Podcasts about practical wisdom

Our forthcoming volume, Spurgeon's Pastoral Wisdom, has been compiled and edited by Geoff Chang. Composed of contributions from Spurgeon to the Sword and Trowel magazine on the topic of the church and ministry, it will encourage, inform, and challenge readers to love and serve Christ's church better.  We sit down with Geoff to discuss Spurgeon as a pastor, some of his convictions about the church and ministry, and what readers can expect to find in this new volume.    Geoff Chang is the Curator of the Spurgeon Library at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri, where he is also an Assistant Professor of Historical Theology.    Some of Geoff's books (written, compiled, or edited):  Spurgeon the Pastor: Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry US Bookseller: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/spurgeon-the-pastor-recovering-a-biblical-and-theological-vision-for-ministry-9781087747842?srsltid=AfmBOoo9J5OUv6iKNYdNQ05SK8nKra4Z_VcVFY6P_qp7hsBWwwfxcstd  UK Bookseller: https://www.keithjones.co.uk/spurgeon-the-pastor-9781087747842/?cat=0    The Army of God: Spurgeon's Vision for the Church US Bookseller: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/army-of-god-spurgeons-vision-for-the-church-9781527108738  UK Bookseller: https://tabernaclebookshop.org/products/the-army-of-god?srsltid=AfmBOopOIuxDsNhJ2_gu4gm5jsXF14P3F8LBsd_xNcbJgkjktDsXPxLh    Charles Spurgeon, Christ Our All: Poems for the Christian Pilgrim, compiled by Geoff Chang.  US Bookseller: https://www.wtsbooks.com/products/christ-our-all-poems-for-the-christian-pilgrim-9781087772745?srsltid=AfmBOopoSbXzGU1EY2ntwroC3ZScvaXgG79V1nzZ4-NVZuHjMLXQRMNA  UK Bookseller: https://icmbooks.co.uk/product/37235/Christ-Our-All-Poems-for-the-Christian-Pilgrim    Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Do you ever feel trapped by insecurity, comparison, or the pressure to prove yourself?In today's episode, Kaley Olson and Cailah Garcia sit down with author, pastor, and speaker Sharon Hodde Miller to discuss a surprising source of insecurity that many women overlook. Through personal stories, biblical teaching, and practical wisdom, Sharon explains why some insecurity stems not from thinking too little of ourselves but from thinking about ourselves too much.Drawing from Moses' story in Exodus 4 and her own journey through ministry, Sharon shares how God invites us to shift our focus away from our limitations and back to His sufficiency. If you've ever wondered whether you're enough for what God has called you to do, this conversation will remind you where true confidence is found.You'll learn:The difference between low self-esteem and self-preoccupation.Why affirmation alone cannot heal every insecurity.What God's response to Moses teaches us about our limitations.How to identify whether insecurity is revealing an unhealed wound or misplaced focus.A practical way to shift your eyes off yourself and back onto Jesus.Resources From This Episode:Get Sharon Hodde Miller's book Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It's Not About You. This bestselling book explores the freedom that comes when we stop making life all about ourselves and start focusing on God's greater purpose.Get Sharon Hodde Miller's devotional Gazing at God: A 40-Day Journey to Greater Freedom from Self. This devotional helps readers identify areas of self-focus, find healing for their wounds, and cultivate a life centered on Christ.Learn more about the She Speaks Conference.Join us from July 16-18 in Charlotte, North Carolina, for powerful teaching, practical training, and encouragement to help you step confidently into the calling God has placed on your life.Capstone Wellness provides residential treatment and custom therapy intensives that retrace hurt to the roots in a Christ-centered environment. Learn more at Capstonewellness.com/proverbs31Download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic?Check out “How To Escape the Comparison Trap” from The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast archives! 

Air Date: 6/12/2026 Today we examine how America caused a loneliness epidemic by tearing down the places where people used to find each other, how big tech is offering AI as a lackluster substitute for connection, and how people are building the opposite of loneliness with block parties, labor unions, and community gardens. Full Show Notes Transcript Be part of the show! Leave a voice message, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! Join our Discord community! TOP TAKES KP 1: How Capitalism Causes Loneliness Part 1 - Second Thought - Air Date 6-2-23 KP 2: Anthropic Discovers the Axis of Evil, and AIs Loneliness Economy - The AI Fix - Air Date 2-3-26 KP 3: The Political Economy of Love Attention, Affection, & What Capitalism Can't Buy Part 1 - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 1-19-26 KP 4: What Do We Mean by Humane Tech Part 1 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-4-26 KP 5: Stone Soup A Recipe for Community Organizing Marina Barnett Part 1 - TEDxWidenerUniversity - Air Date 10-24-22 KP 6: The Simple Habit for a Happier Social Life Nicholas Epley Part 1 - TEDTalks - Air Date 5-19-26 (00:49:32) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Why the Left Needs to Have More Fun to Build Real Power My commentaries on YouTube - Share them! DEEPER DIVES (00:59:32) SECTION A: THE LONELINESS WE LIVE IN A1: Loneliness - Capitalism's Collateral Damage - Democracy At Work - Air Date 8-29-22 A2: How Capitalism Causes Loneliness Part 2 - Second Thought - Air Date 6-2-23 A3: Loneliness - Capitalism's Collateral Damage Part 2 - Democracy At Work - Air Date 8-29-22 A4: The Political Economy of Love Attention, Affection, & What Capitalism Can't Buy Part 2 - Rev Left Radio - Air Date 1-19-26 (01:29:54) SECTION B: AI COMPANION MACHINE B1: Can AI Companionship Cure Loneliness – or Deepen It Part 1 - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 2-27-26 B2: People Are Lonelier Than Ever. Enter AI. - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 5-30-25 B3: The Dark Side of AI Companions, and the 1930s LLM - The AI Fix - Air Date 5-5-26 B4: What Do We Mean by Humane Tech Part 2 - Your Undivided Attention - Air Date 6-4-26 B5: Can AI Companionship Cure Loneliness – or Deepen It Part 2 - PBS NewsHour - Air Date 2-27-26 (02:18:26) SECTION C: REFRACTIONS AND REACH-OUTS C1: Gladiators, Real Housewives and the Pull of Reality TV Part 1 - Throughline - Air Date 4-30-26 C2: If Hope Is a Muscle, Then How Do I Build It Part 1 - How to Survive the End of the World - Air Date 4-10-26 C3: Gladiators, Real Housewives and the Pull of Reality TV Part 2 - Throughline - Air Date 4-30-26 C4: If Hope Is a Muscle, Then How Do I Build It Part 2 - How to Survive the End of the World - Air Date 4-10-26 C5: The Simple Habit for a Happier Social Life Nicholas Epley Part 2 - TEDTalks - Air Date 5-19-26 (02:58:25) SECTION D: BUILDING IT BACK D1: Stone Soup A Recipe for Community Organizing Marina Barnett Part 2 - TEDxWidenerUniversity - Air Date 10-24-22 D2: How People Are Combatting Loneliness with Community Connections - The Newsfeed - Air Date 5-22-26 D3: Solo How Do We Make the Left Fun Again - The Bardo Podcast - Air Date 3-10-26 D4: Being Human with Marshall Ganz Part 1 - Practical Wisdom for Leaders - Air Date 5-20-26 D5: Biko Koenig, Worker Centered Allyship & Action in the Contemporary Labor Movement (Oxford UP, 2024) Part 1 - In Conversation An OUP Podcast - Air Date 3-11-26 D6: Being Human with Marshall Ganz Part 2 - Practical Wisdom for Leaders - Air Date 5-20-26 D7: Biko Koenig, Worker Centered Allyship & Action in the Contemporary Labor Movement (Oxford UP, 2024) Part 2 - In Conversation An OUP Podcast - Air Date 3-11-26   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com    

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Are there things you learned later in life that you wish you had known much earlier? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss life lessons that they wish they knew earlier in life.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com  

His People – 06/05/2026 – David Wiedis | with practical wisdom to help leaders enhance their spiritual well-being. For more faith-filled, Gospel-centered content, download the Pilgrim Radio app today on Google Play and Apple, or stream at PilgrimRadio.com. 

This is the Q&A from after the talk sponsored by the Hindu Council of Australia in cooperation with the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga.The question was whether there is a distinction between Dharma and Sanatana Dharma? Acharya das concludes this Q&A session with the clarification that Sanatana Dharma is eternal and represents the soul's nature fully expressed in the spiritual dimension, and self-realization is accessible to everyone, as it is the uncovering of their eternal nature rather than being reserved for special individuals.The discussion covers sadhana (spiritual practice) as the means to attain spiritual goals, with meditation on spiritual sounds as the foundational practice. The teacher uses the analogy of fog being burned away by sunlight to describe how regular spiritual practice gradually reveals spiritual clarity and identity. Key components include meditation/chanting, cultivation of yoga wisdom (atma jnana), and spiritual association (sangha). Acharya das also addresses the transformation from ego-centered consciousness to God-centered consciousness, describing the journey from seeing oneself as the central enjoying agent to becoming an eternal servant of God.Chapters 00:00:00 Audience member sharing their understanding of Dharma 00:02:59 Progressive Nature of Vedic Dharma and Spiritual Advancement ‎ 00:06:53 Sadhana: The Practical Path to Self-Realization ‎ 00:10:37 Essential Elements of Spiritual Practice‎ 00:14:04 Transformation from Ego-Centered to God-Centered Consciousness ‎ 00:16:38 The Journey from Self-Centeredness to Selflessness ‎ 00:20:30 Practical Spiritual Living and Modern Challenges ‎ 00:23:31 Developing Consciousness and Introspection ‎ 00:27:41 Emotional Regulation and Practical Wisdom ‎ 00:29:27 The Eternal Nature of Sanatana Dharma ‎ 00:31:37 Universal Accessibility of Self-Realization ‎ 00:32:33 Concluding with Transcendental Sound Practice

Stephanie Rousselle and guest Dr. Alan Noble discuss living well in today's world by reclaiming forgotten Christian virtues. Drawing from Noble's book, To Live Well, let's consider practical steps Christians can take to thrive amid cultural confusion.According to Noble, we're surrounded by an overwhelming cacophony of voices (social media, celebrities, self-help gurus, even misguided pastors), each offering conflicting advice on how to live a meaningful life. This deluge of ideas leaves many—Christians included—feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and directionless. The key challenge: how do we discern a coherent, godly way of living amid so many broken narratives?Noble suggests reclaiming classic virtues—time-honored character strengths rooted in Christian tradition and Scripture—as a path toward living well. He points out that Protestants, in particular, have neglected these virtues, though historically theologians like Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin all upheld their value.Practicing these virtues is not about earning favor with God. Instead, Christians live out virtue in grateful response to God's grace, relying on the Spirit's power, and always within community, where we are supported, challenged, and forgiven when we fail.So, let's consider 3 of the 7 virtues Alan Noble offers in his book.1. Prudence (choosing decisively)Prudence means choosing decisively and wisely. In a world obsessed with limitless choice, prudence involves slowing down, humbly discerning reality, seeking what truly glorifies God, deliberate decision-making, and resolute action. Prudence guards against both indecision (paralysis) and the sunk-cost fallacy—stubbornly sticking with poor choices out of pride or prior investment.2. Fortitude (Suffering steadfastly)Modern culture avoids suffering at all costs, but Noble explains that fortitude is about the courage to endure or risk suffering for the sake of the good. Suffering, rightly faced, builds character and produces hope—connecting deeply to the sanctifying work God does in His people. Fortitude enables Christians to move through hardship, trusting that even suffering has purpose.Magnanimity is boldly living into the excellence and gifts God has given, for His glory and the good of others. Pusillanimity, by contrast, is timidity—hiding or burying your God-given talents out of fear. As illustrated in the parable of the talents, God calls each believer to step out in faith and use their gifts with courage.3. Temperance (living moderately)Temperance is the willful restraint from doing everything you can do, especially when surrounded with endless technological, social, and material options. Choosing not to indulge every impulse, but to order choices for God's glory, is countercultural but vital for soul health.When we reorder our perspectives around these timeless virtues, we move from confusion and anxiety toward clarity, purpose, and peace—living as God intended, by His grace and for His glory.ApplicationSelf-examine: Where do you feel confused or pressured by the “heap of broken images” in your life?Practice virtues: Choose to cultivate prudence, fortitude, magnanimity, and temperance, seeking wisdom, courage, excellence, and self-control in daily choices.Pursue community: Remember that virtue grows in fellowship with others; seek relationships that encourage and hold you accountable.Rest in grace: When you fail, rely on God's grace and learn from your mistakes. Embrace the freedom found in Christ's finished work.MORE ABOUT “TO LIVE WELL”You were told to live a meaningful life. But no one ever told you how.Our lives are shaped by contradictions. Competing voices tell us who to be, what to want, and how to live. The result? A fragmented moral imagination. We're handed a thousand broken messages and left to cobble together something resembling a life. But instead of clarity, we get exhaustion. Instead of wisdom, we get anxiety.This leaves you asking yourself How can I get through when I feel alone and confused? How can I live well in this broken and chaotic world?In To Live Well, Alan Noble shows you how you can not only endure but flourish in life. Through exploring the seven virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and love, you'll learn how tochoose gracefully,act justly,suffer steadfastly,live moderately,believe soundly,hope resolutely, andlove rightly.This book won't give you a ten-step plan to fix everything. It doesn't promise clarity overnight. But it will invite you into something deeper: an ancient, time-tested path of habits of heart and mind that shape who we are and how we live.With honesty, theological depth, and a mentor's heart, Noble names your confusion and offers an antidote―not by escaping the mess but by learning how to live faithfully within it. If you've ever longed for something solid in a world that just wants to sell you more temporary stuff, To Live Well is a good place to begin.Do you feel the pain and pressure of spiritual exhaustion? Do you feel unworthy despite consistent effort? Do you lack joy in your personal faith? Do you desire practical, daily rhythms that sustain delight in God?  That's why I wrote "Awaken Delight." It will help you (re)discover:1-Delight in God is identity-shaping, not emotion-driven. Delight in God is not fleeting emotion but resilient identity.2-Delight in God is altogether trust, satisfaction in God, relational intimacy with Him. Delight in God is often expressed and grown through resilient joy under suffering.3-Jesus is the center of every endeavor to delight in God.These are some of the truths we ponder together through my book, Awaken Delight."Awaken Delight" is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued, and ready to embrace the reality of delight in God.Find out more at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

There is a lot of confusion in our world when it comes to understanding gender--and for increasing numbers of young people, significant pain in their experience of their own gender. How do we practically, compassionately, and truthfully come alongside young people around us who might be struggling with their own gender identity? In this training session, we will think through these complex questions and offer biblical clarity, compassion, and wisdom for church leaders who want to care well for those struggling with gender dysphoria.

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen is joined by Marketing Mike and Karina Mojica for an in-depth exploration of The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Together, they break down each of the four agreements in detail: being impeccable with your word, not taking things personally, avoiding assumptions, and always doing your best. The hosts dive into the meaning and practical application of each agreement, sharing both personal anecdotes and professional experiences that highlight how these principles can positively impact business partnerships, internal self-talk, and interpersonal relationships within the mortgage industry and beyond. Throughout the discussion, Dustin, Mike, and Karina reflect on the challenges and rewards of implementing these agreements in their daily lives, offering listeners actionable insights and relatable stories. Dustin also shares key takeaways from his recent visit to United Wholesale Mortgage, providing listeners with an insider's perspective on industry trends and best practices. As the episode draws to a close, the hosts present four reflective questions designed to help listeners internalize the lessons from The Four Agreements and apply them to their own lives and careers. They wrap up with a reminder about an exciting upcoming Caribbean event, encouraging listeners to stay engaged and look forward to future episodes.   TLOP's Originator Coaching: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs  Reserve Your Cabin For TLOP UNITE 2026: Caribbean Takeover

Questions? Comments? Text Us!In Episode 282, Jerry L. Martin and Scott Langdon explore moral ambiguity and how we make decisions when the right answer isn't clear. What replaces fixed rules in a complex world? The conversation also turns to at-homeness, whether it's something we seek or something we already are, connecting action, faith, and calling. Listen to the full episode and explore the question with a community of philosophers and seekers.Join the Ultimate Questions conversation on calling and divine guidance: https://substack.com/@ultimatequestionsRelated Episodes:281. What's Your Spiritual Story?: Hans on Spiritual but Not Religious & Religious Seeking280. What Has Your Name on It? Calling, Truth, and Discernment- Radically Personal279. Can You Ever Do the Right Thing? Moral Ambiguity | Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue278. The Cost of Doing What's Right: Moral Ambiguity in Real Life- From God to Jerry to YouOther Series:The podcast began with the Dramatic Adaptation of the book and now has several series:The Life Wisdom Project – Spiritual insights on living a wiser, more meaningful life.From God to Jerry to You – Divine messages and breakthroughs for seekers.Two Philosophers Wrestle With God – A dialogue on God, truth, and reason.Jerry & Abigail: An Intimate Dialogue – Love, faith, and divine presence in partnership.What's Your Spiritual Story – Real stories of people changed by encounters with God.What's On Our Mind – Reflections from Jerry and Scott on recent episodes.What's On Your Mind – Listener questions, divine answers, and open dialogue. Stay ConnectedShare: questions@godanautobiography.comGet the books: God: An Autobiography, Radically PersonalShare Your Story | Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Every successful startup business reaches the point where the entrepreneur must  decide when he/she should stop selling and hire someone else to do it.  That can be a watershed event in the life of the organization.  In this piece, I shed some Practical Wisdom on it with a response that may surprise you. *********************************************************************        Subscribe to these ten-minute helpings of out-of-the-box inspiration, education and motivation. WWW.DaveKahle.com. Check out the X-I Community 

PRACTICAL Wisdom for Parenting Adult Children with Dr. Gary Chapman (Episode 291)   John 15:5 NIV ““I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”   *Transcription Below*   Dr. Gary Chapman is an experienced and well-respected family counselor, and a well-known author having written more than forty books. He hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, A Love Language Minute, and a Saturday morning program, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, that air on more than 400 stations.   The 5 Love Languages, one of Chapman's most popular titles, topped various bestseller charts for years. It has been published in more than 50 languages, sold more than 14 million copies and is currently on the New York Times best-seller list. Dr. Chapman has been directly involved in real-life family counseling for more than 40 years.   Dr. Chapman holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in anthropology from Wheaton College and Wake Forest University, respectively. He received his Ph.D. degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and has taken postgraduate work at the University of North Carolina and Duke University.   Dr. Chapman and his wife, Karolyn, have been married for more than 45 years and reside in Winston- Salem, N.C. The Chapmans have two grown children, Shelley and Derek.   5 Love Languages Website   Thank you to Our Sponsor: Midwest Food Bank   Questions and Topics We Cover: Are there any other practical things we can be doing now, while our children are still in the home, that ideally sets us up for a healthy relationship once they launch out of our home?  For parents approaching the new season of parenting young adults, what are the best practices for navigating this transition? If we do find ourselves in a season where our adult child and maybe his/her family is living with us, what guidelines do you suggest to honor both parties?   Previous Episodes of the Savvy Sauce with Dr. Gary Chapman: 85 Five Love Languages with Dr. Gary Chapman 182 Things I Wish I'd Known Before My Child Became a Teenager with Dr. Gary Chapman 191 Friendships Heal Racial Divides with Dr. Clarence Shuler and Dr. Gary Chapman 220 Cultivating Healthy Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman   Related Articles: Family Discipleship Tools My 10 Favorite Parenting Books How Can I Enjoy My Kids More?   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*‍ ‍   Music: (0:00 - 0:11)   Laura Dugger: (0:12 - 2:04) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger. I'm so glad you're here.   Thank you to an anonymous donor to Midwest Food Bank, who paid the sponsorship fee in hopes of spreading awareness. Learn more about this amazing nonprofit organization at MidwestFoodBank.org.   Dr. Gary Chapman is my amazing returning guest. I'm going to link to his other episodes on The Savvy Sauce, where we've covered a variety of topics, from the five love languages in marriage or in families, parenting teenagers, and just overall creating a loving home and family environment.   But today, we're going to actually focus on a later stage of life, parenting adult children. Whenever I get a chance to talk with Dr. Gary Chapman, he just oozes wisdom on every topic that we've covered, and I know you're going to feel the same way after concluding the message today. I've just noticed this theme that anytime I talk to somebody who's a few seasons ahead of me, they consistently said the same thing, that their hardest stage of parenting was parenting adult children.   And that shocked me, so I wanted to seek out the wisdom of somebody who's gone before us and bring in this expert who can give us wise counsel so that all of us can delight in parenting well and enjoying all of the seasons. Dr. Gary Chapman is going to do exactly that today.   Here's our chat. Welcome back to The Savvy Sauce, Dr. Chapman.   Dr. Gary Chapman: (2:04 - 2:07) Well, thank you. I'm delighted to be with you again.   Laura Dugger: (2:07 - 2:40) Well, our main topic for today is going to be about parenting adult children, especially after completing your amazing resource. But I think it'd first be helpful to back up a little bit and just have you share how we can be proactive now while our children are still in the home. If we're hoping to have wonderful relationships when we launch our children, when they're grown adults.   So, can you just start off by sharing the dangers of both under-parenting and over-parenting?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (2:41 - 7:35) Well, I think, first of all, as parents, we have to keep in mind we have 18 years. Because in our culture at 18, they're typically going to college, get a job or join the military. So, we have to be thinking independence.   That is doing everything we can to help them to be able to take care of themselves. And when we're not around. So, first of all, I think it means that we need to make sure we are expressing love to them in a way that's meaningful to them.   That our children feel loved. I've often said to parents, the question is not, do you love your children? The question is, do your children feel loved?   And that's where the five love languages of children and the five-love language of teenagers has helped so many parents realize what makes one child feel loved doesn't make another child feel loved. So, you have to discover their love language and on a regular basis be speaking that love language to them. I think another factor is that I would encourage parents, especially if they're in the teenage years or 10 and up, have maybe once a month have breakfast with one child.   Take them out to breakfast, just one child, so that you can talk about whatever they want to talk about. And you can talk about whatever you want to talk about. But if they know that that's a part of life and that's where they can ask you questions when nobody's around, and you can have conversations with them.   I just found that with my own kids. That was great. And they say to me, they look back on that as a very positive experience, is having that individual time with me.   Of course, we only had two children. Now, if you have five children, and I only did it once a month, but five once a month would be every week, I guess. But it's just an idea.   But I think if they feel loved, and they feel like that we're a safe place where they can talk about and ask questions about things, and we can talk openly, that's a big part of getting them ready. The other thing that I've suggested to couples is, what if you make a list? And if your children are 10 or up, let them help you make a list of all the things they would like to know how to do by the time they're 18.   And some of them may say, well, I'd like to learn how to cook, or I'd like to learn how to boil eggs. Or I might like to learn how to take a tire off of my car, put it back on, put the spare on. Amazing, you know, what they might want to do.   And that may vary with each child. But you ought to think in terms of what would you like for them to be able to do. And then you want to be working on those things while they're still with you.   If you want them to be able to make up their own bed, you can start that at five years old. You know, by the time they get to be 18, they got it down. If you don't want them to know how to make up a bed, then they're going to go to college and never make up a bed. And they're going to get married and never make up a bed.   And if they marry somebody that thinks a bed ought to be made up, then they got a conflict. So, it can be little things like that.   But I do think that for most parents, they would hope that the children will learn a little bit about cooking. You know, because we have to eat. And it's an advantage.   Anybody that gets married is happy if they marry somebody that knows how to cook. Whether it's the husband or the wife. So, I think that's a huge issue.   But keeping the flow of communication open with the children so that they feel like they're safe with you. That they can communicate with you. That is huge.   And I'll be very honest; there are a lot of parents that don't do that. They're so involved in their work and in other activities that they don't really talk with their kids very much. You know, they might watch a ball game together or something, but they don't really talk about life.   And consequently, when the kids go off and they don't feel a real attachment to you, they're far more out there on their own now. And they're likely going to have more problems than if they had a close connection with you. Because if they have a close connection, even in college, they'll ask you questions.   They'll communicate with you. And communication is the lifeblood of relationship. So, anything you can do to foster that. Wonderful.   Laura Dugger: (7:37 - 8:03) So great. I love those practical tips for what we can be doing now. And I'm just curious, with all of your travels and speaking around the world, and throughout the decades, just seeing changes, do you have any caution for parents of what to avoid or even what to focus on currently to set them up well for their relationship in the future with their adult child?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (8:04 - 10:42) I think one is talking to them about what they think they might like to do when they grow up. Having those kinds of conversations. And what that might look like.   Because our daughter, for example, when she was eight years old, said to us, “When I grow up, I'm going to be a doctor.” And we said, “Well, honey, if that's what God wants, then that would be fine.” But in high school, she took four years of Latin.   Three years of chemistry in high school. She was serious. And so, if they say they want to be something, then you have to help them think about what kind of requirements would that be to do what you're thinking about doing.   And another thing would be to, in high school, let them have conversations with somebody that you might know in your church or your circle that does that. If they think they'd like to be a businessperson, for example, or sell cars, or run a business, or try to have a conversation. And most adults who are in a business or who are doing anything, they'd be happy to talk to a teenager that thinks they'd like to do this.   And that person can give them great advice in terms of what you might be doing now in high school and what you might do if you go to college and all that sort of thing. So, I think because vocation is a huge part of life. And I think the other thing, of course, is we need to be sharing our faith.   If we're Christians, we need to be sharing our faith with them. And to me, that means things like the very beginning, as early as you can start it, having a devotional time for the whole family every night. And what my wife and I did when they're just all the way along, one of us would go to the bed with them when we put them to bed and get on our knees beside the bed and pray with them.   And if they get older, then they start praying. But when they see when we teach them our faith, and of course, having them involved in a church and all that sort of thing is so very helpful to kids. And in the teenage years, for them to have a place to go and do things with other Christian kids.   Again, you know, the church can't raise kids. That's our responsibility. But the church can be a real source of help with our children, where they can interface and have other people that are teaching them things about God and about life.   So, all of that, I think, is important.   Laura Dugger: (10:43 - 11:22) I love that. I'm hearing themes of open communication both ways, where we're sharing and imparting and discipling, but they're also expressing their wants or needs or desires. And I think also a theme of purpose, instilling purpose in them, which gives a great vision for long term.   But now let's speak to parents who are approaching this new season of maybe their teenager turning 18 or moving out. And now the parents are finding themselves transitioning to parenting young adults. So, what are the best practices for navigating this transitional season?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (11:23 - 15:48) Well, that's why I wrote this book. Because a lot of parents' struggle. And some over parent, you know, after they moved out, they over parent.   They want to keep talking with them every single day and tell them what they ought to be doing and all that kind of stuff. And the child feels like, you know, I can do some things on my own, you know. And then some are under parent.   They just, if they go to college, they go to college. They might talk to them once a week or something, you know. So, I think we have to just think in terms of what feels good for the child, you know.   Because you to call them when you don't know their schedule, you probably have a hard time. Far better to ask them, how would you like to talk for us to talk? And when would be a good time in your schedule that you could call us, you know.   So, I think working out some things about how much contact we're going to have because they want a sense of freedom. And they should have. And we've been training them for independence.   So, but we also want to keep in contact with them. We want to, you know, have some ongoing time with them. And depending on now many times today, they're living at home while they go to college.   So, you have an extended opportunity. To have an influence on their lives. But that's where you have to talk about, now what's our pattern going to be?   Because you're going off to college, but you're going to be coming home every night to be here. And we're happy about that, you know. If that's what you want to do.   Obviously it's saving money for the parents because they don't have to pay for a dorm room. So, but we talk about, you know, can we agree on kind of a bedtime? Because if you're out at one o'clock, you know, I have a hard time sleeping.   Because you just, you know, I think, wonder what's happened to them, you know. So, could we have a kind of a set time that you shoot to be home? And if you realize there's something turned up, you would call me.   You call one of us and say, you know, I know I normally get home at whatever time, but right now this is what's happened. So, I need to do this and all. Okay, honey, okay.   That's fine. You don't want to over control them. But if you're going to be home, you have to think about yourself as well as them.   Because you've got a life to live. Your life has to go on while they're developing their new lifestyle. So, I think conversations again, it's really important at that stage of life.   And keeping in contact but not over controlling them. And I'd say make suggestions rather than like giving your advice. You know, just to say, you know, you ought to do this.   Or maybe now they're looking for a job, you know. And you say, well, you ought to get that, you ought to get that resume sent in today if you want to get a job. And now you're putting pressure on them, you know.   But you could say just as easily, you know, one suggestion that I'd suggest that you think about is maybe getting in your application as soon as possible. Because probably the sooner you get it in, the more likely you might, you know, be able to get the job. So rather than telling them what they need to do, make suggestions rather than demands.   Because again, we want to foster independence. We don't want to control their lives. We want them to be free to make decisions.   But if they ask advice, it's fine. Give them advice if they ask advice. If they don't, it's okay to give them a suggestion.   But give it as a suggestion, not as something, well, you ought to do this, you know. So, we don't want to over-control them. Otherwise, we're really going to push them away.   No young person wants to be over-controlled by their parents. And yet, they need our input. And if we have a positive relationship, they'll probably ask us for our input, you know. It's a good relationship.   Laura Dugger: (15:50 - 17:50) I think that really requires humility on both sides. And that's great and worthwhile to cultivate that in any phase of life. ‍ ‍   And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Midwest Food Bank exists to provide industry-leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually. They are a food charity with a desire to demonstrate God's love by providing help to those in need. Unlike other parts of the world where there's not enough food, in America, the resources actually do exist.   That's why food pantries and food banks like Midwest Food Bank are so important. The goods that they deliver to their agency partners help to supplement the food supply for families and individuals across our country, aiding those whose resources are beyond stretched. Midwest Food Bank also supports people globally through their locations in Haiti and East Africa which are some of the areas hardest hit by hunger arising from poverty.   This ministry reaches millions of people every year and thanks to the Lord's provision, 99% of every donation goes directly toward providing food to people in need. The remaining 1% of income is used for fundraising, costs of leadership, oversight, and other administrative expenses. Donations, volunteers, and prayers are always appreciated for Midwest Food Bank.   To learn more, visit MidwestFoodBank.org or listen to episode 83 of The Savvy Sauce where the founder, David Kieser, shares miracles of God that he's witnessed through this nonprofit organization. I hope you check them out today.   Also, Dr. Chapman, have you noticed any universal challenges or frustrations from both sides, from adult children and the parents who have raised them just in that phase of life, maybe things that we can be prepared for?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (17:50 - 23:36) Yeah. Well, I think one thing is that there are a lot of young adults who feel like their parents are trying to control their lives and that's not a positive thing. I think there are a lot of parents that are very disturbed over the decisions their young adult children are making.   And this is hard. I can understand that. It's hard.   When you see them, for example, telling you, I've decided not to go to church this semester or I've decided, I don't think I want to go to church anymore. Well, you come down hard on them and say, now, da-da-da, da-da-da, da-da-da. You're just pushing them away.   Far better to ask questions. That's interesting, honey. What leads you to say that?   And then just keep asking questions. Keep asking questions. And then I think we have to do what God does.   We have to give them freedom. And we can honestly say, after we've listened to them and they tell us why, we can say, well, you know, it's your decision, honey. I mean, you're an adult now and it's your decision.   You know that. I'm not real happy about it, but it's your life. And, you know, again, whatever kind of relationship you've had with them spiritually and how you shared with them spiritually is going to have an impact here.   But I think parents have a hard time when their children make decisions that hurt them. You know whether it's moral decisions or whether it's spiritual decisions or whatever the decision. But what we don't want to do is cut them off.   Because if we say, “Well, if that's the lifestyle you're going to live, I don't want you in my house anymore.” And there are parents that have said those kinds of things. Now you've lost all opportunity to have a positive influence on them. And it was your choice.   Now, if they break off from you, and this happens a lot too, where a parent, a child is deciding a lifestyle that they know their parents don't like. And the parents have come down on them really hard.   And every time they get together, they're preaching them a sermon. And the adult child says, well, I'm just not going to have contact with you. Every time I come home, you're on my case.   I'm not going to answer your phone. And I'm not going to answer your text. Well, again, we can't keep them from doing that.   But what we want to do is to try to keep the relationship open and not demanding things of them so that they won't cut us off. Because if they cut us off or we cut them off, we've lost opportunity to have an impact on their lives.   So even if we disagree with them, and as I said, “God gives his children freedom. If you want to disobey God, you can. You'll suffer the consequences, but you can.” And we have to give them the same freedom.   And we can say things like, honey, it hurts me that you're choosing to do that. But I want you to know that I love you. And I will love you no matter what.   And I will pray for you. I love you. And if you ever want to talk further about this, I'd be happy to talk further with you.   But I love you, even though I disagree, obviously, with what you're choosing. But that kind of approach is far healthier. And chances are, listen, the prodigal son's father didn't go out there trying to bring him back.   He waited till God brought his son to the pig pen. And if they're making poor decisions, they're going to end up in the pig pen. But now, they've got a picture in their mind of a parent who loved them.   And they do what the prodigal son did. I'd be better off working on the farm at home than out here in the pig pen. And they come home.   And, you know, they come home often with regret. And then we receive them back. And now we're reunited.   Now we've got another chance here. But I think as parents, you know, we're so concerned. And I understand that.   And we should be concerned. And we want them to make wise decisions and make lifestyle choices that we know are healthy and we know are right. And it breaks our heart when they're not.   But because out of our pain, we often make poor decisions ourselves. You know, we retreat them in a way that's negative and condemning and demanding. And so, they walk away.   Far better to express the truth about how you feel. They already know they're hurting you. But you express it to them.   But you let them know I love you and I will always love you no matter what you do. Now you've kept the door open.   Laura Dugger: (23:38 - 24:01) And I think the fruit of the spirit that really stands out in that response is gentleness and that that would go a long way. But also, if we are at that phase of parenting adult children, a lot of times around that time comes grandparenting as well. So, do you have any wise counsel for grandparents?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (24:02 - 27:21) Yeah, I would say. And again, a lot depends on how close you are physically. If you live in North Carolina where I live and your grandkids live in Portland, Oregon, that's one thing, you know.   But if you live in the same town as a grandparent, you might be keeping them after school when they get out of school. You know, the kids, you were keeping them. Now they're, you know, of course, they grow up.   But I think grandparents can play a key role in the lives of children. And the earlier it starts, the better. And even if they do live far away, you can still have contact.   Now we can do FaceTime. We can see them. They can see us.   You know, you can do that when they're four years old or three years old. So, I think having that kind of contact if they live away from you is really, really good. And you can even play games, you know, online with them at different stages and all.   So, the more you do when they're little to build a bond between them, the more likely they are when they get older to keep in contact with you. For example, my granddaughter, who is 25 now, she calls her grandmother, my wife, she calls her every Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. And if she, if something in her work schedule or whatever doesn't allow it, she'll send her a text and say, Grandma, I can't call you at three today, but I'm going to call you at five because of da-da-da-da-da.   That's absolutely wonderful, you know. And so, I think we build that relationship when they're young and chances are as grandparents, then we will have a positive contact with them as they grow up in the future. And again, we're not, we have to remember as grandparents, two things.   Number one, I'm not the parent. The parents are the ones who set the rules. But I am a grandparent.   And so, when they're at my house, I'm not going to violate the parent's rules. Whatever the rules are of the parents, that's okay. But we're going to do some things, you know, when we're together that maybe your parents don't do with you.   Maybe they don't take walks. Maybe they don't take you to the park. Again, depending on the age, you know.   But if you live close as they grow up, you try to stay involved in their activities. If they're into sports or if they're in a play at school, as grandparents, you try to go to those things, you know, which communicates to them, man, they care about me. So, the more you can be involved in their lives when they're young, the better the chances are that you will have a positive relationship with them when they get to be adults.   And again, I think grandparents can have a tremendous impact on their grandchildren.   Laura Dugger: (27:22 - 28:34) I completely agree and it's fascinating sometimes to see the same lesson that we're trying to teach as parents. Sometimes it just takes one grandparent to reiterate that or to share it and it clicks for our kids. So, there is a supernatural, even anointing, it seems, on that relationship.   Do you love The Savvy Sauce? Do you gain anything when you listen? Did you know that the two ways we earn money to keep this podcast live is through generous contributions from listeners?   And from our paying sponsors? That means we can promote your business and you're still supporting The Savvy Sauce. It's a win-win.   Please email us today at info at the SavvySauce.com to inquire about pricing for sponsoring each episode. Thank you for your consideration.   Is there also any research that you've come across for factors that set adult children up well to be healthy in their relationships and independent from relying on their parents and just well-adjusted overall?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (28:35 - 32:49) You know, I don't know specific research percentages and that sort of thing, but I do know that there's an awful lot of young adults today that are not mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally healthy. And there's a lot of reasons for that because many young adults have grown up in homes where their parents divorced and that's had a tremendous impact on them. And loneliness is a pandemic on college campuses today all over the country where the students feel isolated.   They don't have not made friends at the university and they don't know how to have relationships. Many times, they've been on the cell phone and online. Their whole life is connected to the screen and they don't know, they don't have social skills.   They don't know how to have conversations. So, which is really sad. And sometimes grandparents can step in when parents maybe, you know, are for whatever reason not stepping in.   Sometimes, of course, one of the parents has died. Sometimes one of the parents has problems that limit what they can do. And grandparents can step in and be an adult figure who relates to this young adult and has an open door at their house.   You can always come to grandma's, you know, that kind of thing. So, it's a troubled, it's a troubled world for young adults today. And many times, they have a hard time getting a job and they move back home with their parents.   And, and because many of them can't afford an apartment. So, if they get a job, you know, and they can come back home and live with the parents, that's going to help them and make it possible for them to survive. And so, as parents, even though, you know, we all think of a time that we're going to have an empty nest, when they come back, see it as another opportunity just to have a positive impact on them.   But I would suggest that when they move back in that situation, you have conversations from the very beginning on how can we organize this now because you're an adult now. It's not like you're a child. But how can we organize it so that it's good for everybody and so that, you know, you feel good about it, we feel good about it.   Now, we're not going to charge you rent because we know that's, you know, but you are going to be back in the family now. So, let's think in terms of like, you know, what kind of chores could you do that would be helpful to us? And what can we do that would be helpful to you?   And let's talk about schedules and, you know, just talk about whatever you can think that you'd like to discuss so that each of you have an idea of how this is going to work rather than nobody talking about it, but the parents have ideas of what it ought to be like, but the adult child has ideas of what it ought to be like and they're different. And so, you end up in conflict with each other. Far better to have open conversations to start with .   And we can change it if we need to. We can talk about it again in two months and see if it's working or not working. But this is also teaching them a skill on how to relate to people because all of life they're going to be relating to people.   So, that can be a positive thing and not a negative thing. But, again, sometimes this becomes real contentious because the parents pictured one thing, the young adult pictures another thing, and it becomes an adversarial kind of situation.   Laura Dugger: (32:51 - 33:43) Well, and you even address that in your book. You share some guidelines for both parties. And so, I'll list these off.   Feel free to elaborate if there are any that you want to say more about. But you recommend clarifying those expectations and maintaining open communication, balancing freedom and responsibility, honoring your moral values I think you give, for instance, if you're a Christian and your adult child does not want to go to church or have their children go to church, how to navigate that, considering your own physical and mental health, setting time limits and goals, being pleasant and firm, and then you also talk about how to deal with anger. So, is there anything you'd want to elaborate on that?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (33:43 - 37:16) I think all of those things are important. You know, just remember now, as parents, it is your house and your moral values, you know, you want to have them respect that. For example, if you do not do alcohol at all, you need to say to them, now honey, you know that we don't drink alcohol if you think they do.   So, don't bring alcohol in the home. Okay? Can we just agree on that?   If you drink a beer, that's you, somewhere else, but don't do it here because we just don't like that. You know, that's fine. It's your house.   They're adults. So, and they'll respect that. They'll respect that.   So, I think, you know, and again, you just say, we're not going to make you go to church because you're an adult. That's your decision. If you would like to go to church, you know, there is a young adult group at our church that I think you might fit into and you might feel good about.   You know, you can try it out and see what you think. Or if you have a church that doesn't offer that, you can say, you know, I don't think our church has a young adult group, but there is a church in town that I understand has a really good young adult group. So, you might want to visit that church and kind of plug into that and see what you think.   You know, so we're not, again, demanding that they, you know, go to our church with us every Sunday, but we are trying to help them and give them some possibilities, you know, what they might do. So, all those things are really important. And I think setting some limits and goals also to say, how long do you think it might be before, I know you want to, I know you want to be independent.   Someday you may want to get married. I don't know, but how long do you think it might take before you would, you know, be able to, you know, find your own place or whatever? It doesn't matter to us, but I'm just thinking out loud with you so we can all kind of have some goals and things that we can have in the back of our minds.   We can change them later if we want to but talking to those kinds of things like that is helpful because both of you then have a framework in which to, you know, and maybe they're coming back. Maybe they drop out of college and they're back home because they don't have a job. They don't have anywhere to go.   And so to talk about, you know, maybe what could be done while you are here that might prepare you for a job, you know, and let them share the kind of job they might have an interest in and then see if there's a local technical school that's teaching, you know, people how to do that particular thing, you know, find out about it and say, well, you know, this course is available and we would be willing to pay for it if you'd be interested in doing that because if you have an interest, I understand it's a really good school and you're far more likely to get a job if you've had the training that they give over there, you know. So it may just be a year-long thing for, you know, training just one year, but helping them if they're struggling socially or relationally, mentally, then try to find whatever helps available in the community that they might plug into that could help them move toward being independent.   Laura Dugger: (37:16 - 37:38) I love that. Reaching maturity, independence, and then also you really did focus on the parents, the importance of them taking care of themselves and their marital relationship because that will change the dynamic if an adult child moves back in or if they move back in with their kids.   Dr. Gary Chapman: (37:38 - 38:59) Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. It's very different and I think as the parents, we don't want to spend time with each other silent, I mean, personally arguing with each other, you know, I just don't think we ought to do this now, you know.   Listen, listen, we're a team and this is our child. So, let's talk about what we're going to do. If we don't do it, what are we going to do?   We're going to let them live on the street. We're going to send them to the rescue mission. What are our options, you know, and what is the Christian thing to do?   So yeah, we likely will have different ideas. Husbands and wives will have different ideas of what we ought to do in those kinds of situations, but let's respect each other's ideas. Let's listen and try to see the world through their eyes and say, okay, I can see what you're saying.   I can see how that makes sense. And then, okay, how can we solve the problem? Because we want to be a team.   We want to keep our marriage growing. We don't want this to be a divisive thing in our marriage because we hope down the road they're going to be on their own, but we want our marriage to be good now and then, you know.   Laura Dugger: (39:00 - 39:12) So, to sum up this time together, do you have any additional words of encouragement or helpful do's and don'ts as we navigate this new part of parenting?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (39:14 - 42:07) I think one thing I would say to Christian parents is pray. The Bible says if you lack wisdom, ask God for wisdom. And all of us need wisdom.   And so, you just say, God, you know the situation, you know where we are, and we need your wisdom. You know we have our thoughts and our ideas, but what we really want to do is what is best in this situation for our child and for us. And we know that you can give us wisdom.   And the second thing I would say is read a book such as the one we're discussing. Because we're dealing with many common things in this. Read a book together about it.   And then, also talk to other parents maybe in your church, who have adult children who are moving home or whatever the situation is. And see how they're handling it. Because, you know, they may have found some things and discovered some things that would be very helpful to you.   Sometimes parents want to hide what's going on, especially if their child is making decisions and living a lifestyle that they don't want them to be living. They don't want to tell their friends about it. Because they think it puts them down as parents, that we failed, you know.   And I like to say to those parents, because many times here's what the parents say to me when their child is making a lifestyle decision that's not biblical. They'll say, Dr. Chapman, what did we do wrong? And I say, well, ask God if you did anything wrong.   God will tell you. And if you did, you can apologize. You can confess it to God.   You can apologize to your adult child. But let me remind you of this. God's first two children went wrong, and they had a perfect father.   So don't blame yourself for the decisions your adult children are making. Yes, none of us are perfect. And maybe you made some real bad decisions.   Then apologize to your adult child. But don't just assume that you are responsible for what they're doing. God makes his children free.   And as you know, a lot of God's children make poor decisions. God still loves them. And if they repent, God will forgive them.   But they suffer the consequences. Anytime we violate God's plans, we have to suffer. There are consequences.   So, yeah, those are just some of the things I would say to parents. But I do think that they'll find this book to be very helpful. It's very practical.   And I think they'll find it to be very helpful.   Laura Dugger: (42:08 - 42:24) Your teaching is always full of wisdom, full of practicality. And this isn't the only topic that you've written about or spoken about. And so where would you like to direct us after this chat so that we can learn more from all of your teaching?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (42:25 - 42:59) I would say go to the website 5lovelanguages.com. The number 5 and lovelanguages.com. And there you will find resources, all my books and so forth. You can receive a weekly email from me if you like.   And you can take a quiz on the love languages and other things. Just a lot of help at that website. My publisher actually runs that website for me.   But it's very, very helpful. So, you know, that's where I would encourage them to go.   Laura Dugger: (43:00 - 43:19) Wonderful. We'll add that link in the show notes for today's episode. And Dr. Chapman, you've been a repeat guest. So, you're familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   Dr. Gary Chapman: (43:22 - 44:41) I would say recognize the truth of what Jesus said as recorded in Matthew chapter 15, and verse 5. I think I'm right about that. Where he said, “I'm the vine. You're the branches. You stay connected to me. You bear fruit. Without me, you can do nothing.”   So just recognize your dependence on God. We may know a lot about a few things, but there's a whole bunch of stuff we don't know much about.   So just realize if you stay connected to God, have a daily quiet time with God in which you sit down and read a chapter in the Bible and ask God to speak to you. Or read a devotional book every morning with Scripture. You stay connected closely to God; you're going to bear fruit.   And tell God, without you, Lord, I can't do anything worthwhile. We won't. We can't do anything.‍ ‍   He gives us breath. We could be gone tomorrow. I can't do it without you.   I need your help. I need your wisdom. So, you stay connected closely to God.   You're going to not only survive, you're going to thrive.   Laura Dugger: (44:42 - 45:13) Well said. And it's great to witness someone who has been abiding in Christ and we're getting to enjoy that sweet fruit from the overflow of even your lifestyle and your guidance and your wisdom, Dr. Chapman. So, it's always such a joy to get to talk to you.   And I think my heart rate slows down every time we're having a conversation. You're so calm and peaceful. And I just really am grateful for you and appreciate you.   So, thank you for being my guest.   Dr. Gary Chapman: (45:14 - 45:25) Well, thank you. I always enjoy chatting with you. And thanks for what you're doing.   Because, you know, we take whatever we've got and try to help other people. And you're doing that. So, keep up the good work.   Laura Dugger: (45:25 - 48:42) Thank you. One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners. But Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own.   So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved. We need a Savior. But God loved us so much He made a way for His only Son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute.   This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with Him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us. Romans 10.9 says that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. So would you pray with me now? Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today, right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to You.   Will You clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare You as Lord of their life? We trust You to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer you are declaring Him for me so me for Him. You get the opportunity to live your life for Him.   And at this podcast, we're called the Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So you ready to get started?   First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible.   The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it. You can start by reading the Book of John.   Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you. We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ.   We also have show notes included where you can read Scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15 10 says, In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.   The heavens are praising with you for your decision today. And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved, and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Rational choice theory has become so familiar that it can feel like common sense. We talk about trade-offs, optimization, ROI, and risk as if they capture what it means to think clearly. But many of the decisions that matter most do not work that way. They are shaped by context, values, relationships, and the larger story of a life. In this episode, Barry Schwartz returns to discuss how rational choice theory became the default way we think, how it shapes work and decision-making, and what a more human approach to being rational might look like.Barry Schwartz is a psychologist and professor emeritus at Swarthmore College. He studies decision-making, motivation, and the role of meaning in work and life.In this episode, Dart and Barry discuss:- Why we treat decisions like math- What gets lost when everything becomes a number- Why some choices cannot be compared- The difference between risk and uncertainty- How framing shapes every decision- Why metrics can crowd out judgment- The danger of maximizing everything- Why good enough can be wiser- How choices fit into a larger life story- Why counting is not the same as thinking- And other topics…Barry Schwartz is the Dorwin P. Cartwright Professor Emeritus of Social Theory and Social Action in the Psychology Department at Swarthmore College, and Visiting Professor of Management at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. His work focuses on decision-making, motivation, moral judgment, and meaning in work and life. He is the author of The Battle for Human Nature, The Costs of Living, The Paradox of Choice, and Why We Work. He is also the co-author of Practical Wisdom (with Kenneth Sharpe) and Choose Wisely (with Richard Schuldenfrei).Resources Mentioned:Barry's Book, Choose Wisely: Rationality, Ethics, and the Art of Decision-Making: https://www.amazon.com/Choose-Wisely-Rationality-Ethics-Decision-Making/dp/0300283997 Barry's Book, The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less: https://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Choice-Why-More-Less/dp/0060005688 Barry's Book, Why We Work: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Work-TED-Books/dp/1476784868 Work with Dart:Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what's most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.

In this episode of the HR Like a Boss podcast, John speaks with Dr. Scott J. Allen about the critical role of leadership in organizational culture. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the purpose of human resources, and the challenges faced in leadership development. Dr. Allen emphasizes the need for intentional training and alignment within organizations to foster effective leadership.ABOUT SCOTT J. ALLENScott J. Allen, Ph.D., is an award-winning educator passionate about working with people at all levels and across industries. He serves as an instructor in SMU's Cox School of Business Executive Education and spent more than 18 years as a professor of management. Scott has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. He's the co-author of several books, and hosts Practical Wisdom for Leaders, ranked among the world's top 2.5% of podcasts. Along with the podcast, he publishes a weekly newsletter. Scott frequently serves as a keynote speaker. In addition, he consults, facilitates workshops, and leads retreats across industries.

There's a quiet frustration happening inside leadership today.Not because leaders don't care. Not because they aren't trying.But because so much of what they are given sounds impressive… yet feels completely unusable.They sit through presentations filled with frameworks, buzzwords, and perfect-world models — and then walk back into real workplaces filled with real humans… and realize none of it actually helps them lead better tomorrow morning.Let's get rid of the noise!

How should we navigate AI? On today's episode of Flourish-Meant, host Tina Yeager welcomes industry trailblazer Kathleen Cooke—an award-winning producer, actress, global speaker, and co-founder of Cook Media Group and The Influence Lab. Together, they tackle the timely topic of navigating AI in our rapidly changing world. Drawing insights from her recent workshop at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, Kathleen Cooke likens AI to "the new fire," a powerful tool with the potential to transform every area of our lives, from communication to creativity and beyond. She explores not only the opportunities AI presents, but also the pitfalls and ethical dilemmas, sharing advice grounded in both biblical wisdom and practical industry experience. Whether you're a leader, creative, parent, or simply curious about the future of technology, this conversation offers empowering guidance on engaging with AI thoughtfully and effectively. Tune in as Tina Yeager and Kathleen Cooke discuss how we can harness this evolving technology with integrity, wisdom, and faith—while ensuring we're not left behind in the digital revolution. Here are the key takeaways you won't want to miss: AI: The New Fire Kathleen Cooke compares AI to discovering fire—it has the capacity to illuminate and empower, but it can also be destructive if misused. The challenge? Learning to harness this powerful tool with wisdom rather than fear. Lessons from the City of Ai Did you know AI appears in the Bible? Kathleen draws wisdom from the biblical city of Ai, highlighting the importance of integrity and careful stewardship. Her top two lessons for the AI era: Do not steal or lie—especially when using others' creative work. Avoid shortcuts—do your research, ensure your use of AI aligns with strong values, and don't compromise quality or ethics for quick results. Women's Role in AI Historically, AI has been developed and influenced predominantly by white men. Kathleen emphasizes the urgent need for women, people of diverse races and ethnicities, and Christians to shape the narratives, perspectives, and truth in the programming of AI. It's time for diverse voices and values to inform this technology! Practical Wisdom for Leaders For those leading organizations or ministries, Kathleen offers practical insights: Start using AI for administrative tasks or creative inspiration, but always follow up with research and discernment. Always ask: Where did this information come from? Is it copyright protected? Be sure to demand that ChatGPT reveal its sources. Use AI to save time and create a starting point, but always infuse projects with your original voice, oversight, and checks. Protecting Our Kids Parental guidance is essential in this digital age. Kathleen recommends strict screen time limits, no devices in bedrooms, and active, intentional parenting to ensure children are learning discernment in a media-saturated world. Get Connected & Get Equipped Hungry for more? Discover resources, training, and global community via Influence Women (influencewomen.org), the Influence Women Podcast and YouTube channel, and their interactive online groups led by inspiring women from around the world. Let's move beyond fear, embrace wisdom, and lead the way in responsible, courageous use of AI! We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant. To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/ Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Use the code TINA10 at checkout. To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link  https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase! If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses Connect with Tina at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager  Stock Media provided by Talekeeper_Music / Pond5 https://www.pond5.com/royalty-free-music/item/87553658-inspirational-cinematic-trailer-p5

Parenting coach and early childhood specialist DJ Stutz joins us to talk about the reality of raising children and why she calls parents “imperfect heroes.” As the oldest of seven siblings, a mother of five, and grandmother of thirteen, DJ has spent a lifetime caring for children and helping families navigate the challenges of parenting. In this conversation, DJ shares how her journey from raising her own children to teaching kindergarten and working with families in shelters and prisons led her to start helping parents through coaching, workshops, and her podcast, Imperfect Heroes. Her goal is simple but powerful: to help parents rediscover the joy in raising their children. We talk about why many parenting struggles actually begin with adult expectations and how understanding child development can completely change the way we respond to difficult behavior. DJ explains that discipline isn't about punishment—it's about teaching, setting clear boundaries, and creating a sense of safety for kids. DJ also shares practical advice on improving communication with children, managing big emotions like anxiety, and modeling emotional regulation so kids can learn how to handle their own feelings. Often, the most powerful parenting lessons happen when children simply watch how we respond to stress and conflict.To find out more about DJ and her books and podcast, visit imperfectheroes.net.Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/lifestoriespodcast

Who are you thirsty for? Matt Nicoll preaches on dating and singleness, and God as the ultimate lover of our souls, out of Psalm 42.

(Insight Santa Cruz)

(Insight Santa Cruz)

Beloved, Scientifically, we only access about 1% of the light spectrum and frequency bands. We call this "real," but it is only a fraction of what exists.While this may be FAR LEFT FIELD as you read this - it would be irresponsible of me NOT to share - in the month's ahead.Aliens, UFO's and what's ahead.RIGHT NOW WE ARE WITNESSING….Government secrecy is crumbling as its costs exceed the risks of transparency.Instead of chaos or Hollywood-style invasions, world leaders, scientists, and the media will gradually normalize extraterrestrial presence.This shift is less about seeing ships in the sky and more about a fundamental identity change—moving from cosmic isolation to realizing we've never been truly alone.The Big PictureWhat's Actually Happening Something remarkable is occurring at the cellular level of every human being on Earth right now. While spiritual communities have long discussed “DNA activation” and “ascension,” there's actually a fascinating interplay between cosmic physics and human biology driving these changes.The Science Behind the construct of the “Veil Thinning”Our sun creates something called a heliosphere - essentially a protective bubble that extends beyond our solar system. This barrier has historically filtered out much of the cosmic radiation and light particles coming from the rest of the galaxy.Fear is the primary anchor that keeps consciousness locked in the body. When the body starts to "shut down" during deep meditation or an exit, the ego panics. Letting go of the fear of other dimensions or of dying - is actually the key to truly living and exploring the beyond.Here's what's changing:* The sun itself is transforming - becoming whiter and brighter than previous decades* The heliosphere is becoming more permeable, allowing more interstellar particles through* Earth's gravitational field is also shifting, permitting more of these “light codes” to reach us* These aren't mystical concepts - they're measurable electromagnetic frequenciesWhat This Means at the Cellular LevelAccording to channeled information - the energies are interacting with our biology in specific ways:The Telomere Connection: The telomeres (protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes) are allowing electromagnetic frequencies to pass through the DNA coils. This is triggering genetic expressions that have been dormant - essentially “remembering” capabilities that were switched off long ago.Mitochondrial Changes: The energy-producing structures in our cells are adapting. The suggestion is that eventually, human cells will be able to hold light directly, potentially reducing our dependence on food for energy.Why We Feel So Tired: The fatigue many people experience isn't random. When these cosmic frequencies interact with our cellular structures, it creates a kind of beneficial stress - similar to how a sauna creates stress proteins that ultimately strengthen the body. Our systems are working overtime to integrate these new frequencies.Ascension Symptoms - not just for EmpathsExplained…..Many people report experiencing:* Chronic fatigue and disrupted sleep patterns* Heart palpitations* Ringing in the ears* Skin issues and sensitivities* Watery eyes* Feeling mentally “scattered” or anxiousYour body is literally acting as a conduit - pulling cosmic energy down through your personal energy field, processing it through your cells, and anchoring it into Earth's crystalline grid system. Where you have emotional, mental, or energetic blockages, this energy has to push through, creating discomfort.Why some people feel it more than others: It depends on where you are in relation to what's called “the singularity” - a convergence point of timelines:* Those “ahead” of it feel energized and clear* Those “in the middle” experience neutral observation* Those “behind” it feel heavy, sluggish, and lost* Earth is a “Free Will Planet”The Bigger Context? You Chose It. Earth holds a unique position in our galaxy as a free will zone. This means:* We've been largely left alone to develop and make our own choices* That changed with nuclear weapons - when the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the effects rippled through quantum fields across the universe, affecting beings everywhere* This triggered intervention - not control, but assistance from various cosmic intelligences who recognized that “the children found the matches”The Living Library ConceptThrough my experience as a intuitive and Akashic Reader, just as the astral has a library of resonance - the Earth is also a “living library” - for every animal species on this planet, there exists an extraterrestrial race that resembles it. This planet was seeded with incredible biodiversity as a kind of cosmic repository.The Hybridization ProgramsThere are ongoing programs creating human-extraterrestrial hybrid children. Some live on ships, others on Earth. The purpose isn't sinister - it's about creating beings who can be a genetic and frequency match for where Earth is heading, since not all current humans will be able to adapt to the higher frequencies.The Timeline We're InWe're currently about 75-78% through an 18-year window (2012-2030) that represents the most significant consciousness expansion in human history.Key markers “suggested”* 1987 (Harmonic Convergence): The starting gun for this shift* 2012: Earth/Gaia herself ascended; karmic laws that had been held in the grids were released* 2025: A year of pushing through density and difficulty - necessary preparation* 2026: A “one year” in numerology - about renewal, not repair; what we create this year sets the cycle for where we're heading through 2030* 2030: The completion of this particular ascension windowThe 3D/5D SplitRather than everyone moving to “5D” as a destination, what's actually happening is more nuanced:* Multiple dimensions exist simultaneously (it's called “multi-dimensional” for a reason)* We fluctuate through various density perspectives constantly* The 3D and 5D “timelines” are being pulled apart - people will increasingly experience very different realities based on their frequencyThe Human Hybridization HistoryOur DNA carries contributions from multiple cosmic sources:The Anunnaki (approximately 350,000 years ago): The primary encoders who created a significant jump in human evolution. They contributed what's called “Enki's gift” - dormant potential in our DNA that's now reactivating. RH negative blood is Anunnaki blood, which explains why RH negative women sometimes have difficulty conceiving - that blood carries programming that resists mixing with the standard human genome.The Pleiadian's contributed quantum aspects to our chromosomes.It's why we process in 12's and 24's. This isn't arbitrary - it's genetic encoding from these cosmic ancestors that determines how we can perceive dimensional realities. Currently, we can only process up to 12 dimensions; expanding beyond that will take approximately 3,000 more years of evolution.Practical Wisdom for Navigating This TimeHOW IT EFFECTS OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM AND MENTAL HEALTHWhen powerful energy waves hit Earth, many people experience anxiety spikes. Here's why:The brain's synapses can't always handle the acceleration of these frequencies. When the mind can't process what's happening, it spirals into fear responses - “I'm being attacked,” “something terrible is happening.” This creates anxiety that feels sourceless.The solution?Self compassion and for the love of God, get off social media. Ground yourself. Stay in your heart rather than your head. The heart processes feeling and compassion; the mind processes logic and fear. During intense energy periods, the heart is your anchor.The Self-Love ParadoxTrue self-love isn't “love and light” without boundaries. That's actually toxic because it:* Doesn't create self-worth* Doesn't allow you to know yourself* Avoids the necessary work of integrationReal self-love means:* Discovering the parts of yourself you've rejected* Learning to love what you've pushed into shadow* Integrating these aspects* Setting firm, compassionate boundaries with othersThe Awakening TruthAwakening isn't awakening to love and light - it's awakening to your trauma. You cannot skip straight to being an “ascended being” without walking through all your density. There are no shortcuts. You have to run the marathon.Key Principles for This Time* Go within, not without - All answers exist inside you. External teachers and resources are helpful, but they're not necessary if you can access your own inner knowing.* Feel, don't think - You don't think energy; you feel it. The ego wants timelines and logic; source wants to guide you through feeling and authenticity.* Surrender, don't trust - Trust is conditional (”I'll do my part if you do yours”). Surrender is unconditional allowing.* Internalize, don't externalize - Stop projecting onto external mirrors. Learn from what life shows you by looking inward.* Stay in compassionate detachment - Observe without judgment. Detach without disconnecting.* Release victimhood - The belief that “rogue aliens did this to us” or “we have no free will” is the ego avoiding responsibility. Starseeds and lightworkers are just as powerful as any cosmic being - they simply don't believe it yet.The Deeper MeaningThe purpose of this entire journey? To allow source - your higher self, your soul - to work through you in a state of non-resistance, creating healing and synchronicity for yourself and everything around you.We're not just passive recipients of cosmic change. We're active participants in ascending a planet - something that's never been done quite this way before.The “great experiment” is seeing if a free-will planet can raise its consciousness collectively, and we're well ahead of schedule.The work isn't easy. It requires releasing everything built from fear, trauma, and conditioning. It means becoming unrecognizable to those who knew the old version of you. It often means losing relationships that can't match your new frequency.But it's also the most profound opportunity any soul could choose - to be here, now, participating in this transformation.Stay in your hearts. Where your heart is, where your feeling is, where your compassion is - that's where we save each other. I truly believe every single soul here without question becomes free.Love, KassandraPS: If this lit up your heart and mind to go deeper into infinite love, then I'd love for you to experience the LIGHT BETWEEN ORACLE. Five Guides and a Five Layer Path…..The Five-Layer Path integrates intention rituals, intuitive card draws, ancient wisdom teachings, somatic practices, and multidimensional exploration to support your journey. With your purchase, you gain access to:* Tailored Guidance: Personalized oracle readings to answer your questions.* Your Place of Power: Tools to discover and transform disempowering states.* Self Hypnosis: Techniques to rewire the subconscious, enhanced by the Neuro-Nature Self Hypnosis App.* Soul Prayer: Contemplative practices to deepen your connection to inner wisdom.* Poetic Insights: A space to save reflections for creative expression and meaning.* Five-Layer Path for Integration: A holistic approach combining intention, intuition, ancient teachings, somatic practices, and multidimensional awakening.This journey helps you:* Gain Clarity: Understand what matters most and take meaningful action.* Reduce Self-Doubt: Reframe fear and confusion into empowering patterns.* Reconnect with Inner Wisdom: Strengthen your intuitive guidance.* Release Emotional Blocks: Heal through co-regulation and emotional release.* Enhance Creativity: Ignite new perspectives and creative expression.* Cultivate Mindfulness: Ground your energy and deepen your inner connection.* Navigate Life's Challenges: Approach obstacles with confidence and insight.* Transform Your Life: Embrace personal power and align with your larger vision.In essence, The Light Between Oracle Journey is a transformative framework that draws out your inner wisdom, guiding you to align with your personal power and purpose through the support of unique points of view with the playful integrity of the Chakra Centers, Universal Laws, Subtle Energy Bodies, Elements of Nature, and Circuits of Emotion. Want to be mind blown? Tap into my friends interview HERE! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thelightbetween.substack.com/subscribe

BrainStorm wants to hear from you! Send us a text.What happens when your carefully mapped career path collides with an Alzheimer's diagnosis — and you're only 26? In this deeply personal episode of BrainStorm by UsAgainstAlzheimer's, host Meryl Comer sits down with Jessica Guthrie, founder of the online platform Career and Caregiving Collide, whose life changed forever when her mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2014.Jessica shares what it means to be a young Black professional thrust into the role of long-distance caregiver — navigating a healthcare system that often didn't listen, workplaces that weren't designed with caregivers in mind, and support spaces where she was frequently the youngest and only Black person in the room. Rather than suffering in silence, she turned her experience into a growing online community where caregivers across generations find connection, validation, and practical wisdom.Meryl and Jessica unpack the hidden barriers facing Black families seeking an Alzheimer's diagnosis, the toll caregiving takes on career ambitions and financial security, and why the people who show up at diagnosis often disappear years down the road.This is conversation for anyone who has ever had to choose between their dreams and their family.Support the show

On this deeply moving and transformative episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe welcomes world-renowned life coach, best-selling author, and two-time Emmy winner Rhonda Britten . Widely considered one of the leading experts on fear, Rhonda shares her extraordinary story and unpacks her unique wisdom on healing trauma, mastering fear, and reclaiming self-worth. This conversation – heartfelt and honest – is not just about understanding fear, but about finding freedom from its grip. A Brave Beginning: Trauma, Grief, and the Split Self The episode opens with Wize El Jefe setting the stage, introducing Rhonda with well-earned accolades, and preparing listeners for a deep dive into the nature of fear and personal transformation. Rhonda's story begins with a tragic event that shaped her life forever: as a 14-year-old, she was the sole witness to her father's murder of her mother followed by his suicide. This unimaginable trauma led Rhonda to live in a state of guilt and shame for decades, feeling as though happiness was permanently off the table because she “did nothing heroic.” She describes splitting into two selves—the “Outside Rhonda,” who appeared fine and accomplished, and the “Inside Rhonda,” burdened with pain. Despite external success as a straight-A student, internally Rhonda wrestled with addiction and suicidal ideation. She candidly shares her struggle: three suicide attempts, alcohol abuse, and countless workshops and therapy sessions in search of a way out. Ultimately, a humble approach—giving herself gold stars for any tiny positive action—provided her a sense of hope and the realization that she could change. This process marked the beginning of her journey to truly understanding and mastering fear. Fear: What It Is, What It Isn't, and How It Operates Throughout the episode, Rhonda challenges the common misconceptions about fear. She emphasizes that thinking, while not inherently bad, becomes problematic when driven by fear, as it keeps people stuck in their minds, ruminating and replaying the same worries over and over. One of her central messages is: “There's nothing wrong with you, it's just fear.” If this idea could pierce every listener's heart, she believes compassion and courage would naturally emerge. Rhonda explains her groundbreaking model—the “Wheel of Fear” and the “Wheel of Freedom.” She describes fear as a four-part mechanism that is hardwired into us, intended to keep us safe. However, what is safe can also be small, familiar, and ultimately limiting. The Wheel of Fear is activated as we move into the unknown, uncertainty, or risk, leading to responses like procrastination, people-pleasing, perfectionism, resentment, bitterness, and more. She introduces a quiz she created to help identify each person's “core trigger” that drives their specific fear responses—often something deeper than the common, surface-level fears of rejection or failure. One of the episode's powerful moments is Rhonda's quiz: she lists a series of fear responses and asks listeners to honestly admit how many they relate to. The vast majority nod their heads to over 90% of them, revealing the pervasive, often unseen impact of fear on day-to-day living. She encourages reframing these behaviors as “fear responses” rather than personal flaws, creating space for change: “Just relabeling them, reframing them, naming them properly will start creating space between you and it…” This shift opens up new possibilities for healing and freedom. Vulnerability, Shame, and Healing The conversation takes an intimate turn as Wize El Jefe shares his own story of loss—his wife's passing, followed by the loss of his mother, father, brothers, and others in close succession. He speaks about years of anger, guilt, and feeling punished by life, and how self-development books introduced by his wife laid the groundwork for his eventual healing. Rhonda responds with empathy, acknowledging how admitting guilt or shame, as Wize El Jefe does for the first time publicly, is a heroic act that heals the soul: “Every time we admit something, we heal. Every time we transcend our shame…that is what heals trauma.” Both speakers reflect on the importance of honest, vulnerable self-expression and the courage it takes to move through pain, process feelings, and eventually reclaim happiness. Rhonda recalls keeping her trauma a secret for years, constructing impenetrable walls to protect herself but also preventing her from receiving love and help. She highlights how keeping secrets and repressing shame hold people back from true self-fulfillment. The act of telling the truth, especially to someone trustworthy and without judgment, is identified as a central step toward healing. Transformation: Choosing Who You Want to Be Rhonda and Wize El Jefe discuss the power of choice in personal transformation. Rhonda explains that, for years, she felt constrained by her past, unable to imagine that she could choose who she wanted to be. Only after several years of sobriety did she fully grasp the concept: “With every choice I make, I'm deciding who I'm going to be.” This insight is revolutionary, providing a path for listeners to move from victimhood or being defined by trauma into empowered authors of their lives. This theme resonates in Wize El Jefe's account of launching the podcast. He describes how fear and self-doubt (“Who's going to want to listen to you? You sound horrible.”) held him back for years. Ultimately, pressing record and releasing his first episode became a symbolic act of confronting fear and stepping into his potential. The growth since then—from one episode a month to building a platform that enables vulnerability and connection—is testament to the courage embedded in action. The Dark Night of the Soul: A Gateway to Growth Rhonda explains the spiritual concept of the “dark night of the soul” through her own experience: even at the peak of her career, winning an Emmy, she found herself emotionally and physically depleted. In a “dark night,” the world seems to pull the rug out from under you, all former beliefs and identities crumble, and you must confront the truth of who you are without familiar supports. Rhonda describes how her own journey through this period—marked by the need for companionship, self-compassion, and honesty even in her vulnerability—ultimately made her a softer, more loving person. She emphasizes that the dark night is not “stuckness,” but part of transformation, a tunnel one must pass through to reach new levels of soul growth. Fearlessness in Everyday Life A recurring question is what “true fearlessness” looks like in daily life. Rhonda offers a simple but profound answer: taking action aligned with one's authentic self, even when it feels terrifying, is the essence of fearlessness. She praises Wize El Jefe's own act of expressing guilt and vulnerability as true bravery. Fearlessness does not mean absence of fear, but the willingness to be honest, to feel, and to move forward anyway. Whether pressing record on a podcast, admitting a painful truth, or simply facing the day, these are all acts of courageous living. The episode reinforces the importance of self-compassion and gentle honesty. Rhonda warns against beating oneself up, noting that shame and self-criticism only solidify fear's grip. Instead, labeling behaviors as fear responses and examining the core trigger provides a route out of stagnation and into freedom. She encourages listeners to take her quiz at fearlessliving.org/quiz, which offers tangible insight into individual fears and begins the process of mastering them. Practical Wisdom and Action Steps For listeners who feel “stuck” but cannot name the cause, Rhonda advises reframing the experience: rather than repeating “I'm stuck,” try “I'm afraid.” Identifying fear responses and tracking them with honesty disrupts self-blame and invites healing. She urges listeners to see stuckness not as failure but as part of a tunnel or passage in life's journey, a necessary stage for transformation. It's all about perspective—are you viewing your life through the “wheel of fear” or the “wheel of freedom”? This choice shapes everything. The Power of Compassion, Connection, and Service The episode closes with recognition of the incredible growth both Rhonda and Wize El Jefe have experienced by facing fear, trauma, and loss head-on. The podcast itself becomes a vehicle for shared healing, connection, and compassion. Wize El Jefe expresses gratitude for his supportive family and for the opportunity to build real relationships and share his story, echoing Rhonda's call for vulnerability and honesty. Rhonda's final message is as powerful as it is liberating: “Remember what I said earlier — there's nothing wrong with you. It's just fear.” She urges everyone to visit fearlessliving.org for more resources and to take her transformative quiz, beginning the journey toward living the life their soul intended. Final Thoughts: This episode is a must-listen for anyone burdened by fear, shame, grief, or feeling stuck. Through Rhonda's story and wisdom, and Wize El Jefe's honest reflections, listeners are given a roadmap for understanding and transcending fear—one gold star, one act of courage at a time. The insights here are practical, compassionate, and empowering: the journey to healing and self-realization starts with naming fear, reframing shame, and choosing authenticity. Both guest and host demonstrate that vulnerability in action is the ultimate form of fearlessness. Whether you're coping with trauma, seeking freedom from self-doubt, or simply wanting to live more fully, the episode offers hope, tools, and inspiration. Share it with someone who needs to hear they're not alone—and remind them that what appears as “stuckness” may be their first step on the path to fearless living.

Send us a text!Recently, John Moody wrote a series of posts about hypothetical conversations between older and younger women and men. As we go through those posts, Brian and Eric point out why the church often fails to give practical help to younger generations, and why more church programs, retreats, conferences, or book recommendations aren't the particular need of the hour.Instead, we need older men and women who are wise, understand the challenges of the current times, and can lovingly give good advice, practical help, and come alongside younger couples seeking to build productive, godly households.Join us at the New Christendom Press conference, The War for Normal, this June 11-14 in Ogden, Utah.https://thewarfornormal.com/Did you know supporters of the show get ad-free video and audio episodes delivered early and access to our patron exclusive show the After Hours and interactive live streams with Eric and Brian?       https://www.patreon.com/thekingshallOur new books are now in stock and shipping. Save 15% if you order them together! Get them here!This episode is sponsored by: Lux Coffee Company; Caffeinating the New Christendom with artisan roast coffee. Get 15% off your coffee with code "NCP15". https://luxcoffee.co/Armored Republic: Making Tools of Liberty for the defense of every free man's God-given rights - Text JOIN to 88027 or visit: https://www.ar500armor.com/ Talk to Joe Garrisi about managing your wealth with Backwards Planning Financial.       https://backwardsplanningfinancial.com/Receive top-tier musical training from Bohnet Music Academy. https://www.bohnetma.com/ncpVisit KeepwisePartners.com or call Derrick Taylor at 781-680-8000 to schedule a free consultation. https://keepwise.partners/Christian business owners go to reformedbusinessalliance.com/ncp and use code NCP to claim your free month. Invest in your business, your family, and your future go to http://Appalachiadigital.com/ncp to book a strategy call.Go to Mt Athos for sustainably sourced goat dairy protein and other performance products. Listeners of the show get a 20% discount site-wide with code "NCP20".     https://athosperform.com/Book your free strategy call at https://www.bonifacebusiness.com/ Support the show:https://www.patreon.com/thekingshall Support the show:https://www.patreon.com/thekingshall

On episode 735 of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, host Coach Allan welcomes strength and movement coach Tamas Finta, author of the book Living Fortified: Building Mental and Physical Resilience for Men Over 40—Stories of Practical Wisdom. Together, they dive deep into what it truly means to "live fortified," exploring how men over 40 can build both mental and physical resilience to age on their own terms. Throughout the episode, Tomas Finta shares eye-opening stories from his experience coaching clients, including the transformative power of building habits, focusing on progress over perfection, and finding your own "why" for staying healthy and active. From practical advice on dealing with information overload to simple, actionable strategies like the value of walking, crawling exercises, and starting small with micro-habits, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to take control of their health journey after 40. Whether you want to move pain-free, gain strength, or just feel more confident in your daily activities, this episode is full of motivating insights and hands-on tips to help you unlock your full potential. Time Stamps: 03:43 Don't Overcomplicate: Commit Simply 07:04 "Living Fortified: Mind and Body 11:02 Impact of Repetitive Strain 13:08 Balance, Longevity, and Dan John" 16:39 Motivation Follows Action, Not Waiting 19:45 Social Media Ad Fascination" 23:14 Progress Takes Time and Consistency 27:20 Prioritizing Movement Over Muscle 30:18 Fitness Industry's Real Challenge 34:27 Set Realistic Fitness Baselines 37:39 Skillful Strategy Creates Success   https://40fiedmenshealth.com.au/ 

Please join us today with Pastor Matt Irving as we explore James 1:5-11 and talk about Practical Wisdom as God sees it and how it should lead our lives.

"Health is very simple. It's disease that's complicated."Join Dr. Muktan Sullivan as he shares his incredible spiritual journey from backpacking across Europe and India in the 1970s to becoming a devoted disciple of Swami Satchidananda. Discover how yoga, Buddhism, and Ayurveda transformed his life, including firsthand stories of selfless service, karma yoga, and the power of a true guru. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration on meditation, health, and living with purpose.In this episode:- Travel adventures in India and Thailand- First encounters with yoga and meditation- Life at the ashram and teacher training- Insights on Ayurveda as a lifestyle for balance and wellness- Lessons on unconditional love, ego, and divine guidanceTimestamps:00:00 - Intro & Meeting Gurudev00:36 - Backpacking to India in 197301:53 - Living in a Buddhist Monastery03:08 - Discovering Hatha Yoga & First Retreat05:07 - Introduction to Ayurveda08:14 - Power of Selfless Service14:56 - Gurudev's Presence & Impact19:10 - Relationship with the Guru22:38 - Practical Wisdom & Curiosity26:53 - Divine Guidance in Life30:52 - Overcoming Ego & Fear35:12 - Unconditional Love & Self-Realization37:05 - Defining Ayurveda: Science of Life39:36 - Health as a Lifelong Journey46:57 - Illness, Karma, & Honesty49:10 - Closing Thoughts & GratitudeDr. Michael Muktan Sullivan, is a Chiropractor and yoga instructor for the past 45 years. He is a diplomat from the International Ayurvedic Institute and has studied and worked at the Ayurvedic Hospital in Caimbatore, South India and completed Advanced Studies in Pune, India. He is a lecturer and workshop leader in back care, Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda.For more information and to get in touch with Dr. Sullivan, visit: riverviewspa.com--If you're into yoga stories, spiritual growth, Ayurveda tips, or Swami Satchidananda teachings, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for more inspiring podcasts!#YogaJourney #Ayurveda #SwamiSatchidananda #SpiritualAwakening #SelflessService Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

✅ Join our Thrive Tribe! https://thrivetoday.com/ Learn more about our Thrive Today Membership: https://thrivetoday.com/pages/membership In this rich and wisdom-packed episode of the Thrive Today Podcast, host Natalie Born welcomes back one of our most loved guests, Dr. Dave Martin, to unpack why wisdom isn't just helpful, it's foundational. Drawing from Scripture, leadership experience, and decades of mentoring leaders across faith and business, Dr. Dave reframes wisdom as the master key that unlocks right timing, healthy relationships, sustainable success, and spiritual maturity. Together, Natalie and Dr. Dave explore the difference between information and formation, why humility keeps us teachable, and how wisdom is often built slowly through experience, mentorship, and obedience—not shortcuts. From navigating AI and modern decision-making to building guardrails through Scripture, prayer, and counsel, this conversation invites listeners to stop rushing outcomes and start cultivating the kind of wisdom that shapes both who we are and where we're going. [00:00 – 01:30] Why Wisdom Matters More Than Ever Introducing Dr. Dave Martin and his heart for wisdom Why Scripture places such high value on wisdom and understanding How mistakes often awaken our hunger for wisdom [01:31 – 03:26] The Game Show Illustration: Why Wisdom Wins Everything A powerful metaphor for choosing wisdom over outcomes How wisdom produces better relationships, influence, and success Solomon's story and why wisdom multiplies what we're chasing [03:27 – 05:31] Wisdom Is Gained, Not Given Why Solomon, and even Jesus, had to grow in wisdom How learning changes seasons and shapes the future The daily discipline of staying teachable [05:32 – 07:44] AI, Information, and the Loss of Relational Wisdom How younger generations are outsourcing counsel to technology The danger of replacing relationships with information Why wisdom was designed to flow through people, not isolation [07:45 – 09:48] Formation vs. Information Why wisdom is about transformation, not just knowledge How experience, humility, and community shape character Staying teachable as a spiritual discipline [09:49 – 11:37] Timing, Faith, and Trusting the Process Why God is never late, but also never rushed The danger of platform before preparation How growth seasons are often mistaken for delays [11:38 – 13:51] Growth Requires Humility Why mentors are shortcuts to wisdom Learning from others' mistakes instead of repeating our own The Mount Everest lesson: growth happens in us, not circumstances [13:52 – 16:21] Humility as the Gateway to Wisdom Why pride closes our ears but humility opens our spirit Becoming a “learn-it-all” instead of a know-it-all Why grace flows where humility lives [16:22 – 18:23] Building Guardrails Through Daily Wisdom Making wisdom your default—not a backup plan Reading Proverbs daily as a lifelong practice Applying biblical principles to real-world leadership [18:24 – 21:31] Practical Wisdom in Business and Life Creating order as a spiritual principle Making decisions through prayer, not pressure Seeking counsel before major decisions [21:32 – 23:46] Supernatural Wisdom at Work Real stories of God-given ideas producing extraordinary outcomes Inviting heaven into business decisions Operating with long-term purpose, not short-term pressure [23:47 – 25:52] Teaching the Next Generation Wisdom Helping children learn to listen for God's voice Why Scripture speaks differently in different seasons Moving from advice to surrendered obedience [25:53 – End] Listening, Obedience, and Maturity Ignoring wisdom—and the cost of doing so Why maturity begins with listening Wisdom as faith applied in everyday life

Do you ever feel like life has become louder, faster, and more demanding than your heart was meant to carry? In this week’s episode of The Love Offering Podcast, I’m joined by counselor, author, and farm-living mama Brenda Yoder to talk about her new book, Uncomplicated: Simple Secrets for a Compelling Life. This conversation is a gentle invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and rediscover the wisdom that once shaped steady, grounded lives. Brenda draws from the practices of our grandmothers and the rhythms of Amish and Mennonite communities to share practical, life-giving lessons for today’s busy women. We talk about what it looks like to resist the pull of constant chaos and instead cultivate a calm presence, authentic faith, and a steady voice of reason—right where you are. In our conversation, you’ll hear: Why simpler doesn’t mean easier—but it often means better How timeless practices can bring peace to modern life What past generations can teach us about faith, work, family, and rest Small, practical shifts you can make to live with more intention No matter your season of life or where you call home, this episode offers encouragement and wisdom for anyone longing for a more grounded, meaningful way of living. You can listen to the episode now wherever you get your podcasts. I pray this conversation meets you right where you are and reminds you that a simpler life is still possible—and deeply compelling. Connect with Brenda: https://brendayoder.com/ Connect with Rachael: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Download your Free Love Always Devotional: https://rachaelkadams.com/free/Support the Show: https://rachaelkadams.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Tim Ferriss is the author of five #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellers, including The 4-Hour Workweek, The 4-Hour Body, and The 4-Hour Chef. His podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show, has surpassed one billion downloads and is widely regarded as the “Oprah of audio.” Named as one of Fortune's “40 Under 40,” Tim is an early-stage technology investor/advisor (Uber, Facebook, Shopify, Duolingo, Alibaba, and 50+ others) and was ranked among the “Top 20 Angel Investors” by Forbes. A Princeton University graduate (BA 2000, East Asian Studies), Tim is a polyglot who speaks five languages to different degrees, a national Chinese kickboxing champion, the first American in history to hold a Guinness World Record in tango spins, and a practiced horseback archer (yabusame) in Japan. His business ventures include bootstrapping a nootropics company (BrainQUICKEN) to millions in revenue before selling it in 2010, launching the audiobook imprint Tim Ferriss Publishing with Amazon Audible (responsible for modern classics like Ego Is the Enemy and The Obstacle Is the Way), and co-creating the hit card game COYOTE (2025) with Exploding Kittens creator Elan Lee—now sold in over 8,000 stores worldwide including Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Known for normalizing vulnerability while achieving massive success, Tim pioneered the remote-work and lifestyle-design movements pre-pandemic, popularized biohacking, and has served as an advisor at Singularity University and a 2009 Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Upgrade your wallet today and get 10% off at Ridge with code SRS at https://www.Ridge.com/SRS #Ridgepod Go to https://shopbeam.com/SRS and use code SRS to get up to 50% off Beam Dream Nighttime Cocoa—grab it for just $32.50 and improve your sleep today. Sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at https://shopify.com/srs Tim Ferriss Links: The No Book free chapters - https://tim.blog/nobook Everything Tim – https://tim.blog Podcast – https://tim.blog/podcast X – https://x.com/tferriss Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/timferriss YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/timferriss COYOTE Game – https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/coyote Books - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001ILKBW2/allbooks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Steve Judson and Dr. Drew Henderson talk about why depth always beats volume, whether it's relationships, chiropractic care, or building a life with intention. They explore the idea behind Four Quarters Over 100 Pennies: choosing a few true friendships over many shallow ones, committing to excellence in a single, meaningful service, and resisting the pressure to chase everything at once. Through practical insights and real-world experience, they highlight how focus, consistency, and authenticity create lasting impact—both in practice and in life. Visit WakeUpHumans.org for more information and to order Steve Judson's books and merchandise. 

In this episode of 'Speak the Truth,' Michael returns with guest Kristin Silva Linder, an author and biblical counselor from Portland. The conversation delves into the theme, 'Wisdom Adorns the Shamed,' focusing on how wisdom and scriptural truths can address the impacts of trauma and shame. Kristin shares personal experiences and insights into helping individuals who feel unworthy or dirty on the inside by showing how God's promises beautify them. She discusses the importance of holding onto steadfast love and faithfulness to trust God's narrative over feelings of shame. The episode underscores that through leaning on Jesus and embodying His words, one can experience radiance, beautification, and joy despite the burdens of shame.00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Introduction01:23 Kristin Silva Linder's Background and Current Work02:47 Exploring the Concept of Shame and Trauma06:49 God's Response to Shame and Trauma13:33 Practical Wisdom from Proverbs18:17 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection: Season 5 Episode 10 Practical Wisdom for 2026 Application Psalm 37:1-11 #morningreflections #newyear #wisdom #perspective #grace

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection: Season 5 Episode 9 Practical Wisdom for 2026 Big Picture Psalm 37:1-11 #morningreflections #newyear #wisdom #perspective #grace

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection: Season 5 Episode 8 Practical Wisdom for 2026 Anticipation Psalm 37:1-11 #morningreflections #newyear #wisdom #perspective #grace

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection: Season 5 Episode 7 Practical Wisdom for 2026 Protection Psalm 37:1-11 #morningreflections #newyear #wisdom #perspective #grace

In this episode, Pat Hankin, author of The Field Guide for Single Parents, shares invaluable insights on the challenges and triumphs of single parenting.

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection: Season 5 Episode 6 Practical Wisdom for 2026 Resolve Psalm 37:1-11 #morningreflections #newyear #wisdom #perspective #grace

In this special episode of NWP Radio, Stephanie Jones interviews Cara Furman, author of Teaching from an Ethical Center: Practical Wisdom for Daily Instruction, about bringing ethics, philosophy, and body-centered practices into teaching. They explore how children's literature can expand students' ethical thinking, the importance of care and love in teaching reading and writing, and how educators can honor their professional values while meeting institutional demands. This conversation offers teachers practical wisdom for nurturing both their students' and their own wellbeing in the classroom.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- What idea have you been sitting on lately? What’s been holding you back from starting? Today, Jay sits down with engineer, innovator, and YouTube creator Mark Rober to explore the unexpected life experiences that shaped one of the internet’s most beloved minds. Mark shares the childhood moments that ignited his passion for building, breaking, and understanding how the world works, moments nurtured by a mother whose love, imagination, and encouragement helped lay the foundation for his life’s mission. He reflects on how her influence continues to ripple outward, inspiring millions of young people who learn, explore, and dream through his work today. Jay and Mark explore the mindset that carried Mark from NASA engineer to innovative educator, unpacking what it really means to “think like an engineer:” experiment boldly, embrace failure, and treat every setback as an opportunity to learn. They follow Mark’s unusual pivots, from designing Mars rover hardware to crafting Halloween costumes, to ultimately shaping a career that blends curiosity, storytelling, science, and play. Together they reveal the deeper lessons behind Mark’s most viral experiments: why creativity thrives when we stay childlike, how passion reveals itself through repetition, and why the most meaningful work grows from genuine excitement rather than algorithms or expectations. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Think Like an Engineer How to Stay Curious as an Adult How to Follow Your Passion Practically How to Build Ideas That Actually Work How to Find Creativity in Everyday Life How to Recognize Your Real Calling How to Inspire Others Through Your Work Keep following the questions that excite you, keep trying the things that scare you, and keep believing that you’re capable of far more than you realize. Your next breakthrough might be just one experiment, or one brave attempt away. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:16 Were You Always Creative? 04:02 Understanding the Real Impact of Your Life 06:55 What It Really Takes to Work at NASA 09:49 Learning to Think Like an Engineer 11:22 How Rovers Are Tested for Mars 12:20 Searching for Life Beyond Earth 13:24 Follow What You Truly Love Doing 16:11 If You Can Imagine It, You Can Build It 17:22 Practical Wisdom from a Lifelong Tinkerer 20:57 The Pivot from NASA to Apple 23:34 Turning Ideas into Actionable Success 24:45 What is the Engineering Design Process? 28:28 Why Embracing Failure Matters 29:57 Relearning Trust and Finding Love Again 34:56 The Power of Immersion Weekends 36:45 Making Learning Engaging Through Creativity 40:29 Why Mastery Is Worth Pursuing 41:40 Balancing Business with True Creativity 44:51 How Communication Shapes Great Storytelling 47:40 Two Common Mistakes Creators Make 52:30 Staying True to Your Creative Style 54:04 The Importance of Focusing on One Passion 56:44 The Hidden Failures Behind Viral Success 59:35 Giving Kids Room to Be Creative 01:04:30 Curiosity as the Root of Creativity 01:06:07 Inside a Real Creative Process 01:08:45 Where Do You Get Your Big Ideas? 01:11:46 The Mind-Bending Question of Life in the Universe 01:16:02 The Promise and Peril of Rapid AI Growth 01:19:56 Focusing on What You Can Truly Influence 01:24:57 Mark on Final Five Episode Resources: Mark Rober | X Mark Rober | Instagram Mark Rober | Facebook Mark Rober | LinkedIn Mark Rober | TikTok Mark Rober | YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you wisely using your genius energy? In this episode, Michael reconnects with Diana Hill, a therapist and author who has recently explored the concept of focusing your genius energy on what matters most through her book Wise Effort.Their discussion spans from insights from ancient Buddhist wisdom to the application of commitment therapy to the practice of finding one's unique 'genius energy.' If you're interested in practical ways to maximize your strengths, handle emotional challenges, and cultivate a meaningful and balanced life, you'll want to join them to unearth actionable tips and exercises for making the most out of your efforts and ultimately enhancing your well-being.Listen and Learn: What is “Wise Effort” and how can this practice reshape your energy, choices, and well-being?Identifying and using your unique “genius energy” while also recognizing how overusing those strengths can become a stumbling block, and how cultivating awareness, curiosity, and context helps direct those strengths with wisdomPractical self-reflection questions to uncover your geniusA simple four-question “energy audit” for knowing when to dial your genius up or downWhere true wisdom really comes from, and what if rethinking how growth happensAdopting “Wise Effort” helps you understand your struggles in context, align your actions with your values, and transform both self-judgment and relationshipsBringing mindful intention to even mundane tasks to transform how you use your time, connect with yourself, and balance structure with flexibility in a meaningful lifeResources: Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781649633361 Diana's Website: drdianahill.comConnect with Diana on Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdianahillhttps://www.facebook.com/drdianahill/https://www.youtube.com/drdianahillhttps://www.instagram.com/drdianahill/https://insighttimer.com/drdianahill FREE Energy Audit guide: https://drdianahill.com/energy Wise Effort: The Business Of Therapy Program: https://drdianahill.com/wise-effort-the-business-of-therapy Michael's Real Play Episode on The Wise Effort Podcast: https://wiseeffortshow.com/episode/living-life-on-your-own-terms-with-michael-herold-real-play About Diana HillDr. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, author, international trainer, and recognized expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion-based interventions, and psychological flexibility. With a background that bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and behavioral science, she is known for making complex psychological concepts both practical and inspiring.A summa cum laude graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she majored in Biopsychology, Dr. Hill earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She later collaborated with Dr. Debra Safer at Stanford University, researching Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Appetite Awareness Training (AAT) for bulimia nervosa. She completed her clinical internship at the University of California, Davis, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at La Luna Intensive Outpatient Center, where she later served as Clinical Director and developed their ACT- and AAT-based treatment program.A leading voice in the evolution of ACT and Process-Based Therapy, Dr. Hill works closely with pioneers in the field. She co-leads ACT BootCamp Training for Therapists with ACT founder Dr. Steven Hayes and is actively involved in shaping the future of therapy—including applications of AI, advances in diagnostic systems, network modeling, and process-based approaches. She serves as a senior meditation teacher and curriculum developer for the University of California's Climate Resilience Initiative, integrating ACT and mindfulness into interdisciplinary environmental education.Dr. Hill has contributed to publications in the International Journal of Eating Disorders and co-authored a seminal article on Process-Based Therapy, advancing evidence-based clinical practice. She is a contributor to PsychFlex, a digital platform that helps clinicians incorporate ACT into their work and track client outcomes in real time through ecological measurements. She also speaks regularly at global conferences including the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) World Conference, Innovations in Psychotherapy, and the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference.In addition to her clinical and academic work, Dr. Hill teaches at organizations and retreat centers such as InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, and PraxisCET. She serves on the clinical advisory board of Lightfully Behavioral Health and is a board member of the Institute for Better Health.She is the author of Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most (Sounds True, 2025), The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, I Know I Should Exercise But…, and ACT Daily Journal. Her insights have been featured in NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, Mindful, Prevention, Real Simple, Woman's Day, and other leading media outlets. She is also the host of the Wise Effort podcast.With more than 20 years of study and practice in yoga and meditation—including training in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh—Dr. Hill integrates contemplative practice into her approach to healing and growth. She lives in California, where she raises two sons, cares for bees, and embodies the Wise Effort principles she teaches—living a life guided by presence, purpose, and compassion.Related Episodes:48. Practical Wisdom with Barry Schwartz349. The Hunger Habit with Judson Brewer188. Unwinding Anxiety with Judson Brewer122. Taking in the Good with Rick Hanson138. Exploring Existence and Purpose: Existentialism with Robyn Walser320. Anger and Forgiveness with Robyn Walser346. Self-compassion Daily Journal with Diana Hill301. Seven Daily ACT Practices for Living Fully with Diana Hill and Debbie SorensenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Colossians 1:9-14 Paul's Primary Prayer Points for People A Filling of the Knowledge of God's will (1:9) A Practical Wisdom and Spiritual Understanding (1:9) A Walk Pleasing to the Lord (1:10) A God-level Strength to Endure with Patience and Joy (1:11) A Heart of Gratitude to the Father: (1:12) He Made you a child with an inheritance (1:12) He Delivered you from darkness to light (1:13) He Transferred you to a better kingdom (1:13 He Redeemed you with His own blood (1:14) He Forgave all your sins (1:14)

In this week's episode of Cultural Catalysts, Kris and Banning are joined by Richard Gordon, Bethel's brilliant Chief Technology Officer from South Africa. Richard shares his remarkable journey from engineering to ministry, and together they dive into one of the most challenging tensions leaders face: balancing supernatural faith with practical wisdom. Richard offers a profound insight that "if you build on miracles alone, you'll burn out, and if you build on wisdom alone, you'll dry out," revealing how grace allows us to carry both. The conversation explores how to navigate prophetic words that don't unfold as expected, the importance of accountability in leadership, and why true greatness often comes through pressure and refinement. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that will challenge you to embrace both the miraculous and the strategic in your own leadership journey! Connect with Kris Vallotton: Website: https://www.krisvallotton.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kvministries/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kvministries/ X: https://x.com/kvministries Additional Resources by Kris Vallotton: https://shop.bethel.com/collections/kris-vallotton About Kris Vallotton: Kris Vallotton is the Senior Associate Leader of Bethel Church, Redding, and is the Co-Founder of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) and Spiritual Intelligence Institute. He is also the Founder and President of Moral Revolution and a sought-after international conference speaker. Kris and his wife, Kathy, have trained, developed, and pastored prophetic teams and supernatural schools all over the world.

What if astrology wasn't about predicting your future, but mastering your inner power?If you've ever felt stuck at a crossroads, successful on the outside but unsettled within, this episode offers a transformative lens. Discover how ancient astrological wisdom can help modern leaders, entrepreneurs, and seekers navigate change, reclaim purpose, and unlock deep self-awareness.Learn how your natal chart reveals not just your traits, but your untapped potential and archetypes waiting to be lived.Understand how astrology supports you through life transitions like career change or midlife uncertainty with strategy, timing, and emotional clarity.Discover how aligning with your divine essence can transform your doubts into resilience and your choices into empowered action.Press play to explore how astrology can become your most powerful tool for navigating transitions and embodying your true potential. ˚KEY POINTS AND TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction and Episode Overview2:06 - Guest Introduction: Aleksandra Ceho3:15 - Astrology as a Tool for Self-Mastery, Not Prediction8:00 - Modern Misconceptions About Astrology11:15 - Ancient Wisdom and Modern Application13:47 - Understanding the Natal Chart and Its Insights20:17 - Astrology for Life Transitions and Crossroads26:09 - Navigating Career Change Through Astrology31:38 - Guiding Emotions and Inner Balance During Change38:01 - Practical Wisdom and Closing Reflections˚MEMORABLE QUOTE:"You're on the right track!"˚VALUABLE RESOURCES:Aleksandra's website: https://astrologerroyale.com/˚Coaching with Agi: https://personaldevelopmentmasterypodcast.com/mentor˚

Can you increase your joy? Why does joy matter? In this uplifting episode, host Tina Yeager sits down with author, speaker, and comedian Carrie Murphy to explore the transformative power of joy—even in life's hardest moments. Recorded live at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, this conversation dives into why joy matters, how laughter can be holy, and ways we can seek God's abundant joy no matter our circumstances. Carrie Murphy shares personal stories, including bringing humor to unexpected places like funerals, and offers practical encouragement for embracing both our light and dark seasons. Whether you're going through a tough time or simply looking to invite more happiness into your life, this episode will inspire you to cultivate joy, laughter, and authenticity in your walk of faith. Can You Really Increase Your Joy? You bet! Carrie Murphy shared how joy and laughter are not just for lighthearted moments, but are actually vital elements of our spiritual and emotional health. Growing up in a fundamentalist church where obedience trumped joy, Carrie Murphy struggled to see where her exuberant personality fit in. But over time, she discovered that joy—and yes, laughter—are gifts from God with the power to heal, uplift, and even guide us through the valleys of life. Joy in the Hard Times One of the most memorable moments came when Carrie Murphy recalled being asked to bring comedy to a funeral—a remarkable reminder that bittersweet moments are not only possible, but powerful. As she so beautifully put it, "The sweet is what gets us through the bitter." Even in the toughest situations, making space for both grief and laughter can be healing. Practical Wisdom for Your Journey You Can Hold Space For Both: Carrie Murphy encourages us to honor our grief while still allowing light—and laughter—to break through. You don't have to manufacture joy on your own; you have access to it through Christ, who offers a supernatural peace and joy no matter your circumstance. Let Humor Be Your Medicine: As Tina Yeager shared, even therapists recommend humor for healing. Laughter can lighten heavy loads, dispel shame, and help us move forward with resilience. Embrace Your Unique Purpose: Are you comparing yourself to others, doubting if your quirks fit God's plan? Carrie Murphy's story is for you. She discovered that her quirks and humor reflect a specific piece of God—and so do yours. Lean into the gifts He's given you, and watch what He can do! Stay Connected & Discover More Joy Want more laughter and encouragement in your life? Connect with Carrie Murphy at thecarriemurphy.com and follow her on Instagram @thecarriemurphy. Don't miss her nine-episode comedy series on K-LOVE On Demand for a dose of wholesome fun! Final Thought: As Carrie Murphy reminds us, God is big enough for your whole self—quirks, dreams, and all. Let's cultivate joy together and step into a fuller, freer life. We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant. To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/ Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Use the code TINA10 at checkout. To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link  https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase! If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/ Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses Connect with Tina at: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager

A new MP3 sermon from Heritage Reformed Congregation is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Practical Wisdom about Our Work from the Book of Proverbs Speaker: Dr. Joel Beeke Broadcaster: Heritage Reformed Congregation Event: Sunday - PM Date: 11/9/2025 Bible: Proverbs 6:6-11 Length: 67 min.

For many decision scientists, their starting point—drawn from economics—is a quantitative formula called Rational Choice Theory, allowing people to calculate and choose the best options. The problem is that this framework assumes an overly simplistic picture of the world, in which different types of values can be quantified and compared, leading to the “most rational” choice. Behavioral economics acknowledges that irrationality is common but still accepts the underlying belief from economics of what a rational decision should look like.   Drawing from economics, psychology, and philosophy—and both inspired by and challenging Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow—Barry Schwartz shows how the focus on rationality, narrowly understood, fails to fully describe how we think about our decisions, much less help us make better ones. Barry Schwartz is professor emeritus of psychology at Swarthmore College and visiting professor at Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. His research and writing focus on the intersection of psychology and economics, particularly with regard to decision-making, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and the nature of human values. His books include The Paradox of Choice, Why We Work, and (as coauthor) Practical Wisdom. His new book, co-authored with the philosopher Richard Schuldenfrei, is Choose Wisely: Rationality, Ethics, and the Art of Decision-Making.