Broad class of mental states that humans and other animals experience as positive, enjoyable, or worth seeking
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Summary Why do most brands end up looking like everyone else? They pick a competitor to admire, borrow the look, and call it inspiration. Mike Brevik argues the strongest brands are built by figuring out who you're not for, not just who you are for. From beige, forgettable brands to Harley-Davidson, Nike, and Patagonia, Mike breaks down what it means for a brand to have an "enemy," and why that enemy is usually a belief or a status quo, not a competitor. He also draws the line between standing up for your people and using someone else's brand as a punching bag. Key Takeaways Trying to please everyone is the fastest road to being forgotten. A brand with no edge gives people nothing to grab onto. A brand's "enemy" is rarely a direct competitor. It's usually a belief, a status quo, or a way of doing business you reject. Being loved by a few beats being liked by everyone. Contrast builds fierce loyalty and quietly repels the wrong customers. Punch up toward something positive, never down at people who'll retaliate. Classy contrast builds trust, cheap outrage burns it. Your real enemy comes from what genuinely frustrates you about your industry, not a fight manufactured to get attention. Links and Resources cyberdogzmarketing.com brandretro.com mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com Keywords brand differentiation, brand strategy, brand identity, brand positioning, brand contrast, Brand Retro Mindset, marketing strategy, niche marketing, brand loyalty, brand authenticity, competitive differentiation, target audience, brand voice, small business branding, Harley-Davidson branding, Nike brand strategy, Patagonia brand strategy, standing out in business, brand messaging, Cyberdogz marketing [00:00:00 - 00:01:00] Mike opens by asking whether the best brands actually need an enemy, not a competitor, but a contrast point. [00:01:00 - 00:02:00] The "monkey see, monkey do" trap: why copying your industry's leaders keeps you safe but forgettable. [00:02:00 - 00:03:00] The color analogy: red and blue pop, beige and light gray disappear. Brands need an edge to be remembered. [00:03:00 - 00:05:00] Mike redefines "enemy" as contrast: a belief, status quo, or way of doing things you reject, not always a direct competitor. [00:05:00 - 00:06:00] Why niching down feels risky to business owners, and why it builds a higher batting average anyway. [00:06:00 - 00:07:00] Being loved by a few beats being liked by everyone. Pleasing no one is the real cost of trying to please everyone. [00:07:00 - 00:08:00] The line between healthy contrast and cheap outrage: punch up, don't punch down. [00:08:00 - 00:10:00] Mike names his own industry's "enemy," agencies that chase deliverables over client outcomes. [00:10:00 - 00:11:00] How to bake contrast into brand voice and culture without it feeling forced. [00:11:00 - 00:12:00] The tell that it's working: your audience starts defending you without being asked. [00:12:00 - 00:13:00] Why manufacturing a fake fight backfires, and how to keep contrast authentic.
First Thessalonians | Chad Stellabotte
A Life Well Pleasing to God
Ever been in the middle of sex…and realize you're not even there?Yeah. We're talking about that.This episode gets real about what it means to be “good” at sex but still feel disconnected from your own pleasure. If you've ever found yourself overthinking, performing, or focusing more on your partner than yourself…you're not alone.I'm joined by somatic sexologist Janelle Toussaint, and I put myself in the hot seat. We unpack why so many of us struggle to relax during sex, how being stuck in your head shows up in your body, and what it actually takes to experience real pleasure.This isn't just about sex.This is about presence, control, and finally learning how to receive.What We Talk AboutWhy you might be performing instead of actually feelingThe connection between people-pleasing and sexual pleasureWhat it means to be “in your body” vs stuck in your headHow mindfulness and everyday habits impact your sex lifeWhy asking for what you want feels so hardThe role of safety, communication, and self-awareness in intimacyPractical ways to start reconnecting with your body todayIt's About DAMN Time SegmentIt's about damn time you admit the kind of sex you actually want.Not what you think you should want.Not what you've been doing out of habit.What you really want.Because you can't experience it…if you won't even say it.D.A.M.N. ChallengeThis week, slow down.Pick one moment in your day and be fully present in your body.It could be in the shower.Putting on lotion.Taking a breath.No rushing. No distractions.Just you…being there.Guest InfoJanelle Toussaint is a somatic sexologist and technical product strategist exploring the intersection of intimacy, technology, and human connection. Her work focuses on helping people reconnect with their bodies, understand their desires, and build more intentional relationships.Follow Janelle:Instagram & TikTok: @thesextechnologistWebsite: https://www.thesextechnologist.comConnect with Me
1 Thessalonians 3:11 – 4:2 | July 5, 2026 | Hanley Liu
Getting to know God: Up Close…Book of Genesis (Celebrating Independence Day)What makes a nation great? Her connection to the God that made her. Psalm 33:12 & Prov. 14:34• Understanding the privileges & responsibilities of God SHARING His image with humanity • Understanding the privileges & responsibilities of Adam SHARING his rib with Eve• Understanding the privileges & responsibilities of all Christians being the Bride of Christ • Bride of Christ - Jesus is the Groom!• Body of Christ - Jesus is the Head!• Psalm 11:3, 3 Foundations: A Faith in God; A Family of God; A Nation under God I. The Trees - 1. Pleasing to the eyes 2. Good for food - II. The Tree of Life - 1. Brings fulfillment - Solomon uses this parallel in the Book of Prov 3:18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:42. Maintains our status - 3:24• State of innocence - • State of fallenness - • State of grace - In Adam or In Christ?• Romans 5; I Corinthians 15III. The Tree of the knowledge of good & evil - “to know” = experience. 4:1?1. Mankind knew good - saw good, experienced nothing but that which is good. 2. Man didn't know evil - never saw evil, never experienced anything evil. This was a test!3. Knowledge - carnal knowledge • Many today choosing Singleness over Marriage - fear of being hurt yet single people often experience fear of being alone. Both are hard. Both can hurt. One has the potential to share life. The other doesn't. Ecclesiastes 4:11-12• “When Sinners say “I do” • “What did you expect?”• Does the order of creation matter? Yes. Adam is held responsible for the fall! I Timothy 2:13• What does leave and cleave mean? Parents are not absent. They are now secondary. I Timothy 5• What does leave and cleave not mean?“A daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life, but a son is only a son until he finds himself a wife”
Even during dark days we can live in such a way as to please the Lord.
Eli’s Worthless Sons 12 Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord. 13 The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand, 14 and he would thrust it into the pan or kettle or […]
In this episode: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed this week that the state is closing “Alligator Alcatraz” after one year — but not before paying out millions in “demobilization fees” to vendors who have already banked hundreds of millions building and operating the infamous immigrant detention facility in the Florida Everglades. Plus: A closer look at some recent favors Florida's governor and Legislature have done for a few billionaire megadonors — including a car dealer, an insurance magnate, and a luxury hotel owner. Show notesThe stories discussed in today's show: Florida's “Alligator Alcatraz” shutting down permanently, sources sayGood Riddance to ‘Alligator Alcatraz,' a Cruel, Expensive, and Pointless Authoritarian StuntScrutiny mounts over DeSantis's use of state funds for migrant flightsHidden consultants and hurried payments: Records reveal details of DeSantis' campaign against abortion and marijuana amendmentsRon DeSantis proposed delaying a tax break for Florida drivers until it was most helpful to his re-election campaignA favor for a billionaire car dealer and Republican megadonor, tucked inside a transportation lawState lawmakers gave another gift to car dealersIndustry leaders urge DeSantis to veto billionaire-backed insurance billFlorida tax package delivers gambling breaks to Soffer's Big EasyThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 488 — Transportation House Bill 291 and Senate Bill 352 — Common Entities of Motor Vehicle Distributors and ManufacturersSenate Bill 1028 — Citizens Property Insurance CorporationQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe
Send us Fan MailPodcast Summary: "The Cosmic Standard is Sat-Chit Ananda"Host: MayaShow: Women's Power to Heal Mother Earth Season 4: The New EarthEpisode 233Core Theme: Reclaiming the Original BlueprintMaya discusses a major shift into a "New Earth" (or Sheen), a fifth-dimensional reality where human consciousness is being recalibrated by infinite light and love. Amidst the collapse of the old world, humanity is restoring its stolen core power and returning to its original blueprint of pure consciousness. This divine spark is referred to interchangeably as the "I Am Presence" or the Vedic concept of "Sat-Chit-Ananda."Understanding Sat-Chit-AnandaSat-Chit-Ananda is a non-dual, indivisible triad that represents the ultimate foundation of reality. While experienced as a singular reality, it can be understood through three facets:Sat (Existence/Truth / The "I"): The eternal, unchanging truth of being. It is the limitless foundation upon which all time and space depend.Chit (Pure Awareness / The "Am"): The self-luminous, neutral witness-consciousness that observes and illuminates all human experiences without judgment.Ananda (Pure Consciousness / The "Presence"): Boundless joy, fulfillment, and peace. It is the frequency of Prime Source (God, Brahman, Christos) and the untouched background of all life.The Oneness of PolarityFrom the perspective of pure awareness, the illusion of separation and duality collapses. Every expression in existence—whether beautiful or horrific, angelic or demonic—sustains itself from the same reservoir of life force (prana). Ultimately, every form shares the exact same divine spark, offering the absolute potential for unity and unconditional love.Metaphors of the Bellows: Harmonious Flow vs. DistortionMaya uses two contrasting musical metaphors to explain how human awareness projects into the world while the foundation of consciousness remains completely unchanged: | Metaphor | State of Awareness | Action & Output | The Spiritual Reality | The Accordion / Concertina | Clear & centered | Pleasing, harmonious music is created as air flows smoothly through the reeds. | The instrument's bellows change shape but remain structurally unaffected by the music, mirroring how Ananda (Presence) remains an untouched, peaceful background to all life. | The Drunken Raccoon with Blacksmith Bellows | Clouded by mind/ego distortions | A frantic, screeching cacophony of horrific or hilarious noise. | The underlying mechanism of awareness isn't broken; it is just being driven by fear and delusion. Even in "unholy hell," the element of awareness remains inherently pure.ConclusionRegardless of how disrupted or destructive a person's current life state may be, every original human being permanently retains access to their highest self. Because there is no true duality or separation, everyone inherently embodies the supreme reality of Sat-Chit-Ananda.Support the showMay Peace Be Your Journey:Maya's approach transcends modern feminism by advocating for a holistic restoration of balance, moving beyond the fight for basic rights to reclaiming the innate power of the divine feminine, which includes procreation, forgiveness, nourishment, and cosmic creativity. She stresses the importance of kindness, inner stillness, and compassionate self- tools for healing individuals and society. www.mayatiwari.comwww.facebook.com/mayatiwariahimsa.Buzzsprout.comMothermaya@gmail.comGet Maya's New Book: I Am Shakti:https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/o-books/our-books/I-am-shaktiAmazon.comBookshop.org
In the opening moments of a sermon based on 2 Corinthians 5:9, two ideas are connected together: being accepted by God and hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." But what do those phrases actually mean?
WelcomeHello, lovelies. It's Juliette here, and today I'm joined by the scrumptious Nikki St. Paul, coach, speaker, Good Girl Slayer, and founder of The Convicted Woman.In this conversation, we explore what it really means to stop performing, pleasing, perfecting, and waiting for permission.We speak about the subtle ways high-achieving women give their power away, through perfectionism, people-pleasing, comparison, overthinking, and the need to get it right before pressing go.Nikki shares her journey from almost two decades in the pharmaceutical industry into coaching, entrepreneurship, and helping women reclaim their conviction in business and life.This episode is about slaying the good girl.Not by becoming reckless or hardened, but by noticing the patterns that keep you small, moving through fear, and learning to back yourself before the proof arrives.
Alright, folks, let's dive into some juicy family dynamics! Today, we're peeling back the layers on why family gatherings feel like stepping into a well-rehearsed play where everyone knows their lines—especially those cringe-worthy ones. The real kicker? It's not about the events themselves; it's about the patterns we've been stuck in since we were knee-high to a grasshopper. We're talking about those age-old scripts we keep repeating, and trust me, they're not as random as you think. Spoiler alert: it's your nervous system playing tricks on you, making you time travel back to your childhood every time Uncle Bob brings up politics at the barbecue. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's explore how we can break those patterns without putting the blame on anyone else—because, really, who has the energy for that?Takeaways:Navigating family dynamics often unveils deep-rooted patterns that we unknowingly perpetuate, impacting our emotional well-being.The key to transforming how we interact with family involves reframing blame and focusing on personal accountability instead.Our nervous systems have been conditioned from childhood to react in predictable ways during family gatherings, leading to emotional time travel.Mastering the art of storytelling about our experiences can significantly alter our emotional responses and improve our overall happiness.Links referenced in this episode:amandahest.ca/bookacall
We're back with another episode of The Double Cleanse, and this week James & Robert are raking celebrity beauty brands by how much effort the celebrities are ACTUALLY putting into them! But first, Robert gives us the tea on his recent wedding (!!) – spoiler alert: it was nothing like a typical wedding. The twins also bond over their mutual wedding horror: Robert was mistaken for James all night, while James regrets not eating more of the bacon bar. Then comes the main event: ranking celebrity beauty brands by effort level. They dissect Kylie Cosmetics, Brad Pitt's skincare line (which feels like a contractual obligation), and Jared Leto's skincare brand where he admitted he doesn't even use skincare – literally within the first week of launch! James defends Harry Styles' Pleasing as genuinely thoughtful with real vision, while Robert refuses to believe in it. Gwen Stefani gets roasted for basic, dropship-quality packaging. The twins champion women-founded indie brands like Blend Bunny and Glitz Cosmetics, whose pigmentation and quality actually rival Dior. The verdict? Most celebrity brands are vanity projects with minimal involvement – so they want to hear from YOU about which celebrity brands you think actually have genuine effort behind them. Don't forget to subscribe and catch new episodes of The Double Cleanse every Monday! *Product Recommendations* L'Occitane Shea (Karité) Hand Cream medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen Follow The Double Cleanse Instagram: @thedoublecleansepodcast TikTok: @thedoublecleanse YouTube: @thedoublecleanse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The desire to be accepted can easily cause us to compromise our values and drain our peace. Just as Aaron built the golden calf out of fear of the crowd, people-pleasing ultimately damages our relationship with God. Discover how finding your secure identity in God's unconditional love frees you from the exhausting need for human approval today.
Big idea: There is no greater altar and sacrifice than Jesus himself — so live sacrificial lives of praise. 1. Care for others because Christ will always care for you (v.1-6) 2. Remember the faithful because Christ never changes (v-7-8) 3. Offer sacrifices of praise at the altar of Christ (v.9-19) Discussion Questions: 1. Hebrews 13 starts with practical commands: love one another, show hospitality, remember prisoners, honor marriage, and be content. Which of these areas is most challenging for you right now, and how might it become a “sacrifice of praise” to God? 2. How does God's faithful presence free us from fear, greed, self-protection, or people-pleasing? 3. Who has modeled faithfulness for you, and what part of their life would you want to imitate? 4. Why is the unchanging nature of Jesus such a comfort in a world where circumstances, people, culture, and even leaders can change or fail? 5. What might it look like today to bear the reproach of Christ and seek the city to come?
1 Thess 4:1–12 A God Pleasing Church Main Point. Characteristics of a church that pleases God. Driving Question. How does a church live in a way that pleases God? Three characteristics: 1. Holiness before God (2–8) 2. Love for one another (9–10) 3. Witness before the world (11–12)
Sovereign Grace Bible Church of Ada, OK
A life that chases for things through God is a life that is well-pleasing to the Lord.
Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate. The crowd is demanding crucifixion. The religious leaders are driven by envy, and the Roman governor sees clearly what is right yet chooses comfort over conviction. In many ways, Pilate's struggle is painfully familiar. What happens when faithfulness becomes costly? What do we do when the truth disrupts our carefully managed lives?
Are you chasing happiness… only to feel empty?Solomon had it all — wealth, pleasure, success — and called it meaningless. The truth is, living to please yourself always ends in disappointment. In this message, we explore why living to please God is actually where we find lasting joy, contentment, and purpose. Join us at cefc.church.#Faith #Christian #Sermon #Joy #Purpose #LiveForGod #Contentment #Ecclesiastes #ChristianLiving #MeaningfulLife
Combo Breaker surprises, Tekken shocks, and Evo season heats up
This message emphasizes that a life pleasing to God is marked by continual spiritual growth, holiness, self-control, genuine love for others, and living in a way that reflects Christ to the world.
This episode is basically what happens when I accidentally discover 8,000 anonymous sexual confessions online
What was the historical and prophetic purpose of The Transfiguration? And does it hold any application for us today? In today's episode, we continue our sermon series from the archives, The Gospel According to Mark, as Paul explains why Jesus was transfigured, and how the glory of Christ in that moment should shape the way we live.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons.
Mark 7:24-30 A Pleasing Faith I) Shameless Humility II) Shameless Persistence III) Shameless Confidence Reflection Questions: Read Matthew 15:28 -“Then Jesus answered her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. 1)What can we learn from this woman about the kind of faith that Jesus commends? 2) What barriers does this woman cross in coming to Jesus? 3) What are some common barriers that we can have in our relationship with Jesus that keep us from coming to Jesus and asking? 4) Jesus answers the woman's quest with a parable, see v. 27. What is the picture he paints? How does the woman understand Jesus' words? 5) What will be different in your walk with Jesus, having read this text?
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Because our God is the ultimate authority over all kings, we pray for him to overrule all rulers in bringing stable government that enables human flourishing and the witness of a godly church to go forward. I. The Priority of Prayer vv 1-2a II. The Purpose of Such Prayer vv 2b-3 III. The Person to Whom We Pray and in Whom We Find our Highest Joy vv 3-4
Send us Fan MailIn this week's episode 350 of the Fragmented to Whole Podcast, I'm joined by guest Art Blanchford to explore the journey from workaholism and people-pleasing into recovery, purpose, and spiritual alignment.Art shares his experience as a high-achieving corporate executive who spent decades in constant motion—running multi-billion dollar companies and staying in a cycle of overwork. When the pandemic forced everything to stop, it exposed what was really going on underneath. Through Workaholics Anonymous, he began learning how to let go of control and reconnect with himself.Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:How workaholism can be socially rewarded while quietly disconnecting you from yourselfWhat happens when constant busyness stops and you're left with what's underneathWhat recovery in Workaholics Anonymous looks like and why many people don't recognize this patternThe shift from people-pleasing into a life guided by purpose and spiritualityWhat it really means to “let go and let God” in a practical wayThis conversation is a reminder that recovery isn't just about changing behavior—it's about reconnecting to yourself and creating a life that feels aligned instead of driven.Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on living a more whole life and to hear even more about the points outlined above.Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag me! And don't forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!Learn more about Fragmented to Whole at https://higherpowercc.com/podcast/Feeling drained? Take my free Boundaries Drain Quiz to find out where your energy is leaking and how to reclaim it. Start your quiz here: https://higherpowercc.com/drain/CONNECT WITH BARB NANGLE:Subscribe to “Friday Fragments” weekly newsletterLinkedinWork with Barb! Book a “Say No Without Guilt” Session
Colossians 1:1-14 (ESV)Andrew, Isack, and Edwin discuss Paul's opening prayer for the Colossians as a model for our own prayers for our brothers and sisters in Christ.Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here. Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org. Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here. Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=25403The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/
In this homily given on Sunday May 3, 2025, Fr Mathias preaches on the common priesthood that belongs to all baptized Christians and applies it to the lay faithful. Indeed, exercising our common priesthood is central to how we worship God. Father offers two tips on how to do this well: 1) Do everything in your life as an offering of love to God.2) Unite your offerings of the week to the offering of Christ at Sunday Mass
Come Bible Study WITH ME through Leviticus 8 and ask all the questions! Get your Tabernacle pamphlet
There is always a compensating reward of joy and peace that comes from obeying God. Broadcast #7463To help support this podcast, please visit walkwiththeking.org/donate and select "Podcast" from the dropdown menuA transcript of this broadcast is available on our website here. To hear more from Bob Cook, you can find Walk With The King on Facebook or Instagram.
Today's Sports Daily covers a not-so-aesthetically-pleasing national championship game, UConn did exactly what they needed to do to win except one thing, Michigan was average and still won, and an issue I had with the Luka injury Friday. Music written by Bill Conti & Allee Willis (Casablanca Records/Universal Music Group) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.