POPULARITY
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Vickie Howell discovered something most people never do: the exact moment her brain went quiet. It happened when her hands were busy with yarn and needles, long before she had words for ADHD or understood why making things felt like medicine.Vickie has spent over two decades at the forefront of the modern craft movement. She's best known as the host of Knitty Gritty on HGTV, but her reach goes far beyond the screen. She's written bestselling books, launched hit YouTube shows and PBS segments, and recently founded StitchWell Social Club, a membership community that connects creativity with nervous system care. At 51, when she was diagnosed with ADHD, everything came into focus—her rocky school years, the urgency behind her creative drive, and the systems she built to stay afloat in a world that didn't always make room for brains like hers.In this episode, Vickie and Tracy unpack the connection between fiber arts and focus, between making things and making peace with your own mind. Vickie shares how handcrafts became her regulation tool, how bullet points saved her writing life, and why crafting deserves a seat at the mental health table. They also talk about imposter syndrome, building a business around your strengths, and what it means to get a diagnosis later in life—and realize you were never actually “lazy” or “scattered,” just misunderstood.Whether you knit or not, Vickie's story will leave you thinking differently about how we soothe ourselves, how we process the world, and how creativity can become a powerful form of self-advocacy.Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickie-howell-0592b55 Website: https://vickiehowell.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vickiehowell Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
SUMMARYIn this episode of "Vibe Science," hosts Ryan Alford and Chris Hansen discuss personal empowerment and mindset transformation with guest Angela Jean, a "mindset disruptor." Ryan introduces the importance of hydration and wellness, emphasizing Warrior Salt's role in proper hydration. Angela shares her journey shaped by personal tragedies, highlighting the significance of breaking negative thought patterns and embracing rhythmic patterns for personal growth. The conversation explores the power of affirmations, the importance of self-healing, and the transformative potential of emotional energy. The episode concludes with a focus on accountability, embracing challenges, and fostering compassion in personal relationships.TAKEAWAYSImportance of hydration and wellness for physical performance and overall well-being.Mindset transformation and personal empowerment as key themes.The role of personal experiences in shaping understanding of the mind and healing.Significance of patterns and rhythms in personal growth and change.Techniques for breaking negative thought patterns and embracing discomfort.The power of affirmations and the impact of language on mindset.Strategies for transforming emotional energy into positive action.Navigating external pressures and maintaining personal transformation.The importance of accountability and self-reflection in personal growth.Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and fostering compassion in relationships.This episode is sponsored by:Warrior Salt Electrolyte Powder – Hydrate & Reenergize NaturallyExperience Warrior Salt's all-natural electrolyte powder for optimal hydration and performance. Boost energy, prevent cramps, and stay hydrated. Order Now!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___What happens when your brain is loud, your schedule is chaotic, and your best coping skill is making people laugh?Jessica Michelle Singleton is a no-filter comedian, podcast host, and the kind of ADHD woman who can command a stage, lose her keys, and write a killer joke—all before lunch. She's dropped two #1 comedy albums, racked up millions of views with her stand-up, and performed alongside comedy heavyweights like Mark Normand and Melissa Villaseñor. But behind the laughs? A woman who always knew her brain worked differently, even if it took years to get a name for it.Diagnosed in college after nearly losing her scholarship, Jessica shares how undiagnosed ADHD shaped her identity, her anxiety, and her early drive to do it all—four sports, a packed schedule, and straight As. She and Tracy talk about how ADHD shows up in her comedy, why perfectionism nearly sidelined her special, and how growing up in chaos made her both resilient and hilarious. They also unpack family dynamics, trauma, and the real reason so many comedians come from childhoods that were anything but funny.If you've ever felt like a hot mess with a high-octane brain, Jessica's story is a powerful reminder: sometimes the traits that made you feel “too much” are the exact ones that make you unforgettable.Resources:Punchup: https://punchup.live/jms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmscomedy X: https://x.com/JMScomedy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicamichellesingleton Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
SUMMARYIn this episode of Vibe Science, hosts Ryan Alford and Chris Hansen sit down with Bears Talk Underground host Larry D, who shares his powerful health journey—from weight gain and emotional eating to a life-altering health scare that sparked a 170-pound transformation.They discuss the mental and emotional side of wellness, the impact of athletic identity, and the cultural shift around nutrition and self-care. Larry's story is a raw, inspiring reminder of what's possible with support, perseverance, and a mindset shift.TAKEAWAYSImportance of hydration and sodium in dietsPersonal journeys related to health and wellnessChallenges of weight management and eating habitsEmotional and mental burdens associated with weightImpact of injuries on physical health and weight gainCultural shifts in understanding nutrition among athletesThe significance of accountability in health journeysStrategies for improving eating habits and physical activityThe role of community support in personal transformationEncouragement to seek help and share experiences for better health outcomesThis episode is sponsored by:Warrior Salt Electrolyte Powder – Hydrate & Reenergize NaturallyExperience Warrior Salt's all-natural electrolyte powder for optimal hydration and performance. Boost energy, prevent cramps, and stay hydrated. Order Now!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ark of Grace with Amanda Grace The Spiritual War Revealed Satan's Hierarchy and the Cult of Mind Control Satan's kingdom is not chaos—it's organized, strategic, and deeply rooted in spiritual hierarchies. Tonight, 5/15/2025 at 5 pm ET, we expose how this dark structure operates through mind control, the occult, and global systems designed to keep people blind, bound, and controlled. Prayer Lines now available Mon - Fri, 9am-5pm ET. CALL 845-743-6500 or 845-743-2583 Amanda's Book The Revelationary War is Available! Order Now: https://buff.ly/4fnuDd7 Music Copyright References: -131615741-Awards Inspirational Cinematic Music (Short 3) [Upbeat Nomination Epic Orchestra] Stock Media provided by JadSound / Pond5 -21981893-Corporate And Inspirational Cinematic Background Music (1.00 Minutes Version) Stock Media provided by StockAudios / Pond5 -151471022-Uplifting Inspirational Corporate Stock Media provided by Patrick_Schlebes / Pond5 -154756307-Magic Fireflies Loop Version2(Modern And Relaxing Background) Stock Media provided by Lesya_NZ / Pond5 -123859534-Successful Product Presentation 60S - P5 Stock Media provided by Wolfgangwoehrle / Pond5 105166597-Believe in You (Inspirational And Uplifting) P5 Stock Media provided by DivaProductionMusic / Pond5 Music License: https://www.pond5.com/legal/license/2... Purchase ID/Date: 7365245 / 9-29-2023 Website: https://arkofgrace.org Prayer Requests: https://arkofgrace.org/prayer-requests Donate: https://arkofgrace.org/donate Partners: https://arkofgrace.org/ministry-partners #SpiritualWarfare #MindControl #ExposingDarkness #EndTimes #SatanicAgenda #BiblicalTruth #Ephesians612 #ChristianLiveStream #OccultExposed #WarfareTeaching #RemnantRise #PropheticWarning
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___What happens when the thing you thought wasn't for you, like meditation, turns out to be exactly what your brain needed?Kelly Smith is a meditation teacher, yoga instructor, podcast host, and the creator of Mindful in Minutes, which has guided over 23 million meditations to date. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, Kelly grew up feeling like she didn't quite fit anywhere. School was a struggle, friendships were hard, and her self-esteem took a major hit. But everything began to shift when, at just 16, she discovered yoga and mindfulness as a way to support her mom through breast cancer and to reconnect with herself.In this episode, Kelly and Tracy talk about why traditional meditation advice often fails ADHD women and what actually works instead. Kelly shares her unique approach to building a sustainable meditation practice that doesn't require perfection or stillness. Sometimes it just takes a few moments of self-awareness to create a real shift. They talk about creative batching, emotional regulation, her color-coded systems, and why walking without your phone might be more powerful than you think.Whether you're curious about meditation, skeptical of mindfulness, or simply looking for a way to feel more grounded, this episode offers a fresh and practical take. It's about finding calm in ways that work with your brain, and creating space to come back to yourself.Resources:Website: https://www.yogaforyouonline.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaforyouonlinePodcast: Mindfulness in Minutes MeditationYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindfulinminutes Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
In this episode of the "Vibe Science" podcast, hosts Ryan Alford and Chris Hansen, along with guest Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu, an immunologist and skincare expert, delve into the importance of skincare and hydration. Ryan emphasizes hydration's role in overall and skin health, while Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu shares her personal journey and the science behind her skincare line, AveSeena. Chris discusses men's skincare from his perspective, highlighting societal shifts and personal experiences. The episode underscores the need for quality skincare products, a holistic approach to health, and breaking down gender norms in skincare routines.TAKEAWAYSImportance of hydration for overall health and skincare.Personal journeys and experiences related to skincare.The significance of quality skincare products and their scientific basis.Psychological aspects of skincare and its impact on self-perception.Societal perceptions and gender norms surrounding skincare, particularly for men.The connection between skin health and overall well-being.Practical advice for evaluating skin health and recognizing signs of distress.The need for education in skincare practices and awareness of harmful trends.Debunking skincare myths and emphasizing science-backed solutions.Innovations in skincare and the future of science-based products.This episode is sponsored by:Warrior Salt Electrolyte Powder – Hydrate & Reenergize NaturallyExperience Warrior Salt's all-natural electrolyte powder for optimal hydration and performance. Boost energy, prevent cramps, and stay hydrated. Order Now!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___What if the systems you were told to follow just… never worked for you?Latrice Prater spent years trying to fit into traditional jobs and structures, feeling like she was always falling short, until her ADHD diagnosis in her 30s made everything click. A Navy veteran, certified Director of Operations, and now founder of The Digital Solutions Team, Latrice has since built a thriving agency that helps women create neurodivergent-friendly businesses built around their actual brains, not just business blueprints.In this episode, Latrice and Tracy dive into the realities of being an ADHD entrepreneur, the problem with cookie-cutter strategies, and the power of building systems that serve your energy, not drain it. Latrice shares how her military background shaped her discipline, why she believes in automations as acts of self-kindness, and how she transformed chaos into clarity for herself and hundreds of clients.They also talk about how motherhood, burnout, and masking pushed Latrice to the edge and how the decision to embrace her neurodivergence became the foundation for her agency, her book, and her healing. She opens up about the pressure to “do it all,” the toll of hiding her struggles, and the freedom she found in building a business that finally worked with her brain.You'll also hear how she redefined leadership, what finally helped her stop feeling “bad at life,” and why your zone of genius is the one place you should never outsource. Whether you're a business owner, a creative, or just someone tired of trying to do things the “right” way, this conversation will give you permission to build something better.Resources: Website: https://www.thedstagency.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latrice-prater Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virtualsolutionsforher Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevirtualpro Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
Today on the Matt Walsh Show, there is a growing number of allegedly conservative feminist influencers on the Right. This is a major problem—I'll explain why. Also, we already knew that the “Maryland Man,” Abrego Garcia, was stopped by the cops on suspicion of human smuggling; now, we have the bodycam footage from that encounter. Plus, I am ruthlessly attacked by a Daily Wire employee on The Daily Wire's own website. I'll deal with that betrayal today. And Mark Zuckerberg says that the cure for human loneliness is AI. Click here to join the member-exclusive portion of my show: https://bit.ly/4bEQDy6 Ep.1588 - - - DailyWire+: Join us at https://dailywire.com/subscribe and become a part of the rebellion against the ridiculous. Normal is back. And this time, we're keeping it. The hit podcast, Morning Wire, is now on Video! Watch Now and subscribe to their YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/42SxDJC I'm an American chauvinist, and you can be too! ORDER NOW: https://bit.ly/42H5pTo Get your Matt Walsh flannel here: https://bit.ly/3EbNwyj - - - Today's Sponsors: ExpressVPN - Go to https://expressvpn.com/walsh and find out how you can get 4 months of ExpressVPN free! Grand Canyon University - Find your purpose at Grand Canyon University. Visit https://gcu.edu today. Good Ranchers - Visit https://goodranchers.com and subscribe to any box using code WALSH to claim $40 off + free meat for life! - - - Socials: Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/3Rv1VeF Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3KZC3oA Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3eBKjiA Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RQp4rs
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___What happens when you stop trying to prove your worth and start building what only you can see? Elizabeth Elfenbein is a creative powerhouse, a purpose-driven leader, and a visionary storyteller who's redefining women's health, equity, and representation on a global scale. But like so many ADHD women, that journey started with feeling like she didn't quite fit in.Diagnosed later in life after both of her children received ADHD diagnoses, Elizabeth realized she'd spent decades navigating the world with an undiagnosed brain. School was a struggle, especially growing up in a family that valued academics above all else. But when she discovered design and visual storytelling, everything clicked. That passion led her to Pratt Institute and a trailblazing career in branding, healthcare, and advocacy—all built on instinct, creativity, and a refusal to accept the status quo.In this conversation, Elizabeth and Tracy talk about the energy behind ideas, the power of purpose, and why ADHD minds are wired for innovation. They explore how mission-driven work becomes a container for restlessness, how meditation and self-care keep Elizabeth grounded, and why she's never been afraid to run toward a problem others might avoid. She also opens up about parenting ADHD children, managing emotional energy over time, and what it means to finally recognize your own brilliance, not just in what you create, but in who you are.Resources:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethelfenbein Website: otherhoodagency.com Website: underthehoodofwomenshealth.com Under the sisterhood: underthesisterhood.comBlog: medium.com/@elizabethelfenbein Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
SUMMARYIn this episode of "Vibe Science," host Ryan Alford converses with Ben Glinsky, CEO and founder of LiveGood. They explore strategies for running a lean business in today's economy, focusing on the supplement industry. Ben shares how LiveGood disrupts the market by offering high-quality, affordable supplements, emphasizing transparency and consumer trust. The discussion highlights the importance of a strong work ethic, grit, and adaptability. Ben also delves into the benefits of affiliate marketing for customer acquisition. The episode provides valuable insights into entrepreneurship, emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and innovative marketing strategies.This episode is sponsored by:Warrior Salt Electrolyte Powder – Hydrate & Reenergize NaturallyExperience Warrior Salt's all-natural electrolyte powder for optimal hydration and performance. Boost energy, prevent cramps, and stay hydrated. Order Now!TAKEAWAYSImportance of running a lean and efficient business in the supplement industryInsights on entrepreneurship and the mindset required for successThe significance of grit and perseverance in overcoming challengesStrategies for maintaining low overhead costs and maximizing profit marginsThe role of adaptability and responsiveness to market changesEmphasis on quality and transparency in the supplement marketCustomer acquisition strategies, particularly through affiliate marketingBalancing personal life and work commitments for overall well-beingThe impact of economic conditions on consumer behavior and health accessibilityVision for the future of the supplement industry and commitment to continuous improvementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How do you build a writing life when your brain refuses to follow rules? For Paulette Perhach, the answer has always been a mix of creativity, structure, and compassion.Paulette is an award-winning author, writing coach, and creator of the Writer's Mission Control Center and Finishing School for Writers. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Vox, Glamour, The Washington Post, and Cosmopolitan. But before all that, she was a gifted kid with a brain full of ideas—and no clue why some things came so easily while others felt impossible.In this conversation, Paulette shares how growing up with undiagnosed ADHD and without financial resources—shaped her writing path, her self-image, and her relationship with money. She talks with Tracy about the emotional cost of feeling "less than," the unpredictability of social energy, and how finding a creative community changed everything. Diagnosed in adulthood, she finally began to understand the why behind her chaos and built systems that helped her move from intention to execution.Paulette also breaks down her FINISH framework, a six-part approach to help ADHD writers build structure, create momentum, and finally complete the work they care about. She shares how she bootstrapped her own software tool to support writers like her, and why creating spaces that center neurodivergent needs isn't just helpful—it's transformative.Whether you're a creative with too many ideas or someone still trying to trust your voice, Paulette's story will make you feel seen, inspired, and ready to try again, with a little more self-compassion this time.Resources:Website: https://www.pauletteperhach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulette-perhach-23b12832 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulettejperhach X: https://x.com/pauletteperhachSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
SUMMARYIn this episode of the "Vibe Science" podcast, hosts Ryan Alford and Chris Hansen discuss chronic pain management with pain specialist Dr. Jordan Barber. They explore the limitations of pharmaceutical treatments, the challenges posed by the healthcare system, and the importance of a holistic approach. Dr. Barber emphasizes alternative therapies like acupuncture and lifestyle changes, such as exposure to natural light and proper posture. The episode underscores the need for patient empowerment and education, encouraging listeners to take an active role in their health and seek comprehensive, effective treatment options.TAKEAWAYSComplexities of chronic pain managementLimitations of pharmaceutical treatments for painChallenges posed by the healthcare system and insurance companiesImportance of alternative therapies in pain managementNeed for a holistic approach to wellness and pain treatmentPatient empowerment and advocacy in healthcareLifestyle changes and natural remedies for pain reliefCommon pain issues and effective treatment approachesRole of specialists in managing specific pain conditionsValue of education and awareness in health decision-makingThis episode is sponsored by:Warrior Salt Electrolyte Powder – Hydrate & Reenergize NaturallyExperience Warrior Salt's all-natural electrolyte powder for optimal hydration and performance. Boost energy, prevent cramps, and stay hydrated. Order Now!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 19, 2025Today's Reading: Matthew 27:57-66Daily Lectionary: Exodus 13:17-14:9; Hebrews 7:1-22“Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,' and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” (Matthew 27:64)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The church leaders go to great lengths to make sure that there will be no confusion about the death of Jesus. Jesus died and is buried. Saturday is a day of silence. Nothing is written about what transpires from Friday evening until Sunday morning other than the placing of the guards at the tomb of Jesus. Silence covers the world. The Son of God is silent. The Son of Man, The Son of God, rests on the seventh day. He rests on the Sabbath. He will rise from the dead on the eighth day, finalizing His work of conquering death.On this day, Christians all around the world are reflecting on the time of Christ in the tomb. Vigils are held, and Scriptures are read in the sanctuaries. In Christian homes, there is silence as the death of the Son of Man is remembered. In the midst of our silence, there is a lot of noise. Noise from sin, satan, and the world. The noise of a fallen creation is the complete corruption of God's Holy creation. The chaos we experience in life. The reality of broken homes. The struggle with broken relationships. The confrontation of death at any age. The Old Adam in us reminds us that we are tired from all the chaos. Satan still lays out his temptations before us as we are drawn into secular activities surrounding Easter. We feel as if the world is against us, and we are flailing in the deep end of the pool of life. The desire for silence consumes us, but it does not come.On this day, many of our sanctuaries are preparing for the Easter Services. As post-pentecost churches, we know the rest of the story. We know that the silence is not permanent. The tomb will be opened, and Christ will rise from the dead. Death is conquered. No longer is there silence in the world as the gates of the grave are burst open. All of Christ's words come to fruition. He will suffer, He will die, and on the third day, He will rise from the dead. His rest in the tomb on the Sabbath is the final rest He takes. Today, as we enter into His Sanctuaries, He works while we rest and receive the Gifts He gives to us in His Means Of Grace. We receive the promise that we, too, will rise from the grave on the Last Day.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, creator of heaven and earth, grant that as the crucified body of Your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with Him the coming of the third day, and rise with Him to newness of life, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Holy Saturday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 18, 2025Today's Reading: John 19:17-30Daily Lectionary: Exodus 12:29-32; 13:1-16; Lamentations 5:1-22, Hebrews 6:1-20, Psalm 22“he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!' Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!'” (John 19:26b-27)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dying is very deadly. Dead is dark. The light of the world is no longer shining. Darkness has covered the world. The curtain in the temple is torn. The clothes of Christ have been divided up between the pagan Roman soldiers. The disciples have all fled but one. Peter has denied knowing the savior. Jesus hangs naked between two thieves in the local landfill with only one disciple and His mother nearby. He entrusts His mother to John and declares that His father has forsaken Him. He drinks and breathes His last. Dying is very deadly.His final words on the cross are comforting. His final words on the cross are words that draw our attention to the garden of Eden when God gave us the gift of marriage. In Genesis 2:24, God gives us the fundamental premise of marriage when He says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” From the cross, Christ separates himself from His earthly mother in John 19:26-27: “…he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!...” Christ has left His mother. In Matthew 27:46, Christ calls from the cross, “...My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Christ is separated from His Father. The son leaves His father and mother and holds fast to his wife. In the death of Christ, a marriage vow is fulfilled. The groom has loved His bride to the point that He dies for her. Scripture is fulfilled in the final sacrifice. When His side is pierced, blood and water pour from His side. In the first Adam, his wife comes from his side. Adam stands by as she eats from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Death is ushered in through their disobedience. The marks of the church in word and sacrament come from the side of the second Adam, Jesus, as water and blood pour out. He is bound to His bride, the church, in the fulfillment of Scripture. Where Adam failed to die for his bride, Christ has fulfilled the debt owed by us in His death on the cross.All our sins went to the cross on Good Friday. All our sins went to the tomb when He was buried. He who knew no sin became sin for us. Sin is buried. All your sins are covered in the blood of Christ. All your sins are atoned for in His deadly dying on the cross. All your sins went to the grave on Good Friday and were buried. The covenant is complete; the atonement for the sins of the world is finished.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, graciously behold this Your family for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinful men to suffer death upon the cross; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Good Friday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 17, 2025 Today's Reading: Luke 22:7-20Daily Lectionary: Exodus 12:1-28; Lamentations 4:1-22; Hebrews 5:1-14; Psalm 31“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.” (Luke 22:7)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The meal is ready. The week is coming to a close around the table of the Lord. Lazarus is resurrected from the dead. The temple is cleansed. The disciples have been taught about the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Jesus is anointed by Mary. The disciples' feet are washed. The table is set; let us break bread together. The Passover is at hand. It is time for the lamb to be sacrificed.A lot of preparation has taken place this week to get us to the table of the Lord. The work of Christ is not complete. Today, a New Covenant is instituted—a covenant between God and His people, a covenant that requires the shedding of blood. Covenant-making is very bloody. The blood of Jesus will be the blood of the Lamb, which is the final shedding of blood for the sins of the world. In the Words of Institution, a New Covenant is brought forth that nullifies the Old Covenant. No longer will the sacrifice of bulls, lambs, and goats be necessary. The words are spoken, and the covenant is established. Christ declares himself to be in, with, and under the bread and wine. His words, “take and eat, this IS” and “take and drink, this IS” are words of comfort for us today.Today, we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in His blessed sacrament. We receive forgiveness of sins in His sacrament. We come to the altar beaten down. We come to the altar covered in our sins. We come to the altar with illnesses and life struggles. Our shame, our guilt, our sins are all exposed. In preparing to come to the altar, we sing the Sanctus, reminding us that a three-times-Holy God that comes to us. As we approach the altar, it is the Agnes Dei that we sing as we prepare to receive the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He has mercy on us! He gives to us His Body and Blood of the New Covenant for the forgiveness of sins. Your sins are covered by the blood of the Lamb. All your sins are removed before God. No longer does God see your sin. He sees only the blood of Jesus over you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, in this wondrous Sacrament You have left us a remembrance of Your passion. Grant that we may so receive the sacred mystery of Your body and blood that the fruits of Your redemption may continually be manifest in us; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Thursday of Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___If you've ever been told you're “too sensitive,” “too emotional,” or just “too much,” this episode is here to tell you: you're not. You're intuitive, and that might just be your ADHD superpower.Julie Jancius, known as The Angel Medium, is a spiritual teacher, podcast host, and bestselling author who helps people reconnect with their intuition, their energy, and their purpose. Diagnosed with ADHD in middle school, Julie always knew she was different—driven, creative, deeply empathic, and always tuned in to something just below the surface. But it wasn't until she experienced major life upheaval as a teen and later lost her father unexpectedly that she began to fully understand the power of intuition and energetic sensitivity—and how it had been guiding her all along.In this conversation, Julie and Tracy explore the link between ADHD and spiritual gifts, from intuitive decision-making to emotional depth and the ability to read a room without saying a word. Julie shares why traditional ADHD solutions didn't work for her, how energy healing and spiritual connection became her lifelines, and why learning to follow your internal compass might just be the most important skill of all. They also talk about breaking cycles, building purpose-led businesses, and why listening to your intuition isn't “woo”—it's wisdom.If you've ever felt like your brain doesn't follow the rules and your heart doesn't either, Julie's story will leave you feeling more seen, understood, and inspired to trust yourself.Resources:Website: https://theangelmedium.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theangelmedium Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelmedium Podcast & Membership Links: Podcast: https://theangelmedium.com/podcastAngel Membership: https://theangelmedium.com/membership Angel Reiki School: Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
April 16, 2025Today's Reading: John 13:16-38Daily Lectionary: Exodus 10:21-11:10; Lamentations 3:1-66; Hebrews 4:1-16“So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.” (John 13:30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The time is drawing near for the Son of Man to be lifted up. His betrayal is imminent. The betrayer has dipped his hand with Christ. He has put on a facade of friendship and loyalty, but underneath, the “cha-ching” of the 30 pieces of silver is echoing in the background. He sold the savior of the world, the Son of God, the Son of Man, for 30 pieces of silver. John writes, “And it was night.”As we approach the beginning of the Passion of Christ, John draws us back to the tension between day and night. When Judas left the disciples and Jesus, night was setting in. Darkness was coming in the form of a crucifixion. The Son of God was going to be handed over and killed. Darkness was going to prevail. Night was going to cover the world, and mankind's hatred of his creator was going to come to fruition in the death of Christ.Sin loves the night. Throughout the scriptures, and especially in John, we hear repeatedly the use of night. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night in John 3, and in the opening chapter of John, darkness is used to show the condition of the world on account of sin. Our lives are filled with darkness, and we live in the night each day. We struggle with chaos all around us. We desire order, but uncertainty prevails. Families are in chaos. Friendships are unpredictable. Finances are tumultuous. We may feel that our church life and walk with Christ is even in want. Christ sends Judas out to do what needs to be done at night. In the darkness of the pending crucifixion, there is light. The light of the world will be lifted up. Darkness will come, but it will not prevail. Satan's work of bringing death into this world is going to be overcome. Christ is going to the cross as the final sacrifice for the sins of the world. He is going to the cross for your darkness. He turns night into day. In the Revelation to St. John, the New Jerusalem is described as having no sun as the Glory of God and the Lamb of God are its light (Revelation 20:23). Now, we live in the light of Christ, waiting for His return.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Merciful and everlasting God, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all to bear our sins on the cross. Grant that our hearts may be so fixed with steadfast faith in Him that we fear not the power of sin, death, and the devil; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for Wednesday of Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 15, 2025Today's Reading: John 12:23-50Daily Lectionary: Exodus 9:29-10:20; Lamentations 2:1-22; Hebrews 3:1-19“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“If you are going to love someone, you first must love yourself.” The saying is popular among relationship gurus in our world today. The focus on yourself must be first if you are to give love. It is a profound thought to think of yourself first, but in the world of humanism, that is exactly what is advocated. The first-person personal pronouns reign supreme. The “I,” the “me,” the “my,” the “myself” all take precedence over everyone else. It is how we are taught and even wired on account of sin. Love yourself first.Jesus' words to those in His midst were certainly contrary to their way of thought. We must hate our lives in order to keep it. Those words certainly did not make sense to the audience listening to Jesus. Christ's words were counter-cultural. No one is to hate their life and, in doing so, gain eternal life. The Jews in His midst have reminded Him that they are children of Abraham and that they are set apart as God's people. They are the chosen people of God. Hating our lives would be a ridiculous thought. On account of their hardness of heart, they did not hear the true meaning behind Christ's words.Our own sin deafens our ears to the Good News of Christ. We hear over and over the words of the world and how we are to place ourselves first and pursue our own desires. Christ's words address our own pride and self-centeredness by taking the focus off of the things of this world and pointing them to God's work in Christ. Every day, we are encouraged in this world to pursue the desires of the flesh. In the Scriptures, we are pointed to the works of Christ. It is Christ who gave His life so that we have life eternal in His name. In your Baptism, you have been separated from the world. You are in the world, but you are not of the world. You are in Christ and of Christ through the washing and renewal in the waters of Holy Baptism. As you arise each day, the sign of the cross is made, reminding you of your Baptism. No longer does the world prevail in your life. It is Christ who has delivered you out of this world and into life everlasting.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, grant us by Your grace so to pass through this holy time of our Lord's passion that we may obtain the forgiveness of our sins; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Tuesday in Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 14, 2025Today's Reading: John 12:1-23Daily Lectionary: Exodus 9:1-28; Lamentations 1:1-22; Hebrews 2:1-18“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,” (John 12:9-10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! Amen!” is a common response that we proclaim regarding the resurrection of Christ. Usually, this response is reserved for Easter Sunday and the seasons following Easter, and when the Sunday of Transfiguration arrives, we bury the Alleluias until Easter Sunday. The Monday of Easter draws our attention to another resurrection—the resurrection of Lazarus. Three times in John 12:1-23 Lazarus' resurrection is mentioned. Lazarus' resurrection was problematic. Everyone knew Lazarus had died and had been dead for four days in the tomb. He was not just dead but dead, dead, dead, dead. He was four days dead. Now, Lazarus is alive. He is alive and eating, and speaking, and living! The local church leaders had a problem with the resurrection of Lazarus. The chief priests need to kill Lazarus, too. He needed to die again. Our world around us does not want the resurrection. In sin, the world pursues the desires of the flesh. Philosophies advocate that we have one life and only one life, so we had better get out of it all we can before we die. The world teaches us to pursue the desires of the flesh. The world teaches you to serve yourself. The world teaches you that you are your own god. The Old Adam in us relishes those temptations and wages war with the New Man in Christ daily.You, too, have already died and will die. The old Adam is drowned daily in the waters of Baptism, and you will breathe your last breath of air at some point. You, too, have already been resurrected and will be resurrected from the dead. In Your Baptism, the New Man in Christ is resurrected. When Christ returns in all of His glory, you will be resurrected from the dead just as Christ came out of the tomb. We live in that tension of being dead and resurrected each day. On the Last Day, we know that just as Lazarus was called from the tomb, we, too, will rise from the dead. We will rise from the dead like Lazarus because Christ conquered death in His resurrection.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant that in the midst of our failures and weaknesses we may be restored through the passion and intercession of Your only-begotten Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Monday of Holy Week)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 13, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 22:1-23:56 or Luke 23:1-56 or John 12:20-43Daily Lectionary: Exodus 8:1-32; Psalm 118; Hebrews 1:1-14“So Jesus said to them, ‘The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.'” (John 12:35-36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Spelunking is a unique activity. Inside a cave, where the light of the world cannot reach, pure darkness exists. No light. The only light present is the temporary light that humans bring into the darkness by means of a headlamp, a light dependent upon batteries, or some other form of stored energy. If you lose your light while spelunking, you will get lost.In our lives today, it may seem like we are lost. We feel that we are aimlessly wandering through each day, unsure of what tomorrow will bring. We struggle in family relationships, friendships seem superficial, our bodies do not look the way we want them to, and our lives seem really dark.The Gospel of John teaches us about a tension between light and darkness. The darkness that has overcome the world is sin. God's creation no longer walks in the light as Adam and Eve did at the beginning of creation. Now, man walks in darkness. We try hard to create our own light in this world of darkness, but in the end, it is only temporary and leaves us lost in this world of sin.Christ came into this world of darkness as the light of the world. His light is not temporary but eternal. It shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not (and cannot) overcome it. In your Baptism, you are connected to Christ. You are connected to the light of the world. Sin, satan, and the world want you to believe that the darkness is permanent in your life, but Christ gives to us the defeat of darkness. His ride into Jerusalem was the beginning of the end for darkness. Today, you can boldly and confidently say, “I am baptized into Christ!” Darkness tries to prevail, but Christ has already overcome it. In your Baptism, you walk in the light of Christ.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Palm Sunday)-Rev. Timothy Davis, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 12, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Palm Sunday - Psalm 24:7-10; antiphon: Psalm 118:26Daily Lectionary: Exodus 7:1-25; Mark 16:1-20Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. (Psalm 24:7) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever taken the time to notice the posture of someone who is struggling with death? As we mourn the loss of loved ones, friends, parents, grandparents, we have a tendency to bow our heads. We might bow our heads in reverence of the life lost, from utter despair, perhaps even from guilt and shame over unresolved conflict. It is not uncommon for this to happen. In His human nature, before He breathed His last and gave up His spirit, even our Lord bowed His head. But the reading today, which is the Introit for tomorrow, Palm Sunday, turns the posture of death on its head! Although we bow our heads and mourn, especially this next week, as we remember that it was for our sins that our Lord went to the cross, the Psalmist David tells us to do the opposite! He says to us, “Lift up your heads…” (Psalm 24:7). Lift up your heads, for “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he” (Zechariah 9:9). We must fix our focus outside of ourselves to see what happens. If, in our grief and shame, we look solely to ourselves for strength and comfort, we will be lost forever. Rather, strength, comfort, and salvation happen extra nos, that is, outside ourselves. In Christ, who has been lifted up for us on the cross of Calvary, death has been turned to life for His Children! Even our Lord, as He journeyed closer to His death, continued to lift His eyes to heaven! At the beginning of His high priestly prayer in John 17, it is written, “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you.'” (John 17:1) In my church, we have the tradition that our midweek Lenten services always end with the same hymn, Abide with Me. The final stanza of that hymn will be the last thing we hear on Good Friday. We will sing: Hold, Thou, Thy cross before my closing eyes;Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies.Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. What are we praying for in this stanza? We are praying that our Father would lift up our eyes, point them to the heavens, that we would see the Lord coming to us now, in the hour of our death, and on the Last Day. For in Him, the Lord of Life, we have our Salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Hold, Thou, Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies. Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me. (LSB 878:6)-Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and TheologyVisit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 11, 2025Today's Reading: Exodus 5:1-6:1Daily Lectionary: Exodus 5:1-6:1; Mark 15:33-47“Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.'” But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.”” (Exodus 5:1-2) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.If you are old enough or well-versed in classic “Biblical” cinema, you cannot hear these words from Exodus 5 without hearing the voice of Charlton Heston saying, “Let my people go.” Maybe you hear a really slow, confident “Let my Cameron go” from Ferris Bueller's Day Off. What a privilege we have to prepare for what is to come by looking back at previous accounts of Scripture. Exodus 5 is a beautiful foreshadowing of what of what we will remember next week. God's people were stuck in actual, physical slavery in the land of Egypt, and they longed for freedom. Forget Charlton Heston. Forget Ferris Bueller. What matters is that next week, we will relive and remember our Lord's silent plea to the one who holds the Children of God captive. Don't forget the words of the prophet Isaiah. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7). Our Lord cried out upon the cross. He prayed for His enemies. He said, “I thirst” to fulfill the Scripture. But nothing was as powerful or as important as the final words He spoke. Unlike Moses, our Lord was not going to the cross to plead with the Devil to release His children from bondage to sin and death. Jesus wasn't asking permission from anyone. He was silently taking back what was rightfully His, and His final words signaled that the fight was over. While hanging upon the cursed tree, right before giving up His spirit, Jesus cried out, “It is finished.” Prepare your heart well to remember the day. That day of victory is your day of victory. That was the day the Devil lost the fight over your soul. The Devil doesn't have a choice in our release. Our Lord has put him in his place. Marked with the sign of the cross, you are HIS! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus, send Your angel legions, When the foe would us enslave. Hold us fast when sin assaults us; Come, then. Lord, Your people save. Overthrow at last the dragon; Send him to his fiery grave (LSB 521:6)-Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and TheologyVisit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 10, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The IntroductionDaily Lectionary: Exodus 4:19-31; Mark 15:16-32“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1 John 3:1-3) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It is no small thing that Luther is teaching us in the Introduction to the Lord's Prayer. Read again what he writes in the explanation to the Introduction. “With these words (Our Father Who Art in Heaven) God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father” (Luther's Small Catechism). Being able to call someone “father” is not insignificant. It doesn't matter if we have a biological or adopted father; it is something we all need. Whether you have an earthly father or not, we all have a heavenly one! And oh, what our Heavenly Father does and how He cares for you. Think of all the things He does for you. Remember the First Article of the Apostles Creed? He gives you clothing, shoes, food, drink… well, you know the list. That is how God, your Father, provides for you. But there is so much more. These words of St. Paul are such a great reminder when talking about this. He writes, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32) This is the love John is talking about in 1 John 3. This love is shown in sending His own Son so that you would have all things. And what is meant by “all things?” It is more than those wonderful and important First Article Gifts. He gives us the forgiveness, life, and salvation, which our Lord won for us. He gives us the inheritance of the Son, eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. We have a seat at the banquet table of the marriage feast of the Lamb. Rejoice, for the Father loves you so much that He sent His Son to die to give you all that you need. In the name + of Jesus. Amen. God loved the world so that He gave His only Son the lost to save, That all who would in Him believe Should everlasting life receive. (LSB 571:1)-Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and TheologyVisit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___Money advice rarely works for the ADHD brain. We're told to budget, track every dollar, and rely on willpower—but what if the real answer is to make it easier, not harder?Nicole Stanley gets it. A financial coach, Latina entrepreneur, and founder of Arise Financial Coaching, Nicole helps women ditch the shame, confusion, and overwhelm around money. But before she coached hundreds of women and couples to pay off debt and build wealth, Nicole was a young mom in financial survival mode. Married at 22, she had to learn about money fast when her husband's modest salary wasn't enough to make ends meet. With a baby on her hip and a brain that struggled with traditional systems, she slowly built a business that now serves over 100 clients and supports a full-time team—long before she even knew she had ADHD.Nicole was diagnosed with ADHD at 31, and everything started to make sense: the disorganization, the impulsive spending, the exhaustion from trying to do money “the right way.” She realized that what worked for neurotypical people didn't work for her—or for many of the women she coached. That's when she began designing tools and systems rooted in compassion, simplicity, and sustainability—approaches that honor how the ADHD brain actually works.Nicole and Tracy talk about the emotional weight many women carry when it comes to money. They dive into why ADHD women are often labeled “bad with money,” how to build dopamine-boosting routines that stick, and what it means to make peace with your finances—not through shame, but through clarity and choice. Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arise.financial.coaching/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@arise.financial.coaching/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/arise.financial.coaching/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arisefinancialcoaching Book a discovery call: Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
April 9, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 15:1-15Daily Lectionary: Exodus 4:1-18; Mark 15:1-15“What evil has He done?” (Mark 15:14) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It was a fair question. In fact, it is THE question that needs to be answered at every single trial that has ever been held or ever will be held. Everyone needs to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, whether the accused is guilty of the crime in question or not. The trial of Jesus should have been no different. Unfortunately, by the time Pilate was able to ask this question, the trial of Jesus was fully off the rails, a political spectacle at that point. It had lost all sense of what was fair and just. Jesus was arrested in the night and tried at a time when no trials were supposed to happen. Nothing was as it should be. It had become so unfair and one-sided that when it came time to fulfill the tradition of releasing one criminal and sparing them from the bitter agony of death upon a cross, they did the unthinkable, even in Pilate's eyes. The choice was between two men: Jesus of Nazareth, the innocent Son of God, or a man named Barabbas, who was convicted of murder. “The crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?”” (Mark 15:8-14) The evil actions of Barabbas were well-known and were atrocious. He was a murderer. It doesn't matter where your moral compass points; murder is murder and is wrong 100 percent of the time. Demanding his release over Jesus is what befuddled Pilate! And yet, this is the very reason why Jesus came. To endure an unjust trial, to save sinners, even to save the murders, our Lord went innocently to His death for crimes He didn't commit. His death satisfies the payment required for our sins. To use a verse quoted earlier this week, “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). By His death and the blood He shed which covers us, it is as if those sins didn't happen. He remembers them no more. And what is more, when our time comes, when our time on earth ends, and we are put on trial before the throne of the Father, the question will be asked, “What evil has he done?” By the grace of God, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the answer will be, “This is my sinless child. You are perfect in the sight of God.” “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). In the name + of Jesus. Amen. Glory be to Jesus, Who in bitter pains Poured for me His lifeblood From His sacred veins! (LSB 433:1)-Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and TheologyVisit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
Managing up is not about flattery. It's about influence, and taking control of your career before someone else does. Order Now the Book: Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge In this episode, Melody Wilding—executive coach, professor, and author of Managing Up—joins Kwame to unpack one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) career skills: learning how to manage your boss. If you've ever felt invisible, undervalued, or like you're doing everything right but still not moving forward, this conversation will shift your entire perspective on leadership at work. You'll learn: • Why “being a team player” might be damaging your reputation and future • How to set boundaries without making enemies or risking your job • What managing up really means—and why it's not the same as sucking up Connect with Melody melodywilding.com Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn The Ultimate Negotiation Guide Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race! Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
Managing up is not about flattery. It's about influence, and taking control of your career before someone else does. Order Now the Book: Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge In this episode, Melody Wilding—executive coach, professor, and author of Managing Up—joins Kwame to unpack one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) career skills: learning how to manage your boss. If you've ever felt invisible, undervalued, or like you're doing everything right but still not moving forward, this conversation will shift your entire perspective on leadership at work. You'll learn: • Why “being a team player” might be damaging your reputation and future • How to set boundaries without making enemies or risking your job • What managing up really means—and why it's not the same as sucking up Connect with Melody melodywilding.com Contact ANI Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn The Ultimate Negotiation Guide Click here to buy your copy of How To Have Difficult Conversations About Race! Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!
April 8, 2025Today's Reading: Philippians 3:4b-7, 8-14Daily Lectionary: Exodus 2:23-3:22; Mark 14:53-72“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) In the name + of Jesus. Amen. For better or for worse, there are situations in life that play by the rule, “It's all about who you know.” If you want to get a job, a promotion, or simply have privileges granted to you that others do not have, it can be very beneficial to know the right people. But reader beware, it is a finicky two-edged sword. Knowing the right person can, indeed, open many doors for you that would otherwise be shut. Knowing the wrong person can cause a lot of damage to your reputation. We often live as though having the right connection benefits us. And let's be clear about this: Nothing depends on our ability to acquire the right knowledge or know the right earthly people in order to be saved. Be reminded of the explanation of the 3rd Article of the Apostles' Creed. Luther leads us to confess: I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. It IS about knowing the right person. But it doesn't mean what you think it means. We must know the one who knows each one of us, who knows us by name! We must know Him who calls to us through Scripture and brings us into His fold. It is that knowledge that leads Paul to confidently speak as he does in our reading from Philippians today. “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:8-11). It is FAR better to know Christ and reject the world than to be known by the world and be lost for all eternity. What is amazing and brings the best comfort is that even before we had a chance to know Him, from the foundation of the world, He knew us and saved us. In the name + of Jesus. Amen. Almighty God, whom to know is everlasting life, grant us to know Your Son, Jesus, to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow His steps in the way that leads to life eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect of the Day: Proper 15: Series B)-Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and TheologyVisit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
Join me as I chat with Justin Mares, Founder of Kettle and Fire, as he explains his methodical approach to validating Kettle and Fire before fully launching it in 2014-2015. He created a basic landing page with a PayPal checkout to test if people would pay $29.99 for bone broth, achieving a 30% conversion rate despite having no actual product. The conversation highlights how modern AI tools have dramatically lowered barriers to entry for entrepreneurs testing new business ideasTimestamps:• 00:00 - Intro• 01:05 - The Scale of Kettle and Fire• 01:20 - The Initial Idea and Inspiration• 02:16 - Validating Market Demand• 04:03 - Addressing Skepticism on Market Research• 06:00 - Testing Pricing and Demand• 08:48 - Bing Ads and Early Revenue• 12:22 - Leveraging AI for Business Today• 13:42 - Finding Passion-Driven Problems• 15:28 - Identifying Trends and Tools• 20:15 - ChatGPT 4o for Initial Product DesignKey Points• Justin shares how he validated and launched Kettle and Fire, now a nine-figure bone broth business• He used a minimal landing page, Fiverr logo, and Bing ads to test market demand before creating the product• The validation process focused on identifying if enough people wanted the product and if they would pay enough1) The "Day Zero" validation strategy that worked:Justin wanted bone broth for his own health but couldn't find it online. Before creating anything, he asked two critical questions:• How many people actually want this?• Will they pay enough to make it a viable business?Smart validation = less risk.2) Finding your TRUE market size:Justin didn't rely on gut feeling. He went where his potential customers hung out:• Paleo forums• CrossFit communities• Reddit threads• Mark's Daily AppleHe found FANATIC engagement around bone broth recipes, sourcing, and benefits3) The Google Trends hack Justin checked macro trends to confirm his micro observations.He wasn't looking to build a 9-figure business at 24 - just wanted to make $10K/month with his brother.Simple math: A few thousand customers spending a few hundred dollars a year = viable business.4) The $15 MVP that ACTUALLY validated demand:• $9.99 domain ([bonebroths.com](http://bonebroths.com/))• $5 logo from Fiverr• Basic landing page on UnbounceNo product. No fancy design. Just a simple page highlighting benefits that his target audience cared about:- Healing leaky gut- Convenience- Organic ingredients5) The GENIUS pricing strategy:Justin priced at $29.99 for 16oz - 6X MORE than grocery store broth!His thinking: "If people will pay this much for a product they've never tasted from a sketchy landing page, they REALLY want it."High price = strong signal of demand.6) The checkout flow was HILARIOUSLY janky:"Order Now" button → Justin's personal PayPalThat's it. That was the entire checkout.And guess what? PEOPLE STILL BOUGHT IT! After spending just $100 on Bing ads (yes, Bing!), he made nearly $500 in revenue.7) The honest follow-up that built trust:After validating demand, Justin emailed every customer:"We don't have the product yet. I can either refund you in full or give you 50% off when we ship in a few weeks."Most chose the discount, giving him runway to actually create the product.8) From validation to execution:It took 8 months to figure out production and scaling.But because he KNEW people wanted it and would pay for it, he had the confidence to push through the hard parts.9) How would he do it TODAY with AI tools?• Better landing pages using tools like Bolt.new• Sentiment analysis across Reddit/Twitter• AI-generated product designs (as shown in the podcast)10) The bigger lesson for aspiring founders:Focus on problems YOU care deeply about.The best ideas come from the frontier where you're already spending your time.11) AI is LEVELING the playing field:One person with strong conviction + AI tools can now build products that previously required entire teams.12) Want to find YOUR startup idea?Justin's advice:• Find a problem that lights you up• Circle that problem until you find interesting solutions• Validate with real customers willing to pay• Use AI to accelerate everythingLCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND JUSTIN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/jwmaresHis Blog: https://justinmares.com/
April 7, 2025Today's Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21Daily Lectionary: Exodus 2:1-22; Mark 14:32-52“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing;” (Isaiah 43:18-19a) In the name of + Jesus. Amen. Perhaps our Lord misspoke when divinely inspiring Isaiah to write the words set forth for us in today's reading. At best, it seems like the Lord God is contradicting Himself a bit with these words. Are we sure that God meant it when He said, “Remember not the former things?” Are we sure He wants us to forget what we have done? After all, this is the very God who knows all, makes all, directs all, and is all the omnis from Luther's Small Catechism. How can THAT God tell us we should forget the past? Does He? Remember this is the same God who told Moses on Mt. Sinai, “I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me” (Exodus 20:5). Does the God who visits iniquity really forget what you have done? So, what is God trying to tell us? First, take note of His words in Exodus 20. Remember, and do not forget, that He is the Judge of the living and the dead. Meaning He remembers iniquity. Here, though, He is clearly talking to those who are lost in their sin, who see no need for repentance, and who have followed the ways of their forefathers. But He confidently calls us, who are called according to His purpose. We who are sanctified, redeemed, and marked to “Remember not the former things.” Forget the past! Why? Because, as He says through the prophet Isaiah, “Behold, I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:10a). You are the new thing! He is making you into His new creation. He does so once at your Baptism and daily through confession and Absolution. Our Lord forgets the past. That is what the Psalmist David tells us. Remember what David did and the forgiveness and cleansing that he needed? After that, he wrote these familiar words: “As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). Forget the past! Our Lord does! Kill the Old Man. Deny him every single day. And, by the grace of God, live in righteousness and purity forever in His presence. In the name of + Jesus. Amen. Lord, on You I cast my burden— Sink it in the deepest sea! Let me know Your gracious pardon, Cleanse me from iniquity. Let Your Spirit leave me never; Make me only Yours forever. (LSB 608:4)-Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and TheologyVisit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 6, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 20:9-20Daily Lectionary: Exodus 1:1-22; Mark 14:12-31. “When the tenants saw him, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.'” (Luke 20:14) In the name of + Jesus. Amen.It makes no sense. This vineyard was perfect in every way. The ground was well cultivated and primed for production. It was planted with the choicest vines. When the fullness of time would arrive, it was going to produce the finest of wine. When everything was set, and the master saw that it was good, he went out to find tenants who would live in his beautiful creation, tend to its needs, harvest the fruit, and return it to the master. You would think that the master would have had a better vetting process and been more protective of his perfect garden. Although the master gave the tenants everything they needed to be successful, everything was laid out for them to a “t,” the agreement was broken. Greed overtook the tenants, and they decided to get what they thought they had coming to them. Now, the Master's response makes no sense. Having treated not just one or two but three servants terribly and sent them away empty-handed, the tenants thought they still had a chance at the ultimate prize, the son's inheritance. What kind of people are they that they would enact such evil and expect no repercussions? What kind of people? Truth be told, you are the wicked tenants. You are among those who have treated servants, prophets, and pastors shamefully and sent them away and set your sights upon the master's son. Yours are the actions which have caused the death of the Son of the Master, the very son of God. And although we have treated the Son so shamefully, though we have turned our back on the master, though we “daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment” (5th Petition of the Lord's Prayer), He has done something that makes no sense. He should bring to pass what He said in the parable. He should “come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others” (Luke 20:16). He should cast us away from His presence and take His Holy Spirit from us. Yet, He does what is unexpected. Because it was always the Father's desire to show mercy to His Creation, He sent His Son into a sin-filled world knowing “He would go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed” (Matthew 16:22). And by His death and resurrection, we poor miserable sinners, would be made saints by His blood. Connected to His death and resurrection, we would receive full pardon and forgiveness for our sins, the inheritance that belonged to the Son, and the crown of eternal life. It's not fair, but such is the will of God. Praise Him for His continued mercy shown to sinners such as you and me. In the name of + Jesus. Amen. Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect of the Day for the Fifth Sunday in Lent)-Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and TheologyVisit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 5, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 5 - Psalm 3:3-6; antiphon: Psalm 3:8Daily Lectionary: Genesis 49:29-50:7, 14-26; Mark 14:1-11“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.” (Psalm 3:3-4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Shields” aren't usually talked about in normal conversation. Some people think of shields as historical battle armor. Other people think about shields when they are used in games or video games. But outside of history and games, how often do you talk about shields? No matter how often you think about or talk about shields, the picture of God being the shield of a Christian comes up often. Here in Psalm 3, as well as in Psalm 46 (and the hymn “A Mighty Fortress” based on Psalm 46) and Ephesians 6, where the full armor of God is described, God's promise to Abram in Genesis 15, Psalm 28, and in many other places, God is described as a shield around His people. Shields are used for protection during dangerous times and in dangerous places. In our modern world, it is tempting to think that we don't need shields. We like to think that shields have been appropriately retired to history and games because there is nothing that threatens us. We like to think about ourselves as invincible, without anything that can harm us. We like to think that we aren't in the middle of danger. But that's not true. Psalm 3 mentions the Church's enemies who battle against us, and the Church today has enemies and persecutors and many people who despise the Church and everything about her. That says nothing about our greatest enemy, the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) We also need to be protected from ourselves, because our sinful bodies and minds work against us and try to work against God.God is indeed your shield. He protects and defends you. But your faith isn't in a disc of metal or a wooden barrier, but in God Himself. God steps between you and your enemies with His grace and mercy. The Lord takes the place between you and danger. He steps between you and evil. The Lord is your protection and your safe place. He defends and protects you because He loves you. You don't have a piece of armor, but the God of all creation to defend and preserve you. He will never fail, and He will keep your life intact forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dear name! The rock on which I build, My shield and hiding place; My never-failing treasury filled With boundless stores of grace. (LSB 524:3)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 4, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 13:24-37Daily Lectionary: Genesis 47:1-31; Genesis 48:1-49:28; Mark 13:24-37[Jesus said,]“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Mark 13:28-31)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.During Holy Week, Jesus foretold what the end of time would be like. Looking around, He mentioned the budding of the trees and the emerging leaves. If you look around you, you see that, too. Jesus wants springtime to remind you that Jesus and His return are near. He is coming again. That seems like a strange message just a few weeks before Easter. Usually, we think about the end of the world in the fall and winter as the days grow short and the darkness lengthens. Here, Jesus mentions it with new life and restoration and the plants growing again. The Last Day is, after all, a continuation of Easter and a celebration of new life.Wait, you haven't thought about the end of the world as a fulfillment of Easter and new life before? That's fair. But do it now. Easter is a spring festival because Passover originally happened in the spring and was observed after that in the spring. As the leaves start to bud on the trees and flowers grow and people start to plant their gardens, reflect that this new growing season points ahead to the “new season” of God's restoration when the current heavens and earth are replaced with the perfected, restored heavens and earth. In a couple of weeks, look at the Easter lilies and think, “Not only is it springtime, but Jesus' resurrection is preparing me for eternal life!” As Jesus prepares you for Easter, He also prepares you for His return in glory when the Tree of Life will bear fruit every month (Revelation 22:1-2), and all things will be new and perfect. Springtime is great, but the eternal life of resurrection with God is even better! Look forward to that day of new life that began when Jesus rose from the grave to new life at Easter.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Herald, sound the note of triumph; Christ has come to share our life, Bringing God's own love and power, Granting vict'ry in our strife. Sound the trumpet! Tell the message: Christ, the Savior king, is come! (LSB 511:4 and refrain)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 3, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's PrayerDaily Lectionary: Genesis 45:1-20, 24-28; Mark 13:1-23Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When Jesus' disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, this is the prayer He gave them. When children learn this by memory, there are some words that are difficult to understand, like “hallowed” and “trespasses.” There are some places where the old, traditional translation is a bit confusing, like “who art in heaven.” When this is learned by a young child, they are often quick to want to learn something else, something new.But this prayer is one that no Christian ever learns completely, at least not here on earth. This profound prayer washes over us, each phrase like a profound wave of meaning. God is in heaven, and His name is holy. Ponder that for a minute or for a lifetime. God's kingdom comes and His desires are completed, no matter if we ask for that to happen or not. He gives us what we need, and He forgives us and strengthens us to forgive others. That sounds simple, right? It isn't. How often have you failed at trusting God to do good for you or faltered at forgiving someone else? Then, we ask God to lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil. The more we pray those words, the more often we see temptation and evil around us. Finally, we recognize that God has an eternal kingdom and power and glory forever, and that doesn't make sense to our time-conscious sensibilities. This prayer that Jesus gave His Church never gets old. You can never pray it and say, “I don't need to pray like that again.” This prayer is always good for God's children to pray until the day when His kingdom comes, and you see Him face to face.When it comes to the Lord's Prayer, don't move on. Don't look for something new. Pray this prayer again and again. Slow down. Don't rush through it. Stop. Ponder. Reflect. Repeat. Wonder. After all, this is how your Lord wants you to pray.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Our Father, who from heav'n above Bids all of us to live in love As members of one family And pray to You in unity, Teach us no thoughtless words to say But from our inmost hearts to pray. (LSB 766:1)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___________What happens when a self-taught, multi-passionate entrepreneur builds a six-figure Etsy business from scratch—while homeschooling on a farm and running multiple income streams? You get Lizzie Smiley.Known for her hot-mess mom humor and contagious high energy, Lizzie is the host of How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy, where she helps creative entrepreneurs build thriving online businesses. But behind the success is a story many ADHD women will find deeply familiar: years of self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the constant feeling of being “too much.” In this conversation, Lizzie opens up about her late realization that she likely has ADHD, how it shows up in her personal and professional life, and the mindset tools that help her stay grounded amidst the chaos.Tracy and Lizzie dive into everything from hyperfocus and imposter syndrome to business pivots, family dynamics, and anxiety spirals. Lizzie also shares how delegating, tapping into joy, and leaning on her strengths helped her 10x her income—and build a life that works with her brain, not against it. If you've ever felt like you're doing too much and still not enough, this one's for you.Resources:Website: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smiley_lizzie How to Sell Your Stuff on Etsy Podcast: https://www.howtosellyourstuff.com/podcast Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
April 2, 2025Today's Reading: Mark 12:28-44Daily Lectionary: Genesis 44:1-18, 32-34; Mark 12:28-44 And [Jesus] sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums.And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It's not polite to watch what other people put into the offering plate at church. Don't do that. Even though congregations used to post a list of which members gave how much money to the church, that practice has (thankfully) been done away with. Still, politeness didn't stop Jesus from sitting next to the offering box in the temple and watching what people were putting into it. He even commented about their offerings to His disciples!He doesn't do this as an example for you to follow but to teach you that the gift of an offering is a confession of faith. People who had plenty gave something from their wealth, but they had more money and more possessions to go back to. The poor widow, on the other hand, gave two small coins, and that was all she had to live on. She didn't have money in the bank left over. She trusted in God to provide for all her needs.What about you? It's easy to say that you trust God, but do you? When your money is taken away, or when your health fails, or when you lose friends, are you confident that God is all you need? You would probably like to say that you trust God completely, but that is really hard! Instead, when things are taken away from you, you often try to fix the problem yourself or look to your other gifts. God doesn't call you to fix problems with your other gifts. He doesn't tell you to take care of yourself. He doesn't try to get you to fix things on your own. He doesn't say, “A for effort, but go try to do better next time.” Instead, He tells you to believe in Him because He is the way, the truth, and the life. He gives you every good and perfect gift from above. (James 1:17) He gives you His gracious gifts out of His mercy and love. The Gifts of God are all you need!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee; Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free. (LSB 729:1)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
April 1, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21Daily Lectionary: Genesis 43:1-28; Mark 12:13-27“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Some people are good at making things with their hands. They build birdhouses or buildings; they shape bowls from clay; they paint and draw and create. Then, there's me. I'm not good at any of those things. My reality is that I make something, and then I try to remake it with no success, and then I give up. I destroy the ugly, imperfect project because I don't want anyone to know how badly I failed to make something.God is the creator of all things. The God of creation made the heavens and the earth and everything that is in them. From cows and dogs to giraffes and hippopotamuses to eagles and hammerhead sharks and all trees and plants, He made everything very good. Then, Adam and Eve fell into sin, and things weren't very good anymore. It's not God's fault that creation was flawed. Still, the God of creation stepped in to make all things new again, even you. God made you, forming you in your mother's womb. Even there, you were a sinner. (Psalm 51:5) Then, God remade you in the womb of the baptismal font, washing you with His holy name and covering you with righteousness and forgiveness. You are a new creation because you have been united with Jesus' death and resurrection in Baptism. (Romans 6:3-4) God didn't throw you away because you're a sinner, nor did He destroy you and try again. Instead, He has perfected you by His grace and had mercy on you. The cost for your righteousness is His own Son, who didn't know sin but became your sin. He died for you so that you would not die eternally but have the righteousness of God. God didn't throw you away, but He did sacrifice His Son on the cross for your forgiveness. The new has come! If you doubt that you are a new creation, look to the cross. Look to Christ. Hear your pastor speak on God's behalf: “Your sins are forgiven!” Remember that you are baptized. Receive the Body and Blood of Jesus for your forgiveness. These are reminders of God's grace, yet even more than reminders they deliver the grace of God to you. Your sin has been replaced with the righteousness of God, and you are His new creation!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.My faithful God, You fail me never; Your promise surely will endure. O cast me not away forever If words and deeds become impure. Have mercy when I come defiled; Forgive, lift up, restore Your child. (LSB 590:3)-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___________For many ADHD women, relationships can be complicated—especially when navigating emotional intensity, executive dysfunction, and the feeling that something just isn't right. Kate Anthony, host of the Divorce Survival Guide Podcast and author of The D Word, joins Tracy to talk about what it means to reclaim your agency, especially when you've spent years feeling like you're the problem.Kate shares her story of growing up undiagnosed, struggling in traditional learning environments, and always feeling like she was “bad at school”—until her son's diagnosis helped her connect the dots in her own life. The discovery gave her a new lens of self-compassion and helped her understand why experiential learning worked when academic structures didn't. Now, as a divorce coach and certified domestic violence advocate, Kate helps women—especially mothers—do the deep personal work of deciding whether to stay in or leave their marriages, with an approach grounded in self-knowledge, clarity, and safety.Kate and Tracy also explore how ADHD shows up in relationships: the dopamine-seeking behavior, the impulse to over-function, and the toll of living beneath your potential. They talk about how abuse can be subtle and confusing—especially for ADHD women who are naturally empathetic, people-pleasing, or used to masking—and why working on yourself is essential before making big relationship decisions. This episode is a powerful listen for anyone stuck in the question: Should I stay or should I go?Resources:Website: https://kateanthony.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedivorcesurvivalguide Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/YourDivorceSurvivalGuide Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
Send us a textA single gunshot in the darkness of a Dodge City night forever altered the course of Western history, claiming the life of beloved performer Dora Hand in a case of tragic mistaken identity. When James "Spike" Kenedy fired into Mayor James Kelly's home on October 4, 1878, he had no idea his vengeful bullets would strike the talented singer sleeping in the mayor's bed while he was away on business.What followed was one of the most remarkable manhunts of the Old West. An all-star posse of legendary lawmen—including Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Charles Bassett—pursued Kenedy across rugged terrain and swollen rivers. Their dramatic confrontation and Kenedy's subsequent capture might have been the stuff of dime novels, but what happened next reveals the complex reality of frontier justice.Despite Kenedy's apparent admission and the overwhelming circumstantial evidence, this son of a wealthy cattle baron walked free when his father arrived in town with a satchel full of money. Dora Hand's funeral drew the entire town in mourning, yet justice remained elusive. Through firsthand accounts, newspaper reports, and historical records, we piece together this forgotten tragedy that embodied both the best and worst of the American frontier—where a woman known for her generosity and beautiful voice could be gunned down in her sleep, and where even the combined efforts of the West's most famous lawmen couldn't secure justice against the power of wealth and influence.Listen now to discover this captivating story that brings together celebrity, violence, pursuit, and the fascinating contradictions of Western justice. If you enjoy tales where history's footnotes reveal profound truths about the American experience, subscribe to our podcast and leave a review to help others find these forgotten stories of the Wild West. Don't miss out on the excitement—tune in and explore the stories of "This Week in the West" by clicking on the link "This Week in the West." If you want to own one or more of the beautifully illustrated dime novel publications, click Order Now.Support the show
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup___________Rejection stings, but what if you could flip it into your greatest advantage? Alice Draper, founder of Hustling Writers and host of My Rejection Story, knows that rejection isn't just part of the game—it is the game. Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, Alice struggled for years with imposter syndrome, social rejection, and the fear of putting herself out there. But everything changed when she set a radical goal: to get rejected 100 times in a year. What happened next? More success than she ever imagined.In this conversation, Alice shares how growing up undiagnosed shaped her confidence, why ADHD brains are wired to fear rejection, and how she rewired her mindset to see “no” as a step toward “yes.” She dives into the science of rejection, how our ancestors depended on acceptance for survival, and why ADHD brains feel it even more intensely. Tracy and Alice also talk about harnessing rejection as a tool for success, why storytelling is a superpower, and how to shift from perfectionism to action.Now a publicity strategist and media expert, Alice helps under-recognized women entrepreneurs land press and podcast guest spots—proving that rejection isn't the end of the story, but the beginning of something bigger. If you've ever hesitated to put yourself out there for fear of failure, this episode will challenge you to rethink rejection—and maybe even celebrate it.Resources:Website: http://hustlingwriters.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicedraper/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alice-m-draper/ Podcast: https://hustlingwriters.com/podcast/ Course: https://hustlingwriters.com/pitchyourpower/Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
Russillo welcomes Stanford Steve to break down what makes Duke and Florida so good, discuss which teams are primed for an upset, and share who they think will make it to the Final Four (0:46). Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle (58:18)! What is pickup basketball? Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Stanford Steve Producers: Steve Ceruti, Kyle Crichton, Mike Wargon, and Jonathan Frias Get Game Day Deals only on Uber Eats. Order Now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup__Some people are naturally organized. Cassandra Aarssen is not one of them. A self-proclaimed “super slob” turned organizing expert, Cas spent years struggling with clutter before realizing that traditional organizing methods simply didn't work for her ADHD brain. That revelation led her to develop the Clutterbug® Organizing Philosophy, identifying four unique organizing styles to help people work with their brains—not against them.In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Cas shares her incredible journey—from being a homeless teen to finding stability, only to feel like she was constantly dropping the ball as an adult. She opens up about how her late ADHD diagnosis at 40 transformed her self-perception, the organizing hacks that changed her life, and why a one-size-fits-all organization is a myth. Tracy and Cas also dive into why ADHD brains struggle with clutter, how decision fatigue plays a role, and practical strategies to make organization effortless—even for those who think they're beyond help.Cas is now the host of HGTV's Hot Mess House, a bestselling author, and the creator of a wildly popular YouTube channel, podcast, and online community. Through it all, she remains on a mission to help others reclaim their homes, their time, and their peace of mind—without the shame or frustration that so often comes with being “messy.” If you've ever felt overwhelmed by clutter or convinced you're just bad at organizing, this episode will completely change the way you see your space—and yourself.Resources: Website: https://clutterbug.meInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clutterbug_me LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-aarssen-5bbba22b ClutterBug - Organize, Clean and Transform your Home & Life Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1098781682 Hot Mess House: https://www.hgtv.com/shows/hot-mess-house Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
Russillo welcomes in Sheil Kapadia to share their thoughts on Sam Darnold and Geno Smith, reveal their favorite and least favorite free agent signings, and discuss why Justin Fields still has so much hype around him (0:56). Next, Ryen compares Jokic and SGA and wonders how history will remember their MVP race (40:49). Then, he's joined by Chandler Parsons to pick the best teams in the East and West, preview where Kevin Durant could land next season, and break down the importance of a playoff scorer (53:17). Plus, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle (1:21:03)! How do I handle my dad dating a woman my age? Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Ryen Russillo Guests: Sheil Kapadia and Chandler Parsons Producers: Steve Ceruti, Kyle Crichton, Mike Wargon, and Jonathan Frias Get Game Day Deals only on Uber Eats. Order Now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup__Growing up as the youngest of ten kids, Chelsea Kunz learned early how to be loud, funny, and grab attention—which, as it turns out, is pretty on-brand for an ADHD brain. Now an actor, creator, and self-described hot mess mom, Chelsea built an online following as Karen Disapproves, blending comedy and chaos into relatable parenting content. But behind the laughs, she's been on a deep dive into self-development, spirituality, and purpose, which led her to launch the Soul Slumber Party podcast.In this conversation, Chelsea shares her ADHD diagnosis journey, from being the class clown (and occasional teacher's nightmare) to struggling with focus, working memory, and traditional academics. She opens up about how ADHD showed up in motherhood, why she felt overwhelmed and irritable after having kids, and what finally led her to seek a diagnosis. Tracy and Chelsea also talk about nervous system regulation, how overstimulation can lead to emotional dysregulation, and why finding the right creative outlet can make all the difference for ADHD brains.Chelsea also breaks down how she balances big ideas, creative projects, and intuitive decision-making, from social media to screenwriting. If you've ever felt like you're juggling too much or struggling to follow through on what matters most, this conversation will leave you laughing, nodding along, and maybe even rethinking how you approach your creativity.Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulslumberparty YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulslumberparty TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulslumberparty Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup__Procrastination, clutter, perfectionism—these aren't just bad habits. For many ADHD women, they're constant battles that drain energy and create overwhelm. Dr. Christine Li, a clinical psychologist and The Procrastination Coach, has spent over 25 years helping people break free from these struggles. A Princeton and Columbia graduate, she has worked extensively with university students, led workshops at top institutions, and built an online platform to help people regain control of their time.In this episode, Christine shares her personal experience with procrastination and disorganization—including how she unknowingly struggled with extreme last-minute scrambling for years. She explains why clutter isn't just about stuff, but about emotional attachments, fear, and decision-making. Tracy and Christine also talk about why ADHD brains are particularly prone to clutter and procrastination, how perfectionism fuels avoidance, and why small, daily actions can completely shift your energy and productivity.Christine's insights go beyond theory—she provides simple, actionable strategies that make productivity feel lighter and more natural. If you've ever felt stuck in cycles of procrastination, clutter, or overwhelm, this conversation will give you the tools (and the mindset shifts) to start moving forward today.Resources:Website: https://procrastinationcoach.com Facebook Group: https://procrastinationcoach.com/facebook Instagram: https://instagram.com/procrastinationcoach TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoach Podcast: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com Discover the Secret to Clearing Your Clutter Easily and Quickly 5-Day Challenge: https://procrastinationcoach.lpages.co/challenge-re-energize-your-home-spring-2025-tracy-otsuka Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup__Some people see retirement as slowing down—Emily Ransdell saw it as a chance to finally do what she was meant to do.After a career in tech marketing, she walked away at 59 and went all in on her lifelong love of writing. At 60, she enrolled in a Master's in Creative Writing, and by 67, she had published her first poetry collection, which won the Lewis Award from Concrete Wolf Press. Now, she teaches writing workshops, gives public readings, and continues to build a life centered around creativity.But Emily's story isn't just about reinvention—it's about understanding herself in a way she never had before. Diagnosed with ADHD in her early 60s, she finally made sense of the struggles she'd faced for decades: disorganization, perfectionism, and the feeling that she was always working harder than everyone else just to keep up. In this conversation, Emily shares how she managed school and career before her diagnosis, how ADHD affected her creative process, and why getting diagnosed later in life changed everything.She also talks about breaking free from the idea that it's “too late” to start something new. Whether you're considering a career shift, exploring a creative passion, or just wondering if there's more out there for you, Emily's story proves that it's never too late to start.Resources:Website: https://emilyransdell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyransdellpoet/ Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here: programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup__Most people don't think of ADHD and aging in the same sentence, but what happens when someone reaches their 60s, 70s, or beyond—never knowing they had ADHD in the first place? Jami Shapiro is tackling that question head-on. As the founder of Silver Linings, she helps seniors navigate major life changes like downsizing and moving. But her journey into ADHD advocacy became personal when she realized ADHD had been running through her family for generations—including her parents, two of her three children, and herself.Jami was diagnosed with ADHD at 45, after her child's evaluation led to an unexpected realization: she had more “yes” answers on the ADHD questionnaire than they did. Suddenly, the struggles she'd faced—talking too much in class, procrastinating on big projects, feeling scattered while juggling work and family—made sense. But the biggest lightbulb moment came when she recognized the same patterns in her aging mother. Her discovery led her to create Grandma Has ADHD, a podcast and platform dedicated to shedding light on undiagnosed ADHD in seniors and helping families navigate it with understanding and support.In this conversation, Jami shares her own diagnosis story, what it's like to build a business with ADHD, and why the senior community desperately needs more awareness around neurodiversity. She also offers practical advice on managing life transitions—whether it's decluttering, right-sizing a home, or setting up systems that actually work for ADHD brains. If you've ever wondered how ADHD plays out in later years—or how to support an aging parent who might have it—this episode is an eye-opener.Resources:Website: https://silverliningstransitions.com/ Website: http://grandmahasadhd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverliningstransitions/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silverliningstransitions/ Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
Want to fall in love with your ADHD brain and make it work for you? Learn more about my patented program, Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy here.___Some people spend years trying to figure out what they want to do. Brit Madrid Mogensen does it all. From sports reporting and acting to hosting her own TV show, Brit built a career that thrives on curiosity, creativity, and adaptability—hallmarks of the ADHD brain. But before she found her rhythm in the fast-paced world of media, she struggled in school, particularly with math, where her dyscalculia made numbers feel impossible. Despite excelling in subjects like literature and philosophy, she often felt held back by traditional education's narrow expectations. It wasn't until college that she was officially diagnosed with ADHD, a realization that helped her understand why certain things came so easily while others felt impossible.Brit shares how she went from feeling like she wasn't measuring up to carving her path in media, taking on opportunities without always knowing what she was doing—but trusting she'd figure it out along the way. She opens up about rejection in the entertainment industry, how she's learned to bounce back, and why ADHD has been her greatest asset in a field that rewards quick thinking and adaptability. Whether she's reporting from the sidelines, acting on the Dallas reboot, or creating TV that blends wellness and pop culture, Brit has found success by following her interests instead of forcing herself into a traditional mold.She also dives into her love of astrology—how it helps her understand herself and others, and why it might resonate with ADHD brains. If you've ever struggled to stick to one path or felt like your interests pull you in a million directions, Brit's journey is a reminder that success isn't about narrowing yourself down—it's about finding the through line that makes it all work together.Resources:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britmadrid/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bzentv/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/bzentv/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/bzentvPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cards-and-starsSend a Message: Your Name | Email | Message Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends
How do generational trauma, ADHD, and addiction intertwine—and how can understanding them save lives?In this deeply personal episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy Otsuka speaks with Jennifer Nicole Schmitz, whose journey is one of survival, resilience, and purpose. Jennifer candidly shares her experiences growing up in a home marked by trauma, her mother's undiagnosed ADHD, and struggles with addiction, and how these shaped her own path. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Jennifer reflects on her teenage years battling addiction and the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety.Jennifer is now pursuing a psychology degree with the mission to help women and young girls navigate ADHD, trauma, and the impact of misdiagnosis. She discusses the tools and strategies that helped her manage her ADHD and build a healthier life, including creating space for emotions, self-awareness, and connecting with a supportive community.This heartfelt conversation sheds light on the critical links between ADHD, addiction, and mental health while offering insights on breaking free from shame, recognizing personal worth, and finding purpose amid life's challenges.Resources:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.n.schmitz Send a Message: Your Name | Email | MessageLearn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/bookJoin Your ADHD Brain is A-OK: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/aokVisit our website: https://adhdforsmartwomen.comJoin our community of ADHD For Smart Ass Women: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracyotsuka Join What Do I Do With My Life Masterclass: spyhappy.me/classUnlock your best days with Blends: https://adhdforsmartwomen.com/blends