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Send us a textJon tours the quickly dwindling food stores of the Night's Watch and then is summoned by King Stannis. The king offers Jon a surprising gift, then adds to the shock by revealing his risky plan to win the north. Jon redirects him to a new plan that is safer and has huge upsides. Mackelly and Simon fear that Stannis is not earning their loyalty.Chapter Review:Jon Snow joins Bowen Marsh to inspect winter food stores held beneath Castle Black. Despite past generosity from lords and a long summer, feeding Stannis' army and wildlings has depleted supplies. Marsh proposes winter rations early. Jon agrees, knowing it'll cause unrest.Jon later meets Stannis, Melisandre, and others in the king's solar. Stannis gifts Jon a controlled Rattleshirt as a soldier. Discussion turns to Mors Umber's terms for support. Stannis hesitates, but Jon urges acceptance, warning that rejecting Mors' terms would turn the North against him. Stannis reveals plans to take the Dreadfort, but Jon argues the Boltons will return too soon and crush Stannis' force. Pressed to arm wildlings, Jon reluctantly offers basic gear, wary of violating the Night's Watch vows. Privately, Stannis tempts Jon again with legitimization and Winterfell. Jon refuses but proposes recruiting Northern mountain clans instead. If successful, Stannis could retake Deepwood Motte and build support. Stannis likes the plan—but Jon's left with more mouths to feed.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night's Watch.Stannis Baratheon - Surviving brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei's children are not Robert's.Melisandre - The Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R'Hellor, the Lord of Light.Bowen Marsh - Lord Steward of Castle Black.Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night's Watch.Rattleshirt - Wildling leader who is despised  by the Night's Watch.Mors Umber - Co-castellan of Last Hearth, with his brother Hother. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M

"I was just feeling bad for myself… like, what's wrong? How do I figure this out? I just feel like nothing is gonna change for me. But I said yes to the work, and everything started to shift."In this inspiring and emotionally honest episode, Elshia Vasquez returns to share her story of going from self-doubt and anxiety to sustaining her business within just three months of private coaching with me.When she first reached out, Elshia was freshly out of a counseling job and struggling with self-worth, visibility fears, and the weight of unprocessed childhood wounds. But something in her said yes. Yes to diving deeper. Yes to healing. Yes to finally building what she was meant to create.What followed was a transformational private container where we addressed her inner child wounding head-on, cleared emotional patterns tied to worthlessness and procrastination, and built the tangible business foundation she had always envisioned. In just three months, she landed long-term clients, created her freebie, grew her email list—and perhaps most importantly, rewired her nervous system and confidence from the inside out.If you've ever felt frozen by fear, unsure how to move forward, or held back by invisible emotional blocks, Elshia's story will remind you: it's never too late to choose yourself, heal at the root, and watch your purpose take flight. TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS(00:00) Intro(00:55) In Today's Episode... Elshia Vasquez and Her Tangible Results(05:36) The Minimorphosis Q&A and The Mothership FLASH SALE(10:04) Elshia's Inner Child Healing Journey(13:16) The Fear of Being Seen and Procrastination Issues(16:47) Bringing In Clients - Growing the Business(21:05) The Power of Breathwork and Emotional Release(28:05) Building Confidence - Removing the Worthiness Wound(32:59) Inner Child Healing: Learning How to Calm the Storm(36:11) Stepping Up the Client Work(39:14) Articulating Your Purpose(43:05) "Things Are Happening For You, Not To You"(46:38) Shifting the Perspective on Social Programming(52:57) Authentic Relationships: A Key for Self-Liberation(56:44) Connecting with Clients and Future Plans**WAYS TO ENTER MY WORLD**  When you leave a review of the podcast, send us a screenshot and we'll send you a $250 credit, you can apply to anything else in my world.The Minimorphosis Learn my Simple 5 Step Inner Child Healing Process to dissolve the one core wound that slows down your growth. Use code HEAL at checkout to purchase for only $33! You'll also receive a free Q&A call with me to learn how to apply these tools to your specific situation. This is happening May 29th.The Mothership gain access to my entire body of work. Take advantage of the FLASH SALE that ends TODAY. Get your first month at only $111 = $444 off your first payment!CONTACT ELSHIAFollow on IG soulcompass2024Grab the Free Anxiety Healing ProtocolSchedule an AppointmentCONTACT ALYSE@alyse_breathesalysebreathes.cominfo@alysebreathes.com

Penny & Midge discuss one of the most tragic maritime disasters on the Great Lakes, the wreck of the Lady Elgin. Join the conversation on the Ghouls Night In discord! Follow the ghouls on Instagram at @ghoulsnightinpod Shop Ghouls Night In merch Cover art by Alex Zimdars

Brian Carson, CEO of Pittsburgh Paints Co. since February 2025, shares insights regarding his new role and the future of the industry. Topics include opportunities for the company under private ownership; how Carson's flooring experience helps him understand the paints and coatings market; common challenges and pain points for contractor customers; and more.

In an exclusive interview with Meet the Press, former Vice President Mike Pence says he advised President Trump against setting tariffs during his first term and now welcomes signs of a possible de-escalation in the U.S.-China trade war. 

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he breaks down today's biggest stories shaping America and the world. Trump Sparks Media Outrage with “I Don't Know” Constitution Comment – When asked if all migrants are guaranteed due process, Trump responded, “I don't know, I'm not a lawyer,” prompting a media firestorm. But as legal experts and NPR report, due process rights exist on a spectrum—meaning Trump's answer may have been more accurate than the headlines suggest. Border Wars Escalate: Military Arrests Begin, Trump Sues Colorado and Denver – The U.S. military now patrols a 53-mile zone near El Paso where illegal immigrants can be arrested for trespassing on military land. Meanwhile, the DOJ sues Colorado and Denver for sanctuary laws that obstruct ICE operations, sending a warning with $8M in fines against local businesses. Mexico Says “No” to U.S. Troops, But Cooperates Privately – President Trump offered to send U.S. troops into Mexico to combat cartels, but President Sheinbaum publicly rejected it. Privately, however, she's cooperating—delivering border control and water rights while protecting her nationalist image. Japan Threatens to Weaponize U.S. Debt – Japan's finance minister says its $1T in U.S. debt holdings could be used in trade talks—an unprecedented move that could rattle global markets and U.S. interest rates if acted upon. China Offers Fentanyl Crackdown in Exchange for Tariff Relief – Xi Jinping proposes to curb fentanyl production in return for U.S. tariff reductions, but Bryan warns the offer is hollow given Xi's deep ties to the Chinese mafia behind the trafficking. Europe Tilts Toward Extremes: UK Labour Party Loses Ground, Germany Labels AfD “Extremist” – In Britain, pro-Palestinian and anti-immigration candidates make gains. In Germany, the AfD is now officially under surveillance, sparking U.S. backlash over civil liberties and democracy. China Quietly Supports Venezuela Despite U.S. Sanctions – Chinese “zombie” ships are still hauling Venezuelan oil in defiance of Trump's secondary sanctions, raising questions about whether Beijing will face new tariffs. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

In this powerful and timely episode, we explore how feedback—especially public feedback—can have vastly different impacts depending on gender, and why the principle “praise publicly, criticize privately” is more than just good advice—it's a vital strategy for allyship, equity, and leadership development. Dr. Kimberly DeSimone shares personal insights from years of academic leadership, backed by compelling research on gender bias in student evaluations, performance reviews, and workplace feedback. This episode uncovers how even well-intentioned critiques can reinforce long-standing stereotypes and disproportionately affect women, particularly those in authority or leadership roles. From teaching evaluations to performance appraisals, listeners are challenged to think critically about how, where, and why they deliver feedback—and how they can shift their language and delivery to foster fairness, growth, and inclusion for everyone. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why feedback given to women is often shaped by unconscious gender norms. How student evaluations and performance reviews can reflect systemic bias—even unintentionally. The power of public praise to combat stereotypes and normalize women's success. How private critique, delivered thoughtfully, fosters psychological safety and growth without reinforcing harmful narratives. The importance of avoiding gendered labels like “bossy,” “catty,” or “cold,” and replacing them with specific, behavior-based feedback. Why women are judged on proof while men are judged on potential—and how to interrupt that dynamic. Key Takeaways: Bias in feedback is real, often unconscious, and has lasting consequences. Words matter. The language we use to describe women influences how they are perceived and treated. Allyship means being intentional. Supporting women means rethinking when, where, and how we give feedback. Public criticism can reinforce negative stereotypes, while public praise can disrupt them. Everyone carries unconscious bias. But with awareness, we can shift the culture—one conversation, one evaluation, and one word choice at a time. Resources Mentioned: Clare Boothe Luce's quote on the burden of representation for women. Research by Joan Williams and the Center for WorkLife Law on gender bias. MacNell, Driscoll, and Hunt (2015) study on gender in teaching evaluations. Call to Action: Think about the last time you gave feedback—what words did you use? Was it public or private? This week, try praising a woman's work formally and publicly, and if needed, deliver critique privately and constructively. It's a small change with the potential for big impact.   Join the Conversation: Have a story about feedback—good or bad? Want to share how you're practicing mindful allyship? Tag us on Instagram @advancingwomenpodcast to keep the conversation going. Subscribe & Share: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague or friend who gives or receives feedback. And don't forget to subscribe for more conversations on advancing women in leadership, work, and beyond.   For more information on Dr. DeSimone: https://www.instagram.com/advancingwomenpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/advancingwomenpodcast/ https://advancingwomenpodcast.com/

President Trump vents behind the scenes about it being much harder to end the war in Ukraine than expected as he sends Vladimir Putin a rare four-letter message. Plus, the President is sitting down for an interview tonight with the reporter who broke one of the biggest scandals of his second term so far.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When it comes to AI policy, and AI governance, Washington is arguably sending mixed signals. Overregulation is a concern—but so is underregulation. Stakeholders across the political spectrum and business world have a lot of conflicting thoughts. More export controls on AI chips, or less. More energy production, but what about the climate? Less liability, or more liability. Safety testing, or not? “Prevent catastrophic risks”, or “don't focus on unlikely doom scenarios.” While Washington looks unlikely to pass comprehensive AI legislation, states have tried, and failed. In a prior episode, we talked about SB 1047, CA's ill-fated effort. Colorado recently saw its Democratic governor take the unusual step of delaying implementation of a new AI bill in his signing letter, due to  concerns it would stifle innovation the state wants to attract.But are we even asking the right questions? What problem are we trying to solve? Should we be less focused on whether or not AI will make a bioweapon, or more focused on how to make life easier and better for people in a world that looks very different from the one we inhabit today? Is safety versus innovation a distraction, a false binary? Is there a third option, a different way of thinking about how to govern AI? And if today's governments aren't fit to regulate AI, is private governance the way forward?Evan is joined by Andrew Freedman, is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Fathom, a nonprofit building solutions society needs to thrive in an AI-driven world. Prior to Fathom, Andrew served as Colorado's first Director of Marijuana Coordination, often referred to as the state's "Cannabis Czar.” You can read Fathom's proposal for AI governance here, and former FAI fellow Dean Ball's writing on the topic here.

In public, Martin Luther King Jr. was staunchly against firearms as a means of liberation. Privately, he owned weapons and hired armed security to protect himself and his family. Why the change? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in school. You make PushBlack happen with your contributions at BlackHistoryYear.com — most people donate $10 a month, but every dollar makes a difference. If this episode moved you, share it with your people! Thanks for supporting the work. The production team for this podcast includes Cydney Smith, Len Webb, and Lilly Workneh. Our editors are Lance John and Avery Phillips from Gifted Sounds Network. Julian Walker serves as executive producer." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Gruber discusses news and headlines 

China privately admits to hacking American critical infrastructure, the US Treasury was compromised by password spraying, America will sign a global spyware agreement after all, and a Chinese APT is abusing the Windows Sandbox to hide its malware. Show notes

AP correspondent Laurence Brooks reports on the pope's private audience with King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Miranda has two words for the Paired App: You're Fired. This week, Miranda and Kristin recap their April Fools' hijinks (yes, their moms fell for it and yes, Pam made it about her zodiac sign), contemplate if Paige will have “ragrets,” share the lore of ping pong ball shame, and unpack the House In Habit drama. Plus, Miranda recaps her radio debut! We talk privates privately, try our new gifted ball caps (Chic C'est La Vie!), and reveal if Natalie Buffet is related to Jimmy (spoiler: no). Press play for the mayhem! Learn more about the All That To Say Podcast by visiting www.podcatts.com.  Want even more from Miranda and Kristin? Subscribe to our Patreon for as little as $6/month. Enjoy bonus episodecs and exclusive ATTS content you won't find anywhere else! Looking for something we mentioned? Shop our recommendations on our Amazon page! Message us on the Honesty Hotline (HoHo) anytime! Just click here to leave a voice memo. We want to hear from you. Leave an anonymous message to be featured on an upcoming episode! Maybe you need to get something off your chest or need our honest opinion on something? We want to hear it! Follow us on Instagram at @allthattosay_podcast. We love meeting new people, so leave a comment or better yet...share the love with your friends! We look great on camera. You can find weekly podcast videos on our YouTube channel! If you love our content, be sure to like, subscribe, download, rate, and review! We hope to continue bringing this unhinged FIRE CONTENT every week. xoxo

How can businesses securely and privately use AI tools? And, what are the top cyber risks of AI, anyway? Let's find out with your hosts Kip Boyle, CISO with Cyber Risk Opportunities, and Jake Bernstein, Partner with K&L Gates.  Want to quickly come up to speed with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework? Listen to these two episodes: Part 1 -- https://cr-map.com/podcast/153 Part 2 -- https://cr-map.com/podcast/154

Hans Christensen, Co-founder, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of MJX Asset Management joins your host, Brian Bejile, CEO of Octaura on The Ramp Up. Hans's seemingly typical career journey turned out to be anything but. Beginning as a credit analyst at Harris Bank with a hand calculator and a slide rule, Hans has witnessed the evolution of credit industry, spending a good chunk of his career at Citi before moving to Barclays and eventually spinning the business out into MJX, which currently manages over $17 Billion across multiple CLO funds.  Hans has built an incredible business and counts himself lucky to be surrounded by a team of smart, highly experience people who have stuck around for the journey. But how did Hans “the credit guy” get to where he is today? About Hans Hans Christensen is co-founder of MJX Asset Management. Prior to joining MJX, Hans was Chief Investment Officer for Barclays U.S. Collateralized Debt Obligation (“CDO”) asset management business. Hans also worked at Citibank N.A. for 20 years in various portfolio management, credit, and corporate finance roles. Previously he worked at Banker's Trust Company and began his career with Harris Trust & Savings Bank in Chicago. Privately he is Vice Chair of The Army War College Foundation. He is also co-founder of a charity that runs an elementary school as well as a vocational school for girls and women in Pakistan. Mr. Christensen received his BS in Finance from Indiana University and his MBA in Finance from DePaul University

America Out Loud PULSE with Dr. Randall Bock – Christine Grady is out. Once heralded as the nation's chief bioethicist at HHS, she was quietly given the option of retirement or reassignment. Grady's legacy isn't in what she prevented but in what she allowed. While married to Anthony Fauci, she stood silently as he trampled the very ethical standards she helped write...

America Out Loud PULSE with Dr. Randall Bock – Christine Grady is out. Once heralded as the nation's chief bioethicist at HHS, she was quietly given the option of retirement or reassignment. Grady's legacy isn't in what she prevented but in what she allowed. While married to Anthony Fauci, she stood silently as he trampled the very ethical standards she helped write...

It's day three of the scandal in which President Trump's top advisers accidentally allowed a journalist for The Atlantic onto a highly sensitive discussion of a military operation. The latest: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered an incredibly weak defense of this travesty. Atlantic journalist Jeffrey Goldberg revealed most of the text chain, which contained lots of operational detail. And Trump is reportedly frustrated over this story, and his top allies are deeply exasperated by his team's handling of it. We talked to Vox's Zack Beauchamp, author of a new piece on the scandal's undercurrents, about the deeper meaning of all these developments: What they say about the failures of right wing populist and MAGA governance, and about the deeper schisms inside MAGA ideology. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's day three of the scandal in which President Trump's top advisers accidentally allowed a journalist for The Atlantic onto a highly sensitive discussion of a military operation. The latest: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered an incredibly weak defense of this travesty. Atlantic journalist Jeffrey Goldberg revealed most of the text chain, which contained lots of operational detail. And Trump is reportedly frustrated over this story, and his top allies are deeply exasperated by his team's handling of it. We talked to Vox's Zack Beauchamp, author of a new piece on the scandal's undercurrents, about the deeper meaning of all these developments: What they say about the failures of right wing populist and MAGA governance, and about the deeper schisms inside MAGA ideology.  Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's day three of the scandal in which President Trump's top advisers accidentally allowed a journalist for The Atlantic onto a highly sensitive discussion of a military operation. The latest: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered an incredibly weak defense of this travesty. Atlantic journalist Jeffrey Goldberg revealed most of the text chain, which contained lots of operational detail. And Trump is reportedly frustrated over this story, and his top allies are deeply exasperated by his team's handling of it. We talked to Vox's Zack Beauchamp, author of a new piece on the scandal's undercurrents, about the deeper meaning of all these developments: What they say about the failures of right wing populist and MAGA governance, and about the deeper schisms inside MAGA ideology. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National Grid customers in New York City will see their monthly bills go up about $10. Plus, two New Yorkers help residents discover the city's privately owned spaces that are free for public use. And finally, the Independent Rikers Commission says the COVID-19 pandemic delayed work on four borough based jails that are supposed to replace the Rikers Island Jail Complex.

Join Victoria Meyer as she unravels the dynamic journey of growth and transformation at Pilot Chemical with Christian MacIver, the company's President and COO. With a background in engineering and a penchant for problem-solving, Christian shares her passion for bringing innovation to the specialty chemicals market. She discusses the strategic initiatives driving Pilot's success, including expansion plans and pioneering sustainable surfactants addressing consumer and environmental demands. Explore how Pilot's private and independent status empowers it to adapt quickly to market changes while maintaining a customer and employee-centric approach. Christian highlights the crucial role of supply chain resilience, the transition towards digitization, and the thoughtful consideration of AI in their operations. Drawing from her own career experiences, Christian shares invaluable advice on leadership and the importance of using one's voice in building a successful and forward-thinking business.  Join us on this week's episode to learn more about these topics: Christian MacIver's leadership journey and career development Privately held vs. public companies Specialty chemical industry transformation Supply chain resilience and adaptation Innovation and technology adoption  Killer Quote: " Use your voice. I can remember being in my first job as a salesperson...inside, I knew that wasn't the right thing to do...Now when I'm in a meeting, I make sure I'm sitting at the table. I make sure I speak up when I have a question about what's being talked about or concern about what's being proposed." - Christian MacIver  Subscribe to The Chemical Show on YouTube  ***Don't miss an episode: Subscribe to The Chemical Show on your favorite podcast player. ***Like what you hear? Leave a rating and review.***Want more insights? Sign up for our email list at https://www.thechemicalshow.com 

David Iseminger is CEO of IronWeave, a public blockchain with unscannable privacy. IronWeave is redefining blockchain, data storage, AI, and payments with its patented multi-blockchain fabric platform, which surpasses existing solutions in scalability (over 1 million TPS), privacy, security, and cost-efficiency. Why you should listen IronWeave is redefining blockchain infrastructure with its patented multi-blockchain fabric platform, a revolutionary approach that shatters the limitations of traditional public blockchains. Unlike conventional networks that store transactions on a single, linear ledger, IronWeave introduces a Shared-Block Architecture, where each data interaction is private, encrypted, and isolated, ensuring unscannable privacy. This allows businesses, individuals, and AI systems to store, share, and transact data securely, without exposing sensitive information to unauthorized third parties. With a scalability breakthrough of over 1 million transactions per second (TPS) and on-chain micro-payments, IronWeave is poised to become the backbone of decentralized, high-speed digital economies. What truly sets IronWeave apart is its cost efficiency and enterprise-grade capabilities. With 80% lower per-byte data costs than Solana, it delivers an unparalleled value proposition for organizations seeking affordable yet high-security blockchain solutions. Unlike traditional blockchains, where every transaction is public and visible, IronWeave's compartmentalized blocks ensure that only authorized participants can access specific data, making it the most privacy-centric yet compliant L1 blockchain available. This design not only mitigates data breaches and security risks but also allows seamless AI-driven automation, real-time processing, and enhanced digital ownership without the inefficiencies of centralized cloud storage. Currently raising $15 million to reach mainnet launch and a token offering later this year, IronWeave is offering early investors a highly attractive entry point. With 16.7% equity in the company, token warrants for 10% of the token generation market cap, and exclusive staking benefits, early backers stand to gain significantly from its rapid adoption. Already securing patents and strategic LOIs with major players—including a partnership with a stablecoin issuer serving 170+ countries—IronWeave is targeting a $1 billion+ run-rate profitability within a year of commercial launch. As AI, Web3, and decentralized finance (DeFi) demand scalable, secure, and private data solutions, IronWeave stands at the forefront, ready to redefine the digital infrastructure of tomorrow. Supporting links Stabull Finance IronWeave IronWeave Raise Andy on Twitter  Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Season 2, Episode 7: On this episode of the No Cap Podcast, hosts Jack Stone and Alex Gornik are joined by Chris Burnham, CEO of StorageMart, the world's largest privately owned self-storage company. Chris shares the journey from his father's humble real estate beginnings to growing StorageMart into a multibillion-dollar empire, including the $3.2B acquisition of Manhattan Mini Storage. Chris dives into the industry's evolution, from strategic partnerships to adaptive reuse and technological advancements, and discusses the ongoing challenges facing the self-storage sector—like declining home sales and market saturation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction 0:26 -- Cris Burnam's Journey with Storage Mart 06:08 – Hostile Takeover and Major Acquisition 13:36 – The $7.5 Billion Self-Storage Partnership 25:10 – Adaptive Reuse of Office Spaces for Self-Storage 33:18 – Iconic Billboard Strategy 37:34 – Declining Home Sales and Storage Auctions 45:03 – International Self-Storage Growth 54:50 – The Future of Self-Storage and Market Shifts We want to thank our sponsor Greysteel.  For more episodes of No Cap by CRE Daily visit https://www.credaily.com/podcast/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NoCapCREDaily About No Cap Podcast Commercial real estate is a $20 trillion industry and a force that shapes America's economic fabric and culture. No Cap by CRE Daily is the commercial real estate podcast that gives you an unfiltered ”No Cap” look into the industry's biggest trends and the money game behind them. Each week co-hosts Jack Stone and Alex Gornik break down the latest headlines with some of the most influential and entertaining figures in commercial real estate. About CRE Daily  CRE Daily is a digital media company covering the business of commercial real estate. Our mission is to empower professionals with the knowledge they need to make smarter decisions and do more business. We do this through our flagship newsletter (CRE Daily) which is read by 65,000+ investors, developers, brokers, and business leaders across the country. Our smart brevity format combined with need-to-know trends has made us one of the fastest growing media brands in commercial real estate.

WOW! I really went there with you for this one. March is here, Spring is upon us, which means my 2025 begins. I return here with fresh thoughts and an open heart. I'm learning to allow myself to share the truth of what's happening in REAL TIME, instead of only sharing retrospectively, and as a very reflective but also private person - this feels exposing, yet insanely liberating. I am practicing what I preach. I am practicing courage. I am practicing brave expression. And it's making me trust my self-leadership at another level. Privately and publicly.In this episode, I decided to take you deep into the raw, painful, and necessary truth of my recent breakup. A relationship that was both my greatest teacher and my biggest test. I share what it's like to grieve someone who is still alive (AGAIN), the profound heartbreak of loving someone deeply but knowing you cannot stay, and the brutal self-reckoning that followed. I wanted to be completely fucking open about how this experience has forced me to confront my own self-betrayal, how I shrunk myself in ways I didn't even realise, and why I'm, having to become my own student to find my way back to integrity.Thank you for letting me go there

Crain's health care reporter Katherine Davis discusses the Walgreen-Sycamore take-private deal and what it means for the Deerfield-based pharmacy giant.Plus: Cboe plans options product for traders wary of stocks concentration risk, United begins installing Elon Musk's Starlink Wi-Fi in its planes, Mondelez turns to new SEC guidance to quiet call for Russia transparency, and the return of Charlie Trotter's.

People who go to law school are some of the most driven, hard working people, but often end up struggling the most financially. Attorneys go through a crazy journey—years of intense study, grueling exams, and relentless hours—only to enter a field where financial stability isn't always guaranteed. The financial aspect of law can be overwhelming, whether it's managing student debt, setting up a firm, or handling the unpredictable income of legal practice.  If trained professionals struggle to navigate these challenges, how well-prepared are you when legal trouble comes knocking? That's where Jess Bailey's journey comes in. Jess, a lawyer who's battled through the financial ups and downs of the legal world, knows exactly what it takes to safeguard yourself—both legally and financially. Through her experiences, she's learned that the best way to stay ahead is to "lawyer yourself up" before trouble arises. How would you navigate the financial complexities of your own legal journey? Have you ever felt unprepared when facing legal matters? What's your next move to ensure you're protected legally? In this episode, Managing Attorney of the Bailey Law Firm Jess Bailey joins me to talk about the crazy journey attorneys go through, why it's so important to “lawyer up” as well as the financial aspect of law. Things You'll Learn In This Episode  -Raising money privately Privately raising money requires building trust, networking with investors, and presenting a compelling opportunity. What strategies can you use to establish trust with potential investors when raising money privately? -The importance of KPIs Tracking your business's KPIs helps measure success and identify areas for improvement. How can tracking the right KPIs reveal hidden strengths or weaknesses in your business? -The true financials Having resources on hand doesn't guarantee financial stability. How can we ensure that available resources are backed by actual financial strength in our business? Guest Bio Jess is the Managing Attorney of the Bailey Law Firm. Jess focuses her practice on business and real estate transactional law, as well as finance-specific compliance and transactional deals. Her representation has covered transactions in a variety of projects, from straightforward mergers and acquisitions to complicated deals riddled with compliance and regulatory matters. Having previously worked in real estate, mortgage and property management, banking, finance, and environmental consulting, Jess developed extensive experience with a diversity of contracts and negotiations, most of which businesses encounter daily. This experience also provided her with greater insight into the many operational issues that companies face every day. Jess has built a reputation for being an informative, knowledgeable, charismatic, and passionate counsel. She understands the real-world challenges and pragmatic decisions facing numerous industries. Irrespective of the project Jess works on, she considers all positive and negative factors that may affect the deal and the client's business.  Visit https://baileylawfirm.com/  Find Jess on LinkedIn @Jess Bailey    About Your Host From pro-snowboarder to money mogul, Chris Naugle has dedicated his life to being America's #1 Money Mentor. With a core belief that success is built not by the resources you have, but by how resourceful you can be. Chris has built and owned 19 companies, with his businesses being featured in Forbes, ABC, House Hunters, and his very own HGTV pilot in 2018. He is currently founder of The Money School™, and Money Mentor for The Money Multiplier. His success also includes managing tens of millions of dollars in assets in the financial services and advisory industry and in real estate transactions. As an innovator and visionary in wealth-building and real estate, he empowers entrepreneurs, business owners, and real estate investors with the knowledge of how money works. Chris is also a nationally recognized speaker, author, and podcast host. He has spoken to and taught over ten thousand Americans delivering the financial knowledge that fuels lasting freedom.     Check out this episode on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, and don't forget to leave a review if you like what you heard. Your review feeds the algorithm so our show reaches more people. Thank you!   

A privately developed spacecraft has successfully landed on the moon as NASA gathers data for its Artemis program. Space consultant Bill Harwood tells us more.

PODCAST recorded 2/12/25 Investment Advisor, JB Bryan brings AfroEconomics LIVE: A Weekly Financial Update. This week's topic : Black Businesses: Publicly Traded vs. Privately Owned. Exploring what it means to become a publicly traded company? What Makes a Business Black-Owned? What are the particular challenges Facing Black-Owned Businesses? This Wednesday at 12 Noon. To Join AfroEconomics call 1-844-522-7926. Members Only Meetings each Friday at 9 AM. Sign up for membership now at www.AfroEconomics.org . To request a complimentary consultation call 1-844-JBBRYAN (522-7926). Powered by JB Bryan Financial Group, Inc., A Registered Investment Advisory Firm - The Home of AfroEconomics. #JBBRYAN www.AfroEconomics.com www.JBBRYAN.com

She's had the organist. Now she wants the Vicar.A Series in 17 parts, by Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Mia weakly raised her hand and switched off the shower."That was amazing, Gordy-pie. Organists really are good with their hands!""Not so bad yourself," he panted. "Wow. I enjoyed that immensely! You're quite a lass, Mia.""I'd like to see you play the organ," she said, stepping out of the shower and reaching for a towel."I need to get my breath back first!" He laughed, as Mia began playfully drying him off. "God, you're an eager little beaver aren't you?""Hee hee. Yes, but what I meant was, I'd like to see you play the church organ. I've not been inside a church for years. Jenna said that St Michael's is cool.""It's a nice church." I wonder what else she's told her? Gordon thought. "Why not come along to the Sunday service? You can see me in action there, so to speak. After the service, you can have a go on the organ if you'd like. Do you play any musical instruments?""Guitar and violin, but I've not practiced for ages.""Ah, so strings are your thing? That's good. It'd be nice to have a violinist in the choir. One of the choristers plays the trumpet. Which keeps him from singing and I'm glad of it as his voice is bloody awful."Mia sniggered. "You're funny, Gordy-pie. I really like you. Are all organists as fun as you?""Nay lass. I'm one of a kind. He pulled her close and kissed her neck and lips. He was an incredible kisser, and she was curious to know more about him."Are you married?""Long divorced," came his reply. "I'm married to the pipe organ, as they say." He wondered if Jenna had mentioned anything about their various liaisons over the past year, and was about to say something, when the bathroom door suddenly opened."Jen! Ever thought of knocking before entering?" Mia gasped, covering herself with a towel."I can't leave you alone for five minutes can I?" She turned to Gordon, who grinned sheepishly at her."Um, hello!""Funny place to have organ lessons, Gordon," Jenna said, as she watched him squirm."Gordy-pie was just showing me how good an organist is with his hands, weren't you?" Mia said, kissing him. "And you know what, he's amazing!""Oh I'm well aware of how good he is," Jenna replied, folding her arms.Sensing disapproval, Gordon attempted to explain. "It just happened. I didn't know your cousin was here," he prattled. "I put the plant pots in the yard, went into the kitchen and she was just there, wearing nothing but a towel!""You don't need to explain yourself, Gordy-pie. We've not done anything wrong," Mia said. "We're both single. Why are you so uptight, Jenna? Is it because we're in the vicarage? Is that like, a sin or something?"Jenna was in no position to claim the moral high ground. "No, no of course not. I was, just a bit surprised, that's all. It's fine. Just, try to be a bit more discreet, Mia. What if Simon had walked in?""Oh I'm sure the good reverend would approve," Gordon smiled, winking at her.The perceptive Mia noticed his gesture and wondered what he was hinting at."Jenna took a deep breath. "Okay, well I'm going to have a coffee. I'll leave you to get dressed. Do you want a drink, Gordon?""A tea would be lovely. I'm parched. Thanks!""I'll have tea as well, please." Mia added.Jenna left the bathroom."She's acting weird," Mia said. "There's something she's not telling me."Oh boy, wait until you find out, Gordon thought. Your mind will be blown."Maybe she's a bit envious!" Gordon said as he picked up his clothes, and wondered where his underpants had gone."Can I keep these, Gordy-pie?" Mia giggled, holding up his white briefs."Think they're too big for you!""I don't want to wear them. I want to keep them under my pillow and sniff them at night.""In that case, they're all yours! But I want your knickers in return!""Fair's fair!" She tossed him her pale pink cotton undies to him."Thanks!""I loved our shower time," Mia said, kissing him again. "And I loved your big cock. You're a sexy man, Gordy-pie.""Gordy-pie hopes Mia-pie can play with his organ again very soon!" the organist replied as they got dressed and headed downstairs.Jenna brought them both a cup of tea as they sat down in the lounge."Gordon, you're not going to put up with her calling you that cringey nickname are you?" she said, handing him the cup."I like it. It's cute," he said, as Mia rested her head on his shoulder."It's childish. If someone had called you that a year ago, you'd have bitten their head off. You used to have a terrible temper.""Ah well that was before I saw the light," he said, sipping his tea. "When you, showed me the way." He smiled at Jenna as she sat opposite them. "For that, you know I am forever grateful," he added."Did you become a born again Christian like Jenna, Gordy-pie?" Mia asked."I've always been a Christian," Gordon replied. "I just sin a lot, that's all. As we all do, right?" He raised an eyebrow at the vicar's wife. "But we keep praying for forgiveness every week, and luckily for us, God is the forgiving sort, eh?"The front door opened and Reverend Morris came in."Good lord, I need a large brandy!" He gasped, tossing the car keys on the table."What I have seen, can't be unseen, and what I've heard, can't be unheard!""Whatever's the matter Simon?" Jenna said, standing up."You were right, Jen. Gladys Wilcox and the churchwarden. They're, at it!""Told you so," Jenna said. "Actual sex? I'm not being ageist but can Gladys manage that at her age?""No. Regular vanilla sex would've been easier to deal with. Actually, I think gerbilling would be easier to deal with. But seeing Norman, naked in her backyard, wearing a pinny and being struck on his arse with a riding crop,”Jenna cleared her throat, trying to silence him, given that they had company." She treats him like a slave and he enjoys it!" The vicar continued, unaware there was an audience. "And there's more. She knows about the storeroom threesome, and you won't believe this, she proudly told me, that sometime during Lent, she performed oral sex on Gordon.""Ahem. Simon, shush, we've got," Jenna cringed. "Wait, what? She gave Gordon oral?"Mia's jaw dropped."Sucked him off whilst he was sat at the church organ! She'd wanted him to be her slave, but he declined. So she set her sights on Norman instead. Well we both know Gordon prefers a younger woman, right?" He turned round, and noticed Gordon sat on the settee, and Mia sat next to him."Oh, good afternoon Gordon!""I brought those plant pots you wanted," the organist meekly uttered.Later,Jenna and Reverend Morris sat on the settee watching an episode of Father Brown, although neither were really paying attention to it."I can't get that image out of my head. Gladys giving Gordon a blowjob and whipping Norman's bare buttocks. I know we've, engaged in some naughtiness, but I never imagined one of the oldest members of the church was into that sort of thing!""Good for her," Jenna replied. "Kinkiness aside, it's nice for her to have Norman as a lodger. I mean, she lives alone and in this day and age, older people can feel vulnerable. I know Gladys misses her hubby a lot.""Oh Bert. Yes. He was dead long before I came to St Michaels. Bishop George told me more about him. He was the organist before Gordon took over. Apparently he was quite a character.""I'm sure he was. And the current organist seems to be going the same way.""Jen, you seem a bit unhappy about Gordon having intercourse with your cousin today. Is that because you're protective of her or because of, well, I know how close you are to him?"Jenna sighed. "Oh Simon. I'm ashamed of myself. I actually felt jealous when I saw the two of them together. How selfish is that? After everything you did for me last year when it was my birthday, and you gladly accepted my dalliances with the other male members of the church. Can you forgive me? I wish to say a prayer of forgiveness."The vicar took his wife's hands in his. "Of course I can, my love. And I understand how you feel. You see, with Mia here, I think you've got something you've never had to deal with before.""What's that?""A rival!"Mia was eavesdropping from the staircase. A mischievous grin formed on her face as she listened."Holy shit, Jenna's had more men than Elton John's had wigs. She had the nerve to have a go at me for seducing Tom. And she's slept with Gordon too? No wonder she looked so tense. Ha! And sweet, Reverend Simon is okay with that? That's not what it teaches in the Bible, surely?"She slipped back to her bedroom."Let us pray together," Reverend Morris said."Father, I return to You with my sins before me. Nowadays, I lack compassion for my brother and sisters, my eyes are clouded with wrongdoings my heart is against. Opposing Your Words, I sinned and done evil in Your eyes. I drained myself off Your kindness and followed my worldly desires. Father, guide me as You are right in Your verdict and justified in Your judgment. Do not leave me astray as I pray for a blissful life with You and a life free of evil. In Your Mercy, I pray.Amen."-(Luke 15:18, Psalm 51:3-4)"I feel better," Jenna said, opening her eyes. She ran a finger down her husband's cheek. "Simon, let's go to bed. Mia's asleep. The guest bedroom is right at the other end of the landing. She won't hear us. Tonight I need my Vicar's touch,”"What a good idea! All this talk of Gladys Wilcox getting her hands on men's dicks, I'd quite like some hands on mine!"A Girl With FantasiesMia lay back on the bed in the darkness, her mind buzzing with the events of the day. Reaching under the pillow, she pulled out the pair of Gordon's briefs."Enjoyed you, Gordy-pie! You were a total sweetie."She sighed, pressing the crotch of the underwear against her nose and inhaling deeply, whilst fingering herself with her other hand. Gordon's undies bore a pleasant, musky, manly scent, a faint mark which she assumed was pre-cum, and a couple of wiry grey pubic hairs. Perfect. Knowing that the organist's thick cock had been snugly contained within was enough to make her climax again. She wondered if he was wanking off and sniffing her knickers."Hope he likes mine too." She wanted to see the organist again, as sex with him had been amazing, but Mia had her sights set on a bigger prize - and this one wore a clerical collar.InsomniaGordon was in bed, but having difficulty sleeping. His mind was a complete whirl. He reflected how in the past year, he'd gone from being completely sex-starved, to having more sex than he'd ever had during a whole fifteen years of marriage, and during his late teens, when he'd been a horny youth, desperate to sleep with any woman. In the Eighties, those halcyon pre-Internet days, just stumbling across a discarded porn magazine in the bushes was more valuable than gold. He remembered his time at university, when he used to spy on the nurses undressing at a nearby hospital.He chuckled as he remembered losing his virginity to his piano teacher - whilst she was giving him a tour of Blackpool Tower ballroom. He credited her with starting his interest in wanting to play organs,"Look at me now," he said out loud. "I got seduced by a woman young enough to be my daughter. Who is now the vicar's wife. I fucked a Ukrainian woman in the church. I've been fucking the vicar's wife every week in the church. I took part in a threesome with her and the vicar. I and several other men gave her a facial in the church. I got my dick sucked by an eighty-six year old pensioner too. Now I'm fucking the eighteen-year old cousin of the vicar's wife, and exchanging underwear with her."He reached for the pair of pink knickers and gave them a good sniff, stroking his cock at the same time. The crotch had dried, but earlier it had been wet and sticky with Mia's pussy juices. A heavenly scent."The world is a bloody mess right now, but I'd say my life is pretty good," he smiled. "I hope Mia wants to see me again. She's a lovely, horny little thing. I hope she comes to church this Sunday."He wanked himself off happily, before slipping into a blissful slumber. For the first time in a year, he dreamt of a woman other than Jenna.Mia's DelightMia was edging closer to an orgasm as she continued to pleasure herself. Gordon's briefs pressed against her face were having the desired effect, but oh, God, she wished she had a large dildo as well. Her sopping pussy was aching to be filled again.Hearing muffled laughter on the landing, brought her back to her senses. The sound of a bedroom door closing. More laughter.She slid off the bed and wiped her hand on her t-shirt. Tiptoeing to the door, she opened it, and listened. The inky darkness of the landing was disturbed by a light under Jenna's bedroom door.With the stealth of a cat, Mia slunk down the landing. Standing in front of the door, the sounds from within were clearer. The creak of a bedframe. The headboard bumping against the wall. The low moans of the reverend, followed by the higher pitched gasps of Jenna.She bit her lip as she listened to their carnal sounds. Squinting, she peered through the keyhole. The tiny opening barely allowed an interested voyeur to see a thing, but just briefly, she glimpsed Reverend Morris' bare backside rising and falling. Lying between her cousin's legs which, likewise entirely bare, were extended straight upwards into the air."Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna, in, the, Highest Heavens!" Reverend Morris yelled, to which Jenna responded by screaming in ecstasy.Mia clamped her hand against her mouth to stifle a laugh. At the same time, her pussy tingled like crazy. That the good vicar quoted Biblical phrases during sex, turned her on in a way she never expected."I am coming soon! Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown!"This quote from the Book of Revelation proved too much, and seconds later, Jenna climaxed, with a scream.Mia tried to remain silent as she too, came. With a wildly beating heart, she shuffled back to her bedroom."I want him. I want Reverend Morris to fuck me like that."Reverend Morris is seduced, but can he satisfy her?Lightning flashed, followed by a crash of thunder so powerful it rattled the kitchen windows. The storm began not with a sprinkle or drizzle but with a sudden downpour, as if clouds were hollow structures that could shatter like eggshells and spill their entire contents at once. So far, July was proving far less flaming than June."Blimey," Reverend Morris said, as the rain made him look up from his laptop. "Not a good start to Mia's first day in her new job, is it?""A bit of summer rain won't bother her," Jenna replied. "Her mind's probably fixated on Gordon.""Heh, give her some credit, Jen. She's shown initiative. I think she'll work hard and be a good cleaner for the church. She did an excellent job tidying up our kitchen.""That's true. She should be about finished in around twenty minutes. Ten hours a week isn't much. I wonder what her long-term plans are? I mean, she can't clean the church hall toilets for the rest of her life can she? And I must phone Aunt Kathleen, I keep putting it off. She'll go berserk when she finds out what's happened."Reverend Morris sipped his coffee. "Have faith in her, Jen. She's chosen this path for herself. And as my dad always says, never put off until tomorrow what can be done today. Right, I have to pop over to the church. I'll check in on Mia and see if she's okay with setting the alarm system. Don't know if she wants some lunch with us or if she has plans of her own?"Jenna picked up the phone. "She didn't say. Okay, I'm going to bite the bullet and phone Aunt Kathleen."In the church hall, Jenna had finished using the floor-polishing machine on the wooden floor. The two hours had flown by. As well as making the floor spotless after this morning's yoga class, she'd cleaned the toilets and emptied the bins. The work was boring, as the vicar had warned her, but an absolute doddle. For £12 an hour, she couldn't complain. It was the easiest cash she'd ever earned. It was far better than stacking shelves in Aldi and having to deal with abusive members of the public. The church toilets hadn't been the horror show she'd braced herself for - even the gents were reasonable. The good chaps of St Michaels had good manners and good aim it would seem!Outside, more thunder boomed. The sound of the rain. The rain. The cold merciless sound of the rain."Ugh," Mia muttered, looking out of the window. "I hate weather like this."It was typical British weather. The storm had washed all the color out of the day. The sky was as charry as burnt-out ruins. Wind-driven rain, grey as iron nails, hammered every surface, and road gutters overflowed with filthy water.Mia returned the machine to the store cupboard and locked it. She checked her phone. Nearly 1 o'clock.The sound of the main door opening made her jump."Oh Reverend Simon!""Hello Mia. Just checking to see how you're getting on. Have you finished?""Yes, I'm done. I was just going to set the alarm thingy." She noticed how wet his black shirt was."Great stuff, you're okay with setting it?""Oh no worries there.""Little tip if you're working in the hall by yourself, be sure to lock the main door. Anyone could walk in. We're lucky we don't get a lot of crime round here, but for your own safety, it's best to lock yourself in. There are lots of places someone could hide. Right, well I'm just heading into the church to sort a few things out ready for the curate's ordination on Sunday. Jenna's prepared some lunch if you're hungry, oh and be warned, she's phoning your mum.""What? Oh no! Why's she doing that?" Mia pouted."Look, don't panic, she's just letting her know that your safe and well and staying with us. You don't want your poor parents to be worrying themselves to death not knowing where you've gone do you?""Well no. But I don't want Mum turning up.""I don't think you need to worry. Your mum lives in Buxton doesn't she? That's a good fifty miles from here. I don't think she'll drive up here today. But at some point you'll have to speak to her."Mia looked down. "I like it here. I don't want to go back to my parents. Of course, I don't want to be a burden to you,”"You're no burden Mia, please don't think that. If you want to talk, why not join me in the church when you've finished locking up?" He left the hall and Mia took that as an open invitation."Oh I'll join you, Vicar, but I want to do more than talk!"A few minutes later, having successfully set the alarm, Mia dashed over to the church, trying to avoid getting soaked by the rain. The ancient oak door's handle turned stubbornly. She wondered why Reverend Morris hadn't bothered to lock himself in either, then she remembered something Jenna had said about the church "always having to be open for those in need."And Mia was in need all right.Reverend Morris was in the vestry, having just changed out of his damp shirt and into a dry one. He'd donned his regular cassock and surplice, as he always did when in the church, even though he was off duty. He inspected the row of church vestments on the clothes rail. Some items were missing. Some members of the choir weren't the tidiest, and often neglected to hang their surplices back up after the services.Mia walked down the aisle of St Michael's church, glancing round. The incessant pounding of rain on the roof seemed magnified here in this old, airy building. Then the organ pipes to the right of the altar caught her eye. The highly-polished silver colored pipes reflected what little light was shining through the stained glass windows."Impressive," she muttered, admiring the many pipes. "But where are its, keyboards? No wait, manuals. He called them manuals." She looked round, and noticed the organ console behind the pulpit."Ah!"Mia walked over to it. She ran her hand down the wooden stool. "So this is where Gordy-pie sits." Giving a little mischievous giggle, she looked round. There was no sign of Reverend Morris anywhere, so she slid herself onto the stool."Look at this thing. It's like, unreal. All these buttons and stuff It's like a flight deck." Her feet touched the organ's pedalboard. "How the hell does he remember all these? She looked closely at some of the stops. They all had weird-sounding names on them. Diapason, Mixture, Gemshorn."I wonder what these knobs do?" She switched on the small lamp above the manuals, in order to get a better look.Curiosity got the better of her and she fiddled with a couple of stops and pressed a few keys on the lower manual. Nothing happened, seeing as the organ was switched off."Hmm, must be like an electronic piano." She idly pressed down several more keys, pretending to play."Witness the great maestro Mia at work," she said out loud, putting on a fake Geordie accent to mimic presenters, Ant and Dec. "Here on Britain's Got Talent, Mia will now play some of her favorite songs for the audience. Starting with Titanium by David Guetta!" She flung her arms around, as though conducting an orchestra, and accidentally hit the red on/off button above the manuals."This is being live-streamed. Be sure to vote!" Mia slammed her fingers down hard on the middle manual. "I am Titanium!"The organ responded at once, with a deep, radiant sound that seemed to rattle the entire foundations of the church. It was so loud, the stool seemed to vibrate."Shit!!" Mia gasped as she got the shock of her life. Fearing she'd damaged the organ, she panicked and froze on the spot.In the vestry, Reverend Morris had finished re-arranging the vestments, when the booming note from the organ shattered his peace and quiet."What the," He almost jumped out of his skin. "Bloody hell, Gordon. You sure pick your moments to come and practice."When nothing but silence followed that ear-splitting note, he headed out of the vestry to investigate.Mia's fingers were trembling. "Fuck, what did I do?""Well, well. What do we have here?" Reverend Morris chuckled as he appeared beside the console."Eep! I didn't mean to, Simon. I was just, I,”"Ha, it's alright, don't panic!" He said."I caught something and it made that noise.""You managed to switch it on, that's all!" He indicated the red button."Oh, so it's not broken then?" Mia said, getting her breath back."No, of course not. It's seen a lot of heavy use. It can cope with a lot!""It looks so complicated. How does Gordon play it?""With ease, because he's had years of practice. Jenna's just learned to play it, and said how hard it was. No use asking me. I haven't a clue. I'm not musically talented it all. In fact I'll tell you something. I can't even read music.""Really?" Mia replied."I'm hopeless," the vicar continued. "Jenna's tried to introduce me to the piano, but I've got poor co-ordination. My fingers go all over the place. My attempts sounded like Les Dawson."Mia blinked. "Who?""Never mind. He's from before your time." He pressed down a couple of the organ's keys and made a feeble attempt at playing a few notes."Gordon says you have to use your whole body when playing a pipe organ." Mia said, giving him a dreamy grin."He's right, you do.""Do you have to use your whole body when preaching to the congregation, Simon?""Ah, well that depends," he said, switching off the organ and the lamp. "I definitely have to keep my mind focused. Especially during the sermon.""I can imagine. I bet you're amazing. I like your church robes.""Oh thanks! It's called a cassock and surplice. Um, why not come to the Sunday service if you're curious? You don't need to take communion if you're not comfortable.""I've been confirmed," Mia replied. "I'm okay with that.""It's the curate's ordination service on Sunday afternoon too. "That will be quite a spectacle. The Bishop will be performing the ceremony. We're expecting lots of people to attend. Afterwards there'll be a buffet in the hall. Nice social occasion. There'll be more people your own age there."Mia shrugged. "I'm not mad keen on people my own age," she said."I see. Well, Gordon will be there, so that's a reason to attend, surely?" Reverend Morris cleared his throat. "You like him a lot, don't you?""Oh yes. He is lovely. He's really sexy! But you know what? You're sexy too. I hope it's not a sin to compliment a vicar in church?"The flustered reverend's cheeks turned pink. "Oh not at all! Very kind of you to say, Mia."Yes, very sexy,” she purred, and without hesitating, stood up and kissed him on the lips."M-Mia, what are you doing?" Reverend Morris spluttered, backing away.She ignored his question and slipped her arms round his shoulders. "I am worshipping you, Reverend Simon. Like I said, I think you're really sexy,”"B-but, but, I am a married man!" He stammered.Mia breathed in the scent of his aftershave. "And? Jenna's a married woman, yet she seems to have slept with half of the men of this church. And you're like, okay with that?""Did Jenna tell you all this?" He gasped. This time, he made no attempt to free himself from her grasp."She didn't need to. I overheard.""You shouldn't eavesdrop, Mia.""Yes I know, but come on. Seriously? What kind of open marriage do you guys have? Is that church rules or something? How can you be cool with that?"Reverend Morris still made no attempt to move. "Well it's not like you think. I love Jenna so much. I just fell for her big time. She had quite effect on the men of this church when she first started attending, not just me. I was trapped in a sexless marriage at the time. I er, thought the first time we had sex, it was a wild one-off."This explanation failed to satisfy Mia. "And Gordon?""The thing with Gordon, well before Jenna came along, he was a very unhappy, angry man. She made him feel happier than he had been in years. And the choir were beyond grateful for his change in personality, let me tell you.""I see. So Jen just has this natural talent for seducing all these lonely men and cheering them up? A gift from God? In that case, what I'm doing isn't a sin then is it?"She kissed the vicar again, longer and harder."Mia, wait!" He protested. "I can't,”"Of course you can, Reverend Simon. "You've been so kind to me, letting me stay at the vicarage and getting me this job. It's time I repaid that kindness.""Yes, but, I thought you liked Gordon!""I do like Gordon. I just like you too. Don't you find me attractive, just like you find Jenna attractive?"He would've been lying if he'd said no, and his erection was already proof."Yes. You're beautiful," Reverend Morris said, running a finger down her cheek. "Such smooth skin,” Instinctively, he bent down and pressed his lips against hers."Heavenly,”Mia unbuttoned her top, and guided his hands to her small and beautiful tits for him to squeeze and play with."Give me a blessing, Reverend," Mia whispered.The vicar took her hand, led her into the vestry and quoted a passage from Numbers."May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord's face shine upon you and be gracious to you, may the Lord turn his face to you and bring you peace.""Amen," Mia said. After a brief silence, something seemed to snap in Reverend Morris, and he cast off his reluctance."Let me get your legs," he whispered, his voice quavering a bit with sexual tension.Stroking from the knee down, to start. Then Mia felt his holy hands open and slide up the back of her thighs, pushing her skirt up."Spread your legs a bit."His thumbs caressed her inner thigh, and came close, oh so close to her pussy. She wasn't wearing any underwear and he bent down to smell her sex. His thumbs tantalizingly close. Now his hands were on her arse. Seductive massage, strokes, and squeezes nearly sent Mia over the edge. She moaned."Oh yes," he breathed. "Praise the Lord,”Mia's hands roamed across his surplice, and her eagerness surprised him. "Hold on a sec," he said, removing the garment, and starting to unbutton his cassock. When it was open, his black trousers were revealed, along with a straining bulge. She squeezed his hard arse cheeks and pulled him against her. His cock throbbed. Mia unfastened his belt and unzipped his trousers. Seconds later, she pulled his boxer shorts down.He groaned when she took his hot cock into her warm hand, cupping his balls with her other. His cock was thick and of decent length, though not, she noted as big as Gordon's or Tom's. Gordon's was the biggest of the lot. Mia couldn't help be a little disappointed, though of course what one did with something was what counted, not the size.I wonder if this is why Jenna goes with all the other church guys, because Reverend Simon just isn't enough to satisfy her? She thought."Mia, I can't hold back, do you want me to bless you properly or not?""Yes Reverend Simon, I want you to purify me! I need you to fuck me!"Mia wrapped her leg around him, opening up for his cock. He rubbed the head of it on her clit. Reverend Morris was out of control now and she let him take her how he wanted. He entered her and pounded her hard on the vestry's small wooden table.Mia rode his cock and enjoyed his thrusts, but, as good as it felt, the vicar wasn't satisfying her in the way Gordon had done.How can this be? She thought, as her cousin's husband continued thrusting fast and hard into her, grunting as he did so.It must be because he's just not old enough for me, she mused. After all, he's only forty! Still, I've achieved what I wanted to do. I wanted to experience sex with a vicar, and a married one at that. And I've finally got my own back on Jenna after all these years,"Oh Mia I'm cumming!" Reverend Morris slammed into her for one last time and shot his load deep inside her."Well,” Reverend Morris said, after he'd got his breath back. "I hope you enjoyed that Mia. I certainly did, I can't believe I did that."Mia was about to say something, but at that moment, the vestry door opened and Jenna appeared.For a few moments there was nothing but stunned silence."Mia, why? Why Simon?""Now we're even, Jen," Mia said with a wink."Even?""Remember all those years ago when we were at primary school and I was in love with that older boy, Darren Grimshaw?""Er, what?""You knew how much I fancied him.""Mia, you were only ten at the time. You had a bit of an innocent crush.""Well at the time it felt like true love. And you had to muscle in and ruin it. He took you out to Burger King instead of asking me. I was so upset at the time. I vowed that one day, I'd get my own back!""Uh, yeah. I do remember you saying that, now I recall. So, this is your idea of getting your own back, is it? Seducing my husband, in his church?""Jen, you can't really complain. You've seduced half the men of this church!"Reverend Morris looked sheepishly at them both. "Look, I didn't say anything, she overheard us talking!"Jenna took a deep breath. "You're right, Mia. Guess I'm nothing but a hypocrite there. But where do we go from here?"Mia turned to Reverend Morris. "I've seen the light. And had a revelation. And the truth is, vicars just don't float my boat after all. No offence, Reverend Simon. You were really great. But, you're too young for me. Give me a gorgeous older organist any day! I've already found my perfect man and his name is Gordon!""Lucky Gordon," Jenna said at last."Jen, I want you to promise me one thing. I'll never lay a finger on your vicar again, if you'll promise not to get it on with Gordon again."Jenna's face suddenly fell. "What?"Reverend Morris nodded. "Fair's fair, Jen. And you don't need any more organ lessons - you can play the organ perfectly fine now."Jenna thought for a moment, remembering all the fun times she'd had with Gordon - they'd engaged in some fantastic sex over the past year, and at Easter, she'd got the impression his feelings were becoming stronger than just mere lust."Okay, I promise.""Make it a proper promise. We're in church, remember?""In the name of God, I promise," Jenna said."That's better.""Right, now that we've got that out of the way, how about we all go and have some lunch?" Reverend Morris said, fastening his trousers and belt. "I've worked up quite an appetite!"Jenna shook her head as she watched Mia head down the church aisle in front of them."Is she seriously going to ask Gordon to be her boyfriend? He's so much older than her.""Just like I am to you," Reverend Morris replied."Yes but it's double the age gap that we have. What if Mia wants kids ten years from now? Gordon will be in his mid-sixties! He doesn't have any kids of his own. Can you see him being a dad?""I think he'd be a great dad. You're assuming Mia will want to be a mum. Lots of women choose not to have children these days.""Guess you're right.""Isn't it great, all the people of our church and nearby churches have met someone? I've got you, Josh has hooked up with Yulia. Father Aiden has Róisín. Norman's moved in with Gladys, now there's an odd couple, but they're happy! My ex-wife Lucy married Debbie. Gordon's got your cousin, before you arrived, all these people were unhappy. I'd say your work is done, my love!"They walked down the aisle, hand in hand.Privately, however, Jenna smirked to herself."My work isn't fully done. At least I still have Bishop George, Gordon's cousin Barry, Mayor Buckingham and a few other chaps!"By Blacksheep, for Literotica.

Dinner with the Archbishop of CanterburyA Series in 17 parts, By Blacksheep. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. On Monday afternoon, a letter arrived at the vicarage that took Reverend Morris by surprise."I don't believe this!" He gasped, reading the letter out loud to Jenna. "It's from Bishop George. He says that Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury is planning to visit next week.""Whoa, " Jenna spluttered."Yup. You and I have been invited to dine at Bishop George's place. Apparently the Archbishop is visiting several dioceses, and parish churches, and for some bizarre reason, humble little St. Michael's church has caught his eye! Bishop George states that I'll be receiving a letter from the Archbishop over the next few days, outlining the reason for his visit.""Wow, what a tremendous honor for you, Simon!" Jenna smiled, flinging her arms around him. "Well you're the best vicar ever, so he obviously wants to give you some sort of award!""Hmm, maybe?" Reverend Morris re-read the letter. "This is totally unexpected, and a bit bizarre. I can't get my head round it.""I remember seeing Justin Welby give that speech when we were watching the Queen's funeral." Jenna said. "And to think, we're going to get to meet him! This is really exciting!""I wish I shared your optimism my love, but I can't help but thinking that there's a catch."A few days later, Reverend Morris' fears were confirmed when a second letter arrived."I don't believe this!" The vicar lamented as he read the Archbishop's letter. "It has come to the Archbishop's attention that there is a big plaque in St. Michael's church that commemorates a local man called Henry Barrington-Smythe, who died in 1695 and worshipped at the church. According to the covert research conducted by the Archbishop, Henry once owned a horse that he sold to someone whose second cousin twice removed, was involved in the slave trade.""I can see how that could be seen as quite triggering in this day and age," Jenna said. "But I'm sure the horse wasn't bothered."Reverend Morris slapped his forehead. "Oh this is a nightmare. The Archbishop recommends that the plaque is removed. It's not that simple though. It's actually carved into the wall, near the organ pipes. To remove it, would cause terrible damage to the wall! Our little church is so old, and we've worked so hard to fundraise to repair the roof."Jenna narrowed her eyes, seeing how distressed her husband was. This situation needed rectifying immediately."Simon, try not to worry. When we dine at Bishop George's place, you will have the chance to put your point across to the Archbishop. Has he made this information about the plaque public?""No," Reverend Morris replied. "To be honest, I know hardly anything about this Henry Barrington-Smythe chap. I Googled him once, and information was really scarce. Nothing on Wikipedia. A few obscure paragraphs on the parish register. He was vicar here during the 1670s and left a lot of money to the church in his will."Jenna smiled. "Oh good. So what we have here is a controlled situation.""For now. I expect he'll tweet all about it after the meeting."We'll see about that, Jenna thought to herself.The day of the meeting arrived. Reverend Morris anxiously fiddled with his clerical collar and kept checking his watch. Nearly time to set off to Bishop George's house.Presently, Jenna came breezing into the sitting room, where her husband stood, gazing out of the window at the front garden beyond. In a pale pink gown, pearl cross earrings, and her red hair swept back, she looked more suited to a red carpet event in Hollywood than a sober meal with the clergy."Do I look alright?" She asked, knowing full well what Reverend Morris' response would be."Oh my God, wow, you look absolutely beautiful as always, Jenna. Right well, we'd better get going.""Try not to worry, Simon." She said, kissing him. "It might not be as bad as it seems."He sighed. "St. Michael's church means so much to me. I treasure its heritage. You and I, we've both worked so hard to build up its congregation, raise money to restore the roof, the stained glass windows and to fix the dry rot in the vestry.""And we shall continue to treasure it. Don't you worry. Things might turn out alright. I'm sure an acceptable compromise can be reached.""I hope so."They headed to the car. A plan was forming in Jenna's mind. Justin Welby isn't the best-looking of men, she thought. Mind you, I don't plan on looking at his face,Bishop George was stood at the door of his home when Jenna and Reverend Morris arrived."Great to see you both!" He smiled. "Can't say I'm happy at what the Big Boss is proposing here.""You and me both, George," Simon sighed. Jenna winked at the bishop."Right, do go in, make yourself comfortable, there are refreshments waiting. Dinner shall be served at six. Bishop Finch was supposed to be here too, you remember him? Alas, he cried off. Dishonest and he drinks. Good bishops are so hard to find these days, eh?" Bishop George ushered him in. As Jenna walked past, he winked back at her."I've got your red lace panties on tonight," he whispered."A great choice!" Jenna whispered back.Reverend Morris sipped a sherry as he nervously awaited the Archbishop's arrival. Five minutes later, there was the sound of a car door being slammed shut, and Bishop George could be heard welcoming someone."He's coming," Reverend Morris gulped. "Why do I feel like a little kid about to be sent to detention?""God is with us," Jenna replied, patting his thigh.Bishop George entered the room. "It is a great pleasure to welcome our Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, to dine with us this evening. Jenna and her husband stood up."Oh good, he's come alone," Jenna smiled, fearing that his wife might have accompanied him. He was clad in a grey jacket, with black shirt, black trousers, a clerical collar and a large cross round his neck.Everyone shook hands. "Ah, Reverend Morris," the Archbishop began. "The vicar of St. Michael's. Nice to meet you at last.""Thank you, Your Grace. And this is Jenna, my wife."Jenna was quick to offer her hand. "I've wanted to meet you for such a long time, Your Grace. You're sitting next to me at the table!"The vicar's young and stunning wife had certainly caused the Archbishop to raise an eyebrow. "Am I? Well lucky old me. I am very honored!" Privately, he was astonished that the mild-mannered vicar of St. Michael's had managed to pull such a gorgeous woman. He was normally immune to such things, but found himself rather shamefully gawping at Jenna's cleavage."What a mercy she wasn't at the Queen's funeral," he said to himself. "If she'd been sat in the crowd, I'd have struggled to concentrate."The pre-dinner conversation between Reverend Morris, Bishop George and the Archbishop remained cordial, if not a bit overly formal. While the three men spoke, Jenna was a constant figure at the Archbishop's side; laughing at his unfunny jokes, pretending to enjoy his boring stories of ministry in Africa, inquiring about Westminster Abbey, and generally hanging on his every word like an infatuated student with her tutor.Bishop George suggested his guests seat themselves at the table in preparation for the first course. The Archbishop took his seat. On his right was Jenna, and Reverend Morris was opposite him."Bishop George is such a good cook, Reverend Morris prattled nervously. "I've dined here before and his roast dinners are something to marvel at. I, I enjoy cooking too."Sensing her husband's discomfort, Jenna cut in. "He's a much better cook than I am. Most things I cook aren't suitable for human consumption."The Archbishop chuckled. "Let us say a prayer before we dine."The first course passed without incident, but Jenna was hungry for something else. The Archbishop had launched into a lengthy monologue about hurtful plaques and statues, and Jenna sensed it was time to act. Bishop George was in the kitchen and Reverend Morris excused himself as he needed to go to the bathroom. She was alone with the leader of the Church of England, the ceremonial head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Now was the time for the vixen to catch her prey."You've done so many impressive things during your tenure, Your Grace. Words cannot explain how much I admire you," she continued, flattering him off the scale.""Why thank you Jenna. "I appreciate your kind words!"Jenna continued. "Your Grace, I ask you as a good Christian, would you not consider dropping this little investigation into this pesky old plaque in my husband's church? Your letter has caused him a great deal of worry, you have no idea how much, "The Archbishop adjusted his glasses. "Jenna, I have no wish to cause any distress to your husband. I am simply trying to ensure that our C of E churches are inclusive to all, and devoid of harmful imagery."He had been quietly sipping his soup. Suddenly, a strange sensation made him almost drop his spoon. Something was moving up his right leg and pushing his legs apart, the mystery thing continued to rise higher, now it was nudging his inner thigh, he realized it was Jenna's hand."Are you enjoying your soup?""Um, Jenna, what are you doing?""As I was saying, your letter has stressed my husband out so much, that he and I have been unable to make love all week. Can you imagine how upsetting that has been?" Jenna continued, furtively sliding her hand across his thigh and squeezing gently.The Archbishop glanced down and then at her. "Um, well I'm very sorry to hear that."She smiled back and began rubbing his inner thigh very gently. He cleared his throat and blushed. She said nothing, but continued gently rubbing, and moving closer to that treasure she wanted to touch most of all."Do you realize what you're doing? I am a married man!" He whispered."I do, but you pride yourself on having a liberal outlook, yes? Anyways, there is a holy place I would very much like to explore, if I may be permitted to do so, if I may be so bold as to request permission from Your Grace, ""You are, a rather naughty vicar's wife," he whispered back, feeling his cheeks flushing."You haven't granted permission, Your Grace."The Archbishop took a deep breath. Why was he giving in to temptation so easily? If he refused, would she kick up a fuss? Bishop George and the vicar could return at any moment."Mrs. Morris, you may do as you wish. I am yours to explore, "This was all the permission she required. Before the Archbishop could complete his sentence, Jenna reached across the startled man's lap and quickly unzipped his trousers. He could not believe the dexterity and speed at which his beautiful assailant nimbly accomplished the task. He shot an astonished wide-eyed glance at the temptress seated next to him. Guessing his thoughts, Jenna flashed a mischievous smile and said, "Your Grace. I heard that there's a name for a bishop's staff. It's called a crosier. Am I right?""Er, yes. That's right."Jenna swiftly freed the Archbishop's staff from his white boxer shorts. He may not have been the most handsome of men, but he had a gorgeous cock. It wasn't a monstrous length like Father Aiden's or thick like Gordon's, but it was impressive all the same. Definitely holy!The Archbishop's back stiffened and he caught his breath as he felt Jenna's soft, warm fingers wrap around his engorged fuck pole. The touch from this ravishing young beauty in the most sensual of spots sent chills throughout his body. He suppressed a gentle moan in the back of this throat as Jenna began to slowly run her hand up and down the shaft.She knew to vary the speed of her up and down motion, and could sense when the Archbishop was reaching peak ecstasy. Before he could achieve sexual release, Jenna slowed her pace or altered the movement in order to delay gratification. She wanted the Most Reverend's pleasure to extend for as long as possible. Jenna explored every feature along the length of her newest conquest's fleshy sceptre. Her delicate fingers rippled over the veiny surface, massaged the soft foreskin, and gently squeezed the head. When she reached the shaft's base, the eager filly worked her slender digits along the Archbishop's inner thigh and cupped his balls, juggling them with her fingertips."Your Grace, I beg of you. I want to go further and worship properly. However I cannot do this unless you agree to scrap your suggestion that St. Michael's remove its plaque to Henry Barrington-Smythe. Let him and his horse rest in peace, yes? Neither of them kept slaves. I'm sure Henry sold his horse in good faith and had no idea what links the buyer had. A few years ago I gave my old smartphone to a woman at work who turned out to be a massive fan of Cliff Richard. Some might say that was a crime against humanity."The Archbishop was desperate to come. Sweat had broken out on his forehead and his glasses were steaming up. "Okay, you have my word," he sighed. "I'll scrap the whole thing!""Thankyou, .dear Justin!" She said, using his Christian name for the first time. Carefully, Jenna removed one of her earrings. The Archbishop had to stifle a gasp as she slid out of her chair and under the table. "God," he murmured, almost incredulous at her conviction and boldness. Then with almost no hesitation, she dropped her head and closed her mouth around his throbbing shaft.The Most Reverend's breathing started to become more rapid and shallow, an indication Jenna recognized as signaling her oral exertions would soon be ending. Wanting to provide the head of the church with the greatest amount of pleasure possible, Jenna's grand finale was to deep throat his cock and vigorously jerk up and down on it. This motion had the desired effect within moments, as a muffled groan escaped the Archbishop's mouth. Jenna felt the holy rod in her mouth recoil as it shot a mighty stream of pearl-colored ejaculate down her throat. This first round was quickly followed by a second and then a third as the Most Reverend's balls unloaded their thick, milky contents. Jenna swallowed and savored every drop. It is a truth not universally acknowledged, that the taste of a man, especially a man of God, is the finest taste in the world, she thought. A final spurt missed its target and splashed down her cleavage.Only after the last discharge was launched and the Archbishop leaned back in his chair exhausted and sweaty, did Jenna finally withdraw.The Archbishop jolted in panic as Bishop George and Reverend Morris returned to the dining room. He quickly poured himself a glass of water and swallowed it. He wondered how to warn Jenna, but she'd already sensed it was time to return to her seat."I'm sorry I was so long," Reverend Morris mumbled. "Call of nature and all that.""And silly me, I forgot to turn the oven up, but worry not, the roast beef is nearly ready!" Bishop George replied."Understood," panted the Archbishop, wiping his glasses.Bishop George tilted his head at his Jenna's empty chair, and the movement under the table. He raised the tablecloth."Oh I say, Jenna. Have you lost something?""Just my pearl earring," she calmly replied. "But fortunately, I have now found it."Bishop George nodded and gave a wry smile. "So I see. And you seem to have gained a pearl necklace too!"A Ghost Appears at the Methodist Church"What are your thoughts on ghosts, Jen?" Reverend Morris said as he climbed into bed.Jenna reclined next to her husband, and ran a finger through his chest hair. "Hmm, never given them much thought. I keep an open mind. I've never seen one myself, but I'd like to! I wouldn't be scared. Just really fascinated.""I might get to see one tomorrow. I've just had a rather desperate email from Reverend Marsha Ewing over at the Oakwood Road Methodist Church. She's at her wits end. Says her church has been haunted by a persistent ghost ever since Halloween. She's tried walking around splashing holy water on the walls, saying a prayer of deliverance, but to no avail. The church has had to remain closed all week.""Whoa, that ghost must really like the Methodist church then!" Jenna said. "I haven't been in there since I was a little girl. My gran is a Methodist. I remember going to a few services. I remember it being light and airy inside, with the white balcony and pale yellow walls.""Well it's not just any old ghost that's taken up residence there. Reverend Ewing is adamant says that it's the ghost of John Wesley.""What, the John Wesley? The founder of Methodism?" Jenna blinked."Yes. That's the bit I find really hard to believe. Not saying that Reverend Ewing is lying of course. I just can't understand why John Wesley of all people, would choose to return to this earthly realm. I mean, he was a true servant of God, a good man, who preached to the masses and led a long, pious life. Why would his soul suddenly become restless and earthbound?"Jenna was fascinated. "Maybe he didn't choose to return. Maybe someone or something lured him back, and he's got trapped somehow? Don't they say on All Hallow's Eve, the barrier between the dead and the living is broken and the dead can pop back for a visit? Or something?""Good theory!" Reverend Morris replied. "Wesley did visit the site where the Oakwood church now stands. The church wasn't built until Victorian times, but he preached out in the open in the 1770s. The very spot where he stood is marked by a bronze statue of him. Anyways, Reverend Morris has decided to ask other members of the clergy for help. She's asked me to go along to the church tomorrow. Hopefully two vicars are better than one, and we can help John to return to the other side, so to speak.""Shouldn't Father Aiden be called along too? Like in the Exorcist?"Reverend Morris laughed. "I once watched that movie with some mates at university. I really regret eating at the time, it put me off soup for weeks. Bit different though. That was movie about demonic possession, not a haunting."Jenna thought for a while. "If you ask me, having John Wesley actually appear could be a fantastic tourism opportunity for the church. Think of the visitors it could attract. Maybe he just wanted to see one of his old worship spots again. I wish he could've brought his brother Charles along. You know how much I'm a fan of him. Did I ever tell you I once had an erotic dream about him?""No? Tell me more!""I was working as a tavern wench, when Charles arrived, weary after a long journey from Bristol. I led him to a bedchamber. He told me he was travelling to London, to visit his brother, John."Jenna rolled over and kissed him. The Reverend's tongue darted into her mouth, fondling hers. Her left arm stretched across his back with her hand resting between his shoulders. With her right hand, she reached down the front of his boxer shorts, slowly tracing up and down the length of his engorged cock with her palm."And, I helped Charles overcome his writer's block, so he was able to write Hark the Herald Angels Sing."She pulled down his boxers and rolled her tongue around the head of her husband's cock, trying to get every drop of precum."Oh, I'll never be able to think of that carol in the same way again!"Next morning, Reverend Morris headed to Oakwood Road Methodist Church. It was a small, solidly-built structure, sandwiched between a row of terraced houses, their brickwork still smoke-blackened from the days of the Industrial Revolution."This part of town never seems to change," Reverend Morris said to himself, as he parked the car. "They call it the Victorian Quarter."The vicar of Oakwood Road Methodist Church was Reverend Marsha Ewing, a jolly, middle-aged black woman. Originally from South Carolina, she'd emigrated nearly ten years ago, and put her heart and soul into running the church. Even the dismal British weather couldn't dampen her spirits. Now for the first time, she looked a little stressed."Thanks for coming, Simon," she said as he entered the church."Not at all," he replied. "Always happy to assist a fellow person of the cloth. A most unusual situation this. I've never been called upon to be a "deliverance minister" before. First time for everything I guess!""I've been going out of my mind with this. Ol' Mr. Wesley ain't for staying' quiet! I've tried everything to placate the guy but nothing works. I've tried prayer, singing hymns, talking to him. Went through the whole Ghostbusting routine. I asked Róisín, the vicar from the Living Earth Free Church to call round yesterday. She's only been in the role a few weeks, but very willing to help. We both prayed together, hoping John would find peace. But it didn't work and this morning, John appeared again, in the vestry. Took me by surprise. Started blowing papers around. And the church goes so darn cold when he appears. Actually saw him full-length today. I asked him directly, why is he so upset? He said he couldn't say why, but there's only one person who can help him. I pressed him further. He just said the person he needs lives in this town. Wouldn't say if they're male or female.""Blimey," Reverend Morris said, rubbing his chin. "That's a bit vague. It could be anyone. The population of this town is around 100,000 people! How are we ever going to find out who the right person is?""One of the wardens suggested I post something on the church's Facebook page, but I'd rather keep it all as quiet as possible. We've already had folks making hoax phone calls and posting memes and stuff on Twitter. It ain't funny. Most of my congregation are seniors. They don't want any fuss. Some of them think I'm making the whole thing up, as a sort of viral marketing campaign to increase attendance. Some of the comments online have been nasty."Reverend Morris sighed. "I'm sorry to hear that. Well, let's pray together and see if we can help John. Not sure if I'm the one he seeks, but there's only one way to find out!""Mm, hmm." Reverend Ewing nodded. "John Wesley is very dear to all of us here. He stood in the very spot where that statue is." She pointed to the bronze statue in the corner. "I don't want folks thinking I'm mocking his memory or anything. Must say I haven't experienced anything like this since the Orangeburg Incident of 1999.""The what?""Oh it was when I was back in the States. So, on the night of New Year's Eve 1999, Abraham Lincoln suddenly appeared in a branch of Walgreens. Many blamed it on drug-induced paranoia brought about by the hype of the coming Millennium.""Fascinating stuff," Reverend Morris replied. He walked over to the Wesley statue. On a table next to it, were three large, newly-lit candles."Tell me, does he look exactly like his portrait?""Oh yes. Long white hair. Dressed all in black and with preaching bands. He's a short stack too. Around five foot four? Slightly built. He looks so miserable though, like he needs a hug or something.""The state of the world right now, I think we all need a hug," Reverend Morris said. "Okay, well I'll try my best. If I fail, I'll have to give Father Aiden from St. Gregory's a call. Let's start by saying the Lord's Prayer."The flames on the candles, which had been steady, flared and writhed, drawn upward by a draft that the two of them couldn't feel. Salamanders of yellow light wriggled across the previously dark side of Reverend Ewing's face. When she looked at the candles, her eyes were as yellow as moons low on the horizon."He's coming."Quickly the candle flames subsided. The church chandeliers dimmed and brightened, dimmed and brightened, like the flickering lights in the classic old movie Gaslight. Reverend Morris felt a growing sense of fear. The temperature in the church had plummeted.He tried talking to the spirit directly. "The Lord be with you. Lift up your heart, John. I welcome to you to this place of worship. My name is Reverend Simon Morris and I, "From behind him came not a hand and not, as he might have expected, a blast of heat, but a hissing cold that first prickled the nape of his neck and then seemed to drill into the summit of his spine, through the base of his skull.Throughout all this, Reverend Ewing remained calm. "Simon," she whispered. "He's behind you."He didn't want to turn round, afraid of coming face to face with some eldritch abomination, but he summoned his courage. There, stood right behind him, as plain as day, was John Wesley himself. At first glance, he resembled any other living person, save for a faint aura of silver light surrounding him."Um, greetings to you, Mr. Wesley." The vicar stammered. He wondered why he was so afraid. Of all the dead persons one could meet, John Wesley was surely one of the nicest, most inoffensive ones.John's face relaxed into a smile. He put his hands together and bowed. "I thank you most sincerely. Soon, I shall experience salvation, for you are known to this person whom I seek. I hope you can bring her to me soon. I bid you a good day, "He bowed and vanished. Suddenly, in the space of thirty seconds, it was light and bright in the church. The lights stopped flickering and the gloom lifted. Outside, the clouds had rolled back from the sun. The building was suddenly and unexplainably warm too, as if the temperature had risen by about five degrees.Reverend Morris dared to exhale. "Oh! Well, that, wasn't too nerve-racking! He's a very polite ghost isn't he?""Simon, did you hear what he said? He said her. A female relative or friend of yours is the person he's seeking!""Wonder who it could be? Not my mum, surely. Could be Aunt Susan? I'm not seeing the connection here.""What about your wife?" Reverend Ewing suggested.He blinked. "Jenna? Oh of course! it must be her! Her grandma is a Methodist! That must be why John wants to see her!"To be continued.By Blacksheep, for Literotica.

We're diving into one of the most powerful tools for reclaiming your freedom and sovereignty: trusts. Landis White is a true renaissance man who blends his passion for art with a deep understanding of freedom, rights, and financial independence. We'll get into everything from the basics of how trusts work to their ability to empower you as the creator of your own life. Landis doesn't just teach the mechanics—he's about the mindset shift that comes with stepping into responsibility and taking control of your future. If you're ready to explore how trusts can protect your interests, redefine your relationship with traditional systems, and open up new levels of possibility in your life, you don't want to miss this one. DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and not intended for diagnosing or treating illnesses. The hosts disclaim responsibility for any adverse effects from using the information presented. Consult your healthcare provider before using referenced products. This podcast may include paid endorsements.THIS SHOW IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:SOLTEC | Visit lukestorey.com/soltec and use code LUKE2024 to get the best available discount on your Soltec Health System.SUNLIGHTEN | Save up to $600 when you go to lukestorey.com/sunlighten and use code LUKESTOREY in the pricing form.PIQUE | For a limited time, get 15% off Nandaka + a free rechargeable frother and cup at piquelife.com/luke.BON CHARGE |Use the code LIFESTYLIST for 15% off at boncharge.com/lifestylistMORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:08) Reclaiming Rights, Financial Freedom, & True Sovereignty(01:02:43) Mastering Trusts: Taking Responsibility & Creating Your Future(01:26:37) Understanding Trusts: Roles, Titles, & Ownership Dynamics(01:46:50) Redefining Family, Education, & Freedom Through Trusts(02:16:47) The Game of Life: Merging Art, Trusts, & a Vision for ChangeResources:• Website: intrustwegod.com• Instagram: @landis.white• To join Landis' next Game of Life course, visit lu.ma/landis and use code LUKE for $100 offThe Life Stylist is produced by Crate Media.

Today - a turf war among local buskers—yes, you heard that right—a turf war between street performers in Old Bisbee.Support the show: https://www.myheraldreview.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we explore how Danish startup Agrain is revolutionizing food sustainability by upcycling spent grains from breweries into nutritious food ingredients. Aviaja Riemann-Andersen shares how these grains, far from being "waste," actually develop enhanced nutritional profiles and unique flavors through the brewing process. The conversation spans from the technical aspects of grain processing to broader themes of circular economy and sustainable food systems.About Aviaja Riemann-AndersenAviaja is one of the pioneers of the Scandinavian food tech scene. In 2018 she co-founded Agrain by Circular Food Technology. Agrain's mission is to change the food system to become circular, by developing delicious and nutritious ingredients made from upcycled spent grains. Agrain is working with unique and patented processes.Circular economy and respect for our planet are the guiding principles for Aviaja, and through her work with Agrain and in several committees, she is promoting a more sustainable future. Aviaja is a Board member in the Danish Plantbased Food Association and a board member in The Danish Food and Drink Federation. From 2021-2022 she was a member of the Government's Green Advisory Board. Agrain has since June 2022 been a proud member of the EIT Rising Food Star Programme.Privately, she lives in Copenhagen with her two daughters, she is a hot yoga heavy user. She has a MSc in economic and Japanese from Copenhagen Business School and worked 15 years in cosmetics before she joined the food industry.Connect with Agrain:Website: www.agrainproducts.comInstagram: @agrainproductsLinkedIn: Agrain by Circular Food TechnologyFit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyDiscounts Get 10% off delicious local farm-fresh food delivered to your door with my link for FarmMatch: https://farmmatch.com/jane Get 15% off high-quality Italian olive oil with code FARMTOFUTURE: https://shop.vignolifood.com/FARMTOFUTURE Get 40% the CircleDNA's Premium DNA test with code JANEZHANG: https://circledna.com/premium Connect with Jane Z. Instagram: @farm.to.future Email: jane@farmtofuture.co

The allegations surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs have erupted into a legal and cultural maelstrom, exposing a sprawling web of accusations that challenge the integrity of the entertainment industry. Once hailed as a titan in the world of hip-hop, Combs now faces claims that his actions may have harmed hundreds, with lawyer Tony Buzbee suggesting the number of potential civil cases against the mogul could exceed 300. This revelation underscores a decades-long pattern of alleged abuse, coercion, and systemic exploitation, bringing into sharp focus the broader questions of accountability and power dynamics within celebrity culture. “Since we opened the door for victims to come forward in October, our office has received around 3,000 calls,” Buzbee stated during a recent press briefing. “The final number of cases might fall between 100 and 150, but the stories we're hearing paint a harrowing picture of exploitation and terror.” To date, 20 lawsuits have been officially filed, alleging incidents that span multiple states, including New York, California, and Florida. According to these filings, many victims claim they were given drinks spiked with drugs before being subjected to acts of abuse at exclusive gatherings orchestrated by Combs and his associates. These allegations have begun to erode the carefully curated image of one of music's most celebrated figures. In response, Combs' legal team has vehemently denied the accusations, dismissing them as unfounded and motivated by financial gain. “These are shameless publicity stunts,” a spokesperson for the musician declared. “They're designed to exploit fear and extract payments from celebrities who are terrified of unfounded rumors.” Currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the 55-year-old music producer awaits his trial, scheduled for May 2025, while pleading not guilty to charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and facilitating prostitution. The legal filings go beyond Combs' personal denials to paint a disturbing narrative of systemic abuse. Central to the allegations are events described as “Freak Offs,” elaborate parties allegedly orchestrated by Combs that victims claim devolved into grotesque spectacles of exploitation. The lawsuits allege that many of the participants were coerced into compliance through blackmail, threats, and physical violence. Some of the most troubling claims involve minors, who reportedly suffered in silence for years, silenced by a combination of societal stigma and fear of reprisal. Buzbee has characterized these accounts as indicative of a culture of impunity, one that shielded powerful figures from accountability. The legal saga has grown even more complex with the involvement of other high-profile individuals. Among them is Jay-Z, who has been implicated in a parallel lawsuit accusing both him and Combs of sexually assaulting a minor during an after-party in 2000. Jay-Z has categorically denied the allegations, accusing Buzbee of extortion. “I have no idea how you've come to be such a deplorable human, Mr. Buzbee, but I promise you I've seen your kind many times over,” the rapper said in a public statement. These counter-allegations have further fueled public scrutiny, as two of the most iconic figures in music find themselves at the epicenter of an unprecedented legal and moral reckoning. Tony Buzbee's reputation as a polarizing yet formidable legal figure has only added to the media frenzy. A former Marine turned high-powered attorney, Buzbee's career has been marked by headline-grabbing cases, including those involving Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. His unapologetically aggressive and media-savvy approach has earned him both admirers and detractors. Critics label him as opportunistic, while supporters laud his commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized victims. “We're a society where we typically don't believe the accuser,” Buzbee remarked during a recent press conference. “We blame the victim and, by extension, their advocates. That must change.” While Buzbee builds his case, Diddy's life behind bars presents a stark contrast to the opulence that once defined his world. Reports from the detention center depict the fallen mogul engaging in recreational activities with fellow inmates while grappling with the implosion of his public and professional life. Despite Combs' assertions of innocence, the evidence outlined in the lawsuits paints a damning portrait of a man who allegedly leveraged his fame and influence to perpetuate a culture of exploitation. The lawsuits describe a calculated network of enablers who facilitated and concealed these alleged abuses. Claims of blackmail, physical assaults, and even arson further underscore the extent to which power and fear were weaponized to silence dissent. For many victims, the pursuit of justice has been a long and grueling process, but the growing momentum behind these cases offers a glimmer of hope for systemic change. The broader cultural ramifications of these allegations are impossible to ignore. The accusations against Diddy are emblematic of a deeper societal issue—one that has historically allowed powerful figures to act with impunity. If the projections surrounding these cases hold true, the resulting trials could rival some of the largest scandals in recent history, forcing a reckoning across industries. Beyond the question of Diddy's guilt or innocence lies a more profound inquiry: who enabled such behavior, and what systemic failings allowed it to persist for so long? Public interest in the case remains fervent, with each new court appearance and revelation dominating headlines. The entertainment industry's silence has been deafening, as insiders grapple with the potential fallout. Privately, many within the industry acknowledge the “ripple effect” of these allegations, which have prompted some to reevaluate their own complicity in perpetuating a culture of silence. Meanwhile, victims' advocates argue that these lawsuits represent a crucial step toward accountability, not just for Combs but for an entire system that has historically failed to protect the vulnerable. As the trial date approaches, anticipation continues to build. The courtroom proceedings are expected to be both explosive and deeply consequential, with high-profile testimonies and potentially damning evidence likely to take center stage. For the victims, the trial represents an opportunity for validation and closure. For Diddy, it is a fight for his freedom and legacy. And for society at large, it is a moment to confront uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and justice. The echoes of this case will undoubtedly reverberate far beyond the courtroom, shaping the future of accountability in the music industry and beyond. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com 

The allegations surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs have erupted into a legal and cultural maelstrom, exposing a sprawling web of accusations that challenge the integrity of the entertainment industry. Once hailed as a titan in the world of hip-hop, Combs now faces claims that his actions may have harmed hundreds, with lawyer Tony Buzbee suggesting the number of potential civil cases against the mogul could exceed 300. This revelation underscores a decades-long pattern of alleged abuse, coercion, and systemic exploitation, bringing into sharp focus the broader questions of accountability and power dynamics within celebrity culture. “Since we opened the door for victims to come forward in October, our office has received around 3,000 calls,” Buzbee stated during a recent press briefing. “The final number of cases might fall between 100 and 150, but the stories we're hearing paint a harrowing picture of exploitation and terror.” To date, 20 lawsuits have been officially filed, alleging incidents that span multiple states, including New York, California, and Florida. According to these filings, many victims claim they were given drinks spiked with drugs before being subjected to acts of abuse at exclusive gatherings orchestrated by Combs and his associates. These allegations have begun to erode the carefully curated image of one of music's most celebrated figures. In response, Combs' legal team has vehemently denied the accusations, dismissing them as unfounded and motivated by financial gain. “These are shameless publicity stunts,” a spokesperson for the musician declared. “They're designed to exploit fear and extract payments from celebrities who are terrified of unfounded rumors.” Currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the 55-year-old music producer awaits his trial, scheduled for May 2025, while pleading not guilty to charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and facilitating prostitution. The legal filings go beyond Combs' personal denials to paint a disturbing narrative of systemic abuse. Central to the allegations are events described as “Freak Offs,” elaborate parties allegedly orchestrated by Combs that victims claim devolved into grotesque spectacles of exploitation. The lawsuits allege that many of the participants were coerced into compliance through blackmail, threats, and physical violence. Some of the most troubling claims involve minors, who reportedly suffered in silence for years, silenced by a combination of societal stigma and fear of reprisal. Buzbee has characterized these accounts as indicative of a culture of impunity, one that shielded powerful figures from accountability. The legal saga has grown even more complex with the involvement of other high-profile individuals. Among them is Jay-Z, who has been implicated in a parallel lawsuit accusing both him and Combs of sexually assaulting a minor during an after-party in 2000. Jay-Z has categorically denied the allegations, accusing Buzbee of extortion. “I have no idea how you've come to be such a deplorable human, Mr. Buzbee, but I promise you I've seen your kind many times over,” the rapper said in a public statement. These counter-allegations have further fueled public scrutiny, as two of the most iconic figures in music find themselves at the epicenter of an unprecedented legal and moral reckoning. Tony Buzbee's reputation as a polarizing yet formidable legal figure has only added to the media frenzy. A former Marine turned high-powered attorney, Buzbee's career has been marked by headline-grabbing cases, including those involving Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. His unapologetically aggressive and media-savvy approach has earned him both admirers and detractors. Critics label him as opportunistic, while supporters laud his commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized victims. “We're a society where we typically don't believe the accuser,” Buzbee remarked during a recent press conference. “We blame the victim and, by extension, their advocates. That must change.” While Buzbee builds his case, Diddy's life behind bars presents a stark contrast to the opulence that once defined his world. Reports from the detention center depict the fallen mogul engaging in recreational activities with fellow inmates while grappling with the implosion of his public and professional life. Despite Combs' assertions of innocence, the evidence outlined in the lawsuits paints a damning portrait of a man who allegedly leveraged his fame and influence to perpetuate a culture of exploitation. The lawsuits describe a calculated network of enablers who facilitated and concealed these alleged abuses. Claims of blackmail, physical assaults, and even arson further underscore the extent to which power and fear were weaponized to silence dissent. For many victims, the pursuit of justice has been a long and grueling process, but the growing momentum behind these cases offers a glimmer of hope for systemic change. The broader cultural ramifications of these allegations are impossible to ignore. The accusations against Diddy are emblematic of a deeper societal issue—one that has historically allowed powerful figures to act with impunity. If the projections surrounding these cases hold true, the resulting trials could rival some of the largest scandals in recent history, forcing a reckoning across industries. Beyond the question of Diddy's guilt or innocence lies a more profound inquiry: who enabled such behavior, and what systemic failings allowed it to persist for so long? Public interest in the case remains fervent, with each new court appearance and revelation dominating headlines. The entertainment industry's silence has been deafening, as insiders grapple with the potential fallout. Privately, many within the industry acknowledge the “ripple effect” of these allegations, which have prompted some to reevaluate their own complicity in perpetuating a culture of silence. Meanwhile, victims' advocates argue that these lawsuits represent a crucial step toward accountability, not just for Combs but for an entire system that has historically failed to protect the vulnerable. As the trial date approaches, anticipation continues to build. The courtroom proceedings are expected to be both explosive and deeply consequential, with high-profile testimonies and potentially damning evidence likely to take center stage. For the victims, the trial represents an opportunity for validation and closure. For Diddy, it is a fight for his freedom and legacy. And for society at large, it is a moment to confront uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and justice. The echoes of this case will undoubtedly reverberate far beyond the courtroom, shaping the future of accountability in the music industry and beyond. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

I'm excited to announce that you can work with me privately to make more sales in 2025 in an aligned, self-trusting way! Tune in to the episode to hear how we can work together, what Self-Trust Selling is (and isn't), and more. Are you only making sales sporadically, even though… ✔ You're posting pretty consistently, telling people about what you do and putting yourself out there a lot more than you used to be? ✔ You're smart, you genuinely want to help people and you've invested in sales and marketing programs to learn the right strategies? ✔ You get lots of great feedback from your clients and customers and you're pretty good at what you do (despite a healthy dose of imposter syndrome that tries to tell you otherwise). It's not your fault, it's your Perfectionism Handbrake. Your Perfectionism Handbrake isn't stopping you from taking action anymore. But it is stopping you from making as many sales as you could be. Your sales have plateaued and now you're ready for what's next.  Self-Trust Selling is the answer. Self-Trust Selling combines the power of mindset work and sales strategy so that you can make more sales in 2025 in an aligned, self-trusting way. When you're Self-Trust Selling you will have your own unique Self-Trust Sales Strategy that's aligned with your Hidden Sales Strengths, your values and your business model so that selling feels easy and effortless - and brings in more sales than ever before. Self-Trust Selling is how I built my $2M coaching business without having to do anything that felt icky or that I didn't want to do.  And how my clients have made more sales and broken through one revenue plateau after the next. After years of refining the Self-Trust Selling Process, the time has come to finally teach it. If you feel like the time you're spending working on your business isn't paying off, this is for you. And I'm not just going to tell you to ‘trust yourself more' or give you the specific strategy that worked for me and my business. I'm going to personally guide and support you through a simple step-by-step process that will have you releasing your Perfectionism Handbrake and creating your very own Self-Trust Sales Strategy so you can get out of your own way with selling.  You will get more sales notifications on your phone, see more money in your bank account and get thank you emails from happy customers with a work schedule that works for you. Find out more and apply today: samlaurabrown.com/coaching

Unleashed: The Political News Hour with Bruce Robertson – Trump has also announced that the entire transition will be privately funded and will not use government offices, computers, or cell phones in the transition process. This is clearly being done to increase security and create a closed loop of presidential communications to avoid a repeat of the last time he took office when...

In a blow to Donald Trump, Politico reports that GOP Senators are privately telling him that Matt Gaetz has little chance of getting confirmed as attorney general. Yet these Republicans hope Trump doesn't make them “walk the plank,” meaning they remain reluctant to publicly challenge him, even to sink the profoundly unfit Gaetz. In short, it's now clear that one of our only bulwarks against an authoritarian Trump will be the GOP Senate. We talked to writer Jill Lawrence, who has a new piece for The Bulwark arguing that Trump is assembling a “team of outlaws” to run the country. She explains what it means that Republicans are drawing a line against Gaetz—and why the pressure on them will be intense to challenge him when it really counts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a blow to Donald Trump, Politico reports that GOP Senators are privately telling him that Matt Gaetz has little chance of getting confirmed as attorney general. Yet these Republicans hope Trump doesn't make them “walk the plank,” meaning they remain reluctant to publicly challenge him, even to sink the profoundly unfit Gaetz. In short, it's now clear that one of our only bulwarks against an authoritarian Trump will be the GOP Senate. We talked to writer Jill Lawrence, who has a new piece for The Bulwark arguing that Trump is assembling a “team of outlaws” to run the country. She explains what it means that Republicans are drawing a line against Gaetz—and why the pressure on them will be intense to challenge him when it really counts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a blow to Donald Trump, Politico reports that GOP Senators are privately telling him that Matt Gaetz has little chance of getting confirmed as attorney general. Yet these Republicans hope Trump doesn't make them “walk the plank,” meaning they remain reluctant to publicly challenge him, even to sink the profoundly unfit Gaetz. In short, it's now clear that one of our only bulwarks against an authoritarian Trump will be the GOP Senate. We talked to writer Jill Lawrence, who has a new piece for The Bulwark arguing that Trump is assembling a “team of outlaws” to run the country. She explains what it means that Republicans are drawing a line against Gaetz—and why the pressure on them will be intense to challenge him when it really counts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have always been a nation of drinkers — but now there are more daily users of cannabis than alcohol. Considering alcohol's harms, maybe that's a good thing. But some people worry that the legalization of cannabis has outpaced the research. (Part one of a four-part series.) SOURCES:Jon Caulkins, professor of operations research and public policy at Carnegie Mellon University.Yasmin Hurd, director of the Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai.Michael Siegel, professor of public health and community medicine at Tufts University.Tom Standage, deputy editor of The Economist.Ryan Stoa, associate professor of law at Louisiana State University. RESOURCES:"Cannabis Tops Alcohol as Americans' Daily Drug of Choice," by Christina Caron (The New York Times, 2024)."Deaths from Excessive Alcohol Use — United States, 2016–2021," by Marissa B. Esser, Adam Sherk, Yong Liu, and Timothy S. Naimi (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2024)."Nixon Started the War on Drugs. Privately, He Said Pot Was ‘Not Particularly Dangerous,'" by Ernesto Londoño (The New York Times, 2024)."A Brief Global History of the War on Cannabis," by Ryan Stoa (The MIT Press Reader, 2020).Craft Weed: Family Farming and the Future of the Marijuana Industry, by Ryan Stoa (2018)."How the Sugar Industry Shifted Blame to Fat," by Anahad O'Connor (The New York Times, 2016)."The Perils of Ignoring History: Big Tobacco Played Dirty and Millions Died. How Similar Is Big Food?" by Kelly D. Brownell and Kenneth E. Warner (The Milbank Quarterly, 2009).A History Of The World In Six Glasses, by Tom Standage (2005)."Cancer and Coronary Artery Disease Among Seventh-Day Adventists," by E. L. Wynder, F. R. Lemon, and I. J. Bross (Cancer, 1959). EXTRAS:"Why Is the Opioid Epidemic Still Raging?" series by Freakonomics Radio (2024)."Daron Acemoglu on Economics, Politics, and Power," by People I (Mostly) Admire (2024)."Let's Be Blunt: Marijuana Is a Boon for Older Workers," by Freakonomics Radio (2021)."What's More Dangerous: Marijuana or Alcohol?" by Freakonomics Radio (2014).

It's the spookiest time of the year! For this Halloween-themed episode of The CMO Podcast, Jim welcomes Gabrielle Dallas Wesley, the Chief Marketing Officer of Mars Wrigley North America. Privately held since its founding in 1911, Mars Wrigley is a giant in the consumer goods industry. The company boasts about $50 billion in sales and includes famous brands like M&Ms, Snickers, Orbit, Pedigree, Whiskas, Ben's Original, and MasterFoods. In August 2024, Mars Wrigley announced the purchase of Kellanova–the Kellogg's spinoff–with brands such as Pringles, Pop Tarts, and Nutrigrain. Gabrielle has worked with Mars Wrigley for about seven years and stepped into the North America CMO role about fifteen months ago. Before Mars Wrigley, Gabrielle worked at Conagra for three years, and General Mills for eleven years. Before she became a food and snack marketer, she spent eight years in financial services before jumping to CPG, using her MBA from Michigan Ross. Tune in for Jim's Halloween Trick or Treat chat with a CMO who is all about a united team!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A.M. Edition for Sept. 25. With many top executives undecided on which candidate to support, the WSJ's Tarini Parti says Kamala Harris is making a quiet play for Corporate America's backing. Plus, Israel intercepts a Hezbollah missile headed for Tel Aviv. And, WSJ Heard on the Street columnist Carol Ryan explains how widely diverging OPEC and IEA forecasts about how much oil the world needs are roiling the sector. Luke Vargas hosts.  Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American billionaire Jared Isaacman has led the first-ever privately funded space-walk - and not just for fun, as the mission is testing innovative spacesuits designed to protect humans on Mars.Also in the programme: we hear from UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, after six of its staff were among 18 killed in an Israeli air strike on one of its schools in Gaza that was being used as a shelter; and after the rock star Bon Jovi talks down a suicidal woman, what is the best way to persuade someone not to take their own life?(IMAGE: Jared Isaacman on the first private space-walk / CREDIT: SpaceX/PA Wire

The SpaceX mission will break the record for most people in vacuum of space at once. Also: women in Afghanistan speak out about the Taliban law silencing them in public, and Australia's plan to get children off social media.

Over the weekend, Politico reported that Donald Trump has privately suggested to advisers that he knows he's in danger of losing without dramatic changes to his campaign. Trump also raged over reports that he called in to Fox News during Kamala Harris's convention speech to deliver an on-air response, whining that Fox had called him instead. We think Trump is rattled because the aura of his inevitable victory has been shattered. We talked to global affairs expert Asha Rangappa—author of a good new piece on her Substack about the sources of Harris's momentum—who explains why the puncturing of that aura is critical to defeating authoritarians like Trump. Listen to this episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's word of the day is ‘charged' as in Wander Franco as in the Tampa Bay Rays. Franco's career is over. Charged I the Dominican Republic with crimes against a minor. Horrible. Disgusting. See ya. (6:40) The Yankees just keep losing. Worst team in MLB right now. How did they fall so far? (11:33) The Dodgers injured list is All-Star caliber. It's unreal. Almost the entire rotation is on it. (15:20) Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy cannot be serious. I mean… what in the world was that. (30:20) Review: I Am Celine Dion. (33:31) NPPOD. (36:12) What are the Pittsburgh Pirates going to do? Publicly the owner says he'll spend. Privately he told staff he won't spend. Hmm. (46:31) A 16-year old star. Lamine Yamal. What a story for Spain.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices