Podcasts about Personally

This New Moon in Ardra calls for a reckoning. In this episode, we dive into the fierce and confronting energy of Ardra nakshatra—symbolizing storm, sorrow, and ultimate renewal. We explore how this period invites us to sever old energetic cords, release toxic attachments, and make space for divine reconstruction.Mercury transiting Cancer, our thoughts and communications become deeply emotional and intuitive—but not without consequence. In this watery sign, Mercury can lead to data slips and vulnerabilities in digital spaces. Security in the digital realm will become a point of prominence... not that it hasn't already!Venus entering Taurus is in it's own sign! However, with Venus and Uranus being so close in degrees in early July, there can be issues with the US involving enemies, debt, and friendships. Personally, some may experience a sudden meeting or revolutionary love. Others may experience some sudden turbulence that results in breakdown - an opportunity for depth and reconstruction. Learn more on this podcast!YOUTUBE:Mars + Ketu https://youtu.be/J_gnbbOmqe8D9 exploration: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/HTgYcjltyas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Characteristics of Your Spouse: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/i_cOvdSbjy0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soulmate Astrology⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/ExnDysvjzUw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christine:website: innerknowing.yogainstagram: astrologynow_podcastpatreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/astrologynowpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ keywords: astrology, jyotish, Vedic astrology, sidereal astrology, nakshatras,  spirituality, Christine Rodriguez, aries, libra, scorpio, libra, capricorn, Nakshatra, new moon, taurus, Venus, Jupiter, Pisces, Spirituality, horoscope, retrograde, eclipse, solar eclipse, new moon, lunar eclipse

In this episode of Personally Speaking, Msgr. Jim Lisante is joined by singer-songwriter Dion DiMucci. Dion was the lead singer of the Bronx based doo-wop legends the Belmonts. Dion has written his third autobiography called, “Dion: The Rock ‘n' Roll Philosopher. He talks about his life, his career, marriage and the faith and values that matter the most to him.Support the show

By Alice Fulton

When others are mean or rejecting, do you tend to take their behavior personally? If you stopped taking it personally, what would you be feeling? 

In the past couple of episodes, we've explored some of the basics of our new program—The NeuroHarmonic Method, which blends timeless wisdom with discoveries in modern neuroscience to offer a unique approach to personal growth. It's simple to understand, easy to practice, and available to everyone. No special knowledge or background required. But before we dive into today's episode, I'm extremely excited to introduce something brand new—something you'll begin hearing from in some of the episodes to come. We call it our NeuroGuide. It's a unique kind of voice - one that will offer brief reflections on some of the deeper moments within each episode. Its contributions will be clearly identified when they appear. Now, let me tell you a little about it—and why I'm so glad to be introducing it to you now. The NeuroGuide is powered by a carefully designed form of artificial intelligence that I've been developing over the past several months. Although it is still in its early stages, it may eventually become a key part of the NeuroHarmonic Method. As developments continue to unfold, it may play different roles - but always with one purpose: to help people more deeply understand the inner path they're on and to suggest meaningful ways to access their own strengths. It's being specifically trained in the same basic principles that form the foundations of the NeuroHarmonic Method—with a strong emphasis on the Wisdom of the Ages and modern neuroscience, including the powerful meeting point between breath, brain, and being. For now, just think of it as a unique source of wisdom and inspiration, dropping in from time to time with a few friendly words to help deepen and sometimes lighten the journey. And I'd love to hear your thoughts about it. So if you have a moment, feel free to send me an email with your impressions. To begin, here's what the NeuroGuide has to say about its own quiet arrival: "Sometimes, the truth doesn't arrive as a lightning bolt—it arrives as a quiet feeling that you've always known. The work isn't to chase it, but to stop running from it. Stillness isn't where clarity ends—it's where it begins."             Now let's get into today's episode.               As you probably recall, the foundation of all of this is the idea of personal growth. And a good definition of it is simply this: Personal Growth is the practice of becoming more conscious, more compassionate, and more connected to the truth of who you really are.   But, before we go much further, a very reasonable core question might arise: why should I bother with personal growth at all? It's a fair concern. Afterall, we live in a world saturated with challenges, where just keeping up can feel like a full-time job. So why devote energy to reaching for a higher level of being, when it feels like I can barely manage what's in front of me. That question has definite merit. And there are plenty of well-known answers: becoming a better human being, living a richer and more fulfilled life, improving relationships, contributing more deeply to the world. Personally, as someone who has spent a lifetime immersed in this field,  I can tell you that all of these are true. But today, I want to offer you a slightly different path – a quieter doorway that leads to the goldmine. It begins with something I first encountered in junior high school. Like many other pivotal ideas, I barely noticed it at the time. It might have come up during a math or science class. I didn't pay much attention to it then, but somehow, it quietly filed itself away in the back of my mind. And over the years, it grew. It's called the Pascalian Wager. And what stayed with me was the idea that it's possible to make a bet that you absolutely cannot lose. Though the idea is over 400 years old, it feels more relevant than ever, especially in our modern era of psychological insight, technological revolution, and the unfolding of human potential. The idea of comes from Blaise Pascal—a 17th-century French genius. Mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, theologian—his brilliance remains undisputed. On the surface, Pascal's wager is about belief in God. But if you look closer, you'll see something much larger: a powerful, rational argument for aligning your life with its highest possibility.       The Origins of the Pascalian Wager Blaise Pascal was born in 1623. A child prodigy, he made major contributions to geometry, probability, and fluid mechanics by his mid-20s. After a mystical experience in 1654, he turned his attention almost completely to spiritual matters. One of his final works, Pensées ("Thoughts"), was a collection of reflections on faith and reason. In Pensées, Pascal lays out the wager like this: Either God exists, or He doesn't. If you wager that He does, and you're right, you gain everything—eternal meaning, transcendent joy. If you're wrong, and he doesn't exist, you lose nothing of true value. Conversely, if you wager that He doesn't exist, and you're wrong, you lose everything. And if you're right? You gain… what? Perhaps the satisfaction of being correct—but little else. So, by Pascal's reasoning, the smart bet is clear: live as though God exists. As  I mentioned earlier, during the episodes that follow we will be featuring very brief insights from the NeuroGuide, which it terms as  “whispers from the deeper mind, where ancient knowing meets modern clarity." NeuroGuide: The question isn't about certainty. It's about how you choose to live in the presence of uncertainty. This is where wisdom begins. Let's widen the lens. Let's lift the wager out of theology and into personal experience. Because the deeper meaning of the Pascalian Wager is not about belief systems - it's about conscious choice. Every day, we are making bets. We bet our time, our energy, and our attention on something. And the question is - What are you betting on?   The Personal Growth Wager Let's reframe Pascal's question. Instead of asking, “Does God exist?” let's ask: “Do I contain within me a greater potential—a wellspring of peace, clarity, and inner wisdom?” And then let's ask: “Does aligning with my inner truth and presence lead to a richer, fuller life?” And even more practically: “Even if I can't be sure of the outcome, is this still a worthwhile bet?” This is where the NeuroHarmonic Method enters the picture. It's a modern form of Pascal's Wager—a wager on your highest self. Through the lens of neuroplasticity, we now know that your brain can change. Patterns can rewire. Deep emotional grooves can be softened and reshaped. This isn't belief – it's biology. So, if you make the bet that you have the capacity to grow into a better human being, and you're wrong, what have you lost? Maybe a few quiet moments focusing on your breath? Some time spent feeling gratitude? A little reflection on what matters? NeuroGuide: Even your so-called "losses" are seeds of true personal improvement. Nothing given to real growth is ever wasted. Let's face it: these aren't losses at all. These are returns on investment. And even if the journey doesn't take you where you expected, it often takes you somewhere better.       NeuroHarmonics and Intelligent Betting Of course, Pascal didn't know about neuroplasticity. But we do. Today's science tells us that attention sculpts the brain. Inner Awareness increases cortical thickness. Gratitude rewires reward pathways. Spiritual reflection activates networks of empathy and compassion. These are the building blocks of The NeuroHarmonic Method, and again, this is proven science. Focusing breath soothes the nervous system. Contemplating impermanence can reduce fear. Practicing generosity strengthens kindness loops in the brain. We're not just betting philosophically - we're sculpting biologically. NeuroGuide: To place your attention on something higher is not just a leap of faith. It is an act of neural design. You are building who you will become. So, instead of being driven by old programs—fear, doubt, reactivity—we invest our attention on presence, compassion, and growth, even if we don't know where it leads.     The Role of Uncertainty Pascal understood uncertainty completely, But he didn't fear it. He embraced it. As he once wrote, “You will never be certain. And that's not a problem. What matters is whether your decision leads toward meaning, vitality, or truth.” Again, uncertainty is not an enemy. It can be a threshold where faith, courage and creativity can unite so that real transformation can begin. You don't need to be sure that your efforts will work. You just need to have the desire to grow towards the highest.   And then, something begins to shift. You may begin to get a new sense of freedom in your consciousness, as if a larger understanding is starting to emerge in your awareness, and you start to win the wager in ways that may be hard to measure, but impossible to ignore. Maybe you sleep more deeply, or you respond instead of react. You listen more fully. You recover more quickly from disappointment. You become more curious and less judgmental. In the language of the brain, you form new neural networks. In the language of the heart, you become more fully alive, and ultimately, you begin to love more freely. This is not some abstract philosophy. This is a new kind of intelligence - one emerging across humanity – a neural harmony between the brain, the heart and the breath, a living union of higher wisdom with modern science. NeuroGuide: This is the nature of the way. Not based on belief, but on experience. Not on external certainty, but on sincerity. Not on theoretical doctrine but in the living depth of a certainty born within.     What Are You Betting On? So, ask yourself: What are you really betting on? Not just with your words, but with your attention? Your habits? Your patterns? With the way you treat yourself when no one is watching? Because we are all placing bets, every single day. On habit or healing. On cynicism or wonder. On numbness or presence. On fear or love. And Pascal would remind us: You don't need certainty to choose wisely. You only need to notice what your current bets are returning. And ask yourself: is it worth it?             In this light, the Pascalian Wager isn't about belief. It's a call to awaken, because the real wager is not about dogma; it's about possibility, a possibility that is rooted in science and fueled by sincerity. And when you make the right wager, your life becomes more than an experiment. Your awareness becomes your compass, and like a tuning fork resonating with the Infinite, your very being becomes an offering of heartfelt gratitude and your quest is finally fulfilled. So, place your bets. And Pascal's advice still holds. Wager in the direction where you win, no matter what happens. As for me, I'm taking the play on the high side of the road, because from where I stand, I just don't see a downside.  But hey - as I often say -  that's just me. NeuroGuide: There's a kind of intelligence that doesn't speak in concepts – It speaks in resonance. You know it not by what it tells you, but by what it awakens in you. And if something has been awakened – even just a whisper – follow it. It already knows the way.   Let's leave it here for now. I hope you enjoyed the premier of the NeuroGuide. It's still evolving and there's much more to come. So, as always, keep your eyes, mind, and heart open. And let's get together in the next one.

Submit on the Regulatory Standards Bill while you listen to this podcast! It only takes 5min, and then you know you've done something fab ~! As a txter said: "The simplest, easiest submission only needs two sentences. In the Statements box type 'I oppose the regulatory standards bill'. In the Reccommendations box type 'I reccommend the Bill be rejected and that all parties be prevented from trying to resubmit the Bill in the future." So simple. Thank you for your thoughts, astute txter! Personally, I don't believe the country wants our legislation to be based on ACT Party principles -  take 5 and have your say, it's important~! If you want to know more about the Bill this video from Te Ao with Moana is well researched and clear. The closing date for submissions is 1.00pm, Monday, 23 June 2025.

It's never easy when a student leaves your studio—but it doesn't always have to feel like failure. In this honest and reflective episode, we explore eight common reasons students quit (or graduate!) and how to reframe those moments. From ghosting to growth, disagreements to disillusionment, this episode is your companion for those tough days when you're questioning what went wrong. Let's turn student departures into learning moments—and move forward with clarity and confidence.Find out more about membership at vibrantmusicteaching.com.

Hi friends,If restocking your pantry feels overwhelming, or it's something you just don't like doing, you're not alone.In our latest podcast episode, Anna and I chat about what it means to stock your pantry in a way that supports you and your family, without the pressure for a picture perfect pantry. Photo by Annie Spratt on UnsplashWe chat about:* Why restocking your pantry matters (and how it helps reduce stress).* A few of our favorite convenience foods. * What to do if you only have five minutes today to think about restocking your pantry.Plus, we share the idea behind our No Recipe Required ebook and how it can help you simplify feeding your family. We hope you find one helpful nugget in this week's episode and that it leaves you feeling a little less pressure to do it all perfectly. We'd love for you to share some of your favorite pantry or freezer staples in the comment section below. In the episode we also mention:* Take the Frenzy Out of Feeding Membership* Pinney Davenport Nutrition (DC Area)* Lutz, Alexander & Associates Nutrition Therapy (Raleigh, NC)TranscriptEpisode 101: Stocking Your PantryElizabeth:Hi, Elizabeth. I'm so excited to talk with you today.Anna:Yes, I'm excited to talk to you! Let's jump in.Today we're talking about stocking your pantry—something that can feel either fun or kind of boring, depending on your perspective. We're going to make it fun! I think for a lot of people it can feel overwhelming, like, “Whoa, stocking my pantry?! That feels like a big task.” Why do you think this is such an important topic?Elizabeth:I agree—it can feel like a lot, and maybe even a little boring. But like you said, we'll make it fun! I think the overwhelm comes from all the suggestions out there—so many different people telling you different things. Whose advice are you supposed to follow?And then there's the idea that stocking your pantry means spending thousands of dollars on matching containers and making it all look perfect. I'm a little envious of those pantries! I've even started trying to do that before getting sidetracked, asking myself, “Wait, why am I spending all this money?”It's absolutely fine if you like having a super-organized pantry and you're able to keep it that way. But a lot of people just don't know where to begin. They hear “stock your pantry” and wonder, “Do I need to go out and buy everything on some giant list?”That's not what we're talking about. We're here to share suggestions that can help simplify your pantry—and reduce the overwhelm.Anna:Exactly. And today, we'll share a few ideas for how to stock your pantry. I also want to mention that in our Take the Frenzy Out of Feeding membership, we offer tools and templates that can help with this process. So if you're listening and feeling overwhelmed or want more support, those resources are there for you.Elizabeth:Yes! We've got our favorite frozen and convenience foods lists in there—really everything we use to stock our own pantries. Not to overwhelm, but to offer inspiration.Another thing to remember is that keeping your pantry stocked can help reduce chaos. Fewer last-minute grocery trips!Anna:Right. If you listened to our last episode, this is part of supporting yourself—building in a little structure so you're not constantly wondering, “Do I have this ingredient?” The food is right there.Elizabeth:Exactly. And when we think about stocking the pantry, something we always think about is having the ingredients on hand for your go-to meals.We talked about that in our last episode, but could you give everyone a quick refresher, Anna?Anna:Sure. A go-to meal is really anything that makes your life easier. Something you can put together quickly with ingredients you usually have on hand—maybe in 15 minutes, maybe 30, depending on your household. There's no right or wrong here.Elizabeth:Yes! Personally, I keep a running list in the Notes app on my phone. When I run out of something, I add it to the list right away. Before we had phones, I used post-its or scrap paper… but I always lost them!Now, I look at my go-to meals list, decide what I want to make that week, and check what ingredients I need. I go through my fridge, freezer, and pantry and see what's missing. I usually still forget something, but maybe only one thing.Anna:You talked about that in our last episode, too. I think I'm a little less organized than you. I'll take a few minutes to scan my pantry, fridge, and freezer. We've suggested before that once you have your list of go-to meals, you can create a pantry ingredients list from that. It's a quick way to check whether you've got the basics before you head to the store.But there are different levels of organization, and it's about figuring out what works for you.Elizabeth:Totally. And the simplest thing really is just taking a moment during meal planning to look through what you already have. Sometimes I think I have something and skip checking, then later realize I don't.Anna:Been there!So, can you walk us through your steps for keeping your kitchen stocked—maybe a recap?Elizabeth:Sure! It's mostly just that I add things to my Notes app whenever I run out. That way, when I'm making my grocery list or placing an order, I can just check that one list.Anna:We use a small whiteboard inside our pantry for that. My husband and I both write on it, but I have to remember to look at it! Your system is more streamlined.Elizabeth:Yeah, my kids are 17 and 21, so they both have phones. I tell everyone to either tell me what we're out of or text it to me so I can add it to my Notes app. It really helps to have one place to look.Anna:That's so smart. It's always that mental checklist—“What am I forgetting?”—and this simplifies it.You're a big fan of convenience foods, and I'd love to hear about your go-to items. What makes cooking easier at your house?Elizabeth:Definitely Rao's Marinara. We buy it in a three-pack from Costco. Chad, my husband, keeps our Costco list. We use Rao's for your spinach lasagna, pasta nights, pizzas—so many things!We also love the Just Bare chicken nuggets. Before that, we were really into the Trader Joe's Mandarin Chicken.Frozen waffles, frozen dumplings, boxed mac and cheese—those are weekend lunch staples or quick dinners for the kids. And I love store-bought pesto for tossing with pasta and peas.Oh, and Lundberg shelf-stable precooked rice is a big favorite. Also, frozen tortellini, pre-chopped broccoli, bagged salad, microwave green beans…Anna:Yes! And single-serve hummus, little egg bites from Costco or Trader Joe's, and toaster oven snacks like pizza bites. Cereal too—convenience foods aren't just dinner-specific!Elizabeth:Exactly. It's okay—actually, it's necessary—to use convenience foods. Life is full. Cooking from scratch every night just isn't realistic for most people.Anna:Yes! And we'd love to hear from listeners—what are your favorite convenience foods? Email us or leave a comment on this Substack post.Elizabeth:Yes, please share! I also wanted to mention our No Recipe Required e-book that's on our website. Can you tell everyone how that came to be and how it ties into pantry stocking?Anna:Sure! We wanted to offer more than just a list—we created a book that walks people through our absolute easiest meals. You don't need a recipe—just simple instructions.It's a reminder that not everything has to be made from scratch. We're bombarded with messages telling us we should be baking our own crackers and growing our own veggies. And hey, if I had space, I'd totally have chickens! But that's not realistic for everyone.So this book offers real-life meal ideas—simple, doable, low-pressure.Elizabeth:And the meals in it are mostly things you can make with a well-stocked pantry. Think: spaghetti and meatballs with broccoli. Pasta, jarred sauce, frozen meatballs, and a veggie—done.It doesn't have to be a gourmet salad. It can be sliced cucumbers in a bowl.We want to model for our kids the kind of cooking they can do when they're on their own.Anna:Yes! Okay, I'm putting you on the spot again. Let's say someone just listened to this episode and they have five minutes. What's one thing they can do today to support their pantry?Elizabeth:If they've made their go-to meals list, they could write down the ingredients needed for each one. Or simply peek in their pantry and see what they're out of.Anna:Yes, and sometimes the idea of shopping for a whole week feels overwhelming. You can just grab a few things. You don't need a full grocery trip—just get what you need to feel more supported today.Elizabeth:Totally. It takes some experimenting, but finding a system that works for you is the goal.Anna:Exactly. We hope you're leaving today with one small idea that feels helpful!Elizabeth:Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in a couple of weeks. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit snutrition.substack.com

More life truths and my fitness routine at JoeDrummerBoy.com ✨#life #truths #healthy #wellness #relationships #selfcare #advice #psychology #mentalhealth #joedrummerboy

In this episode, Andy Castle explores the vital difference between helping young people know about Jesus and guiding them to know Him personally. Drawing from Romans 8 and his own experience (including a surprising comparison to Paul McCartney!), Andy challenges youth leaders to move beyond teaching facts and towards creating space for real encounters with the living God. Packed with encouragement and practical suggestions for prayer and worship in youth settings, this is a call to help young people walk in freedom with God.'The Heart of a Youth Leader' is a weekly series, aimed at all those who work with children and young people in a church context.  Each episode is presented by Andy Castle, CEO & Founder of Thrive Youth Ministries.You can also watch this episode on YouTube.Find out more at www.thriveym.org.uk

In Episode 66 of The Steak Lad Experience, I sat down with one of the all time great blokes, Jack Hanley. Personally we go back a long way to the junior football days and connected recently through social media, so when the opportunity for a conversation arose it was an easy decision to make! During the podcast we touched on his formative years, a number of eye opening stories in relation to his mental health struggles, the acknowledgement of a recent relapse as well as how it impacted him, the power that comes from pursuing your passion, why you should always reach out to those around you when struggling and much much more. This conversation was challenging at times given that he has been through a lot and the topics we addressed highlighted a number of these in detail. Despite this, it was clear that he is a man on a mission to make a positive impact and for that I have nothing but respect. Jack Hanley -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Darcy Tobin (The Steak Lad) - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ &⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch This Ep on YouTube -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube/Hanley⁠Email - darcy@thesteaklad.comWebsite - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thesteaklad.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use the discount code “PODCAST” for 10% off my Beef Tallow via⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ thesteaklad.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TEXT: LD 19 Through the Holy Spirit we may know God personally 1. He fills us with joy 2. He fills us with zeal

According to The Times, employees now face an average of nine organizational changes per year, up from two before 2020, leading to increased change fatigue. So, how can you lead a change management strategy to help reps effectively navigate these changes?Shawnna Sumaoang: Hi, and welcome to the Win-Win podcast. I’m your host, Shawnna Sumaoang. Join us as we dive into changing trends in the workplace and how to navigate them successfully. Here to discuss this topic is Sobia Younus, the senior manager of sales learning and enablement at ApplyBoard. Thank you for joining us, Sobia. I’d love for you to tell us about yourself, your background, and your role. Sobia Younus: Sure. I really appreciate this opportunity. So I’m leading the sales learning and enablement team at ApplyBoard, a leading ed-tech platform that’s reshaping how international students access global education. So I lead a global sales enablement framework that focuses on performance process and people and my role. Spans everything from onboarding and ever boarding to performance improvement initiatives that firsthand impact the revenue. But to rewind a bit, my journey has never been linear, and I believe that’s been my strength. So while I’ve always been rooted in international education, my niche has always been B2B and B2C sales, and that helped me build a strong understanding of client behavior, market trends, and grow through meaningful engagements. I have been with ApplyBoard for almost six years. I initially joined the CX team, which gave me insight into the student journey and operations side of how applications are being processed. From there, I transitioned into the sales role where I gained the firsthand experience of navigating the field. Finally in 2021, I moved into sales enablement, and that’s where everything came together. It blended my passion for education, my CX foundation, and my love for sales performance into one purpose driven role. I think today I focus more on building scalable strategic enablement programs that build and drive revenue, empower people, and connect the dots between learning, growth and results. Personally, to me, and I really wanna share that, I believe that for me, enablement is where storytelling meets the strategy. That’s what make it so exciting, and what excites me the most about my work today is the blend of strategy and human behavior. Most importantly, understanding how people learn, they stay motivated, and how the right tool and messaging can turn a sales team into a high performing empowered force. That’s why I’m so excited to be here today because platforms like Highspot make a real difference. SS: Amazing. Well, we’re excited to have you here, and given your extensive experience in education management, I’d love to learn from you what are some of the unique challenges that reps in the industry face, and how can enablement help them navigate these challenges? SY: So that’s a very important subject. So one of the most unique aspects of international education industry is how deeply it influenced by external elements like immigration reforms, global mobility trends, and even geopolitical shifts. So unlike other industries where salespeople can rely on relatively stable products or markets, education is often at the mercy of forces beyond control. And as a result, salespeople in this space aren’t just selling a service. They’re actually navigating constant change, managing expectations, and often having to realign their strategy in real time. And a great example is what recently we saw last year, the government introduced caps on your international student permits and tightened eligibility for post-graduation work. Permits. So these changes had an immediate impact on student demand, also program selection and school preferences. So practically overnight, our sales rep has to understand the implications, shift focus away from programs that no longer align with student goals and reposition alternatives that still offered strong appeal to students. This is where enablement became mission critical. And an apply board. We don’t just see enablement as a static function. It is a real time strategic engine that basically supports business agility. So within days of those updates, our team not only delivered the sessions, so we created and rolled out sales plays and updated talk tracks and Highspot. We designed objection handling strategies on Highspot to help our. Salespeople reposition options with clarity and assurance. So in short, we didn’t just inform, we equipped, so that is important. Our goal was to turn uncertainty into clarity so that salespeople could keep on building trust and drive impact through their communication. And I believe that enablement also reinforces a culture of agility. So in industries like ours, change is inevitable. But when enablement is done right. It actually becomes a competitive advantage. SS: Amazing. And I know that at ApplyBoard, you actually switched off a previous enablement platform and moved to Highspot. What motivated you to reevaluate and change your enablement tech stack? SY: So when we initially built our enablement infrastructure at Apply board. Our primary focus was on structured learning. So naturally our, you know, tech stack leaned towards a traditional LMS. It served its objective at that time, like building, onboarding courses and track completion. But as our sales organization matured. So did the scope of our needs. So we realized that enablement couldn’t just live in siloed training modules. It had to be integrated into the daily flow of work. And our sales team needed not just learning, but relevant and up to date resources and real time support to navigate, you know, fast-paced industry changes. So in short, we needed more than an LMS. We needed a true enablement platform that could function as a CMS, a single source of truth, and I would love to call Highspot a strategic one-stop shop. So that’s what motivated our ship to Highspot. We wanted a one-stop solution where onboarding and ever boarding training and sales plays and competitive insights all could live together. A platform that doesn’t just share knowledge, but it gives. To our salespeople when they need it in a way that fits how they work. So it was a mindset shift from how do we train people to how we enable performance? And Highspot gave us the ash to just do that. SS: Change management is absolutely crucial, especially during major product or policy updates. What are some of the common pitfalls that organizations can face during change and how can they avoid them? SY: It’s a very crucial issue, and it is often underestimated and not because organizations don’t recognize its importance, but because they assume communication alone is enough. One of the most typical pitfalls is treating change as an announcement rather than a proper process. So when major product updates or you know, changes happen, especially in the industry like international education where external shifts can be sudden and high stake, simply informing teams isn’t enough. You need to enable them. So, and other pitfall that I wanna mention over here is failing to connect the why behind the change. So, if sales reps or CX teams don’t understand how an update or change a product shift ties back to their goals or the client’s goals. It usually creates resistance. Or worse disengagement. So change without clarity leads to confusion. And I always believe that change without a proper plan leads to chaos. So one more typical misstep that I wanna mention over here is not planning for reinforcement. So even when the rollout goes smoothly, but without a continuous enablement, like quick one pages or talk tracks, or life scenarios and sales place, trust me, all behavior will return. People default to what they know when things get tough, you know? But at ApplyBoard, we’ve learned this through the hard way, that effective change management start with empathy and end spend with enablement. So we ensure teams understand the work, the why, and how of every change, and we don’t stop at emails. We provide field ready tools, align managers as change champions, and use platforms like Highspot to make resources easily accessible and track the engagement, which is very important. So we all know that change is inevitable, but chaos is optional and you can do wonders if you treat enablement as a bridge between strategy and execution. SS: In your opinion, what is the strategic advantage of an enablement platform when navigating change? SY: So, in my opinion, the strategic advantage of an enablement platform during especially the time of change, is simple. It turns information into action at scale and in real time. So change, especially in the fast moving industries like international education. Often creates a gap between what the business knows and what the field needs. So product evolves, policies, they change and market fluctuates. But if your sales teams can’t access the right information at the right moment, trust me, execution suffers. So this is where an enablement platform becomes mission critical. It just centralizes the word, the why and how of change into one cohesive experience. So instead of scattered emails, you know, outdated decks or reactive training sessions, you get a single source of truth, which is updated, which is searchable, relevant, and embedded in the daily workflow. I’m so glad to say that at Highspot has given us the ability to roll out updates with precision and speed, and when major changes hit, you know, like the recent PGWP reforms, we can respond with focus sales plays, updated talk tracks, training modules, and enablement briefs in one place. We are not just informing the salespeople, we are empowering them to act immediately with clarity, with the right message. So that’s the advantage of a strong enablement platform like Highspot, that it turns change into action. It aligns teams to keep a clear narrative, gives clear visibility into what’s working, also helping you execute with assurance and stay ahead. SS: And I know Plays have been a key lever in helping your reps navigate change, such as, you know, with a recent government policy update that impacted your go-to-market strategy, how did you leverage plays to support this initiative and, and ensure global team alignment? SY: So to be very honest, Sales Plays have become one of our most powerful tools for driving clarity during moments of change. A great example, as you said, and I mentioned earlier as well, the IRCC updates last year, that significantly impacted which programs and institutions were feasible for students creating a sudden shift in our go-to market approach as well. So we knew that without quick and organized actions, this could lead to inconsistent messaging, confusion in the field and you know, lost trust with our clients as well. So we leaned heavily on sales plays and Highspot to bring structure to the chaos. So first we worked cross-functionally with the product team CX and the market expert to streamline these changes into actionable insights. So we took it this way, so we help them understand what it meant. What was changing and how it impacted our clients and the students. Then we created some tailored sales place that included updated talk tracks to help salespeople position alternatives with with clarity and empathy and segmented school lists like highlighted eligible and ineligible programs, suggested outreach. Templates and objection handling approach. Also, we did some live enablement sessions to walk them through our strategy and create some space for q and a as well. But most importantly, next steps for the salespeople. And because the sales play lived in Highspot, we could monitor. The engagement, the usage, and the adoption globally. So this gave us clear visibility into where reinforcement was needed and allowed the regional leaders to support their teams more effectively. And honestly, in moments like these sales plays are a vehicle for alignment, clarity, and assurance. They help us go from reactive to proactive insurance. Our teams aren’t just informed, but they’re ready. SS: That’s impressive. And you also implemented a Learning Tuesday initiative to drive engagement, which has helped you achieve a remarkable 91% recurring usage in Highspot. Could you share more about this practice and, and how you’re driving adoption of the platform amongst your reps? SY: So one of the most important lessons that I have learned in my enablement journey is this. If you want to build a culture of learning, don’t push your salespeople, walk in their shoes. So understand their reality, their pressures, and how they spend their day and apply aboard are salespeople are constantly engaging with clients, pitching multiple destinations, helping clients navigate multiple schools and programs. So for them to be effective, clarity is everything. And it comes from knowing your product, your destination, your message by heart. And that insight shaped our approach to drive Highspot adoption as well. So instead of just treating enablement as a checklist, we focus on making learning relevant, timely, and useful. So that’s where Learning Tuesday was born. It’s a recurring initiative, you know, to share short, impactful learning that fits easily into the flow of the week. So each Tuesday we choose a specific focus area of our sales team, whether it’s like a destination or a school or a program or any product update and build a supporting asset and a quick quiz in Highspot to provide timely, practical resource that aligned with what salespeople are actively navigating in the field. So the goal was simple. Like make learning part of their workflow, not an interruption to it, you know? And it’s very important to understand. And because we use Highspot to highlight success stories across the teams. So this approach helped us reach a 91% recurring usage rate and Highspot, because salespeople weren’t being told to learn. They chose to learn and it was because the assets and focus areas were so relevant, timely, and help them, uh, do their jobs. And I believe that and its score that enablement isn’t just about sharing information. It is about supporting people by giving them the right tools and add the right time and helping them see the difference it makes SS: Again, impressive. And as a results driven leader, what are some of the key metrics that you track to effectively drive change initiatives? SY: That’s a great point. And you know, one that really reflects how enablement has evolved as a function, especially in ApplyBoard, so early in our en enablement journey. Like many other teams, we are primarily focused on the surface level metrics, like number of views and number of assets viewed, and or how often an asset was viewed. But we quickly realized those numbers can be misleading. For instance, if two people viewed three assets a hundred times, the view count may look impressive, but it doesn’t tell you anything about who’s engaging, how many people are engaging or whether it is actually driving behavioral change. So we took a step back and asked ourselves that, what does meaningful engagement look like? What actually signals that our enablement efforts are influencing performance. So that led us to create a more focused Highspot performance, you know, engagement framework, one that actually prioritizes impact over bulk. So we started tracking. Metrics that showed the full picture of how salespeople were using and applying enablement in their work. I will share some examples, like number of unique people viewing the assets, not just the total views, monthly and weekly hours spent on Highspot, both overall and segmented by the projects. Also, the completion rates of assessments and the onboarding courses. Especially tied to the onboarding milestones and also initiatives like Learning Tuesdays. Also, engagement with the sales players and the field tools, especially during the moments of change. And when I say engagement, I mean time spent on these assets and how many people viewed the assets, and most importantly, a correlation. Between Highspot engagement and sales OKRs, like win rates or ramp-up time. So this shift actually helped us move from reactive reporting to proactive decision making. So instead of just knowing what’s being clicked or now we understand what’s actually being used. What is actually being retained and you know, what is actually impacting their performance. So it has helped us improve our, you know, Highspot approach by removing the low performing resources and focusing more on what actually helps our salespeople in the field. And I believe that an enablement metrics shouldn’t just measure activity. They should measure momentum. And when you focus on the right ones, they become a powerful lever for driving lasting change. SS: Amazing. Well, Sobia, I’m hoping you can share with me. Since implementing Highspot, what business results have you achieved and do you have any wins you can share? SY: So many. I can gladly say that. So many wins since we started using Highspot. So many wins. So we have seen some clear improvements in key sales. Performance metrics that support our business goals. While many things can influence results like market changes or team growth, but enablement has played a very important role in keeping that progress going. Like I said earlier in international education and ed tech sector, things move fast. We are always dealing with changes, immigration updates, and new information, and at the same time, we are growing quickly and bringing in people from all sorts of industries. So some with sales experience, but little international education experience and knowledge and others with the opposite. So enablement helps bridge that gap early on. This mix actually led to longer ramp up times, like longer than typically 50 to 60 days. As a new hire, they were learning about both the product and the education sector. So you know, it was taking a lot of time for them to learn all of that. But by building a structure. Role specific onboarding program within Highspot. We changed the game, our onboarding program. Now delivers destination training, platform fluency, and process enablement all in one centralized, searchable space, high sport. So as a reserve, we’ve successfully brought ramp up time just under 30 days on average. So the acceleration has had a clear impact on early client engagement and revenue readiness. Highspot just didn’t, you know, help us organize the asset. It helped us succeed. Successfully execute onboarding, scale their learning across borders, and you know, prepare salespeople to thrive in one of the most dynamic industries out there. Also, I can say this with assurance that enablement helped translate change into action, and Highspot was the strategic engine that allowed us to do that with speeds, scale and clarity. SS: Last question. If you could share one crucial lesson learned from your experience supporting teens through change, what would it be? SY: So, one very crucial and important lesson that I’ve learned is that successful change isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating alignment, trust, and momentum. So I’ve seen that teams respond best when they understand the why. Feel heard in the how. Can see themselves in the what’s next? So change sticks when it’s not just implemented, but truly internalized. And you know, that’s where sales enablement plays a crucial role by equipping teams with the right messaging, timely training, and actionable resources to navigate change with clarity and assurance and platform like Highspot make that happen successfully at scale. SS: Sobia, again, thank you so much for joining us. I really appreciate your insights. SY: I really appreciate that you having me here. It’s a pleasure and I truly enjoyed sharing, you know, all of the experience and learning. SS: To our audience, thank you for listening to this episode of the Win-Win podcast. Be sure to tune in next time for more insights on how you can maximize enablement success with Highspot.

In this episode of Personally Speaking Msgr. Jim Lisante is joined by New York Times Best-Selling author Robert Edsel. Robert's latest book is titled, “Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom and a Forever Promise Forged in World War II.” It introduces us to a major element of the war until now untold: The Dutch grave adoption program that for 80 years has paired a local citizen with each one of the 10,000 Americans buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery. Robert speaks about this story of freedom, gratitude and grace.Support the show

Laura Kendrick and Cort Sharp hijack the mic to share what it’s really like behind the scenes at Mountain Goat. From Zoom bloopers to unexpected team bonding, they unpack how a fully remote team built a thriving, human-centered workplace. Overview In this special takeover episode, Laura Kendrick and Cort Sharp pull back the curtain on what goes into running hundreds of Scrum and Product Owner classes virtually—and why Mountain Goat's remote team still feels so close-knit. With stories of early tech headaches, Slack banter, hilarious costume moments, and the quiet rituals that keep the team connected, they explore how remote work can actually foster strong relationships and top-tier collaboration. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a distributed team work (or just want a peek at some Zoom-era growing pains), this one’s for you. References and resources mentioned in the show: Laura Kendrick Cort Sharp #61: The Complex Factors in The Office Vs. Remote Debate with Scott Dunn #147: The Power of Quiet Influence with Casey Sinnema Run a Daily Scrum Your Team Will Love Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Join the Agile Mentors Community Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Cort Sharp is the Scrum Master of the producing team and the Agile Mentors Community Manager. In addition to his love for Agile, Cort is also a serious swimmer and has been coaching swimmers for five years. Laura Kendrick is the producer of the Agile Mentors Podcast and a seasoned Scrum Master who keeps virtual classes running smoothly. Outside the podcast, she helps clients apply Scrum techniques to their marketing and business strategy, bringing structure and momentum to big, creative ideas. Auto-generated Transcript: Laura Kendrick (00:00) Welcome in Agile Mentors. As you may have noticed, I am not Brian Milner. I am Laura Kendrick, and this is Cort Sharp. And if you have taken a class with us at Mountain Goat in the last five years, there is a good chance that you have met one or actually both of us. Cort Sharp (00:19) I think it's like 90 % chance, 95 % honestly. We've been in so many of these classes. Laura Kendrick (00:26) Definitely, and oftentimes together too with one of us TAing, one of us producing, sometimes one of us teaching court. Cort Sharp (00:33) once in a while, once in a while. Yeah. Laura Kendrick (00:37) So we thought we would come on over here and hijack the podcast to share a little bit about some of the insights that we have gained from doing about a billion, maybe a little exaggeration. Cort Sharp (00:49) Roughly. Roughly. We've done roughly a billion classes with Mountain Goat. Yes. Laura Kendrick (00:56) We have seen a lot in the certifying of Scrum Masters and product owners and advanced product owners and Scrum Masters and all of the evolution of the classes that we have done. We actually hold quite a bit of insight into what is happening in this world. And so we thought we would come in, steal the podcast, and share a little bit of what we have seen, learned, observed, and really just kind of Honestly, some of the laughs and fun that we've had along the way. Cort Sharp (01:25) Also, I think, I don't know, just your intro right there is talking about, hey, we've seen the evolution of these classes. That just got my brain going of like, remember the first class that we did? Way like 2020. I mean, I was in my parents' basement with really terrible internet. It was a struggle. Laura Kendrick (01:40) Yeah. Cort Sharp (01:49) But we were working on like Miro boards or mural. One of the two, forget which, which tool it was, but that was, yeah, that was before team home. And then we got to see the first version of team home. We helped do a little testing with it. And then we've seen it grow all the way into this awesome tool that we have nowadays. And I don't know, just, just to me, I think it's cool to see how we've been iterating and be part of that process of the iteration process, um, to develop these classes and these courses into. Laura Kendrick (01:52) Mm-hmm. Mural. Yep. Mm-hmm. Cort Sharp (02:20) the truly awesomeness that they are today. Personally, I'd rather take a virtual class than an in-person class with Mountain Goat at this point. Laura Kendrick (02:27) It's funny that you say that because I notice actually the iteration of the experience like outside of the tech piece because you know, that's where my brain goes. Here's the difference between court and I. I'm noticing the interactions. But I've noticed, mean how people are interacting a little bit differently in the online space, how even our team interacts, like all of those things has become so much more sophisticated and amazing and Cort Sharp (02:39) Yeah, just a bit. Laura Kendrick (02:54) I mean, honestly, we sometimes talk on our team between like the producing and TA team where like I've referred to it as a perfect game if we don't need anything from the outside team, which occasionally we need a lot of support from the outside team, but we've we've got this down at this point. And it is it's become those first classes. I remember them being super stressful, like, my gosh, the breakout rooms and all the things and just being like, I mean, you couldn't do. Cort Sharp (03:17) Yes. Laura Kendrick (03:21) It was almost like learning how to drive where you felt like if you turned the radio knob up, you might actually turn the whole car. And it was like, so much anxiety. Cort Sharp (03:31) I mean, but we just didn't know Zoom then. Zoom didn't even know itself then, right? What Zoom is, ⁓ for those of you who don't know, we host all of our virtual classes on Zoom. And learning that platform, like I'd used it once maybe for some just, yeah, here's Zoom exists in one of my college classes. That was about it. But yeah, totally. was like, man, what does this button do? Hopefully it doesn't end the meeting and kick everyone out. Laura Kendrick (03:34) Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's so true. Yeah, no kidding. But you know what's really interesting too, though, is that it's been over five years now for both of us being part of the Mountain Goat team. And we all work remotely. And other than you and Mike for a little while being right down the road from each other, none of us had any actual interpersonal interaction with each other outside of Zoom email and Slack and the occasional, know, fretted text message of like, are you late? Where are you? Cort Sharp (03:58) Absolutely, yeah, totally. Yeah. Laura Kendrick (04:26) But other than that it like we truly were of and still are a fully remote team and the crazy thing about it is we have at this point once gotten together as a full team in person and it was such an interesting experience being having been fully remote and then being in person and in particular the team that is live on the classes Cort Sharp (04:39) Yep. Yep. Laura Kendrick (04:51) It was a very different interaction because we have this time built into our classes where the team gets on the Zoom call 30 minutes earlier than the students do. And we get this time to just honestly have like water cooler chat and like friend chat or occasionally see Mike get on and you can't hear him, but you can see that he is quite angry at his very elaborate tech system that is not working correctly. Cort Sharp (05:14) you That does happen. Yes, it does. ⁓ Laura Kendrick (05:21) these moments, I feel like they really bonded us together. Because when we got together in person, it was old friends. wasn't even fast friends. It was old friends. And the banter even that goes on in Slack is fun and engaging and not rigid and confining. Cort Sharp (05:31) Yeah. Yes, absolutely. I agree with that. I mean, I'm just thinking back to like the first time because that was the first time I met you in person. aside from being like, wow, she's a lot shorter than I thought she would be. Laura Kendrick (05:47) Mm-hmm. shorter. By the way, court is like 6-4. Cort Sharp (05:55) Yeah, yeah. Not that you're short. But I've just always ever seen like, the profile like the profile picture. That's all that it's really ever been. So I'm like, yeah, you're like, what I would consider normal height, which you totally are. But in my mind, I was like, yeah, it's weird seeing, you know, your legs. That's funny. ⁓ Laura Kendrick (06:14) We digress. Cort Sharp (06:15) But aside from that, was like we've known each other for three, four, four years because we've had that time to get to know each other. We've had that time to talk about just life events, what's going on, where we live, what's happening, what the deal is going on with life. Because we've been very intentional about having that time with that. The 30 minutes before each class were originally very much so used to take care of any tech problems. As the years have gone by, we've for the most part figured out the tech problems. Sometimes, you know, we'll change something out. Laura Kendrick (06:48) Except, hold on, except last week in Lance's class, we were talking about his dog and suddenly it looked as though Lance in his entire room did a cartwheel because the camera just fell. This is not a small camera. Cort Sharp (07:02) It said, nope, I'm out. ⁓ man. Laura Kendrick (07:06) So we still occasionally have the tech problem. Cort Sharp (07:09) Yes we do, yes we do. That's why we still do the 30 vimits. Laura Kendrick (07:14) The crazy thing about that is that when we landed at this in-person meeting, there were members of the team that at that time, and I in particular had never had any interaction with. so like other than the odd email or Slack message, so it was like really knew their name, but didn't really work with them up until that moment. And it was really interesting because at one point, the way that the leadership team had mentioned of like, well, if you need somebody to step in and talk to Mike for you, if you're not comfortable. And I remember looking at court and being like, Mike's the one I'm most comfortable with in this room because of that 30 minutes. I feel like I know Mike. I feel like we have an actual interpersonal relationship where I have no problem speaking up and saying the things that I need to. And that has made like those little water cooler times, those little Cort Sharp (07:54) Yeah. Laura Kendrick (08:06) bantery questions, them asking about my kids or hobbies or whatever. And just knowing those things made a huge difference in our team functioning. The communication across time zones was so much better and easier and safer. Cort Sharp (08:24) Absolutely. We were talking a little bit before we were recording about just people who want pure in-person no matter what. I think at this point, I will always push back on that and say, you might not get that quote unquote collaboration time that's naturally built in, but if you're intentional about it and you provide the space and provide the resources, Laura Kendrick (08:32) Hmm. Cort Sharp (08:50) And also, kind of push people along, have some, I don't know, working agreements or something of, hey, our cameras are on whenever we're talking with each other, unless something like drastic is going on or something's happening, right? Which I think we're going to get into in a little bit, but it's massive. It's crazy. Laura Kendrick (09:03) That's huge. Yeah, I mean, it is. I think we can definitely speak to that in our own experience because we've had, of course, there are moments where people don't have cameras. There are moments where people have bad connections and we'll encourage them in class, like turn off your camera, save your bandwidth. But there are also moments where we are doing private classes for companies. In particular, we've done some with companies that work with like Department of Defense. So there's like real security. issues there and so they don't turn their cameras on. Their cameras are totally disabled on their computers. And it is, I have to say those classes are some of the most like energy draining classes I'm ever present in because I'll be there with the trainer and I feel like I have to give all this emotional feedback because when you are talking to a black screen, that's, it's really hard to just. Cort Sharp (09:47) Hmm. Laura Kendrick (09:58) survive that because you're not getting any feedback from anyone. So you don't know what's happening and you're constantly questioning and the kind of banter in your own mind is like, God, is it landing? Is it not? And you're just not getting any of that physical feedback. So I feel like when I'm on a class with a trainer like that, I feel like I have to be like, that's funny. I'm like, yeah, good point. Cort Sharp (10:19) Yeah, you're kidding. Laura Kendrick (10:21) I'm tired Cort Sharp (10:22) You No, I get that. And I've had some pretty similar experiences too. I might not be as in tune with the emotional side as stated earlier. So I might not help the trainers out nearly as much as I probably should. But I do think cameras on just can make all the difference. And again, situations where it's just not possible. Absolutely understand that. One of our trainers, Lance, he Laura Kendrick (10:39) Mm-hmm. Cort Sharp (10:47) He always likes to throw out the phrase, look, let's approach everything with grace, patience, and mercy. So I like, which I really appreciate, and I like that he throws that out there. But I think that's a good thing to keep in mind of like, know, even though you have the company policy, you have the working agreement, whatever it is that says, look, camera's on all the time, sometimes it's just not possible. Sometimes it just doesn't happen. I recently had to figure out internet in the middle of nowhere, because that's where I live now. Laura Kendrick (10:52) Mm. No. Cort Sharp (11:15) And I was worried for a while that I wouldn't be able to put my camera on. But, you know, if if they came down to that, I know that it would be, hey, you know, it's a it's a unique situation. It's something different. And we're going to do we're going to work the best that we can with it and try to figure out maybe you can turn your camera on for any time you're talking or just any time you have something to say or, you know, if you're agreeing with something, you could briefly turn your camera on to show like, yeah, I'm nodding. I'm agreeing. I'm doing whatever. Right. But Laura Kendrick (11:45) Honestly, I think recently I had a very busy day and we communicate in back channels, of course through email, but also we use Slack as a team. And so I sent a direct message to court about something and I just like, I sent it in a voice? No. And court's response was, didn't know you could do that in Slack. But in those moments, I think there are other ways of doing it too, where you can bring the humanity out, where it's not just words. Cort Sharp (12:01) Yeah. Laura Kendrick (12:09) So often I'm actually thinking about there was one time that you and I were talking about something and I misread it as like, I like kicked something, like some hornet's nest in there. Like you were upset with me, but you were like, no, that was not my intention. And it's an amazing thing that that's only happened once in five years. There was that subtle nuanced miscommunication of I thought I had offended in some way and I hadn't. Cort Sharp (12:18) So. Yeah. Laura Kendrick (12:34) Just keeping that in mind though, in written word, tone is interpreted because probably what happened is I like offended my kid or my partner and was bringing that into the conversation with court. And it had nothing to do with what was actually happening, but adding in those personal things of your face, your voice, those things really do help move that human connection, which enables the teamwork that we've seen at Mountain Go. Cort Sharp (12:42) Yep. Yep. Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (13:00) I mean, it's amazing the way this team functions and it is not perfect. There are definitely communications missteps. There are definitely like, oops, forgot to leave that piece out of the information packet. It happens. It happens to everybody, but we're able to recover really quickly or even it's a safe enough space to be able to speak up and say, I think I got left out on this. And it's responded to in a really gracious and amazing way. Cort Sharp (13:26) It absolutely is. I mean, Mountain Goat's been remote for longer than the COVID stuff, the pandemic stuff happened. Laura Kendrick (13:33) Yeah. Well, Lisa's been with them for what, 10 years? I think it was nearly 10 years when we started, maybe 15. And Hunter's around the same. So yeah, they've been spread for a long time. Cort Sharp (13:42) Something like that, Uh-huh. ⁓ I know that they had an office space and that office space changed just in case people wanted to like come in, come to the office. I think at one point, one of them was in Colorado, which is kind of funny because several people live on the West coast. And then it's like, okay, yeah, come on, come on, swing by the... Colorado office on just a random Tuesday. Yeah, fly in, have fun. I don't know. Yeah, why not? I don't know what the deal was or what it was like, but they've been fully remote. And I think with the kind of runway that they've had leading up until the time where everyone had to be fully remote has really benefited Mountain Go in a lot of ways, because a lot of those early, like, how do we work remote? How do we do this? Laura Kendrick (14:09) I'd do that. Yeah, let's do it. Cort Sharp (14:31) kind of was ironed out, but back to your, your point to just like, it's, it's incredible how much support there is. It's incredible how much, how well communication again, it's not perfect, but how well we're able to communicate with each other and how well we're able to just say, yeah, let's, let's hop on a call real quick or here. I think most of us have like personal phone numbers. We, we use that as a very much so last resort type deal. Laura Kendrick (14:57) Yeah. Cort Sharp (14:59) But even then, it's nice to just have those open lines of communication and know that those are always available, but also know that people are kind of in our corner all the time too. And I think you have a pretty good story about this one. Something happened in a class a few years ago. Laura Kendrick (15:09) Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. It was early on we had, it was a non-Mike class. So it was one of the other instructors and there was a student who was just challenging. And in the end, it didn't go well in the moment, to put it, just to kind of like not go into grave detail about it. But Mike wasn't there, right? And so The thing that was interesting though is the first piece of communication that came from Mike, which was before that class even broke, right? Because it was one of those things of like, we have to share. As a team, we can't hide it. We have to share that something happened in class that was less than ideal. And so we did. And the immediate response from Mike was in support of the team. And later on, he did go and review the tape of the, because the classes are recorded, not for this purpose. They're recorded actually so that the students get a recording of the class afterwards and can return to what, you know, all the things that they learned because it's a lot to take in in two days. But in this one instance, it was beneficial in this way because Mike could actually see rather than taking people's words, what happened. And I think the important thing is not even what happened after, but what happened in the moment. that he instantaneously was like, I've got you. Like no matter how this goes, we're a team and I'm gonna support you as well. And that was actually, that was pretty early on for me. And it was in a moment where I didn't know Mike that well yet. And it was actually this very solidifying moment for me that was like, I'm in the right place. Like I am part of this team, not just a minion or an employee. Like they care about all of us. Cort Sharp (16:48) Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (16:56) and we're in this together, even if it turns out that we're in some form of trouble, it's still going to be thoughtfully managed and handled rather than just the kind of lashing out that can happen in so many environments. Cort Sharp (17:12) Right. And, and that experience, cause I think we were all included on that email. Like I, I wasn't in the class when it happened, but I do remember getting that email and it just was a clear communication from kind of head honcho Mike, right? A top dog saying, yeah, no, we, we got your back. on, we're on the same team. We're all working towards the same goal. And when I, when I read the email, I was like, wow, that was an eventful class. but. Laura Kendrick (17:26) Mm-hmm. us. Cort Sharp (17:38) My second thought, my second thought was, huh, this very similar to what you were saying of like, wow, this is a great place to be. This is a great company to work for. These are great people to be working with and alongside. ⁓ but also like, I know so many people whose managers, whose higher ups would say, Nope, you're in the wrong. You should have done better. Your toast, blah, blah, blah, blah. Like putting all the blame on you. Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. Laura Kendrick (17:52) Mm-hmm. Yeah. The knee jerk. Yeah. Yeah. Cort Sharp (18:07) And it just, makes me think all the time of like one really blessed, like very fortunate to be here, very fortunate to work with mountain goat. but also people don't quit jobs. They quit managers. They quit leadership more often than not. And, not that I'm talking about quitting mountain goat, but, neither, neither of us are throwing that out there right now, but just like, Laura Kendrick (18:20) Mmm. Yeah. No, but interestingly in five years, I've not seen anybody quit. I mean, we've had people kind of go down separate paths, but nobody has been throwing their hands up and been like, I'm done. I can't be in this. There have been people who have taken other opportunities that they needed to take for their own businesses. But yeah, nobody's quit. In five years, no one has quit, which speaks volumes to the culture that is created in an environment where Cort Sharp (18:37) Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (18:57) And I also want to be clear that that response from Mike also, it wasn't disparaging to the other party either. It was simply a, like, it just let us know that I see you and this, you were in a hard moment in the moment and you had to react like a human being and you as a team, I've got your back and this is, you know, great. And to be fair to that was like in the heat of COVID. Cort Sharp (19:24) Yes, yeah It was yeah Laura Kendrick (19:27) good times. But there's also been a lot of fun that's happened in class too, which is, I think that makes a big difference. Like where we are, I don't want to say allowed because I don't think that's right, but like part of the culture is to have fun. Like Mike is a pretty funny guy. Brian's a pretty funny guy. Like honestly, the whole team is quite humorous and it's, we're allowed to like make these really fun things and Cort Sharp (19:48) Yes. Laura Kendrick (19:52) in response to like when we see them in class, like, we foster those two and it becomes this really fun working environment, not only for us, for our students. You brought up one that I had totally forgotten about with the costume. That was good. Cort Sharp (20:06) ⁓ yeah, I, I, yeah, I'll, I'll get into the costume thing, but I think the word you're looking for instead of allowed is enabled. Like we're, we're enabled to have fun. We're encouraged. Absolutely. Yeah. A hundred percent. If you ever hung out with Mike or, or taking a class with him, you've probably heard some funny stories. Laura Kendrick (20:13) Yeah, Encouraged, in fact. And my gosh, the one class too where Mike was asked how long they'd have access to like the videos and stuff. my gosh, Mike ended the class and it was a super engaged Chipper class. Everyone was laughing and Mike brought it down. Cause he did his usual thing where he talked about, what does he say? You have access as long as the internet exists and I'm alive. And then he went into great detail. great detailed speculation about what will happen once he's not alive. It went on for like five minutes. Cort Sharp (20:58) Yeah, where where he's like, yeah, you know, my kids will probably be like, what's this? What's this old website that dad's still hosting? Guess we'll we'll close that up 10 years down the line or whatever. Laura Kendrick (21:09) Dumbfounded. It was so good. But anyhow. Cort Sharp (21:13) man. But there was, I don't even remember why this happened in the class. don't think it was around like Halloween time or something. think the person, actually, I think the person does this to go to like local children's hospitals or local hospitals and just visit. But I get on and I'm normally the PM producer. So I normally hop on in the afternoon. And I took over from Laura and Laura Kendrick (21:22) No, it wasn't. think so. Cort Sharp (21:39) Laura was like, yeah, you know, pretty normal class. This happens, whatever. We're good. And I hop on and people start turning their cameras on. And then all of a sudden there's this dude in a Captain America costume. Like what? He's got the mask. He's got the, the, the uniform. He's got the shield and everything. And I was like, what is happening? What is going on? Come to find out he was telling his story. Laura Kendrick (21:50) Like full on math. Cort Sharp (22:04) Yeah, I do this. This is cool. And Mike was like, that'd be awesome to see. He went out, put it on and took the rest of the classes Captain America. So we have certified Captain America. Laura Kendrick (22:12) Awesome. We've had, there was the guy who was put on like a crazy hat for the first session and then came back for session two with a different crazy hat. And then other people started wearing crazy hats. And by the end of it, like by the final session, almost the entire class was sitting there with some like their kids stuff on their heads. it was. Cort Sharp (22:34) You Laura Kendrick (22:36) But was this one, like it stands out of the billion classes we've done. It stands out in our minds as these really fun moments. I remember the class where it was a private class, so it was for a company or team. And there were, it took me until the very end to, it was early on, so it took me until the very end to get up the gumption. There were five mics in the class. And finally I was like, I'm just gonna put them all in the same room and see if anybody notices. Cort Sharp (22:36) People just... Yes. Didn't they notice like right away, they all came back and they're like, team Mike is back in action or something, right? Laura Kendrick (23:04) I don't think they said anything, but they did. The instructor went into the room and like, yeah, they noticed. Good. My passive aggressive humor worked. Cort Sharp (23:10) Hehehehehe It's fun. It's all good. But it's also like going back to us being able to do this before I figured out kind of my background situation, I would always put up virtual backgrounds and I would just change your background every time and see if people noticed. And it wasn't, it was a lot of Disney. Yes. Laura Kendrick (23:23) Mm-hmm. Disney. That's the thing though. That also, that kind of stuff built a little bit of a relationship as well. like it was, court was always going to have something for Disney. I had one that I would, when I finally found the one I liked, I kept that one for a long time. And Mike would occasionally, when I wasn't in a class, he would send me a screenshot of somebody via email and be like, somebody's in your house with you. Cause they would have the same background. Cort Sharp (23:52) Yeah! Laura Kendrick (23:56) those little tiny things make the relationships and make the team function and make us giggle. So I'd be like out with my kids and see an email and be like, oh no, Mike, what does he need? And then click in and be like, you know, actually more often than not, it would probably be like, am I missing class? See, I'd be like, oh, that's funny. But you know, it builds that relationship. And I think it's why this remote working has worked so well for us. And I'm totally with you where I, when people are Cort Sharp (24:13) You Yeah. Laura Kendrick (24:26) railing against it because of my experience. like, you're crazy. This is great. Cort Sharp (24:31) Exactly. I'm like, how can you not want to just chill out, hang out in your home, chat with some people, get some work done, and like, you're good. Who despises that? Who doesn't like that? don't know. It's, Exactly, yeah. But I do think it does, it comes down to being intentional with it. We were talking about that 30 minutes before that used to be primarily tech troubleshooting. Laura Kendrick (24:47) I know, you get to do things on your own time too. Cort Sharp (25:01) but has since kind of evolved into, okay, so everything, like, I don't know about you, but the vast majority of time, unless a camera's fallen, the vast majority of time, it's, all right, does everything look good? Yeah? Cool. Sure does. Whoever I'm working with, awesome. So, what'd you do this weekend? how was this? ⁓ sorry, sorry that the Avs lost to the Dallas Stars. Yeah, I'm sorry too. Stuff like that, right? Where it's just, Laura Kendrick (25:19) Yeah. It's water cooler talk. Cort Sharp (25:29) It's fun, but we're very intentional with having that time to do that. And I think if you're not intentional in setting up that time, whether if you're working remote hybrid, you're not going to get it. And it's not just going to naturally happen because it is so much more difficult to produce. it's impossible for it to just kind of naturally pop up without taking away from some other intentional time. so I think in, in this this world that we're living in where there is the option to work remotely and there is this really big push to go back in person. I'm saying stick with remote, take your 15, 15 minute daily standup, and turn it into, you know, say, Hey, I'll be on 10, 15 minutes early. If anyone wants to come hang out, come chat. And make it worth it. Make it a valuable time because that is the time to connect and that is the time to say, yeah, cool. How are the kids? How was your weekend? Did you grill up some good hot dogs during this last weekend? What'd you do? Like, what was going on? ⁓ Build up that stuff. Laura Kendrick (26:23) Yeah. We also have Slack channels too, that are like that. Like there's a Slack channel for our team that's just movies, books and TV shows. That people, it'll get active at certain times and it'll be totally dead for a while and nobody's cultivating it. It's simply that somebody will pop in like, I just watched this and it's great. And they've set up also like the automatic bots, cause Mike's a big fan of James Bond. So like if somebody mentions James Bond, the Slack bot will say something quippy and it- Cort Sharp (26:39) Yeah. ⁓ Laura Kendrick (26:58) But it adds that little, like, little bit of humor, little bit of humanness to even though, like, the people that we have time to interact with like that is the team that's in class. So I don't, I mean, it wasn't until we were in person that I met our CTO. He was kind of an enigma, you know? Cort Sharp (27:10) Yeah. Mm-hmm. He was just in the background. Things just magically showed up digitally. Laura Kendrick (27:23) It was in my email and my Slack sometimes, but it creates that thing of like, now I know things about Hunter. Yes, of course it was because we were in person. I heard lots of stories and all that fun stuff. But also I know about like some of his like TV watching stuff. I know occasionally like what his wife likes to watch because sometimes he'll like pepper in something that, she dragged me into this and not my cup of tea. But it's those little bitty things that you start to learn about the people. Cort Sharp (27:39) Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (27:50) that makes them human and gives that space. And I also, think it's important to have it be a little bit of white space. so often we talk about cultivating the conversation and like, can you have icebreakers and get people engaged? And yes, those things are so important, but when it's with a team, you need to do those things, but you also need to create the empty space where maybe you have that daily standup or that... weekly meeting or monthly meeting, whatever that is for your team. And maybe at the end of it, it's just leaving the call going and allowing people to just talk. I mean, we did that as a producer team that we would have a meeting as producers that would be very structured and then kind of the official meeting would end. And there would be times where as a team we'd be on that Zoom. I'm like, thank goodness nobody needs this channel. Cause like we'd be in there for like two and a half hours. Cort Sharp (28:26) Yeah. Yeah. Laura Kendrick (28:42) just talking. And of course, it wasn't, you know, it wasn't billing time. It wasn't, you know, it was just us being friends and hearing each other and sometimes ranting and complaining and doing the things of like, this part was hard and like, yeah, well, people need the space to do that and feel seen and heard. And the only place they're going to get that is in the white space. Cort Sharp (29:01) Yep. Exactly. Yep. And where my head went when you were talking about the white space, I love where you just went to because that's absolutely very true. But where my mind went was the newest kind of Slack channel that that's been set up, which is the artificial intelligence. Yeah. Where we just we just it's cool because I'm interested in AI. I think everyone's interested in AI right now. Things are things are going in all sorts of wild directions with it. There's there's all sorts of possibilities that we can do with it. Laura Kendrick (29:17) ⁓ Yeah, that one's Yeah. Cort Sharp (29:32) And Hunter just threw out, who wants in? If you want in, cool, I'll get you in. If not, and you're not interested in AI, let me know when you are, because it'll be at some point, I was going to say. It's just another full group one. Yeah, we just. Laura Kendrick (29:39) Yeah. Pretty sure the whole team's in there. But it is fun. Like Hunter and Mike do deep dives and Brian too. And I'm like, wow, I just get to swim in that pool. It's really Cort Sharp (29:50) Yes. Yeah, yeah. You just kind of get a glean from what's posted in there and say, oh yeah, I am really interested in the automation side of AI. I want to do, I think I threw in there one time, like this whole GitHub repository that has just from zero to hero AI, here's a two week crash course. And I've been working my way through that. It's taken a lot longer than two weeks for me. I've been working my way through that. And it's opened my eyes to say, okay, now this awesome thing, think Mike just threw in there something about someone using it at Disney, I think it was, and how they were using it at Disney to propose, here's a cool way that we can use AI to help our proposals go faster or help our marketing campaigns go faster or whatever it is. And just learning and seeing and... Laura Kendrick (30:38) Yeah. Cort Sharp (30:44) growing together as a team as well and having that space of, yeah, you know, here's what here, here are these articles that I'm reading. Here's the ones that stuck out to me. And to have that space, I think also is, is really interesting to me too, not just because I like learning, but it's also like, I feel like, okay, I can talk with Mike about AI. I can talk with Hunter about AI. I can talk with whoever about it. And we're all relatively on the same page because we're all relatively getting the same information. Laura Kendrick (31:14) Yeah, yeah. I feel like having the Slack channel has been really helpful and all the white space and even honestly the in-person event, there was white space built into that too. There was definitely a lot of structured meetings because of course when you are bringing everyone in from all over the country and actually the world, have a team member who is in the UK too. Cort Sharp (31:26) yeah. Laura Kendrick (31:37) flying a great distance and being in a space together, it's got to be structured. You have to make that worth the time and effort and investment. But also there were dinners, there were shows that happened, there was fun built into it, and there were options of not just like, I'm forcing you to go to this, but like, here's a choice. Would you like to do this or that? And those things have made a huge difference in breeding the like belongingness. Cort Sharp (31:55) Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (32:05) and the feeling like we are actually a team. And even though there are definitely times where the frustrations arise, of course, I mean, who doesn't have frustrations, but it's a space where they can be vocalized, they can be talked through, and it's all due to that togetherness that we have, that connectedness that has been built through, honestly, Cort Sharp (32:05) Yeah. Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (32:30) just being in these like casual fun spaces is where that comes from in my opinion. Cort Sharp (32:36) Yeah, I agree with that. Just having the space to talk about whatever. But I think it's all rooted in communication, right? So in various methods of communicating and various ways of communicating too, where it's not just exclusively Slack, email, written text, we have that space there. But we do still run into some communication problems, right? There's... Laura Kendrick (32:41) Yeah. For sure, for sure. Cort Sharp (32:58) there's all sorts of communication problems that we're gonna run into because especially we are text-based heavy, but we're not exclusively text-based. But I think you were talking about a story where Mike was late one time or Mike's late story about communication and what was going on with that. Laura Kendrick (33:12) he tells it in class. He tells a story in class with that. It's one of his examples that he will pull into fairly frequently with an experience with a team where somebody was always late to the daily standup and they realized that it had to do with the fact that they had to drop their kid off at school. And so it was that simple communication shift of asking instead of assuming, asking which... They've put into practice too, like I recall early on hearing like, do you prefer to be communicated with? And like we've had these conversations that court and I have a tendency to be more slack people. But Brian has stated that for him, like when he's teaching slack is like his emergency line. And so like knowing that I'm not going to send him something through slack unless I desperately need him to see it when I can land it in his email versus Lisa and Laura are much more Cort Sharp (33:43) yeah. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (34:04) they're going to be in the email. Like that's just where they live and they are less likely to be in Slack. So it's just knowing those things have also helped us build the right kind of streams of communication. I'm pretty sure Hunter is everywhere all at once. Like he's omnipresent. You can get him anywhere. I know it. I'm in New York and he's in California. I'm pretty sure if I whispered his name, he's hearing it right now. Cort Sharp (34:06) Right. my gosh. He's the enigma. He's the enigma everywhere. I was gonna say, I'm surprised he hasn't popped into this. We've said his name three times. It's, he just knows everything and he's always got everything coming through and no matter what you need, he's any message away. Slack, email, could be carry your pigeon. I don't know, something like that, right? Laura Kendrick (34:43) Yeah, his next Halloween costume needs to be Beetlejuice, so I'm sending that to him. my goodness. But I think at the end of the day, the practices that have been put into place that you may have felt in our classes too, have helped really grow this team into what it is. There's a lot of strength here. There's a lot of fun here, but there's a lot of hard work here too. And a lot of, there have been hard moments where we've all just kind of put our heads down together and moved through the hard moments as a team with a lot of support and a lot of. Cort Sharp (35:12) Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (35:15) Just trying to be in it and be like kind of move things where it needs to go. I don't know what the right word is as a team. It's redundant. Cort Sharp (35:22) I think it. Yeah. But I think that that does show in our classes a lot, right? You and I have both taken a class outside of the mountain goat sphere, ⁓ and I'm not I'm not dogging on anyone. I'm not trying to talk down on anyone. But I got out of that class. I was like, man, we are light years ahead of that. Laura Kendrick (35:30) Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Cort Sharp (35:49) that kind of interaction and that kind of experience. was the information that I got out of that class was awesome, superb. It was great. But just the amount of energy and effort and time that has been invested into these Mountain Goat courses, it's far and away just, it shows. And it shows how much of a level up it is to take a class with Mountain Goat. And I do think partly, you know, I'm boosting my own ego here. But I do think partly it is because we are surrounded with some awesome people and we have some awesome people working together and awesome support on every call, every class that you take with us, right? You don't have to, like the instructor can focus on just instructing. And we, more often than not, we are typically in charge of everything else. Make sure that any tech problems, any issues, anything that's going on, right? Yeah. Laura Kendrick (36:32) Yeah. Yeah. I remember the early days. Like you just brought up a memory that apparently I had stored in the trauma bank. I remember the early days though being, because I would often, because I'm on the East Coast, court is in mountain times. So, often I would be the early person just because it's easier for me. was mid morning for me. we would start class and it would be just, especially honestly when like people were figuring out Zoom and all this stuff, it was... stressful. Like they were just, it was just question, question, question, problem, problem, problem. And we would get to the first breakout and I would send everyone away and the instructor would be like, that was great. And I'm like, was, you know, just totally frazzled. But the point was, is no one else felt that. And it was, I was in my Slack and working with the team, working with Hunter, things fixed, working with Lisa, making sure the person was in the right place. Cort Sharp (37:20) Yeah, glad. Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (37:33) and doing all these things. And though that has died down because we've all gotten very good at our job and the systems in place are amazing at this point, it still is like, that's the whole point. We worked as a team so that the instructor could deliver an amazing class and be present with his students. And we could be here or her, because we do have hers too, I should say. They're students. And we were here taking care of the things that needed to be taken care of, which was, yeah. Cort Sharp (37:54) Yes. Laura Kendrick (38:00) Though I had forgotten about that. Thanks for that. Cort Sharp (38:02) Yeah, sure. Yeah, it's gotten easy, right? ⁓ Laura Kendrick (38:04) Yeah, it does. But that's at the end of the day, that's how a good team is. I think that we can kind of end it with this thing of Mike has created this environment and it definitely comes from him. Like it's is rooted in the founder for us because we're a small team, small but mighty. But he it's rooted in his like engine of creativity, efficiency, and just love of innovation. And that has kind of Cort Sharp (38:18) Mm-hmm. Laura Kendrick (38:34) folding that in with seeing all the people as humans, and with flaws and different talents and all those things and human interaction is messy and folding all of that in has actually been what has bred these amazing class experiences for our students and also this rewarding and fantastic team experience for the people behind the scenes as well. And I think the lesson Cort Sharp (38:39) Yes. Yep. Laura Kendrick (38:59) comes from that, that if we can fold those things in together and make space for humans to be humans and also have this amazing expectation of creativity and innovation, then it's all going to happen. Cort Sharp (39:06) Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah, absolutely. I 100 % agree with that. I mean, it does come down to Mike and Mike is a fantastic leader. It's awesome. I also want to raise Mike, but. Laura Kendrick (39:28) Nice. Not passive aggressive at all. On that note. Cort Sharp (39:29) Yeah, you know. No. I'm just joking, right? We're able to have fun. We're able to joke around. But it does come down to leadership, right? And I think that's true on any team. And we have just we've been so fortunate to be able to experience it firsthand and go through this awesome transformation from being in person to fully remote, even in the class teaching stuff. And it's been really, really fun. really, really enjoyable. I, you know, you don't love every day. There are jobs, right? It's a job. But I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. It has been fun. It has been enjoyable. But I don't look back on it and be like, wow, these last five years were just all terrible. No, it's we've had great leadership. We've had great interactions with with everyone. And I think Laura Kendrick (40:05) You should have just left it at really, really fun and enjoyable. Mic drop, goodbye. Cort Sharp (40:28) It's just come down to the people that we're working with and the people that we're engaging with consistently. And our leadership, Mike, has fostered an environment very, very well that is around fun, around communication, around enabling us to grow, to learn, to try new things, to move forward. And I really feel bad for companies who don't have that kind of leadership. that's, it's a tough spot to be in, but, I'm really, we're really blessed and really fortunate to, to be able to work here. And I hope this, this little peek behind the curtain, kind of encourages you to you, the listener, guess, whoever, whoever's out there to take a, take a little step back and say, okay, what, what am I doing as a leader within my sphere of influence to help my team be a little more human and embrace the humanity side of stuff? Not just pushing for more, we need more, more productivity, more AI, more everything, right? Yeah. Use AI, make it a tool, but just remember you're, building stuff for, for people. You're working with people all the time. And I think that's something that Mike has never forgotten and never will forget and never will let fall to the wayside that we're all people and we're all here working with each other. Laura Kendrick (41:43) Yeah. Couldn't agree more. Well, on that amazing note, thank you, Cort, for joining me in this hijacking of the podcast, the Agile Mentors podcast. And we're going to turn it back over to Brian, who's going to walk you right on out. Cort Sharp (41:54) Happy to.

Free Full Moon Yoga Class: https://www.quietmindastrology.com/june2025Enroll in the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training https://www.quietmind.yoga/yttIt is June 9th, 2025 and that Yang energy is coming on pretty strong. You feel it? Maybe you're seeing it in world events. Maybe you're feeling it in your body or your relationships. Personally, I've been riding that Mars and Aries wave with a lot of energy, creativity, and productivity—especially since I've got a lot of Aries in my chart. But wherever Mars is in your chart, you're going to feel it. That's why I always say: know your birth chart. You can get it free at quietmindastrology.com, and start to understand exactly where these transits are showing up for you.This week, we're coming off a series of major planetary shifts, and the only major transit now is the Full Moon in Jyeshta Nakshatra in Scorpio on June 10th (technically just past midnight PT). So it's a powerful moment for completion, culmination, and deep integration. In this episode, I go deep into how to work with this energy—because it's intense. Scorpio is ruled by Mars, and Mars is conjunct Ketu all through June and July, which adds this edge of heat, volatility, and potential for big transformation or big blowups.Jyeshta energy is great for protection, responsibility, deep research, and spiritual inquiry. It's the energy of going beyond surface-level distractions to get to the core of things—whether that's your yoga practice, your relationship dynamics, or the truths you're uncovering in meditation. And if you're seeing stuff in the news, or having strong reactions to others, I invite you to pause and ask: What is this showing me about myself? That's a very Jyeshta question—going into the shadows, not looking away.But there's a dark side too—manipulation, secrecy, control, infidelity, overindulgence. This isn't a week to bury your head in the sand. But it's also not a week to rush into intense conversations either—Mars and Ketu energy can explode if not directed intentionally. Instead, I encourage you to journal, reflect, and take a beat before confronting anything high-stakes. This is not the time for passive energy—it's time for action, but action with clarity.If you're feeling extra sensitive—especially around emotions or hormonal shifts—that's normal too. The Moon in Scorpio brings that deep emotional undercurrent to the surface. So be gentle, but firm. This is a great week for movement, physical activity, deep house cleaning, and focused work. Not so great for escapism, numbing out, or spiritual bypassing.Also! I'm offering a free live Full Moon yoga class on Tuesday, June 10. We'll do movement, meditation, and reflection to help work with this energy in the body. You'll find the link to register in the show notes. Come join us—no cost, just an opportunity to channel all this intensity into clarity.And if you're hearing this before Friday, June 13th, you've got just a few days left to join the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training. This is the 9th time I'm offering it and I've gone through and completely revised the whole thing. We go into 108 asanas, essential pranayama, mantra, mudra, functional anatomy, and everything you need to become a confident, skillful teacher—or to deepen your own practice. Even if you don't think you'll teach, it's a profound growth process. Free Full Moon Yoga Class: ⁠https://www.quietmindastrology.com/june2025⁠Enroll in the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training ⁠https://www.quietmind.yoga/ytt⁠

In Episode 314 of Through a Therapist's Eyes, we tackle the common but often overlooked habit of taking things personally in marriage. This conversation explores the psychological concept of personalization—interpreting your partner's words or actions as direct reflections on you—and how it can lead to unnecessary conflict and emotional distance. Through thoughtful reflection questions, practical strategies, and insights from past episodes and key book chapters, the hosts guide listeners toward emotional balance, intentional trust, and deeper communication. Learn how to pause before reacting, seek clarity instead of assuming, and build self-awareness to shift from defensiveness to curiosity. Whether you're navigating everyday disagreements or deeper relational struggles, this episode offers tools to strengthen your marriage by staying grounded in your own identity and understanding your partner with compassion. Tune in to see why you Don't Take Things Personally in a Marriage Through a Therapist's Eyes.  

You know that 'ahhhhhh' feeling when you wake up after a seriously good night's sleep? That magical unicorn of a morning when your eyes pop open before the alarm - or the kids - you stretch like a satisfied cat, and for a moment, you feel unstoppable.   Let's be real. For most of us, that feeling is rare. We hustle through the day, crash late, and then wonder why we wake up groggy, moody, or feeling like we simply can't function without caffeine.   Well… We all know sleep is important. That's not news. But what a lot of people don't realise, is that it's not just how long you sleep that matters. It's when you sleep.   Because the truth is, your body isn't just ‘resting' during the night. It's healing. Repairing. Detoxing. Resetting your emotional baseline. And if you're not asleep by a certain time… your body simply can't do what it's built to do.   In today's episode on I Love Me The Podcast, we're diving into the juicy truth about sleep timing, your liver's overnight magic trick, and why those late-night scroll sessions are messing with more than just your dreams.   If you want to feel vibrant, emotionally steady, and deeply nourished from the inside out, this episode is going to give you the permission - and the how - to make sleep your sacred superpower.   Take a peek at the full episode show notes (and resources I refer to in the show) here:   https://gettingnaked.com.au/2025/06/11/ep-60-sleep-like-your-life-depends-on-it-the-healing-power-of-a-10pm-bedtime/   About me…   My name is Tamra Mercieca and I've been studying and teaching self-love worldwide for 20+ years now. In 2011 I launched my online school Getting Naked where I offer programs to help people strip off the stories and childhood conditioning, so they can fall in love with themselves.   While I go by many labels - mumma, wife, tea lover, drummer - professionally I'm known as a Self-Love Therapist, Writer and Women's Pelvic Health Guide, qualified in over a dozen physical and mental health modalities. I'm the author of two books, have been published in dozens of print and online publications, appeared on TV many times, and love to share the teachings of self-love at yoga and spirituality festivals.   Personally, my journey began when I worked out how to overcome suicidal depression and anxiety (and get off my meds). I then went on to create a ten-session program where I now help others do the same. If you'd like to read my full love story and bio - including all my credentials - head to https://gettingnaked.com.au/tamra/   Resources…   Ep.55 The Self-Love Chemical Cocktail: The Science Behind Feeling Good. https://gettingnaked.com.au/2025/05/07/the-self-love-chemical-cocktail-the-science-behind-feeling-good/   Just One Tree https://www.justonetree.life/ A percentage of profits from all programs sold go to the not-for-profit organisation Just One Tree, so they can plant trees on our behalf.   Contact…   Website: https://gettingnaked.com.au/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingnaked/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelationshipQueen/   Music written by Tamra Mercieca and Grey Milton. Performed by Xani Kolac and Grey Milton.

It's not hard to stay calm and open when someone is complimenting your outfit or thanking you for dinner. But when they're disappointed in you? Hurt by something you said? Frustrated by a mistake you made? That's when your brain shifts into protect mode. And suddenly, instead of listening, you're defending, explaining, or withdrawing. Defensiveness is one of the biggest barriers to connection, whether it's with your partner, your boss, your best friend, or your teenager. But if you can learn to manage your internal response to criticism, or even perceived criticism, you can show up differently in every relationship you care about. Today we'll talk about why you get defensive; you'll be able to take a quiz to identify your defense style and, of course, I'll share my five steps to listen without getting defensive.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/how-to-stop-taking-it-personally-5-steps-to-listen-without-getting-defensiveTake the What's Your Defense Style Quiz: https://abbymedcalf.com/defense-quizLearn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy, https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbookWant to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won't Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to  https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives, where you'll find past episodes.Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.comA great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you've got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shopSay hello on social:Substack: https://substack.com/@abbymedcalfphdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever heard of the saying, "You grow through what you go through"? In this episode, host, fitness coach, and mindset expert Dr. Kasey Jo Orvidas shares some recent challenges she has gone through in her life and how they have impacted who she is today.Watch full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zJgtQ5rhqGkGrowth Collective Interest List: https://www.healthmindsetcert.com/GCinterestConnect with me on IG! @coachkaseyjoHealth Mindset Coaching Certification: www.healthmindsetcert.com LEAVE A REVIEW, WIN A WORKSHOP! After you leave your review, take a screenshot and upload it to this form to be entered to win: https://forms.clickup.com/10621090/f/a4452-19651/1AZIEQZ9BBSNBGN161Want me to answer your questions on my next Q&A episode? Drop your questions here!

Skylar has worked in the lending space for over 15 years. Most recently, he has been focused exclusively as a mortgage lender building out a team called the Level Up Lenders. Over the past 5 years, Level Up has grown to a team of 30 employees with 11 loan officers and have generated over $325M in wealth for their clients. In addition to that, Skylar founded a coaching platform called Level Up Guides where he coaches his methodology to other loan officers that are interested in building real businesses within the mortgage industry. He focuses on team building, process improvement, and scale.Personally, Skylar is married and has 2 boys. In addition to serving on the Eastern Shawnee Companies Board of Directors, he also serves on boards for the local chamber of commerce. He holds an EMBA from the Walton College at the University of Arkansas, and still actively volunteers time consulting and judging with the entrepreneur program in the business school.Skylar and I were able to meet at The Gathering Place in Tulsa, OK. This shows the power of connecting with new people, hope you all enjoy the episode… KEEPGOING!Follow Skylar:FB- https://www.facebook.com/share/19rvs24545/?mibextid=wwXIfrSKOOL- https://www.skool.com/lugs/about?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKxvrBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHuByTiWQ0fO-Ww4jsdn61Aob80hBBqaXssbkxnGmcYDsKVGXJ1oXa_-B14_o_aem_JwRNDAUIZjg6BhbxW12_fAFollow me:IG- https://www.instagram.com/zdsellsokc/FB- https://www.facebook.com/ZDsellsOKC/

Annie Croner is the founder and CEO of Whole Assistant, an online platform & community, formed to provide a positive place where assistants can go to transform their lives and level up their careers.In this spotlight episode of Annie's show, The Whole Assistant Podcast, she talks about how to stop taking things personally.Show Notes -> leaderassistant.com/327--In-person meeting planning can be a lot to manage. That's where TROOP Planner comes in. TROOP Planner is built to make life easier for busy assistants like yourself. Whether you're organizing an executive offsite, department meeting, or team retreat, TROOP keeps it simple, fast, and organized.Visit leaderassistant.com/troop to learn more! --Get your digital copy of The Leader Assistant Workbook at leaderassistantbook.com/workbook to lead yourself, lead your team, and lead your executive.More from The Leader Assistant... Book, Audiobook, and Workbook -> leaderassistantbook.com The Leader Assistant Academy -> leaderassistantbook.com/academy Premium Membership -> leaderassistant.com/membership Events -> leaderassistantlive.com Free Community -> leaderassistant.com/community

Embracing Life: What If Today Was Your First or Last Day? In this episode of Personal Development Unplugged, we dig into two simple but powerful questions: What if today were your last day? What if it were your first? This is an extract from a live Q&A call I did for my son's (Joseph Clough) Mind Mastery group, and invite you to reflect, respond, and explore what really matters in your life. It's not heavy or dark—it's a spark. A chance to wake up to what you're doing with your time and how you want to live going forward. What you'll discover in this episode: The power of writing letters of love and gratitude—and who they need to be sent to. How small acts of kindness help shape the legacy you're already leaving behind. Why waiting for “someday” is a trap—and how to flip into action now. How to live with intention and awareness, instead of drifting on autopilot. A simple, powerful way to visualise your best self—and take the first steps to becoming them. You'll hear honest conversation, real moments with listeners, and practical insights that can shift your perspective in just one listen. This is the kind of reflection that leads to action—and action that changes everything. Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, pass it on. https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/447-on-life-and-how-we-might-live-it Subscribe, follow the podcast, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that their time—and their life—matters. More fun than you can stand. Wallow in pleasure Shine Brightly

In this episode of Personally Speaking, Msgr. Jim Lisante is joined by Tony and Grammy award nominee, singer, and actor, Jeremy Jordan.Support the show

When Dr. Cordain published the book "The Paleo Diet" People tried it, loved it, and then over time it became something it's not. It became strict, cumbersome, and difficult to follow.  Personally, the (true) Paleo Diet transformed my health for the better. CEO of The Paleo Diet Trevor Connor and Chief Content Office Dr. Griffin McMath, ND join me to share what the Paleo Diet is and isn't. It's a great conversation and I'm excited to share it with you.   Learn more: www.thepaleodiet.com  

Today we are delighted to welcome Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr, passionate art collectors and owners of Goldsboro Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Dr . Erin Smith completed her undergraduate education at Duke University in Durham. After her graduation she earned her Doctorate from Howard University before heading south to continue her training at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics, earning certification in Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Orthopedics. Professionally, Dr . Smith is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the National Dental Association. Personally, she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr . is a Board Certified pediatric dentist who was born in High Point, North Carolina. Growing up, he called North Carolina, Ohio and Indonesia home before heading off to Guilford College in Greensboro where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Following college, Dr. Imafidon completed four additional years of dental school at Howard University in Washington D.C. before completing a two-year residency program at Jacobi Medical Center, a teaching hospital affiliated with Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. While in N.Y . he received extensive training in treating special needs and medically compromised children at the Rose F. Kennedy Center for Developmental Disabilities. He is a member of the North Carolina Dental Society, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi.  In this episode of The Art Elevator podcast, Sarah Reeder and Larissa Wild speak with Dr. Erin Smith and Dr. Timothy Imafidon Jr. about their journey in collecting art. I Topics discussed: - How to start educating yourself on the type of art you are interested in - Their tips on how to start a collection - How their collecting focus on African American art has influenced their friends, family and clients - The importance of supporting artists whose work speaks to you - The joy of living surrounded by art You can read more in the show notes here: https://larissawild.com/post/13416-the-art-elevator-episode-48---insights-on-collecting

Antorne McLeod was born at Downstate Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, into a culturally rich family. With a Jamaican father and a Trinidadian mother, his heritage significantly shaped his identity. Raised in a vibrant household, Antorne was influenced by his grandmother, a Carib Indian, who nurtured a large family of 22 children. The lively atmosphere was filled with music, traditional dances, and cultural gatherings, laying a strong foundation for Antorne's appreciation of community and familial bonds.Antorne pursued an Associate of Arts in Business from the University of Phoenix from 2014 to 2016. His education provided him with theoretical knowledge that complemented his practical experiences, equipping him with a solid foundation in business principles.Antorne McLeod's career spans various sectors, showcasing his versatility, adaptability, and commitment to making a positive impact in the workplace. He is a creator, writer, photographer, and designer at Dominusvir.com currently living in Atlanta, Georgia,Antorne led a dedicated team at Knockout Renovation, managing complex renovation projects, after serving as Office Assistant His leadership, developing essential administrative skills and gaining a strong grasp of renovation management processes organizational skills, and hands-on customer service experience contribute to successfully meeting project goals.As a Financial Analyst at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, where he managed financial data, focusing on mitigating overdue debts. His impactful contributions earned him recognition, despite facing challenges from resistance to change within the department. He was a Content Writer for Industry Rules Magazine utilizing his writing talent to produce articles covering industry trends and insights, allowing him to share his knowledge with a broader audience.He became an Administrative Assistant for the Yvette Clark Congressional Campaign which began his career in a politically charged environment, gaining insights into campaign management after persistent efforts to secure this role. Prior to this he was in positions as: Customer Service & Sales Representative.Personally, Antorne has expressed concerns regarding the early childhood education system and healthcare, advocating for systemic reform. His experiences at SUNY Downstate highlighted the challenges faced in patient care and financial management, leading him to feel alienated during his tenure. A memorable comment from a rabbi during this time was “They don't want you here,” which further illustrated his struggles against the status quo.Culturally, Antorne's adventurous spirit has led him to travel extensively throughout the Caribbean, exploring cultures in places like St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines. His travel adventures have enriched his understanding of diverse communities and lifestyles.Artisticly, Antorne reads 18-20 comics weekly and has a longstanding love for Marvel comics. He enjoys visual storytelling and has explored photography through collaborations with musician friends. His experiences have allowed him to meet notable celebrities and participate in events that celebrate artistic accomplishments. Additionally, he has an interest in video editing and marketing, honing skills that align with his passion for storytelling and audience engagement.He remains engaged in artistic endeavors, community involvement, and continuous learning, focusing on personal development and honing his skills. His journey reflects resilience, passion for helping others, and a commitment to cultural roots, influencing both his professional and personal life.For collaboration/business inquiries: onthecallpodcast20@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/otc_podcast20/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@otcpodcast?_t=ZS-8wXFVzHdf7wLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozzie-stewart00

What topic would you like us to cover next?Chris Simmance, Founder of OMG Centre, opens up about the hard leadership lessons learned through emotional reactions to business setbacks and poor financial management in agency life.• Letting emotional responses to client departures negatively impact team management• Acknowledging how leadership mistakes create lasting negative impressions that can't be fixed with apologies• Taking business losses personally while attributing wins to others• Failing to properly understand financial numbers despite having management accounts• Experiencing cash flow crises when client departures coincided with new hires• Not properly provisioning for expenses like VAT bills• Learning significant lessons that led to starting additional agencies• Expanding into multiple businesses outside the digital industry through openness to learningIs your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand's growth.

Do you replay conversations in your head, second-guess your words, or feel a wave of shame from just one comment or look?You're not too sensitive and you're not alone. You're simply human with a nervous system doing its job to protect you.In this episode, we unpack why you take things personally and what you can do to shift that response. This isn't about “toughening up” or just thinking positive. It's about understanding the neurobiology behind emotional reactions and learning how to regulate your state so you can respond with clarity, not collapse.

Morning Mantra: "The quality of your life transforms when you stop believing that life is unfair, and you recognize that you have control over your happiness."To change our life, you don't necessarily have to tackle big things like a change of a job, moving away or ending something. You only need to do simple things regularly: like being grateful each day, doing your best to incorporate joy in everything and having a calm, contented heart.Such a powerful, powerful gift! The ability to be able to change your life just by changing what's within you. After all, everything starts from within.Personally, my life started to change when I began to take charge of the things I believed in. When I began to tend to my inner landscape, the outer life followed suit. Wouldn't it be nice to believe in abundance, joy and love and that you deserve them?  Some of the things that I incorporate into my day that help are:> A regular affirmation and gratitude practice each morning to set a pleasant tone for my day.> Less news and more inspiring content helps me see the good in the world.> Helping others through volunteer work lifts my spirits.> Doing the things that I love like spending time with my horse and grandkids gives me feelings of abundance and joy.> Doing the difficult work for my body to feel good such as moving my body, and eating healthier.It is amazing how taking charge of how I live life creates a state of joy which actually brings more joy! My worries seem to lessen, my anxiety is manageable and I feel like I can handle anything life hands me.#BeInChargeOfYourLife #HorseHippie #MorningMantra #inspirationalQuotes #MorningMotivation #Equestrian #HorseLover #QuotesToInspire #HorseHippieBrand #HorseHippieBoutique

43. Summer Self-Care & Taking a Real Pause When end-of-school chaos meets the need for genuine restIf there's one thing I know for sure, it's this: There will ALWAYS be challenging seasons to navigate when life moves fast and work is intense.Fresh off my daughter's high school graduation and our five-day "grad-u-palooza," I'm bringing back our #1 most popular episode—and I think its popularity speaks to how absolutely overrun we all feel, especially during "Maycember" (that chaotic collision of May's end-of-school madness with summer's promise of freedom).End-of-school craziness paired with scrambling for summer childcare can feel overwhelming for parents juggling work schedules. Whether you're piecing together camps, relatives, and friends for younger kids, or navigating the complex world of teens who've aged out of traditional childcare, the struggle is real.Personally, the end-of-school season always hits me like a two-by-four. If there's one thing I miss about job sharing, it's having a work bestie to help keep my well-being in check—someone with the authority to signal when it's time to pause and practice real self-care.In this encore episode, you'll discover:How to handle summer transitions without losing your mindWhy taking a pause isn't selfish—it's essentialHow to pivot and downshift when kids are home and work routines go out the windowWhat real self-care actually looks like (hint: it's more than massages and facials)How job sharing principles can help you rest, refresh, and recharge—even outside of workLinks Mentioned:Join our weekly newsletter (biweekly this summer!): workmuse.com/newsletterGrab your FREE Guide to Job Sharing

There is a river of wisdom that's been flowing through human history in every culture since the beginning of civilization. It's the wise understandings of those rare individuals who were able to remember something we so often forget: who we really are as human beings. In this episode, we'll dip into that timeless stream, that many have called the Wisdom of the Ages, and explore how it flows directly into the  heart of our new project, NeuroHarmonics. This work is about more than just ideas; it's a guide that you can use to bring harmony into your own intelligence, an inner alignment that can quietly, yet profoundly transform your life. So, basically, what is the Wisdom of the Ages all about? Well, although the term may sound a bit lofty or poetic, it's far from just a throw away line. It points to something deeply real – an enduring thread of understanding that weaves through cultures, continents and centuries. It's timeless not because it ignores the changes of history, but because it speaks to something that never changes with the times; the essence of being human.  Let's look at it this way - throughout the long arc of human history, from the ancient river valleys of India and Mesopotamia to the mountains of China, the deserts of the Middle East, and the forests of the Americas, there have always been extraordinary men and women who saw the essence of life more clearly than the rest of us. They pierced the surface of things.  And even while living in the ever-shifting world of change and impermanence, they were able to reach something that they said was eternal. Their lives, their words, and often just their very presence spoke of something greater than themselves - something vast and invisible, and yet deeply and intimately known. Some became renowned spiritual teachers: Krishna, Ram, Buddha, Jesus, Moses, Mohammed. Others appeared as philosophers, sages, mystics, and shamans. Many left poems, stories, songs, and scriptures, depicting their glimpses into the higher realms of understanding. Some of their names may be less well known, but their examples are no less luminous. Of course, on the surface, these wise ones seemed vastly different. They spoke different languages, wore different clothes, lived in different lands, and practiced different rituals. But remarkably, the essence of their message was the same. To put their vast teachings into a few simple words: there is something beyond this world. Something infinite.     You can call it God. Or the Divine. Or Truth, Spirit, Source, or just the Infinite. There may be a thousand names for it—but the names don't matter. In fact, many of these teachers insisted that words can't matter. Because this Presence—this vast, formless essence—is beyond concept, beyond logic, and beyond the reach of ordinary human comprehension. Why? It's actually quite simple. For all its brilliance, human intelligence is still finite. And the finite, by its very nature, can never truly grasp the Infinite. It just can't be done. Test your own mind as an example. Try picturing a box that is so large, there is no space outside of it. Or try describing something that has no beginning and no end. Or tell me what biggest number in the world. You can't because there isn't one. Whatever number you come up with, you can always add one more and it gets bigger. So there's no such thing. That's the thing about infinity. There's no edge, no boundary, no final point. And when we try to wrap our minds around it, the circuits start to smoke and the brain just watts out. Because it's not built to contain the Infinite.    So according to the wisdom tradition, this thing that can't be understood or even named - exists. For our sake here, let's just call it the Infinite, a term that is relatively devoid of the tarnishing nature of human religious tribalism. But that's just one of the five thousand opinions my mind has churned out in the last hour. Now, what does the Wisdom of the Ages tell us about our relationship with this infinite presence, this reality that you can't define, draw or capture in a book? Well, in the simplest terms, it tells us this: we can experience it. And not only that, we can grow into it. Like a plant reaching toward sunlight, we are drawn toward that light, that warmth and that truth that seems to emanate from it.   And this idea of growth is where the Wisdom of the Ages begins. Because it's not just about belief – it's about transformation. It speaks of a journey toward inner realization, where you begin to see that you are not merely a body, not just a personality, not your thoughts, opinions, or accomplishments. You are something deeper. In essence, something sacred, something eternal that has temporarily taken human form—for the purpose of learning, of growing, of remembering. And ultimately, in a very real and quiet way... for returning. With that being said, the Wisdom of the Ages does rest on a set of core understandings—fundamental insights that form its foundation. And while these truths have appeared in every form of civilization throughout history, they are not relics of the past. Far from it. This wisdom is alive. It's woven from the highest human understandings about life—ancient, modern, and everything in between. So, let's take a brief look at some of its basic tenets. We'll touch on nine of them here, though the first one needs a little more attention than the rest.           The first core teaching is Impermanence—and at first, it can be a hard one to face. It simply says this: everything changes, and everything ends. Ourselves included. Look around with clear eyes, and it becomes obvious. From the rise and fall of empires to fleeting joys and sorrows, nothing stays the same. As the Buddha put it: “All conditioned things are impermanent. Work out your own salvation with diligence.” When we cling to what must pass, we suffer. But when we accept impermanence, we begin to live with Grace. Why does this matter? Because so much of our pain comes from forgetting that. We build our identities on outer things—titles, possessions, opinions, appearances, money—and we defend those identities as if they were permanent. But they're not. And this is what the sages warned us about. It's not that success, wealth, or recognition are wrong. It's that when we make them the foundation of who we are; we build on sand. All of it—status, stuff, praise, even the ego itself—rises and falls. Sparkles, then fades. Seems solid, then vanishes. And when our sense of self is tied to what vanishes, we suffer. We become anxious, greedy, and ultimately disappointed. We chase mirages, hoping they'll fulfill us—only to find out thatthey never really could. And worst of all, we miss the deeper reason we came here: to remember who we truly are, and to feel the joy that naturally comes with that remembrance. At least, that's what the wisdom says. Personally, I think it has a nice ring to it.   2. You Are Not Your Thoughts The second insight is deceptively simple, but not so easy to live: You are not your thoughts. From the Upanishads to modern psychology, the message is clear: You are not the mental chatter, the looping stories, or the voices of doubt and fear. You're not your résumé, your wounds, or the roles you've played. Beneath all that noise lives a deeper awareness that is luminous, spacious, and free. Most of what runs through our minds didn't originate with us anyway. We picked it up from parents, culture, trauma, media. But we end up thinking that these random thoughts are who we really are. And some of the major experts in the field haven't had such an elevated opinion of our abilities in navigating the thought field. William James for example, who is often called the father of modern psychology, once said: “Most people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.” The deeper self lives in a realm beyond all that. And rediscovering it is part of waking up. 3. Stillness Is the Gateway to Higher Knowing Stillness isn't just the absence of noise. It's the presence of something greater. As the old biblical phrase goes, “Be still, and know…” In the Taoist tradition, stillness is the source of right action—what they call wu wei, or effortless movement that flows from deep inner alignment. This knowing is not vague spirituality. It's direct experience. Not a theory, but a felt presence. Stillness is where insight arises—gently, precisely, and often when we least expect it. And the Wisdom of the Ages doesn't ask for blind belief. It invites direct experience. We all know that there is a world of difference between actually eating a delicious meal and just reading the menu. 4. Love Is the Deepest Truth and Kindness Is the Highest Power  At the heart of every great tradition is this simple truth: Love is the essence of life. Not just romance or sentiment, but love as a radiant, unshakable presence. When that love moves into action, it manifests as kindness. And kindness doesn't mean weakness—it's strength under wisdom's guidance. To grow in this kind of love is to become more fully human, which is another term for more connected to the divine. 5. You Become What You Practice This one is carved into every tradition—and now verified by neuroscience: What you repeat gets stronger. In ancient terms: “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Modern neuroscience puts it this way: Neurons that fire together, wire together. This means that your attention—and your habits—literally shape the architecture of your brain. So, what you practice daily—whether it's judgement and fear, or gratitude and patience - becomes the blueprint of your inner life. 6. Gratitude Opens the Heart and Expands Consciousness The ancient ones knew it. And now neuroscience confirms it. When you begin to see life as a gift, everything starts to shift the more grateful you become of it. And Gratitude isn't just a virtue—it's a form of perception. It quiets the craving mind and awakens a deeper presence. Suddenly, you're not waiting for “more” to feel whole. You begin to see how much has already been given. And that soft opening of the heart that you feel within? That's consciousness expanding. 7. Life Is a School for the Soul This one can change your life. When you see life as a school, everything becomes part of the curriculum. Adversity isn't punishment—it's instruction. Each loss, betrayal, or hardship carries within it a hidden message, a deeper lesson.           The soul came here to grow. And when you see that, you start to see that Life isn't happening to you. It's happening for you. And nothing—absolutely nothing—is wasted on the soul. 8. Everything Is Connected—There Is No Real Separation We live in a world of apparent separateness. But beneath the surface, everything is woven together. Ancient mystics knew this. So did the early Native Americans. As Chief Seattle said: “Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. Man did not weave the web of life—he is merely a strand in it.” Modern science agrees. From quantum physics to ecology to trauma healing, it all points to one truth: There is no such thing as alone. Only all one. 9. Your Attention Is Your Greatest Power The final tenet is the hidden key: Where you place your attention, determines what grows for you. In a world full of noise, mastering your attention is an act of power—and peace. When you begin to master your attention, you begin to master your life. Whatever you feed with your focus becomes stronger. Fear? It grows. Anger? It grows. Gratitude? It grows. Love? Presence? Joy? These grow too. The game of life changes when you realize:You are the gardener. And your attention is the sun. So, in essence the Wisdom of the Ages tells us that everything outside is temporary. But what is real within you does not fade. It was never born. It will never die. It simply is. And the bottom line is that as human beings, we have far more intelligence, love, happiness, and joyful sense of purpose than we have been taught by our current culture. And the wise ones would tell us that the way to access it all is to pause, breathe and listen. The universal power of this wisdom in not far away. It is within you right now, right here. You don't have to become anyone else.You just have to become who you already are. Tune yourself into stop chasing the illusion and start honoring the real. The path is ancient. But that's not what matters. What matters is that it is alive within us now. It begins wherever we are, and whenever we are ready. At least that's what they say. For me, this wisdom has been in the winner's circle since the beginning of recorded history so – I'll take the odds… Well, I guess this is a good time for us to stop this episode. As always, keep your eyes, mind and heart open. And let's get together in the next one.  

Deadbeat: an idle, feckless, or disreputable person. Uh-oh! What do we do when we are confronted by the deadbeat? What happens next? Come on in, we gotta talk about this thang! Did you know...? Yolanda is an award-winning author with over 15 written works? Including magazine articles, writing collabs, andnovels? Are you looking for some Great Reads? Novels & Novellas with Dramatic storylines full of surprising & shocking Twists & Turns? If so, jump into Yolanda's Books! Book of the Month!The Women God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith--Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally by Kimberla Lawson RobyFind it here! https://www.amazon.com/Woman-God-Created-Faith-Spiritually-Professionally/dp/0965347079/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz personally endorses State Sen. Sean Ryan for Mayor of Buffalo ahead of the Democratic primary election three weeks from Tuesday full 1239 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:30:00 +0000 egm0cfYtc6KMRty2BnS48mesWPt99BSv news WBEN Extras news Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz personally endorses State Sen. Sean Ryan for Mayor of Buffalo ahead of the Democratic primary election three weeks from Tuesday Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. New

Are you someone who finds it hard to stay warm in winter? Are you struggling with fertility or hormonal issues? Do you often feel tired or depleted, especially as we head into the colder months?   Then grab a cup of ginger tea and your cosiest blanket, because today we're diving into the wisdom of Winter - and more specifically, the magical, mysterious world of your Kidney Organ System.   Yep, your Kidneys aren't just cute little bean-shaped things that filter your blood; they're the powerhouse of your vitality, fertility, and longevity.   In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is ruled by the Kidney organ system, and it's a time for slowing down, going inward, and preserving your precious life force - known as Essence, or Jing. And honestly, you want to preserve that Jing like it's liquid gold.  Because it kinda is.   So today on I Love Me The Podcast, I'll be walking you through: What Jing and Essence actually are Why your Kidneys are key to long, juicy health and fertility The difference between internal and external cold (and how they mess with you) And how to live your best Kidney-loving life this winter.   Take a peek at the full episode show notes (and resources I refer to in the show) here:   https://gettingnaked.com.au/2025/06/04/ep-59-keep-your-fire-burning-winter-wisdom-for-your-kidneys/   About me…   My name is Tamra Mercieca and I've been studying and teaching self-love worldwide for 20+ years now. In 2011 I launched my online school Getting Naked where I offer programs to help people strip off the stories and childhood conditioning, so they can fall in love with themselves.   While I go by many labels - mumma, wife, tea lover, drummer - professionally I'm known as a Self-Love Therapist, Writer and Women's Pelvic Health Guide, qualified in over a dozen physical and mental health modalities. I'm the author of two books, have been published in dozens of print and online publications, appeared on TV many times, and love to share the teachings of self-love at yoga and spirituality festivals.   Personally, my journey began when I worked out how to overcome suicidal depression and anxiety (and get off my meds). I then went on to create a ten-session program where I now help others do the same. If you'd like to read my full love story and bio - including all my credentials - head to https://gettingnaked.com.au/tamra/   Resources…   Ep.41 Chasing care around your head? Let's meditate. https://gettingnaked.com.au/2024/12/11/ep-41-chasing-cars-around-your-head-lets-meditate/   Ep.20 Journaling. The cheapest therapy around. https://gettingnaked.com.au/2024/06/19/ep-20-journaling-the-cheapest-therapy-around/   Ep.39 When little Miss Fear drops round for a cuppa. https://gettingnaked.com.au/2024/11/27/ep-39-when-little-miss-fear-drops-round-for-a-cuppa/   Ep. 40 The physiology of fear: how our body responds to stress and fear. https://gettingnaked.com.au/2024/12/04/ep-40-the-physiology-of-fear-how-our-body-responds-to-stress-and-fear/   Sexual Self Course https://gettingnaked.com.au/sexual-self/   One-on-One Intensive https://gettingnaked.com.au/intensive/   Remarkable Relationships program https://gettingnaked.com.au/remarkable-relationships/   Just One Tree https://www.justonetree.life/ A percentage of profits from all programs sold go to the not-for-profit organisation Just One Tree, so they can plant trees on our behalf.   Contact…   Website: https://gettingnaked.com.au/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gettingnaked/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelationshipQueen/   Music written by Tamra Mercieca and Grey Milton. Performed by Xani Kolac and Grey Milton.

Deceiving ourselves comes with serious consequences. Telling ourselves a lie so often that we eventually believe it blinds us to the truth by producing a false view of our circumstances. Personally, it damages relationships and stunts our personal growth; in leadership, it leads to poor decision-making because leaders may overlook problems or crucial feedback. Failing to deal with self-deception keeps us from growing and developing spiritually. By comparison, seeing the truth of God's love and how it applies to us gives us our lives back. A willingness to face our real selves just as we are, despite the pain involved, is how we avoid being deceived. Accepting our authentic selves without buying into a cheap copy of ourselves lets us be who God made us to be. To support the ministry financially, text "CDMPodcast" to 74483 or visit www.worldchangers.org.

For the Glory KC is back with the 134th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City went on the road and picked up a massive three points in a statistically defiant weekend. It was their first win in Houston since October 3, 2020. They had been 0-3-3 in their prior six visits in all competitions. The victory also broke a 19-game winless streak when they gave up the first goal in a game. Adding to all of that, Kerry Zavagnin has now been in charge for 10 games and has led his team to an appropriate 4-3-3 record. KZ is now responsible for 15 of the team's 16 points in 2025 and Sporting KC find themselves just four points south of a playoff spot.A big part of this successful run under Zavagnin is the emergence of John Pulskamp as a quality starter in Major League Soccer. Despite getting beat by another goal of the week candidate, he absolutely stood on his head for stretches of the game against the Houston Dynamo. He actually had a career high eight saves, including perhaps the save of the night when he shut down Griffin Dorsey one on one.Going into the season, it felt like a big risk to have three very young goalkeepers. There had been an expectation all offseason that a veteran goalkeeper would be added to a group that was 23, 22 and 17-years-of-age coming into the season. And it is not as if there haven't been growing pains. Sporting KC have allowed 28 goals in league play, but by no means has the defense helped out Pulskamp for large stretches. Personally, it feels like John has saved many shots he shouldn't save, which is supported by him being in the 95th percentile of post-shot expected goals per shot on target. Elite numbers.Elsewhere on the podcast, Sheena and I discuss the comeback by SKC, including a brace from Dejan Joveljic, Santiago Munoz's first goal with Sporting KC, Zorhan Bassong's delightful free kick and header, both of which led to goals and many other moments from the game.However, even with the win, I can't help but bring up the terrible officiating from referee Jair Marrufo. He has a dicey history refereeing Sporting KC games and that didn't change on Saturday. He had numerous questionable calls, which I break down. Perhaps the biggest questionable moment was a miss by Marrufo and the VAR when a handball went uncalled in the box. It wasn't as egregious as the error that may have eliminated SKC from the 2023 playoffs (also against Houston), but it seemed to be a clear handball. The lack of camera angles is an indictment on MLS too.The KC Current made plenty of news. Chris and Angie Long bought their second soccer team when the club announced the purchase of HB Køge Women in Denmark. Lo LaBonta also made her debut with the US Women's National Team, Michelle Cooper started that same game and added an assist and Mary Long and Katie Scott scored for the US U-20 women to qualify for the U-20 Women's World Cup.In another big move, the KC Current announced the Teal Rising Cup.In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including:St. Louis City fired their coachUS U-20 Men's World Cup Draw and learning about New CaledoniaMexico to co-host 2031 Women's World CupHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):Sporting KC win big on the road - 7:09SKC Round-up - 39:30KC Current have a big bye week - 47:02Digital Crawl - 58:32Upcoming GamesUSWNT vs. Jamaica, Tuesday, June 3rd at 7:00PM CDTKC Current at NJ/NY Gotham, Saturday, June 7th at 12:00PMSKC II at Houston Dynamo 2, Saturday, June 7th at 7:00PMSporting KC at LAFC, Sunday, June 8th at 8:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

Ahmed was so startled that he opened his eyes... and then he closed his eyes again and Jesus was still there. And Jesus started to walk towards... https://www.klove.com/news/god-stories/dreams-visions-confirmed-jesus-is-personally-appearing-to-people-in-the-middle-east-andpodcast-54538

Heard a great piece of wisdom from Henry Ford the other day. I share that wisdom and how we can apply it to our lives today. Grab a time to talk about The Warrior Dad Experience HERE

Funny things happen when church youth groups go on summer missions trips. Suddenly these comfortable American kids are facing a totally unfamiliar situation, maybe for the first time in their lives! There's money they don't quite understand. There's a language that's different from theirs. Surroundings that are really different from their comfy little room back home. Unusual places to sleep, food they're not used to eating. And suddenly, teenagers who seldom have quiet time in the Bible, are up early every morning for devotions. Amazing! In fact if you look, there's a teenager with a Bible on every rock. It's not quite like that back home is it? What is happening? And kids who find prayer back home kind of boring? Well, now they want prayer meetings. Some who have never prayed aloud before, suddenly find the words. What's going on here? Maybe the same thing that's happening where you are. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Personally Bankrupt, Spiritually Rich." Now, our word for today from the Word of God comes from 2 Corinthians 1, and I'm beginning to read at verse 8. Paul is struggling. He says, "We are under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure." Maybe that's something you can relate to. He goes on to say, "so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts, we felt the sentence of death. But this happened so that..." Okay, pause for a moment. He's finding the reason for this heavy pressure, getting to the end of his rope, this despairing even of life, why has God allowed this to happen; what's the reason? He says, "It happened so that we might not rely on ourselves but on God." And then he adds, "...who raises the dead." Wow! Paul says, "I'm bankrupt, man! I have no resources left. Why? How did I get to this point? I had run out of me to depend on. I totally abandoned me and the situation to God." What happened? The next verse says, "He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us." I told you about the mission trip scenario. Kids are stripped of everything they usually can depend on, and so they're forced to grab Jesus as if their lives depended on Him. Well, it isn't that you suddenly started needing the Lord when you're bankrupt. You just don't realize it until you're bankrupt. Then something very intimate happens in your love relationship with Jesus. You experience His unlimited power at the point of your total powerlessness. In a sense, you don't really know the Lord until you really need the Lord. Our safe, predictable, well resourced Christianity insulates us from really living by faith. And then God allows the bottom to drop out, just so He can hold you up. And you find out what He can do when there's none of you and it's all God. And then you can learn that He's enough. He fills up your empty bankrupt account and in a paradox that only God could reveal to us. Are you ready for it? Here it is: in your bankruptcy you can finally be rich.

SHOW NOTES: There are jobs that many of us would prefer not to have and businesses we'd prefer not to own, but they provide valuable services. Someone has to run funeral parlors, cemeteries, cesspool cleaning, mold removal, and junkyards. Personally, I wouldn't like to pick up garbage, but we need the service or the rats would overwhelm us. Then there are jobs that I can't comprehend doing because of their impact on others. I knew a woman who incessantly pointed out that her husband was a doctor. I asked him once for a referral for a client who lived in the area, and he couldn't provide me one. I found out when we had dinner once, and I questioned him, that he sat at a desk all day approving and rejecting medical claims. Even with my excellent health insurance, I'm occasionally informed by a distant "claim administrator" that my claim wasn't covered or only partially covered. There's no coherent explanation, only the small print that some attorney, also sitting at a desk and who's never been inside a courtroom, has conjured up to protect the company which pays his or her salary. We do need some claims adjustors, for property insurance—houses and cars—for example, to protect against fraud and to serve the consumer, as well. But there are too many stories about medicines and procedures, to alleviate chronic suffering and even to save lives, that are denied on very arbitrary grounds, other than saving the insurer money. Remember when Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson sang about not letting your babies grow up to cowboys? Well, who on earth says to their kid, what guidance counselor suggests, what story of success supports, "My child, I can see with your skills and personally, you should go into health insurance claims adjusting! You'd be brilliant at it and I'm sure it would provide huge gratification!" Don't let your babies grow up to be insurance claims adjustors. If they display any such inclination, adjust them away from it.

In this episode of Personally Speaking Msgr. Jim Lisante is joined by Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck. Fr. Chase is a priest of the Peoria Diocese in Illinois where he is serving in his fifth year as Vocations Director. Before becoming a priest, Fr. Chase played professional soccer. Fr. Chase talks about his vocation journey and the Catholic faith and values that matter most to him.Support the show

Today, I speak with Ben Schmidt, a licensed funeral director and content creator. I ask him questions about what happens after you die, how the body is prepared for last rites, and what families should expect during the process. We also delve into the case of Kendrick Johnson—the teen who died under mysterious circumstances in a gym mat—and the condition in which his body was returned to his family. We really get into the weeds, nerding out on the details surrounding embalming and cremation. I even ask Ben about the pros and cons of smoking formaldehyde. Ben shares some fascinating scientific insight into the embalming process, especially in the first 20 minutes. Personally, I love the level of detail, but don't worry—we mix up the topics regularly throughout the episode. Email ben@mortraqr.com IG: @mortraqr @thefuneralcast    Facebook: The Funeral Science Podcast, The Funeralcast   Tik Tok:   @funeral_science   Podcasts (Spotify Links):  The Funeral Science Podcast  The Funeralcast Blog Sights: www.frigidfluid.com www.ravenplume.com 

If you're someone who spirals when a friend doesn't text back or seems distant, this episode is a powerful reminder: it might feel personal...but it probably isn't. Alissa explores why highly sensitive people often take things personally in friendships and how past wounds may be showing up in the present. You'll learn how to identify your triggers, assume the most generous, and support yourself with compassion—so you can experience more peace in your relationships.What You'll Learn:Why HSPs often take things personally in friendships—and how to stopThe connection between overreacting and unresolved past hurtHow your nervous system goes into “threat mode” over neutral situationsThe difference between assuming the worst and assuming the most generousHow to check in with your triggers instead of blaming yourself or othersWhy personal growth means not projecting past pain onto present peopleWhat it looks like to show yourself compassion in emotionally activated momentsTools to ground yourself before jumping to conclusionsHow to gracefully approach honest conversations when neededWhy real friendships can survive seasons of less communicationQuestions Answered in This Episode:Why do I always take things personally with my friends?How can I stop overanalyzing texts or slow replies?What if I'm triggered by a friend pulling away—how do I manage it?Why does silence or distance from someone I care about feel so threatening?How do I know if it's a real issue or an old wound being activated?What does it mean to “assume the most generous” in friendships?When is it time to bring up concerns—and how do I do that with care?How do I stop letting other people's actions define my worth?What's the link between friendship struggles and abandonment wounds?Can I really feel safe in my relationships, even when things aren't perfect?Uncover your sneaky internal belief that's stopping you from being your most confident self TAKE The FREE Shadow Archetype Quiz NOWLearn my 6-step process for managing & neutralizing your triggers as an HSP in our FREE UN-Botherable Workshop!The Sensitive & Soulful Self-Worth Course: Go from second-guessing & self-doubt to YOU'VE got YOU. Your journey to unwavering self-trust & radical self-acceptance starts HERE. Use code PODL at checkout for a secret discount!

You know that moment when someone doesn't reply to your email, or a donor backs out, or you get an unsubscribe notification—and suddenly, your stomach drops? Rejection stings—it hits hard and can hijack your momentum fast.In this episode, I'm sharing something I've been coaching on behind the scenes: The 7-Second Rule. It's a mindset tool to help you handle rejection—ghosting, “no thank yous,” radio silence, without falling into a spiral that slows your mission down. Because the real issue isn't the “no.” It's what happens in the seven seconds after. That's when your inner critic gets loud, your confidence dips, and you start playing small. But it doesn't have to be that way. This episode will help you pause, reframe, and keep showing up like the fundraising CEO you are.Topics:Why your brain interprets “no” as danger—and how to interrupt that spiralThe difference between taking rejection personally vs. seriouslyHow to coach yourself through the first 7 seconds of emotional responseReal-life examples of how ghosting and unsubscribes trigger fundraising fearHow to reframe setbacks into strategy and turn self-doubt into brave actionPowerful self-coaching questions to get unstuck and lead like a CEOFor a full list of links and resources mentioned in this episode, click here.Bloomerang is the complete donor, volunteer, and fundraising management solution that helps thousands of nonprofits deliver a better giving experience and create sustainable, thriving organizations. Combining robust, easy-to-use technology with people-powered support and training, Bloomerang empowers nonprofits to work efficiently, improve supporter relationships, and grow their donor and volunteer bases. Learn more here.Resources: Purpose & Profit Club® Coaching Program [Get on the waitlist for bonuses] The SPRINT Method™: Your shortcut to 10K fundraisers [details here] Instagram, LinkedIn, website , weekly newsletter [FREE] The Brave Fundraiser's Guide: Stop getting ignored. Start raising more. May contain affiliate links

My friend Erika Enggren and I have both experienced the profound loss of people near and dear to us. In Erika's case, it was the death of her stepdad, whom she had known for most of her life. For me, it was the loss of an extremely close friend I had known for over twenty years.These unfortunate, simultaneous events sparked a meaningful conversation between us — a conversation about grief and the day-to-day coping mechanisms we use to move through the pain of loss.Erika Enggren is an artist through and through. She's an actress, a painter, and an incredibly expressive poet. During our conversations about our recent losses, I found her to be insightful and astute, offering comfort and helping to normalize the experiences of birth and death. Given how universal these experiences are, we realized these are conversations that need to happen.So, we brought our discussion to this podcast episode. And wouldn't you know it — we managed to have a conversation about grief and loss that wasn't depressing. Personally, I found it to be a helpful step in my healing process. Hopefully, it will be the same for you.

Welcome back to the Marathon Running Podcast! Today, we have the incredible honor of speaking with a truly world-renowned marathon coach, Ron Mann. Ron's name is synonymous with elite distance running, and his impact on the sport is undeniable. We're thrilled to welcome him to the show. Many of you will know Ron for his pivotal role in coaching the legendary Wesley Korir to his unforgettable victory at the 2012 Boston Marathon. And more recently, we've seen his guidance contribute to the impressive successes of John Korir in the marathon. Personally, I've had the privilege of a friendship with both Wesley and John, which makes this conversation with Ron even more special. In this episode, we'll delve into Ron's remarkable journey coaching at the highest levels of the sport, extracting invaluable insights and advice that aren't just for the elites, but for every single runner striving to improve.We are now on YOUTUBE:Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@RunningPodcast Discount Codes for Runners: https://www.runswag.com·  Our website: ⁠www.marathonrunningpodcast.com⁠ ·  Our Instagram: ⁠@runningpodcast⁠·  Our Amazon Storefront: ⁠Amazon Storefront⁠·  Join our Facebook group: ⁠SpeedStriders Facebook Group⁠ https://www.facebook.com/groups/speedstriders ·  Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@RunningPodcast

How Embodiment Found Me (And Changed Everything) Embodiment has a way of finding us, whispering quietly and planting a curiosity inside us—often long before we even know what the word means.  That was true for me. Back when I was a hospital pharmacist, I had no concept of “embodiment.” But something in me longed for more. My body was trying to tell me that what I was living… wasn't it. I was sick—literally—Monday through Friday. I did all the tests, took all the medications, but the nausea wouldn't go. My body knew. I was sick of the system I was part of. I didn't know it yet, but what I was searching for was a different way of being. Personally & professionally.  Something more vital, more heart-connected, more alive. That search led me into a personal and professional metamorphosis—and eventually into building a whole school dedicated to Feminine Embodiment Coaching.   Resources mentioned in this podcast:  Info Session - Explore the Philosophy of Feminine Embodiment Coaching  Somatic Self Coaching - free guide  Primal Feminine Flow - at home embodiment practice  Feminine Embodiment Coaching Certification - professional training   

When Advaita Ācārya started his prayers to Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, he held open class and prayed that Lord Caitanya would come and help spread the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement all over the world. So, however insignificant it may seem, the way one starts—one person—can change the whole world; one person with a sincere desire. And we feel it in you, Mahārāj, that wherever you go, you set this example of utter humility, at the same time complete seriousness, about this strategy to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world. I remember years ago when we talked about New York, and it seemed to be a complicated situation, but I remember you'd always say, "But Prabhupāda started there. He wanted us to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness in New York." And even in the most difficult situations, you've always adhered yourself to Śrīla Prabhupāda's desire. So all the initiates today are fortunate to be able to see you, to observe how you live and how you interact with others, and to be able to adhere themselves to your instructions. And I'm personally grateful to all the devotees here who are following in Śrīla Prabhupāda's footsteps by accepting His Holiness Radhanath Swami Mahārāja as the representative of the Guru-paramparā, who's showing how to use one's entire life to not only expand Kṛṣṇa consciousness all over the world, but to attain the ultimate perfection of life, which is to constantly remember Kṛṣṇa, talk about Kṛṣṇa, and chant Harē Kṛṣṇa. (HG Vaisesika Dasa) Thank you so much, Mahārāj, for keeping us in your orbit, for inspiring not only your disciples, but all of us here at ISV and around the world. And I'm very happy for these initiates to be connected to our glorious Paramparā. Under your shelter, we're so fortunate to be connected to the most glorious Paramparā. It's a big step you're all taking, and the whole community is here to support you and help you in any way you can. And I already see so many of you who do so much here, do so much service, do so much preaching. So however we can continue to serve each other, serve your Guru Mahārāj and serve Śrīla Prabhupāda. Personally, I want to offer my help, my support, and I'm just so happy for you all to be under the shelter of Radhanath Mahārāj and Śrīla Prabhupāda. Thank you. Harē Kṛṣṇa! (HG Nirākulā Dāsī) I am so happy to see that you are under the shelter of Vaiśeṣika Mahārāja and Nirākulā Devī because, from the core of my heart, I appreciate how Śrīla Prabhupāda is so pleased with their surrender, their example, and their spiritual leadership for this community, and actually for inspiring the whole world of our movement.And I'm just a little creature that's crawling around trying to serve, but Vaiśeṣika Prabhu and Nirākulā Devī are really great Vaiṣṇavas, and how they are pleasing Śrīla Prabhupāda is so meaningful to me and so many other devotees. There is nothing more pleasing to me than you trying to assist them and please them.In my own heart, I'm just assisting them by trying to inspire all of you in this connection to Śrīla Prabhupāda and our Guru-paramparā (HH Rādhānātha Maharaja) Link to the complete ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3tMBBPxMt4 ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark

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