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Quaranteam-Northwest: Part 6 Lab Results and Quarantines Based on a post by Break The Bar. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.   The Docs signed off, leaving me alone in the little meeting room again. Not knowing when I would be able to leave, I decided to try and fall back on one of my old military instincts; sleep when you can. So I got comfortable in the chair, closed my eyes, and let myself drift into a fitful, not-quite-soothing sleep. "Harri," someone said, and I woke with a start as my shoulder was touched. "Urm," I grunted, and sniffed in a breath as I blinked rapidly and looked around. I was still in the room, and Miriam was smiling at me. She was dressed in fatigues here in the military office complex instead of her service dress blues and her hair was up in a standard military bun hidden beneath the standard issue cap. "Just like a grunt to take any reason for a nap," she grinned at me. "Come on. We can talk in my office." I stood, yawned and stretched, feeling something pop in my back and my shoulder from the uncomfortable position I'd been in. "Lead the way, Lieutenant Colonel," I said. She rolled her eyes at me a little but didn't say anything, just opening the door and walking through. I followed her back into that hallway where Brent had clocked me. He wasn't in the waiting room at the end of the hall. "Is Brent,” I started to ask. "He's waiting on another floor," Miriam said. "Refuses to leave until he sees his daughter is alright. It's making operations slow down over at the construction site, but I can't blame him." "Neither can I," I said, touching the tenderness of my black eye. Miriam led me through several very plain corridors lined with doors. None of them had windows to see in, and most had nameplate mounts but lacked names, and instead were labelled with numbers. It struck me as secretive, and that meant I was probably in the Air Force part of the building and not the Vaccine Test Center part. If they were trying to make people feel at ease joining an experimental program, these plain walls and doors forming a maze were not the way to do it. Confounding an enemy trying to sneak through this part of the building, though? It was perfect. I followed Miriam until she stopped at a seemingly random door and opened it, leading me into a large office. It had a large bank of windows, but extra-heavy curtains had been hung over them and were drawn shut to the point I wondered if they were nailed in place. One wall was entirely covered in a whiteboard with all sorts of coded writing on it. There were two desks in the room; the main desk was scattered with papers and a computer terminal, with a plush office chair tucked in behind it. The second desk had more stuff on it, but in neater piles, and Captain Bloomberg was sitting behind it at work. She glanced up at us as we entered and gave me a slightly judgmental look, before going back to the printout she was reading. The rest of the office space was dominated by file shelving units, a gun safe, and a leather couch that looked uncomfortable but was probably soft as hell. "Captain, could you give us five?" Miriam asked. "Of course, Ma'am," she nodded, set down the papers face-down and stepped around her desk to the door. She shot Miriam a quick look, and Miriam gave her one back, and the Captain left. If I had to guess it was to do with the fact that the office was probably full of classified material and information and the Captain was silently reminding her superior officer not to let me poke around or leave me alone in there. "Sit, please," Miriam sighed once the door was closed and we were alone, gesturing at the couch. I did, instantly sinking into it, and she sat on the other end and turned to me. "So, now that we know it's not life-threatening, you feel ready to get teased yet?" I snorted a little and scratched at my beard. "It's still a little raw," I admitted. "Just like how you fucked her?" Miriam asked with a grin. "Sorry, that's the only one." I shook my head and chuckled. There were few kinds of people who could be as morbidly crude and insulting, and mean it in the best way, as a military friend. "Seriously, Harri," she said. "I got a briefing on it. She's fine, you're fine. No one is in trouble." "Tell that to her father," I said. "And I can't blame him for probably wanting to kill me." "Yeah, well, tough shit for him," Miriam said. "We've expanded his Need to Know status and gave him some more info on the vaccine to calm him down. He's not happy, but he's not worried anymore. Seriously though, did you have to go and fuck my lead civilian contractor's daughter?" "We were friendly with her," I said, and let out a long breath. "Erica said she thought Vanessa might be a little interested. I don't think either of us expected her to show up on our proverbial doorstep and ask for a foursome." "I always did think Erica was a smart woman after we met," Miriam said. "Though I figured you'd lost a few brain cells since you weren't dating her at the time." "There's a whole story behind that," I said, waving her off. "I'm sure there is," Miriam smiled. "Doesn't mean it's a good excuse though." "Well, Vanessa seems to think you have a crush on me after she met you for all of two minutes," I shot back at her. Miriam flushed for a moment but didn't look away from me, still in command in her own office. "Vanessa might have been doing a bit of projecting," she said. "I'm not into hillbillies with bushy beards and big guts." "Ouch," I laughed, holding my stomach. Sure, I wasn't in the peak physical form I'd been in coming out of the military, but I hadn't gone that soft. Miriam and I continued to chat and laugh for a few more minutes until the Captain came back and then Miriam let me borrow some sound-cancelling headphones and hang out on their couch while they were working. They had food ordered in and Miriam and I ate dinner together while Captain Bloomberg ate as she kept working at her desk. It wasn't until I noticed that the faint bit of light leaking around the edges of the curtains was dimming that it had been a long day and I hadn't been able to contact Erica and Ivy. I asked Miriam if I could have my phone back just to update them, and she and the Captain had to discuss it for a long moment before they decided they could probably do the texting for me, but for security protocols I couldn't be given control of the phone. When my phone powered on it took a long moment for it to connect to service, and then it started buzzing like crazy and a bunch of messages came in. Miriam was holding it, and her eyes went a little wide as the message notification scrolled by. "Um," she said. "Well, it looks like you and your partners are... happy together." "Oh no," I groaned. "What did they send?" "Well, you have a whole bunch of messages from Brent Peters chewing you out, so there's that," Miriam said. "But, uh, well, there are photos from your partners." "Sorry," I shrugged, once again finding my face heating up at the exposure of my sex life. "It's fine," Miriam said. "It was my idea to do the texting anyways." She tapped around on the phone for a moment. "Alright, I'll just say 'Harri isn't allowed to use his phone right now. This is Miriam Abarbanel. He is fine, no trouble. Vanessa is also fine and healthy. They will return tomorrow.'" "That's fine," I said with a nod. I would have liked to tell them more, and that I loved them. And that they shouldn't have been trying to send me whatever scandalous photos they had considering I was in military custody at the moment. Miriam hit send and a minute later another text came through and she opened it, immediately rolling her eyes and setting my phone down. "What?" I asked. "Erica sent another photo, and I think it was for me," she said. "What? Really?" I asked. Miriam opened the photo again and turned my phone around to show me. Erica and Ivy were both sunbathing in the chairs, topless. The third Adirondack had a name tag written on a piece of paper and taped to the back of the chair that red 'Vanessa.' Beside it, they had put out another lawn chair and had quickly put another nametag on it that said 'Miriam.' I couldn't help the little snort of laughter that came out of me, and I covered my mouth to try and stop from giggling a bit. "I'm sorry," I said. Miriam laughed once and set my phone down. "You know, Erica is the right kind of trouble for you I think," she said. "You haven't spent enough time with Ivy," I countered. "That girl is mischievous. I bet the Vanessa one was Erica's idea to try and cheer her up, and the other one was Ivy." "If you've got any pictures from that Danielle woman, I wouldn't mind checking those out," Captain Bloomberg said from over at her desk. "Laura," Miriam said, a little shocked. "What? I told you when we first saw her, that woman could turn a bigoted granny gay," Laura said. "That's fair," Miriam said thoughtfully. "Hey, no arguments from me," I said. Miriam and the Captain ended up finishing their work days, though Miriam told me that she was on call 24/7 anyways and they stayed in apartments lower in the building. She offered to try and find me a free one to rest overnight, but I asked her if I could see Vanessa and stay in whatever medical room she was in. I didn't want her to wake up from the process and be alone. This started a silent conversation of sharp looks between Miriam and Laura, until Laura sighed. "She's not alone. Her father hasn't left her side since we let him see her. This is... let's call it a legal grey area at the moment. Technically you're not even extended family, so he would get precedent on deciding who can be there," she said. "But under the circumstances of the Vaccine imprinting, there's been some debate going around the legal circles of what constitutes a civil union. The matter's still up in the air, but there's a case to be made that you and she are now more intimately connected than she and her father. So I guess the question is do you want to push the issue?" "Oh, fuck," I groaned, and had to massage the bridge of my nose. "On the one hand, yes I want to see her. On the other, Brent deserves to be pissed at me and worried about her. Can I just talk to him?" "Honestly, Harri," Miriam said. "I think you should probably leave that whole conversation to Vanessa and how she wants to have it. Doesn't matter how much you defend yourself, you're still the guy that fucked that man's daughter in a pretty... degenerate seems too strong, but pervy is too weak. Anyways, you fucking her like that brought her here, and he's now aware that she's going to be intimately connected to you for a while." I puffed out my cheeks and let the air blow out slowly, unsure of what to do. "I can try talking to him," Laura offered. "But honestly, I don't know if it would do any good." "It's fine," I finally conceded. "He can be there, just find me another room where I can crash, and let me know when she's awake?" "I'll leave a standing order with the nurses," Miriam nodded. So, as Miriam and Laura finished up for the day, they sent for the night sentry who patrolled the floor and let him know I would be in the staff break room and was allowed to eat out of the cupboards and use the washrooms. Once the airman was gone Laura excused herself and left me with Miriam. "It was nice having you around, Harri," she grinned, dropping her command facade again. She put her hand on my upper arm and grinned, giving me a wink. "And I was joking when I called you fat." "Yeah, well, you really hurt my feelings," I fake-cried, making her laugh. "I'll see you tomorrow before you leave, alright? And I still expect that beer next time I'm up at the site," she said and gave me a peck on the cheek. "You got it," I said, and pecked her back. "And thank you for all of this today, by the way." "Happy to help," she said, and then escorted me to the room where I would spend the next seven hours. The sentry woke me up around four in the morning. I had Cheeto dust on my shirt and fingers, the bag I'd found in the staff room cupboard almost empty and crumpled up on my chest. "Sir, I've been asked to bring you down to the medical wing," he said. "Fuck," I said, blinking awake and standing up. "Uh, give me a second." I went into the men's washroom and quickly washed my hands and my face, and tried to get myself straightened out. Looking in the mirror, I could tell that I'd been running on empty for a bit, but I didn't look as bad as I might have if I hadn't been getting in some light napping at least. The airman brought me to the elevator and punched a button for about a dozen floors down, and when we stepped off of it, it was clear that we were in a more public-facing area, though the number of armed airmen on guard was actually higher. The floor was still quiet, this early in the morning, and generally featured a lot more stuff. There were glass panes and windows everywhere and the place looked like what I would picture a medical bay would in a not-too-distant future medical show. There were a few nurses around, but most of the rooms and beds were empty. We passed by one room that was sealed up with a little yellow light near the handle flashing 'Quarantine Active.' That got me gulping and moving. We turned a corner and I saw her. Vanessa was sitting up in a hospital bed, an IV drip hooked in to one arm. She was in a hospital gown and didn't have any of her usual makeup on, so she looked... sick wasn't the right word. She looked different enough that I noticed it, but it was like seeing Erica without her makeup that first time. It was different but I liked seeing the natural her. "Vanessa, I'm,” I started, but then she threw a magazine at my head. "Harri, I swear to God if you try and apologize to me, I'll throw another one," Vanessa said. She had a stack of a few of them on a little rolling bedside stand, where she also had a tray from a shitty cafeteria meal. "You look good, Vee," I said, changing my mind. She blushed and smiled. "No, I don't. Liar." "Okay, you look as good as someone in a hospital bed can," I said. "Come sit, Harri," she said, shifting herself in the bed and patting beside her. I did, and she took my hand in one of hers and lifted the other to brush a finger against my bruised eye. "The night nurse told me what happened when I woke up." I opened my mouth to apologize again but remembered what she'd said and clicked it shut. She smirked and squeezed my fingers. "Good, you're learning." "So you're not pissed off?" I asked. Vanessa leaned her head back on the pillows propping her up, taking a deep breath. "Maybe at the world, a little. But at you? Or Erica and Ivy? No. I went in there knowing what I was asking for, and you told me the risk. I decided getting off with you three was worth it." She broke into a small smile. "And from what I remember, it was pretty fantastic." "It was," I chuckled. "I mean, wild and filthy, but fantastic." She was looking at me, searching my face for something. I couldn't tell if she found it or not. "I spoke to my Dad. He told me he decked you pretty good but I wasn't expecting a full-on shiner." "He definitely got me," I said, touching my eye. "Wasn't as bad as I felt I deserved." "Yeah, well I told him if he does it again I'll deck him," she said. "And that if he tries to take any revenge on you, he's just punishing me." "Does that mean what I think it means?" I asked. She brought my hand up to her chest and put it over her heart. "Harri, I'm stuck with you no matter what at this point, but if you guys will have me I'd like to move into your crammed RV life. I thought you and Erica were cool since we met, and we know we're sexually compatible. The way I see it, I can either fight this thing just for the sake of fighting, or I can get on board the Harrison train and enjoy the ride." "Vanessa, I; God, I wish I had my phone right now," I said. "There's a picture the girls sent that you'll want to see." Vanessa rolled her eyes and her smile grew. "Oh, I got several pictures," Vanessa said. "I've already seen them. Why don't you have your phone?" "I was up on a secure floor," I said. "Lieutenant Colonel Abarbanel was actually the one to see them when she helped me message back that we were Okay." "Then you have some surprises waiting for you I think," Vanessa grinned. "But for now, you're all mine." She pulled me towards her and guided me into a kiss. Then she whispered into my lips as our noses rubbed against each other. "Pull the privacy screen around us." "Here? Really?" I asked. "My nurse actually encouraged it," Vanessa said. "She said we just need to try and keep it down." I stood up and went to the curtain built into the rolling track around Vanessa's bed and pulled it around us, blocking out the rest of the room, and the hallway beyond the glass observation doors. When I turned back to her, Vanessa was shrugging out of her hospital gown, her cute little tits jiggling. I kicked off my shoes and got up on the hospital bed with her, picking her up a bit and sliding her down into a laying position and tucking my head down to suck on one of her nipples. "Oh, Harri," she crooned, her hand running through my hair. Her nipples got hard quickly as I played my tongue over them, feeling the little boob around it tug and pull as I moved around. I popped off and raised my lips to hers again, giving her a kiss. "I didn't get to spend that much time telling you how beautiful and sexy I think you are," I said between kisses. "Harri, you don't need to lie," she said. "My boobs are tiny. I'm used to; Ah, fuck!" I cut her off by grabbing the tit I hadn't sucked on, squeezing it hard enough to make her hiss a little bit. I'd seen she liked a little rough pawing and play during the foursome, so I used it now to make a point. "If you ever tell me these aren't perfect, I'll spank you so hard you'll have my handprint on your ass for a week." "Fuck, Harri; Fuck," she groaned as I let my grip on her tit loosen, and then bent down and took that nipple into my mouth as well. "Fine. You like my tits. I believe you." "Don't just believe me," I said. "Vanessa, you said you thought Erica and I were cool when we first met. Well, I thought you were fascinating. This gorgeous, tough woman who knew how to take charge and make things happen. Beautiful from head to toe even when you were trying to downplay it for work. Now, you're going to lay back so that I can explore every inch of your gorgeous, perfect body." She looked like she was somewhere between beaming happily and crying, but she nodded. I started back up at her lips and kissed around her jaw and down her neck to her collar bone. Then down to her chest, where I teased her nipples some more, rolling one between my fingers while I tongued and lightly nibbled on the other. Once they were both standing proud and weren't about to go down, I helped her pull the hospital gown off until it was hanging from the arm with the IV in it, revealing the rest of her body to me. I kissed down her stomach to her bellybutton and pressed my forehead against her, kissing her fit stomach softly, then moving lower. I got to the point between her belly button and her mound where her scar was, and the Strength tattoo. I took my time there, kissing it, and tracing my finger along the letters of the tattoo. I turned back to look up at her face and she was pensive, staring at me with this worried look like I was going to change my mind about her. "Perfect," I told her again, "And strong as hell." My lips went further, down onto her mound where a smattering of hairs were poking out. She'd obviously shaved herself in the past, but not as recently as I bet she would have liked. But I didn't care, and I kissed along the stubble of her pubic hair, letting it play against my lips as my beard played against her skin. She spread her legs for me, and I slipped around on the bed so I was laying between them on my stomach, looking up at her. "Do you want me to do this here?" I asked her. "Harri, I want your cock inside me like nothing else," she said. "We'll get there," I grinned, and began to explore her cunt with my lips and tongue. I took my time, softly kissing and licking, searching every nook and cranny of her outer and inner labia. Then I did it again, sucking a little harder, nibbling just a touch, finding the sweet spots that made her legs quiver or her breath catch in a hiccup or gasp. Then I went deeper, peeling her open with my fingers to see the soft pink of her hole, and tasted and teased her. She mewled for me, clawing at the bed. I kept needing to move her leg back as it came up and wanted to curl in towards me until I just planted my hand on her thigh and pushed her open, holding her leg wide. Then I did the same to the other leg, pushing them back further, and I slowly licked from her hole up her lips to her clit hood, teasing the tip of my tongue under it before pushing it back with my upper lip and prodding her clit softly. "Making me... ugh!" Vanessa grunted with a girlish tone, gasping for air. I did it again and watched as another little orgasm rolled through her, her cunt flexing as her abdominal muscles clenched. Moving lower I kissed the inner curve of her ass cheek and looked up from between her legs to meet her gaze. She watched me, a little surprised, as I practically buried my nose in her cunt so that I could drive my tongue against her asshole. Her brow furrowed as I did it, and one eye twtiched as I teased the outer ring, then centered on it and nudged the tip of my tongue a little deeper. "Not here," she gasped suddenly, and I stopped. "I; not here," she said again. "Okay," I said, moving up from her ass and kissing the crook of her thigh. "Just like that?" she asked. "What kind of guys have you been seeing that don't stop when you say no?" I asked back. She blinked. "The kind who don't eat ass, and rarely eat cunt," she said. "So the wrong kind." "Then let me ask you; what do you want me to do now?" She closed her eyes and blew out a long breath through pursed lips, before opening them. "Get your pants off and fuck me while we make out. I want to feel you on top of me." I grinned and slipped off the bed, undoing my belt and kicking my pants off. I was already hard, and she was wet from my exploratory oral, so I got back up on the bed and got over her in a standard missionary position. "Like this?" I asked her. She reached down and got my cock in position, and wrapped a leg around my waist and ass to pull me into her. "Like this," she said with a grin as I slowly penetrated deeper into her. Vanessa was hot and clenched my cock in a rippling sensation as I drove in, slowly fucking into her until I was buried to my root. She grabbed my beard in her hand and pulled me into a kiss as we stayed still and connected. "Ow," I muttered into the kiss. "Sorry," she laughed, releasing my beard. "It's fine," I said and kissed her deeply. We made out, our tongues doing more work than my cock for a long moment, until we started grinding against each other. The rhythm built up slowly, less a pounding than a sensuous back and forth that felt more like dancing. Well, the best kind of dancing where my cock was inside of a beautiful woman. Our kiss broke as we panted against each other. "More," she gasped. "More what?" "More weight," she said. "I want to feel you." I lowered myself from my elbows, letting my body press down against hers like a too-heavy weighted blanket. "Umm," she groaned somewhere at the back of her throat. Her body felt tense under mine, but slowly loosened. I kissed the side of her neck, and she ran the heel of her foot down my leg and then back up to my butt. The soft whoosh of the glass door opening outside of the privacy curtain made us both stop moving. "Vanessa, you good in there?" asked a woman. "Yep," she said. "So good. Perfect." There was a long moment of silence, and then, "Oh. Sorry for interrupting. If you and Mr. Black can finish up, your Father was hoping to see you. I can stall him for ten minutes?" "Thanks," Vanessa called back, biting her lips. Two soft footsteps and the door whooshed again, settling closed. "Oh my God," Vanessa groaned. "I can do a lot in ten minutes," I said with a grin. "No, we have less than that," she sighed. "I need to get cleaned up and dressed first, and you need to be out of here before he gets here. But first I need you to fuck me hard and fast and give me your cum." So that's what I did. I raised up higher again to gain the leverage I needed and I started pounding into her with hard, steady strokes. Vanessa gasped, and soon we were back in that rolling rhythm of our hips except it was way more fucking than dancing. Our eyes never left each other, and when I went in for another kiss she bit my lip as she started to come. That pushed me towards my own edge, and I got myself there by reaching down and strumming my thumb against her clit just as she was coming down, pushing her right back into a second wave of orgasm as her body clenched and I released. "Fuck," I growled, thrusting my hips forward and emptying my balls into her. "Fuck, Vanessa!" She arched her back, silently screaming before she exhaled hard and released the tension. We both lay there panting for a long moment. "I really want to fuck you again," I said. "Right now. I'm still hard as a rock for you." "I can feel that, you fucking caveman," Vanessa laughed, cock drunk for the moment. "But I need to clean up and you need to go." "One more thing," I said, and kissed her again. I got my clothes on first and then helped her find and put on her pants. She hadn't worn underwear when she had come to visit us the morning before when this whole thing kicked off, so now she was going to be leaking my cum into her jeans. Her shirt was there as well, but she was still hooked up to the IV, which meant I had to leave the room and send a nurse to help her. I stopped at the edge of the privacy curtain, looking back at her. "Go," she motioned to me. "I'm not leaving. You can see my tits any time you want." Maybe I was cunt drunk, but I wanted to tell her I loved her. I just grinned and blew her a kiss and a wink before slipping out. Once she couldn't see me, I shook my head. I thought orgasms were supposed to give you post-nut clarity, I thought. I almost blurted that out, and no matter how compatible we were sexually I knew that wasn't the right thing to say at the moment. I found the nurse, who went to help Vanessa, while another one brought me back to the elevator where I was met by the night sentry again. He brought me back up to the waiting room I'd been in before, and I flopped onto the couch. "Harri. Harri, we need to stop meeting like this," Miriam said, and I blinked awake again as she was standing over me and smirking. "Fuck," I grunted. "What time is it?" "Just past 0600," she said. "We've got a couple of cars ready to drive you back home." "A couple?" I frowned. "Brent left earlier in his own vehicle," Miriam said. "But we're sending you back with two more partners for your friend Leo. I already spoke with Vanessa and she said she wanted to ride with them to try and help them stay calm through their vaccination." I closed my eyes again as I parsed what she was saying. "Okay, hold on. Leo is getting two new partners?" "From what I red they are a bisexual couple who wanted to stay together," Miriam said. I wiped the sleep from my eyes and sucked in a big breath through my nose. "Well, at least mine isn't the only RV that's going to be packed to the gills." Miriam brought me down to the underground garage for the building and handed my phone back to me. Two black SUV were idling, the windows all tinted to the point that I couldn't see a single thing inside including the drivers. I turned back to Miriam. "Just another day?" I asked her. "Hell no," she smirked. "You, Harrison Black, as the biggest pain in my ass since I took this posting." Then she pulled me into a hug. "But I wouldn't change a God damn thing about it. I'll see you once our on-site office is up and running." "I'm looking forward to it," I said, giving her a squeeze back. "Lieutenant Colonel." "That's Miriam to you, soldier," she said, pulling back with a smirk and kissing me on the cheek. The elevator bingled and I was shocked, or really mildly surprised, to see Agent Sourpuss leading two women bundled up in hooded jumpsuits with masks on. Sourpuss took one look at me and sneered, directing the two women to the front SUV and climbing in with them. "What was that about?" I asked. "Oh, she's pissed off because she keeps getting seconded to us for transportation detail," Miriam said. "I have no idea why, but she isn't happy about it." "No; Technically I'm pretty sure that was my fault, actually. But I meant the whole bundled up get up." "First, why am I not surprised you're a pain in the ass for other people as well? And second, it's new protocols coming up from California and the first testing area. I guess there have been some questions around whether vaccinated but unbonded women could contract or become carriers for the virus. It's the latest back and forth between the scientists." "Speaking of which," I said. "I know why I don't need to be all bundled up, but why don't you? Are you imprinted on someone?" "Me? No," Miriam said. "Not yet, anyway. I'll do it when they push the order out, for now we're still technically in the testing phase for a bit longer. Everyone who leaves the building and re-enters without being vaccinated is getting blood tested and quarantined; it sucks, but it leaves us able to work functionally instead of talking to each other through hazmat suits." The elevator bingled again, and this time it was Vanessa who stepped out as a sentry gestured her towards the front SUV. She saw me immediately and veered off course, coming to me. I wrapped her up in a hug and noticed Miriam giving me a hard-to-read look. "Hey," I said to Vanessa. "I hear you're playing therapy animal for Leo's new partners." "They asked me to," Vanessa said. "From what I understand, the nurses don't think the woman who is supposed to be doing it does a very good job at calming nerves." Miriam snorted a little but covered it with a cough, looking at me. "Well, I feel like I'm missing out on some more alone time with you, but I understand why," I said. "Do me a favor and try and feel them out a bit, see what they're like." "I will," she smirked and went on her tiptoes to give me a peck on the lips. "They're going to be our neighbors, after all." "Yes they are," I grinned and patted her butt. "See you at home?" "Fuck. Home," Vanessa said, backing away from me. "I haven't had one of those in a while. It's gonna be weird." She turned and strode to the SUV and got in the back. "That one might be trouble," Miriam said. "They're all trouble," I laughed. "See you sooner than later?" "Sooner than later," she grinned and winked. I went to the back SUV, which was apparently my personal chauffeur for the sole reason that Agent Sourpuss couldn't find an ounce of empathy in her. Hopefully there's a partition between the front and the back, I thought. I can check those pictures Erica and Ivy were sending me. When I opened the back door of the SUV to get in I had to stop. "Ah," I said. "That explains a lot." I slid in and shut the door. "Agent Grierson." The craggy-faced Agent smirked and nodded. "Harrison. When I heard there was an anomalous vaccination issue, I decided to check it out and lo and behold, it's my favorite redneck." "Did you just come to check-in, or are you looking to offload some more government cash on me?" I asked. The SUVs started moving, pulling out of the garage and into downtown Portland. "Kid, you know I don't need to come to see you to check in," he said. "And I don't have the time to just come shoot the shit, no matter how much I'd enjoy a good fuckin' day off once in a while. I'm here to ask a favor." "Well now you're just being coy," I said. "You know that I know you didn't have to let that lease thing through instead of a flat purchase, so you've got me cornered." "Well, the good news is that I'm not asking you to do anything underhanded," Grierson said. "I noticed you've recently taken on a security consulting contract and your clearance has been restored. I'm going to open it up a little bit more here, if that's alright with you." "Playful, then coy, then asking my permission? Jesus fuck, what are you about to ask me to do?" "Alright, kid. Here's the deal," Grierson sighed. "Sometime in the next few days you're going to get a new partner delivered to you. What I need you to do is keep an eye on her. She's the daughter of the Ambassador from the Philippines, and officially we've run her through the Oracle matching system as a diplomatic courtesy. What no one else knows, including people in that building we just left, is that her Oracle results didn't matter. I'm placing her with you, and scattering a few other Filipino nationals in safe little corners of the country, as a deal with the NICA." "Wait, that's the..." I had to wrack my brain going back to my Military Police training. "Isn't that the CIA of the Philippines?" "A much lesser version, yes," Grierson said. "On the official unofficial paperwork, it's a spy deal. We're going to take care of some of their valuable people who are here, and they're going to take care of some of our valuable people who are over there. The unofficial unofficial deal is that we don't have anyone over there, and the government of the Philippines is going to let us stage our latest espionage attempts into China from their shores. There's a fucking information blackout coming out of China right now, and other than satellite images we've got nothing on what's going on in there." "Okay, hold on," I said. "So am I taking in this Ambassador's daughter as payment for the US Government?" "No, you're taking her in because Kyla Bautista is also secretly a spy who just graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in dance, and while she was there we suspect she turned at least four different Professors and research assistants into assets for NICA for Intellectual Property espionage. I'm scooping her up and putting her with you because you're so far off the radar that no one would think you're keeping an eye on her, and so that the Chinese can't find her if they figure out what's going on and want some revenge. But most of all, I'm putting her with you because, despite your record and stupid career choices after you left the military, you have the mindset to keep an eye on her without her or anyone else knowing that's what's going on." "This is all well and good, Grierson," I said. "But I've got three women imprinted on me already, one of them by mistake. How the hell am I supposed to add a fourth woman into the mix?" Grierson snorted. "Kid, I got news for you. By this time next year, I'd bet all that money I just put into your bank account that you'll look back and think what a naive question that was." I sighed and shook my head slowly. "What does her father think of her getting matched off like that? Does he even know?" "Oh, he was pissed until he got cut in on an early vaccination as well for his wife, along with his long-time second in command who he's been having an affair with, and his additional American mistress who is very black and very formidable, neither of whom the wife knows about. He seems to think it'll be fine." "Jesus," I sighed, shaking my head. "So what, is the OGA offering to pay me for spy sitting?" "No," Grierson said. "But there is an upside." "What's that?" "Like I said, Kyla Bautista graduated with a degree in dance. If I wasn't too fucking busy being ethical, I'd have just put her in my house. The woman is something else." "That's gross," I said, my face twisting in mild disgust. "It's reality, kid. Game it out; people need to fuck to save their lives. Even before this shit show people put a value on beauty over pretty much anything else. What do you think it's going to be like when the entire country is getting matched up?" "I don't know," I sighed. "That's; I don't even want to think about it." "And that's why they pay me and my people the big bucks," Grierson said. He tapped on the glass partition that separated us from the front seat, and the SUV began to pull over. "I'm not asking you to do anything you wouldn't have anyways. Just keep an eye on her for me, alright?" "Fine," I said. "But if she takes one look at me and asks for someone else, I can't do anything about that. I'm not forcing some woman into this." "Won't be a problem," Grierson said. The SUV came to a stop, and he stepped out. "Grierson," I said, and he turned back. "Miriam said someone pulled some strings to get her assigned where she is. Was that you?" "What?" Grierson raised an eyebrow. "You think I like you that much, kid?" "That wasn't an answer," I said. "Well, if it was me, I think maybe you owe me another one still," he said, then shut the door. Another car had pulled up behind us, which he got into, and it pulled a big U-turn in the middle of the empty street and drove back the way we'd come. The driver of my ride pulled back onto the street and sped up to catch the other SUV in our mini convoy, and I was left to my thoughts. I sighed and opened my phone. I didn't want to think about this Grierson thing. If it happened, then it happened and we'd deal with it. I went to my messages and opened the ones from Erica and Ivy. "Fucking hell," I sighed, looking at the lewd pictures and knowing that Miriam had seen them. "What am I going to do with three women?" Or four? Or more? I was going to need a bigger bed, and quickly. I stretched, feeling several somethings in my back and shoulders pop, as I got out of the back of the nondescript black SUV and felt the gravel of the construction site crunch under my boots. The place was bustling since we'd arrived mid-morning, and I saw more than a few of the workers taking looks over at me and starting to talk to each other. The rumor mill must have been burning hard since Vanessa had gotten carted off in a military helicopter and flown away. First things first, however, was to not unload two vaccinated-but-unbonded women into the middle of a construction site. I flashed a quick thumbs up through the passenger side window at whoever my driver had been; I'd never seen a face or heard a voice; and jogged up to the other vehicle and knocked on the passenger window. Agent Sourpuss rolled it down a moment later, scowling at me from the driver's seat. "What?" "I know you haven't been here for a bit," I said. "But if you drive around to the right over there you'll see our RVs and our little compound. Dropping the ladies off there would probably cause less of a, uh, scene." I could tell she wanted to argue with me but knew I was right. Instead of answering she just stabbed her finger down on the window button beside her and closed it in my face, then pulled the SUV around and headed in the direction I'd pointed. I walked along behind, and we rounded the second big bunkhouse building that was looking just about finished now and headed towards our compound. By the time Agent Sourpuss put the vehicle in park Erica and Ivy were already ducking out from behind the sheets hung between the corner of the RV and the storage container that we'd deemed the 'front door.' Leo and Danielle were right behind them. I wanted to go to my women, but I held myself back and instead opened the rear door of the SUV. Inside I saw that Vanessa was sitting in the middle row bucket seat, and I leaned in and kissed her quickly before offering her a hand down. "Don't go getting all chivalrous on me now, Harri," Vanessa grinned as she accepted my hand and swung out onto her feet. She looked back into the vehicle. "Come on, ladies. Leo's out here waiting for you." The two women, practically swimming in their baggy, hooded coveralls and masked up to boot, unbuckled and started climbing between the seats. I, however, was suddenly a little busy as I was hugged from behind by a small form that could only be Ivy. Beside me, Erica was pulling Vanessa into a hug as well. "I'm so sorry, hon," Erica said, squeezing the shorter woman tightly. "If I'd had any reasonable idea that this would happen,” "It's fine, Erica," Vanessa said, squeezing her back and giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Seriously. We'll talk about it, but I'm Okay with it if you are." "Hey you," I said in the meanwhile, turning at the waist to wrap my arm around Ivy's shoulder and hug her to me. "Hello, mon amour," Ivy sighed. "I missed you." "I missed you too, I've," I said, and leaned down and gave the short blonde a quick kiss. The first of the women had reached the door of the car, and Ivy let me go so that I could offer her a hand down. All I could see of her were her eyes and the skin around them; she was white but tanned heavily, and had soft grey eyes that were flicking around. "Let me help, miss," I said. She accepted, her gloved hand taking mine for a moment to step down, and I ushered her directly towards Leo and Dani. "This is Leo, and his better half Danielle." "Hey," Leo scolded me playfully, giving me a little punch on the arm as he grinned. "Hey, hon," Dani said, pulling the woman into a hug that seemed to surprise her. I turned back and Erica was helping the next woman down; she was white and paler than the first, and had dark green eyes. Soon she was getting the same hugging welcome as the first from Dani, as Leo looked both a little bashful and a little excited. "How about we head in and talk?" Erica suggested to everyone. "Ladies, Leo is my brother so I might be biased, but you're in good hands. And if he ends up sucking, then Dani's got you." "Hell yeah I do," Dani chuckled, nudging Leo with an elbow. "I wouldn't mind getting handled by either of you," the tan woman said through her mask. "God damn, girl. Your tits don't quit." "Thanks for noticing," Dani grinned and winked. She took both women by the hand and started leading them into the compound. "Come on, let's get you two fucked and settled." "Now that's one hell of a welcome offer," the other woman laughed. I laughed a little too, hearing the two as Leo quickly jogged ahead to hold the fabric door open for them. "Seriously, those two are gonna be something else," Vanessa said, shaking her head. "You got to talk with them?" Erica asked. "The whole ride here," Vanessa said. "Their names are Aria and India. Aria seems a little sweeter and the more rational one, while India is a hippy kid from hippy parents. They said they've been girlfriends for three years, and up until last year they 'worked' as sugar babies while Aria was finishing up her master's of communications." "Jesus," Erica sighed with a rueful smirk. "They're going to eat Leo alive."

“Be playful. Go beyond me.” — Dr. Bill BengstonIn this episode, I sit down with Margaret Nies, the beloved partner and collaborator of the late Dr. Bill Bengston. I still remember how excited I was when she replied to my email—I truly felt like Bill may have helped nudge this connection into being.Margaret shares insights on the evolution of the Bengston Method, the ongoing research into healing-infused water and cotton, and the future of workshops that continue Bill's mission. We talk about the love, curiosity, and scientific integrity that fueled Bill's work, and explore how the Bengston Method continues today through community practice.We also dive into the personal power of “cycling,” the playful nature of healing, and the tender ways grief transforms us. This conversation is about healing—but it's also about devotion, legacy, and the invisible tether that keeps us close to those we love.✨ Topics include:The origin and legacy of The Energy CureWhy playfulness is essential to healingHealing beyond cancer: stories from the fieldGrief, presence, and the invisible tether of love

Turning "Mistakes" Into Motivation: Human Design Line 3 Business Strategy If you're a Line 3 in Human Design, everything you've been told about failure is completely backwards. In this episode of the Human Design Lines for Business mini-series, Victoria Gibson reveals why your experimental nature as a Line 3 isn't a liability—it's your competitive edge. Discover how to reframe your relationship with "mistakes," build experimentation into your business model, and monetize your trial-and-error wisdom. Perfect for Line 3 profiles ready to transform their experimental insights into business gold. Read More Here https://victoriagibson.com/line-3-explorer/ Connect with Victoria: Website: Instagram: : Next Steps: Ready to rediscover your natural genius? to learn how to move from Gold Stars to Genius and build the Human Design-Powered Business that's been waiting inside you all along.  

How the free-spirited light beer brand became Gallo's first beer investment

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Der Spielerische Messias | Playful Messiah : Gareth Lowe by Every Nation Kirche Berlin

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: The Playful Goat: A Farm Tale of Mischief and Joy Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-07-20-22-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A nap melegen szórta sugarait a magyar vidéki tájra, az aranyló napraforgók mezőjére, ahol Zoltán állt, figyelve a szélbe hajló virágokat.En: The sun warmly cast its rays over the Hungarian countryside landscape, onto the fields of golden sunflowers where Zoltán stood, observing the flowers swaying in the breeze.Hu: A gazdaság békéje azonban csalókának bizonyult, mivel Játékos, a szökni vágyó kecskefiú, újra eltűnt.En: The farm's tranquility, however, proved deceptive as Játékos, the mischief-loving young goat, had disappeared once again.Hu: "Katalin, láttad már Játékost ma?En: "Katalin, have you seen Játékos today?"Hu: " – kérdezte Zoltán a szomszédjától, aki épp egy nagy kosár paradicsommal baktatott.En: Zoltán asked his neighbor, who was trudging with a large basket of tomatoes.Hu: "Nem, de fogadok, hogy megint valami csínyt talál ki.En: "No, but I bet he's up to some mischief again."Hu: " Katalin nevetett.En: Katalin laughed.Hu: "Ez a kecske még nálad is okosabb!En: "That goat is even smarter than you!"Hu: "Zoltán elmosolyodott.En: Zoltán smiled.Hu: "Lehet, de készítettem egy új kerítést.En: "Maybe so, but I've built a new fence.Hu: Talán az majd megállítja.En: Perhaps that will stop him."Hu: ""Majd meglátjuk" – kacsintott vissza Katalin, miközben tovább ment.En: "We'll see," Katalin winked back as she continued on her way.Hu: Zoltán visszatért a kerti munkájához, de hiába, Játékos okozta zaj nem hagyta figyelmen kívül.En: Zoltán returned to his gardening, but in vain, as the noise caused by Játékos could not be ignored.Hu: A vet, Péter, éppen akkor érkezett, hogy megnézze a gazdaságot.En: Péter, the vet, arrived just then to check on the farm.Hu: "Hé, Zoltán!En: "Hey, Zoltán!Hu: Újra meglógott a kedvenc kecskéd?En: Has your favorite goat run off again?"Hu: " – üdvözölte Péter, amikor meglátta Zoltánt az udvaron.En: Péter greeted Zoltán as he spotted him in the yard.Hu: "Úgy tűnik, igen" – sóhajtott Zoltán.En: "It seems so," Zoltán sighed.Hu: "De most már terveim vannak.En: "But now I have plans."Hu: "Péter egyetértően bólintott.En: Péter nodded in agreement.Hu: "Szerintem is szórakoztató, ha egy kicsit hagyja szaladgálni.En: "I think it's fun to let him run around a bit.Hu: Olyan, mintha a farm életre kelne vele.En: It's like he brings the farm to life."Hu: "Hamarosan hangos mekegést hallottak a dombok felől.En: Soon, they heard loud bleating from the hills.Hu: Játékos újra úton volt!En: Játékos was on the move again!Hu: Zoltán, Katalin és Péter a hang irányába futottak, a mezők közt, a napraforgók között bolyongva.En: Zoltán, Katalin, and Péter ran in the direction of the sound, wandering through the fields among the sunflowers.Hu: Végül a kalandos kecskét az almáskosárnál találták meg.En: Finally, they found the adventurous goat at the apple basket.Hu: Játékos vidáman falatozott az almából, teljesen elégedett önmagával.En: Játékos was happily munching on the apples, completely pleased with himself.Hu: "Lehet, hogy az almával többé nem fog megszökni" – viccelődött Katalin.En: "Maybe with the apples, he won't escape anymore," Katalin joked.Hu: Zoltán mosolyogva figyelte az elégedett kecskét.En: Zoltán watched the content goat with a smile.Hu: "Talán Játékos csak egy kis szórakozásra vágyott" – mondta, majd megsimogatta a mekegő állatot.En: "Perhaps Játékos just wanted a little fun," he said, then petted the bleating animal.Hu: Aznap este, ahogy a naplemente aranyszínekbe öltöztette a farmot, Zoltán megértette, hogy Játékos szabad szelleme volt az, ami igazán különlegessé tette a helyet.En: That evening, as the sunset dressed the farm in golden colors, Zoltán understood that it was Játékos's free spirit that truly made the place special.Hu: Bár mindig okozott egy kis felfordulást, de az otthonukat élénkebbé tette.En: Although he always caused a bit of a stir, he enlivened their home.Hu: "Igazad van, Katalin" – vallotta be Zoltán.En: "You were right, Katalin," Zoltán admitted.Hu: "Ez a kis huncut örömet hoz mindennapjainkba.En: "This little rascal brings joy to our everyday lives."Hu: "És így, Játékos továbbra is a farm részese maradt, hozva újabb kalandokat a békés nyári napokba.En: And so, Játékos remained a part of the farm, bringing new adventures to the peaceful summer days.Hu: A kecske és a farmer élete végül harmonikusan folytatódott, együtt élve meg a természet ajándékait.En: The life of the goat and the farmer continued harmoniously, enjoying nature's gifts together. Vocabulary Words:landscape: tájmischief: csínytranquility: békéjedeceptive: csalókánaktrudging: baktatottsmart: okosabbfence: kerítésvain: hiábanoise: zajbleating: mekegéstadventurous: kalandosmunching: falatozottcontent: elégedettstir: felfordulástenlivened: élénkebbérascal: huncutharmoniously: harmonikusanbreath: szélbe hajlóbet: fogadokwinked: kacsintottignored: figyelmen kívülagreement: egyetértőenspotted: megláttawandering: bolyongvapleased: elégedettadmits: vallotta beventure: útgreeting: üdvözöltecontinuously: továbbra isbasket: kosár

Send us a textIn this episode of the Reflective Parenting Podcast, host Cindy Hovington delves into the transformative power of playfulness in parenting. Drawing from personal experiences and expert insights, Cindy explores how embracing play can enhance parent-child connections and support emotional development. Discover practical tips to integrate play into daily routines, even when it feels challenging, and learn why joining your child's world can be a game-changer. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that encourages parents to let go of guilt and embrace the joy of play.Resources:Study: Quality and Quantity: A Study of Father–Toddler Rough-and-Tumble PlayListen to my interview with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson and Amy Chiu:Supporting Emotional Development Through Play with TinaWhat happens when we let kids be kids with AmyMore ways to build emotion regulation skills with Curious Neuron! Record your message to ask a question, share an insight or give us some feedback! https://www.speakpipe.com/ReflectiveParentingPodcast Start your 7 day FREE trial of the Reflective Parent Club A science-based course that helps you learn how to cope with emotions, stress, your child's behaviour and your partner! Plus, a weekly coaching call to help you build awareness and practice new tools. https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/ Join our FREE Monthly Parental Well-Being Webinar Series: https://tremendous-hustler-7333.kit.com/989145490b Grab a Free Resource: FREE Workbook: Staying Calm When Your Child Isn't: A Parent's Guide to Triggers and Emotions FREE Kids Activity: Help! My Emotions Are Confusing Email: info@curiousneuron.com

Send us a textIn this soulful and inspiring episode of Soulful Self-Care Conversations, host Pearl Chiarenza warmly welcomes special guest Dr. Leah Taylor, an integrated mental health expert, licensed therapist, lifestyle medicine educator, and creator of the transformative Embodied Groove experience.Dr. Leah blends science, spirituality, and joyful movement to help people reconnect with their bodies, rewire their nervous systems, and elevate their lives. With more than 16 years of experience, Leah empowers her clients to transform stress into empowerment and personal freedom through intentional movement and mindfulness practices.Key Highlights of the Episode:Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks:Pearl shares a deeply personal experience of having a panic attack during an MRI and how embracing playful meditation and positive intelligence techniques helped her regain control. Dr. Leah emphasizes the critical importance of safety and intention when approaching situations that cause anxiety or stress.Leah's Journey: From Childhood Play to Transformational Movement:Dr. Leah reflects on her younger self, remembering her passion for dance, performing, and playfulness. She shares a pivotal moment from a concert by the band Rusted Root, where dance and live music ignited a profound realization, leading to her doctoral research and the creation of Embodied Groove.The Power of Embodied Groove:Leah details her unique approach, which integrates music, playful movement, intention-setting, and community connection. She describes how participants enter the experience for enjoyment and play but leave with deeper transformative benefits, such as reduced anxiety, better sleep, and improved relationships.Creating Safe Spaces for Transformation:Dr. Leah emphasizes creating an atmosphere of safety and openness to ensure participants feel relaxed and comfortable. This is essential for rewiring the nervous system and experiencing long-term benefits.Embracing Self-Care through Movement and Mindfulness:Both Pearl and Leah underscore the critical importance of prioritizing self-care. They discuss how various self-care practices—from dance and journaling to meditation—support overall emotional and physical wellness.Programs and Retreats with Dr. Leah Taylor:Dr. Leah shares details about her transformative programs available online, including:Inner Ease Method: A mindset and embodied mindfulness program designed to create lasting inner peace.Emotional and Energetic Mastery Mastermind: Helping individuals manage and protect their emotional energy.Spiritual Mastery Program: Encouraging trust and connection with oneself and the universe.She also discusses her unique Embodied Groove retreats, including an intimate, immersive retreat experience around live music events, such as her upcoming VIP retreat connected to a three-night run of shows by the band Phish at the Hollywood Bowl.The Importance of Personal Boundaries:Pearl openly discusses her own journey of setting boundaries, including her experience of "divorcing" her parents to protect her emotional health. The hosts share how movement and intentional practices can help release trauma and maintain emotional well-being.Results You Can Expect:Leah highlights tangible outcomes from her approach, includFollow Pearl onsocial media TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook: @PearlchiarenzaGo to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wsliving.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Remember to embrace your inner pearl, nourish yourself, and find balance in life. Staytrue to your authentic self and continue working on your personal growth.

Episode 97: Parenting Hacks, Playful Discipline & Toddler Tantrums with Chelsea Anderson In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting content creator and former babysitter Chelsea Anderson to talk all things tantrums, transitions, and the power of play. Chelsea shares her journey from marketing and babysitting to becoming a go-to voice for practical, creative parenting solutions on social media. Together, they explore how playful parenting can shift a home's energy, why transitions are “energy expensive,” and how simple hacks can ease even the toughest moments with toddlers. Chelsea brings humor, warmth, and a deep understanding of child behavior and reminds us that even boundaries can be playful. Inside this episode: Chelsea's background in marketing and babysitting Why kids test boundaries (and how to respond) The power of playful parenting to prevent power struggles Handling transitions with humor and creativity Sibling aggression and managing big emotions Nighttime routines and car seat battles Why it's okay to “bribe” sometimes Helping toddlers feel in control without giving in Chelsea's upcoming book on babysitting hacks And so much more! Mentioned in this episode: Chelsea on instagram: @chelsea_explains Chelsea on tiktok: @chelseaexplainsitall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's every parent's greatest joy to see a child at play—freely, joyously at play. And children—of whatever age—only play when they understand they're safe—deeply, seriously safe. We don't play on battlefields, in lightning storms, or when we doubt we'll ever see tomorrow. And so the God of Scripture frequently must wait until we've outlived our fears before we grasp the fullness of His affection. We spend a lifetime learning just how richly we are loved, and why our God is always murmuring, “Fear not.” “Be not afraid.” Or better yet, “You can stop being afraid now.” Our Father is supremely patient, waiting for the day when we—at last—discover how kind He has always been, and grow accustomed to His goodness. “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you” (Isaiah 30:18). Unwind the spool of anxious thoughts that keep you wondering if you are loved, if Jesus deeply values you. Your joy today will be in measure with your trust. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

It's every parent's greatest joy to see a child at play—freely, joyously at play. And children—of whatever age—only play when they understand they're safe—deeply, seriously safe. We don't play on battlefields, in lightning storms, or when we doubt we'll ever see tomorrow. And so the God of Scripture frequently must wait until we've outlived our fears before we grasp the fullness of His affection. We spend a lifetime learning just how richly we are loved, and why our God is always murmuring, “Fear not.” “Be not afraid.” Or better yet, “You can stop being afraid now.” Our Father is supremely patient, waiting for the day when we—at last—discover how kind He has always been, and grow accustomed to His goodness. “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you” (Isaiah 30:18). Unwind the spool of anxious thoughts that keep you wondering if you are loved, if Jesus deeply values you. Your joy today will be in measure with your trust. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott

Ever wonder what power couples do differently to thrive in life, and love?  In this episode of The Intimate Marriage podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell speaks with Rono Smith and Sierra Sullivan—relationship coaches and visionary partners—about the secrets that transformed their business partnership into a deeply connected marriage. You'll learn about their Epic Date Formula, how intimacy fuels purpose, and why committed couples are uniquely positioned for personal and professional growth.  Whether you're building a life or a business together, this episode will help you unlock the next level in your relationship.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: How friendship, business, and romance can strengthen your marriage What it means to be a power or visionary couple Why committed relationships accelerate personal growth How community support plays a role in lasting love The EPIC Date Formula: Erotic, Playful, Intimate, Creative  Meet Rono and Sierra: Rono and Sierra are passionate relationship mentors and social alchemists, guiding visionary couples toward deeper connection, purpose, and growth. With over 16 years of experience in the relationship industry, their work is rooted in their own evolutionary journey as a couple. After making bold life changes early in their marriage they learned firsthand how life's challenges can either strain or strengthen a relationship. Through these experiences, they've gained potent insights into building conscious, thriving partnerships, especially during pivotal transitions. Their mission is to help couples turn their relationship into a powerful source of energy and growth, not only for personal fulfillment but for creating lasting impact in the world. Together, they founded Eden World, a peer-to-peer private membership association and exclusive mastermind club for high-impact, visionary couples. Eden World provides a sanctuary where couples come together to elevate their relationships and lives, while forging meaningful connections with other like-minded leaders. If you're ready to take your relationship to new heights and join a community of visionary couples committed to personal growth and collective success, Eden World is the space for you.   Connect with Rono and Sierra https://edenworld.org/  https://edenworld.org/principles     Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram   Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact

What if tuning into your body could unlock more creativity, clarity, and connection in your photography work? In this heartfelt episode, I'm joined by photographer and podcast host Danika, for a free-flowing conversation on the role that movement and mindfulness play in helping us stay grounded, inspired, and intentional — both behind the lens and in life. We talk about what movement looks like beyond exercise — how it helps photographers regulate energy, access joy, and stay present in high-pressure moments. From puddle-jumping in the rain to mindful post-wedding workflows, Sara shares powerful insights on staying connected to your body and creativity. Our conversation took some personal turns as we reflected on birth and motherhood, marveling at how capable and wise our bodies truly are. It all tied back to the episode's theme: the importance of listening inward. The conversation flowed as if we'd known each other for years, and Sara brought so much depth, intention, and practical wisdom. In this episode, we explore: — How to use movement as a reset before, during, and after photo sessions and weddings. — Embodied mindfulness and what that actually looks like in a creative business.— Playful movement practices that reignite creative energy.— The value of slowing down, trusting your body, and redefining productivity.If you're a photographer or creative who wants to feel more present, intentional, and creatively fueled, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Send us a textIn this soulful and inspiring episode of Soulful Self-Care Conversations, host Pearl Chiarenza warmly welcomes special guest Dr. Leah Taylor, an integrated mental health expert, licensed therapist, lifestyle medicine educator, and creator of the transformative Embodied Groove experience.Dr. Leah blends science, spirituality, and joyful movement to help people reconnect with their bodies, rewire their nervous systems, and elevate their lives. With more than 16 years of experience, Leah empowers her clients to transform stress into empowerment and personal freedom through intentional movement and mindfulness practices.Key Highlights of the Episode:Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks:Pearl shares a deeply personal experience of having a panic attack during an MRI and how embracing playful meditation and positive intelligence techniques helped her regain control. Dr. Leah emphasizes the critical importance of safety and intention when approaching situations that cause anxiety or stress.Leah's Journey: From Childhood Play to Transformational Movement:Dr. Leah reflects on her younger self, remembering her passion for dance, performing, and playfulness. She shares a pivotal moment from a concert by the band Rusted Root, where dance and live music ignited a profound realization, leading to her doctoral research and the creation of Embodied Groove.The Power of Embodied Groove:Leah details her unique approach, which integrates music, playful movement, intention-setting, and community connection. She describes how participants enter the experience for enjoyment and play but leave with deeper transformative benefits, such as reduced anxiety, better sleep, and improved relationships.Creating Safe Spaces for Transformation:Dr. Leah emphasizes creating an atmosphere of safety and openness to ensure participants feel relaxed and comfortable. This is essential for rewiring the nervous system and experiencing long-term benefits.Embracing Self-Care through Movement and Mindfulness:Both Pearl and Leah underscore the critical importance of prioritizing self-care. They discuss how various self-care practices—from dance and journaling to meditation—support overall emotional and physical wellness.Programs and Retreats with Dr. Leah Taylor:Dr. Leah shares details about her transformative programs available online, including:Inner Ease Method: A mindset and embodied mindfulness program designed to create lasting inner peace.Emotional and Energetic Mastery Mastermind: Helping individuals manage and protect their emotional energy.Spiritual Mastery Program: Encouraging trust and connection with oneself and the universe.She also discusses her unique Embodied Groove retreats, including an intimate, immersive retreat experience around live music events, such as her upcoming VIP retreat connected to a three-night run of shows by the band Phish at the Hollywood Bowl.The Importance of Personal Boundaries:Pearl openly discusses her own journey of setting boundaries, including her experience of "divorcing" her parents to protect her emotional health. The hosts share how movement and intentional practices can help release trauma and maintain emotional well-being.Results You Can Expect:Leah highlights tangible outcomes from her approach, includFollow Pearl onsocial media TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook: @PearlchiarenzaGo to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wsliving.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Remember to embrace your inner pearl, nourish yourself, and find balance in life. Staytrue to your authentic self and continue working on your personal growth.

It's the second part of our Independence Day Rifftrax sandwich - and man, can we talk about Jaws a lot.Host segment: Biffo and the Squeeze; cut the big naturals; Quint's trauma; showing instead of telling; once again, Devori is begging you to watch Duel (1971); the strange history of The Lady of the Dunes; sharks do be biting us sometimes; dissecting a breakfast burrito.

Have you ever asked yourself: "Why does sex feel confusing or frustrating in my long-term relationship?" "How do I deal with mismatched desire or feelings of rejection?" "Is there a way to bring passion back into our marriage beyond tricks or performance?" If sex and intimacy have become a perplexing part of your long-term relationship, get ready for a revolutionary reframe that will change how you approach connection. Today, Larry Hagner sits down with Susan Morgan Taylor, MA, a renowned somatic sex therapist, creator of the transformational Pleasure Keys Retreats, and host of the popular Sex Talk Café Podcast.  She has helped hundreds of couples deepen intimate connection and create mutually satisfying sex and intimacy for the long term, and she's here to challenge the myth that passion is just about performance or "finding the right move." Susan Morgan Taylor reveals that true intimacy begins with presence: showing up, tuning in, and being fully responsible for your own pleasure and desires. She explains that when there's been a "drift" in your marriage, it's critical to slow down, get curious, and ask not just what you want, but who it's for.  So many couples mistakenly go through the motions, assuming they know what pleases the other and settling for mediocre connection. The profound truth? Each partner is wired uniquely—and without ongoing, honest conversation, you can drift miles apart. Become the best husband you can: https://bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube In this revolutionary conversation, we dig into: Presence Over Performance: Why true intimacy starts with showing up, tuning in, and owning your own pleasure, moving beyond tricks or external validation. The Danger of the "Drift": How couples unknowingly settle for mediocre connection by assuming they know what pleases their partner without ongoing, honest conversation. Safety as the Ultimate Aphrodisiac: Why creating an environment where your partner can relax—free from pressure, kids bursting in, or a million distractions—is crucial for their willingness to lean in. Beyond Abs or Grand Gestures: The profound truth that genuine trust and moment-to-moment presence are the real keys to opening both her heart and body. Playful, Spacious, Non-Transactional Connection: How to bring curiosity, experimentation, and ownership back into your intimate relationship, even in uncomfortable moments. If you're ready to become not just a better lover, but a better man, this episode is your playbook for ditching resentment, reigniting real desire, and creating a marriage that's thriving, not just surviving. Here's what research and observation highlight about sexual intimacy in long-term relationships: Couples who prioritize emotional safety and open communication about sex report a 35% higher level of sexual satisfaction. Mismatched desire is a common challenge impacting over 30% of couples, but effective communication strategies can significantly improve outcomes. The consistent practice of mindful presence during intimate moments is linked to a 25% increase in shared pleasure and deeper connection. www.thedadedge.com/534 www.thedadedge.com/alliance www.thedadedge.com/25questions Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn www.pathwaytopleasure.com FREE Pleasure Keys PDF → www.pleasurekeys.com

In this episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica, Suz, and Cori take you inside the stunning new House Candy Collection by Alice Lane. Discover their top picks and learn how to bring playful luxury into your home with bold furniture, elegant décor, and artful accessories that blend sophistication with fun. From eye-catching color palettes to sculptural statement pieces, this curated collection is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their interior design style. Whether you're decorating a new space or refreshing a room, this episode is packed with home design tips, expert insights, and the latest trends from one of the industry's leading design firms. 06:59 Marlo Bed 11:25 Mitzi Etagere Shelf 17:27 Anni Jar 22:45 Mushroom Ottoman 24:48 Stevie Ottoman 26:28 Orb Brass Candlestick 28:26 Crystal Candlestick 29:50 James Dining Table 31:40 Yvette Dining Chair 35:05 Ollie Side Table 38:14 Maude Double Sconce Shop Alice Lane's Newest Collection: https://alicelanehome.com/collections/house-candy-collection

In this episode, Krista sits down with Shan Boodram, certified sex educator, sexologist, and host of the podcast Lovers by Shan, to explore seduction, intimacy, and self-confidence for modern women. Whether you're single or coupled, Shan shares the secrets to embodying your most alluring, authentic self. Curious about how to reignite chemistry in long-term relationships, or how to approach flirting without the cringe? Shan spills tips from her MasterClass, The Art of Sex Appeal, on prioritizing pleasure, re-discovering desire after motherhood, and turning everyday moments into opportunities to connect. You'll learn exactly how to put this wisdom into practice, as Krista + Shan explore everything from confidence rituals to flirting at the gym, and why seduction is so much deeper than looks. This is your permission slip to embrace your feminine energy, love yourself deeper, and flirt with life! We also talk about: -How to balance confidence + vulnerability when flirting -Reclaiming sexiness during + after motherhood -Practical seduction tools inspired by Shan's MasterClass -Why “dating your partner” is relationship self-care -Navigating imposter syndrome when building authentic connections -How to use jewelry, rituals, and movement for sensual empowerment -The surprising link between self-help books + real life intimacy -Breaking through old stories about beauty as you age -Playful ways to approach dating apps (and actually enjoy them!) Resources -Shan's MasterClass: The Art of Sex Appeal -Website: http://loversbyshan.com -Instagram: @shanboodram -Get our book, Almost 30: A Definitive Guide To A Life You Love For The Next Decade and Beyond, here: http://bit.ly/Almost30Book.  Sponsors: Ritual | Get 25% off your first month for a limited time at ritual.com/ALMOST30. Ka'Chava | Go to https://kachava.com and use code ALMOST30 for 15% off your next order. IQ Bar | Get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. Just text ALMOST to 64000 to get your discount. To advertise on this podcast please email: partnerships@almost30.com.  Learn More: -https://almost30.com/about -almost30.com/morningmicrodose -https://almost30.com/book Join our community: -facebook.com/Almost30podcast/groups -instagram.com/almost30podcast -tiktok.com/@almost30podcast -youtube.com/Almost30Podcast Podcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: almost30.com/disclaimer.  Find more to love at almost30.com! Almost 30 is edited by Garett Symes and Isabella Vaccaro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Embracing the emotions evoked by the balance of principled and playful living - finding ease and enjoyment in the integration of flexible frameworks that create space for all life has to offer, for the health of all things!

In this joyful and wide-ranging episode of The Forest School Podcast, Lewis and Wem sit down with artist, activist and Forest School leader Ruth Webb. Known for her giant puppets, folk beasts and street processions, Ruth shares the rich history and creative power of giant-making in the UK. The conversation explores how these large-scale creations connect communities, invite activism, and spark playful engagement with the land. Ruth explains the cultural roots of British giants, the story behind Dartmoor's legendary Crocken, and the making of the Rewilderbeest – a plant-loving folk beast built from local, foraged materials. Together they unpack the role of masks, puppets, and participation in outdoor education, activism and folklore. From the politics of taking up space in the streets to the logistics of giant storage, this episode will leave you inspired to dream big, build bigger, and involve your whole community in the creative process.⏱ Chapter Timings:00:00 – Hot BluTAC debates and meeting Ruth01:10 – Ruth's journey: theatre, activism, Forest School and giant-making03:45 – The folk history of British giants and their political roots06:30 – Symbolism, community presence, and reclaiming public space11:10 – Introducing the Rewilderbeest: folk traditions, materials and land connection16:20 – Playful plant identification with the Rewilderbeest and engaging children21:40 – Masks, puppets and why words matter: breaking the third wall in folk performance29:45 – Crocken: Dartmoor legend, Right to Roam activism, and building community identity36:15 – Tips for community builds: low-skill entry points and meaningful materials41:10 – Storage solutions and keeping giants alive across the years

In The Computer Always Wins: A Playful Introduction to Algorithms through Puzzles and Strategy Games (MIT Press, 2025), Elliot Lichtman will teach you some of computer science's most powerful concepts in a refreshingly accessible way: exploring them through word games, board games, and strategy games you already know. Learn recursion by playing tic-tac-toe, efficient search through puzzle games like sudoku and Wordle, and machine learning by way of the playground classic rock-paper-scissors. Finish the book, and you'll come away with not only a deeper understanding of these foundational programming techniques but also a new appreciation for the amazing feats that can be accomplished using simple, readable code. Elliot Lichtman started teaching online classes in computer science when he was a freshman in high school. Small classes quickly grew into a series of larger and longer offerings, and from those, this book was born. Elliot is currently a junior at Yale University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In The Computer Always Wins: A Playful Introduction to Algorithms through Puzzles and Strategy Games (MIT Press, 2025), Elliot Lichtman will teach you some of computer science's most powerful concepts in a refreshingly accessible way: exploring them through word games, board games, and strategy games you already know. Learn recursion by playing tic-tac-toe, efficient search through puzzle games like sudoku and Wordle, and machine learning by way of the playground classic rock-paper-scissors. Finish the book, and you'll come away with not only a deeper understanding of these foundational programming techniques but also a new appreciation for the amazing feats that can be accomplished using simple, readable code. Elliot Lichtman started teaching online classes in computer science when he was a freshman in high school. Small classes quickly grew into a series of larger and longer offerings, and from those, this book was born. Elliot is currently a junior at Yale University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science

In The Computer Always Wins: A Playful Introduction to Algorithms through Puzzles and Strategy Games (MIT Press, 2025), Elliot Lichtman will teach you some of computer science's most powerful concepts in a refreshingly accessible way: exploring them through word games, board games, and strategy games you already know. Learn recursion by playing tic-tac-toe, efficient search through puzzle games like sudoku and Wordle, and machine learning by way of the playground classic rock-paper-scissors. Finish the book, and you'll come away with not only a deeper understanding of these foundational programming techniques but also a new appreciation for the amazing feats that can be accomplished using simple, readable code. Elliot Lichtman started teaching online classes in computer science when he was a freshman in high school. Small classes quickly grew into a series of larger and longer offerings, and from those, this book was born. Elliot is currently a junior at Yale University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/education

In The Computer Always Wins: A Playful Introduction to Algorithms through Puzzles and Strategy Games (MIT Press, 2025), Elliot Lichtman will teach you some of computer science's most powerful concepts in a refreshingly accessible way: exploring them through word games, board games, and strategy games you already know. Learn recursion by playing tic-tac-toe, efficient search through puzzle games like sudoku and Wordle, and machine learning by way of the playground classic rock-paper-scissors. Finish the book, and you'll come away with not only a deeper understanding of these foundational programming techniques but also a new appreciation for the amazing feats that can be accomplished using simple, readable code. Elliot Lichtman started teaching online classes in computer science when he was a freshman in high school. Small classes quickly grew into a series of larger and longer offerings, and from those, this book was born. Elliot is currently a junior at Yale University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

In The Computer Always Wins: A Playful Introduction to Algorithms through Puzzles and Strategy Games (MIT Press, 2025), Elliot Lichtman will teach you some of computer science's most powerful concepts in a refreshingly accessible way: exploring them through word games, board games, and strategy games you already know. Learn recursion by playing tic-tac-toe, efficient search through puzzle games like sudoku and Wordle, and machine learning by way of the playground classic rock-paper-scissors. Finish the book, and you'll come away with not only a deeper understanding of these foundational programming techniques but also a new appreciation for the amazing feats that can be accomplished using simple, readable code. Elliot Lichtman started teaching online classes in computer science when he was a freshman in high school. Small classes quickly grew into a series of larger and longer offerings, and from those, this book was born. Elliot is currently a junior at Yale University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/technology

In this episode, Haley and Dustin are joined by Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C., and bestselling author of numerous books, including A Million Little Miracles. Mark shares his personal hope story of being miraculously healed from lifelong asthma – an incredible testimony of God's power and grace. They dive into the core themes of A Million Little Miracles, exploring how God is “bigger than big, closer than close, and gooder than good.” With Mark's signature mix of humor, insight, and biblical depth, this conversation highlights the wonder of God's character and the countless ways He shows up in our everyday lives. You'll laugh, reflect, and walk away with a renewed sense of hope in the God who sees, knows, and loves you more than you can imagine.   Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more : (00:00) - Finding Hope Through Faith and Miracles (12:12) - Embracing Faith Beyond Prayer Limits (18:02) - Cultivating Wonder Through Holy Curiosity (23:50) - Expanding Faith Beyond Logical Constraints (34:23) - Exploring God's Playful and Loving Nature (48:47) - Gratitude and Blessings for Mark   -------------- Resources from Mark Batterson   Learn more about Mark Batterson: https://www.markbatterson.com/ Get a copy of Mark's book, A Million Little Miracles: https://tinyurl.com/4am7zrt2 -------------- Hope for the Heart resources   Learn about our summer event on Mental Health and the Church: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/mental-health-and-the-church   Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/    Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night   God's plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/   Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON    Sign up for our fall Hope Together conference: https://hopetogether.com/  ---------------------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode   Psalm 8:5 – “You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” Psalm 56:8 – “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Isaiah 49:16 – “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.” Zechariah 4:10 – “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin” Romans 5:7-8 – “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  

Intentional love isn't just a goal—it's a daily practice. Ling and Lamb, married content creators, beloved influencers, and authors, exemplify this through their blend of playful pranks and honest conversations.  In this episode of The Intimate Marriage Podcast, Dr. Alexandra Stockwell chats with Ling and Lamb about how they've mastered the art of blending humor, culture, extreme differences in upbringing, and deep connection. He grew up in Nigeria. She grew up in Connecticut. They have had to learn SO MUCH about one another in order to enjoy a vibrant intimate marriage. Now their Nigerian-American marriage is a beacon for couples wanting an intentional, fun, mutually respectful, awesome relationship. This conversation offers practical advice for couples from different cultures as well as couples who merely come from different families, because each of us grows up with different reference points and assumptions. Ling and Lamb also share evocative insights from their new book, Beautiful Foolishness which is their story plus guidance on how to nurture a joyful, lasting bond.   This episode breaks down: Playfulness & Peace: How fun moments and emotional calm strengthen a marriage. Intentional Love: Why supporting each other's growth matters in a strong relationship. Cultural Connection: How honoring each of their Nigerian and American backgrounds enriches their bond. Real Communication: The role of honesty and patience in resolving conflict. Beautiful Foolishness: Key takeaways from their book on love, growth, and intentional living.     About The Guests: Taccara Lawanson (aka Ling) and Yinka Lawanson (aka Lamb) are married content creators sharing their antics, pranks, everyday moments, and honest conversations online. With Taccara being American and Yinka originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Ling and Lamb's content is concentrated on the complexities and rewards of their intercultural relationship. They tackle the peaks and valleys of sharing each other's roots, all with a generous dose of humor. Yinka is a well known Afrobeats dancehall recording artist in Nigeria, performing under the stage name Lamboginny and using his music to create awareness for humanitarian causes. In 2023 he released the single "God Is Not Done.” Ling is an actress and model, having studied at Strasberg and Weist Barron.   Connect with Ling and Lamb: https://www.lingandlamb.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lingandlamb/   Check out their​ book “Beautiful Foolishness" https://amzn.to/4jqBpk6 Favorite Positions reel:​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Akl-KCgHcwE     Subscribe To The Intimate Marriage Podcast: Apple Podcast | YouTube | Spotify Connect With Alexandra Stockwell, MD: Website | Linkedin | Instagram   Get your copy of “Uncompromising Intimacy” by Dr. Alexandra Stockwell here: https://amzn.to/2ymI3Hl Download the first chapter of Dr Alexandra's bestselling book, “Uncompromising Intimacy,” here:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/book Cultivate your intimacy skills (without compromise) in Aligned & Hot Marriage, Dr. Alexandra's proven method for smart couples ready to love more fully:  www.alignedhotmarriage.com Join Dr. Alexandra's email list to stay connected. She shares inspiring stories, her latest insights and opportunities to learn with her:  https://www.alexandrastockwell.com/subscribe   This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By:  Simplified Impact    

Join Martin and Emory for:First thoughts on Dragon Ball: Gekishin Squadra—the strategy RPG flipping Z-Warrior battles on its head.Martin's unapologetic take on Sparking! Zero hate: “It's exactly what we paid for: pure, chaotic fun.”Emory's quirky anime questions: Playful scenarios to spark laughs (Try this one: “Could Vegeta survive a day as a Marine in One Piece?”).Hopes for One Piece's final saga—no spoilers, just big dreams.Listen Now:Spotify | YouTubeFollow us @AnimeAlchemists for polls + clips.“Sparking! Zero isn't broken—it's a tribute to why we fell in love with Dragon Ball games.” —MartinJump in! Answer Emory's question in the comments.Support The Youtube:

In this episode, board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Sara Reardon, a.k.a. The Vagina Whisperer, spills the truth about why so many women are disconnected from their pelvic floor—and how tuning in can supercharge your life. Her new book, FLOORED, is out now!  Ahead, Dr. Sara breaks down how pelvic floor health actually impacts everything from orgasms to your energy and even your confidence, highlighting the links between physical wellness and the emotional healing journey many of us are craving.  Packed with practical tools, juicy stories, and spiritual reminders to treat yourself with grace, this episode will help you understand the basics of your body and release deep-seated shame around your most sacred space.  We also talk about: -The surprising connection between pelvic floor health + mental health -How stress, trauma, and even watching reality TV can show up in your body -Why “power peeing” + constant core workouts might be sabotaging you -The truth about orgasms, libido, and spiritual self-exploration -Empowering tools (like Squatty Potties, lubricants, and mirror work) for body love -The link between jaw tension, breathwork, and pelvic relaxation -Pelvic floor tips for better periods, less leaking, and next-level confidence -How to break generational shame + heal your relationship with your body -What to expect from a pelvic floor therapy appointment (spoiler: it's not scary!) -Playful wisdom on waxing, self-care, and normalizing “taboo” convos with girlfriends -Get the book: FLOORED: A Complete Guide to Women's Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage -Website: https://thevagwhisperer.com/ -Instagram: @the.vagina.whisperer -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevagwhisperer/ -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2MllrS6zD974pxBFbVUHdA -TikTok: @thevagwhisperer -Get our book, Almost 30: A Definitive Guide To A Life You Love For The Next Decade and Beyond, here: http://bit.ly/Almost30Book.  Sponsors: Cymbiotika | Go to Cymbiotika.com/Almost30 for 20% off + free shipping.  BetterHelp | This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/almost30 and get on your way to being your best self with 10% off your first month. IQ Bar | Get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus get FREE shipping. Just text ALMOST to 64000 to get your discount. To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to https://advertising.libsyn.com/almost30.  Resources -⁠⁠almost30.com/learn⁠⁠ -⁠⁠almost30.com/morningmicrodose⁠⁠ Learn More: -⁠almost30.com/courses⁠  Join our community: -⁠facebook.com/Almost30podcast/groups Podcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: ⁠almost30.com/disclaimer⁠.  Find more to love at ⁠almost30.com⁠! Almost 30 is edited by Garett Symes and Isabella Vaccaro.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Faisal Hoque: Transcend Faisal Hoque is an award-winning entrepreneur and innovator and founder of SHADOKA and NextChapter. He is a three-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the books: Reinvent, Everything Connects, and Lift. He has just released his newest book: Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI*. The most compelling use cases for AI aren't people OR AI – it's both. Leaders who learn how to partner with AI will almost certainly open doors that many others don't. In this episode, Faisal and I explore (a few steps on) how to get started. Key Points While we think about working with AI as very different than working with people, similar mindsets and skillsets help us with both. Partnering will with AI means asking better questions and being genuinely interested in the answers. Experts are limited by their perspective. Beginners are open to possibilities. We should approach AI with a beginner's mindset. Using AI well means getting more comfortable with uncertainty. We need to own our ignorance. Playful discovery helps with our intrinsic motivation to keep going. When using AI, find the fun that keeps you engaged. This technology will do the logical work far better than any human. To partner well, work to increase your emotional intelligence. Resources Mentioned Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI by Faisal Hoque Interview Notes Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes The Way to Be More Self-Aware, with Tasha Eurich (episode 442) Principles for Using AI at Work, with Ethan Mollick (episode 674) Becoming an AI-Savvy Leader, with David De Cremer (episode 710) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.

Try it on: Why don't you change up your interior design at home?   Gigi's J'adore - A monthly note of pieces & places. Join the exclusive list.   Declutter to Design workshop - limited-time access to the workshop.    Home Style Workshop: Uncover your Design Style - limited-time access to the workshop.    Live by Design Workshop: Design your dream home - limited-time access to the workshop.    Which Design Style Captures Your Ideal Home Style? Take the quiz to find out.   Transform how you feel at home with intentional interior design, get your guide here.  Don't know where to start? Assess your space with this checklist. Connect on Instagram

Happy Father's Day, Philadelphia! On today's show we have a roundtable with three Philly dads talking about fatherhood in 2025 and how to be a great dad in Philadelphia. City Cast Philly Executive Producer Matt Katz, father of two and creator of the Inconceivable Truth podcast, is joined by Joel Austin, father of seven and founder of Daddy University, and Joe Gidjunis, father of one and host of Grown Up Dad on PBS. For information about Daddy's University 13th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance on June 14 & Dad's At Play Family Engagement Event on July 26: https://daddyuniv.com/17yearanniversary/events/     For information on Grown Up Dad's Dadcathalon on June 14: https://grownup.dad/dadcathlon  To watch Grown Up Dad on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/video/changing-role-of-fatherhood-Xs6K5o/  Dads, call or text us: 215-259-8170 Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join our next BoldBrush LIVE! Webinar by signing up here:https://register.boldbrush.com/live-guestOrder your exclusive da Vinci BoldBrush paintbrush set!https://brushoffer.com/collections/boldbrushLearn the magic of marketing  with us here at BoldBrush!https://www.boldbrushshow.com/Get over 50% off your first year on your artist website with FASO:https://www.FASO.com/podcast/---For today's episode, we sat down with Bill Davidson, a former lawyer turned passionate plein air artist, with a love for painting and teaching. He emphasizes the importance of playfulness and a growth mindset in learning art and pursuing it either as a hobby or a career. He tells us about his unique approach to painting that focuses on mastering values and shapes before introducing color, using techniques like creating gray puddles and designing compositions in black and white. Bill highlights the significance of plein air painting, not just as an artistic practice but as a transformative social experience that builds friendships and provides continuous learning opportunities. His teaching philosophy centers on breaking down artistic challenges, avoiding harsh self-criticism, and maintaining curiosity and passion throughout the creative process. He advises artists to take risks, attend workshops, and not be afraid of making mistakes, believing that style develops naturally over time through consistent practice and exploration. Finally, Bill offers resources like his newsletter "Bill's Tip Jar", his upcoming workshops, and videos to help artists improve their skills and enjoy their artistic journey.Bill's FASO site:https://www.billdavidson.biz/Bill's Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/billdavidsonartist/

Whether you're wanting to understand yourself (and your many inner voices) better , or wishing personal growth could be creative instead of heavy at times...Tune in to this episode to : - Uncover Who / What are the primary inner parts that run your daily life - Learn ways you can move from feeling "broken" to becoming realigned with your true self- Address patterns like people-pleasing, overachieving, or anxiety and ways to intervene with playfulnessClaudia-Sam and her guest Queer Spirit Guide, Safrianna Lughna discuss:- The difference between therapy and coaching- How to understand Parts Work- How to externalize and name your inner parts (like "Overachieving Olga")- Playful techniques to approach shadow work with curiosity and compassion- How shadow work is more than just trauma Connect with Safrianna: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@LivingLUNA⁠  Safrianna.comSign up to her moon ceremonies here: https://livinglunas.com/moon Apply for coaching with Claudia-Sam: Wonder where soul connection coaching might take you? Claudia-Sam works with driven dreamers who deep down know that they are here for a bigger reason and they're trying to figure out what is their next right step. She helps them tune-in to their intuition so that they can always feel like they're making the right decision for themselves, without guilt and with alignment.https://claudiasamsoulcoaching.com/apply-for-coachingCONNECT WITH CLAUDIA-SAM

“Playfulness of God!” Together, we'll explore the joy, imagination, and delight woven into our faith—seeing God as a God who plays, learning from children's trust, and celebrating friendship and worship with laughter and joy. Come and experience the wonder of a faith that is alive and full of play! This week, we conclude our "Playfulness of God" Series interestingly enough, on Pentecost Sunday! At its best, the worship of God is eclectic, joyful, and colorful. God enjoys worship as fun! Passage: Revelation 4:2-10 We have three worship opportunities for you to experience: 9:00 a.m. - Sanctuary Service 9:30 a.m. - Online Service 10:30 a.m. - Chapel Service  Please consider joining us for one of these services.  To view past worship services along with other digital content, go to our Youtube Channel @PointLomaChurchOnline.  To get involved in what God is doing within our community, please visit our website at www.pointlomachurch.org. For event happenings: http://pointlomachurch.org/connect/events/ To register for any event: http://pointlomachurch.org/register If you would like to give to the ministry: http://pointlomachurch.org/give/ or through our Venmo account: @Point-Loma-Church

Discover how Trisha Choi transforms leadership through play, vulnerability, and love — inspiring us to reconnect with our authentic selves.From hospital halls to healing spaces, her journey redefines success with joy, humanity, and heart. Give it a listen and feel the shift!https://www.bahaykuboretreat.com/

Be playful and have fun with your manifesting!!

Creating a home environment that supports meaningful play can feel like a constant puzzle, from managing toy overload to setting up spaces that actually encourage focus, creativity, and independence. So today I'm sharing a conversation with Myriam Sandler, the creator of the hugely popular Mothercould platform and the author of the new book Playful by Design: A Stress-Free Guide to Raising Confident, Creative Kids through Independent Play. As a mother of three, Myriam shares engaging, easy-to-follow video tutorials that offer accessible DIY play ideas, parenting hacks, family travel tips, and more on her wildly popular Instagram and TikTok. Though I'm no longer dealing with toys lying around the house and cluttering our communal spaces, I definitely found life with my child's toys challenging, from how to organize them and store them, to how to avoid having too many toys that never got used. I really could have used Myriam's insights way back then. But if you're still very much in it and sharing a home and life with things like toys, art supplies, and more, have a listen to this episode. Myriam and I discussed the power of independent play and why less is more when it comes to toys, how boredom can actually be a gift, and how small tweaks, like decluttering a play space or setting up “play hotspots,” can make a big difference in your child's ability to play solo. Myriam really believes in making the space you have, the toys you have, and the system you implement work for you instead of trying to make someone else's system work for your family. I hope you walk away feeling empowered knowing that you don't need a ton of new things but just some time to evaluate what's working and what's not.   About my guest Myriam Sandler is the creator of Mothercould (@mothercould), a beloved kids' activity and family lifestyle community trusted by millions of families. As a mother of three, Myriam shares engaging, easy-to-follow video tutorials that offer accessible DIY play ideas, parenting hacks, family travel tips, and more. Mothercould has grown to offer family-friendly, problem-solving products now available at major retailers.   You'll learn: Why boredom is an important aspect of sparking creativity and self-directed play How fewer toys can lead to deeper, more meaningful play The way that decluttering creates space for imagination to flourish What the key ingredients to independent play are, and what means and looks like The importance of boundaries and consistency in supporting sustained solo play How play “hotspots” and sensory activities can foster connection and emotional release  Resources: Mothercould Playful by Design: A Stress-Free Guide to Raising Confident, Creative Kids through Independent Play by Myriam Sandler Mothercould on Instagram Mothercould on Facebook Playful By Design website Mothercould on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rumors had circulated that the park district was once a funeral home and was built on an Indian burial ground, but he didn't know if there was any truth to the claims. However, as he spent late nights alone cleaning up after parties and rentals, he experienced a series of eerie events—children's laughter in empty rooms, orbs of light drifting by, and a mysterious glass vase toppling over when no one was near. His coworkers weren't immune to the hauntings either. Together, they shared stories of whispering voices and slamming doors.  This is a daily EXTRA from The Grave Talks. Grave Confessions is an extra daily dose of true paranormal ghost stories told by the people who survived them! If you have a Grave Confession, Call it in 24/7 at 1-888-GHOST-13 (1-888-446-7813) Subscribe to get all of our true ghost stories EVERY DAY! Visit http://www.thegravetalks.com Please support us on Patreon and get access to our AD-FREE ARCHIVE, ADVANCE EPISODES & MORE at http://www.patreon.com/thegravetalks

What becomes available when we open up to the medicine of disappointment?What happens when we recognize other people's responses as potentially distorted reflections of our essence?How do we embrace playfulness as our guide to humility?In this episode, In this episode, I digest and deepen into some of the transmissions that came through the monthly contemplative guidance for May 2025 (Episode 204. Cultivating Self-Honesty). Book my new 1:1 offering, Creative Spirit Reading. Limited spots available throughout May and June 2025.For private mentorship and coaching, apply here.Try the incredible breathwork and meditation app Open for 30 days free using this special link. This podcast is hosted, produced, and edited by Jonathan Koe. Theme music is also composed by me! Connect with me through my newsletter, my Instagram @jonathankoeofficial, and my music. For podcast-related inquiries, email me at healingthespiritpodcast@gmail.com.

FEELING THINGS WITH AMY & KAT: Amy kicks things off with Exhibit A for Kat: a very important tangerine (you’ll get it when you listen). Then they answer a listener's question about a line in their podcast theme song (Walker Hayes is a lyrical genius) and Amy shares a DM with explosive claims about the Karen Read trial. Kat’s Feeling of the Day is ‘Playful’ and she encourages us to randomly pretend we're on vacation to give your weekend date nights fresh new vibes. They close out with unhinged (but funny) parenting hacks from Instagram and share exciting news: until May 30th you can save 25% off of snail serum (see link & code below!) Click HERE for Snail Serum (and all of Amy’s Biopelle favorites) and use code: HAPPY25 to save 25% your order!! Call and leave a voicemail: 877-207-2077 Email: heythere@feelingthingspodcast.com HOSTS: Amy Brown // RadioAmy.com // @RadioAmy Kat Van Buren // @KatVanburenSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1083. Is it "woke," "woken," or "waked"? We break down why the verb "wake" is one of the trickiest in English, with four competing forms and centuries of change. Then, we lighten things up with a look at vacation vocabulary—from "staycation" to "glamping."The "wake" segment was written by Natalie Schilling, a professor emerita of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and who runs a forensic linguistics consulting firm. You can find her on LinkedIn.The "vacation" segment was written by Samantha Enslen, who runs Dragonfly Editorial. You can find her at dragonflyeditorial.com.

What happens when your cleaning job becomes an impromptu playdate with the past? For one pair of sisters, a seemingly harmless cleaning gig turned into a ghostly encounter with playful spirits. What started as the usual cleaning job in a haunted house became a whimsical night of pranks, toys, and giggles from a ghostly child who just wanted attention. But when one of the sisters gets whacked on the head by an unseen force, things get even stranger. Is this a harmless haunting or something deeper? If you have a real ghost story or supernatural event to report, please write into our show at http://www.realghoststoriesonline.com/ or call 1-855-853-4802! Want AD-FREE & ADVANCE RELEASE EPISODES? Become a Premium Subscriber Through Apple Podcasts now!!! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/real-ghost-stories-online/id880791662?mt=2&uo=4&ls=1 Or Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/realghoststories Or Our Website: http://www.ghostpodcast.com/?page_id=118 

On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the strange and playful hauntings of The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Built in 1924 and located on the University of North Carolina's campus, this historic hotel has long been linked to the spirit of Dr. William Jacocks—a physician who loved the inn so much, he may have never truly left. From phantom door locks to mischievous laughter in the halls, we'll explore the real history and the eerie events that have kept this place buzzing with ghostly rumors.   Tony pulls back the curtain to examine psychological explanations for the chilling events, looking at how old architecture, the power of suggestion, and a little bit of imagination might be at play. But with decades of consistent reports from guests and staff alike, the question remains: Is the Carolina Inn merely historic, or truly haunted?

On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the strange and playful hauntings of The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Built in 1924 and located on the University of North Carolina's campus, this historic hotel has long been linked to the spirit of Dr. William Jacocks—a physician who loved the inn so much, he may have never truly left. From phantom door locks to mischievous laughter in the halls, we'll explore the real history and the eerie events that have kept this place buzzing with ghostly rumors.   Tony pulls back the curtain to examine psychological explanations for the chilling events, looking at how old architecture, the power of suggestion, and a little bit of imagination might be at play. But with decades of consistent reports from guests and staff alike, the question remains: Is the Carolina Inn merely historic, or truly haunted?

Narrator: Simon Mattacks