Residential institution devoted to the care of orphans
POPULARITY
Categories
How did bitcoin donations lift the lives of 76 children? $ BTC 95,142 Block Height 932,227 Today's guest on the show is Brindon Mwiine, who joins me to share his story of how he used Bitcoin education and donations from people all over the world via Geyser.fund to drastically improve the lives of 76 children. If you feel inspired to contribute to the orphanage, follow this link: https://geyser.fund/project/schoolofsatoshiuganda?hero=danielprince All sats received from boosts and streams are going to the orphanage - Ligthning address - bitcoinkampala@primal.net Find Brindon here: NOSTR - npub1ee6m4c35nqzv4f05m69w3am4hd2czd05zfzpm83jlz8yyfk969js78tfcv Website - https://brindonmwiine.com/ X - @BrindonMwiine Key Topics: Discovering Bitcoin through a scam. Building a Bitcoin circular economy around an orphanage and school. The role of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange in Africa. The vision behind GorillaSats and Bitcoin mining in Uganda. Adopting Bitcoin East Africa conference. Check out my book ‘Choose Life' - https://bitcoinbook.shop/search?q=prince Pleb Service Announcements: Join 19 thousand Bitcoiners on @cluborange https://signup.cluborange.org/co/princey Support the pod via @fountain_app -https://fountain.fm/show/2oJTnUm5VKs3xmSVdf5n CONFERENCES: BTC PRAGUE - 11th - 13th June 2026 http://btcprg.me/BITTEN - Use code BITTEN for - 10% Shills and Mench's: RELAI - STACK SATS - www.relai.me/Bitten Use Code BITTEN BITBOX - SELF CUSTODY YOUR BITCOIN - www.bitbox.swiss/bitten Use Code BITTEN PAY WITH FLASH. Accept Bitcoin on your website or platform with no-code and low-code integrations. https://paywithflash.com/ SWAN BITCOIN - www.swan.com/bitten GEYSER - fund bitcoin projects you love - https://geyser.fund/ PLEBEIAN MARKET - BUY AND SELL STUFF FOR SATS; https://plebeian.market/ @PlebeianMarket ZAPRITE - https://zaprite.com/bitten - Invoicing and accounting for Bitcoiners - Save $40 KONSENSUS NETWORK - Buy bitcoin books in different languages. Use code BITTEN for 10% discount - https://bitcoinbook.shop?ref=bitten SEEDOR STEEL PLATE BACK-UP - @seedor_io use the code BITTEN for a 5% discount. www.seedor.io/BITTEN SATSBACK - Shop online and earn back sats! https://satsback.com/register/5AxjyPRZV8PNJGlM HEATBIT - Home Bitcoin mining - https://www.heatbit.com/?ref=DANIELPRINCE - Use code BITTEN. CRYPTOTAG STEEL PLATE BACK-UP https://cryptotag.io - USE CODE BITTEN for 10% discount. ALL FURTHER LINKS HERE - FOR DISCOUNTS AND OFFERS - https://vida.page/princey - https://linktr.ee/princey21m Brendan from Uganda shares his journey into Bitcoin, the creation of GorillaSats, and the impactful Bitcoin circular economy project he's built around an orphanage and school, now extending to a tourism company. Key Topics: Discovering Bitcoin through a scam. Building a Bitcoin circular economy around an orphanage and school. The role of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange in Africa. The vision behind GorillaSats and Bitcoin mining in Uganda. Adopting Bitcoin East Africa conference. Summary: Brendan, a Bitcoiner from Uganda, shares his journey into the Bitcoin space, which began in 2016 after discovering it through a scam. This led him to research Bitcoin and eventually build a Bitcoin-only company called GorillaSats. He emphasizes the importance of community and sharing knowledge in the Bitcoin space. His personal journey is intertwined with the evolution of his community, starting with sharing Bitcoin knowledge with friends, then university students, and eventually leading to the creation of a Bitcoin circular economy. Brendan recounts winning a ticket to BTC Prague in 2023 after pitching his circular economy idea, which he crowdfunded through Geyser. At the conference, he met Haman and Fernando, who inspired him to realize that he was already building a circular economy. Upon returning to Uganda, he focused on finding a place to build this economy, which led him to an orphanage already accepting Bitcoin. The orphanage became the perfect place to start, addressing the needs of the children and the community. They implemented the "Fruits for Sats" project, providing daily fruits to the children and paying with Bitcoin using bolt cards. They also improved the orphanage's premises, providing beds, mattresses, and paying for healthcare and tuition fees, all funded by Bitcoin donations. By the end of 2023, the project had received 1.4 BTC and significantly improved the lives of the children. However, they faced a setback when the owner of the school where the children attended decided to close it. Brendan and his team signed an agreement to use the school for two years and eventually bought it, planning to design a Bitcoin-focused curriculum and provide hands-on skills to the children. The orphanage and school are now fully Bitcoinized entities, with teachers being paid in Bitcoin. Brendan highlights the importance of addressing a community's problems with Bitcoin to facilitate its adoption. Brendan discusses the unique challenges faced by the community surrounding the orphanage, including a high ratio of children to adults, early marriages, and a lack of family planning. The orphanage was founded by a barren woman who wanted to give back and provide family love to orphaned children. The main causes of death in the community include poor health habits, AIDS, and drug abuse. Despite these challenges, the project has been successful in improving the health and well-being of the children. GorillaSats is a tourism company focused on East Africa, with a competitive advantage of saving clients money by accepting Bitcoin. Brendan explains that the company's name represents their belief in the tourism space in East Africa and their commitment to Bitcoin values. He sees SATs as the future layer of transaction in Africa. The company aims to remove the high transaction fees associated with traditional payment methods in the tourism industry. By accepting Bitcoin, GorillaSats saves clients and service providers money and enables instant payments. The company has also created a small merchant ecosystem in Uganda, where people can on-ramp and off-ramp via Lightning from GorillaSats. Brendan is piloting Bitcoin mining in Uganda, partnering with a local power generator who uses bio-waste and solar to generate electricity for a local community. The project aims to create a proof of concept for Bitcoin mining in the country, which has a lot of excess energy. GorillaSats also offers itineraries that combine tourism with visits to Bitcoin projects and energy sites. Looking ahead, Brendan will be at Adopting Bitcoin Cape Town in January and is organizing Adopting Bitcoin East Africa in June 2026 in Nairobi, aiming to connect and share knowledge among East African Bitcoin builders.
Former supporters of an orphanage with deep ties to Missouri are still reacting to the abrupt closure of Niños de México. Operated for decades by a Franklin County-based charity, the orphanage was the subject of an independent investigation by the nonprofit Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment. GRACE Investigators documented numerous cases of child abuse at the orphanage, carried out by multiple perpetrators and covered up by its executive director. Eric Miller and Julie Heifner volunteered and worked at the orphanage for years before attempting to alert Niños leadership to ongoing abuse. Miller and Heifner discuss the details of their journeys — from Niños believers to whistleblowers — and how survivors of abuse at Niños finally had their voices heard.
Laughter may be one of the most powerful tools we have for navigating stress, burnout, and the weight of modern life. In this conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down once again with Sir James Gray Robinson to explore why humor, self-awareness, and gratitude matter far more than most of us realize. James and I talk about how easily we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves, how that loss feeds stress and burnout, and why taking life too seriously often does more harm than good. Along the way, we reflect on comedy, culture, trauma, and the simple truth that being able to laugh can shift perspective faster than almost anything else. James also shares what he has learned from years of coaching high-stress professionals, especially lawyers, about how laughter resets the nervous system and opens the door to better problem solving. We talk about gratitude as a powerful antidote to fear and anger, the role artificial intelligence can play as a daily tool for perspective, and how self-reflection helps us separate reality from the stories our minds create. We even explore James's work with an ancient royal order dedicated to service and philanthropy. I believe you will find this conversation thoughtful, grounding, and surprisingly uplifting, because at its core, it reminds us that joy, humor, and connection are not luxuries. They are essential to living an unstoppable life. Highlights: 00:59 – Learn why losing the ability to laugh at yourself creates stress and emotional rigidity.04:26 – Understand the difference between witty humor and humor that harms rather than heals.11:03 – Discover how laughter resets the nervous system and interrupts burnout patterns.15:35 – Learn why gratitude is one of the strongest tools for overcoming fear and anger.16:16 – Hear how artificial intelligence can be used as a daily tool to shift perspective and invite joy.35:19 – Understand how burnout often begins with internal stories that distort reality and fuel stress. About the Guest: Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq. is an award winning third-generation trial attorney who specialized in family law and civil litigation for 27 years in his native North Carolina. Burned out, Sir James quit in 2004 and has spent the next 20 years doing extensive research and innovative training to help others facing burnout and personal crises to heal. He has taught wellness, transformation, and mindfulness internationally to thousands of private clients, businesses, and associations. As a licensed attorney, he is focused on helping lawyers, professionals, entrepreneurs, employers, and parents facing stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, exhaustion, and burnout. Sir James is a highly respected speaker, writer, TV personality, mentor, consultant, mastermind, and spiritual leader/healer who is committed to healing the planet. He possesses over 30 certifications and degrees in law, healing, and coaching, as well as hundreds of hours of post-certification training in the fields of neuroscience, neurobiology, and neuroplasticity, epigenetics, mind-body-spirit medicine, and brain/heart integration. Having experienced multiple near-death experiences has given him a deeper connection with divinity and spiritual energy. Sir James regularly trains professionals, high-level executives, and businesspeople to hack their brains to turn stress into success. He is regularly invited to speak at ABA and state bar events about mental and emotional health. His work is frequently published in legal and personal growth magazines, including the ABA Journal, Attorneys-at-Work Magazine, and the Family Law Journal. Sir James has authored 13 books on personal growth and healing, including three targeting stressed professionals as well as over 100 articles published in national magazines. He has produced several training videos for attorneys, executives, entrepreneurs and high-level professionals. Sir James has generously endowed numerous projects around the world to help children, indigenous natives, orphans and the sick, including clean water projects in the Manu Rain Forest, Orphanages, Schools and Medical Clinics/Ambulances in India, Buddhist monks in Nepal, and schools in Kenya, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico. In addition to his extensive contributions, Sir James produced and starred in three documentaries that will be released in 2024, focusing on healing, mental and emotional health. The first, "Beyond Physical Matter," is available on several streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime. The trailer can be found at www.BeyondPhysicalMatter.com. The second, “Beyond the Mastermind Secret”, is scheduled for release in the fall of 2024. The trailer can be found at https://BeyondMastermindSecrets.com/. The third, “Beyond Physical Life” is scheduled for release at the end of 2024. The trailer can be found at https://beyondphysicallife.com/. He has formed an entertainment media production company known as Beyond Entertainment Global, LLC, and is currently producing feature length films and other media. In recognition of his outstanding work and philanthropy, Sir James was recently knighted by the Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen. In addition, Sir James won the prestigious International Impact Book Award for his new book “Thriving in the Legal Arena: The Ultimate Lawyer's Guide for Transforming Stress into Success”. Several of his other books have won international book awards as well. Sir James was recently awarded the President's Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden for his outstanding service to his community, country and the world. He will be awarded the prestigious International Humanitarian Award known as Men with Hearts, in London, England in the fall of 2024, as well as Man of the Year and Couple of the year with his wife, Linda Giangreco. Sir James has a wide variety of work/life experiences, including restauranteur, cattle rancher, horse trainer, substance abuse counselor, treatment center director, energy healer, bodyguard, legal counselor for several international spiritual organizations, golfer and marathon runner. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1971, Davidson College in 1975 and Wake Forest University School of Law in 1978. Ways to connect with Sir James**:** FB - https://www.facebook.com/sirjamesgrayrobinson IG - https://www.instagram.com/sirjamesgrayrobinson/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sirjamesgrayrobinson?_t=8hOuSCTDAw4&_r=1 Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@JamesGrayRobinson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gray-robinson-/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson 01:17 Well, hi everyone, and welcome to another edition of unstoppable mindset. And we're doing something today we haven't done too often, but we've done it a few times. We are having a second conversation with James Gray Robinson, actually, sir, James Gray Robinson, and we're going to talk about that part of it today we did last time, but I'm going to start actually a little bit different way. You and I were just talking about humor. We were talking about Mel Brooks, because I, when you came into the to the room, I said, What in the wide, wide world of sports is it going on here, which is a very famous line from Blazing Saddles. And you pointed out that that movie probably couldn't be made today, and I agree. But why do you think that is Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 02:10 I think that we've become so disenchanted with ourselves that everything's offensive now, I think back when we and when I grew up in the 50s and 60s, people had so many really, you know, life threatening things to think about, like atomic war and, you know, it just seems like people have shifted their consciousness away from having a good time to simply having to be right all the time. And so we've lost the ability to laugh at ourselves. I mean, one of my favorite lines is, if you think Talk is cheap, you've never talked to a lawyer. And the thing is, is that I'm a lawyer, and I find that incredibly funny, yeah, because if you can't laugh at yourself, then you really are going to struggle in life, because a lot of times, things don't work out the way that we anticipated or wanted them to. And there's a couple of different ways that we can react to that or respond to that. There's a I found that people are losing the ability to take responsibility for themselves and that they blame everything on everybody else. We're raising a nation of victims, and victims are not going to laugh at anything. So what we, I think, what we have to do is we have to start teaching our children how to have a sense of humor. If something doesn't happen the just the way we want it to, then laugh at it. It doesn't have to, you know, unless it's pain, you know, if it's physically abusive or something, then you know. But the thing is, we're trying to helicopter parent everything, and we all get so upset when somebody says something off the cuff or maybe without fully thinking through what they're saying. So it's, it's just unfortunate that there are many, many things in life I think could be avoided with just a good chuckle and go ahead. Well, I was just going to say, you know, like if somebody said to me, you're. Eyes on wrong I'd laugh because it would what difference does it make? But what my tile looks like? Yeah, and I would just laugh, and I would laugh at me, and I would laugh at them, because somebody thought that there was something wrong with that, yeah. Michael Hingson 05:21 Well, what about people like Don Rickles? You know, who, who was always known for insulting everyone and being an obnoxious character. What do you think about him? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 05:36 I you know the thing is, is that he was offensive, but he wasn't, what's the word? I would say he he wasn't profane, because he never cursed at anybody. You know, I've watched a couple of roasts. You know, they call them roast, right? They get a bunch of people together, and they make fun of somebody. And back in the day, when Don Rickles and Johnny Carson, Milton, burl, rich, little even, what couple of committee is, I can't think of, but they were extremely witty, and they were perhaps offensive, but they weren't necessarily insulting to the point where you It's not Funny. And I think we've got and we've gone to the point where we now are seeing these roasts. And I thought I saw Tom Brady's roast. Actually paid to watch it, and it was the most profane, you know, unfunny, hurtful, hour and a half I think I've ever watched, and it just I didn't smile once. I just was wincing the whole way through, wondering why people think that sort of nonsense is funny. Michael Hingson 07:19 Well, I asked about Don Rickles, because I saw an interview with him on the Donahue show, when Phil Donahue had his TV show, one of the things. And after he said this, I thought about it, and of course, never really was able to see in person, but I believed him. Don rickel said, Look, I never pick on someone if I think they're going to be offended. He said, If I see somebody in the audience and start picking on them and it looks like they're taking offense or they're getting angry about it, I won't pick on them anymore. And he said I might even go talk with them later, but he said I won't pick on them anymore. And I thought about that, he said, I will never there are lines I won't cross, which is some of what you just said. But he really was absolutely adamant about the fact that he didn't really want to insult people. He wanted people to have fun, so he always looked for people in the audience who would laugh at what he had to say and how he and how he abused them and so on. He said those are the people that he really liked to to interact with because they weren't taking offense, which I thought was a very intuitive and interesting concept on his part. And if you really want to talk about a comedian who was never profane no matter what he did or happened to him, later, think about Bill Cosby, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 08:49 yeah, and or Red Skelton, or Red Skelton, yeah, that was and always, he would always end up with God Bless. And the thing that amazes me about today's comedy is how much violence. There's a subtle undercurrent of violence under all of their humor. And it's, you know, they're kind of like laughing at somebody who is hurt or is not as intelligent as the comedian thinks he is. Or, you know, they're making fun of stuff just to be hurtful. And it's not, you know, they've lost the connection between being taken taking fun, making fun of somebody and being hurtful. And I just amazed when I see a lot of comedians today. I mean, there's lots of very witty, very intelligent, grand guffaw producing comedy out. There. And it's, there's some, they're very, very talented comedians out there, but then there are the other people that want to drag you through the Michael Hingson 10:07 mud, yeah? And it's all shock. It's all shock, yeah, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 10:12 and intentionally offend you to, I guess it's some kind of power play, but it's simple. You know, people, I think that people actually are so traumatized that they they think it's funny when somebody traumatizes somebody else. Michael Hingson 10:34 Well, I Oh, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 10:35 go on. No, go right ahead. Michael Hingson 10:38 I I never got to see Don Rickles live, although I would have loved to, and I would love to have paid the money to sit in the front row, hopefully, hoping that he would pick on me so I could jump up and say, Yeah, I saw you once on TV. I took one look at you and haven't been able to see since. What do you think about that? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 11:02 Never that would be appropriate, yeah? I mean, because he'd love it, you're making fun, yeah, you're making fun of him, and you're making fun of yourself. And that's what I call self depreciating humor. He where the jokes, yeah, the joke really is about you. It's not about him, yeah, and it's in it, so it's people probably wouldn't take offense to that. But when people sit there, you know, start poking fun at how people look or what they their educational level, or their, you know, cultural background is I, I just don't get that. I mean, it's and I grieve that we're turning into bullies. Well, you know, and it's, it's unfortunate you Michael Hingson 11:52 you've dealt a lot, especially over the last 20 years, with burnout and things like that. Do you think that what's happening in in society based on what you're talking about, with the lack of humor, without self deprecating environments and all that. Do you think that's because it's stressful, contributing to burnout? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 12:14 Yes, I think, well, we again, we take ourselves way too seriously. The one thing that I've noticed, especially with my clients, is when I can get them to laugh, they start to take a different perspective of their life. But when they think everything that they're what I call they're stuck in Warrior mode. There's, you know, we have a, don't know if we talked about this last time, but we have a nervous system that goes one or two ways. It either goes to fight or flight, called the sympathetic nervous system, where you know you're reacting to everything in a negative way, because it's a matter of survival, or we go to the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the fun part of our psyche, and we can enjoy ourselves, but everybody is so scared of something there that they the body cannot stand That level of stress for years. I mean, that's what burnout is, and it it tears your body apart until it actually turns off. And that's what happens when you burn out. We used to call it nervous breakdown, but, you know now it's burnout. But the point is, is you just wear yourself out because you don't have anything that will break the constant stream of stress, and one of the best ways that you can handle stress is to laugh. Laugh at yourself, laugh at something, a joke, laugh at whatever you find stressful, because it breaks that autonomic nervous system response. And if you can reset yourself every now and then that you know, one of the ways I teach people how to deal with stress is to research jokes. Go buy a good joke book, and you can go and find enough. You know, all you need is a couple of jokes to start the day, and you're going to be in a much better frame of mind going to work or dealing with whatever you have to deal with. If you've laughed at least once before you go to work, because that that engages your parasympathetic. I call it the guru. And you can deal with adversity. You can deal with problems. You can actually problem solve. You. And but when we're stressed out because we're afraid of what's going to happen, we're afraid of making mistakes, and we're afraid of what somebody's going to think of us, then we are just going to end up in a very bad place, mentally and emotionally and physically. So it's, you know, one of the things that you can do, as if you're having to deal with stress on a daily basis, is to just remember how to be grateful. I mean, I think that of all the emotions, gratitude is probably the most powerful one there is because it will overcome fear, it will overcome anger, it will overcome shame, it will overcome guilt, it will overcome envy, all the negative emotions cannot stand up to gratitude. And so if you can learn to be grateful, and especially grateful for the struggle, then you are going to be a happy camper, and you can probably learn to laugh, until you can be grateful though you're going to struggle. And that's we're not designed to do the struggling. We're designed to have fun. I mean, that's people always say, what are my purpose, you know? And why am I doing here? And I said, you only have two purposes in life. One is to breathe, and the other one is to laugh. Everything else is just a complication. So if you just remember that, if you can be grateful and laugh once in a while, you're going to be a lot better off than somebody that takes it too seriously, Michael Hingson 16:44 yeah, well, and you, you must see a lot of it, because I know you, you do a lot of coaching and working with especially lawyers, which is a very stressful situation, especially people who are truly dedicated to the Law and who look at it in the right way, there must be a lot of stress. How do you get them to relax? I like the idea of getting a joke book. I think that's that's cute, and I think that that makes a lot of sense. But in but in general, how do you get people to laugh and to do it as a habit. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 17:24 Well, I've been doing this for 20 years, so my answer 20 years ago is probably a little different than the answer I have now. Artificial Intelligence is my friend, because I can, I can do anything with artificial intelligence. And one of the best ways I, you know, I program my artificial intelligence to to respond, to react and to know who I am. I put, I put all of my books onto artificial intelligence. Every time I write an article, I put it in there. I'm always talking to it. I'm always saying, Well, this is the way I feel about this. This is the way I feel about that. This is what this is funny to me. This something happened to me today that is was really funny. And then I tell it what was funny. And I would program this thing. So the next, when I wake up in the morning, I can just ask it tell me something that'll make me laugh, and it always has something that will make me laugh. And so because it can, not only does it know what I fed into it, it knows everything that's on the internet, right? And so you can, you can get a, you know, something funny, something to start your day, make me glad to be alive, you know, tell me something that'll make me grateful. All those things. It'll, just in a millisecond, it'll be on your screen, yeah. And so it's, that's a tool we obviously didn't have even a year ago, but 20 years ago, it was a little bit more depth, a little bit more effort to find these things. But you could, you could do that. I mean, we did have the internet 20 years ago, and so we, we could go looking and go searching for funny stuff. But it's not as easy as is artificial intelligence, so you know. And if you I'll tell you one thing, it's been a real tool that has been very useful for me, because sometimes if I'm not sure what I should say, my old my old motto was, if you don't know what to say, shut up. But now I asked, I asked, and I'm not sure what, how I should respond to this. What do you suggest? And it'll come up with some. Give me five things that I could say. Michael Hingson 19:59 Does it do? Will tell you, does it ever tell you should just shut up? Just checking yes, yes. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 20:04 Okay, good, good for you. Don't say any. Don't say anything, you fool. But the point is, is that it's got, you know, every book that's ever been written about psychology in its database, so you can find things that would make you sound wise and profound. And I use it all the time to figure out what to say, or to how a better way to say something is Yeah, and that way I've managed to stay pretty much out of trouble by and, you know, it's like having a friend who you could ask, What should I say? And they would come back with a couple of answers that you know, then you can just decide yourself which one you should use, right? Michael Hingson 20:57 And you may, and you may, in addition, tweak it which which makes sense, because AI is, is a tool, and I, I am not sure that it is going to ever develop truly to the point where it, if you will, wakes up and and becomes its own true intelligence, Skynet Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 21:24 on all the Terminator series, Michael Hingson 21:27 or or in Robert heinleins, the Moon is a Harsh Mistress. The computer woke up. It helped as a still my favorite science fiction book, and it was, if you've never read it, it's a story about the the moon in 2076 which had been colonized and was being run by the lunar authority back on Earth, it had no clue about anything. And so in 2076 the moon revolted, and the computer and the computer helped. So on July 4, 2076 it was a great movie or a great book. I'd love to see it dramatized. If somebody would do it the right way, I think it'd make a great radio series. But haven't done it yet. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 22:14 Well, Robert Highland is a genius. No doubt about that, Stranger in a Strange Land was big in my developmental years, yeah, and Michael Hingson 22:26 that was the book that came out right after the Moon is a Harsh Mistress. I still think the moon and harsh mistress is even a better book than Stranger in a Strange Land. But Stranger in a Strange Land really did catch on and and rightfully so. It was, it was very clever. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 22:42 Well, most people, I mean, you know, clean humor is a good place to start, yeah, because I think that all of the profanity that comedians rely on to shock people. And, you know, there are two ways that we have the laugh response one is, is that it shocks you in the sense that it makes you afraid, because it seems like a attack on you. It's a defensive mechanism that we have. It's not even if it's not funny, we will laugh, because that's our body's way of dealing with something that's really traumatic. The other way is when we something strikes us as funny because it's witty or clever, and that is more of a that's a less stressful response. And can we, we can laugh, and it's a more of a genuine response than one where we're basically traumatized, right? And I think that, and with everything else, is who? Who do you hang around? Who is your tribe? Who do you? Somebody was somebody said, some psychologist said, you know, show me 10 of your friends and I'll tell you exactly what your problem is, because the people you hang around will mirror what's going on in your interior landscape. And if you've got friends who are problematic, that means that there's some things on your psyche that you need to take a look at. And you know that, and it's especially people who have been traumatized early in life. Their coping mechanisms and their judgment is not so good, right? So they have to take a step back and look at well, are these people helping me? Are they hurting me? Because if you notice, a lot of traumatized people will surround themselves with traumatized people, and all they do is whip themselves in the lather. Are every day, and they get so melodramatic, and they get so upset about everything that's going on in life, they can't find any sense of humor or any sense of joy, yeah, and it's until they let go of those, those trauma responses they're they're pretty much in a hat, in a self repeating habit that is not going to be healthy. Michael Hingson 25:29 And I think you're absolutely right. It is very much about joy. And we, we should. We should find ways to be joyful and feel joy, and, of course, laugh and not take life so seriously. Unfortunately, there's so much going on today with people who clearly have no sense of humor, or at least they never exhibit it, that it tends to really be a problem. And unfortunately, I think we're all learning some really bad habits, or many of us are learning some very bad habits because of that. And I don't know what's going to break that cycle, but the cycle is going to have to break at some point. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 26:14 It will, unfortunately, a lot of times it takes a revolution, yeah, in order to replace old, unhealthy thought patterns with better thought patterns. You know, I'm reminded of the old saying that when an idiot tries to teach another idiot, you end up with two idiots. So you you have to be careful about who you're taking advice from, right? And so if, especially you know my my advice to anybody that's struggling and suffering is turn off your phone and turn off your TV, and if you know how to read, go read a book, because when you can get into a period of calm, quiet reflection, you're going to be able to make More sense out of what's going on in your life, and especially if you're reading a book that will explain to you the best way to deal with challenges, right? But just or just read a funny book, you know, something you know I find sarcasm and cleverness, extremely funny. So I love books like Forrest Gump, who who take extreme examples and turns them into funny scenarios, and they did a good Michael Hingson 28:01 job making that into a movie too. I thought, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 28:05 I mean, I tell you, I forget who the director was, but they were brilliant because they were able to spin a story that was honest. But it wasn't offensive, and you could laugh because of all of forests characteristics and everything else, but it was presented in the way that it wasn't, you know? It wasn't being mean, right? And it wasn't, being unkind, and so it was just a story of a man who ended up being a success, and it was more through Providence than anything else. You know, I love the Marx Brothers, oh, sure, because they always had a way of making fun of each other and making fun of other people and making fun of themselves that was truly humorous. And it was more sight gags. It was more, you know, one liners, and it wasn't by being mean to anybody. It was as about being very aware of what was going on. Michael Hingson 29:25 I'm trying to remember which movie it was. I think it was duck soup. Somebody fell into the water and she yelled, throw me a lifesaver. And so somebody threw her a lifesaver. That is a candy. Yeah, it's just so clever. It was clever. But, you know, one of the things that I enjoy is old radio shows, radios from the shows from the 30s, 40s and 50s, and the humor, again, was respectful of. Hmm, and they could pick on people to a degree, but it was never in a in a mean way, but just the humor was always so clever, and so I would, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 30:14 I would listen George and Gracie Allen, George, Jack Benny, Michael Hingson 30:19 Phil Harris, Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 30:21 and you was his name, Jackie Gleason, Michael Hingson 30:29 Amos and Andy. And of course, people today have decided Amos and Andy are offensive because they say it's all about blacks, and you're insulting black people. If anybody would go back and look in history, the reality is that Amos and Andy probably was one of the most well, it was one of the most popular shows on radio to the point where, if you were in a movie theater on Saturday afternoon watching a movie, they would stop it when Amos and Andy came on and play the show, and it didn't matter what the color of your skin was. In fact, I asked an Amos and Andy expert one time, when did they stop referring to themselves as black or dark? And the reason I asked that is because the first time I was exposed to Amos and Andy was actually the Amos and Andy TV shows, and I didn't know they were black, and I learned later that they were taken off the air when people started becoming offended because there were two black people. But I asked this, this lady about Amos and Andy, and when did they stop referring to themselves as black? And she said, Well, probably about the last time that she was aware of where there was a reference to it was 1937 so for many, many years, if you decided that their voices were black people, then, then you did, but they didn't talk about black or white or anything else. And and so it was. It was a very interesting show. And one guy usually was trying to con the other one and the other, well, king fish would con Andy, who usually fell for it. But gee, how many shows with white people do we see the same thing. You know? The reality is that it was a very funny show by any standard. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 32:26 Well, Sanford and sons, Sanford, same thing. I mean, that humor was, it was cutting you know, anytime you get on a cutting edge type of program, you know, it's inevitable that somebody's going to take offense. But I always laughed out loud. I watched that show, and it wasn't because they were demeaning anybody. It was just watching people trying to get by and using their wits. And a lot of times it was, it was comical because it wasn't very clever, but it was just they were doing the best they could to make a living. They were doing the best they could to live in their society. And I always admired that. I mean, they never, and they were able to, I guess, touch on the aspect of racial inequality without burning the house down. And it was like always admired them. You know, Sanford and sons, the Jeffersons, all of those shows, how about all the family? If you want to talk all in the family too well they they were just, you could switch one script with the other because it was more about human beings being human than it was about what the color of your skin was, yeah. So, you know, I would invite anybody who is offended by something to really ask yourself, what is it that offends you? Because there's always something in your consciousness that you find offensive. You would never be offended by anything if you unless you found something within yourself that's offensive, whether because and it's called the psychological term is called projection. You're projecting on what you're perceiving, and it's called bias. We all have conclusions. We all have prejudice. We all have judgments. Our brain is built that way to keep us alive, and so we're always interpreting data and perceptions to see if there's any threat out there, and if, when we start taking words as threatening, then we've got a problem. Yep, and. But because things like comedy and humor shouldn't offend anybody, but because you believe in something that makes that offensive, that's why you're offended. And so it's really as useful to people to really think about what is it that I believe that makes that offensive? Because most of the time you will find that whatever it is that you believe may not be true, and it's just something that some kind of conclusion you've drawn because of your experiences, or what you've been taught or what you've witnessed that's given you a wrong idea about something. So I invite anybody who is mad or angry that they look and see what is that belief that is making you angry? Michael Hingson 35:59 Yeah, it gets back to self analysis. It gets back to looking at yourself, which is something that most of us haven't really learned a lot about how to do. How. How did you pick up all these, these kind of nuggets of wisdom and so on. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 36:19 Well, when I burn, when I had my nervous breakdown back in 2004 I quit practicing law for a while because I couldn't bear the thought of going into my office and fighting another day of the battles that trial lawyers always fight. Now I won't say that transactional lawyers don't have battles, but Trial Lawyers end up probably picking a few fights on their own that, you know, they didn't really need to go there, but they do because, you know, Trial Lawyers have a, You know, a talent for arguing they have it's exciting to most of them, and they love to fight. And so when? But eventually, if you don't know how to manage it, it will, yes, the key wear you down. Yeah. So I got out of the law business for a while, and instead, I decided I wanted to go find out. Number one, why did I burn out? And number two, how to heal it. And so I went and studied with a number of energy healers who were very, very conscious people. They were very, very aware. You might even say they were enlightened, but it was they were always teaching me and always telling me about whatever I'm experiencing on the outside is just a reflection of what's on the inside. And so it's not so much about somebody being right or somebody being wrong. It's just the world is a mirror to whatever is going on inside between our ears. Yeah, and it's not because it's we're seeing something that's not there, or we're not seeing something that is there. It's just simply, how do we process that information that comes in through our sense organs and goes into our amygdala, then the hippocampus and then to the rest of our brain to try to figure out and but it's well documented that the brain will see whatever the brain wants to See, and a lot of times it's not what the eyes see, because there are lots of experiments you can take with graphics and other things that are illusory. Because, you know, you can see these graphs or prints that look like a spiral that's going around and is moving, but it's actually circles. But the way our brain puts things together, it makes it move. And another way is sounds. If you don't know what a sound is? Your brain is going to make up a story about that sound. And it could be either That's the sound of a frog, or it could be the sound of a somebody getting attacked. It could be the sound of whatever your brain it has to put a label on it, because that's the way the brain has been wired over our couple of hundreds of 1000s of years of evolution. That's how we manage to stay alive, because we make up a story about stuff, and if we're accurate, we live. If we're not accurate, we don't. Yeah, so the a lot of people are very good at making up stories in their head about what they're seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, whatever, because a lot of lot of smells will have psychological responses in our brain. So you know the smell of baby's milk or the smell of mown grass, or, you know smell of something rank, you always will have an instant story about what you just smell. And so when I would spend long periods of time thinking about these things, contemplating them, trying to figure out, well, what does that mean for me? I mean, how does that? How will it looking at this change my life? And basically, what I learned is is that the more objective you can be, the less you make up stories about stuff, the more successful you can be, and the more happy you'll be. Because, for example, there's a term called Mind reading, where people will be listening to somebody talking, and in the back of their mind, they're making up a story about what that person means, or they're making up a story about, well, where is this guy going with this? And it's, you know, it's, it's the opposite of listening, because when listening, you're focusing on the words you're hearing, yes, and then when it's your turn to talk, you can respond appropriately, but most people are thinking while they're hearing and it totally colors their experience, because if they think that this person doesn't like them, then they're going to interpret whatever is being said a certain way. If they think that person does like them, then they will interpret it a completely different way. So it's fascinating to me how people can get the wrong idea about things, because it just is a story that their mind made up to try to explain to them why they're experiencing what they're experiencing. Michael Hingson 42:25 That's why I like to really say that I've learned so much from dogs, because dogs don't do it that way. And as I tell people, dogs don't trust unconditionally. They love unconditionally, but they don't trust unconditionally, but dogs are open to trust, and they're looking for reasons to trust, and they also, by definition, tend to be more objective, and they react to how we react and how we behave and and I think there's so much to be learned by truly taking the time to observe a dog and how they interact with you and how you interact with them, and that's going to make a big difference in how they behave. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 43:11 Well, you could definitely see a difference in the dog's behavior if they've been traumatized. Michael Hingson 43:16 Oh, sure, that's a different story altogether. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 43:19 Yeah, I agree that dogs are extremely innocent. You know, they don't have an agenda. They just want to be loved, and they would, they want to love Michael Hingson 43:31 and they want to know the rules, and they then they're looking to us to tell them what we expect. And there are ways to communicate that too, yes. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 43:41 And you know you all have to is give as a great example of how we should treat each other. Is all you have to do is, you know, a dog will forgive you eventually. And if you're kind to a dog. A dog will just give his entire being to you. Yeah, and it because they don't have any Guile, they don't have any hidden agendas. They just want to be you know, they want to eat. They want to be warm. They want to have fun. They do want to have fun, and so if you treat them timely, you will have a friend for life. Michael Hingson 44:29 Yep, we adopted a dog. We cared for it for a while. It was a geriatric dog at Guide Dogs for the Blind who had apparently had never worked as a guide dog, and she had been mistreated and then sent back to Guide Dogs for the Blind. She was 12. The school was convinced she was totally deaf because she wouldn't react to anything. They dropped a Webster's Dictionary next to her, and she didn't react. But we took her and we started working with her, and. It took several months before she would even take a walk with Karen, and Karen in her, you know, in Karen's wheelchair, and this wonderful golden retriever walking next to her. But the more we worked with her, the more she came out of her shell. She wasn't deaf. I'm sure she was hard of hearing, but you could drop a dictionary and she'd react to it, and if you called her, she would come. But it is all about developing the relationship and showing that you care and they will react. And so she she lived with us for more than three years before she passed, but was a wonderful creature, and we were, we were blessed to have her. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 45:48 Well, go ahead. No, I was just going to comment that I've got three Pomeranians, and they run the place course. You know, it's there. It's amazing how a six pound dog can run your life, but Michael Hingson 46:03 you let them, but you still establish, but you still establish some rules and you know, but that's, that's, yeah, I have a cat who runs the place, but that's okay. Well, we have not talked about, and I do want to talk about it when I first started hearing from you, your emails were all signed, sir, James Gray Robinson, and I always was curious, and you eventually explained it to me. But why don't you tell us all about your title and and all of that? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 46:39 Well, since we last talked, I've had a promotion. Now I'm a baron, so it's Baron James Gray Robinson, Scottish, Baron of Cappadocia. But I belong to a royal order that's known as the Royal Order of Constantine, the great in st Helen, and it was established in 312, 312, 12. Ad, when Constantine, who was the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire, conquered the Western Roman Empire, who it was brother who was the emperor of the Western Roman Empire, and they can then he consolidated the eastern and the western empires. And it was that way until 14 153 when they were defeated by the Solomon Turks. So for 1100 over 1100 years Well, let me back up. The most important battle in that war between the two brothers was the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, which was in Rome and Constantine awarded, rewarded 50 knights, 50 warriors, soldiers who fought on that campaign and carried the day against much superior forces. And he rewarded them by making them knights and giving them land in Turkey, in an area that's known as Cappadocia. And this, if you know anything about Turkey, there's an area which is honeycombed with caves that have been dug out over the millennia, and it's kind of like some body was doing some renovation work, and they broke through the floor, and they went into a cave system that would have been hand dug, and it goes down 17 layers, and it could house 30,000 people. But that was, that was Cappadocia and Constantine the Great charged these warriors with the with the duty to protect the Christian church, because that's because Constantine had converted to Christianity. His mother, Helen, was one of the driving forces in the early Christian church. She's the one that decided to build a cathedral on top of the the nativity, the manger, which is actually a grotto in Bethlehem, I've been there. I spent Christmas Eve there one year. And so the Christianity was just a fledgling religion, and he charged these nights and all successive nights, with the obligation to protect the Christians and to protect the churches. And so a lot of people credit the royal order with advancing the Christian religion. So it's been around since 312 and it's the oldest peerage and a peerage. Is a group of royalty that have knights. They have royalty like Dukes and nobles and that sort of thing. But if you look at other orders that we're aware of, the Knights of Balta didn't get established until about 1200 ad the Knights of the Templar nights, similar thing. They didn't get established till about 1000 years after we did. So it's a very, very ancient, very traditional order that focuses on helping abused women and traffic children. We have, you know, we have a lot of, you know, compassion for those people in the world, and so we are actively supporting those people all over the world. And then on the other side, we have the knights, and we have the women, equivalent of that are called dames, and then we have the nobles who are like barons and other ranks that go all the way up to a prince who is actually related To the King of Spain. So it's been a interesting history, but we can try, we can directly trace our lineage all the way back to 312 and what the you know, we have a couple of reasons for existing, one being the charitable, but also to honor people who have been successful and have accomplished a lot for other people and who care about their fellow man and women, so that we accept Anyone in eight different categories, everywhere from Arts to athletics to entrepreneurship to medicine to heroics. We have a number of veterans that were credible. Have incredible stories. We have a lot of A listers, movie stars, professional athletes, that sort of thing. Also philanthropy. I got in for philanthropy because I've given a lot of money over my life to help people all over the world, and that's one reason why I was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. But we're a group of people. We just today started a Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences because we want to help people all over the world learn things like finances and you arts and crafts and trades and so that people who are oppressed cultures that are in third world countries will be able to learn a good earn a good living, raise their status in life, and then learn how to go on and help other people. So that's very exciting. We've got a lot of things going on with the royal order that are we're growing very rapidly, where somebody said we're 1700 year old startup, but it's, you know, we've gone through some regime changes where people have died and there weren't any heirs, so they've had to go laterally to find somebody to take over. And that's where we are now. You know, interestingly enough, my sons will inherit my title, so it's a true royalty kind of thing, where it passes down by inheritance. But you know, we don't, you know we're, we're hundreds of people in our thing. It's like 300 people in our order right now. We'd like that to be 100,000 times that because we do good work and we foster principles of charity, silvery and honesty, so that we're trying to change the culture around us to where people don't take offense in everything that they're in a society that supports each other and that people can feel safe knowing that there's they have a brother or sister that will support them. Michael Hingson 54:57 Definitely fascinating. I was not familiar with it at all. All until you and I check, yes. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 55:03 Well, it's amazing that me. I guess you have to be somewhat of a history buff. Yeah, and there, and there are lots of service organizations like the Masons and the Shriners and every all the animal ones, the Moose Lodge, the beavers and all these people are doing, you know, charitable work. But not not. Many of them have a royal heritage that goes back to 312 right? So, and we do dress up like knights from time to time, and ladies, and we have swords and we have robes, and we have big parties, and we have gala events, and where we induct more people into our order, and it's all great fun, and it's, you know, and we raise money for charity. So it's a win, win situation. Cool, and it doesn't hurt having Baron on your resume. Michael Hingson 56:08 No, I am sure it doesn't well. I want to thank you for explaining that, and I want to thank you for being here again. This has been a lot of fun, and I'm glad that we had a chance to really talk about humor, which, which is more important, I think, than a lot of people realize. And again, if people want to reach out to you, how do they do that? Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 56:31 My website is James Gray robinson.com Michael Hingson 56:36 There you go. Easy to spell, easy to get to. So I hope people will do that. And again, I hope that you all enjoyed today, and that you will let me know that you enjoyed it. Please feel free to email me at Michael h i at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, i, b, e.com, please give us a five star rating. Go off and read history and learn about the royal order. I think that's probably relevant and important to do as well. And again, if anyone knows anyone who ought to be a guest on the podcast, please let us know. Introduce us. Give us a rating of five stars wherever you're listening. And again, James, I just want to thank you for being here. Excuse me, sir. James. Barron, James, really appreciate you being here, and we'll have to do it again. Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq 57:24 Well, Michael, my hat's off to you. I think you're doing amazing work. I think you're helping a lot of people. You have a great podcast I've gone on your website or your YouTube, and it's a lot of fun. And I think you're doing a great service for people. Michael Hingson 57:45 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.
From Dan Levy: Lion https://www.comedydynamics.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fluent Fiction - Danish: Snowstorm Brings a Christmas Miracle to København's Orphanage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2025-12-18-23-34-02-da Story Transcript:Da: Snefnug faldt stille fra den grå himmel og landede på tagene i København.En: Snowflakes fell quietly from the gray sky and landed on the rooftops of København.Da: Inde i det varme og hyggelige børnehjem lignede dagene hinanden.En: Inside the warm and cozy orphanage, the days resembled each other.Da: Men i dag var der en særlig glæde i luften.En: But today, there was a special joy in the air.Da: Julen nærmede sig.En: Christmas was approaching.Da: Søren, en hjertevarm og betænksom mand, gik rundt og tændte lyskæder.En: Søren, a warm-hearted and thoughtful man, went around lighting up the strands of lights.Da: Han elskede børnene, som om de var hans egne.En: He loved the children as if they were his own.Da: Men hans hjerte bar på en sorg.En: But his heart carried sorrow.Da: Han ønskede, at hvert barn skulle føle sig elsket og særligt denne jul, selvom børnehjemmet stod over for økonomiske udfordringer.En: He wanted each child to feel loved and special this Christmas, even though the orphanage faced financial challenges.Da: Freja, en livlig frivillig, hjalp med at pynte træet.En: Freja, a lively volunteer, helped decorate the tree.Da: Hendes smil var bredt, men indeni tvivlede hun på sin evne til virkelig at gøre en forskel.En: Her smile was wide, but inside she doubted her ability to truly make a difference.Da: Hun skjulte sin usikkerhed med et varmt hjerte og ivrige hænder.En: She hid her insecurity with a warm heart and eager hands.Da: Søren samlede mod og delte sin plan med Freja.En: Søren gathered courage and shared his plan with Freja.Da: "Vi skal samle byen om os.En: "We need to unite the town around us.Da: Vi holder et arrangement for at rejse midler," sagde han.En: We will hold an event to raise funds," he said.Da: Freja nikkede ivrigt.En: Freja nodded eagerly.Da: Sammen skrev de invitationer og talte med lokale handlende.En: Together they wrote invitations and spoke with local merchants.Da: Men på aftenen for arrangementet rasede en kraftig snestorm.En: But on the evening of the event, a heavy snowstorm raged.Da: Søren så ud ad vinduet med rynkede bryn.En: Søren looked out the window with furrowed brows.Da: Han frygtede, at ingen ville komme.En: He feared that no one would come.Da: Freja tog hans hånd.En: Freja took his hand.Da: "Vi må tro.En: "We must believe.Da: Folk vil komme," sagde hun stille.En: People will come," she said quietly.Da: Og de gik i gang med forberedelserne, uagtet stormen udenfor.En: And they went ahead with the preparations, despite the storm outside.Da: Langsomt begyndte det lokale folk at ankomme.En: Slowly, local people began to arrive.Da: Til trods for sne fandt de vej ind i varmen.En: Despite the snow, they found their way into the warmth.Da: Latter og samtale fyldte rummene.En: Laughter and conversation filled the rooms.Da: En lokal bager bragte småkager med.En: A local baker brought cookies.Da: En kunstner donerede et smukt maleri til auktionen.En: An artist donated a beautiful painting for the auction.Da: Da aftenen var omme, havde de fået nok midler til ikke alene at redde børnehjemmet fra krisen, men også sikre en vidunderlig jul for hver eneste barn.En: By the end of the evening, they had raised enough funds not only to save the orphanage from the crisis but also to ensure a wonderful Christmas for every single child.Da: Søren så ud over forsamlingen med tårevædede øjne.En: Søren looked over the gathering with tear-filled eyes.Da: "Børnene vil ikke bare få gaver i år.En: "The children will not just receive gifts this year.Da: De vil vide, at hele byen elsker dem," sagde han.En: They will know that the whole town loves them," he said.Da: Søren vidste nu, at han ikke var alene.En: Søren now knew that he was not alone.Da: Han var en del af noget større.En: He was part of something bigger.Da: Freja, der stod ved hans side, følte noget ændre sig indeni.En: Freja, standing by his side, felt something change inside her.Da: Hun var stærkere, end hun havde troet.En: She was stronger than she had thought.Da: Hun smilede til Søren med et nyt lys i øjnene.En: She smiled at Søren with a new light in her eyes.Da: Da natten gled over i morgen, og sneen udenfor lå tung og rolig, vidste både Søren og Freja, at julen havde bragt mere end lys og varme.En: As the night turned into morning, and the snow outside lay heavy and calm, both Søren and Freja knew that Christmas had brought more than just light and warmth.Da: Den havde bragt dem alle sammen, som én stor familie.En: It had brought them all together, as one big family. Vocabulary Words:snowflakes: snefnugcozy: hyggeligeresemble: lignedeapproaching: nærmede sigthoughtful: betænksomorphanage: børnehjemsorrow: sorgchallenges: udfordringervolunteer: frivilligdecorate: pyntedoubted: tvivledeinsecurity: usikkerhedgathered: samledefunds: midlersnowstorm: snestormfurrowed: rynketbrows: brynpreparations: forberedelsernelaughter: latterconversation: samtaleauction: auktionencrisis: krisentear-filled: tårevædedegathering: forsamlingenensure: sikrewonderful: vidunderligstronger: stærkerecalm: roligwarmth: varmeunite: samle
Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: A Snowy Christmas Miracle in Bergen's Cozy Orphanage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-12-18-08-38-20-no Story Transcript:No: Snøen dalte stille ned over Bergen, og de høye fjellene rundt byen lyste hvite og majestetiske.En: The snow fell quietly over Bergen, and the tall mountains surrounding the city shone white and majestic.No: Inne i det lille, koselige barnehjemmet, som lå lunt ved foten av fjellene, var det en helt spesiell stemning.En: Inside the small, cozy orphanage, nestled warmly at the foot of the mountains, there was a very special atmosphere.No: Julen nærmet seg, og duften av nystekte pepperkaker fylte luften.En: Christmas was approaching, and the scent of freshly baked gingerbread filled the air.No: Lysene glitret, og barnas latter hørtes fra alle rom.En: The lights sparkled, and the children's laughter could be heard from every room.No: Olav, en ettertenksom student med vennlig smil, hadde brukt mye tid på å forberede en uforglemmelig julefeiring for barna.En: Olav, a thoughtful student with a friendly smile, had spent a lot of time preparing an unforgettable Christmas celebration for the children.No: Ved hans side var Ingrid, alltid energisk og full av ideer.En: By his side was Ingrid, always energetic and full of ideas.No: Sammen var de et godt team.En: Together, they were a good team.No: Olav ønsket at denne julen skulle bli helt spesiell.En: Olav wanted this Christmas to be truly special.No: Planen var å lage håndlagde dekorasjoner og få julenissen på besøk.En: The plan was to make handmade decorations and have Santa Claus visit.No: Men så kom snøstormen.En: But then came the snowstorm.No: Det snødde så mye at veiene ble stengt, og forsyninger kunne ikke komme fram.En: It snowed so much that the roads were closed, and supplies couldn't get through.No: Det som så ut som en perfekt plan, kunne plutselig gå i vasken.En: What seemed like a perfect plan could suddenly fall apart.No: Men Olav nektet å gi opp.En: But Olav refused to give up.No: "Vi lager våre egne dekorasjoner", foreslo Ingrid muntert.En: "We'll make our own decorations," suggested Ingrid cheerfully.No: Barna samlet seg rundt bordet, klar til å hjelpe med glitrende papir og farget papp.En: The children gathered around the table, ready to help with glittering paper and colored cardboard.No: Små hender klippet og limte, mens Olav, med litt guiding fra Ingrid, gjorde sitt beste for å holde alt organisert.En: Little hands cut and glued, while Olav, with some guidance from Ingrid, did his best to keep everything organized.No: Til tross for snøen ute, var innsiden av barnehjemmet varm av kreativitet og fellesskap.En: Despite the snow outside, the inside of the orphanage was warm with creativity and community.No: Julaften nærmet seg.En: Christmas Eve was approaching.No: Olav følte på ansvaret, men han var også fylt av en nyfunnet selvtillit.En: Olav felt the responsibility, but he was also filled with newfound confidence.No: Med god hjelp fra Ingrid hadde de improvisert med det de hadde.En: With great help from Ingrid, they had improvised with what they had.No: Selv snøstormen virket som en mindre hindring nå.En: Even the snowstorm seemed like a minor obstacle now.No: Like før feiringen skulle begynne, kom en nabo kjørende gjennom den avtagende stormen.En: Just before the celebration was about to begin, a neighbor drove through the subsiding storm.No: Bilen hans var full av forsyninger som Olav, i all hemmelighet, hadde organsert å få levert.En: His car was full of supplies that Olav, in secret, had arranged to be delivered.No: Med overraskelsen på plass, manglet bare én ting.En: With the surprise in place, only one thing was missing.No: Så, mens barna samlet seg rundt juletreet, dukket nissen opp.En: Then, as the children gathered around the Christmas tree, Santa appeared.No: Ansiktene til barna lyste opp med ren glede.En: The children's faces lit up with pure joy.No: De danset rundt og klappet i hendene.En: They danced around and clapped their hands.No: Det var et øyeblikk som Olav visste at han aldri ville glemme.En: It was a moment Olav knew he would never forget.No: Gjennom latteren og sangen følte Olav at alt hadde falt på plass.En: Through the laughter and singing, Olav felt that everything had fallen into place.No: Eventet hadde blitt en suksess – ikke perfekt som planlagt, men noe enda bedre.En: The event had become a success—not perfect as planned, but something even better.No: Han hadde lært hvor mye kraft det var i fellesskap og enkelt improvisasjon.En: He had learned how much power there was in community and simple improvisation.No: Til slutt, innså Olav, skapte øyeblikkene av uventet glede de beste minnene.En: In the end, Olav realized, it was the moments of unexpected joy that created the best memories.No: Kvelden sluttet med at barna sovnet med smil om munnen.En: The evening ended with the children falling asleep with smiles on their faces.No: Olav og Ingrid ryddet sakte opp, tilfredse og fylte av takknemlighet for den lille, men sterke, julefeiringen de hadde klart å lage.En: Olav and Ingrid slowly cleaned up, satisfied and filled with gratitude for the small yet strong Christmas celebration they had managed to create.No: Dette ville være minner de fremdeles ville snakke om, lenge etter at snøen hadde smeltet.En: These would be memories they would still talk about long after the snow had melted. Vocabulary Words:fell: daltemajestic: majestetiskeorphanage: barnehjemmetcozy: koseligeatmosphere: stemningapproaching: nærmetfreshly: nystektesparkled: glitretthoughtful: ettertenksomunforgettable: uforglemmeligenergetic: energiskdecorations: dekorasjonerrefused: nektetcheerfully: muntertglittering: glitrendecardboard: pappguidance: guidingconfidence: selvtillitimprovised: improvisertsubsiding: avtagendeobstacle: hindringsecret: hemmelighetdelivered: levertsurprise: overraskelsenappeared: dukketpure: rensuccess: suksesscommunity: fellesskapunexpected: uventetgratitude: takknemlighet
Fluent Fiction - Catalan: A Christmas Adventure: From Orphanage Dreams to Barcelona Lights Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-12-18-08-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Al racó del barri, hi havia un orfenat petit però acollidor.En: In the corner of the neighborhood, there was a small yet welcoming orphanage.Ca: Les parets eren de color ivori i les finestres portaven cortines de quadres blaus i blancs, que movien suaument amb el vent d'hivern.En: The walls were ivory colored, and the windows had blue and white checkered curtains that moved gently with the winter wind.Ca: A dins, els nens estaven plens d'energia i idees, sempre buscant la propera aventura.En: Inside, the children were full of energy and ideas, always seeking the next adventure.Ca: Un matí fred de desembre, l'Adrià es va despertar amb un somni a la seva ment.En: One cold December morning, Adrià woke up with a dream in his mind.Ca: Volia portar la Júlia i el Nil a veure els mercats de Nadal de Barcelona.En: He wanted to take Júlia and Nil to see the Christmas markets of Barcelona.Ca: L'orfenat no tenia gaires recursos, però ell creia que amb esforç i determinació, podien aconseguir-ho.En: The orphanage didn't have many resources, but he believed that with effort and determination, they could make it happen.Ca: "Aquesta vegada serà diferent," va dir a la Júlia mentre ella l'ajudava a posar els abrics als més petits.En: "This time will be different," he said to Júlia as she helped him put coats on the little ones.Ca: "Veurem les llums, escoltarem les nadales, i potser podrem menjar una mica de turró.En: "We will see the lights, listen to the carols, and perhaps we can eat a bit of turró."Ca: "Els ulls de la Júlia brillaven.En: Júlia's eyes sparkled.Ca: "Vull veure l'arbre gran de la plaça," va dir, imaginant-se les llums com estrelles.En: "I want to see the big tree in the square," she said, imagining the lights like stars.Ca: En Nil, mentre jugava a fer equilibris sobre tot el que trobava, va cridar: "Serà una aventura espectacular!En: Nil, while playing balance games on everything he found, shouted, "It will be a spectacular adventure!"Ca: " L'Adrià va mirar el Nil amb una barreja d'afecte i preocupació.En: Adrià looked at Nil with a mix of affection and concern.Ca: Sempre estava preparat per salvar el Nil dels seus embolics.En: He was always ready to save Nil from his scrapes.Ca: L'Adrià va començar a treballar més hores al jardí i la cuina de l'orfenat.En: Adrià began working more hours in the garden and the kitchen of the orphanage.Ca: Plegava roba, fregava pisos i organitzava els joguets trencats, sempre pensant en els nens i en el seu desig de Nadal.En: He folded clothes, scrubbed floors, and organized the broken toys, always thinking about the children and their Christmas wish.Ca: La mestra, la Senyora Montse, li va donar algunes monedes pel seu esforç addicional, cosa que el va fer somriure.En: The teacher, Mrs. Montse, gave him some coins for his additional effort, which made him smile.Ca: Però un dia, quan estaven preparant un petit mercat al pati per recaptar fons, en Nil, emocionat, va escalar l'arbre perquè volia penjar una estrella de paper al lloc més alt.En: But one day, while they were preparing a small market in the yard to raise funds, Nil, excited, climbed the tree because he wanted to hang a paper star at the highest point.Ca: L'arbre, sec i fràgil, va començar a trontollar i, abans que ningú pogués reaccionar, es va sentir un gran cruixit.En: The tree, dry and fragile, began to wobble, and before anyone could react, there was a loud crack.Ca: L'Adrià, que es trobava a prop, va córrer cap a en Nil, just a temps per subjectar-lo abans que caigués.En: Adrià, who was nearby, ran to Nil just in time to catch him before he fell.Ca: El cor se li anava disparat.En: His heart was racing.Ca: Els altres nens van cridar, però la Senyora Montse va mantenir la calma.En: The other children screamed, but Mrs. Montse remained calm.Ca: "Per sort, el Nil i l'Adrià estan bé," va dir, "Ara, hem de continuar amb el nostre pla.En: "Luckily, Nil and Adrià are okay," she said, "Now, we have to continue with our plan."Ca: "Finalment, el treball dur de l'Adrià i la paciència de tots van fer possible el viatge.En: Finally, Adrià's hard work and everyone's patience made the trip possible.Ca: Quan van arribar als mercats de Nadal, els ulls de la Júlia s'allargaven amb meravella.En: When they arrived at the Christmas markets, Júlia's eyes widened with wonder.Ca: Els sons de les nadales omplien l'aire, i el color dels llums semblava atrapar-los en un conte de fades.En: The sounds of carols filled the air, and the color of the lights seemed to capture them in a fairy tale.Ca: En Nil estava més tranquil, agafant la mà de l'Adrià i aprenent a gaudir amb més calma.En: Nil was calmer, holding Adrià's hand and learning to enjoy things more peacefully.Ca: Després d'una llarga jornada plena de màgia i rialles, van tornar a l'orfenat amb el cor ple.En: After a long day full of magic and laughter, they returned to the orphanage with their hearts full.Ca: Aquella nit, mentre el vent fred xiulava fora, van somiar noves aventures.En: That night, while the cold wind howled outside, they dreamed of new adventures.Ca: La Júlia es va sentir més segur de si mateixa i va saber que era important.En: Júlia felt more self-assured and knew that she was important.Ca: En Nil va aprendre que de vegades és millor escoltar abans d'actuar.En: Nil learned that sometimes it is better to listen before acting.Ca: I l'Adrià va comprendre que l'esperança és un poder magnífic que pot fer realitat els somnis.En: And Adrià realized that hope is a magnificent power that can make dreams come true.Ca: La màgia de Nadal havia deixat una empremta en els tres.En: The magic of Christmas had left an imprint on the three of them.Ca: I així, l'orfenat va seguir sent un lloc de somnis compartits i esperances renovades.En: And so, the orphanage continued to be a place of shared dreams and renewed hopes. Vocabulary Words:orphanage: l'orfenatneighborhood: el barriwindow: la finestracurtain: la cortinaadventure: l'aventuramarket: el mercatresource: el recursdetermination: la determinaciócoat: l'abrictree: l'arbresquare: la plaçabalance: l'equilibriscrape: l'embolicgarden: el jardíkitchen: la cuinateacher: la mestracoin: la monedaeffort: l'esforçfund: el fonsyard: el patistar: l'estrellacrack: el cruixitheart: el corplan: el plapatience: la paciènciajourney: la jornadawonder: la meravellacalm: la calmamagic: la màgiahope: l'esperança
Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: A Heartwarming Christmas at the Budapest Orphanage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-18-08-38-20-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A Budapest árvaház téli pompában áll.En: The Budapest orphanage stands in winter splendor.Hu: Odakint a hó lassan hullik, minden fehér, mint a kristálycukor a mézeskalácson.En: Outside, the snow falls slowly, everything is white like icing sugar on gingerbread.Hu: Bent édes fahéjillat tölti meg a levegőt, míg a gyerekek és a személyzet az árvaházat próbálják feldíszíteni karácsonyra.En: Inside, a sweet scent of cinnamon fills the air as the children and staff try to decorate the orphanage for Christmas.Hu: László, az árvaház igazgatója, gyengéd mosollyal a szívünkre.En: László, the director of the orphanage, has a gentle smile that touches our hearts.Hu: Bár kissé ügyetlen, mindig figyelmes és meleg szívvel gondol a gyermekekre.En: Although a bit clumsy, he always thinks of the children with attentiveness and warmth.Hu: Karácsony a kedvenc ünnepe, és elhatározta, hogy az idén mindenki számára igazán különleges lesz.En: Christmas is his favorite holiday, and he has decided that this year it will be truly special for everyone.Hu: Azonban most a dolgok kissé zűrzavarosak.En: However, things are a bit chaotic at the moment.Hu: Gizella, az okos és találékony gondozó, más megközelítéssel díszít.En: Gizella, the smart and resourceful caretaker, approaches the decorating differently.Hu: Kezében fonott kosár, tele csillogó díszekkel, mikor éppen megpróbálja eligazítani a plafonról lelógó girlandokat.En: With a woven basket full of sparkling ornaments in her hand, she tries to arrange the garlands hanging from the ceiling.Hu: A gyerekek körülötte viháncolnak, mindegyik segíteni akar, vagy legalábbis próbál.En: The children giggle around her, all wanting to help, or at least try.Hu: De aztán ott van István, a csintalan kis árva, aki mindig valami tréfán töri a fejét.En: But then there's István, the mischievous little orphan, who is always up to some prank.Hu: Ma felütötte a fejét az elhatározása, hogy egy kis viccet űz a szorgos segítőkkel.En: Today, he decided to play a little joke on the busy helpers.Hu: Egy lámpafüzért összegabalyított úgy, hogy azt azóta sem sikerült kibogozni.En: He tangled a string of lights in such a way that it still hasn't been untangled.Hu: A díszek?En: The ornaments?Hu: Pár törött, pár a fán látványosan félrecsúszott.En: Some are broken, others precariously askew on the tree.Hu: László az orra alatt mormogva próbál rendet teremteni.En: Muttering under his breath, László tries to establish order.Hu: "Ne aggódj, Gizella!En: "Don't worry, Gizella!"Hu: " mondja, kezét a levegőbe emelve.En: he says, raising his hand in the air.Hu: "A karácsony lényege a vidámság és a szeretet.En: "The essence of Christmas is joy and love."Hu: " Gizella csak elmosolyodik, és az egyik girlandba megpróbálja belecsempészni István megbontott csokiját, amit a fiú már félig megevett.En: Gizella simply smiles and tries to sneak István's half-eaten chocolate into one of the garlands.Hu: A gyerekek nevetése betölti a szobát, és még a legmakacsabb világítás is végül ragyogó fénnyel ég fel.En: The children's laughter fills the room, and even the most stubborn lights eventually blaze brightly.Hu: De az igazi kihívás csak most következik.En: But the real challenge is still to come.Hu: A látogatók hamarosan megérkeznek, hogy megnézzék, milyen szépen sikerült feldíszíteni az árvaházat.En: Visitors will soon arrive to see how beautifully the orphanage has been decorated.Hu: Ahogy a látogatók belépnek az ajtón, váratlanul minden fény kialszik.En: As the visitors step through the door, unexpectedly all the lights go out.Hu: Az áramszünet Gogolákcsként replikál, de László nem esik kétségbe.En: The power outage echoes like Gogolákcska, but László does not despair.Hu: Hirtelen ötlettől vezérelve, megkéri a gyerekeket, hogy együtt énekeljenek.En: Driven by a sudden idea, he asks the children to sing together.Hu: Gizella egy pillanat alatt csatlakozik hozzájuk, István hegedűvel a kezében bújik elő.En: Gizella joins them in a heartbeat, and István emerges, holding a violin.Hu: Az éneklés kezdődik, és a szívük zenél.En: The singing begins, and their hearts make music.Hu: A látogatók megilletődötten figyelik, ahogy az árvaház lakói egy bensőséges és őszinte előadást tartanak.En: The visitors watch in awe as the orphanage residents perform an intimate and sincere show.Hu: A hó lassan hullik odakinn, míg bent az emberek szíve melegszik.En: The snow falls slowly outside, while inside, people's hearts are warmed.Hu: A karácsony szelleme az árvaházban teljes pompájában ragyog.En: The spirit of Christmas shines in full splendor at the orphanage.Hu: László ráébred, hogy a legtökéletesebb pillanatok néha a legkaotikusabb helyzetekből születnek.En: László realizes that the most perfect moments sometimes arise from the most chaotic situations.Hu: A gyerekek minden mozdulata, minden dallama a szeretetet és az összetartozást hirdeti, ami karácsony igazi varázsa.En: Every movement of the children, every melody, proclaims the love and togetherness that is the true magic of Christmas.Hu: És a látogatók, bár talán káprázatos fényekre számítottak, mégis boldog mosollyal távoznak.En: And the visitors, although perhaps expecting dazzling lights, leave with happy smiles.Hu: Az árvaháznak sikerült elérnie, amit László annyira vágyott: a vidámságot és a békés ünnepi hangulatot.En: The orphanage has achieved what László desired so much: joy and a peaceful festive atmosphere. Vocabulary Words:orphanage: árvaházsplendor: pompacinnamon: fahéjclumsy: ügyetlenattentiveness: figyelmességchaotic: zűrzavarosresourceful: találékonyornaments: díszekgarlands: girlandokmischievous: csintalanprank: tréfatangled: összegabalyítottaskew: félrecsúszottmuttering: mormogásdespair: kétségbeesiksudden: hirtelenintimate: bensőségessincere: őszintechaotic: kaotikusproclaims: hirdetidazzling: káprázatospeaceful: békésfestive: ünnepiapproaches: megközelítéswoven: fonottlaughter: nevetésoutage: áramszünetawe: megilletődéstogetherness: összetartozásuncommon: szokatlan
Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: A Harmonious Christmas: How Music United a Budapest Orphanage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-18-23-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A hópelyhek csendesen szállingóztak az árvaház kertjébe, ahogy a gyerekek izgatottan készülődtek a karácsonyi kirándulásra.En: The snowflakes drifted quietly into the garden of the orphanage as the children excitedly prepared for the Christmas outing.Hu: Az árvaház régi épülete Budapest szívében állt, és gyengéden ünnepi díszekkel volt felékesítve.En: The old building of the orphanage stood in the heart of Budapest and was gently decorated with festive ornaments.Hu: A szalagok és füzérek szemet gyönyörködtetően csillogtak a téli napfényben.En: The ribbons and garlands glittered delightfully in the winter sunshine.Hu: Ádám, a tízéves fiú, aki mindig tele volt fantáziával és mosollyal, a bejáratnál türelmetlenül toporgott.En: Ádám, a ten-year-old boy who was always full of imagination and smiles, was impatiently fidgeting at the entrance.Hu: "Ádám, ne aggódj!En: "Ádám, don't worry!"Hu: " simogatta meg a fejét Eszter, a gondozó, aki mindent megtett, hogy a gyerekek boldogok legyenek.En: Eszter, the caretaker who did everything to make the children happy, patted his head.Hu: "Mindjárt indulunk.En: "We'll be leaving soon."Hu: "László, a zárkózott tizenkét éves fiú, csendben készültődt a háttérben.En: László, the reserved twelve-year-old boy, was quietly getting ready in the background.Hu: Zsebében óvatosan szorongatta harmonikáját, amit ritkán mert megszólaltatni mások előtt.En: He carefully clutched his harmonica in his pocket, which he rarely dared to play in front of others.Hu: Aznap azonban valami mást érzett.En: However, that day he felt something different.Hu: Talán a karácsonyi varázslat, talán a friss, hideg levegő bátorította fel.En: Perhaps it was the Christmas magic, or maybe the fresh, cold air encouraged him.Hu: Miután mindenki felszállt a buszra, útnak indultak a karácsonyi vásár felé.En: After everyone boarded the bus, they set off towards the Christmas market.Hu: Budapest utcái ünnepi fényekbe borultak, a gyermekek hangos kacagással töltötték meg a buszt.En: The streets of Budapest were draped in festive lights, and the children's loud laughter filled the bus.Hu: Ádám elhatározta, hogy segít Eszternek a kisebb gyerkőcökkel, így még inkább része érezhette magát egy igazi családnak.En: Ádám decided to help Eszter with the younger kids, so he could feel even more a part of a real family.Hu: Szívében ott derengett a karácsony melege, amelyet otthonról hiányolt.En: In his heart, the warmth of Christmas he missed from home was glowing.Hu: A vásár forgatagában mindenki elmélázott a színes standok előtt.En: In the hustle and bustle of the market, everyone pondered in front of the colorful stalls.Hu: Mézeskalács illata és forró gesztenye melege lengte be a teret.En: The scent of gingerbread and the warmth of roasted chestnuts filled the air.Hu: Ádám csillogó szemmel nézte a körhintát és a füzéreket, de még mindig érezte a család hiányát szívében.En: Ádám watched the carousel and the garlands with sparkling eyes, but he still felt the absence of a family in his heart.Hu: Eszter látta, hogy ez több, mint egy egyszerű kirándulás a gyerekeknek.En: Eszter realized that this was more than just a simple outing for the children.Hu: Tudta, hogy egy igazi ünnepi élményt kell nyújtania.En: She knew she had to provide a real festive experience.Hu: László eközben úgy döntött, hogy ideje megosztani valamit, amitől saját szíve is zengett.En: Meanwhile, László decided it was time to share something that made his own heart ring.Hu: A piac közepén megállt, és kihúzta a harmonikáját.En: In the middle of the market, he stopped and pulled out his harmonica.Hu: A gyerekek kíváncsian és csendben gyülekeztek körülötte.En: The children gathered around him curiously and quietly.Hu: Az első hangok félénken, de tisztán csendültek fel.En: The first notes rang out timidly but clearly.Hu: A „Csendes éj” dallamai betöltötték a teret, és mindenki figyelmét azonnal magukra vonták.En: The melody of "Silent Night" filled the air, immediately capturing everyone's attention.Hu: A zene varázsolt, a dallamok melegséget és összetartozást hoztak.En: The music enchanted, bringing warmth and togetherness.Hu: Ádám, hallgatva a dallamokat, hirtelen nem érezte magányosnak magát.En: Listening to the melodies, Ádám suddenly didn't feel lonely.Hu: A gyerekek Eszterrel körbeállták Lászlót, és közösen dúdolták a karácsonyi éneket.En: The children, along with Eszter, stood around László and hummed the Christmas song together.Hu: Közben egy közelben sétáló család figyelmét felkeltette a kis csoport.En: Meanwhile, a nearby strolling family noticed the small group.Hu: Ők is megálltak, és észrevették Ádám lelkesen mosolygó arcát.En: They also stopped and caught sight of Ádám's eagerly smiling face.Hu: Beszédbe elegyedtek vele, és kiderült, közös karácsonyi hagyományaik vannak.En: They struck up a conversation with him and found out they had common Christmas traditions.Hu: Ahogyan a percek múltak, a kis csapat és az újonnan érkező család között különleges kapcsolat szövődött.En: As the minutes passed, a special bond formed between the little group and the newly arrived family.Hu: Az este végére Ádám úgy érezte, hogy Eszter, László és a többi gyerek alkotta család tagja.En: By the end of the evening, Ádám felt like a member of the family made up of Eszter, László, and the other children.Hu: Érezte a szeretetet és az összetartozást, amit oly régóta kívánt.En: He felt the love and belonging he had longed for.Hu: Eszter elégedetten tekintett körbe, tudva, hogy a gyerekek boldogsággal térnek majd haza.En: Eszter looked around contentedly, knowing that the children would return home with happiness.Hu: László pedig, aki harmonikájával megosztotta szívét, önbizalmat nyert.En: László, who shared his heart with his harmonica, gained confidence.Hu: Így teltek el a karácsony előtti napok, az árvaházban egy különleges család született, ahol a szeretet és zene ereje mindent megváltoztatott.En: Thus, the days before Christmas passed, and a special family was born in the orphanage, where the power of love and music changed everything. Vocabulary Words:drifted: szállingóztakorphanage: árvaházfidgeting: toporgottcaretaker: gondozóclutched: szorongattadared: mertencouraged: bátorítottapondered: elmélázottcarousel: körhintahustle and bustle: forgatagmelody: dallamenchanted: varázsoltstrolling: sétálócapturing: magára voncontentedly: elégedettenbelonging: összetartozásfestive: ünnepiornaments: díszekglittered: csillogtakrealized: észrevettetimidly: félénkencuriously: kíváncsianimmediately: azonnalglowing: derengimagination: fantáziabackground: háttérhesitated: hezitáltbond: kapcsolatconfidence: önbizalomgathered: gyülekeztek
Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Heartfelt Holiday: Crafting Joy in a Snow-Covered Orphanage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-18-23-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 雪がしんしんと降る冬の朝、旭川の孤児院が静かに目覚めました。En: On a winter morning with snow falling silently, the orphanage in Asahikawa awoke quietly.Ja: 外は真っ白な雪景色。En: Outside, it was a pure white snowy landscape.Ja: サトシは窓の外を見て、心の中で大きな決意をします。En: Satoshi looked out the window and made a big resolution in his heart.Ja: 12月のクリスマスが近づくと、みんなの心が少しずつ暖かくなります。En: As December's Christmas approached, everyone's hearts started to warm up little by little.Ja: しかし、いつものようにお金は少なく、プレゼントを買うことは難しいです。En: However, as usual, there was little money, and buying presents was difficult.Ja: サトシは孤児院の子どもたちと先生たちが喜ぶ何かを作りたいと考えました。En: Satoshi thought about creating something that would make the children and teachers at the orphanage happy.Ja: でもどうすればいいだろう、と考えます。En: But he wondered how he could do it.Ja: そんなとき、彼の親友、ハルカが彼に近づきました。En: At that moment, his best friend, Haruka, came up to him.Ja: 「サトシ、一緒に何か作ろう!En: "Satoshi, let's make something together!"Ja: 」ハルカの笑顔は、いつもサトシに元気をくれます。En: Haruka's smile always gave Satoshi energy.Ja: サトシはアイデアを思いつきます。En: Satoshi came up with an idea.Ja: 「自分たちで飾りを作ろう!En: "Let's make decorations ourselves!Ja: 手作りのものは心がこもっていて、きっと喜んでもらえるよ。En: Handmade items come from the heart, and they'll surely make everyone happy."Ja: 」二人は、一緒に孤児院の裏庭に小さな枝や松ぼっくりを集めに行きました。En: The two of them went to the backyard of the orphanage to gather small branches and pine cones.Ja: 室内では、折り紙で可愛い飾りを作ります。En: Inside, they made cute decorations out of origami.Ja: ハルカは色鮮やかな紙を器用に切り取り、美しいガーランドを作りました。En: Haruka skillfully cut out colorful paper and made beautiful garlands.Ja: サトシも、家族の温かさを感じられるような心のこもった飾りを一生懸命作ります。En: Satoshi also worked hard on making heartfelt decorations that gave a sense of family warmth.Ja: クリスマス・イブの夕方、サトシとハルカは大きなサプライズを準備しました。En: On the evening of Christmas Eve, Satoshi and Haruka prepared a big surprise.Ja: 全員が夕食の準備をしているとき、二人は指示どおりにガーランドとオーナメントで部屋を飾りました。En: While everyone was preparing dinner, the two decorated the room according to plan with garlands and ornaments.Ja: そして、みんながダイニングルームに集まると、そこには、美しい飾りでいっぱいの夢のような空間が広がっていました。En: And when everyone gathered in the dining room, a magical space full of beautiful decorations was spread out before them.Ja: 一瞬、静寂が訪れた後、部屋中が笑顔と歓声であふれました。En: After a moment of silence, the room filled with smiles and cheers.Ja: その夜、子どもたちと先生たちは、一緒にクリスマスキャロルを歌い、楽しい時間を過ごしました。En: That night, the children and teachers sang Christmas carols together and had a wonderful time.Ja: 「これが本当の家族だよね。En: "This is what a real family is, right?"Ja: 」と、サトシは心の中で思いました。En: Satoshi thought to himself.Ja: 彼は、自らの行動がみんなをつながりを深めるきっかけになったことに気付きました。En: He realized that his actions had become a catalyst for bringing everyone closer together.Ja: 雪が降り積もる孤児院の明かりが暖かく輝き、サトシの心にもまた一つの温かい灯がともりました。En: The lights of the orphanage blanketed in snow shone warmly, and in Satoshi's heart, another warm light was kindled.Ja: 彼は、これからも大切な人たちと一緒に幸せを作り続けたいと思いました。En: He wished to continue creating happiness with the people dear to him in the future. Vocabulary Words:orphanage: 孤児院resolution: 決意approached: 近づくwarm up: 暖かくなるpresents: プレゼントhandmade: 手作りbackyard: 裏庭pine cones: 松ぼっくりgarlands: ガーランドheartfelt: 心がこもったcatalyst: きっかけornaments: オーナメントmagical: 夢のようなlandscape: 雪景色actions: 行動kindled: ともるcreate: 作るsilently: しんしんとdecorate: 飾るspread out: 広がるsilence: 静寂cheers: 歓声eve: イブtogether: 一緒にfamilial warmth: 家族の温かさsing: 歌うblanketed: 降り積もるlights: 明かりwish: 思うcontinue: 続ける
Fluent Fiction - Japanese: A Tokyo Orphanage's Christmas Eve Gift-Swap Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-12-18-08-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 東京孤児院のクリスマスの夜は、特別です。En: Christmas night at the Tokyo Orphanage is special.Ja: 毎年、この時期になると、孤児院の子どもたちはお互いのためにプレゼントを用意します。En: Every year, around this time, the children of the orphanage prepare presents for each other.Ja: 部屋はきらきらした明かりと紙雪の結晶でいっぱいで、どこからともなく焼き立てのクッキーの香りが漂っています。En: The rooms are filled with sparkling lights and paper snowflakes, and the scent of freshly baked cookies drifts in from somewhere.Ja: ハルト、ユキ、そしてサトシもわくわくしています。En: Haru, Yuki, and Satoshi are excited.Ja: ハルトは、12歳の活発な少年で、クリスマスパーティーの準備が大好きです。En: Haru is an active 12-year-old boy who loves preparing for the Christmas party.Ja: 今年もみんなが幸せでいられるように、一生懸命働いています。En: He is working hard again this year to make sure everyone is happy.Ja: ユキは慎重な10歳で、常に仲間を気にかけています。En: Yuki is a cautious 10-year-old and always cares for her friends.Ja: そして、サトシは9歳のいたずらっ子で、時々みんなを笑わせるのが得意です。En: Meanwhile, Satoshi is a mischievous 9-year-old who often makes everyone laugh.Ja: クリスマスイブの日、信じられない出来事が起こります。En: On Christmas Eve, something unbelievable happens.Ja: 何と、全てのプレゼントに「サトシ」宛てのラベルが貼られているのです!En: All the presents have labels addressed to "Satoshi"!Ja: 子どもたちは困惑します。En: The children are bewildered.Ja: 「どうしよう?」ハルトは考えます。En: "What should we do?" Haru wonders.Ja: 大切なパーティーが近づいています。En: The important party is approaching.Ja: 彼は、みんなに正しいプレゼントが渡るようにしたいのです。En: He wants to make sure everyone gets the right present.Ja: ユキが言います。「ハルト、どうする?早くしないと間に合わないよ!」En: Yuki says, "Haru, what are we going to do? If we don't hurry, we won't make it in time!"Ja: ハルトは決意します。「二人で事務所に行こう。そして、プレゼントリストを見つけよう。」En: Haru decides, "Let's go to the office together and find the gift list."Ja: ハルトとユキはこっそりと動き始めます。En: Haru and Yuki start moving quietly.Ja: 二人はヘッドミストレスの鍵を一時的に拝借し、事務所に忍び込みます。En: They temporarily borrow the headmistress's key and sneak into the office.Ja: 「ここだ!」ユキが叫びます。En: "Here it is!" Yuki exclaims.Ja: しかし、その瞬間、後ろから声が聞こえます。En: But at that moment, a voice comes from behind them.Ja: 「どうしたの?」ヘッドミストレスがドアに立っています!En: "What's going on?" The headmistress is standing at the door!Ja: ハルトとユキは慌てて説明します。En: Haru and Yuki hastily explain.Ja: サトシのラベルの混乱で、大騒ぎになってしまったことを話すと、ヘッドミストレスは笑い出します。En: They tell her about the chaos caused by the Satoshi labels, and the headmistress bursts into laughter.Ja: 「それは面白いね!じゃあ、早く直そう。」En: "That's funny! Let's hurry and fix it."Ja: 三人は急いで、ラベルを直し始めます。En: The three of them rush to correct the labels.Ja: 時間との戦いですが、全員の協力で、パーティーが始まる前に間に合います。En: It's a race against time, but with everyone's cooperation, they manage to finish before the party starts.Ja: パーティーの始めに、ヘッドミストレスが言います。「今日は大変だったけれど、みんな協力して素晴らしいチームワークを見せてくれたね。」En: At the beginning of the party, the headmistress says, "Today was tough, but you all showed wonderful teamwork by working together."Ja: ハルトもうなずきます。En: Haru nods in agreement.Ja: 「僕たち、チームがあるとできることがたくさんあるね!」En: "There are so many things we can do when we're a team!"Ja: そしてパーティーが始まり、子どもたちはそれぞれの正しいプレゼントを受け取ります。En: And so the party begins, and the children receive their correct presents.Ja: サトシは嬉しそうに笑いながら、みんなとプレゼントを交換します。En: Satoshi smiles happily as he exchanges gifts with everyone.Ja: ハルトも待ちに待ったサッカーボールを受け取り、大満足です。En: Haru also receives the long-awaited soccer ball and is very satisfied.Ja: その夜、東京孤児院にはいつもより一層温かい笑い声が響いていました。En: That night, more than ever, the warm laughter echoes through the Tokyo Orphanage.Ja: 物事を成し遂げるために、みんなで力を合わせるって素晴らしいことだと、ハルトは改めて感じたのでした。En: Haru once again feels how wonderful it is when everyone works together to accomplish things. Vocabulary Words:orphanage: 孤児院sparkling: きらきらしたbewildered: 困惑temporarily: 一時的にmischievous: いたずらっ子unbelievable: 信じられないlabels: ラベルhasty: 慌ててchaos: 混乱race against time: 時間との戦いcooperation: 協力burst into laughter: 笑い出しますaccomplish: 成し遂げるexchange: 交換cautious: 慎重なecho: 響いてactively: 一生懸命drifts: 漂っていますprepare: 用意baked: 焼き立てapproach: 近づいてcorrect: 正しいcooperate: 協力してwonderful: 素晴らしいdedication: 決意hurry: 急いでignite: 点火care: 気にかけていますkeys: 鍵sneak: 忍び込みます
Fluent Fiction - French: A Christmas Miracle in the Heart of a French Orphanage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/fr/episode/2025-12-18-08-38-20-fr Story Transcript:Fr: Dans la périphérie d'une petite ville française, une couche de neige fraîche recouvre le toit de l'orphelinat.En: In the outskirts of a small ville française, a layer of fresh snow covers the roof of the orphanage.Fr: Les lumières de Noël scintillent derrière les fenêtres, illuminant l'air glacé de l'hiver.En: The Christmas lights twinkle behind the windows, illuminating the icy winter air.Fr: À l'intérieur, Luc, le bienveillant gardien, s'active à rendre l'ambiance festive pour les fêtes.En: Inside, Luc, the kind-hearted caretaker, busies himself with making the atmosphere festive for the holidays.Fr: Les enfants collent des étoiles en papier aux murs tout en chantant des chansons de Noël.En: The children stick paper stars on the walls while singing Christmas carols.Fr: Mais cette année, une ombre plane sur la joie de Noël.En: But this year, a shadow looms over the joy of Christmas.Fr: Un enfant de l'orphelinat a attrapé un vilain rhume.En: A child from the orphanage has caught a nasty cold.Fr: La toux du petit résonne dans les salles, et l'inquiétude se lit sur le visage des autres enfants.En: The little one's cough echoes through the halls, and worry is visible on the other children's faces.Fr: Elodie, la nouvelle volontaire, observe de loin, se demandant comment elle pourrait aider.En: Élodie, the new volunteer, watches from afar, wondering how she might help.Fr: Luc s'approche d'Elodie, son sourire bienveillant dissimule à peine son inquiétude.En: Luc approaches Élodie, his benevolent smile barely concealing his concern.Fr: "Elodie, il faut qu'on s'organise.En: "Élodie, we need to get organized.Fr: Tu pourrais t'occuper de la décoration pendant que je veille sur le petit malade?"En: Could you take care of the decoration while I look after the sick little one?"Fr: Elodie hoche la tête, même si elle doute encore de ses capacités.En: Élodie nods, even though she still doubts her capabilities.Fr: Pourtant, elle veut vraiment faire une différence.En: Yet, she truly wants to make a difference.Fr: Elle offre alors une activité de création de boules de Noël aux enfants.En: She then offers a Christmas ornament-making activity to the children.Fr: Même Armand, l'enfant malade, reçoit quelques boules pour les décorer depuis son lit.En: Even Armand, the sick child, receives some ornaments to decorate from his bed.Fr: Alors que le froid mord à l'extérieur, les préparatifs continuent à réchauffer les cœurs.En: As the cold bites outside, the preparations continue to warm hearts.Fr: Luc passe de pièce en pièce, rassurant les plus jeunes avec des contes de Noël.En: Luc moves from room to room, reassuring the youngest with Christmas tales.Fr: Une ambiance de camaraderie et de solidarité s'installe petit à petit.En: An atmosphere of camaraderie and solidarity gradually settles in.Fr: À la veille de Noël, Luc et Elodie se tiennent au chevet de l'enfant malade.En: On Christmas Eve, Luc and Élodie stand by the sick child's bedside.Fr: Elodie se rappelle brusquement de la tisane que sa grand-mère confectionnait pour guérir les rhumes.En: Élodie suddenly remembers the herbal tea her grandmother used to make to cure colds.Fr: Avec l'énergie de l'espoir, elle prépare la boisson chaude à base de miel, de citron et de thym.En: With the energy of hope, she prepares the warm drink with honey, lemon, and thyme.Fr: Ensemble, ils la lui proposent, espérant un miracle de Noël.En: Together, they offer it to him, hoping for a Christmas miracle.Fr: Le matin de Noël, l'atmosphère dans l'orphelinat est feutrée, mais remplie d'anticipation.En: On Christmas morning, the atmosphere in the orphanage is soft but filled with anticipation.Fr: Les premiers rayons du soleil éclairent la neige, promettant un jour de fête.En: The first rays of the sun illuminate the snow, promising a festive day.Fr: Luc et Elodie découvrent Armand souriant, assis dans son lit, un peu pâle mais visiblement mieux.En: Luc and Élodie find Armand smiling, sitting up in his bed, a little pale but visibly better.Fr: Les autres enfants entrent dans la pièce, les bras chargés de petits cadeaux fabriqués avec soin.En: The other children enter the room, their arms laden with small gifts crafted with care.Fr: Les rires résonnent enfin dans l'orphelinat, et même le plus modeste des cadeaux prend l'éclat d'un trésor.En: Laughter finally resonates in the orphanage, and even the simplest of gifts takes on the sparkle of a treasure.Fr: Elodie regarde autour d'elle, les yeux brillants de reconnaissance.En: Élodie looks around, her eyes shining with gratitude.Fr: Elle réalise que chaque petit geste a produit un grand effet.En: She realizes that every small gesture has produced a great effect.Fr: Luc, inspiré par l'esprit communautaire, ressent une gratitude immense pour l'aide d'Elodie.En: Luc, inspired by the spirit of community, feels immense gratitude for Élodie's help.Fr: Ensemble, ils ont fait plus que créer une belle fête : ils ont engendré une véritable chaleur humaine qui réchauffa le cœur de tous.En: Together, they did more than create a beautiful celebration: they generated a true human warmth that warmed everyone's hearts.Fr: Et ainsi, ce Noël se termine avec de nouveaux liens forgés et des souvenirs chéris, confirmant que la magie de Noël réside dans les cœurs unis et les petits miracles du quotidien.En: And so, this Christmas ends with new bonds forged and cherished memories, confirming that the magic of Christmas resides in united hearts and the little everyday miracles. Vocabulary Words:the outskirts: la périphériethe roof: le toitthe orphanage: l'orphelinatthe layer: la couchethe caretaker: le gardiento twinkle: scintillerthe shadow: l'ombrethe atmosphere: l'ambiancethe cough: la touxto echo: résonnerworry: l'inquiétudethe volunteer: le volontairebenevolent: bienveillantthe ornament: la boulethe camaraderie: la camaraderiethe solidarity: la solidaritéthe bedside: le chevetthe herbal tea: la tisanethe hope: l'espoirthe sun rays: les rayons du soleilto illuminate: éclairerto anticipate: anticiperthe laughter: les riresrecognition: la reconnaissanceto craft: fabriquerto resonate: résonnerthe bond: le liencherished: chériunited: unisthe little miracles: les petits miracles
In this episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with Qaedan Kerr, former intern and long-term staff member at Project Mexico and St. Innocent Orphanage. Qaedan shares where his journey began before arriving at the ranch, what daily life in Mexico looks like throughout the year, and how community, faith, and service shape his work. We also explore ranch dynamics, future plans, and the side projects that support the mission. Get to know one of Casa Cuna's most dedicated caregivers and a beloved member of the Project Mexico community in Tijuana.
This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! For generations, the former St. Vincent Academy in Western Kentucky has carried a reputation that few locations can match—one of layered history, quiet tragedy, and persistent paranormal activity. Once a Catholic orphanage serving children in need, the building now stands as a focal point of unexplained occurrences that have touched not only investigators, but the local community itself. Paranormal researcher Steve Asher, has explored the Academy and the surrounding area extensively. He shares the stories passed down by residents—people who have lived their entire lives beside these walls and have experienced phenomena they cannot ignore. From subtle movements and disembodied voices to the deeper question of why this land seems so spiritually charged, Steve guides us through the layered mystery of a region that has been active long before the Academy was ever built. What draws spirits to this place? Who are the entities that linger? And why does this community experience the paranormal so consistently? This is Part Two of our conversation. #thegravetalks #stvincentacademy #hauntedkentucky #ghoststories #paranormalpodcast #hauntedhistory #paranormalresearch #ghosthunters #trueghoststory #supernatural #hauntedplaces #hauntings Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:
This is a Grave Talks CLASSIC EPISODE! For generations, the former St. Vincent Academy in Western Kentucky has carried a reputation that few locations can match—one of layered history, quiet tragedy, and persistent paranormal activity. Once a Catholic orphanage serving children in need, the building now stands as a focal point of unexplained occurrences that have touched not only investigators, but the local community itself. Paranormal researcher Steve Asher, has explored the Academy and the surrounding area extensively. He shares the stories passed down by residents—people who have lived their entire lives beside these walls and have experienced phenomena they cannot ignore. From subtle movements and disembodied voices to the deeper question of why this land seems so spiritually charged, Steve guides us through the layered mystery of a region that has been active long before the Academy was ever built. What draws spirits to this place? Who are the entities that linger? And why does this community experience the paranormal so consistently? #thegravetalks #stvincentacademy #hauntedkentucky #ghoststories #paranormalpodcast #hauntedhistory #paranormalresearch #ghosthunters #trueghoststory #supernatural #hauntedplaces #hauntings Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:
Send us a textDiscover how financier and philanthropist Ed Hajim transformed childhood adversity into a life of purpose. Learn his Four Ps—Passions, Principles, Partners, and Plans—in this inspiring episode of the Cultural Curriculum Chat™ Podcast. Perfect for educators, leaders, and anyone seeking motivation and clarity.Learn more about Ed Hajim here: Ed Hajim's WebsiteInstagramLinkedIn Learn more about my debut novel on presale now! COME SAY Hey!! Instagram: @cultrallyjebeh_ Facebook: @JebehCulturalConsulting Pinterest: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting LinkedIn: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting Leave a Review on our Podcast! We value your feedback! Buy My Book: The Orange Blossom https://a.co/d/dRgzqgB Follow our Blog Enroll In Our Mini Courses Enroll In My Digital Course: How To Be A Culturally Competent LeaderBuy My K-12 Lesson PlansSign Up For Our Newsletter Enjoy the Cultural Curriculum Chat podcast? Share the love! Refer a friend to Buzzsprout and both you and your friend will enjoy exclusive benefits. Click the ...
Today on Nephilim Death Squad, we're joined again by Jamie Dyer—researcher, author, and co-host of Jay's Analysis—for a deep dive into the Cults of the First Century and how ancient goddess worship, mystery religions, Rome, Babylon, and early Christian persecution mirror exactly what we're seeing in culture today.We cover:
This week on Men of Steel, Case and Jmike are joined by Kris Ingersoll (Media/Lit, Batman By The Numbers) to talk about the 1990 World's Finest miniseries! We dig into how this story redefined the dynamic between Superman and Batman, the tone of early '90s DC, and why this team-up still holds up decades later. #MenOfSteelPod #WorldsFinest #Superman #Batman #DCComics #ComicsPodcast #KrisIngersoll Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/CertainPOVMedia Men of Steel Full Episode Originally aired: December 5, 2025 Edited by Sophia Ricciardi Scored by Geoff Moonen Certain Point Of View is a podcast network brining you all sorts of nerdy goodness! From Star Wars role playing, to Disney day dreaming, to video game love, we've got the show for you! Learn more on our website: https://www.certainpov.com Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/wcHHer4 PODCAST SHOWS: ▶ Men Of Steel - https://www.certainpov.com/men-of-steel FOLLOW US: ▶ Twitter: @certainpovmedia @menofsteelpod ▶ Instagram: @certainpovmedia Outline ️ Introduction to Podcast and Guests (00:00 - 02:51) Hosts Case Aiken and Jmike Folson introduce the episode and guest Kris Ingersoll, who runs a Batman podcast and co-hosts Media Lit podcast. Topic: The 1990 DC Comics miniseries World's Finest by Dave Gibbons and Steve Rood. Contextual Background of the 1990 World's Finest (02:51 - 05:34) The miniseries releases shortly after Crisis on Infinite Earths and John Byrne's Man of Steel reboot (1986). Post-Dark Knight Returns, Batman and Superman's relationship had changed, characterized by distance rather than camaraderie. ️ Plot Overview (05:34 - 08:14) Lex Luthor and Joker team up to take over Gotham and Metropolis with intertwined but largely separate schemes. Batman and Superman investigate, culminating in events involving an orphanage, a nuclear reactor, and city-wide explosions. Decompression and Story Structure Critique (08:14 - 11:34) Discussion of story pacing issues: The narrative is elongated with side elements (e.g., orphan kids) that do not cohesively tie in. Emphasis on character moments over tight plotting. Initial Impressions and Artistic Elements (11:34 - 17:59) Chris praises the visual storytelling and art, referencing the use of parallel imagery and distinctive flashback watercolor style. Noted the deliberate design choices to echo Silver Age and Max Fleischer era Superman and early Batman. ️ Characterization of Villains and Supporting Cast (17:59 - 30:39) Joker portrayed in a "zany," less menacing mode, more a prankster than murderously malicious. Lex Luthor features a robotic hand and operates like a mob boss, balancing businessman and villain traits. Character Dynamics and Relationships (30:39 - 40:21) Lois Lane and Bruce Wayne's interactions highlight mutual suspicion and gradual respect. Batman and Superman's knowledge of each other's secret identities is subtle initially, revealed more overtly in third issue. ️ Themes and Continuity Notes (40:21 - 50:27) Orphanage is a thematic midpoint between Gotham and Metropolis, symbolizing shared orphan backgrounds of Batman, Superman, and villain. The book emphasizes orphans and legacy but does not fully develop these thematic elements. Technical and Artistic Praise (50:27 - 52:58) Art and character design praised for classic yet fresh look; great use of tableau pages showing Gotham and Metropolis. Noted the Batmobile's stylish design and Batman's athletic, sleek physique. Character in Action: Batman and Superman (52:58 - 59:55) Batman characterized as efficient, brutal, and action-focused. His use of Batarangs and disguises recognized as authentic. Superman rendered as powerful but more grounded Burn era 'cop,' balancing investigative journalism and heroic strength. Artistic and Thematic Highlights (59:55 - 01:09:46) Memorable moments include Superman carrying a nuclear reactor into space to save Metropolis. Subtle details such as Clark Kent's mannerisms and investigative approach noted. Overall Assessment and Legacy (01:09:46 - 01:14:36) The miniseries serves as a valuable snapshot of Batman and Superman dynamics post-Crisis and pre-mid-90s crossovers. While the narrative is considered "vibes-over-story," the series offers essential character moments, iconic imagery, and era-specific continuity. Conclusion and Promotions (01:14:36 - 01:19:44) Guests share social media handles and podcast info. Hosts plug "Trade School" podcast and Certain POV Discord for further comic discussions.
Welcome back, everyone, to the conclusion of my interview with former Assistant District Attorney, Police Superintendent, Professor, Podcaster, and Author Patrick Welsh. Pat Welsh was an ADA turned cop. During his distinguished career, he rose through the ranks to become superintendent of the Dayton Police Department. He worked and supervised in patrol, investigations, including narcotics and homicide. He received numerous commendations, department citations, and awards of merit. He also taught the DPD Academy to recruits and in-service. Pat is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, the Ohio Police Executive Leadership College, and the Secret Service Executive Protection for Command Officers. Retired in 2012 and joined the Southern Police Institute, the University of Louisville, as an adjunct instructor/professor, teaching: Legal Issues in Prosecuting Homicides; Leadership; Command Officer Development. From an orphanage in Dublin, Ireland, to the West Wing of the White House and everything in between. I had a blast talking Irish and police stuff with Pat. I think you’re going to like it, too. Please enjoy the conclusion of my interview with Pat Welsh! In today’s episode, we discuss: · What was the academy like, being a former ADA? · Was being a police officer what you thought it would be? Did you ever regret switching over to the PD? · Stories of protecting presidents and their wives, pros, and cons. · You climbed the ladder at Dayton PD. Why did he want to promote? · What was Pat’s favorite rank in law enforcement? · What is law enforcement doing right and wrong today? · Pat’s advice for someone who wants to be a cop? · Officer involved shootings policy and procedure. · Why he wrote Warrior, Servant, Leader. · The Warrior, Servant, Leader Podcast. · What makes a good leader? · “We’re all born unique, but sadly we die as photocopies.” All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Follow Pat on his LinkedIn page. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel! Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
Are We Picking A Fight With An 11 Ton Alien? - Robert Buettner's best-selling debut novel, “Orphanage,” 2004 Quill Award nominee for Best SF/Fantasy/Horror novel, was called the Post-9/11 generation's “Starship Troopers” and has been adapted for film. He was a 2005 Quill nominee for Best New Writer, and “Balance Point” is his eighth novel. Buettner ( http://robertbuettner.com/ ) is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer and a National Science Foundation Fellow in Paleontology. He was attorney of record in roughly 3,000 cases and has practiced in U.S. federal courts, administrative tribunals, and in 13 states and five foreign countries.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media
John Irving's books are on many readers' list of favourites. He's written novels like The World According to Garp and The Cider House Rules, which you also might recognize from their beloved screen adaptations. John is known for writing generation-spanning novels about family, identity and contemporary issues. His latest book, Queen Esther, delivers on that promise. It follows a Vienna-born Jewish orphan named Esther Nacht, whose story is defined by her journey to live an unapologetically Jewish life … and fans of The Cider House Rules will recognize some familiar characters and settings. This week, John tells Mattea Roach about the dangers of idealizing small towns, revisiting old characters and how fatherhood changed his life.Hear our interview with 2025 Giller Prize winner Souvankham Thammavongsa:Can your nail tech throw a mean right hook?
Welcome everyone to part one of my interview with former Assistant District Attorney, Police Superintendent, Professor, Podcaster, and Author Patrick Welsh. Pat Welsh was an ADA turned cop. During his distinguished career, he rose through the ranks to become superintendent of the Dayton Police Department. He worked and supervised in patrol, investigations, including narcotics and homicide. He received numerous commendations, department citations, and awards of merit. He also taught at the DPD Academy to recruits and in-service. Pat is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, the Ohio Police Executive Leadership College, and the Secret Service Executive Protection for Command Officers. Retired in 2012 and joined the Southern Police Institute, the University of Louisville as an adjunct instructor/professor, teaching: Legal Issues in Prosecuting Homicides; Leadership; Command Officer Development. From an orphanage in Dublin, Ireland, to the west wing of the White House and everything in between. I had a blast talking Irish and police stuff with Pat. I think you’re going to like it as well. Please enjoy Part One of my interview with Pat Welsh! In today’s episode, we discuss: · Being in an orphanage in Ireland and being adopted by an American couple. · Going back and visiting the orphanage that he was left at. · Discovering and contacting his birth mother and half-sister decades after his adoption. · Being served Guinness in the hospital as medicine. · Being in a playground accident at age 8 that put him in a coma and wasn’t expected to live. · The nun he had as a teacher who used a shillelagh. · Going to the FBI leadership academy. · Protecting presidents and other VIPs. The real Hillary Clinton and her hatred of law enforcement. · His influences that steered him towards the law both as an attorney and a police officer? · How he wound up at the West Wing of the White House?. · Why did he go to law school and work in the DA’s office? What was the most rewarding and frustrating parts of that job? What part of the job was not what you expected? How often did you respond to crime scenes? · Why he jumped ship and became a police officer. All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast. Follow Pat on his LinkedIn page. Check out the new Cops and Writers YouTube channel! Check out my newest book, The Good Collar (Michael Quinn Vigilante Justice Series Book 1)!!!!! Enjoy the Cops and Writers book series. Please visit the Cops and Writers website.
Misha Kaufman shares his journey from orphanage to owning multifamily real estate, revealing how mindset, systems, and AI fuel long-term success.In this episode of RealDealChat, Jack Hoss interviews Misha Kaufman, co-founder of Kraft Capital Investments, who shares his incredible journey from a Russian orphanage to managing hundreds of multifamily units in Texas.Misha opens up about his early life, property management roots, and how mentorship and systems helped him transition into full-scale multifamily investing. He also shares how his first $250K flip taught him resilience — and how tools like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and AI automation now power his growing portfolio.You'll learn:How Misha transitioned from property management to ownershipLessons from flipping mistakes and managing market volatilityThe difference between single-family and multifamily investingHow to identify undervalued multifamily opportunitiesWhat makes team structure essential in syndication dealsWhy the wrong partners can destroy great opportunitiesHow to use EOS and quarterly “rocks” to scale predictablyReal-world use cases for AI in operations and marketingThe mindset shift from working in to working on your business
FSF Star Wars RPG Episode 37: Correllian Escape Pod-Plan: Under the growing threat of Imperial tanks and Stormtroopers, our merry band of Heroes are able to skirt the mass of impending doom with a mix of explosives and cunning, but mostly explosives. Creating a crater on the streets, the team is able to get back to the saftey of Yjim's sheets. With a bid placed to fix the destroyed Orphanage, collateral damage equaling profit, our bantering band of bellicose brutes, flexing their muscular brains, devise a plot to bring the local governor to the Star Destroyer in orbit to peruse their glorious new quarters. With handy-work and a montage time-lapse, the Crew capably bring up their prey into the trap, from a parade on Correllia into the lavish pod of exploding escape, the terrifying display managed to show off the might of the uber boom-booms, while wiping out a major chunk of the Empire's leadership and resources of the shipyards in orbit. Escaping the chaos of space clutter in the slow moving Tug and being obfuscated in several layers of corporate-contract red-tape, our Iron-clad Iconoclasts mange victory with a volcanic-like eruption in space and head back, to regroup with the Point-leader Pivot... Now for the continuing Saga of FSF's Star Wars RPG!!! ROLL FOR INITIATIVE! Follow our gamers - Sam from Growing Up Skywalker - @growingupskywalker on Instagram Casey Plott - @Plottimus21 on Instagram Ben Reilly - @hearty_healer on Instagram Kathleen - @kathleenfwass on Instagram GM John - @athair_honora / @fsfpopcast_rpg on Instagram Tim - @fsfpopcast on Instagram For more on our show partners - Level Up Sabers https://bit.ly/FSFLevelUpSabers Win free loot - sign up here - www.fsfpopcast.com/contact Tim Beisiegels articles - https://couchsoup.com/author/byeseagull For more on our Show - Join our Patreon: / fsfpopcast Join our Discord! / discord Visit our website: https://www.fsfpopcast.com FSF PopCast on BlueSky, Instagram, and Threads - @fsfpopcast This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
FSF Star Wars RPG Episode 37: Correllian Escape Pod-Plan: Under the growing threat of Imperial tanks and Stormtroopers, our merry band of Heroes are able to skirt the mass of impending doom with a mix of explosives and cunning, but mostly explosives. Creating a crater on the streets, the team is able to get back to the saftey of Yjim's sheets. With a bid placed to fix the destroyed Orphanage, collateral damage equaling profit, our bantering band of bellicose brutes, flexing their muscular brains, devise a plot to bring the local governor to the Star Destroyer in orbit to peruse their glorious new quarters. With handy-work and a montage time-lapse, the Crew capably bring up their prey into the trap, from a parade on Correllia into the lavish pod of exploding escape, the terrifying display managed to show off the might of the uber boom-booms, while wiping out a major chunk of the Empire's leadership and resources of the shipyards in orbit. Escaping the chaos of space clutter in the slow moving Tug and being obfuscated in several layers of corporate-contract red-tape, our Iron-clad Iconoclasts mange victory with a volcanic-like eruption in space and head back, to regroup with the Point-leader Pivot... Now for the continuing Saga of FSF's Star Wars RPG!!! ROLL FOR INITIATIVE! Follow our gamers - Sam from Growing Up Skywalker - @growingupskywalker on Instagram Casey Plott - @Plottimus21 on Instagram Ben Reilly - @hearty_healer on Instagram Kathleen - @kathleenfwass on Instagram GM John - @athair_honora / @fsfpopcast_rpg on Instagram Tim - @fsfpopcast on Instagram For more on our show partners - Level Up Sabers https://bit.ly/FSFLevelUpSabers Win free loot - sign up here - www.fsfpopcast.com/contact Tim Beisiegels articles - https://couchsoup.com/author/byeseagull For more on our Show - Join our Patreon: / fsfpopcast Join our Discord! / discord Visit our website: https://www.fsfpopcast.com FSF PopCast on BlueSky, Instagram, and Threads - @fsfpopcast This podcast is powered by Pinecast.
People living on a road in Sheerness say they are having sleepless nights and suffering 'horrendous noise' coming from a house being turned into an HMO.The podcast has been told work at the property on Alma Street has been going on for more than two months. Hear from a neighbour who claims it has also caused damage to her home.Also in today's episode, a Kent charity that supports young refugees has criticised the government's plans to overhaul the asylum system.Under proposals announced yesterday, most will have to wait 20 years to apply to settle here permanently.A Kent dad says children's lives are being put at risk due to a lack of pavement along a stretch of road in Sittingbourne.Daniel Thomas is calling for pavements to be installed on Highsted Road following a series of near misses. He's told our reporter there's been a lack of action since a nearby housing estate was finished in 2007.A Kent woman who became the legal guardian of 15 children at the age of 22 has been telling us how she's helping families in Tanzania.Letty McMaster travelled there on a gap year and ended up taking over an orphanage that would otherwise have closed down.And in sport, Gillingham's young players are in FA Youth Cup action tonight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week we're going to be talking about some 'new to us' movies that were recommended to us in our first iteration of Halloween Movie Picks! Will Kyle gush about Rocky Horror Picture Show as much as Amy hopes? Will Dave be as scared of The Orphanage as much as Kyle hopes? Will Amy be as grossed out by the Evil Dead remake as much as Dave hopes? Blob shots- 3 oz. Cherry Gelatin Mix- 1 Cup Boiling Water- 1 Cup VodkaOn The Rocks does not support underage drinking!____________________________Check us out on iTunes!Email us at PodcastOTR@gmail.com if you have ideas for future drink/pop-culture pairings!
Int. Gregory Bone's Orphanage. NightWritten by Pep MandarinPep: please don't go o brother of minePip: beloved sister, if it was up to me I would stay with you for eternity and a day, but that mean man Hardcastle has tricked me and I now serve him and his stupid causePep: please take me with you!Pip: no, I could not in good conscience put you in danger. I love you too much for a life of hardshipPep cries and hugs her brother's leg tightly, refusing to let goPip: now now little one, you don't have to be sad, I shan't be gone long! Why don't you write me while I am away? We can both practice our penmanship and be the bestest of friendsPep: R-really?Pip: of course little one, what have I always said?Pep: family is Important?Pip: and?Pep: we always stay together?Pip: see you later Pep. may the weather for your tea party be a pleasant 24 degrees (Celsius)Pep: not too hot, not too coldPip & Pep together: just rightPip and Pep hug. Pop is jealous.The EndIf you're still wanting to pledge for the Jarren's Outpost Board Game you can right here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Recinda is an artist, writer, and TikTok creator. The chasm between Recinda now and the baby dropped off at an orphanage based in Beirut, Lebanon, is large. She was profoundly changed by her adoption from an American family stationed in Izmir, Turkey, after a seven-year span of life at the orphanage. She had to become adaptive to a new language, an American way of living, as well as the many schools and locations that are an elementary part of military life. Survival is the key component to Recinda's life, even after leaving her adoptive family, as she was not prepared mentally for an enlarged world view or life. She struggled with the echos of the mental, physical, and sexual abuse of both the orphanage and her adoptive family. Season 11: Adoptee Memoirs - books in order: Practically Still a Virgin by Monica Hall You Can't Get Rid of Me by Jesse Scott and Keri Ault Unspoken by Liz Harvie Sign up to be part of our mailing list! Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting will be Saturday, December 6th, at 1 PM ET. RESOURCES for Adoptees: Adoptees Connect Adoptee Mentoring Society Gregory Luce and Adoptee Rights Law Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement Moses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocate National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988. Kristal Parke Because She Is Adopted Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What if burnout was actually the beginning of something better? In this episode of Unstoppable Mindset, I sit down with Sir James Gray Robinson, a third-generation trial lawyer who walked away from a successful career to heal himself—and now teaches others how to do the same. Sir James and I talk about what really happens when stress takes over the body, how to shift from warrior mode to guru mode, and simple vagus-nerve resets that can calm the mind and restore focus in minutes. You'll hear why information isn't the same as experience, how neuroplasticity shapes your habits, and how purpose and service can keep you grounded even in high-pressure work. This conversation is packed with science, wisdom, and hope for anyone ready to reclaim their peace and performance. Highlights: 00:51 Learn why information isn't knowledge and how experience locks in learning.03:00 See how becoming a modern knight reshaped values like chivalry and service.04:06 Understand the Royal Order's code, vetting, and service mission.07:53 Hear how a top trial lawyer hit burnout and what actually flipped the switch.11:10 Get the ABA survey wake-up call on lawyer stress and its impact.13:01 Spot the “warrior vs. guru” modes of the autonomic nervous system.16:03 Learn why serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine thrive in “guru mode.”22:24 Use vagus-nerve activators to shift out of fight-or-flight fast.27:36 Try the smile reset to trigger calming cranial-nerve pathways.29:22 See why singing or chanting reduces stress before work.31:00 Apply cold water and forearm rubs as quick nervous-system reboots.41:38 Plan your day to prevent anxiety loops and channel problem-solving.45:00 Replace adrenaline addiction with team brainstorming and clear tasks.50:43 Drop multitasking for focused sprints to work smarter and earn more.1:00:00 Add purpose and service so high achievement stays healthy and effective. About the Guest: Sir James Gray Robinson, Esq. is an award winning third-generation trial attorney who specialized in family law and civil litigation for 27 years in his native North Carolina. Burned out, Sir James quit in 2004 and has spent the next 20 years doing extensive research and innovative training to help others facing burnout and personal crises to heal. He has taught wellness, transformation, and mindfulness internationally to thousands of private clients, businesses, and associations. As a licensed attorney, he is focused on helping lawyers, professionals, entrepreneurs, employers, and parents facing stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, exhaustion, and burnout. Sir James is a highly respected speaker, writer, TV personality, mentor, consultant, mastermind, and spiritual leader/healer who is committed to healing the planet. He possesses over 30 certifications and degrees in law, healing, and coaching, as well as hundreds of hours of post-certification training in the fields of neuroscience, neurobiology, and neuroplasticity, epigenetics, mind-body-spirit medicine, and brain/heart integration. Having experienced multiple near-death experiences has given him a deeper connection with divinity and spiritual energy. Sir James regularly trains professionals, high-level executives, and businesspeople to hack their brains to turn stress into success. He is regularly invited to speak at ABA and state bar events about mental and emotional health. His work is frequently published in legal and personal growth magazines, including the ABA Journal, Attorneys-at-Work Magazine, and the Family Law Journal. Sir James has authored 13 books on personal growth and healing, including three targeting stressed professionals as well as over 100 articles published in national magazines. He has produced several training videos for attorneys, executives, entrepreneurs and high-level professionals. Sir James has generously endowed numerous projects around the world to help children, indigenous natives, orphans and the sick, including clean water projects in the Manu Rain Forest, Orphanages, Schools and Medical Clinics/Ambulances in India, Buddhist monks in Nepal, and schools in Kenya, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico. In addition to his extensive contributions, Sir James produced and starred in three documentaries that will be released in 2024, focusing on healing, mental and emotional health. The first, "Beyond Physical Matter," is available on several streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime. The trailer can be found at www.BeyondPhysicalMatter.com. The second, “Beyond the Mastermind Secret”, is scheduled for release in the fall of 2024. The trailer can be found at https://BeyondMastermindSecrets.com/. The third, “Beyond Physical Life” is scheduled for release at the end of 2024. The trailer can be found at https://beyondphysicallife.com/. He has formed an entertainment media production company known as Beyond Entertainment Global, LLC, and is currently producing feature length films and other media. In recognition of his outstanding work and philanthropy, Sir James was recently knighted by the Royal Order of Constantine the Great and Saint Helen. In addition, Sir James won the prestigious International Impact Book Award for his new book “Thriving in the Legal Arena: The Ultimate Lawyer's Guide for Transforming Stress into Success”. Several of his other books have won international book awards as well. Sir James was recently awarded the President's Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden for his outstanding service to his community, country and the world. He will be awarded the prestigious International Humanitarian Award known as Men with Hearts, in London, England in the fall of 2024, as well as Man of the Year and Couple of the year with his wife, Linda Giangreco. Sir James has a wide variety of work/life experiences, including restauranteur, cattle rancher, horse trainer, substance abuse counselor, treatment center director, energy healer, bodyguard, legal counselor for several international spiritual organizations, golfer and marathon runner. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1971, Davidson College in 1975 and Wake Forest University School of Law in 1978. Ways to connect with Sir James Gray Robinson**:** FB - https://www.facebook.com/sirjamesgrayrobinson IG - https://www.instagram.com/sirjamesgrayrobinson/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sirjamesgrayrobinson?_t=8hOuSCTDAw4&_r=1 Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@JamesGrayRobinson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gray-robinson-/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.
John and Matthew revisit the deep and often overlooked history of the Global Missions movement and its ties to Sharon Orphanage and the 1948 Latter-Rain Revival. Matthew, a former member, shares firsthand insights about growing up under the group's culture of "prophetic history" and its fixation on ongoing revelation. Together they examine the roots of this theology in Branhamism, the hidden influence of early founders like Eric Holt, George Houghton, and Percy Hunt, and how editing and distributing recorded sermons shaped the movement's beliefs. They also discuss the broader restorationist mindset that underpins much of the New Apostolic Reformation and why it continues to attract followers today. This candid conversation sheds light on the long-term dangers of replacing the sufficiency of Scripture with leaders who claim to reveal divine mysteries.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org
John Maytham speaks to Dr Patel about the inspiration behind this extraordinary effort, the toll it takes, and the joy it brings. His mission is simple: to shine a light on the needs of vulnerable children and to rally support for a community organisation doing vital work. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Don your mask for the treasure hunt because we're discussing J.A. Bayona's The Orphanage (2007) along with Spanish horror scholar (and returning guest) Shelagh Rowan-Legg.Join us as we praise Belén Rueda's lead performance, the film's unsettling set pieces, its curious lack of Spanish cultural signifiers, and speculate on the film's use of HIV in the plot.Plus: the film's obsession with jaws, Joe's suspicions of Carlos' infidelity, and multiple interpretations of the bittersweet ending! Questions? Comments? Snark? Connect with the boys on BlueSky, Instagram, Youtube, Letterboxd, Facebook, or join the Facebook Group or the Horror Queers Discord to get in touch with other listeners.> Trace: @tracedthurman (BlueSky)/ @tracedthurman (Instagram)> Joe: @joelipsett (BlueSky) / @bstolemyremote (Instagram) > Shelagh: @shelaghrowanlegg (BlueSky) / https://shelaghrowanlegg.com/Be sure to support the boys on Patreon! Theme Music: Alexander Nakarada Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
If our commitment is that every child grow up in a safe and loving family, how do we address that so many children are living in orphanages that are unregistered and operating outside of the public eye? It's challenging work to map, find and even collaborate with such institutions, but we've got the right guides to learn from. Brandon is joined today by Obed Masese and Meredith Caleb of Victory Child Empowerment to learn what is causing children in Kenya to go into orphanages of all types and what their team is doing to map unregistered orphanages with a broader care reform approach. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors Take the free Core Elements Self-Assessment from the CAFO Research Center and tap into online courses with discount code 'TGDJ25' Take the Free Core Elements Self-Assessment Resources and Links from the show Victory Child Empowerment Online Conversation Notes How Obed's family and village raised him and recognizing this used to be the norm Has the Kenyan Child Act of 2022 successfully been implemented? The differences between national policies and county implementation Paper orphans and paper orphanages The challenges of working with and among unregistered orphanages Care reform that promotes the development and mapping of new community services Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License
For this week's Spooky Halloween Extravaganza VIP Haunted Spectacular ™ episode, the girls of True Crime New England head over to Burlington, Vermont to discuss one of their favorite topics: why the Catholic Church is the worst. Katie and Liz look into the entire history of St. Joseph's Orphanage, a children's home that was open from 1854 to 1974, and housed over 13,000 children in its 120 year lifespan. After the closure of the orphanage, residents began to come forward and tell the horrible experiences of abuse of all kinds that came from nuns and priests alike, attempting to file lawsuits and get justice for the horrifying things they endured. Tune in to hear horrific details of life at St. Joseph's Orphanage, and get some real perspective as to what these kids went through.
In this episode, Jenn is joined by Birjan Crispin, the Deputy Director of the Good Citizen Project with the Indiana Family Institute, where they talk about his story of adoption and the best ways for Christians to be good citizens, promoting what is best for human flourishing.Learn more at https://www.goodcitizen.us/ and follow Birjan at https://www.instagram.com/birjancrispin98/-------------------------Bio: Born in Ruse, Bulgaria and adopted at the age of two, Birjan brings a powerful and personal narrative to the world of public policy, leadership, and faith. Raised in Wheaton, Illinois, and a graduate of Hope College with degrees in Business (Finance) and Political Science, Birjan's story-rooted in resilience and redemption-connects deeply with audiences across the country. With formative experience in the Indiana House of Representatives as a legislative aide and Indiana Family Institute as a policy analyst, along with his experience as a graduate of The Heritage Foundation's Leadership Academy, The Leadership Institute's Young Leaders Program, Indiana Family Institute's Hoosier Leadership Series Class of 2024 and his current service as Deputy Director of The Good Citizen Project, Birjan brings a passionate perspective on issues of culture, theology & policy today. Birjan and his wife, Brooke, live in Anderson, Indiana, where they are active members of Grace Baptist Church. Beyond policy and politics, Birjan is a classical violinist and avid golfer, bringing a creative and thoughtful presence to every stage.
In this episode of the Adoption Journey podcast, host Tarcia Smith speaks with Wilson Guenther, a transracial adoptee from Haiti. Wilson shares his experiences growing up in Haiti, the challenges he faced, and his journey to the United States. He discusses his time in an orphanage, the adoption process, and the cultural adjustments he made upon arriving in America. Wilson reflects on his identity, family dynamics, and his aspirations for the future, including his desire to adopt a child from Haiti. His story highlights resilience, the importance of cultural retention, and the complexities of transracial adoption.
Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Discovering Roots and Revelations at Sant Jordi Orphanage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2025-10-02-07-38-20-ca Story Transcript:Ca: Les fulles de la tardor ballaven al ritme del vent, cobrint els carrers de Barcelona amb un mantell daurat.En: The autumn leaves danced to the rhythm of the wind, covering the streets of Barcelona with a golden blanket.Ca: La ciutat bategava amb la música i el color de la festa de La Mercè.En: The city pulsed with the music and color of the La Mercè festival.Ca: Però un racó discret i una mica descuidat s'amagava de la bullícia: l'orfenat Sant Jordi.En: But a discreet and somewhat neglected corner hid from the hustle: the Sant Jordi orphanage.Ca: Bernat, un jove de poc més de vint anys, es va aturar davant la porta de l'orfenat.En: Bernat, a young man just over twenty, stopped in front of the orphanage door.Ca: Va créixer allà, envoltat de parets que amagaven tantes històries com secretes preguntes que empenyien el seu cor.En: He grew up there, surrounded by walls that held as many stories as secret questions that burdened his heart.Ca: Durant molt de temps, Bernat havia desitjat saber qui eren els seus pares i per què el van deixar.En: For a long time, Bernat had wished to know who his parents were and why they left him.Ca: Quan entrà, els records el van envaïr.En: When he entered, memories overwhelmed him.Ca: Les veus dels nens jugant, l'olor de sopa calenta i el so apacible de les passes dels cuidadors.En: The voices of children playing, the smell of hot soup, and the soothing sound of the caregivers' footsteps.Ca: Però a mesura que creixia, aquests records es difuminaven, igual que els registres de l'orfenat, incomplets i plens de llacunes.En: But as he grew, these memories faded, just like the orphanage's records, incomplete and full of gaps.Ca: Bernat sabia que només una persona podia tenir respostes: el vell cuidador que havia estat una figura paternal per a ell.En: Bernat knew that only one person could have answers: the old caregiver who had been a fatherly figure to him.Ca: Amb determinació, va buscar-lo, esperant que la seva memòria sigui més completa que els registres.En: With determination, he searched for him, hoping his memory would be more complete than the records.Ca: El trobà al jardí, assegut en un vell banc de fusta, on sovint compartien històries i somnis.En: He found him in the garden, sitting on an old wooden bench, where they often shared stories and dreams.Ca: El vell cuidador, amb els cabells platejats pels anys, va mirar Bernat amb una barreja d'afecte i preocupació.En: The old caregiver, his hair silvered by the years, looked at Bernat with a mix of affection and concern.Ca: "Has tornat, Bernat," va dir el vell, amb una veu suau.En: "You've returned, Bernat," the old man said, in a soft voice.Ca: "Sí, vull saber sobre els meus pares.En: "Yes, I want to know about my parents.Ca: Necessito entendre per què em van deixar," va dir Bernat, mirant als ulls del seu antic protector.En: I need to understand why they left me," Bernat said, looking into the eyes of his former protector.Ca: La conversa va ser tensa.En: The conversation was tense.Ca: El vell cuidador va agafar aire i revelà una veritat que mai havia pensat explicar.En: The old caregiver took a deep breath and revealed a truth he had never thought to share.Ca: Els pares de Bernat no l'havien abandonat per voluntat pròpia.En: Bernat's parents had not abandoned him by choice.Ca: Unes circumstàncies difícils i tristes els havien separat.En: Difficult and sad circumstances had separated them.Ca: Bernat va sentir una barreja de dolor i alleujament.En: Bernat felt a mix of pain and relief.Ca: Tot aquest temps havia culpat les persones que el crearen, però ara comprenia que les seves vides eren complicades.En: All this time he had blamed the people who created him, but now he understood that their lives were complicated.Ca: Amb el cor més lleuger, Bernat comprengué que havia arribat el moment de fer-se càrrec del seu propi destí.En: With a lighter heart, Bernat realized that the time had come to take charge of his own destiny.Ca: Durant la festa de La Mercè, va organitzar una petita celebració a l'orfenat per a tots els nens que estaven on ell havia estat.En: During the La Mercè festival, he organized a small celebration at the orphanage for all the children who were where he had once been.Ca: Els somriures dels petits, la música i els ballons plens d'aire i amistat li van mostrar un camí nou.En: The smiles of the little ones, the music, and the air-filled balloons and friendship showed him a new path.Ca: Havia trobat tancament en les respostes, però la pau real va venir creant nous records amb aquells que compartien una història semblant.En: He had found closure in the answers, but true peace came from creating new memories with those who shared a similar story.Ca: Va decidir que l'orfenat no seria només el lloc on va ser abandonat, sinó el bressol d'una nova família.En: He decided that the orphanage would not just be the place where he was abandoned, but the cradle of a new family.Ca: I així, mentre la ciutat vibrava amb el goig de La Mercè, Bernat també va començar a celebrar la seva nova vida, prometent-se que mai més estaria sol.En: And so, while the city vibrated with the joy of La Mercè, Bernat also began to celebrate his new life, promising himself that he would never be alone again. Vocabulary Words:the autumn: la tardorthe leaves: les fullesthe rhythm: el ritmethe blanket: el mantellthe hustle: la bullíciathe corner: el racóthe wind: el ventthe orphanage: l'orfenatthe walls: les paretsthe secrets: els secretsthe caregiver: el cuidadorthe bench: el bancthe memories: els recordsthe records: els registresthe gaps: les llacunesthe truth: la veritatthe destiny: el destíthe smiles: els somriuresthe balloons: els ballonsthe closure: el tancamentthe peace: la pauthe family: la famíliathe journey: el camíthe protector: el protectordifficult circumstances: unes circumstàncies difícilsthe relief: l'alleujamentthe sorrow: el dolorthe joy: el goigto overwhelm: envaïrto pulse: batejar
Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Hope Lights Up: Lanterns of Joy in Osaka's Orphanage Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-10-02-07-38-20-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 大阪の孤児院の秋はひんやりとした風がふいていました。En: In the orphanage in Osaka, a chilly wind was blowing in the fall.Ja: 平和な庭には、黄色と赤の秋の葉が落ちていて、子どもたちの静かな笑い声が響いていました。En: In the peaceful garden, yellow and red autumn leaves were scattered around, and the quiet laughter of children echoed.Ja: しかし、この秋の風景には影がありました。En: However, a shadow loomed over this autumn scenery.Ja: 孤児院ではインフルエンザの流行が始まっていて、みんなが心配していました。En: An influenza outbreak had begun at the orphanage, and everyone was worried.Ja: ひろしは10歳の男の子で、とても思いやりがあります。En: Hiroshi was a 10-year-old boy, very compassionate.Ja: 彼は、特に希望を持ち続けることが大好きな9歳のさちこを安心させたいと思っていました。けど、感染の恐れがあったので、思ったように行動できませんでした。En: He wanted to reassure Sachiko, who was especially fond of always holding onto hope, but because of the risk of infection, he couldn't act as he wished.Ja: そのため、ひろしの心はもやもやしていました。En: As a result, Hiroshi felt unsettled.Ja: ひろしは、この秋の夜に何か特別なことをして、みんなに希望を与えたいと考えました。En: Hiroshi thought of doing something special on this autumn night to give everyone hope.Ja: 「そうだ、紙のランタンを作ろう!」ひろしは思い立ちました。En: "That's it, I'll make paper lanterns!" Hiroshi decided.Ja: 使えるものを探して、ランタンを手作りすることに決めました。En: He searched for usable materials and decided to handcraft lanterns.Ja: 夕方になると、ひろしはさちこに声をかけました。En: In the evening, Hiroshi called out to Sachiko.Ja: 「さちこ、一緒に屋上に行こう。」En: "Sachiko, let's go to the rooftop together."Ja: 最初は感染を怖がっていたさちこも、ひろしの優しい誘いに心を動かされました。En: Sachiko, who was initially afraid of infection, was moved by Hiroshi's gentle invitation.Ja: 二人はそっと屋上へ向かいました。En: The two quietly headed to the rooftop.Ja: 夜空には丸い秋の月が輝いていました。En: In the night sky, a round autumn moon was shining.Ja: ひろしとさちこは、紙で作ったランタンに火を灯しました。En: Hiroshi and Sachiko lit the paper lanterns.Ja: 二人は希望や夢を語りながら、その光に包まれました。En: Surrounded by their glow, they talked about their hopes and dreams.Ja: 「いつか、優しい家族が欲しいな」とさちこはつぶやきました。En: "Someday, I want a kind family," Sachiko whispered.Ja: 「きっと叶うよ」と、ひろしは力強く言いました。En: "It will definitely come true," Hiroshi said confidently.Ja: その時、他のスタッフや子どもたちも屋上に集まり始めました。En: At that moment, other staff and children began to gather on the rooftop.Ja: 介護者の美紀さんも、夜の穏やかな空気に触れて、みんなの元気を応援し始めました。En: The caregiver, Miki, also touched by the calm night air, began to cheer everyone up.Ja: みんなの心は、ランタンの光と共に温かくなっていきました。En: The hearts of everyone grew warm along with the light of the lanterns.Ja: ひろしの計画は大成功でした。En: Hiroshi's plan was a great success.Ja: 孤児院には、新しい希望の空気が流れました。En: A new air of hope flowed through the orphanage.Ja: ひろしは、自分の行動が人に与える影響を知り、少し自信を持つことができました。En: Hiroshi realized the impact of his actions on others and gained a bit more confidence.Ja: ひろしのおかげで、さちこは家族のような絆を感じ、より安全で安心できるようになりました。En: Thanks to Hiroshi, Sachiko felt a familial bond, feeling more safe and secure.Ja: その晩、孤児院の庭には、インフルエンザの暗い影があったとは思えないほど、楽しい雰囲気が流れていました。En: That evening, in the orphanage garden, there was such a joyful atmosphere that it was hard to believe the dark shadow of influenza still lingered.Ja: 子どもたちは笑顔で秋の夜長を楽しみ、信じられないくらい優しい時間を過ごしていました。En: The children enjoyed the long autumn night with smiles, experiencing unbelievably gentle times. Vocabulary Words:orphanage: 孤児院chilly: ひんやりとしたscenery: 風景loomed: 影がありましたoutbreak: 流行reassure: 安心させたいcompassionate: 思いやりがありますinfection: 感染unsettled: もやもやしていましたlantern: ランタンhandcraft: 手作りするrooftop: 屋上initially: 最初はinvitation: 誘いglow: 光whispered: つぶやきましたconfidently: 力強くgather: 集まりcaregiver: 介護者cheer: 応援し始めましたimpact: 影響familial: 家族のようなbond: 絆linger: 残っていたatmosphere: 雰囲気unbelievably: 信じられないくらいgentle: 優しいmaterials: 使えるものevening: 夕方dreary: 暗い影
Welcome back to Operation History! Unfortunately, Lauren could not join us but Maria was able to join us. On this episode of Operation History we will be discussing 20th Century Orphanages, some of the societal elements behind them. A case study of what one may have looked like, and a summary of why they ended. We hope that you spend about 40 minutes with us and learn a bit about the United States Orphanage system.Warning: We do discuss 20th century social thoughts, adult on child abuse, and child on child abuse.
“The Antique Doll” by Scott Donnelly #MicroTerrors | When Colin and Joshua sneak into the burned ruins of Crawford Orphanage on Halloween night, they're hoping to impress their classmates with tales of their bravery. But the orphanage holds more than just ash and memories—something that's been waiting ten years for visitors to arrive.Find more family-friendly frights and creepy games to play on our website at http://MicroTerrors.com!Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/microterrorsOther stories, novels, and more from author Scott Donnelly: https://amzn.to/3LymHaUOther narrations, podcasts, and audiobooks from voice artist Darren Marlar: https://WeirdDarkness.com= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness©, 2025Micro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids™, 2025#ScaryStoriesForKids #StoriesForKids #KidsStories #HalloweenKids #MicroTerrors #HalloweenStories
"The Antique Doll" by Scott Donnelly | When Colin and Joshua sneak into the burned ruins of Crawford Orphanage on Halloween night, they're hoping to impress their classmates with tales of their bravery. But the orphanage holds more than just ash and memories—something that's been waiting ten years for visitors to arrive.Find more family-friendly frights and creepy games to play on our website at http://MicroTerrors.com!Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/microterrorsOther stories, novels, and more from author Scott Donnelly: https://amzn.to/3LymHaUOther narrations, podcasts, and audiobooks from voice artist Darren Marlar: https://WeirdDarkness.com= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =Weird Darkness©, 2025Micro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids™, 2025#ScaryStoriesForKids #StoriesForKids #KidsStories #HalloweenKids #MicroTerrors #HalloweenStories
Horror author and editor Taryn Womack joins Rich and co-host Kayla Deickman to talk ghost hunting in Gettysburg, haunted dolls, and her short-story collection Down a Dark Road. She opens up about writing vs. editing, the reality of self-publishing and marketing, and why campfire-style micro-stories can still deliver big chills. You'll also hear actionable ideas for audiobook production, gift-shop placement, and turning local legends into page-turners. Sponsored by Harford County Living Guest Bio: Taryn Womack is a Maryland-based horror author and editor with a B.A. in English (creative writing & publication) from the University of Baltimore (2019). Her collection Down a Dark Road (2023) gathers campfire-style short horror stories inspired by hauntings, mines, and eerie objects; she's currently drafting a romantasy novel and developing a haunted-antiques concept. When she's not writing or editing, Taryn explores historic sites (hello, Gettysburg) and works in Bel Air, MD—often swapping critiques (and jokes) with best friend and illustrator Kayla Deickman. Main Topics: · “Down a Dark Road”: concept, timeline, and favorite stories (“The Mines,” “The Doll,” “Snowman”)· Ghost-tour inspirations: Gettysburg's Jenny Wade House & the Orphanage, Alcatraz daytime tour· Haunted dolls & The Conjuring universe; why real porcelain/Raggedy Ann-style dolls are scarier than movie props· Writing vs. editing: process, drafts, beta reads, and Taryn's editing style/preferences· Self-publishing realities (IngramSpark vs. KDP), royalties, and why buying direct helps authors· Marketing on a budget: podcasts, campground gift shops, seasonal bundles, audiobook casting ideas· Overcoming writer's block; why “the first draft always sucks” and how to push through· Local-legend story ideas: Chessie, Black Aggie, Maryland folklore, Havre de Grace/Jerusalem Mill angles Resources mentioned: · Down a Dark Road by Taryn Womack (short horror collection; 2023)· Gettysburg ghost tours; Jenny Wade House; the Orphanage (story “The Doll” inspiration)· Alcatraz (day tour)Send us a textDonate HereSupport the showRate & Review on Apple Podcasts Follow the Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast on Social Media:Facebook – Conversations with Rich Bennett Facebook Group (Join the conversation) – Conversations with Rich Bennett podcast group | FacebookTwitter – Conversations with Rich Bennett Instagram – @conversationswithrichbennettTikTok – CWRB (@conversationsrichbennett) | TikTok Sponsors, Affiliates, and ways we pay the bills:Hosted on BuzzsproutSquadCast Subscribe by Email
Tune in to episode 228 of Joy Found Here, where wellness coach Shabana Knight shares her extraordinary journey from an Indian orphanage to a life built on gratitude, health, and self-discovery. Adopted and raised in the U.S., Shabana returned decades later to the orphanage where her story began, an experience that deepened her sense of identity and sparked a greater appreciation for the life she has built with her family.That same openness has guided her career. What began with encouraging a coworker to lose baby weight revealed her natural gift for motivation, which grew into personal training, wellness coaching, and a holistic practice blending fitness, hormone balance, homeopathic remedies, and decluttering. Her approach emphasizes that true wellness goes beyond the body—it's about aligning mind, body, and environment so you can thrive from a place of overflow rather than depletion.In this episode, Shabana reflects on how gratitude, community, and intentional self-care can transform not just health but entire lives. From her human design discoveries to embracing both a given and chosen birthday, she shows why putting yourself first isn't selfish but essential. Her message is clear: wellness isn't perfection—it's alignment, abundance, and the daily choice to live with intention.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Shabana's life began in an Indian orphanage before adoption in the U.S. (2:54)Her return to India and the powerful experience of visiting her orphanage (4:18)The gratitude shifts she brought home after reconnecting with her roots (7:19)How helping a coworker lose baby weight launched her into fitness coaching (8:29)Why personal training and decluttering “found her” as part of her wellness path (10:30)The role of intuition and how she makes things happen—from drops to coaching (13:30)Living from overflow instead of depletion and why it changes everything (16:39)The surprising story of choosing a second birthday through human design (17:55)How homeopathic drops transformed her hormones, sleep, and mood (24:37)Simple daily rituals that keep her grounded, grateful, and able to give (27:29)Connect with Shabana Knight:FacebookInstagramPodcast: Organized Chaos; Stories with ShabanaLet's Connect:WebsiteInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Listen in as Joni tells a story about her friend Ionila from Romania. She went from experiencing hardship in an orphanage to feeling like God's princess on a throne. God can lift you too from a lowly seat to one of royalty. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
It's easy to forget how something as simple as a pair of shoes can change a life. But for vulnerable children around the world, shoes mean protection, dignity, and the chance to dream.Today, we'll hear how Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls is meeting this need with the love of Christ. Shawn Spurrier joins us to share the incredible impact that is being made all around the world, one pair of shoes at a time.Shawn Spurrier is the Director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls at Buckner International, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Heart of Buckner InternationalFounded in Dallas, Texas, Buckner International has been serving vulnerable children, families, and seniors for more than 146 years. Their mission is clear: to follow the example of Jesus by serving the most vulnerable in every phase of life. From foster care and adoption to family-strengthening programs and senior care, Buckner demonstrates Christ's love in tangible ways.The Shoes for Orphan Souls initiative began 25 years ago in Dallas as a small effort to provide children in orphanages with something they lacked: their own pair of shoes. Many had to borrow communal shoes from a basket just to attend school.Since then, the ministry has distributed more than 5 million pairs of shoes in 86 countries. These shoes do more than protect feet—they open doors to health, education, dignity, and the hope of Christ.Why Shoes MatterA new pair of shoes provides more than comfort:Health Protection – In many regions, shoes prevent devastating illnesses like hookworm or podoconiosis.Access to Education – In many countries, schools require shoes as part of their uniform, making footwear a key factor in attending class.Economic Stability – Protecting children from illness reduces financial strain on families already in vulnerable situations.Hope and Dignity – Every pair is delivered with prayer, encouragement, and the gospel, often through partnerships with local churches.Stories of TransformationShawn shared two moving stories that reveal the ministry's impact:Romina in Mexico – A seven-year-old girl was overwhelmed with tears when she realized someone cared enough to give her a pair of shoes. That moment reminded Sean why this work matters—it's a tangible expression of Christ's love. Dulce in Guatemala – An eight-year-old girl received pink-and-white shoes so she could attend school. That simple gift opened the door for her family to receive housing, literacy training for her mother, and ultimately, salvation and discipleship for her father.A small act of generosity became the seed of a transformed family story.Your Opportunity to GiveThis month, we're partnering with Buckner to put shoes on the feet of 1,000 children worldwide. Each pair represents health, education, dignity, and an opportunity for children and families to hear the gospel.$15 provides a pair of shoes.$150 provides shoes for 10 children.You can be part of this life-changing work by visiting GiveShoesToday.org. Together, we can share the love of Christ one pair of shoes at a time.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm retiring and turning 65 in February. Right now, I'm covered by my employer's health insurance, but I'm running into issues with prescription coverage. Should I sign up for Medicare now, keep my employer insurance as primary, and then wait until my younger wife becomes eligible for Medicare?I've managed to pay off all my credit card debt, but now my mortgage company has started foreclosure proceedings. They're demanding $2,160, and I'm not sure how to handle it. The FDIC says they shouldn't be taking this action, but I haven't received any formal notification yet.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Buckner Shoes for Orphan SoulsWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.
Do you want to discover your true potential?In this episode of the Happy Hustle Podcast, I chat with Dr. Maggie Cook, a motivational speaker and entrepreneur whose journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary achievements.Dr. Magie shares her remarkable story of overcoming adversity and discovering her true potential. Join us as we delve into the power of mindset, making a difference, and the transformative impact of one person's determination. She grew up among 68 other children in an orphanage in Mexico. Despite the adversity, she didn't let her circumstances define her. Through unwavering determination and resilience, she defied the odds and embarked on a journey that ultimately led her to create Magie's fresh salsa, a brand that was later acquired by Campbell's Soup for $231 million.Beyond her entrepreneurial success, she has dedicated her life to making a positive impact on others. As a motivational speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and philanthropic giver, she exemplifies the importance of using one's success to inspire and uplift others.Her extraordinary journey serves as a powerful reminder that overcoming adversity and discovering our true potential is within reach for each one of us. By cultivating a growth mindset, we can break free from the limitations of our circumstances and strive for greatness. To learn more about Dr. Magie and her incredible journey, visit her website at magiecook.com.In this episode, we cover: [00:07:17:01] Uplift Your Life[00:13:01:12] Overcoming Resistance and Finding Your Path to Success[00:16:05:08] Fuel Your Passion[00:17:58:13] Seek Help for Success[00:24:25:27] Aligning Energy, Action, and Intentions[00:29:30:22] Using Business to Save Mexican Orphan's Lives[00:33:52:08] Happy Hustle Hacks [Health, Money, Entrepreneurship, Spirituality][00:45:38:26] Rapid-fire questionsWhat does Happy Hustlin mean to you? Dr. Magie says it means staying in the present because it's very hard to do being in the rat race. And, you know, a lot of people run on autopilot and just knowing that you must really ask yourself, what is my intention? Like, what's your intention for the day? Like, that's my happy hustling, because now I create the steps to Happy Hustle to get to what I want to accomplish for that day.Connect with Magie!https://www.instagram.com/magiecook/https://www.facebook.com/magiecook1https://www.linkedin.com/in/magiecookhttps://www.tiktok.com/@magiecookhttps://twitter.com/magiecookhttps://www.youtube.com/c/MagieCookFind Magie on her website: magiecook.com.Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/bookSign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Coursehttps://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventurehttps://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”Episode Sponsors:If you're feeling stressed, not sleeping great, or your energy's been kinda meh lately—let me put you on to something that's been a total game-changer for me: Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. This ain't your average magnesium—it's got all 7 essential forms that your body actually needs to chill out, sleep deeper, and feel more balanced. I take it every night and legit notice the difference the next day. No more waking up groggy or tossing and turning all nightIf you're ready to sleep like a baby, calm your nervous system, and optimize your recovery, go grab yours now at bioptimizers.com/happy and use code HAPPY10 for 10% OFF.99 Designs- Need a killer logo, stunning website, or next-level brand design?Stop DIY-ing and start delegating like a boss with 99designs by Vista! Neurable- If you're looking to level up your focus, productivity, and mental well-being all at once, do yourself a favor and check out Neurable. You get a special hookup—just use the code HAPPY at checkout and get $100 off.
In this Flashback Friday episode of The Radio Vagabond, we head to Pattaya, Thailand – a place with two drastically different faces. First, I take you down one of the wildest party streets on the planet: Walking Street. It's loud, it's chaotic, and it's absolutely unforgettable. From neon lights and booming music to all kinds of nightlife, it's a full-on sensory overload. But just beyond the party scene, I discover another side of Pattaya. I visit a local orphanage and meet some remarkable kids and caretakers who bring a human, heartwarming contrast to the city's infamous reputation. This episode is a rollercoaster – from outrageous to uplifting – all in one city. See pictures and read more on https://www.theradiovagabond.com/026-pattaya/ This Flashback Friday episode was first released on May 3, 2018.
Our main feature is Weapons. We're also reviewing The Orphanage, Urban Legend, Foes, Get Away, Demon Cop, and Dceased.
In this video episode, Sidney breaks down one of the most heart-wrenching and devastating horror films ever made, The Orphanage (2007).