Podcasts about Panama City

Longtime listeners of this podcast know that I have been talking about Latin America as the last real bastion of freedom for years. And the recent political shift away from its socialist past is clear evidence of this.  In today's episode, we take a look back at the highlights from the past year's discussions of Latin America's rising trend of freedom-oriented leaders like Javier Milei, Santiago Peña, Nayib Bukele, Jose Raúl Mulino, and more. You'll see the clear evidence of what I've been shouting from the rooftops for years now: Latin America is the future. Enjoy! IN TODAY'S EPISODE Listen in as I explain why Latin America has shifted away from socialism and towards pro-business and pro-freedom leadershipHear my breakdown of Javier Milei's Davos speech and Argentina's libertarian resetLearn why Paraguay and Paraguay have become top Plan-B destinations, in no small part thanks to their current leadershipFind out why I've been calling Latin America the future hub for freedom for years now, and how these leaders are helping prove me more correct than even I could have imagined STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Prices go up after January 9th, and space is very limited, so reserve your tickets right away. RELATED EPISODES 384: Panama's Adult in the Room: President José Raúl Mulino 365: The Bukele Effect: Inside El Salvador's Radical Transformation 355: Santiago Peña's Paraguay: Latin America's New Freedom Frontier 352: Javier Milei's Argentina: What It Means For Expats And FreedomMentioned in this episode:No Plan-B Without the...

In this episode of The YM Show, we sit down with Daniel Gibbons, founder of G6 Development, to break down an incredibly real and inspiring journey through construction, entrepreneurship, and real estate.Daniel didn't start at the top. He began doing labor work for a construction company, worked his way into an electrical apprenticeship, and spent 13 years working with FPL, mastering his trade. Through patience, discipline, and calculated risk-taking, he pushed through setbacks and eventually began building homes of his own.Today, Daniel has built well over 100 homes, owns income-producing rental properties, operates his own construction and development company, and has achieved financial freedom through real estate.In this conversation, we cover: • Starting from humble beginnings in construction labor • Apprenticeships, skill-building, and long-term patience • Transitioning from tradesman to builder and developer • Using rental properties to create financial freedom • Lessons learned from building 100+ homes • What it really takes to grow in real estate and developmentThis episode is a must-watch for anyone in the trades, construction, or real estate who wants to see what's possible with discipline, consistency, and vision.⸻YouTube Chapters (Timestamps)00:00 – From Framing Houses to Becoming a Developer02:30 – Working Hurricanes & Blue-Collar Jobs to Get Ahead05:15 – Making $120K W-2… and Still Feeling Stuck07:45 – Selling the Nice Car to Change His Life10:05 – First Rental Ever: $20K Lot + Mobile Homes12:40 – Mobile Home Costs: Pre-COVID vs Today15:10 – Using a Private Lender for the First Deal17:30 – Finding Tenants & Creating First Cash Flow19:55 – Scaling Rentals While Working Full-Time22:30 – Getting the General Contractor (GC) License25:10 – Quitting the Job & Going All-In27:45 – Disaster Work That Changed Everything30:10 – Doing $1M+ in Renovations in the First Year32:40 – Reinvesting Profits vs Lifestyle Inflation35:05 – Buying Off-Market Land & Building Duplexes37:45 – Building 12 Units in Under 4 Months (Real Numbers)40:15 – Construction Loans vs Permanent Financing42:40 – Land, Zoning & Entitlements Explained45:05 – What Cities Want (And How to Work With Them)47:10 – Cap Rates, Cash Flow & Underwriting Deals49:30 – Advice for Young Guys With Limited Capital51:10 – “The Only Thing Stopping You Is You”⸻

Lost At Christmas: Part 1 His First Christmas away from home, & His best gift ever. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts. Listen to the Podcast at My First time. After my first semester in College, I was eager to go home for the holidays. I was going to school in Rochester, New York, and anybody who'd experienced the lake-effect winters on the Great Lakes would understand my desire to get to somewhere warmer. For me, that somewhere warmer was a long ways away. As a military brat, home was often a moving target, and that winter it was Santiago, Chile, where my father was stationed and where I'd graduated high-school. It was summer in Santiago, and I was looking forward to a pool-party with my old school mates for the Holidays. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was allowed to travel space available on a military flight as a Navy ROTC student. I had to get down to Charleston, South Carolina, and catch an international C1 41 flight that made a loop through Latin America. After finagling a ride to Virginia followed by a very long bus trip down the coast, I finally made it to Charleston AFB. ROTC travel orders in hand, I checked in at the desk, and verified I was on the standby list for the flight leaving on the 23rd. I wouldn't get home until Christmas Day, but better late than never. With pockets nearly empty, a hotel room was out of the question so I slept in the terminal and snacked on the cheapest eats I could get away with. There was a festive mood in the terminal, so many people rushing to get home for the holidays, and I was getting caught up in the feeling, eagerly looking forward to that very long plane ride, first to Panama, then Lima, and finally Santiago. After what seemed an interminable wait, we were an hour away from boarding when I got bumped off the flight by a group of Marines headed to Panama on Active Duty travel orders. I was devastated. The next flight left early the morning of the 26th. At least that one was a huge plane, and nearly empty so I was virtually guaranteed to get aboard, but what was I going to do for Christmas? Looking up at the outgoing flight schedules, I saw a flight listed for Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. "When is the flight to Tyndall headed out?" I asked the airman behind the desk. "In an hour-and-a-half, and it's all but empty. You want on?" He asked, offering some recompense for my last minute bump. I'd lived in Panama City during 9th and 10th grade, and still had some close friends there, many I still kept in touch with. Maybe I could find someone to spend Christmas with there. It had to be better than sleeping in the terminal for 2 more days. "Please," I told him, "but hold my space for Santiago. I'll be back for that flight." I recalled there being a pretty big Greyhound station in Panama City, so I called Greyhound and checked on a bus being able to get me back in time for the flight. They had one, a 7:30 am bus on Christmas morning would get me back before midnight on Christmas. I could easily make the flight the next morning, even if it were delay a few hours. I bought a ticket, using the emergency Am Ex card my parents had given me when I headed off to college. I'd explain the $67.00 to my parents. I called my family in Santiago with the news. It had to be short call because of the expense, so I let them know I had been bumped but would be there on the 28th. I told them I was headed to Panama City, and would be taking a bus back in plenty of time for my flight. My mother cried, and my father told me to go ahead and use the credit card, but to try to keep the expenses reasonable. By the time I hung up I was pretty depressed, but at least I had a plan. Before I could try to contact anyone in Panama City, an announcement was made and suddenly I was on my way to Florida for Christmas, with no place lined up to stay, and practically broke. I was feeling a bit melancholy, but was determined to make the best of it. So there I was, at Tyndall Air Force Base, at 11:20 pm on December 23rd. I was debating who to try first. I had several close friends nearby and I expected they'd all be home for Christmas. After a short internal debate, I had narrowed it down to two. I had always gotten along well with their entire families, and I was still in pretty regular contact with both of them. Mike lived the nearest to me in the old days. He came from a big family, with 6 siblings, including Peggy, who'd been one of my first real deep infatuations. When I had been in 9th grade she'd been a senior, and was pretty and sophisticated. My yearning for her was unrequited, but I relished the idea of seeing her again after four years. She was a college senior, and would probably be home. I knew they'd welcome me, but I was concerned it would be an inconvenience. They did not have a large house, and it was bound to be crowded, particularly with three college kids home for the holiday. On top of that who knew if they had anyone else in tow? Tommy on the other hand came from a relatively well-off family who always lived well within their means. He had an older brother, who was working in Japan and unlikely to be home, a sister, Sheri, just a year behind us in school, and two much younger siblings, who I guessed would be around 9 and 10 by now. They had a spacious house, each kid had their own room, and I wouldn't be putting anybody out if I stayed there. I'd always had a crush on Sheri, but although I'd dated her best friend, I'd never gone out with her. Getting a chance to see her again would be an extra bonus. Feeling nervous and awkward, I dialed Tommy's number from memory, and luckily got him on the first call. If I'd gotten somebody else, I would have really felt uncomfortable. Tommy's answer was unmistakable. He had a funny way of saying hello when he answered the phone, and the sound of his voice took me straight back down memory lane. "Hee-ello," he answered. "Tommy! Guess who?" I asked. I guess my voice must have been similarly recognizable, since he didn't hesitate a second. "Steve-o! What are you up to? Where're you at?" He answered eagerly. It put a smile on my face. Nice to hear a happy, upbeat voice that seemed genuinely pleased to hear from me. "Funny you should ask. It's a long story, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm at Tyndall, and stuck here until Christmas Day." I told him. "What happened to Chile, and Rochester?" He asked. "I was on my way home to Chile, when I lost my seat on the plane in Charleston. I couldn't get out again until the 26th, so when I saw an empty plane headed this way, I just hopped on and hoped for the best." I explained. "That's Great!" He almost shouted. "Not great that you couldn't get home, but great that you're here. You want to stay with us? You can have Greg's room, he won't be here, and I'm sure Sheri and Mom would love to see you. The place is kind of 'down' with Greg canceling his trip home at the last minute. Having you here should cheer things up a bit." He did sound enthused, and I couldn't help grinning in reply. "Don't you think you should check?" I laughed. A scream in my ear was the answer, as I heard half of a shouted conversation. "Mom! Guess Who's In Town." "No, Not Greg." "No, Go Ahead Guess." "Guess Again." "Ok, Ok - Steve." "Yeah, Steve Pelland. He's Stuck Here In Town 'Til Christmas Day." "Of Course I Told Him He Should Come Here, I'll Go Get Him." "I Will." "Yes Mom; Yes; I Won't; I Will." I was holding the phone a little away from my head, and almost missed it when he came back on. "Where should I pick you up?" He asked. "The Main Terminal, you know where that is right?" I answered. "Sure - be there in about 30 minutes. Man, this is Great!" I hung up with a big smile on my face, feeling 100% better than I had just 10 minutes earlier. I stood outside waiting for him, and about 20 minutes later the strings of Christmas lights shut off one at a time, as the place closed up for the night. It was dark and quiet, and I started to get nervous again, wondering if this had been such a good idea. I was 500 miles from my flight home and completely at the mercy of old friends. But as far as friends go, I couldn't do much better than mine, and figured at the least I wouldn't be sleeping in a lonely terminal in Charleston for two days, slowly eating my way through my meager funds. When Bob pulled up around midnight, I could see he'd gotten rid of the VW Bug he'd inherited from his mother upon turning 16, and was now driving his brother's old Two-tone Cougar. We spent a minute saying hi, and loading my gear into the trunk, and then we headed back into town, catching each other up on history. When I had first moved to Santiago, I used to write about once every couple of months, as well as call a couple of times a year. In the beginning I'd written Sheri a lot as well. She was one of the most prolific writers among my old friends, and would typically write twice to me for every one I wrote to her. Over the years, that had degenerated into holiday cards and a surprise call maybe once a year. I knew he was attending Florida State, and that Greg had graduated from Georgetown, and had moved to Japan on business. That was about it. Tommy told me all about the old gang, who was in town, who was going to what schools, what people had been up to. I told him a lot more detail about what I'd been up to. "So," he asked, "Got a girl?" "Not now. Thought I had one after the ROTC Christmas ball, but that seems to have been my mistake." I admitted. "Hard to believe. You always had someone. Every letter, every phone-call, just seems like they didn't stay the same all that long." He teased. "I don't know. I had several relationships last pretty long. Two were more than 6 months long." I argued. "Oh! Six Months!" He laughed. "How about you then," I asked in defense. "Still Erin. Almost two years now." He asked. "Shit. What does she see in you? She could do so much better." I teased. "Oh really? Like how?" "Like me!" I laughed. "Right, like that would ever happen! Don't even think about it, or you'll be sleeping in the street." He was laughing as well. "Not if I called Erin I wouldn't," I shot back. I thought it was a great comeback, but it earned me a sock in the arm. We pulled up to his house, which still looked exactly the same, and things were pretty quiet. They used the same window lights, same roof lights, same bush trimmings year after year. It was just as I remembered. Who says you can't go back? "Mom's got to work tomorrow, so I'm sure she's in bed, and you know Dave crashes early, so we better keep it down. We've got lots to do tomorrow anyway." We entered quietly and put my bag in Greg's old room. Tommy stayed and chatted for a few minutes then bid me good night, telling me to sleep in as long as I wanted, as long as it wasn't past 9:00 am, and left me to get settled. Past 9:00? Now I remembered, they'd always been an early-bird household. For me 9:00 am Was the crack of dawn. Tommy and I had breakfast at about 9:30. He was already chiding me for sleeping in and missing the whole family. We had the house to ourselves. He'd been on the phone arranging our day, and once we'd finished the pancakes, we were off to see Mike and his family. Entering Mike's house was the same as it had ever been, but more-so. People everywhere, noise, laughter, roughhousing, it was all taken in stride by Mrs. Frey. We spent a few hours visiting, and getting fed again before we could leave. Mike's older sister Peggy still looked cute to me, but not the amazing creature my memory had somehow stored away. I had to tease her about the Christmas gift she'd given me three years earlier. She'd bought me a Richard Pryor tape, thinking it was Bill Cosby. When I played it for her in my car, she exploded, calling me names and accusing me of vile intent. At the time I had felt bad, confused, angry and a host of other feelings, now thankfully we could laugh at it. When I'd been 16 I'd been somewhat in awe of her, now things were comfortable. Mike's older brother was home as well, with his live-in girlfriend who seemed awfully ill-at-ease, and must have been at least 5 years older than Dan, maybe more. That was a story I'd have to hear more about. The biggest surprise was Alice. She'd been a few years younger than us. I wasn't sure if she was 16 or 17 now, but she was a bombshell. And she was coming on to me like gangbusters. I was really nervous, with her acting all touchy-feely with her mother and Peggy there. I was suddenly glad I had chosen to stay over with Tommy. With a pretty, stacked girl that seemed so infatuated with me around, I'm afraid I might have gotten into a whole lot more trouble than I needed. When we left there Mike joined us, and it was off to see Jack and Russ. They were a year apart in age. Russ had been in our class, and we'd been friendly with him, but Jack, although a year younger was our buddy. We played on the basketball team together, and when Tommy and I formed our first band, Jack was our bassist. At the Chambers house, we once again reminisced, and had to relive our first 'gig'. We had decided to play in the school talent show. With Tommy on piano and Jack on bass, I played guitar. We had a fourth guy on drums we'd all lost contact with. We had played Elton John, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and The Beatles. We had opened with the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water", and had been a hit. We were pretty lousy, but the audience was our friends, our parents and the parents of our friends, and at the end the parents even took up a collection for us. Pretty heady stuff. We'd called ourselves Bronze Myth, and had already designed our first three album covers before we had our first birthday party gig. Jack had been tall then, and had not stopped growing; he was now 6'7" and was attending University of Florida, playing basketball. He reminded me of the time when we went on our first dates together. I had gone with Kathryn Best, easily the most lusted after girl in the whole school, who was in Jack's class a year behind me. Jack, on the other hand, had gone out with our "Valentine's Day Queen", Anne, who was in my class and almost two full years older than Jack. He was always precocious. There had been a third couple with us, Dennis and Suzanne, and Jack broke the news that Suzanne had gotten knocked up, just before I left to go overseas, and she and Dennis had gotten married. There was a huge scandal, but they stuck together, and had the baby. They lived with Suzanne's parents. Dennis was doing alright, working for Suzanne's father. While we were visiting, several friends dropped in, including the aforementioned Kathryn who lived one street over. Kathryn, the stunning brunette who had the body of a 20 year old when she was 15, and had a beautiful face with features that just slayed me. Kathryn, the very first girl I had gotten to Third Base with. She was as pretty as I remembered, and I found out she was going to be attending Mt. Holyoke the following year, which was an odd coincidence since my girlfriend from High School was a sophomore there. Going out with Kathryn, a year younger than me had been a total fiasco. We'd sat together on an out-of-town bus trip and ranked high enough in the pecking order that we got the right hand seat second from the back. These trips were our biggest dates back then. Ours was a small parochial school, and on the bus trips, the athletes, cheerleaders and student fans all rode the same bug. The 30-90 minute trips were like pep rallies on the way out, and like the back of movie theatres on the way back. There were frequent "hand-checks" and the lights would come one as our coaches would walk the aisle, but it seemed like after our wins, the checks would be a little less frequent. Our win at Pensacola was my first real 'make-out' session, as we cuddled and kissed the whole trip home. I even got a chance to play with her breast through her sweater. Less than a week later I asked her to the movies, and we sat in the back with the two other couples, probably both scared spitless and nervous as goldfish in a blender. We'd started necking, which got more and more intense, and my hands boldly went where no hands had gone before. An hour into the movie I was almost out of control, and feverish with desire, and it seemed she was willing to let me do whatever I wanted. If I'd had a little more confidence, or a little more knowledge, who knows what might have happened? As it is, I went pretty far, probably too far, and I was scared to death afterwards. She was the first girl whose flesh I'd touched underneath her clothing. I didn't call her for several days, and even avoided her at school, not knowing what to say. In short I was a total jerk. Everyone thought we should be together, she was the pretty captain of the cheerleaders, with the big boobs, and I was the Big Jock, playing all the sports, while at the same time excelling in school. She was voted "Most Popular." I was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, in this case it turned out she was "Most Slighted", and I was definitely "Most Inept." After waiting several days, amazingly patient in retrospect, she had tasked her best friend Sheri, Tommy's sister, with letting me know that she thought we shouldn't go out. Next thing you know, she was going out with some geeky looking kid, and she dated him for the rest of the school year. I'd changed schools at the end of that year, and had seen her only infrequently the following year, before moving to Santiago. Outside in the backyard, Kathryn and I walked off together and finally had a few minutes alone. "You know Kat, I don't think I ever apologized for being such an idiot, after our first date. I really am sorry." She was quiet for a while. She had a sad little look. "You know, I waited by that phone night after night, crying myself to sleep. I saw you dodging me at school and it broke my heart." "I was young and stupid. I'd never done Anything with a girl before, and could hardly even believe I was with the hottest girl in school. After all the stuff I did, God, I was so embarrassed that I'd overstepped the boundaries, and I had no idea what to say." She sat down underneath the big tree in the backyard and I sat beside her on the circular bench around it. "You could have said something to Jack maybe, or Tommy, and let them tell me. At least let me know that you liked me, or had fun. Something." She looked on the verge of tears, even 3 years later, and I felt even worse. "I know. I kept kicking myself over it. I was so angry with myself and jealous when you went out with Ricky." I admitted. "He was nice to me when I needed it." "But it seemed such an odd fit. He was a nobody; the only thing he ever did noteworthy was date you." I told her. "He lived two houses down. We'd grown up together, and when my heart was broken he picked up the pieces. He could tell something was wrong, and really made me feel a lot better." She confessed. That brought on a short period of silence. It did let me think better of Ricky, who wasn't just lucky or an opportunist. "You know, that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. Touching a girl like that for the first time. I had no idea what I should do, or what I could do, but I kept looking down the row at Dennis and Suzanne, and figured I should be able to do that too. I was in heaven; you were so amazing to be with." I told her, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Her palm was moist. "You're telling me? You were the big 9th grader with the learner's permit and motorcycle. Big Man on Campus. The guy every girl wanted. And you wanted me. I had no idea what we should or shouldn't do on a date. I was hoping you knew." We laughed at that, remembering the intensity of those feelings. "Given a chance to do it over, I'd have camped out on your doorstep and professed my undying, eternal love the moment you walked out the door." I told her, half serious. "As I recall, you professed your love for me that evening, just before opening the top of my pants." She said with a wicked grin. I'm sure I blushed mightily. "I can't really ask forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Sorry now and sorry then. I fantasized about you for years afterwards, thinking of what could have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. You have no idea how many of my fantasies you starred in back then." "If only you'd have let me know. Ricky was my first. It could have been you. Given half a chance, it would have been you." She had moved close and was speaking softly. "And this is my punishment. Knowing how bad I fucked up. Seeing you here, as beautiful as in my dreams, and knowing I've screwed up any chance of being with you." I placed my hand behind her head, stroking her hair. "I wouldn't say you'd screwed up Any chance, but you certainly blew that one." We were looking deeply in each other's eyes, recalling strong, painful feelings. I wanted her now, as I'd wanted her then, with a deep burning need, and I leaned forward those last two inches, and captured her lips with mine. She slid forward and melted against me, kissing me with every emotion boiling to the surface. She took my hand and placed it on her incredible chest, and I squeezed her breast, my thumb reliving that first caress of her nipple from so many years earlier. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then broke apart. Her eyes glistened. "I've got a boyfriend." She confessed. I nodded understanding. "If I didn't?" I reached forward pressing my index finger to her lips. "I know. I missed my chance. It's my loss." We just sat side by side a minute, in silence. "You know," she said softly, "what you did to me that night, that was part of the problem." "I know. I'm sorry if I stepped over the line." I said, even now embarrassed at the liberties I'd taken. "No, not anything wrong. What you did to me, how you made me feel. You made me cream my jeans more than once that night. It was the first time I'd ever come. I'd heard about it, but it was almost unreal. Your fingers just drove me wild. It was over a year before another guy was able to do the same." She put her hand between her legs, seemingly remembering that first night. "That makes two of us. I don't know if you knew, but I came in my pants too, and you never even touched me there. By the time I got home I was a terrible sticky mess. I snuck out and threw that underwear away before my mother could find them and ask uncomfortable questions." I told her, laughing. She gave me an odd little look, and then slid around the tree, placing its 3 foot wide trunk between us and the house. She reached out for me, and of course I followed. "Could I, I mean would you mind?" She seemed lost for words. "What? Just ask. I certainly owe you one." I told her. She didn't ask, she just started unbuckling my belt. "I always wondered, and never really had a chance to find out." With the belt open she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. "I mean, that night, you got to find out pretty much ALL about me, but I didn't; " I lifted my hips and let her pull my pants down a short ways, and then she reached up and pulled my underwear down exposing my fully erect monument to her sexiness. "I knew it, you bastard. Look at that." I didn't have to look. I knew it pretty well. And it was certainly standing tall and making me proud. She took me in hand and stroked me up and down, which after all the discussion and reminiscing was almost enough to get me off. "I just knew it. This should have been my first." She slowly stroked me up and down, and then she leaned over and took me in her mouth for just a second, sucking me deep and then releasing me. That was it. It was too much for me, and I stood up and shot my wad a good two feet out from where we were sitting. She giggled, as she helped me through my release, then pulled my underwear up back over my still dripping cock, and wiped her hand on the front of my briefs, before helping me pull my jeans back up. "If I wasn't tied up, I'd have you paying reparations," she told me as we both stood, and she slapped my hands away from my belt and finished straightening me out herself. "Let's consider it a delayed payoff. If things don't work out for you, maybe we can try it again. Rochester isn't That far from Amherst." Little did I know what the future held in store for us, but that's a different story. We walked back to the house hand-in-hand, laughing at the folly of youth, from the wizened experience of our 18 and 19 years. She had to leave shortly after, as did we, and I kissed her goodbye at the door. Once the door was closed I heard an exclamation from behind me. I turned to Tommy who said, "Now I've seen everything." "Amen," said Jack. "What?" I asked. "After how you treated her after our first date, I was certain you were on her shit-list for life." Jack explained. "Absolutely." Tommy chimed in. "Sheri said that Kathryn fantasized about doing mean and nasty things to you for years. I mean, hell, you did use her pretty bad." "I was a dope. I did some things I'd never done before, and was so embarrassed I didn't know how to even face her. So I screwed up and avoided her. I just made my apologies and we worked things out. I think she understands that I didn't try to be mean; I was just young and stupid. I didn't know what I was doing, and regretted it for years." I told them. "Geez. I always wondered how you could pass on that, when she was so available to you. You really did fuck up, didn't you?" Tommy pointed out. "Yep, not the first time, and I'm certain not the last. But we've buried the hatchet it seems." I answered "I'm just astounded that hatchet isn't in your back." Jack added. We left just a short while after that. We had one last visit to make. Teri Branson was passing through town, and wanted to see us if she could. She was just there for the day, and none of us wanted to miss out on that chance. The summer before 10th grade, I'd practically lived at Teri's. It was football time, and we were doing twice-a-days. We'd have morning practice, then a break so we wouldn't be out all day in the noon-time Florida summer sun. After the break it was afternoon practice. Teri was at our school and I never really knew her until that summer. She lived only a block from Mike, and we had run into her one day out washing the family car. We struck up a conversation, and the rest was history. I spent every football break at her house that summer. Mike didn't play football, but I'd pick him up on the way over there, and we'd hang out. She had a pool table, and a private rec-room with a stand-up arcade game. Her mother would always bring us snacks and drinks. Teri had not been popular, and was new to the school as well. But in a period of just a few months she went from a boyish figured tom-boy, to a devastatingly beautiful teen. Her breasts seemed to almost explode outwards, and once we'd met her mom, we knew where she got it from. She lost some weight, traded glasses for contacts, grew tits, lost the braces, and suddenly this beauty was in our midst, and nobody even knew about her but us. She was our secret. Tommy was going to a different high-school from me and Mike, but we still hung together most of the summer, and we had to let him in on our secret. The closest we'd come to having anything happen was a bizarre game of spin-the-bottle underneath the pool table. Mike, Tommy, me and Teri. Just an excuse for us to take turns kissing her. Her father was being transferred again at the end of the summer. I told her I was going to have a birthday party, and that we were going to play spin-the-bottle, I had hoped she'd be there, but now she was leaving. We were all upset. Tommy suggested we play now, since she couldn't make it then, and we did. It was strange but wonderful. Two weeks later she was gone. We met Teri at the mall, our planned rendezvous. We couldn't miss her; she was the center of a lot of attention. And still gorgeous. We ran up to her and had hugs all around. "I can only stay about 20 minutes," she told us with a pout. "Damn," was all I could say. So the three of us toured the mall, observing all the changes. It had been brand new the year we had been together. We grabbed some drinks, and wandered back outside, our time almost up, and barely even caught up. "Teri, I have a confession." I told her. "I know we acted pretty much like friends, but I was crazy about you. That summer I went home every evening and dreamed of you." "Hell, we all did." Tommy admitted. "We were such idiots," she said. She reached up to my collar and pulled me down for a kiss. Teri stood maybe 5 foot 1, so I had at least a foot on her in height. Bent over I let her kiss me, and I returned it eagerly. Finally she released me. "I was so confused. One day I'd like you, and then the next day you," she said nodding around the group, "and then you. I kept wondering who was going to be my first real boyfriend. I just knew it was going to be one of you. And then it was all over." She looked up at me. "I Still dream about you sometimes." All we could do was laugh it off, and say we'd get together sometime. She was living in Phoenix now, finishing high school, and it looked like she'd be going to Stanford. It was going to be hard to ever make that commute work out, not that she didn't seem like it would be worth the effort. Then her parents drove up. We said hi to her mom (who had been a secret fantasy of mine back then) and then with a last set of hugs it was goodbye to Teri. It was getting late so we dropped Mike back off at his house, driving mostly in quiet. I imagine we were all lost in thought over the quirks of fate and what might have been. For me, it was thoughts of Kathryn and Teri, two incredible opportunities that any teen would kill for, and I'd let them slip through my fingers. We dropped Mike off, but didn't go inside. As it was we were running late, and knew that if we went in, it would be a while before we got out of there. From Mike's it was a 5 minute drive back to Tommy's, but we drove past Teri's old house, just for nostalgia's sake. At Tommy's we were running late. Dinner was going to be at 6:00 pm, and somehow we'd burned the whole day. It was 5:45 before we even walked in the door, and we both wanted to clean up before dinner. The kid's rooms were served by two separate bathrooms, one at the end of the hall, and one off of Greg's room. So I stripped down to my shorts, and went to take my shower. I hadn't expected the bathroom to be full. Sheri was in their, applying the last of her makeup. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she was dressed. When I walked in, she gave a squeal, and came over and gave me a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! You're looking good." She said, stepping back and giving me the once over. "Wow, Sheri, you look great!" was all I could say. She had always been pretty. But the difference between a 15 year old Sheri and this one was night and day. The more mature Sheri was a beautiful young woman. "Thanks," she said, "I'll be out of here in a second, and you can have the place to yourself. I'm dying to talk to you." "I'll be here all night." I joked, stepping back into the room I was using, before my underwear had to undergo any more strain. I sat on the bed waiting, and after just a minute or so she poked her head in and said "It's all yours." She left the door open and walked out the other side of the bathroom. So that was one change at least that I hadn't noticed. Back in the day, this was Greg's bathroom. But since then someone had taken out the linen closet, and the old closet door now opened into Sheri's room. In retrospect it should have been obvious. With Greg away, the bathroom had a lot of stuff in it, although very neat. If I'd opened a cabinet or drawer, I would have seen all the makeup and girl's things. I was using Sheri's bathroom. I rapidly cleaned up and dressed. I was in a bit of a hurry, wanting to still wrap a couple of small presents for my hosts. I had bought several music tapes for my sister as a Christmas present, and decided to gift Tommy with one of them. I also had a photo in a frame for my mom, and decided to make the frame a family gift. It was simple, hand-made by yours truly from apple-wood. After borrowing some paper, tape, and scissors, I was ready to join everyone else just a few minutes later. To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts, for Literotica

Lost At Christmas: Part 1 His First Christmas away from home, & His best gift ever. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts. Listen to the Podcast at My First time. After my first semester in College, I was eager to go home for the holidays. I was going to school in Rochester, New York, and anybody who'd experienced the lake-effect winters on the Great Lakes would understand my desire to get to somewhere warmer. For me, that somewhere warmer was a long ways away. As a military brat, home was often a moving target, and that winter it was Santiago, Chile, where my father was stationed and where I'd graduated high-school. It was summer in Santiago, and I was looking forward to a pool-party with my old school mates for the Holidays. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was allowed to travel space available on a military flight as a Navy ROTC student. I had to get down to Charleston, South Carolina, and catch an international C1 41 flight that made a loop through Latin America. After finagling a ride to Virginia followed by a very long bus trip down the coast, I finally made it to Charleston AFB. ROTC travel orders in hand, I checked in at the desk, and verified I was on the standby list for the flight leaving on the 23rd. I wouldn't get home until Christmas Day, but better late than never. With pockets nearly empty, a hotel room was out of the question so I slept in the terminal and snacked on the cheapest eats I could get away with. There was a festive mood in the terminal, so many people rushing to get home for the holidays, and I was getting caught up in the feeling, eagerly looking forward to that very long plane ride, first to Panama, then Lima, and finally Santiago. After what seemed an interminable wait, we were an hour away from boarding when I got bumped off the flight by a group of Marines headed to Panama on Active Duty travel orders. I was devastated. The next flight left early the morning of the 26th. At least that one was a huge plane, and nearly empty so I was virtually guaranteed to get aboard, but what was I going to do for Christmas? Looking up at the outgoing flight schedules, I saw a flight listed for Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. "When is the flight to Tyndall headed out?" I asked the airman behind the desk. "In an hour-and-a-half, and it's all but empty. You want on?" He asked, offering some recompense for my last minute bump. I'd lived in Panama City during 9th and 10th grade, and still had some close friends there, many I still kept in touch with. Maybe I could find someone to spend Christmas with there. It had to be better than sleeping in the terminal for 2 more days. "Please," I told him, "but hold my space for Santiago. I'll be back for that flight." I recalled there being a pretty big Greyhound station in Panama City, so I called Greyhound and checked on a bus being able to get me back in time for the flight. They had one, a 7:30 am bus on Christmas morning would get me back before midnight on Christmas. I could easily make the flight the next morning, even if it were delay a few hours. I bought a ticket, using the emergency Am Ex card my parents had given me when I headed off to college. I'd explain the $67.00 to my parents. I called my family in Santiago with the news. It had to be short call because of the expense, so I let them know I had been bumped but would be there on the 28th. I told them I was headed to Panama City, and would be taking a bus back in plenty of time for my flight. My mother cried, and my father told me to go ahead and use the credit card, but to try to keep the expenses reasonable. By the time I hung up I was pretty depressed, but at least I had a plan. Before I could try to contact anyone in Panama City, an announcement was made and suddenly I was on my way to Florida for Christmas, with no place lined up to stay, and practically broke. I was feeling a bit melancholy, but was determined to make the best of it. So there I was, at Tyndall Air Force Base, at 11:20 pm on December 23rd. I was debating who to try first. I had several close friends nearby and I expected they'd all be home for Christmas. After a short internal debate, I had narrowed it down to two. I had always gotten along well with their entire families, and I was still in pretty regular contact with both of them. Mike lived the nearest to me in the old days. He came from a big family, with 6 siblings, including Peggy, who'd been one of my first real deep infatuations. When I had been in 9th grade she'd been a senior, and was pretty and sophisticated. My yearning for her was unrequited, but I relished the idea of seeing her again after four years. She was a college senior, and would probably be home. I knew they'd welcome me, but I was concerned it would be an inconvenience. They did not have a large house, and it was bound to be crowded, particularly with three college kids home for the holiday. On top of that who knew if they had anyone else in tow? Tommy on the other hand came from a relatively well-off family who always lived well within their means. He had an older brother, who was working in Japan and unlikely to be home, a sister, Sheri, just a year behind us in school, and two much younger siblings, who I guessed would be around 9 and 10 by now. They had a spacious house, each kid had their own room, and I wouldn't be putting anybody out if I stayed there. I'd always had a crush on Sheri, but although I'd dated her best friend, I'd never gone out with her. Getting a chance to see her again would be an extra bonus. Feeling nervous and awkward, I dialed Tommy's number from memory, and luckily got him on the first call. If I'd gotten somebody else, I would have really felt uncomfortable. Tommy's answer was unmistakable. He had a funny way of saying hello when he answered the phone, and the sound of his voice took me straight back down memory lane. "Hee-ello," he answered. "Tommy! Guess who?" I asked. I guess my voice must have been similarly recognizable, since he didn't hesitate a second. "Steve-o! What are you up to? Where're you at?" He answered eagerly. It put a smile on my face. Nice to hear a happy, upbeat voice that seemed genuinely pleased to hear from me. "Funny you should ask. It's a long story, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm at Tyndall, and stuck here until Christmas Day." I told him. "What happened to Chile, and Rochester?" He asked. "I was on my way home to Chile, when I lost my seat on the plane in Charleston. I couldn't get out again until the 26th, so when I saw an empty plane headed this way, I just hopped on and hoped for the best." I explained. "That's Great!" He almost shouted. "Not great that you couldn't get home, but great that you're here. You want to stay with us? You can have Greg's room, he won't be here, and I'm sure Sheri and Mom would love to see you. The place is kind of 'down' with Greg canceling his trip home at the last minute. Having you here should cheer things up a bit." He did sound enthused, and I couldn't help grinning in reply. "Don't you think you should check?" I laughed. A scream in my ear was the answer, as I heard half of a shouted conversation. "Mom! Guess Who's In Town." "No, Not Greg." "No, Go Ahead Guess." "Guess Again." "Ok, Ok - Steve." "Yeah, Steve Pelland. He's Stuck Here In Town 'Til Christmas Day." "Of Course I Told Him He Should Come Here, I'll Go Get Him." "I Will." "Yes Mom; Yes; I Won't; I Will." I was holding the phone a little away from my head, and almost missed it when he came back on. "Where should I pick you up?" He asked. "The Main Terminal, you know where that is right?" I answered. "Sure - be there in about 30 minutes. Man, this is Great!" I hung up with a big smile on my face, feeling 100% better than I had just 10 minutes earlier. I stood outside waiting for him, and about 20 minutes later the strings of Christmas lights shut off one at a time, as the place closed up for the night. It was dark and quiet, and I started to get nervous again, wondering if this had been such a good idea. I was 500 miles from my flight home and completely at the mercy of old friends. But as far as friends go, I couldn't do much better than mine, and figured at the least I wouldn't be sleeping in a lonely terminal in Charleston for two days, slowly eating my way through my meager funds. When Bob pulled up around midnight, I could see he'd gotten rid of the VW Bug he'd inherited from his mother upon turning 16, and was now driving his brother's old Two-tone Cougar. We spent a minute saying hi, and loading my gear into the trunk, and then we headed back into town, catching each other up on history. When I had first moved to Santiago, I used to write about once every couple of months, as well as call a couple of times a year. In the beginning I'd written Sheri a lot as well. She was one of the most prolific writers among my old friends, and would typically write twice to me for every one I wrote to her. Over the years, that had degenerated into holiday cards and a surprise call maybe once a year. I knew he was attending Florida State, and that Greg had graduated from Georgetown, and had moved to Japan on business. That was about it. Tommy told me all about the old gang, who was in town, who was going to what schools, what people had been up to. I told him a lot more detail about what I'd been up to. "So," he asked, "Got a girl?" "Not now. Thought I had one after the ROTC Christmas ball, but that seems to have been my mistake." I admitted. "Hard to believe. You always had someone. Every letter, every phone-call, just seems like they didn't stay the same all that long." He teased. "I don't know. I had several relationships last pretty long. Two were more than 6 months long." I argued. "Oh! Six Months!" He laughed. "How about you then," I asked in defense. "Still Erin. Almost two years now." He asked. "Shit. What does she see in you? She could do so much better." I teased. "Oh really? Like how?" "Like me!" I laughed. "Right, like that would ever happen! Don't even think about it, or you'll be sleeping in the street." He was laughing as well. "Not if I called Erin I wouldn't," I shot back. I thought it was a great comeback, but it earned me a sock in the arm. We pulled up to his house, which still looked exactly the same, and things were pretty quiet. They used the same window lights, same roof lights, same bush trimmings year after year. It was just as I remembered. Who says you can't go back? "Mom's got to work tomorrow, so I'm sure she's in bed, and you know Dave crashes early, so we better keep it down. We've got lots to do tomorrow anyway." We entered quietly and put my bag in Greg's old room. Tommy stayed and chatted for a few minutes then bid me good night, telling me to sleep in as long as I wanted, as long as it wasn't past 9:00 am, and left me to get settled. Past 9:00? Now I remembered, they'd always been an early-bird household. For me 9:00 am Was the crack of dawn. Tommy and I had breakfast at about 9:30. He was already chiding me for sleeping in and missing the whole family. We had the house to ourselves. He'd been on the phone arranging our day, and once we'd finished the pancakes, we were off to see Mike and his family. Entering Mike's house was the same as it had ever been, but more-so. People everywhere, noise, laughter, roughhousing, it was all taken in stride by Mrs. Frey. We spent a few hours visiting, and getting fed again before we could leave. Mike's older sister Peggy still looked cute to me, but not the amazing creature my memory had somehow stored away. I had to tease her about the Christmas gift she'd given me three years earlier. She'd bought me a Richard Pryor tape, thinking it was Bill Cosby. When I played it for her in my car, she exploded, calling me names and accusing me of vile intent. At the time I had felt bad, confused, angry and a host of other feelings, now thankfully we could laugh at it. When I'd been 16 I'd been somewhat in awe of her, now things were comfortable. Mike's older brother was home as well, with his live-in girlfriend who seemed awfully ill-at-ease, and must have been at least 5 years older than Dan, maybe more. That was a story I'd have to hear more about. The biggest surprise was Alice. She'd been a few years younger than us. I wasn't sure if she was 16 or 17 now, but she was a bombshell. And she was coming on to me like gangbusters. I was really nervous, with her acting all touchy-feely with her mother and Peggy there. I was suddenly glad I had chosen to stay over with Tommy. With a pretty, stacked girl that seemed so infatuated with me around, I'm afraid I might have gotten into a whole lot more trouble than I needed. When we left there Mike joined us, and it was off to see Jack and Russ. They were a year apart in age. Russ had been in our class, and we'd been friendly with him, but Jack, although a year younger was our buddy. We played on the basketball team together, and when Tommy and I formed our first band, Jack was our bassist. At the Chambers house, we once again reminisced, and had to relive our first 'gig'. We had decided to play in the school talent show. With Tommy on piano and Jack on bass, I played guitar. We had a fourth guy on drums we'd all lost contact with. We had played Elton John, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and The Beatles. We had opened with the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water", and had been a hit. We were pretty lousy, but the audience was our friends, our parents and the parents of our friends, and at the end the parents even took up a collection for us. Pretty heady stuff. We'd called ourselves Bronze Myth, and had already designed our first three album covers before we had our first birthday party gig. Jack had been tall then, and had not stopped growing; he was now 6'7" and was attending University of Florida, playing basketball. He reminded me of the time when we went on our first dates together. I had gone with Kathryn Best, easily the most lusted after girl in the whole school, who was in Jack's class a year behind me. Jack, on the other hand, had gone out with our "Valentine's Day Queen", Anne, who was in my class and almost two full years older than Jack. He was always precocious. There had been a third couple with us, Dennis and Suzanne, and Jack broke the news that Suzanne had gotten knocked up, just before I left to go overseas, and she and Dennis had gotten married. There was a huge scandal, but they stuck together, and had the baby. They lived with Suzanne's parents. Dennis was doing alright, working for Suzanne's father. While we were visiting, several friends dropped in, including the aforementioned Kathryn who lived one street over. Kathryn, the stunning brunette who had the body of a 20 year old when she was 15, and had a beautiful face with features that just slayed me. Kathryn, the very first girl I had gotten to Third Base with. She was as pretty as I remembered, and I found out she was going to be attending Mt. Holyoke the following year, which was an odd coincidence since my girlfriend from High School was a sophomore there. Going out with Kathryn, a year younger than me had been a total fiasco. We'd sat together on an out-of-town bus trip and ranked high enough in the pecking order that we got the right hand seat second from the back. These trips were our biggest dates back then. Ours was a small parochial school, and on the bus trips, the athletes, cheerleaders and student fans all rode the same bug. The 30-90 minute trips were like pep rallies on the way out, and like the back of movie theatres on the way back. There were frequent "hand-checks" and the lights would come one as our coaches would walk the aisle, but it seemed like after our wins, the checks would be a little less frequent. Our win at Pensacola was my first real 'make-out' session, as we cuddled and kissed the whole trip home. I even got a chance to play with her breast through her sweater. Less than a week later I asked her to the movies, and we sat in the back with the two other couples, probably both scared spitless and nervous as goldfish in a blender. We'd started necking, which got more and more intense, and my hands boldly went where no hands had gone before. An hour into the movie I was almost out of control, and feverish with desire, and it seemed she was willing to let me do whatever I wanted. If I'd had a little more confidence, or a little more knowledge, who knows what might have happened? As it is, I went pretty far, probably too far, and I was scared to death afterwards. She was the first girl whose flesh I'd touched underneath her clothing. I didn't call her for several days, and even avoided her at school, not knowing what to say. In short I was a total jerk. Everyone thought we should be together, she was the pretty captain of the cheerleaders, with the big boobs, and I was the Big Jock, playing all the sports, while at the same time excelling in school. She was voted "Most Popular." I was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, in this case it turned out she was "Most Slighted", and I was definitely "Most Inept." After waiting several days, amazingly patient in retrospect, she had tasked her best friend Sheri, Tommy's sister, with letting me know that she thought we shouldn't go out. Next thing you know, she was going out with some geeky looking kid, and she dated him for the rest of the school year. I'd changed schools at the end of that year, and had seen her only infrequently the following year, before moving to Santiago. Outside in the backyard, Kathryn and I walked off together and finally had a few minutes alone. "You know Kat, I don't think I ever apologized for being such an idiot, after our first date. I really am sorry." She was quiet for a while. She had a sad little look. "You know, I waited by that phone night after night, crying myself to sleep. I saw you dodging me at school and it broke my heart." "I was young and stupid. I'd never done Anything with a girl before, and could hardly even believe I was with the hottest girl in school. After all the stuff I did, God, I was so embarrassed that I'd overstepped the boundaries, and I had no idea what to say." She sat down underneath the big tree in the backyard and I sat beside her on the circular bench around it. "You could have said something to Jack maybe, or Tommy, and let them tell me. At least let me know that you liked me, or had fun. Something." She looked on the verge of tears, even 3 years later, and I felt even worse. "I know. I kept kicking myself over it. I was so angry with myself and jealous when you went out with Ricky." I admitted. "He was nice to me when I needed it." "But it seemed such an odd fit. He was a nobody; the only thing he ever did noteworthy was date you." I told her. "He lived two houses down. We'd grown up together, and when my heart was broken he picked up the pieces. He could tell something was wrong, and really made me feel a lot better." She confessed. That brought on a short period of silence. It did let me think better of Ricky, who wasn't just lucky or an opportunist. "You know, that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. Touching a girl like that for the first time. I had no idea what I should do, or what I could do, but I kept looking down the row at Dennis and Suzanne, and figured I should be able to do that too. I was in heaven; you were so amazing to be with." I told her, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Her palm was moist. "You're telling me? You were the big 9th grader with the learner's permit and motorcycle. Big Man on Campus. The guy every girl wanted. And you wanted me. I had no idea what we should or shouldn't do on a date. I was hoping you knew." We laughed at that, remembering the intensity of those feelings. "Given a chance to do it over, I'd have camped out on your doorstep and professed my undying, eternal love the moment you walked out the door." I told her, half serious. "As I recall, you professed your love for me that evening, just before opening the top of my pants." She said with a wicked grin. I'm sure I blushed mightily. "I can't really ask forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Sorry now and sorry then. I fantasized about you for years afterwards, thinking of what could have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. You have no idea how many of my fantasies you starred in back then." "If only you'd have let me know. Ricky was my first. It could have been you. Given half a chance, it would have been you." She had moved close and was speaking softly. "And this is my punishment. Knowing how bad I fucked up. Seeing you here, as beautiful as in my dreams, and knowing I've screwed up any chance of being with you." I placed my hand behind her head, stroking her hair. "I wouldn't say you'd screwed up Any chance, but you certainly blew that one." We were looking deeply in each other's eyes, recalling strong, painful feelings. I wanted her now, as I'd wanted her then, with a deep burning need, and I leaned forward those last two inches, and captured her lips with mine. She slid forward and melted against me, kissing me with every emotion boiling to the surface. She took my hand and placed it on her incredible chest, and I squeezed her breast, my thumb reliving that first caress of her nipple from so many years earlier. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then broke apart. Her eyes glistened. "I've got a boyfriend." She confessed. I nodded understanding. "If I didn't?" I reached forward pressing my index finger to her lips. "I know. I missed my chance. It's my loss." We just sat side by side a minute, in silence. "You know," she said softly, "what you did to me that night, that was part of the problem." "I know. I'm sorry if I stepped over the line." I said, even now embarrassed at the liberties I'd taken. "No, not anything wrong. What you did to me, how you made me feel. You made me cream my jeans more than once that night. It was the first time I'd ever come. I'd heard about it, but it was almost unreal. Your fingers just drove me wild. It was over a year before another guy was able to do the same." She put her hand between her legs, seemingly remembering that first night. "That makes two of us. I don't know if you knew, but I came in my pants too, and you never even touched me there. By the time I got home I was a terrible sticky mess. I snuck out and threw that underwear away before my mother could find them and ask uncomfortable questions." I told her, laughing. She gave me an odd little look, and then slid around the tree, placing its 3 foot wide trunk between us and the house. She reached out for me, and of course I followed. "Could I, I mean would you mind?" She seemed lost for words. "What? Just ask. I certainly owe you one." I told her. She didn't ask, she just started unbuckling my belt. "I always wondered, and never really had a chance to find out." With the belt open she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. "I mean, that night, you got to find out pretty much ALL about me, but I didn't; " I lifted my hips and let her pull my pants down a short ways, and then she reached up and pulled my underwear down exposing my fully erect monument to her sexiness. "I knew it, you bastard. Look at that." I didn't have to look. I knew it pretty well. And it was certainly standing tall and making me proud. She took me in hand and stroked me up and down, which after all the discussion and reminiscing was almost enough to get me off. "I just knew it. This should have been my first." She slowly stroked me up and down, and then she leaned over and took me in her mouth for just a second, sucking me deep and then releasing me. That was it. It was too much for me, and I stood up and shot my wad a good two feet out from where we were sitting. She giggled, as she helped me through my release, then pulled my underwear up back over my still dripping cock, and wiped her hand on the front of my briefs, before helping me pull my jeans back up. "If I wasn't tied up, I'd have you paying reparations," she told me as we both stood, and she slapped my hands away from my belt and finished straightening me out herself. "Let's consider it a delayed payoff. If things don't work out for you, maybe we can try it again. Rochester isn't That far from Amherst." Little did I know what the future held in store for us, but that's a different story. We walked back to the house hand-in-hand, laughing at the folly of youth, from the wizened experience of our 18 and 19 years. She had to leave shortly after, as did we, and I kissed her goodbye at the door. Once the door was closed I heard an exclamation from behind me. I turned to Tommy who said, "Now I've seen everything." "Amen," said Jack. "What?" I asked. "After how you treated her after our first date, I was certain you were on her shit-list for life." Jack explained. "Absolutely." Tommy chimed in. "Sheri said that Kathryn fantasized about doing mean and nasty things to you for years. I mean, hell, you did use her pretty bad." "I was a dope. I did some things I'd never done before, and was so embarrassed I didn't know how to even face her. So I screwed up and avoided her. I just made my apologies and we worked things out. I think she understands that I didn't try to be mean; I was just young and stupid. I didn't know what I was doing, and regretted it for years." I told them. "Geez. I always wondered how you could pass on that, when she was so available to you. You really did fuck up, didn't you?" Tommy pointed out. "Yep, not the first time, and I'm certain not the last. But we've buried the hatchet it seems." I answered "I'm just astounded that hatchet isn't in your back." Jack added. We left just a short while after that. We had one last visit to make. Teri Branson was passing through town, and wanted to see us if she could. She was just there for the day, and none of us wanted to miss out on that chance. The summer before 10th grade, I'd practically lived at Teri's. It was football time, and we were doing twice-a-days. We'd have morning practice, then a break so we wouldn't be out all day in the noon-time Florida summer sun. After the break it was afternoon practice. Teri was at our school and I never really knew her until that summer. She lived only a block from Mike, and we had run into her one day out washing the family car. We struck up a conversation, and the rest was history. I spent every football break at her house that summer. Mike didn't play football, but I'd pick him up on the way over there, and we'd hang out. She had a pool table, and a private rec-room with a stand-up arcade game. Her mother would always bring us snacks and drinks. Teri had not been popular, and was new to the school as well. But in a period of just a few months she went from a boyish figured tom-boy, to a devastatingly beautiful teen. Her breasts seemed to almost explode outwards, and once we'd met her mom, we knew where she got it from. She lost some weight, traded glasses for contacts, grew tits, lost the braces, and suddenly this beauty was in our midst, and nobody even knew about her but us. She was our secret. Tommy was going to a different high-school from me and Mike, but we still hung together most of the summer, and we had to let him in on our secret. The closest we'd come to having anything happen was a bizarre game of spin-the-bottle underneath the pool table. Mike, Tommy, me and Teri. Just an excuse for us to take turns kissing her. Her father was being transferred again at the end of the summer. I told her I was going to have a birthday party, and that we were going to play spin-the-bottle, I had hoped she'd be there, but now she was leaving. We were all upset. Tommy suggested we play now, since she couldn't make it then, and we did. It was strange but wonderful. Two weeks later she was gone. We met Teri at the mall, our planned rendezvous. We couldn't miss her; she was the center of a lot of attention. And still gorgeous. We ran up to her and had hugs all around. "I can only stay about 20 minutes," she told us with a pout. "Damn," was all I could say. So the three of us toured the mall, observing all the changes. It had been brand new the year we had been together. We grabbed some drinks, and wandered back outside, our time almost up, and barely even caught up. "Teri, I have a confession." I told her. "I know we acted pretty much like friends, but I was crazy about you. That summer I went home every evening and dreamed of you." "Hell, we all did." Tommy admitted. "We were such idiots," she said. She reached up to my collar and pulled me down for a kiss. Teri stood maybe 5 foot 1, so I had at least a foot on her in height. Bent over I let her kiss me, and I returned it eagerly. Finally she released me. "I was so confused. One day I'd like you, and then the next day you," she said nodding around the group, "and then you. I kept wondering who was going to be my first real boyfriend. I just knew it was going to be one of you. And then it was all over." She looked up at me. "I Still dream about you sometimes." All we could do was laugh it off, and say we'd get together sometime. She was living in Phoenix now, finishing high school, and it looked like she'd be going to Stanford. It was going to be hard to ever make that commute work out, not that she didn't seem like it would be worth the effort. Then her parents drove up. We said hi to her mom (who had been a secret fantasy of mine back then) and then with a last set of hugs it was goodbye to Teri. It was getting late so we dropped Mike back off at his house, driving mostly in quiet. I imagine we were all lost in thought over the quirks of fate and what might have been. For me, it was thoughts of Kathryn and Teri, two incredible opportunities that any teen would kill for, and I'd let them slip through my fingers. We dropped Mike off, but didn't go inside. As it was we were running late, and knew that if we went in, it would be a while before we got out of there. From Mike's it was a 5 minute drive back to Tommy's, but we drove past Teri's old house, just for nostalgia's sake. At Tommy's we were running late. Dinner was going to be at 6:00 pm, and somehow we'd burned the whole day. It was 5:45 before we even walked in the door, and we both wanted to clean up before dinner. The kid's rooms were served by two separate bathrooms, one at the end of the hall, and one off of Greg's room. So I stripped down to my shorts, and went to take my shower. I hadn't expected the bathroom to be full. Sheri was in their, applying the last of her makeup. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she was dressed. When I walked in, she gave a squeal, and came over and gave me a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! You're looking good." She said, stepping back and giving me the once over. "Wow, Sheri, you look great!" was all I could say. She had always been pretty. But the difference between a 15 year old Sheri and this one was night and day. The more mature Sheri was a beautiful young woman. "Thanks," she said, "I'll be out of here in a second, and you can have the place to yourself. I'm dying to talk to you." "I'll be here all night." I joked, stepping back into the room I was using, before my underwear had to undergo any more strain. I sat on the bed waiting, and after just a minute or so she poked her head in and said "It's all yours." She left the door open and walked out the other side of the bathroom. So that was one change at least that I hadn't noticed. Back in the day, this was Greg's bathroom. But since then someone had taken out the linen closet, and the old closet door now opened into Sheri's room. In retrospect it should have been obvious. With Greg away, the bathroom had a lot of stuff in it, although very neat. If I'd opened a cabinet or drawer, I would have seen all the makeup and girl's things. I was using Sheri's bathroom. I rapidly cleaned up and dressed. I was in a bit of a hurry, wanting to still wrap a couple of small presents for my hosts. I had bought several music tapes for my sister as a Christmas present, and decided to gift Tommy with one of them. I also had a photo in a frame for my mom, and decided to make the frame a family gift. It was simple, hand-made by yours truly from apple-wood. After borrowing some paper, tape, and scissors, I was ready to join everyone else just a few minutes later. To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts, for Literotica

Most people plan for retirement. Some plan for their children. Almost no one plans for the next 100 years. In today's episode, I'm joined by my colleague Marc Clair to discuss our recent Family Legacy Mastermind in St. Kitts. We dive into 100-year thinking, dynastic structures, and preparing heirs to receive wealth—plus a few recent travel stories along the way. Enjoy! IN TODAY'S EPISODE Listen in to hear why I describe the airport in Miami as the “seventh layer of hell”Find out why I reject the “die with nothing” mindset and see it as a failure of legacy planningLearn whichsix forms of capitalI believe matter more than money aloneHear how I use family constitutions, governance, and trusts to build generational resilience STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Prices go up after January 9th, and space is very limited, so reserve your tickets right away. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Paraguay September 2025 Tour Video St. Kitts Family Legacy Mastermind Expat Money Tours Expat Money Membership Breakdown RELATED EPISODES 383: Central Asia: A Chaotic Journey Across an Overlooked Region 373: Guyana: A Trip to the World's Fastest-Growing Economy 273: Discover Paraguay: An In-Depth Breakdown Of Our Scouting Trip

On September 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced from the Oval Office that the U.S. Navy had carried out an air strike on a boat in international waters. That boat strike rewrote U.S. policy for Latin America overnight. Three months later, 26 boats have been hit, killing more than 90 people.The United States has codified its justification for the boat strikes as part of a new National Security Strategy, published in early December 2025. In the National Security Strategy, Trump announced a new Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which he hopes can propel the United States and the U.S. military to preeminence in the hemisphere. Trump clearly feels he has carte blanche to take whatever measure he deems necessary without regard for international law, the sovereignty of other nations, or people's lives. This reinvisioning of U.S. policy for Latin AmericaIt has disastrous implications for the region. More missile strikes. Loss of innocent lives. And even wrapping the United States into war close to home.Under the Shadow is an investigative narrative podcast series that walks back in time, telling the story of the past by visiting momentous places in the present. Season 2 will respond in real time to the Trump Administration's onslaught in Latin America. We begin today, where we started in the last episode of Season 1… in Panama.Hosted by Latin America-based journalist Michael Fox. Edited by Heather Gies.This podcast is produced in partnership between The Real News Network and NACLA.Theme music by Monte Perdido and Michael Fox. Monte Perdido's new album Ofrenda is now out. You can listen to the full album on Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, YouTube or wherever you listen to music. Other music from Blue Dot Sessions.Resources: Under the ShadowYou can check out the first season of Under the Shadow by clicking hereTHE BEGINNING: MONROE AND MIGRATION | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 1PANAMA. US INVASION. | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 13THE LEGACY OF MONROE | UNDER THE SHADOW, BONUS EPISODE 4 Michael Fox's recent reporting on the boat strikes and the ramp-up for war in Venezuela: With the Strike on a “Drug-Carrying Boat,” Trump Returns to a Dangerous US Policy for Latin AmericaCaribbean Leaders Call for Unified Latin American Resistance to US AttacksTrump's Monroe Doctrine 2.0 Outlines Imperial Intentions for Latin AmericaOther ResourcesEmperors in the Jungle: The Hidden History of the U.S. in Panama (Duke, 2003), is John Lindsay Poland's expose on the U.S. military involvement in Panama.You can watch the documentary, The Panama Deception, here. This is a link to Democracy Now! coverage of the U.S. push toward war on Venezuela.Support Under the ShadowYou can see pictures of host Michael Fox's reporting in Panama City, here.You can check out Michael's latest episode of Stories of Resistance about the annual protests demanding justice for the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama.You can also listen to his new podcast, Panamerican Dispatch on his Patreon page. There, you can follow and support him and Under the Shadow: https://www.patreon.com/mfoxBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

On September 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced from the Oval Office that the U.S. Navy had carried out an air strike on a boat in international waters. That boat strike rewrote U.S. policy for Latin America overnight. Three months later, 26 boats have been hit, killing more than 90 people.The United States has codified its justification for the boat strikes as part of a new National Security Strategy, published in early December 2025. In the National Security Strategy, Trump announced a new Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which he hopes can propel the United States and the U.S. military to preeminence in the hemisphere. Trump clearly feels he has carte blanche to take whatever measure he deems necessary without regard for international law, the sovereignty of other nations, or people's lives. This reinvisioning of U.S. policy for Latin AmericaIt has disastrous implications for the region. More missile strikes. Loss of innocent lives. And even wrapping the United States into war close to home.Under the Shadow is an investigative narrative podcast series that walks back in time, telling the story of the past by visiting momentous places in the present. Season 2 will respond in real time to the Trump Administration's onslaught in Latin America. We begin today, where we started in the last episode of Season 1… in Panama.Hosted by Latin America-based journalist Michael Fox. Edited by Heather Gies.This podcast is produced in partnership between The Real News Network and NACLA.Theme music by Monte Perdido and Michael Fox. Monte Perdido's new album Ofrenda is now out. You can listen to the full album on Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, YouTube or wherever you listen to music. Other music from Blue Dot Sessions.Resources: Under the ShadowYou can check out the first season of Under the Shadow by clicking hereTHE BEGINNING: MONROE AND MIGRATION | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 1PANAMA. US INVASION. | UNDER THE SHADOW, EPISODE 13THE LEGACY OF MONROE | UNDER THE SHADOW, BONUS EPISODE 4 Michael Fox's recent reporting on the boat strikes and the ramp-up for war in Venezuela: With the Strike on a “Drug-Carrying Boat,” Trump Returns to a Dangerous US Policy for Latin AmericaCaribbean Leaders Call for Unified Latin American Resistance to US AttacksTrump's Monroe Doctrine 2.0 Outlines Imperial Intentions for Latin AmericaOther ResourcesEmperors in the Jungle: The Hidden History of the U.S. in Panama (Duke, 2003), is John Lindsay Poland's expose on the U.S. military involvement in Panama.You can watch the documentary, The Panama Deception, here. This is a link to Democracy Now! coverage of the U.S. push toward war on Venezuela.Support Under the ShadowYou can see pictures of host Michael Fox's reporting in Panama City, here.You can check out Michael's latest episode of Stories of Resistance about the annual protests demanding justice for the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama.You can also listen to his new podcast, Panamerican Dispatch on his Patreon page. There, you can follow and support him and Under the Shadow: https://www.patreon.com/mfoxBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/under-the-shadow--5958129/support.Help us continue producing Under the Shadow by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetwork

On Dec. 20, each year, people march in Panama City. They march to remember the fallen. They march to continue to demand justice for the violence, the destruction, and for those who were killed in the last US invasion in Latin America—the 1989 invasion of Panama. BIG NEWS! This podcast has won Gold in this year's Signal Awards for best history podcast! It's a huge honor. Thank you so much to everyone who voted and supported. And please consider signing up for the Stories of Resistance podcast feed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, or wherever you listen. And please take a moment to rate and review the podcast. A little help goes a long way.The Real News's legendary host Marc Steiner has also been in the running for best episode host. And he also won a Gold Signal Award. We are so excited. You can listen and subscribe to the Marc Steiner Show here on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.Please consider supporting this podcast and Michael Fox's reporting on his Patreon account: patreon.com/mfox. There you can also see exclusive pictures, video, and interviews. Written and produced by Michael Fox.Resources: Panama. US invasion. | Under the Shadow Episode 13Upcoming Season 2 of Under the ShadowUsed in today's episode: "Deja el canal": panameños protestan contra Donald Trump ante embajada de Estados Unidos Nov. 25, 2025: PROTESTAS EN PANAMÁ contra la presencia militar de EE.UU.: "GOBIERNO VENDEPATRIAS..." Protestas en Panamá contra acuerdo con UU. EE., reforma pensional y minería |  FRANCE 24 Español Panama: 8th anniversary of US invasion to topple Noriega markedBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

The conventional path for young men is breaking down. College is more expensive than ever, jobs are disappearing faster than degrees can keep up, and an entire generation is being pushed into debt, confusion, and dependence before they've even had a chance to build real-world skills. More parents and young men are starting to ask a hard question: “If this system is failing, what actually works?” In today's episode, I am joined by entrepreneur, rancher, and author Matt Smith to discuss The Preparation, his new book co-written with my friend and mentor Doug Casey. We break down how real competence creates confidence, why character matters more than credentials, and how skill acquisition, mentorship, and responsibility can shape capable, independent individuals inside a system designed to produce the opposite.  Enjoy! IN TODAY'S EPISODE Listen in to hear why the traditional college path is failing young menLearn why exposure to risk and responsibility builds judgment that schools never teachHear why character and responsibility matter far more than credentialsFinish this episode with a clear alternative to raising dependent boys in an increasingly unstable world STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Prices go up after January 2nd, and space is very limited, so reserve your tickets right away. RELATED EPISODES 382: Doug Casey's Crystal Ball for 2026: The One Conversation You Can't Afford to Miss 378: Why Dropping Out of School Was the Best Investment I Ever Made 289: Lessons From Homeschooling Five Children Overseas - Joshua Sheats  

Panama wants to 6x its golden visa approvals, and Vice Minister of Internal Commerce Eduardo Arango reveals exactly how they'll do it in this IMI exclusive interview from Panama City. He explains the $300K Qualified Investor Visa pathway, the light physical presence requirement, and why citizenship is finally back on the table in this Central American country.Learn more about the Panama golden visa here.

Panama finally has an adult in the room. Under President José Raúl Mulino, the country is shifting away from drama-driven politics and toward competence, discipline, and steady governance. While much of the world sinks deeper into dysfunction, Panama is choosing a path grounded in seriousness and long-term stability. In today's episode, I break down what Mulino's leadership means for the country's future and why it matters for anyone building a serious Plan-B. If you want a clear understanding of where Panama is heading and why this moment matters, this is the analysis you don't want to miss. Enjoy! IN TODAY'S EPISODE Listen in to hear how José Raúl Mulino rose from placeholder candidate to the steady, competent leader reshaping Panama's political landscapeFind out how Mulino is defending Panama's sovereignty amid US-China pressure over the Canal and recalibrating the country's geopolitical positionLearn why Panama's entry into Mercosur represents one of the most consequential economic moves in its modern historyHear my full breakdown and latest updates on Panama's Investor Visa and why Panama residency is becoming more valuable than ever STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.  RELATED EPISODES 363: Expat News: Panama's Bitcoin Push, Portugal's Passport Delays And The EU's Insane Tax Proposal 340: Expat News: Trump Sends Rubio To Panama & Javier Milei's Meme Coin Scandal 336: Update: Panama Citizenship & Brazil TripMentioned in this episode:No Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you're planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn't optional. It's protection. It's access. It's power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real...

Outdoor Christmas decorations didn't fly at U.S. Air Force base housing in the Florida Panhandle before Thanksgiving. The private company that operates a community of homes near Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB) instructed residents to remove their Yuletide decorations and refrain from putting them back up until after Turkey Day. “All holiday decorations should be reflective in their respective months and not any sooner than 30 days before the given holiday,” the landlord said in the message. Air Force Capt. Justin Davidson-Beebe, a Tyndall spokesman, said that the landlord, Balfour Beatty Communities, had set the policy. “They are enforcing the community standards outlined in the legally binding lease agreement all residents voluntarily sign,” Davidson-Beebe said in an email. “These guidelines are not part of a broader Air Force policy. Since community standards are set by the privatized housing management company at some installations, standards may vary from base to base.” The 59-page community handbook for Tyndall AFB Homes explicitly states that winter decorations and lights are only allowed from the week after Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, and that lights can only be lit from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. “Do not keep them lit all night or in daylight hours,” the handbook says. “They must be removed no later than the third week of January; they may not remain on the exterior year-round.” In a statement, Balfour Beatty Communities said the company was just offering guidelines and there would be no enforcement leading to any punishment. “Our holiday decoration guidelines are designed to provide a general framework to help maintain consistency in our communities,” the company said. “We value the joy and creativity our residents bring to their neighborhoods, especially during the holidays, and apologize for any confusion.” The base, located outside Panama City in Florida's Panhandle, is home to the 325th Fighter Wing. The base suffered catastrophic damage in 2018 from Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm. The estimated cost to rebuild the base was $4.7 billion. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

Power Quote: “How does this make learning better?”Teaser:A couple weeks ago I had Simone Lieschke on. Simone is co-principal at the American International School of Lusaka in Zambia. I appreciated her different perspectives and it was a conversation that made me, and I hope you, step back and reflect more deeply on our own contexts. Today's show is also with an international school leader, and, again, will offer some different (and not so different) perspectives to help us think.Sponsor Spot 1:I'd like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today's show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn't that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.Show IntroGuest Bio:Originally from London England, Chris Horton has worked since 2001 in International Schools. Starting in Washington DC and moving to Doha, Panama City and now Buenos Aires, he has worked in British and American international schools as a teacher and school administrator. Currently he is the assistant principal at Asociacion Escuelas Lincoln in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has completed his NPQH (National Professional Qualification of Headship) UK, and presented at several conferences in the AMISA region (American International School Association).Warmup questions:We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?Questions/Topics/PromptsThe creative and problem-solving aspects of your work. We rarely talk about this on the pod and I think it would be great to do so.What strategies are you using in the face of student transience?What role does asset-based mindset play in meeting their needs? How do you do it?(If time) What are you doing around teacher retention?Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. And IXL doesn't stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It's no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.Closing questions:What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?If listeners could take just one thing away from today's podcast, what would it be?Before we go, is there anything else that you'd like to share with our listeners?Where can people learn more about you and your work…Summary/wrap upEverybody's assistant (including your own)Doing without doing (meta initiative) – Wu-weiListen more speak lessHelp people solve their problems (teacher growth and change initiatives)Remember the empty chairSpecial thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!Ranford's homepage: https://ranfordalmond.comRanford's music on streaming services: https://streamlink.to/ranfordalmond-oldsoulInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranfordalmond/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ranfordalmond/Sponsor Links:IXL: http://ixl.com/assistant Kaleidoscope Adventures: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-assistant-principal-podcast-kaleidoscope-adventures/CloseLeadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader's Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.Remember the secret to good leadership:Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for othersBe fully presentAsk reflective questionsAnd then just listenDon't overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.Have a great rest of the week!Cheers!Guest Links:LinkedIn profile: Link   Frederick's Links:Email: frederick@frederickbuskey.comWebsite: https://www.frederickbuskey.com/ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/strategicleadershipconsulting Daily Email subscribe: https://adept-experimenter-3588...

In this episode, we chat with author, graphic designer and avid savvy traveler Katie Wilson about her incredible 16th-anniversary trip to St. Martin, planned entirely using points and miles—but with a twist! Katie shares how they booked flights, hotel stays, rental cars, and excursions with points, keeping their out-of-pocket costs under $600. She takes us through her adventures, including where they stayed and the amazing excursions they experienced. Katie explains her points and miles strategies, including how they are working towards a Southwest Companion Pass, and she shares how she maximizes rewards for airfare, hotels, and excursions. She also gives us a sneak peek at upcoming family trips, including a points-and-miles-funded adventure to Panama City. This episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring ideas, and real-life examples of how to travel more while spending less.EPISODE SPONSORCardPointers Discount LinkFind Us On OnlineMary Ellen | JoFacebook GroupKatie's WebsiteMentioned in this EpisodeGrand Casa Beach ClubSeaTrek Helmet DivingAffiliate LinksComfrt Hoodie 15% OFF!Chase/Capital One/Amex Card LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

Why Most People Fail At Business And How To Win!Million Dollar Dad: How Maxwell Billieon Beat The System, Won Custody And Built Real Wealth From Compton To Panama: Maxwell Billieon On Power, Parenting And Playing The Money Game For Real Learn the mindset and moves that lead to real results. Please visit my website to get more information: http://diversifiedgame.com/MAXWELL'S WEBSITE: https://maxwellbillieon.com/YouTube Chapters0:00 – Maxwell Billion introduces himself, Million Dollar Dad and favorite uncle0:30 – Show intro, why this is a “grown folks” money and life conversation1:48 – Growing up in Compton, two parents at home and “extended parents” on the block5:25 – Family in power, godfather Lieutenant Governor, godmother in Congress, mom in city council8:40 – Leaving college to dance in Japan and discovering the wider world9:50 – Realizing he is more than just “Black” overseas and choosing a global life12:21 – International custody war in Chile and three years without his children20:10 – Anxiety, depression and how CBT therapy helped him survive the fight22:53 – Full custody, homeschooling and coaching a swim champion and junior national gymnast28:25 – Dropping out of college, six figure book deal and outdoing a major publisher29:52 – Managing Zane and Ray J, writing “Death of the Cheating Man” and choosing monogamy36:59 – Sony joint venture, studying contracts without law school and why ownership matters44:44 – AI, politicians, insider style moves and why information is the new leverage48:26 – Barbershop talk, distractions, cutting your own hair and investing the savings52:00 – Why he is not chasing YouTube numbers and the difference between giving back and paying forward58:49 – Homeschooling versus school, curriculum, values and who really owns your child in class1:04:52 – A day in the life in Panama, full custody dad schedule and strict time rules1:08:58 – Living in Panama City, residency talk and possible run against Maxine Waters1:10:29 – Final game on leaving the block and why America is not set up for you to win on the corner

WWW.ADVENTUREFREAKSSS.COM Find your Ideal Destination Here: https://adventurefreaksss.com/ideal-destination-finder/ ================================= How to work with me: =================================

A late-night meetup in Panama City, Florida turned into a high-speed chase with a terrified mother realizing her 7-year-old son had been shot in the back.At the center of it all was Sammie Underwood III, an angry ex who wouldn't see reason.And when deputies went looking for him, the story only got darker.This is the Florida case of Sammie Underwood, Uyvonna Powell, and a child caught in the middle.Listen now on Love and Murder.**************************************Do you have thoughts about this case, or is there a specific true crime case you'd like to hear about? Let me know with an email or a voice message: https://murderandlove.com/contactFind the sources used in this episode and learn more about how to support Love and Murder: Heartbreak to Homicide and gain access to even more cases, including bonus episodes, ad-free and intro-free cases, case files and more at: https://murderandlove.comMusic:℗ lesfreemusicBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/love-and-murder-heartbreak-to-homicide--4348896/support.

Tune into this winter's Northwest Florida Fishing Report as host Joe Baya teams up with Capt. Justin Leake with Panama City Inshore and Brandon Barton with Emerald Waters Kayak Charters for a deep dive into the season's best fishing opportunities. Discover expert techniques for targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in the bays, as well as offshore strategies for blackfin and yellowfin tuna—all optimized for winter conditions and cold fronts. Learn how changing weather impacts Panama City fishing and Pensacola fishing, with practical kayak fishing safety tips, bait selection insights, and expert advice on finding the most productive inshore and offshore spots. With tips on winter fishing tactics, artificial and live bait rigs, flounder regulations, and the advantages of kayak fishing, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for anglers throughout Northwest Florida and the Gulf Coast.   Sponsors: Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Pure Flats Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

Para mas recursos, suscríbete al boletín informativo semanal   https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/Wk7FEvA    Deseas accesar mas de nuestro recursos Bíblicos GRATUITOS? Unete al grupo de WhatsApp de Bible Lessons International en Español  https://chat.whatsapp.com/LHoqeRUDfxkFtTMGAO2vmN Descarga la Aplicación de BLI en tu dispositivo  iPhone https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-lessons-international/id6451206888  Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.pushpay.biblelessonsinternational    Tus oraciones y ofrendas hacen posible el ministerio de Bible Lessons International  https://pushpay.com/g/biblelessonsinternational 

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Para mas recursos, suscríbete al boletín informativo semanal   https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/Wk7FEvA    Deseas accesar mas de nuestro recursos Bíblicos GRATUITOS? Unete al grupo de WhatsApp de Bible Lessons International en Español  https://chat.whatsapp.com/LHoqeRUDfxkFtTMGAO2vmN Descarga la Aplicación de BLI en tu dispositivo  iPhone https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible-lessons-international/id6451206888  Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.pushpay.biblelessonsinternational    Tus oraciones y ofrendas hacen posible el ministerio de Bible Lessons International  https://pushpay.com/g/biblelessonsinternational 

After 5 intense weeks of travel across Turkey, Central Asia, and Prague, I finally made it back to the Expat Money Studios in Panama to bring you a full debrief on the journey. From scouting new destinations to dealing with airline chaos at a level I've never seen before (and that's saying a lot), this trip had a bit of everything. In this episode, I'm joined by my colleague Marc Clair as we break down the countries I visited, the people I met, the challenges I faced along the way, and why, despite the insanity, travel remains one of the most powerful and important tools for building real freedom. Enjoy! IN TODAY'S EPISODE Listen in to hear why Turkey has become our seasonal base for European and Central Asian travelFind out why Kyrgyzstan shocked me with its mix of friendliness, modern infrastructure, and stunning mountain landscapeHear me detail the “Qatar Airways fiasco,” from last-minute ticketing issues to overnight airport chaos and how it nearly derailed the tripGet the story behind my keynote at the Free Cities Conference in Prague, delivered despite arriving exhausted and sick STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.  RELATED EPISODES 369: Canada's Identity Crisis And Why Families Are Looking South – Shaun Newman 368: Cayman: Inside The Caribbean's Premier Offshore Hub – Jeremy Varlow 365: The Bukele Effect: Inside El Salvador's Radical TransformationMentioned in this episode:No Plan-B Without the LanguageIf you're planning to move overseas—or even just set up your offshore Plan-B—learning the local language isn't optional. It's protection. It's access. It's power. StoryLearning makes it easy to start today, from home, by immersing you in real stories—not grammar drills. Spanish, Portuguese, French, and...

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This week, Brad and Steven are back with the very, very special, post-Thanksgiving episode. The guys talk turkey (and sides) and debrief over their respective holiday gatherings. They also talk about Pete Hegseth, the erosion of political norms, and discover that there are actually a decent number of kosher restaurants in Panama City (who knew?). Have a […]

This week, Brad and Steven are back with the very, very special, post-Thanksgiving episode. The guys talk turkey (and sides) and debrief over their respective holiday gatherings. They also talk about Pete Hegseth, the erosion of political norms, and discover that there are actually a decent number of kosher restaurants in Panama City (who knew?). Have a […]

Doug Casey's Crystal Ball has become an annual tradition here at the Expat Money Show…and for good reason. A best-selling author, founder of International Man, and one of the world's most well-known international investors and libertarian philosophers, Doug has also become a close friend and mentor of mine over the years. In today's episode, we dig into Doug's insights into the geopolitical and economic trends that will define the year ahead. We also explore his outlook on gold, silver, energy, and global markets, along with a breakdown of where freedom-minded individuals should seek better opportunities abroad. If you want a grounded, no-nonsense roadmap for navigating what's coming, this is the one conversation you can't afford to miss. IN TODAY'S EPISODE Listen in as Doug breaks down why traditional university paths are failing, and how young people can build real-world competence instead of debt and useless credentialsHear Doug evaluate Argentina's President Javier Milei, and what 2026 may look like for the region's most volatile economyLearn why Europe is spiralling into a high-tax, anti-freedom “welfare stew,” and why Doug believes it is no longer viable for anyone's Plan-BFind out why Doug sees the Southern Cone—Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay—as the strongest long-term refuge for freedom-minded individuals amid geopolitical chaos STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.  RELATED EPISODES 329: Doug Casey's Crystal Ball For 2025: What Will Happen Next? 279: Doug Casey's Crystal Ball: Predictions for 2024 Unveiled 060: Doug Casey Reflects on His Early Life and Discusses the Possibility of an AutobiographyMentioned in this episode:Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart...

Join host Joe Baya and a team of expert captains, including Angelo DePaola, Butch Thierry, Tom Hilton, Blake Hunter, and Captain Evan Wheeler, for the latest Northwest Florida Fishing Report. This episode covers inshore, offshore, and surf fishing conditions from Pensacola to Destin and Panama City, featuring hot bite updates for pompano, redfish, yellowfin tuna, and whiting. Learn expert techniques for targeting Gulf Coast fish using satellite data for altimetry, salinity, and sea temperatures. The captains discuss surf fishing strategy, winter trout and redfish tactics, and keys for finding trophy catches. Plus, get insider real estate tips for anglers seeking waterfront homes and boat-friendly properties along the Emerald Coast. If you're looking for the most up-to-date Gulf Coast fishing forecast and expert advice, this episode delivers all the high-impact fishing trends, tips, and market insights you need.   Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors AFTCO Sea Tow SlipSki Solutions Black Buffalo Pure Flats Saltwater Marketing Stayput Anchor

In this week's episode, Jennings interviews Chris Skinner, a seasoned real estate investor and tax strategist. Chris shares his remarkable journey from a 30-year sales career to becoming a successful real estate investor. After experiencing setbacks during the 2008 housing crash, Chris discovered the power of cost segregation and other tax strategies that the wealthy use to build and preserve wealth. The conversation dives into Chris's recent investments, including a 72-unit property in Panama City and his experience investing with Grant Cardone's real estate fund. Chris offers valuable insights into how proper tax planning can save investors hundreds of thousands of dollars and explains Cardone's unique approach of using crowdfunding to purchase properties with cash, allowing for significant discounts and stable investor returns. Thanks for listening!

What happens when a global crisis forces you to rethink everything? For Mark and Hazel, two long-time British expats, COVID wasn't just an inconvenience. Living under some of the harshest restrictions imaginable in Australia opened their eyes to the truth about the direction of the Western world and led them to seek Plan-B options elsewhere. In today's episode, my colleague Marc Clair sits down with Mark and Hazel to unpack their remarkable journey. From their time as corporate expats in Germany to escaping Australian lockdowns to building a Plan-B with multiple flags planted across Latin America, they lay out their full journey for the Expat Money Show audience. Enjoy! IN TODAY'S EPISODE Listen in as Mark & Hazel reveal what it wasreallylike inside Australia during COVID—and why the government's extreme lockdowns pushed them to take actionLearn how they rescued their daughter from Europe before Australia sealed its borders, before later facing the challenge of beingforbidden to leavethemselvesExplore why Mexico became their first landing spot, and how the quiet charm of Puerto Morelos offered the calm and freedom they were seekingHear why they no longer consider the UK part of their future…and how decades abroad helped them embrace a freer, more flexible way of living STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.  RELATED EPISODES 379: Retirement Beyond Borders: Tanya & Carl's Plan-B Journey 377: Building an International Plan-B While Still Living in the U.S. 213: From The Bay Area To Mexico: An Expat Story...

Panama City, Panama - 29th October to 1st November - Team Ireland has achieved an outstanding result at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge, placing 8th in the world, the highest ever finish for Ireland. The event, held this year in Panama City, brought together the brightest young minds in robotics, engineering, and innovation to tackle real-world problems through technology and teamwork. The FIRST Global Challenge is an international robotics competition that aims to inspire science and technology leadership and innovation among youth worldwide. Each year, FIRST Global invites every country to send a team to design and build a robot to compete. Teams collaborate to complete challenges in a game designed around solving some of the world's biggest issues. This year's theme focuses on biodiversity loss and the ways we can work to prevent it. The competition aims to inspire global cooperation and understanding among young people as they use their skills and creativity to tackle real-world problems. FIRST Global Challenge Robotics Competition 2025 Representing Ireland, the team demonstrated exceptional creativity, technical skill, and collaboration throughout the competition. The 8th place finish, Ireland's highest ever ranking, was accompanied by 2 further awards, The Video storytelling award, and The Social Media award. This high finish allowed them to advance onto the play-off stage of the competition, where only teams of the highest quality compete. For each match, teams were grouped into alliances of 3 V 3 with alliances changing for every match. It was a test of technology and problem solving, communication across language barriers, and the ability to form new strategies each time. Although all countries started with the same kit, each resulting robot was unique - every country's robot had its own strengths and weaknesses and this required students to collaborate continuously and adapt their strategy as they were allied with country after country - in order to optimise their success in every match. "We're incredibly proud of Team Ireland's success on the world stage," said mentor Pawel Zielinski. "This achievement reflects the team's dedication, creativity, and collaboration over the past few months. It showcases the remarkable talent of young people in Ireland and offers great optimism for the future and what they can achieve." The competition not only highlighted Ireland's growing talent in robotics and engineering but also emphasized the importance of international collaboration and STEM education for solving future challenges. More info about FIRST Global and the World Robotics Competition: FIRST Global is a US charity founded by inventor and innovator Dean Kamen and it strives to convince the various national governments and organizations of the world to embrace STEM education, invest in FIRST programs, and support their young adults. The aim is to nurture cross-cultural communication and cooperation among high-school students around the world through STEM. In doing so students are empowered to collectively tackle the world's most pressing challenges and come up with solutions that improve quality of life for all. The FIRST Global Challenge is the mechanism for doing so. By bringing future STEM leaders together in an engaging and collaborative competition that drives home the importance, excitement, and applicability of STEM education, FIRST Global is using robots and technology challenges to build young adults that have the self-confidence, skill sets, imagination, courage, and vision to do important things. This year's theme challenged FIRST Global teams of students from around the world to collaboratively innovate to maximize biodiversity and protect the incredible variety of life that sustains us all. From rainforests to coral reefs, the health of us and our planet depends on it! The FIRST Global Robotics Challenge: An Olympic-style, international robotics competition that takes place in a different country each yea...

Find out about our upcoming conference and classes at http://www.sweathead.comFollow Mark here: http://www.instagram.com/markpollard

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Johnny Lynum.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Johnny Lynum.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Johnny Lynum.

Many medical professionals think of freedom in terms of choosing their own hours or running a private practice. But true freedom goes far beyond that — it's about protecting your wealth, your mobility, and your options when the system turns against you. The world is changing fast, and without an international Plan-B, even the most accomplished physicians can find themselves boxed in by taxes, regulations and frivolous lawsuits. In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Alex from the Physicians and Properties Podcast to explore how you can take back control of your future through global diversification. We'll talk about how to safeguard your assets, secure a second residency, and build the kind of borderless freedom that no bureaucracy can take away. IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Listen in to find out why doctors are among my top clients and how their skills, income and risk profile make them ideal candidates for international diversificationDiscover how I help highly-paid professionals future-proof their careerwith international options that reduce dependency on one system, one employer, or one governmentTune in to hear my 12-month roadmap withthree clear stepsto secure your wealth, mobility, and peace of mind beyond borders.Learn why every doctor or medical professionalmust havean international Plan-B — or they could lose everything STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference, which will bring together top experts from around the world to offer their services to those seeking a better & more prosperous life abroad. Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.  RELATED EPISODES

This week we head to Florida to play the Panama City songwriters festival! Have a great week!

Join Host Joe Baya on this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report for an action-packed update from Pensacola to Panama City. Brandon Barton of Emerald Waters Kayak Charters reports an incredible run of Blackfin and Yellowfin tuna just off the beaches—some within casting range for kayak and pier anglers. Clean blue water and strong currents have pushed bait close to shore, fueling nonstop pelagic action. Brandon shares his go-to tactics, from trolling Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows and Rapala X-Raps at sunrise to spotting slicks and diving birds that reveal feeding tuna. Inshore, Captain Blake Nelson breaks down the late-fall bite across Choctawhatchee Bay, where bull reds are schooling under pogies and speckled trout are holding in deeper guts. Blake explains how understanding bay contours and adapting to wind conditions can keep anglers on the fish, whether they're tucked into a calm bayou or working the flats after a cold front. It's a high-energy episode covering everything from kayak tuna tactics to inshore redfish patterns—prime time action across the Emerald Coast! Sponsors: AFTCO Black Buffalo Stayput Anchors Sea Tow Dixie Supply KillerDock Test Calibration Pure Flats The Coastal Connection

What does it really take to turn your retirement dream into a real-life move abroad, especially when you're still working, have roots at home, and aren't quite ready to pack up everything just yet? That's exactly the path Tanya and Carl have taken. From their home in Colorado, they've spent the past few years researching, investing, and building a retirement plan that stretches beyond borders.  In today's episode, my colleague Marc Clair sits down with Tanya and Carl to share how they're turning their retirement dreams into an actionable plan. By establishing Plan-B options in several Latin American countries, they've built a roadmap to a freer, warmer, and more sustainable lifestyle. You'll hear how they navigated uncertainties and found new purpose in creating a simpler, more manageable life abroad for their retirement years.  IN TODAY'S EPISODE Listen in to hear Tanya & Carl break down how global events made creating a “Plan-B” a priority, not just a fantasyLearn why Tanya & Carl abandoned their early plans for Europe and turned their focus to the warmer, freer climates of Latin AmericaFind out how they overcame hesitations to take swift action in putting together their Plan-BHear Tanya and Carl break down which countries they have chosen as their “Plan-A” and “Plan-B” destinations post-retirement STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse® newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.  RELATED EPISODES 377: Building an International Plan-B While Still Living in the U.S. 355: Santiago Peña's Paraguay: Latin America's New Freedom Frontier 354: Offshore Upside: How To Take Your IRA InternationalMentioned in this episode:The Colombia Investment TourThis year, I'm taking a private group to Medellín—Colombia's most exciting city for offshore opportunity. We'll dive deep into banking,...

We all grow up being told to “follow the system.” Go to school. Get a job. Obey the rules. But what if the system itself is broken and designed to constrain you? In today's episode, I sit down with Matt Nettleton of the Default Profitable Podcast to discuss how being labelled “learning disabled” as a kid pushed me to reject public education, to drop out of school as a teenager, and to build a multimillion-dollar global business from scratch. We dig deep into how to turn adversity into fuel, build leverage through systems and delegation, and live life completely on your terms. Enjoy! IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Listen in as I reveal how dropping out of school at 12 became the best decision of my life…and the foundation for everything I've built since.Find out how I bootstrapped Expat Money from zero capital to a 30+ person international team serving high-net-worth clients around the world.Tune in as I reveal the one thing I wish I had done sooner that would have accelerated my journey even faster.Hear my practical advice for anyone ready to quit the corporate grind and build a business you can run offshore and on your own terms. STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026, for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.  RELATED EPISODES 375: 25 Years Abroad: How I Built a Global Real Estate Portfolio 377: Building an International Plan-B While Still Living in the U.S. 351: Nine Legal Flag-Planting Strategies To Protect Your Freedom & WealthMentioned in this episode:Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch ItFiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I've partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and...

Join host Joe Baya on the Northwest Florida Fishing Report for the latest hot tips and tactics from Pensacola to Destin and Panama City. Captain Evan Wheeler breaks down advanced inshore fishing strategies for redfish and speckled trout during challenging neap tides, sharing how to use wind, tides, and lure selection to maximize success. Kayak fishing expert Brandon Barton dives into nearshore tactics for targeting blackfin tuna, mahi, and king mackerel off Navarre, offering proven methods for trolling, bait choice, and handling pelagics from a kayak. Offshore specialist Captain Tyler Massey details bottom fishing for vermilion snapper, triggerfish, scamp, and shares actionable wahoo trolling strategies, equipment picks, and advice for landing top offshore species. Packed with Northwest Florida fishing tips, seasonal updates, and pro insights, this episode is a must-listen for anglers looking to catch more redfish, trout, snapper, and pelagics on the Emerald Coast.   Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors Bucks Island Marine AFTCO Sea Tow Southeastern Pond Management Admiral Shellfish Black Buffalo

Linda Cope joins us to talk about the upcoming Warrior Beach Retreat, what it does and how you can show your support at their Parade on November 6th. We talk about the very personal reason why this local organization was started and has been serving the Wounded Service Men and Women. Most important, showing support for their caregivers and strengthening their support system.Visit WarriorBeachRetreat.org for details and the parade route. Beach 95.1 is the official Radio Partner and will be in the parade, along with providing over an hour of commercial free music to air during the parade. Listen to Henry weekday mornings from 5am-9am CT for updates, along with The Most Music In The Morning on Beach 95.1.

What's it really like to build a full international Plan-B while still living in your home country, especially when you've got a family to think about? One client of mine, Ryan, has done exactly that. While married with four kids, he's methodically built offshore investments, is in the process of securing second residencies, and has positioned his family for long-term freedom and security… all before making the move abroad. His story proves that protecting your future doesn't require running; it requires planning. In today's episode, my colleague Marc Clair sits down with Ryan to discuss how he and his wife are creating a life of global freedom for their family, from diversifying into international real estate and pursuing residencies in Latin America to choosing jurisdictions that protect their children's education and values. It's an honest look at the practical steps you can take to protect your family's future, even before you're ready to give up life in your home country. IN TODAY'S EPISODE: Tune in to hear Ryan describe the moment he and his wife realized their interest in other countries had shifted from “adventure” to a necessity to protect their family's freedom and future.Listen in as Ryan breaks down how they built their family's offshore Plan-B while still living in the U.S.Learn how Ryan's family incorporated learning Spanish together as part of their transition plan to a life in Latin America.Find out why Ryan and his wife ultimately chose to build their Plan-B around Latin America instead of Europe. STAY IN TOUCH! Stay informed about the latest news affecting the expat world and receive a steady stream of my thoughts and opinions on geopolitics by subscribing to our newsletter. You will receive the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times; sign up now and receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” WEALTH, FREEDOM & PASSPORTS CONFERENCE, MARCH 6-7, 2026 Join us in Panama City from March 6-7, 2026 for our second annual in-person event, the Wealth, Freedom and Passports Conference! Get your tickets now, as space is very limited.  RELATED EPISODES 376: Gold Busts Through $4,000/Oz: The Offshore BluePrint to Protect Your Wealth 375: 25 Years Abroad: How I Built a Global Real Estate...

Tune into this week's Northwest Florida Fishing Report for expert insights into the fall fishing season from Pensacola to Panama City. Host Joe Baya is joined by guests Blake Hunter (Real 30A), Captain Blake Nelson (Destin), and Captain Adam Peoples, sharing inshore, offshore, and onshore updates packed with actionable advice. Learn about the ongoing pompano migration, Spanish mackerel hotspots in Choctawhatchee Bay, and the best tactics for landing baitfish like greenies and using blue crab. Offshore anglers will get the latest on king mackerel, tuna, and triggerfish bites, as well as optimal water temperatures for success. Get local tips for targeting redfish, speckled trout, and making the most of the changing fall weather along Florida's Emerald Coast. Subscribe for the best saltwater fishing reports, techniques, and seasonal trends in Northwest Florida.   Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors Bucks Island Marine AFTCO Sea Tow Southeastern Pond Management Admiral Shellfish

The Morning Footy crew welcomes CONCACAF expert Jon Arnold from Panama City to break down the latest drama in the region's World Cup qualifiers. Curacao's historic run toward a first-ever World Cup spot highlights their bold recruitment strategy, while Haiti and Honduras square off in a crucial battle for control of Group C. Morning Footy is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Visit the ⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on soccer⁠ For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Women's Champions League, EFL Championship, EFL League Cup, Carabao Cup, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the betting arena on CBS Sports.com: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/⁠ For all the latest in sportsbook reviews: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/⁠ And sportsbook promos: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by Captain Harris Scruggs of Triple B Charters and Captain Justin Lee of Panama City Inshore to deliver the latest insights on Panama City fishing, inshore and offshore tactics, and fall fishing strategies along the Gulf Coast. The captains break down how to target king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, sailfish, mahi, and more, sharing expert advice on live bait management, live chumming, and adapting to changing wind and weather conditions. Learn the best fishing spots, bait storage tips, and how to maximize your catch during the peak fall migration. Whether you're a seasoned angler or planning your next fishing charter, this episode is packed with high-impact fishing tips and Gulf Coast fishing know-how.   Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors Bucks Island Marine AFTCO Sea Tow Southeastern Pond Management Admiral Shellfish

Join host Joe Baya for the latest Northwest Florida Fishing Report, featuring expert insights from Tom Hilton of Hilton's Real Time Navigator, Captain Evan Wheeler, and surf fishing specialist Justin Reed. This episode covers the hottest inshore, offshore, and surf fishing action from Pensacola to Panama City and Destin. Learn about current fishing conditions, including water temperature, salinity, and bait movement, plus top techniques for targeting pompano, redfish, trout, snook, and more. Discover how to adapt to the fall transition period, find productive fishing spots, and maximize your catch with proven tips from local captains. Whether you're after big redfish, schooling trout, or surfside pompano, this episode delivers the essential fishing information you need for success along the Emerald Coast.    Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors Bucks Island Marine AFTCO Sea Tow Southeastern Pond Management Admiral Shellfish

In case you missed it, last week was NY Climate Week. There were well over 1,000 events — from summits with CEO and heads of state, to film screenings, concerts, parties, boat cruises, pitch sessions, hackathons and much more. I tried to sum up my experience at New York climate week in a special episode two years ago. This year, of course, the context was different with a US administration no longer interested in climate, and a lot of green hushing, hand wringing and new language that aims to be less politicizing.To me, one of the most interesting things about NY Climate Week is that it's not the only one. Climate weeks are spreading. San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington DC, San Diego, Shanghai, Bangkok, Panama City all have climate weeks. There might be dozens more in the works. No city on the planet is immune from the impact of climate, and most cities have thriving ecosystems of organizations, innovators, investors, policymakers, researchers and more working to advance climate solutions and adapt to a changing planet. In this conversation I'm joined by Nishant Mani and Dan Thorman, co-founders of the LA Climate Week. Nishant and Dan saw a need to bring together their community. They volunteered to lead and have built LA Climate Week into a successful example that people anywhere can follow to create their own week of solidarity, learning and action. We talk about their backgrounds, the founding story of LA Climate Week, the impact of the LA wildfires on last year's event, lessons they've learned and much more. So whether or not you were in New York last week, I hope you'll enjoy this conversation and consider how you can help your local climate community wherever you are. On today's episode, we cover:1:22 – Recap of New York Climate Week & Spread of Climate Weeks3:43 – Nishant's Personal & Professional Background6:19 – Dan's Personal & Professional Background 10:16 – The Origin Story of LA Climate Week14:40 – The Role of Entertainment & Culture in LA Climate Week17:08 – Entertainment Industry's Role in Climate Movement18:33 – Impact of Wildfires on LA Climate Week24:47 – The Broader Role of Climate Weeks & Local Collaboration27:51 – Lessons Learned from Organizing LA Climate Week32:20 – Evolving the Structure and Infrastructure Involvement33:02 – Measuring Success and Growth of LA Climate Week36:44 – Community Engagement & Accessibility39:32 – Aspirations for the Future: Magic Wand Scenario42:21 – Future Planning and Event Announcement44:14 – Closing Remarks and Call to ActionResources MentionedLA Climate WeekClimate CapitalTerra.doReunionCollidescope FoundationJane Goodall InstituteConnect with usNishant ManiDan ThormanJason RissmanKeep...

In this episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya brings you the latest inshore, offshore, and kayak fishing action from Pensacola to Panama City, featuring expert guests and timely tips for fall fishing. Joe kicks things off with Captain Blake Nelson, who breaks down the unique characteristics of the Choctawhatchee Bay system and shares his approach to finding productive flats, targeting redfish and trout, and adapting tactics for both beginners and experienced anglers. Blake offers insights on reading water, bait selection, and how seasonal changes affect fish behavior, plus advice for families and technical anglers alike. Next, Captain Tyler Massey joins the show to deliver an offshore report from the Pensacola area. Tyler discusses the current pelagic bite, including blackfin tuna, mahi mahi, sailfish, and wahoo, and explains his preferred techniques for bump trolling live baits, setting up trolling spreads, and targeting bottom species like vermillion snapper, triggerfish, and amberjack. He also shares gear recommendations and strategies for both state and federal waters as the seasons shift. Rounding out the episode, kayak fishing specialist Brandon Barton shares why September is prime time for off-the-beach action, with a surge in sailfish, mahi, and blackfin tuna catches. Brandon details his rigging setups for both king mackerel and sailfish, offers tips for trolling from a kayak, and explains how to use local reports, water quality charts, and bait concentrations to pick the best launch spots. He also covers safe handling and release techniques for big game fish from a kayak. Whether you're fishing from the shore, a small boat, or a kayak, this episode is packed with actionable tips, expert strategies, and local knowledge to help you make the most of your time on the water this fall. Tune in for a comprehensive look at what's biting and how to maximize your success along the Emerald Coast!   Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors Bucks Island Marine AFTCO Sea Tow Southeastern Pond Management Admiral Shellfish

In this episode of the Northwest Florida Fishing Report, host Joe Baya is joined by a lineup of expert anglers to deliver the latest inshore and offshore action from Pensacola to Panama City. Joe kicks things off with surf fishing specialist Blake Hunter, who shares his approach to targeting redfish and pompano from the beach, including stealth tactics, lure selection, and how to spot and present baits to cruising fish. Blake also discusses setting achievable fishing goals and adapting to changing conditions like wind, tides, and persistent June grass. Next, Captain Delin Sigler joins the show to break down offshore strategies for gag grouper and scamp, revealing how he plans his trips, chooses spots, and adapts to the ever-changing patterns of these elusive fish. Delin offers practical advice on bait selection, rigging, and the importance of flexibility when the bite gets tough, along with stories from the water that highlight the unpredictability and excitement of Gulf fishing. Rounding out the episode, Captain Justin Leak provides a hybrid report from the Panama City area, focusing on bait migrations, nearshore opportunities, and how seasonal changes in water temperature and clarity affect fishing success. Whether you're stalking reds in the surf, chasing grouper offshore, or looking to maximize your time on the water, this episode is packed with actionable tips, expert insights, and stories that will inspire anglers of all levels. Tune in for a comprehensive look at what's biting and how to make the most of your next trip on the Gulf Coast!   Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors Hilton's Realtime Navigator Bucks Island Marine AFTCO Sea Tow Shoreline Plastics Return Em Right Southeastern Pond Management Pure Flats Admiral Shellfish

On this episode of the Deal Farm®, Kevin and Ken talk with Mikkel Thorup about his extraordinary journey from dropping out of school in Canada to becoming one of the world's leading voices on international real estate investing. Based in Panama City, Mikkel has traveled to over 100 countries, lived in nine, and built a global portfolio of properties across multiple continents. He shares how his passion for travel, combined with a sharp eye for opportunity, has allowed him to create thriving investments in markets like Brazil, Paraguay, and beyond. Listeners will learn why international diversification can be a powerful strategy for wealth building—and how to spot opportunities that most investors overlook.