. Martin: If someone with chronic insomnia is listening. And they feel as though they’ve tried everything. They’re beyond help. They’ll never be able to stop struggling with insomnia. Martin: What would you say to them? Amber: Yes, I’ve anticipated that question and that’s really the reason I did this. I was a little reluctant in saying yes, but because this helped me so much, I couldn’t say no to you. Because this is doable. Even though you may be at the point where you feel like you’re completely broken, you’re completely alone. Amber: No one understands. I’ve tried, A through Z, it’s not working. It is doable. It’s not gonna happen overnight. But it will happen. And it’s the key things that we’ve been talking about. It’s practicing, it’s being patient with yourself in the process. It’s being kind with yourself in the process. Amber: It’s identifying what you have control over and what you do not. And, practicing those things over and over is really what will help this settle down. It’s very doable. Martin: Great. Thank you again, Amber, for coming on. It’s just been a pleasure listening to you describe your journey and your transformation. So thank you. Amber: Thank you. Martin: Thanks for listening to the Insomnia Coach Podcast. If you're ready to get your life back from insomnia, I would love to help. You can learn more about the sleep coaching programs I offer at Insomnia Coach — and, if you have any questions, you can email me. Martin: I hope you enjoyed this episode of the Insomnia Coach Podcast. I'm Martin Reed, and as always, I'd like to leave you with this important reminder — you are not alone and you can sleep. I want you to be the next insomnia success story I share! If you're ready to stop struggling with sleep and get your life back from insomnia, you can start my insomnia coaching course at insomniacoach.com. Please share this episode!

"Yoga is the drill, life is the game, chill is the skill." What happens when we stop trying to fit our bodies into "perfect" geometric boxes and start listening to the miracle of our own physiology? A total joy to be joined by Eoin Finn to discuss his revolutionary approach to movement, blending soulful science with Harvard-level anatomy, a lifetime of study and practice, and a deep reverence for nature and heart-centred philosophy.In this episode, we explore:➖ How letting go of the ego's desire for "endpoints" leads us to a state of experiencing yoga ➖ The DUO Concept: Dynamic Unifying Opposition. How myofascial tuning creates the holy trinity of joint health: Stretch, Stability, and Space.➖ Stillness Literacy: How to cultivate the skill of "chilling" as a doorway to emotional regulation and self-awareness.➖ Tensegrity on the Mat: Understanding the body as a continuous web of tension and integrity, rather than just a stack of bones.➖ How Kindness, Reverence, and Wisdom transform a physical practice into a spiritual life.➖ Movement Span vs. Life Span: Why we practice today so we can move with grace and freedom thirty years from now.Connect with Eoin, buy the Yoga Optimized and more at blissology.comInstagram @blissology This episode was a great teaching and reminder to move with intention, to stay curious and compassionate with our bodies and follow the cues from nature. I've already been integrating Eoin's DUO philosophy into my own practice – and I gotta say, it works. Enjoy and thanks for listening! In oneness, Bobbi

(Disclaimer: Click 'more' to see ad disclosure) Geobreeze Travel is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  ➤ Free points 101 course (includes hotel upgrade email template)https://geobreezetravel.com/freecourse  ➤ Free credit card consultations https://airtable.com/apparEqFGYkas0LHl/shrYFpUr2zutt5515 ➤ Seats.Aero: https://geobreezetravel.com/seatsaero ➤ Request a free personalized award search tutorial: https://go.geobreezetravel.com/ast-form If you are interested in supporting this show when you apply for your next card, check out https://geobreezetravel.com/cards and if you're not sure what card is right for you, I offer free credit card consultations athttps://geobreezetravel.com/consultations!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Southwest Airlines Refund Policies00:14 Meet Max Craig: Travel Expert and Points Guru00:28 Southwest Airlines Program Updates and Strategies03:08 Southwest Airlines Partner Airlines and Limitations07:31 Changes in Southwest Airlines Fare Types15:24 Southwest Airlines Companion Pass: Strategies and Benefits18:08 Southwest Airlines Credit Card Strategies29:16 Earning and Maximizing Southwest Points30:39 Sustainable Strategies for Southwest Frequent Flyers32:09 Repositioning Flights and Final ThoughtsYou can find Julia at: ➤ Free course: https://julia-s-school-9209.thinkific.com/courses/your-first-points-redemption➤ Website: https://geobreezetravel.com/➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel/➤ Credit card links: https://www.geobreezetravel.com/cards➤ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/geobreezetravelYou can find Max Craig at:➤ Facebook Group: Optimize Southwest Companion Pass and Rewards https://www.facebook.com/groups/optimizesouthwest Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content of this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

As payors increasingly use AI to review documentation and accelerate denials, radiology practices must adapt. This session explores how stronger documentation, AI-supported workflows, and proactive compliance strategies can reduce preventable denials and protect revenue in an evolving payer landscape. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

As China heads into the Year of the Horse, consumer demand is being released earlier than usual, propelled by the country's longest Spring Festival holiday on record and a coordinated policy push aimed at turning seasonal spending into sustained economic momentum.随着中国迎来马年，消费需求释放时间较往年提前。这得益于创纪录的长春节假期，以及旨在将季节性消费转化为持续经济动能的协同政策推动。The 2026 Spring Festival holiday will run from Feb 15 to 23, spanning nine consecutive days. The extended break—longer than in previous years—is not only reshaping travel and spending plans, but also amplifying the effects of policies designed to unlock consumption potential, particularly in services, travel and experience-driven spending.2026年春节假期将从2月15日持续至23日，共计九天连休。较往年更长的假期不仅重塑了出行与消费计划，更放大了解锁消费潜力的政策效应，尤其在服务、旅游及体验型消费领域。From bustling shopping streets in Beijing to small factories in Zhejiang's Yiwu operating extra production lines, and from reunion dinners booked weeks ahead of Chinese New Year's Eve to a sharp rise in two-way travel, signs of renewed consumption activity are emerging well before the holiday officially begins.从北京熙熙攘攘的商业街，到浙江义乌加开生产线的中小工厂；从数周前就预订好的除夕团圆饭，到双向出行量的显著增长——在春节正式到来之前，消费活动复苏的迹象已然显现。On Beijing's Wangfujing pedestrian street, winter temperatures have done little to slow foot traffic. Flagship stores are drawing a steady stream of overseas visitors, many taking advantage of expanded visa-free access and increasingly seamless digital payment options.北京王府井步行街上，寒冬的低温并未减缓人流脚步。旗舰店吸引着络绎不绝的海外游客，许多人正享受着扩大免签政策带来的便利，以及日益便捷的数字支付方式。Daniel Chan, a tourist from Los Angeles, stepped out of an electronics store with a newly purchased DJI Osmo Nano camera.来自洛杉矶的游客陈丹尼尔（音译）从一家电子产品商店走出，手里拿着刚买到的DJI Osmo Nano相机。"I've wanted this model for months. It's almost impossible to find stock back home, yet here it was available, and the price was very friendly,"Chan said. "It's not just a souvenir—it's cutting-edge technology."陈丹尼尔（音译）说道：“我渴望拥有这款相机已有数月之久。在美国几乎找不到现货，而这里不仅有货，价格还非常实惠。这不仅是件纪念品，更是尖端科技的结晶。”He said he had already started using the camera on the day of purchase. "I haven't explored all its functions yet, but the magnetic design and image quality are quite good," he added.他表示购买当天就已开始使用这台相机。他补充道：“虽然还没完全摸清所有功能，但磁吸设计和成像质量都相当不错。”What impressed him most during his China trip, Chan said, was the speed and convenience of food delivery services. "It's incredibly fast and efficient—almost unbelievable," he said. Dining in restaurants was equally striking, with some offering dish countdown timers and guaranteed serving speeds. "I've hardly ever experienced service like this in the United States."陈丹尼尔（音译）表示，此次中国之行最令他印象深刻的是外卖服务的快捷便利。他说：“速度快得惊人，效率极高——简直难以置信。”餐厅用餐体验同样令人震撼，部分餐厅设有菜品倒计时器并承诺上菜速度。“在美国几乎从未体验过如此服务。”Such experiences are precisely what policymakers hope to encourage.此类经历正是政策制定者希望鼓励的。The "Shopping in China" campaign, first launched in April 2025, aims to create a more internationally friendly consumption ecosystem while stimulating domestic demand through higher-quality supply.“中国购物”活动于2025年4月首次启动，旨在打造更具国际友善度的消费生态系统，同时通过更高品质的供给来刺激国内需求。At the launch of the 2026 "Shopping in China" and New Year Consumption Season in Shanghai on Jan 3, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said the initiative would focus on goods consumption, services consumption and the development of new consumption scenarios. A series of nationwide events, including apremium consumption month and an international consumption season, will be rolled out, alongside locally tailored programs in 15 pilot cities.1月3日，2026“中国购物季”暨新年消费季在上海启动。商务部部长王文涛表示，本次活动将聚焦商品消费、服务消费及新型消费场景发展。全国将推出高端消费月、国际消费季等系列活动，同时15个试点城市将推出本土化特色项目。With the nine-day Spring Festival approaching, Wang said the Ministry of Commerce, together with other central departments and local governments, will host a "happy shopping for the Spring Festival" campaign as a flagship component of the "Shopping in China" series. The campaign will span food, accommodation, transport, travel, shopping and entertainment, aiming to create an inclusive, festive consumption experience for families at home and travelers on the move.随着为期九天的春节临近，王文涛表示商务部将联合中央各部门和地方政府，推出“欢乐春节·购物中国”系列活动的旗舰项目“欢乐春节·购物中国”。活动将覆盖餐饮、住宿、交通、旅游、购物、娱乐等领域，旨在为居家过节的家庭和外出游玩的旅客创造包容、喜庆的消费体验。More than 1,200 kilometers south of Beijing, Yiwu—the world's largest small-commodities hub—offers a ground-level view of how festive demand is being converted into real orders.距离北京以南1200多公里处，全球最大的小商品集散中心义乌正展现着节日需求如何转化为实际订单的生动图景。In the plush toy section of Yiwu International Trade Market, one horse-themed product has become an unexpected viral hit. Originally launched in mid-October under the name "Mashang Youqian", meaning "immediate prosperity", the toy initially sold about 400 units a day—steady but far from a bestseller.在义乌国际商贸城毛绒玩具区，一款以马为主题的产品意外走红。这款名为“马上有钱”的玩具于十月中旬上市，最初日销量约400件——虽保持稳定但远非畅销品。Its breakout moment came in January, after a minor production-line error resulted in the toy's mouth being stitched incorrectly, giving it a seemingly "tearful" expression. Buyers who received the flawed version posted photos and chat records online while requesting exchanges. The images struck a chord with netizens, who found humor and resonance in the toy's "wronged" look, quickly propelling it to the top of social media trending lists.这款玩具的爆红时刻出现在今年1月，当时因生产线的小失误导致玩具嘴巴缝制错误，呈现出仿佛“泪眼汪汪”的表情。收到瑕疵品的买家纷纷在网上晒出照片和聊天记录要求换货。这些照片意外引发网友共鸣，大家在玩具“委屈”的表情中发现了幽默感，迅速将其推上了社交媒体热搜榜首。Dubbed the "crying horse", the toy was soon labeled the first cultural "dark horse" of the New Year. As demand surged, the factory expanded production lines from two to more than a dozen, lifting daily output to around 15,000 units. The merchant has since applied for a design patent.这款被称为“哭哭马”的玩具，很快被冠以新年首个文化“黑马”的称号。随着需求激增，工厂将生产线从两条扩充至十余条，日产量提升至约1.5万只。该商家已就此申请了外观设计专利。Behind the viral moment, the success mirrors quality and Yiwu merchants' deeply ingrained ability to respond quickly to market signals, from identifying trends to making swift decisions and scaling production with minimal delay.这场病毒式传播的背后，其成功既彰显了商品品质，更折射出义乌商人深植于骨髓的敏锐市场触觉。从洞察趋势到果断决策，再到以最小延迟实现规模化生产，他们总能迅速响应市场信号。Across the toy sector, creative interpretations of the Year of the Horse are proliferating. Products range from zodiac photo frames to blind boxes and decorative figurines.玩具行业正涌现出大量以马年为主题的创意设计，产品涵盖生肖相框、盲盒以及装饰摆件等。Some bestselling items now sell between 40,000 and 60,000 units a day. For popular designs, factories are producing between 50,000 and 100,000 units daily. To maintain speed and creativity, some merchants require their design teams to develop as many as five new styles each day.部分畅销商品目前日销量在4万至6万件之间。对于热门款式，工厂日产量可达5万至10万件。为保持生产速度和设计创新力，部分商家要求设计团队每日开发多达五款新产品。Merchants say interest from foreign buyers has risen, particularly after Spring Festival was added to UNESCO's Representative List of theIntangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024.商户表示，外国买家的兴趣有所提升，尤其是在2024年12月春节被列入联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录之后。Consumption momentum is also visible in the catering sector, where Chinese New Year's Eve reunion dinners—a core element of Spring Festival culture—are being booked out well in advance.餐饮业的消费势头同样明显，作为春节文化核心元素的除夕团圆饭，早已被提前预订一空。In Beijing, several restaurant chains report that all private rooms across multiple branches are already fully booked, with only limited lunchtime slots remaining. Prices largely match regular menus, though advance reservations and deposits are typically required.在北京，多家连锁餐厅表示其旗下各分店的包间已全部订满，仅剩少量午间时段可预约。价格基本与常规菜单持平，但通常需要提前预约并支付定金。To cope with demand, many restaurants have introducedstaggered dining slots on Chinese New Year's Eve, offering discounts for later sittings. Others have expanded takeaway services, allowing families to enjoy freshly prepared reunion meals at home.为应对需求，许多餐厅在除夕夜推出了错峰用餐时段，晚间时段还提供折扣优惠。另有餐厅扩大了外卖服务范围，让家庭能在家中享用现做的团圆饭。One restaurant in Beijing's Guomao area has launched two takeaway packages priced at 1,988 yuan ($286) for eight to 10 people and 999 yuan for four to six people, with free delivery within the city's Fifth Ring Road. Customers can also order a la carte, providing greater flexibility.北京国贸区某餐厅推出两款外卖套餐：8-10人份售价1988元（约合286美元），4-6人份售价999元，市内五环路内免费配送。顾客也可单点菜品，提供更灵活的选择。An emerging trend is the shift toward county towns and rural venues. In Yinjiang town of Ningbo, Zhejiang province, a countryside resort that opened reservations three months ago, has already sold out large private rooms for the first two days of the holiday, attracting families traveling from neighboring Shanghai, and Jiangsu province.新兴趋势向县城和乡村场所转移。在浙江省宁波市鄞江镇，一家三个月前开放预订的乡村度假村，其大型包间在假期前两天的预订已全部售罄，吸引了来自邻近上海和江苏的家庭游客。Traditional restaurant brands are also moving into rural markets. Managers say demand for reunion dinners and banquets in these areas remains strong, while the supply of mid—to high-end dining options is relatively limited—creating new opportunities for expansion.传统餐饮品牌也正进军农村市场。经营者表示，这些地区对团圆饭和宴会的需求依然旺盛，而中高端餐饮选择的供应相对有限，这为扩张创造了新机遇。The nine-day break is also reshaping travel patterns, triggering a surge in both outbound and inbound tourism.为期九天的假期也在重塑旅游模式，引发出境游和入境游的双双激增。Major travel platforms report that Spring Festival bookings for 2026 have surpassed last year's levels across the board. According to data from Flight Master, as of Jan 16, bookings for domestic flights during the holiday exceeded 4.13 million, up about 21 percent year-on-year. Outbound and inbound flight bookings both climbed to around 700,000.主要旅游平台数据显示，2026年春节期间的预订量全面超越去年同期水平。据飞航大师平台统计，截至1月16日，春节期间国内航班预订量已突破413万次，同比增长约21%。出境及入境航班预订量均攀升至约70万次。Airbnb data show searches by Chinese travelers for overseas accommodation around the Spring Festival period have roughly doubled year-on-year. Many travelers are choosing to stagger trips before or after the official holiday to secure better prices and less crowded itineraries.爱彼迎（Airbnb）数据显示，春节期间中国游客搜索海外住宿的数量同比翻了一番。许多游客选择在法定假期前后错峰出行，以获得更优惠的价格和更宽松的行程安排。Travel agencies are embedding New Year elements into overseas tour products, allowing travelers to retain a sense of festivity even while abroad.旅行社正将新年元素融入海外旅游产品，让游客即使身处异国也能保持节日氛围。Li Mengran, marketing manager of Beijing-based travel agency Utour, said the company has continued its long-standing practices in European tour products. These include customized reunion dinners and dumpling-making activities, alongside wine tastings and interactive prize draws.北京众信旅游集团媒介公关经理李梦然表示，公司在欧洲旅游产品中延续了多年来的传统项目，包括定制团圆晚宴和包饺子活动，同时安排品酒会和互动抽奖环节。"For family travelers, we also prepare red-envelope gifts for children under 16 to enhance the sense of ritual and warmth during the journey,"Li said.李梦然表示：“针对家庭游客，我们还为16岁以下儿童准备了红包礼物，以增强旅途中的仪式感与温馨氛围。”Domestically, culturally rich "intangible heritage towns" are emerging as popular destinations. Data from Qunar show that cities such as Huangshan in Anhui, Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, Quanzhou in Fujian, Foshan in Guangdong and Zigong in Sichuan—all offering immersive intangible cultural heritage experiences—have seen particularly strong hotel booking growth during the winter holiday and Spring Festival period.在国内，文化底蕴深厚的“非物质文化遗产小镇”正成为热门旅游目的地。去哪儿网数据显示，安徽黄山、江西景德镇、福建泉州、广东佛山、四川自贡等提供沉浸式非物质文化遗产体验的城市，在寒假和春节期间酒店预订量增长尤为显著。Inbound tourism is also gaining momentum.入境旅游业也正蓬勃发展。Qunar data show that bookings for domestic flights made using non-Chinese passports during the Spring Festival holiday are up more than 20 percent year-on-year, underscoring the holiday's growing role as a window for international visitors to experience Chinese culture.去哪儿网数据显示，春节期间持非中国护照预订的国内航班量同比增长逾20%，凸显出春节作为国际游客体验中华文化的窗口正发挥着日益重要的作用。This rebound reflects sustained policy support. By the first three quarters of 2025, visa-free inbound visits reached 20.89 million, up more than 50 percent year-on-year. Since the introduction of the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, inbound arrivals across ports have risen 27.2 percent.这一回升态势反映出政策支持的持续性。截至2025年前三季度，免签入境人次达2089万，同比增长逾50%。自实施240小时过境免签政策以来，各口岸入境人次增长27.2%。The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that China's tourism sector will grow at an average annual rate of 7 percent over the next decade, with the country on track to become the world's largest tourism market by 2031, surpassing the United States.世界旅游业理事会预测，未来十年中国旅游业将保持年均7%的增长率，预计到2031年将超越美国，成为全球最大的旅游市场。Economists say the early consumption surge reflects the combined effects of policy support, longer holidays and evolving consumer preferences.经济学家表示，消费的早期激增反映了政策支持、假期延长以及消费者偏好变化的综合影响。The Central Economic Work Conference held in December placed expanding domestic demand as the top priority of China's economic policy in 2026, with multiple consumption-supporting policies already rolled out or in the pipeline.去年12月召开的中央经济工作会议将扩大内需确立为2026年中国经济政策的重中之重，多项支持消费的政策已陆续出台或正在酝酿中。Su Jian, a professor at Peking University's School of Economics, said consumption growth has been most visible in services and fast-evolving consumer electronics, including tourism, cultural products, sports and entertainment. Rapid upgrade cycles, he added, continue to support demand for electronics.北京大学经济学院教授苏剑表示，消费增长在服务业和快速发展的消费电子产品领域最为显著，包括旅游、文化产品、体育和娱乐等。他补充道，快速的升级周期持续支撑着电子产品需求。Since last year, targeted consumption-boosting campaigns have delivered tangible results. In 2025, trade-in-related sales exceeded 2.6 trillion yuan, benefiting more than 360 million consumer transactions. Optimized trade-in programs introduced in 2026 are now translating into concrete market activity across regions.自去年以来，定向消费提振举措成效显著。2025年，以旧换新相关销售额突破2.6万亿元，惠及逾3.6亿笔消费交易。2026年推出的优化换购方案，正逐步转化为各地市场的实际行动。International observers have also noted structural changes underway. In its latest flagship annual report, global consultancy Roland Berger said China has entered the "consumption 4.0" era, characterized by resilience.国际观察人士也注意到正在发生的结构性变化。全球咨询公司罗兰贝格企业管理有限公司在其最新旗舰年度报告中指出，中国已进入以韧性为特征的“消费4.0”时代。China's consumption structure is shifting rapidly from survival-oriented spending toward development—and experience-oriented demand, the report noted. By elevating domestic demand expansion to a strategic priority, and encouraging a move from quantitative satisfaction to qualitative enrichment, policymakers are using consumption upgrading to drive supply-side innovation and support high-quality growth.报告指出，中国消费结构正从生存型消费向发展型消费、从物质型需求向体验型需求快速转变。通过将扩大内需提升为战略重点，引导消费从数量满足转向质量提升，决策者正以消费升级为引擎，推动供给侧创新，助力高质量发展。Boosting consumption, policymakers emphasize, is not a short-term fix, but a long-term strategy.政策制定者强调，提振消费并非短期对策，而是长远之策。A State Council executive meeting held on Jan 16 reviewed progress in the consumption-boosting campaign and outlined further steps to cultivate new growth points in service consumption.2026年1月16日召开的国务院常务会议审议了提振消费行动的进展情况，并规划了培育服务消费新增长点的后续措施。The meeting called for improving long-term mechanisms for promoting consumption, raising urban and rural household incomes, implementing the paid leave system and removing unreasonable restrictive measures for consumption.会议要求完善促进消费的长效机制，提高城乡居民收入水平，落实带薪休假制度，取消限制消费的不合理措施。premium consumption/ˈpriː.mi.əm/高端消费staggered dining slots错峰用餐时段intangible/ɪnˈtæn.dʒə.bəl/adj.非物质的

Is Bitcoin ready for the quantum threat? Join Charlie Spears as he explores technical solutions like BIP 360 and OP_CAT. We dive into the massive trade-offs of quantum-resistant signatures and the logistical nightmare of migrating millions of addresses to keep the network secure. Subscribe to the Blockspace newsletter! Tackling the technical battle to protect Bitcoin from quantum computers. We explore why quantum-resistant signatures are up to 100x larger than current ones and the impact this has on block space and fees. From lattice-based math to STARK-based compression, Charlie breaks down the leading proposals like BIP 360 and BIP 347. We also calculate the "migration" timeline—how long it would actually take to move every Bitcoin to a safe address before "Q-Day" arrives. Subscribe to the newsletter! [https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com](https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com) Notes: * Quantum signatures can reach 17,000 bytes (500x!) * Optimized hash signatures are 50x larger. * Full BTC migration takes 76 to 142 days. * There are 190 million unspent BTC outputs. Timestamps: 00:00 Start 05:31 Hash based signatures 08:17 Adoption 12:17 Bitcoin uniquely exposed 14:38 Proposals 17:39 Going forward

Faxes still sit at the center of referrals, orders, and authorizations by quietly slowing care, overwhelming staff, and delaying revenue. In this live demo, Stuart Newsome and Jonathan Aguiar show how AI agents transform document intake from a manual bottleneck into a reliable, scalable foundation for revenue performance. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

1. If you are a jobseeker or if you are not, please pass on this information to someone who is looking as all who are unemployed absolutely should subscribe to my 100% TOTALLY FREE YouTube jobsearch page by clicking this link. Just go to " https://www.youtube.com/@JobSearchHelpRightNow " & watch my videos & shorts which are constantly updated based on market conditions and new information. Listen to my listed audio podcasts on that page as well. Please set your notifications so that you will be alerted when I post new episodes. All of my items are now organized into playlists that allow you to easily access my video or audio episodes based on your needs and media preference. Check it all out today and get your jobsearch moving quickly. Then I ask that you please spread the word to anyone who could use this information so that I can help as many people as possible. There are many people out there that are hurting terribly and I want to help as many as I can with my tips and tools, so please spread the word. 2. Check out my YouTube Jobseeker Special Membership Page. Get my BEST Tips here. -- https://lnkd.in/epu2dP4J - 3. Join my FREE LinkedIn Jobsearch Group here. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6691390 4. Jobseekers, get jobs emailed to you. Join this newsletter by emailing ChrisGrasso@gmail.com. 5. Check out all my free and patron level podcasts here. https://patron.podbean.com/Ahines1 6. Get you job search flying. Jamie Edwards is a voice & advocate for jobseekers who offers USA an Canada job searching advice & paid, hands on 1-on-1 coaching. He offers many job search services at very cheap prices. Sign up for a FREE 15-minute discovery call go to https://lnkd.in/eftnjMPa and get your FREE discussion scheduled. Please tell him that I sent you. 7. You can also purchase my ebook on Amazon. Check it out and learn how to TAKE CHARGE of your job search by going to https://lnkd.in/e85PzKq 8. Newly revised list of top job boards could be the key to unlocking your next career move. Here's what makes this list stand out: 102 curated job board Organized by industry. Optimized for maximum impact. Want to supercharge your job search? Check out this post here: https://lnkd.in/g-gavJts. Remember, Over the last 14 years, I have done everything I can to help as many #jobseekers as possible via Power Point presentations, documents , speaking engagements and now LinkedIn presentations that LinkedIn promotes for me. I also, whenever possible, scroll down my feed and every time I see a person that is #opentowork, I drop an invite to my next

Send us a textCori Lefkowith is a multiple certified personal trainer, author, and founder of Redefining Strength. Since 2014, Cori and her team have helped thousands of women, most over 40, feel strong, capable, and finally in control of their bodies. Their approach is simple: to meet their clients where they are, build a plan around their real lives, and coach you through every step… with no fluff, no guilt, and no guessing.Cori is the author of her upcoming book The STRONG System: Transform Your Mindset and Build Your Best Body at Any Age. The book combines mindset training, sustainable habits, and adaptable fitness and nutrition strategies so you can make progress that sticks. STRONG stands for Significant, Targeted, Repeatable, Optimized, Nonnegotiable, GO! —a powerful framework that has transformed thousands of lives.Cori helps you do just that by explaining how to master your mindset to stay motivated and consistent and avoid habit relapse, personalize your plan and adapt it as you change, use metabolic muscle-building protocols and the macro method that works best for you, and build the leanest, strongest, fittest, healthiest version of yourself!Find Cori at-https://redefiningstrength.com/IG- @redefiningstrengthYT- @Redefining StrengthFind Boundless Body at- myboundlessbody.com Book a session with us here!

Are you looking to hire an assistant for 2026? Should you go for an in-person or virtual assistant? How can hiring a virtual assistant save you money, time, and energy?  […] The post Going from Overwhelmed to Optimized with Tim Boyle from REVA Global Medical | GP 310 appeared first on How to Start, Grow, and Scale a Private Practice | Practice of the Practice.

In this episode, Matt reflects on the idea of “optimized health” and challenges the notion that health is simply the absence of disease or looking fit on the outside. Using personal examples and observations from the gym, he explains how many people have hidden gaps in their foundations—rest, nutrition, and movement—that prevent them from feeling their best, even if they exercise regularly or eat clean. The conversation emphasizes that optimization isn't about perfection or extreme protocols, but about identifying blind spots such as poor sleep, excessive screen time, nutrient deficiencies, limited mobility, weak grip strength, or imbalanced training. By strengthening these foundations and filling individual gaps, health becomes more sustainable, more effortless, and better integrated into daily life, allowing people to have the energy, resilience, and physical freedom they want long term.

Medical necessity sits at the intersection of clinical judgment, coverage policy, and payer scrutiny, and on this episode Stuart Newsome, VP of RCM Insights, unpacks what it really means. Joined by Viveka Jagadeesan (Enablement Manager), Lindsey Nelson (Director of Product Marketing), Christina Harkins (Senior Revenue Cycle Manager), and Angie Adams (VP Clinical & Patient Engagement), the group explores Medicare error data, CERT audits, recoupment risk, NCD vs. LCD nuances, and how AI-driven policy intelligence can support medical necessity on both the front and back end of the revenue cycle. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

Send us a textMiguel Armaza interviews returning guest Dan Westgarth, COO of Deel, the company that's redefining how businesses hire and pay talent anywhere in the world.Deel has grown into one of the most valuable private tech companies on the planet. In 2025, they crossed one billion dollars in revenue, achieved a $17 billion valuation, and paid out $22 billion in payroll globally. Dan oversees an organization of 3,300 people across more than 100 countries. Before Deel, he was an early operator at Revolut.Timestamped Overview00:00 Intro & Dan's Background05:51 Expanding products and global reach06:30 Optimized systems scaling go-to-market12:55 Begging for Ghostbusters Expertise13:41 RevOps solved with Ghostbuster18:05 Building a Streamlined Goal System20:26 Payroll and Adjacent HR Services26:09 Keep It Simple Prioritize People28:15 Morning Routine and Work Prioritization31:46 Clarifying Communication for Alignment35:27 Building payroll processing enginesWant more podcast episodes? Join me and follow Fintech Leaders today on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app for weekly conversations with today's global leaders that will dominate the 21st century in fintech, business, and beyond.Do you prefer a written summary? Check out the Fintech Leaders newsletter and join ~85,000+ readers and listeners worldwide!Miguel Armaza is Co-Founder and General Partner of Gilgamesh Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focused on fintech in the Americas. He also hosts and writes the Fintech Leaders podcast and newsletter.Miguel on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nKha4ZMiguel on Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Jb5oBcFintech Leaders Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3jWIpqp

Most people think an “optimized” LinkedIn profile means:• A good headline• A solid About section• A decent profile photoThose things matter.But they are not what actually moves people to trust you or take action.In this training, I break down the three most overlooked pieces of an optimized LinkedIn profile that quietly do the heavy lifting for you.1. Your background banner- This is prime real estate.- It should instantly tell someone:- Who you help, what problem you solve, and why they should keep reading.If your banner is generic, decorative, or empty, you're leaving authority on the table.2. Your featured content sectionThis is not a place for random links.- It should function like a conversion hub:- A resource, guide, newsletter, or next step that helps someone move from interest to action without a sales pitch.This section works for you 24/7 when it's intentional.3. LinkedIn recommendationsSocial proof is not optional.- Recommendations tell your story from someone else's mouth.- They remove doubt, build credibility, and validate your expertise in a way no About section ever could.When these three pieces are aligned, your profile stops being a resume and starts working like a business asset.If your profile gets views but not conversations, these are usually the missing pieces.Don't forget to register for our Amateur to Expert 5 Day Workshop here: https://www.thetimetogrow.com/AtoEonLinkedinWorkshop

CATCH OUR PREMIUM CONTENT EXCLUSIVELY AT RUMBLE.COM/MGSHOW ! Patriots, fire it up—Jeff and Shannon unleash a powerhouse session in **Season 8, Episode 005: “Rumble Wallet Launch & Illuminati Bloodlines Deep Dive”**, celebrating the brand-new Rumble Wallet rollout (dropped January 7, 2026, with Tether for seamless, non-custodial tipping in USDT, Bitcoin, and Tether Gold—direct creator support, no banks, pure freedom tech). Hour One blasts through this game-changer for America-First platforms, current events heat like ICE ops and Trump's Venezuela precision and sets the stage for the real red-pill intel. Then, exclusive Rumble Premium in Hour Two only, the duo drops documented deep analysis on Fritz Springmeier's "Bloodlines of the Illuminati" (hosted on the CIA site from historical archives), tracing elite family networks like the Astors' Masonic rises, spotlighting "Trust the Plan" rhetoric amid these revelations, in-depth breakdowns of control structures as "our prison," signals tied to figures like McChrystal on trans issues, and shadowy organization dynamics like MNICE watch lists—questioning mainstream spin with verifiable facts over fiction. These relentless truth-seekers cut the noise, reject black-pill defeatism, and equip you to fight back. The truth is learned, never told. The constitution is your weapon—tune in at noon-0-five Eastern LIVE to stand with Trump! Rumble Wallet, Tether launch, Illuminati bloodlines, Fritz Springmeier, Astor family, Trust the Plan, elite networks, CIA book, America First, MG Show, @intheMatrixxx, @shadygrooove, Rumble Premium exclusive, deep state exposed, constitutional power mgshow_s8e005_rumble_wallet_illuminati_bloodlines Optimized the title for SEO and brevity (under 100 chars: "Rumble Wallet Launch & Illuminati Bloodlines Deep Dive" clocks in at 58 characters)—perfect for YouTube limits while capturing the core hooks: hot new Rumble feature + exclusive bloodlines doc dive. Keeps the hour split clear, with Hour 2 flagged as Premium-only. Next steps: Drop the next episode title (likely S8E006 for tomorrow), confirm if you'd like a “Where to Watch & Listen” section (Rumble main/Premium, YouTube, X, Red State Talk Radio), any sponsor plugs, or further tweaks. The truth train keeps rolling—let's expose more!

Building Confidence in AI Coding for Hospital Radiology Departments See how hospitals and health systems are modernizing radiology coding with AI to improve accuracy, compliance, and coder confidence. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

Real Estate Syndication Investment Overview Michael and Stewart explored the world of real estate syndication and why it has become a practical alternative to traditional property ownership. They explained how 25 to 50 investors can pool their capital to purchase larger properties, giving individuals access to substantial real estate deals without managing the property themselves. Stewart pointed out that although real estate is generally less liquid than stocks, the future looks promising as tokenization grows and could make private deals more accessible within the next few years. Understanding Investment Risks and Rewards Michael and Stewart broke down the complexities of alternative investments, especially in areas like cryptocurrency and innovative financial models. Stewart explained SEC rules for accredited investors and shared that typical syndicate minimums start at $50,000, with $25,000 possible for new investor relationships. They highlighted the potential for recurring cash flow, attractive tax advantages, and average annual returns around 13.5 percent, with a minimum expected return of 6.5 percent in the first year. Real Estate Tax Depreciation Benefits The conversation shifted into tax strategy, where Stewart explained how depreciation and bonus depreciation can significantly impact an investor's bottom line. He described cost recovery, the ability to deduct the cost of an asset over time, and how current tax laws allow for 100 percent bonus depreciation on certain types of personal property. Michael and Stewart emphasized that real estate offers unique tax opportunities through cost segregation, allowing investors to classify a large portion of a property's cost as personal property and deduct it in the first year. Real Estate Investment Tax Benefits and Market Outlook Michael and Stewart emphasized the importance of solid research and guidance from qualified financial professionals when evaluating real estate investments. They discussed how the U.S. economy is heavily tied to real estate and how government incentives often support development. Stewart shared his outlook on the housing market, predicting potential movement in the first half of next year if interest rates ease and new policies, such as down payment support or extended mortgage terms, are introduced. Housing Market and Investment Insights Wrapping up, Michael and Stewart discussed the importance of a balanced housing ecosystem that supports both home ownership and rental opportunities. Stewart encouraged listeners to explore more about their projects at harvardGrace.com and offered a free digital copy of his latest book to help aspiring investors deepen their understanding of real estate investing. Stewart O. Heath, CPA Stewart is the Founder and CEO of Harvard Grace Capital, a private equity real estate investment firm that helps individuals and business owners build wealth faster through hands-off real estate investing that generates passive income, reduces risk, and maximizes tax efficiencies.  Backed by a combined 150+ years of entrepreneurial and CRE experience, Stewart and the Harvard Grace Capital team have raised millions of dollars via syndications, and consistently deliver tax-advantaged 18%+ ROI on well-located commercial real estate assets (office, retail, medical, self-storage, etc.) between Nashville, Tennessee and Birmingham , Alabama.  Harvard Grace Capital stands out in a crowded market because of its focus on stabilized  commercial real estate, which cash flows from day one – a refreshing contrast to high-risk, speculative ventures. Stewart and his team prioritize consistency and resilience in an economy that feels increasingly unpredictable, often reciting their motto: “boring is beautiful.” A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Stewart brings over 40 years of business experience to the real estate sector. His background spans multifamily and commercial development, construction, management, and investing, but it's his CPA-level financial rigor that gives him an edge in deal analysis and risk mitigation. Stewart's journey has been deeply shaped by his comeback after losing everything in the 2008 financial crisis. Rather than retreating, he rebuilt smarter. He learned how to structure real estate portfolios that provide tax-optimized long-term, reliable returns. That experience now fuels his mission: to help investors navigate uncertain markets with investments that perform through all cycles and beat inflation. More about Stewart:  Served as a COO/CFO across industries including media, manufacturing, and retail; held leadership positions at Tennessee Valley Properties, Creative Trust Ventures, Gaines Manufacturing Company, and more.  Former Board Member of the Freedom Business Alliance, the only global network creating business solutions to human trafficking. Worked as a tax consultant with PwC in the 1980s, creating value or tax savings in the  millions of dollars. Hosted the Growth, Grace & Prosperity Podcast, where he interviewed top entrepreneurs, executives, and wealth builders about what it takes to succeed in business and life. Social media links: Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvard-grace-corporation/ Stewart's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartoheath/  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/harvardgrace  

#131: On this week's episode, Han jumps on for a solo episode to ring in the New Year. She get's into the grit required to pursue more—whether that's entrepreneurship, relationships, or inner healing—and what “making it” actually looks like in the in-between. She unpacks building multiple streams of income, discipline, and the mental and emotional work it takes to keep going when you're not there yet. Han gets into:what “making it” really means (and why it keeps changing)the reality of the in-between: working without the results yetwhy contentment isn't the goal, and how alignment and self-trust arehow “making it” becomes lighter when you understand your identity is flexiblewhy success isn't a destination, but a forever process of growth and expansioncreating multiple streams of income to fund your vision and reduce financial pressurehow to find a side hustlethe unglamorous side of entrepreneurship & what it actually takes to build something long-termhow to stay motivated year after yearthe routines that keep her grounded, focused, and mentally cleardiscipline as a non-negotiable requirement for successher daily/weekly non-negotiables that make entrepreneurship sustainablemental health & mindset practices that actually support long-term performancewhat it really takes to keep showing up for your goals, year after yearThis episode is for anyone navigating the grit required to pursue more—whether that's entrepreneurship, relationships, or inner healing—and wanting a real look behind the curtain at what it actually takes to build your dream and succeed.

If you're ready to make 2026 the year you finally feel strong, energized, confident, and in control of your body again — this episode is your roadmap.Perimenopause doesn't have to feel like the season where everything falls apart. With the right strategy, clarity, and support, it can be the moment you step into your most powerful, optimized self. Today, I'm breaking down the five exact steps every midlife woman must take to create a metabolism that works with her hormones — not against them.Inside this episode, you'll learn:✨ The #1 mindset shift women in perimenopause need before any health plan can work ✨ Why your body needs a strategic, hormone-supportive approach—not more restriction, more cardio, or more stress ✨ The essential steps to building an optimized metabolism in midlife (yes, even with fluctuating hormones) ✨ How to turn your daily habits into a system that your brain, body, and hormones can actually follow ✨ The kind of environment that guarantees success—and the one that quietly sabotages your results ✨ The role of clarity, consistency, and nervous system regulation in sustainable fat loss and hormone balanceYou'll walk away with a simple, repeatable framework you can start using immediately—one that helps you sleep better, reduce inflammation, build lean muscle, balance your hormones, lose stubborn midsection weight, and feel more like yourself again.If you've ever said, “I just want to feel good in my body,” this is your blueprint. If 2025 felt chaotic, scattered, or exhausting, this episode will give you the focus, direction, and confidence you need for a complete transformation in 2026.Your most optimized body in perimenopause is not a fantasy—it's a strategy. And it starts here.

Most social impact brands make a far bigger difference than their revenue reflects.Their impact is powerful — but their message isn't converting, their growth systems are underdeveloped, and their mission ends up under-resourced.In this episode, Adina breaks down why mission-driven founders, social impact brands, and B Corps often struggle to translate impact into revenue growth — and how to close that gap without losing integrity.Drawing from over 20 years in nonprofit advocacy and her own experience running a social impact company, Adina shares what she's learned about sustainable growth, revenue as oxygen, and how to balance the triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit.Why most social impact founders deprioritize sales — and how it limits their mission.How to build a growth strategy that honors your values and generates sustainable revenue.Why “sales” isn't a dirty word — it's the structure that gives your mission stability.The three focus areas that allow your income to finally match your impact in 2026:1️⃣ Messaging that converts.2️⃣ Optimized, sustainable sales systems.3️⃣ Strategy that honors both mission and money.This is the call to step from mission-driven dreamer into financially empowered change-maker — the grounded leader who can sustain expansion.✨ DM “GROWTH” on Instagram or LinkedIn to explore business growth consulting for social impact brands, B Corps, and changemaker companies.Or visit internationalempowerment.com/starthere to learn more about aligning your messaging + revenue for sustainable impact.Your mission deserves more than survival.Growth isn't greed — it's leadership.It's how the world gets to experience the full power of your purpose.

Inside Look at a Prior Auth Turnaround with Enabled Services Health systems continue to face growing prior authorization volume, staffing strain, and payer complexity—challenges that stretch even further across multiple service lines and rural environments. Rayne Premo, Quality & Prior Authorization Manager at Iowa Specialty Hospital, discusses how her organization strengthened its prior authorization workflows using a centralized model supported by AI-enabled services. We'll explore how teams can streamline processes, reduce administrative burden, and prepare documentation to meet payer expectations while positioning themselves for future expansion. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

Payers are increasingly using AI to scan claims, flag anomalies, and trigger denials or audits automatically—often without transparency and long before anyone on the hospital side understands what happened. As these systems accelerate, hospitals face growing exposure, especially when documentation, data flow, and internal AI tools aren't aligned with how payer models interpret clinical and financial information. This session unpacks the mechanics behind automated decision-making, why even accurate claims can be flagged, and how missing audit trails or inconsistent documentation can undermine appeals. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

If you're a high-achieving woman who knows what her body needs — better sleep, regular meals, boundaries, nervous system support — but still can't seem to follow through, this episode is for you.In this conversation, I break down why “just do it” stops working when you're depleted, over-functioning, or living in survival mode. We explore the real reason information doesn't translate into change, the nervous system science behind self-sabotage, and why your body often chooses familiar discomfort over unfamiliar ease.This episode is about closing the gap between knowing and doing — not with more willpower, but by working with your nervous system instead of against it.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARNWhy knowing what your body needs doesn't automatically lead to changeWhat the “implementation gap” really is — and why it widens under chronic stressHow functional freeze, fawn, and fight-or-flight show up in high-achieving womenWhy your nervous system resists even positive changeHow depletion becomes a protective state that keeps you small, unseen, or safeThe connection between nervous system dysregulation, chronic fatigue, and weight loss resistanceWhy your body prefers familiar discomfort over unfamiliar easeHow identity — not discipline — determines long-term follow-throughA simple nervous system regulation practice you can use immediatelyWhat actually creates sustainable energy, clarity, and capacity heading into 2026TIMESTAMPS00:09 — Why knowing what to do isn't the problem 01:26 — My 40-day nervous system streak and why consistency didn't stick before 03:35 — Over-functioning, caretaking, and avoiding yourself 05:58 — Functional freeze: doing everything except what actually helps 08:14 — Why information feels safe and implementation feels risky 10:50 — Fight-or-flight: wired, exhausted, and unable to rest 13:00 — Shutdown and depletion: when everything feels like moving through mud 14:05 — Familiar discomfort vs. unfamiliar ease 15:45 — How depletion protects you from visibility, growth, and risk 19:51 — A simple nervous system regulation practice 22:15 — Inside the From Overworked to Optimized workshop 26:00 — How to start closing the gap between knowing and doingRESOURCES MENTIONEDFrom Overworked to Optimized — 3-Day Workshop (January 6–8) A live, paid workshop for high-achieving women ready to move from awareness into real implementation. You'll learn:Nervous system foundations for daily regulationNutrition for steady energy and hormonal supportHow to build boundaries that make follow-through possibleReplays included. Sign up at: mindfullywell.com/optimizedThe Resourced Morning Routine (FREE) A simple, practical morning guide to help your body shift out of stress and into regulation before the day begins.https://mindfullywell.com/morningCONNECT WITH MEInstagram: @melissa_eichWebsite: mindfullywell.comKEYWORDS FOR THIS EPISODEknowing but not doingimplementation gapnervous system regulationfunctional freezehigh-achieving women burnoutchronic fatigue and stresswhy willpower doesn't worknervous system and identitycapacity building for womenstress physiologyweight loss resistance and stressbody-led business sustainable energyfemale founder nervous systemregulating before respondingfrom overworked to optimized

Did you like the episode? Send me a text and let me know!!How to Hire Remote Workers: Why 73% Fail & How to Succeed | Nearshore Staffing with Luis DEpisode DescriptionSerial entrepreneur Luis D reveals why 73% of offshore hiring fails and how his REMOTE Intelligence Framework achieves 95% success. Learn to hire Latin American talent at 60-70% cost savings, avoid AI resume fraud, and scale your startup faster. Luis built the first Latin American tech startup to get US VC funding and pioneered distributed teams in 2003—before Zoom or Slack existed.Key Takeaways✅ The 7 Offshore Team Death Traps killing remote hires ✅ REMOTE Framework: Rigorous selection, Expert onboarding, Managed support, Optimized performance ✅ How to spot AI deepfake interviews and fake identities ✅ Nearshore vs offshore: Time zone advantages ✅ "Ideas aren't unique. Execution is key" ✅ When to hire earlier than you think you can affordTime Stamps00:00 Mexican candy smuggling to tech entrepreneur 04:00 Building distributed teams before remote work existed 08:00 73% of offshore projects fail—here's why 09:00 7 Death Trap components (Talent Mirage, Cultural Chasm, Hidden Costs) 14:00 REMOTE Intelligence Framework explained 19:00 Rigorous talent vetting process 22:00 AI fraud: Deepfakes and fake accents 28:00 "Ideas aren't unique. Execution is key" 30:00 Zone of genius: Hire earlier with 70% savings 35:00 95% success rate vs 27% industry averageGuest: Luis DFounder of Near You (NIR-U) Nearshore Staffing | First Latin American tech startup with US VC funding | 14-year CEO | Remote work pioneer since 2003Company: Near You—helps $1M-$25M companies hire Latin American talent Success Rate: 95% (vs 27% industry standard) Cost Savings: 60-70% compared to US hiringResources

Brandon Schuh sits down with Dean Hildebrandt, President and CEO of Assurex Global, to explore how mega-broker consolidation is reshaping the insurance brokerage landscape. As consolidation accelerates in 2025, with mega-brokers absorbing smaller firms through billion-dollar acquisitions, including Willis Towers Watson's $1.3 billion purchase of Newfront and Baldwin Group's $1 billion acquisition of CAC Group, the conversation reveals how private equity is driving transactions that, while profitable for financial sponsors, leave clients, carriers, and employees bearing the costs. Dean brings two decades of expertise from his leadership at Associated Benefits and Risk Consulting and his pivotal role at Ahmann-Martin before joining Assurex.Dean challenges the prevailing narrative around these mega-deals, arguing that the real winners aren't clients or carriers but private equity firms extracting value through EBITDA portfolio plays. Throughout the episode, he details how consolidation is accelerating talent acquisitions and market share gains for independent, regionally-focused brokers like those in the Assurex network, firms that prioritize relationships, client service, and stability over spreadsheet metrics. The discussion also highlights Assurex's structural innovation: the launch of AG London, a first-of-its-kind London wholesale broker owned by 30 Assurex firms that operates under perpetual independence and cannot be acquired or sold.As the industry looks ahead to 2026-2027, Dean and Brandon examine how technology and AI will reshape brokerage operations while emphasizing that true competitive advantage lies in understanding the full value chain. The episode underscores a fundamental tension in modern insurance. Whether consolidation will create better client outcomes or simply enrich financial sponsors while destabilizing the very firms and relationships that hold the industry together. For independent brokers navigating this landscape, the conversation offers both cautionary lessons and a compelling vision of an alternative future.Chapters02:30 – Wine recommendations and AI tool comparisons07:00 – Introduction to Dean Hildebrandt and his background10:00 – Dean's entry into brokerage and early career with Ahmann-Martin14:00 – Overview of 2025 consolidation trends and mega-broker activity16:30 – Willis Towers Watson acquires Newfront for $1.3 billion19:00 – Baldwin Group purchases CAC Group for $1 billion22:00 – Private equity's role in driving M&A transactions26:00 – How consolidation impacts clients, carriers, and employees31:00 – The absence of client perspective in private equity discussions35:00 – Deal sizing and EBITDA economics in mega-acquisitions39:00 – Why independent brokers are thriving amid consolidation42:00 – Introduction to Howden's US market entry strategy46:00 – Assurex's strategic response: AG London launch and structure51:00 – Dean's journey to Assurex Global leadership54:00 – Technology, AI, and automation in brokerage operations58:00 – How carriers are adapting to industry transformation61:00 – Conclusion and future outlook for independent brokerageConnect with RiskCellar:Website: https://www.riskcellar.com/Brandon Schuh:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552710523314LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-stephen-schuh/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schuhpapa/Nick Hartmann:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjhartmann/ Dean Hildebrandt - President & CEO, Assurex GlobalWebsite: https://www.assurexglobal.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-hildebrandt-09810baAbout Assurex Global:Founded in 1954, Assurex Global is the world's largest privately held commercial insurance, risk management, and employee benefits brokerage group, combining local expertise with global reach across more than 600 partner office

With satire and tenderness, they move through summer snowmen in discount aisles and the uncanny moment when a Christmas song in Lidl seems to narrate the shopping experience in real time — a festive loop of: Scan. Beep. Smile. Repeat.Beneath the humor, the episode asks what remains human when meaning is constantly being packaged. The answer is quiet and radical: presence, boundaries, and off-screen gestures that don't scale.The episode closes with gratitude and a musical gift: WAW — “Silent Night (Reimagined)”, following a recent #1 spot on The Cork's Playlist (third Advent week). Thanks to Neill and to everyone listening, sharing, and supporting this non-profit podcast.Detlef Schlich is a rock musician, podcaster, visual artist, filmmaker, ritual designer, and media archaeologist based in West Cork. He is recognised for his seminal work, including a scholarly examination of the intersections between shamanism, art, and digital culture, and his acclaimed video installation, Transodin's Tragedy. He primarily works in performance, photography, painting, sound, installations, and film. In his work, he reflects on the human condition and uses the digital shaman's methodology as an alter ego to create artwork. His media archaeology is a conceptual and practical exercise in uncovering the unique aesthetic, cultural, and political aspects of media in culture.WEBSITE LINKS WAW Official YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@WAWBand"The Niles Bittersweet Song" WAW BandcampSilent NightIn a world shadowed by conflict and unrest, we, Dirk Schlömer & Detlef Schlich, felt compelled to reinterpret 'Silent Night' to reflect the complexities and contradictions of modern life.https://studiomuskau.bandcamp.com/track/silent-nightWild Atlantic WayThis results from a trip to West Cork, Ireland, where the beautiful Coastal "Wild Atlantic Way" reaches along the whole west coast!https://studiomuskau.bandcamp.com/track/wild-atlantic-wayYOU TUBE*Silent Night Reimagined* A Multilayered Avant-Garde Journey by WAW aka Dirk Schlömer & Detlef Schlichhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAbytLSfgCwDetlef SchlichInstagramDetlef Schlich ArTEEtude I love West Cork Artists FacebookDetlef Schlich I love West Cork Artists Group ArTEEtudeYouTube Channelsvisual PodcastArTEEtudeCute Alien TV official WebsiteArTEEtude Detlef Schlich Det Design Tribal Loop Download here for free Detlef Schlich´s Essay about the Cause and Effect of Shamanism, Art and Digital Culturehttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/303749640_Shamanism_Art_and_Digital_Culture_Cause_and_EffectSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/arteetude-a-podcast-with-artists-by-detlef-schlich/donations

Join me for a live in person event in Newark New Jersey on February 27 through March 1st https://www.brianscottlive.com/february-2026 Join The Reality Revolution Tribe

Learn how to take back control of your Amazon PPC, fix costly agency mistakes, and use rules-based ads plus new Sponsored Products video formats to scale profitably on Amazon.   In this episode of the AM/PM Podcast, Bradley dives into one of the biggest pitfalls he sees Amazon sellers fall into: handing their PPC over to an agency before they truly understand how advertising works. That loss of control doesn't just cost money; it keeps you in the dark on whether your campaigns are actually growing your brand or quietly draining profits in the background.   To prove it, he spotlights a real case study from the new Helium 10 Outsourced to Optimized series. Helium 10's own Carrie Miller and Destaney Wishon from BetterAMS walk through what happened when they opened Carrie's account: profitable campaigns randomly shut off, creatives that didn't match search intent, and VCPM display campaigns that looked like rock stars in the dashboard but weren't driving incremental sales. From there, they rebuild the entire strategy on the fundamentals: a clean campaign structure, SKUs grouped intelligently, 10-30 targets per campaign, and rules-based bid management tied to real business objectives, such as organic rank, BSR, and strict ACoS targets.   Throughout the conversation, you'll see how a self-described “non-PPC person” can learn to manage sophisticated Amazon ads with the help of Helium 10 Ads and their Ads Academy training. Destaney shows Carrie how to utilize bid rules, keyword harvesting, negative targeting, and Amazon's newer tools, such as Creative Studio and Sponsored Products video ads, without turning PPC into a full-time job. They also break down off-season strategies, what to fix when you're getting impressions but no conversions, and how much of your revenue should realistically flow back into ads. The big takeaway: whether you keep an agency, lean on software, or run everything yourself, you need to understand the basics of Amazon PPC so you can keep partners accountable and finally take back control of your Amazon advertising.   In episode 479 of the AM/PM Podcast, Bradley, Carrie, and Destaney discuss: 00:00 – Introduction 05:48 – Carrie's Amazon PPC Agency Issues 07:19 – Carrie Learns PPC From Scratch 10:23 – Rules-Based Bidding With Helium 10 Ads 14:24 – When To Automate Your Amazon Ads 18:11 – Scalable Campaign Structure For Sellers 23:16 – Single-Keyword Campaigns & Dayparting 28:36 – Keyword-Specific Creatives & Creative Studio 30:54 – Off-Season Strategy & Fixing Conversions 33:08 – Sponsored Product Video Ads Launch 36:00 – Scaling Benchmarks & Ad Spend Targets 40:09 – Final PPC Lessons & Next Step

In this raw conversation, I walk you through my own 2025 depletion audit and the four stages of burnout I see high-achieving women normalize every day. You'll hear how I spent most of the year oscillating between stage two and three burnout while still “doing the work,” and what finally forced me to stop pushing from pressure and start rebuilding true capacity.We'll look at how busy work, misaligned strategies, and ignoring your body's whispers slowly drain your business, your creativity, and your ability to feel present in your life. And we'll talk about what has to change if you want 2026 to feel different in your body and your business.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARNHow I realized I was running on empty in 2025 even while teaching nervous system regulation and body capacityWhat burnout actually looks like for high-achieving women long before the full “collapse”The four stages of burnout, and why most founders quietly live in stages one and two for yearsHow pressure-driven work, busy work, and misaligned strategies drain capacity and stall revenueThe emotional cost of trying to outwork shame, fear, and misalignmentThe morning nervous system practice that has kept my business open and my head above waterThe difference between knowing what your body needs and actually implementing it consistentlySimple anchors for 2026: boundaries, nervous system regulation, and strategic nutritionTIMESTAMPS00:02 — A raw 2025 depletion audit 01:47 — The moment I realized I was running on empty in my business 06:20 — The four stages of burnout 07:48 — Stage one burnout: chronic exhaustion and end-of-day numbing 10:14 — Stage two burnout: shame, self-doubt, and procrastination 12:36 — Stage three burnout: detachment, shrinking, and going back to “safer” revenue levels 14:36 — Stage four burnout: everything on fire and the crisis state 16:47 — Why 2025 was a year of shedding and what it cost me 17:11 — Pressure vs. intentionality  20:09 — Capacity as feeling your emotions, not just holding more clients 24:32 — Micromanaging myself and watching my business crumble 26:50 — When your soul stops whispering and starts screaming 28:00 — How nervous system regulation kept my business from closing 34:59 — How to recognize your own depletion patterns 37:15 — Invitation to the From Overworked to Optimized three-day workshop 38:30 — Final reminder: your 2026 results depend on your 2026 capacityRESOURCES MENTIONED2026 Capacity Planner (FREE)A one-page reflection to help you see where 2025 drained you, where you're living in stages one and two burnout, and what your body needs to lead differently in 2026.https://mindfullywell.com/plannerFrom Overworked to Optimized — 3-Day Workshop (January 6–8)For high-achieving women and founders who are ready to move from awareness to implementation. Three days of nervous system and nutrition support so you can build sustainable energy for 2026.http://mindfullywell.com/optimizedThe Resourced Morning Routine (FREE)For women who wake up already behind. A simple morning guide to help you shift out of chaos and into a grounded, regulated state before the day begins.https://mindfullywell.com/morningCONNECT WITH MEInstagram: @melissa_eich — message me and tell me which burnout stage you recognized yourself in most this yearWebsite: mindfullywell.comABOUT THE SHOWBody-Led Business is a podcast for female founders who want to build meaningful businesses without overriding the body that's carrying it. Hosted by Melissa Eich (RN, functional nutritionist, coach), we explore the intersection of energy, capacity, and sustainable success so you can create growth that your body can actually hold.

Live Demo AR and Denials Automation in Action Listen in as AR and denials management automation comes to life in this live demo of Infinx ARDM. Christina Harkins walks through how AI-driven denial prevention, claim prioritization, and productivity analytics transform how revenue cycle teams work. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen/

Episode SummaryI chat with Austin Blake, developer of the Stuff app, about all things productivity, technology, and to-do lists..Show Notes Pagejeffsanders.com/606.Go Premium!Exclusive bonus episodes, 100% ad-free, full back catalog, and more!Free 7-Day Trial of 5 AM Miracle Premium.Perks from Our SponsorsStuff → Get 50% off your first year with code MIRACLEClickUp → Use my code MIRACLE to get 15% off all AI add onsSolaray → Try Solaray's new Testosterone Support supplement today!.Learn More About The 5 AM MiracleThe 5 AM Miracle Podcast.Free Productivity Resources + Email Updates!Join The 5 AM Club!.The 5 AM Miracle BookAudiobook, Paperback, and Kindle.Connect on Social MediaLinkedIn • Facebook Group • Instagram.About Jeff SandersRead Jeff's Bio.Questions?Contact Jeff.© 5 AM Miracle Media, LLC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From Discovery to Delivery: Charting Progress in Gynecologic Oncology, hosted by Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, brings expert insights into the most recent breakthroughs, evolving standards, and emerging therapies across gynecologic cancers. Dr Matulonis is chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Brock-Wilcon Family Chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, Massachusetts. In this episode, Dr Matulonis sat down with guest Panagiotis (Panos) A. Konstantinopoulos, MD, PhD, to discuss the different subtypes of endometrial cancer and treatment developments for this disease. Dr Konstantinopoulos is the director of Translational Research in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, the director of the Mellen and Eisenson Family Center for BRCA and Related Genes, and the Velma Eisenson Chair for Clinical and Translational Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; as well as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Drs Matulonis and Konstantinopoulos explained that patients with mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) tumors substantially benefit from a decreased risk of progression or death when immunotherapy is added to standard therapy. They noted that immunotherapy appears important for the management of dMMR tumors, even those in earlier stages or in patients who have no measurable disease remaining after surgery. For MMR-proficient (pMMR) tumors, Drs Matulonis and Konstantinopoulos highlighted that PD-1 blockade combined with chemotherapy improves survival vs chemotherapy alone, but that this benefit is not as substantial as that seen in dMMR disease. Crucially, they reported that if a pMMR tumor has no measurable disease after surgery, adding immune checkpoint blockade does not appear beneficial. They stated that tailored treatment approaches are key for managing pMMR disease subtypes. They added that hormonal therapy may be used upfront for slow-growing, estrogen receptor–positive metastatic disease. They continued by saying that DNA damage and replication stress are critical targets, particularly in p53-mutated tumors, like uterine serous cancers. Furthermore, they stressed that although the antibody-drug conjugate fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu) is highly effective in HER2-positive tumors, treatment with this agent requires monitoring for toxicities, including interstitial lung disease and decreased ejection fraction.

Please visit answersincme.com/860/MED-RESP-03658-replay to participate, download slides and supporting materials, complete the post test, and get a certificate. In this activity, experts in pulmonary medicine discuss how to integrate biologics into individualized treatment plans for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), featuring insights from a patient advocate. Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to: Specify the rationale for targeting eosinophilic inflammation in COPD; Differentiate available and late-stage emerging biologic therapies based on the latest clinical evidence in COPD; Identify patients with COPD who are appropriate candidates for biologic therapy; and Outline strategies to optimally incorporate biologic therapies into treatment plans for patients with COPD.

Changing the Oncology Prior Authorization Story with Exact Sciences This Office Hours will highlight Liz Durkin, Manager of Revenue Cycle as she tells the story of Exact Sciences' journey, from pain points to progress, and provide takeaways for other oncology organizations seeking to change the narrative on prior authorization. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

Title: Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA) Staining Optimized for Image Analysis of Muscle Tissue Morphometry  Authors: Cheru, R. and Wolf, J.C., Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Sterling, Virginia Abstract: Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA) is a plant-derived lectin and fluorescent stain that binds to N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid residues in tissues, making it a valuable histochemical tool for visualizing cell membranes and components of the extracellular matrix. In muscle tissue, WGA staining allows clear delineation of the laminin-labeled basal membrane outlining each myofiber, distinguishing it from the residual autofluorescence of the myofiber sarcoplasm. To support digital pathology applications, a WGA staining protocol was optimized for compatibility with image-based quantitative analysis. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded muscle sections were stained with fluorescently labeled WGA, counterstained with DAPI for nuclear visualization, and mounted with antifade medium to preserve fluorescence. Image analysis of WGA-stained skeletal muscle was successfully performed by a pathologist using Image-Pro® Plus software, employing macros to assess myofiber size and count.

Ed Kashi on Archiving, Personal Projects & the Future of Photojournalism Insights from the “10 Frames Per Second” Podcast with photojournalist Ed Kashi, co‑founder of Talking Eyes Media, and his newest book A Period of Time (Briscoe Center, UT Austin). Ed's career spans 40 years of visual storytelling—from early analog darkrooms to iPhone coverage of Hurricane Sandy, from Iraq's Kurdish frontlines to a decades‑long “Aging in America” project. His journey offers timeless lessons for anyone who creates, curates, or consumes visual media. 10 Frames Per Second – a weekly photojournalism podcast from Loyola Radio (WLOY) – brings together veteran photojournalists to discuss the craft, the business, and the stories that shape our world. In episode 168 (released 12/02/25), hosts Molly Roberts, and guest host Stephen Crowley (a guest on Episode 91) sit down with Ed Kashi, a 40‑year visual storyteller who has worked for National Geographic, The New Yorker, Time, MSNBC and more. “We love to start with an origin story. So, Ed, how did you first fall in love with photography?” – Molly The interview uncovers the hidden gems behind Kashi's career, his new retrospective book, and the lessons he's learned while navigating a changing media landscape. If you're a photojournalist, documentary filmmaker, or simply love visual storytelling, you've just landed on a summary of Ed Kashi's recent interview on the 10 Frames Per Second podcast. We break down: Ed Kashi's origin story and why photography hooked him 50 years ago. The making of his new book A Period of Time (Briscoe Center, UT Austin). Why archiving is essential for a sustainable career. The power of personal projects—especially his “Aging in America” series. Mentorship tips for emerging photographers. Ethical challenges in the age of AI. Grab a coffee, skim the headings, and dive into the actionable takeaways! How Ed Kashi Fell in Love With Photography Freshman at Syracuse University (1976) – originally wanted to be a novelist, but a poetry professor told him he was “a really bad writer.” Discovered the Newhouse School of Public Communications, one of the world's top photojournalism programs. Took a basic black‑and‑white darkroom course, learned about legendary photographer Imogen Cunningham (who was still shooting in her 90s). Realized photography could synthesize politics, art, and storytelling—the perfect medium for his activist spirit. “Even at age 10 I was stuffing envelopes for Hubert Humphrey against Nixon. Photography just seemed the vehicle to combine that political impulse with art.” Takeaway for Readers If you're just starting out, look for a mentor or a historic figure who inspires you. That spark can sustain a 50‑year career. A Period of Time: A 40‑Year Retrospective Why a Retrospective Now? Archive donation – Ed Kashi gave 127 banker‑boxes of negatives, slides, prints, and ephemera to the Briscoe Center for American History (UT Austin). Unexpected invitation – Briscoe's director, Don Carlton, asked Ed Kashi, “How does one get collected?” and then offered to collect him. Creative freedom – The Center gave him full editorial control: “This is your story. Do whatever you want.” The Book's Core Idea Linear, issue‑oriented storytelling – Each chapter is a deep dive into a major project (e.g., Northern Ireland, Kurds, Aging in America). Scholarly rigor meets journalistic depth – The book reads like a photo‑anthropology textbook with stunning visuals. “Opening the book felt like holding a newborn—overwhelming but beautiful.” The Power of a Well‑Organized Archive “My archive is like a garden; I can harvest what I need because everything is sorted.” – Ed Kashi How Ed Kashi Keeps His Archive Manageable Early adoption of digital workflow – Transitioned from analog boxes to searchable digital files. Meticulous cataloguing – Every image tagged by date, location, project, and theme. Professional support – Collaborated with studio managers (e.g., Frish Brandt) and curators (e.g., Alison Nordstrom). Benefits for Photojournalists Monetization – Ability to license old images for new publications. Storytelling efficiency – Quickly locate relevant photos for pitches or books. Legacy preservation – Ensures future generations can study and exhibit the work. Quick Tips to Organize Your Own Archive Create a consistent naming convention (YYMMDD_Location_Project_Sequence). Use metadata tags for keywords, people, and locations. Back up on at least two external drives and a cloud service. Review annually – purge duplicates and update tags. Personal Projects: The “Aging in America” Series Why Aging? Not “sexy” but universally human – Kashi wanted a topic that would outlive trends. Long‑term commitment – 8 years, 25 states, $300k in grant funding (Robert Wood Johnson, George Soros). Humanizing statistics – The project shows “the vitality of life, love, and hope” beyond the typical “dying” narrative. Key Outcomes Iconic image – Death scene of Maxine Peters (West Virginia) that resonates across cultures. Global collaboration – “Climate Elders” exhibition at COP 30, involving 150 photographers from 40 countries. Lessons for Emerging Photographers Research first; then shoot – Deep immersion builds trust and authentic moments. Secure funding early – Grants give creative freedom and resources. Be patient – Long‑term projects earn credibility and impact. Mentorship & Teaching: Ed Kashi's Advice for New Photographers Area Kashi's Insight Actionable Tip Tenacity “Failure is not an option; keep going.” Set mini‑milestones; celebrate small wins. Ethics No manipulation, no staging; honor subjects as collaborators. Draft a personal ethics checklist before each shoot. Access Build relationships; be respectful of vulnerable communities. Attend local events, volunteer, network before pitching. AI & Credibility Trust reputable media; AI threatens misinformation. Verify sources; use AI for organization, not image creation. Joy of Photography Keep the joy alive—look at others' work for inspiration. Schedule weekly “inspiration sessions” with peers. Ethics & AI: The New Frontier Ed Kashi worries about political actors using AI to fake images, not about entertainment misuse. He believes trusted news outlets (NYT, BBC, National Geographic) will gain more value as AI blurs reality. Over‑post‑production can create a gloomy aesthetic that misrepresents the world. Practical Guidance Never alter factual content in post‑production. Label AI‑generated edits clearly if they're artistic. Teach media literacy: help audiences distinguish authentic journalism from AI‑fueled “deepfakes.” Closing Thoughts, Ed Kashi Call‑to‑Action Ed Kashi's journey—from a panic‑driven freshman at Syracuse to a globally respected visual storyteller—offers an actionable roadmap for anyone chasing a sustainable photojournalism career. Archive like a gardener. Invest in personal, issue‑driven projects. Mentor, learn, and stay ethically grounded. Embrace technology wisely, especially AI. Want More? Listen to the full episode on 10 Frames Per Second (new episodes drop every Tuesday). Explore “A Period of Time” at the Briscoe Center or order the book online. Join the conversation: Share your favorite archival tip or personal project story in the comments below! Optimized for: photojournalism, Ed Kashi interview, archiving photos, personal documentary projects, aging in America, mentorship for photographers, AI ethics in photography. photojournalism, documentary storytelling, archival organization, personal projects, political theater, Washington D.C., New York Times, National Geographic, Hurricane Sandy coverage, iPhone journalism, Kurdish flip‑book, award recognitions, book publishing, Briscoe Center for American History, archive donation, analog negatives, digital workflow, aging in America, hospice care, climate elders, grant funding, long‑term projects, mentorship, ethics in photography, AI manipulation concerns, media literacy, visual tropes, storytelling methodology, access and tenacity, cultural preservation, collaborative authorship.The post Episode 168: Ed Kashi (Archiving Photography) first appeared on 10FPS A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

Transforming the Patient Experience with Voice-First AI Automation Long hold times and overwhelmed front-office staff have made patient scheduling a pain point across healthcare. In this episode, we explore how Infinx and Voxology are redefining patient access with AI-powered scheduling agents that combine empathy, intelligence, and efficiency to transform the way patients connect with care. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

What a smörgåsbord of delights in this episode. We introduce MULTIPLE new segments:Lindy's Dream

Cheap resumé bots and pricey human writers leave a gap. We’ll show how an AI-plus-expert service can fill it, both profitably and credibly. Side Hustle School features a new episode EVERY DAY, featuring detailed case studies of people who earn extra money without quitting their job. This year, the show includes free guided lessons and listener Q&A several days each week. Show notes: SideHustleSchool.com Email: team@sidehustleschool.com Be on the show: SideHustleSchool.com/questions Connect on Instagram: @193countries Visit Chris's main site: ChrisGuillebeau.com Read A Year of Mental Health: yearofmentalhealth.com If you're enjoying the show, please pass it along! It's free and has been published every single day since January 1, 2017. We're also very grateful for your five-star ratings—it shows that people are listening and looking forward to new episodes.