Podcasts about Proximity

Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 8 Intruders! Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. October 26, 2020. Monday afternoon, Reena took lunch duties. Lunch was often individual or in small groups, but she really wanted a crack at cooking for everyone. She said it could be 'come and go' to still facilitate varied schedules around the house. Her idea was ramen. But, it wasn't just basic out of the package. Well, it was, but with a variety of add-ons. You could pick your flavor of ramen, then she'd prepared chopped carrots, nori, sesame oil, diced onion, spam, eggs (fried up for each bowl individually) and Korean red pepper powder that Jan had gotten added to the spice rack. Oh, Reena still cooked it up, but each bowl was individual, and made on request. When Jan came in for lunch, she laughed warmly. Beaming, Reena asked hopefully, "Just like mom would make?" Jan placed a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. "Not exactly dear. This is ore like what my Caucasian aunt would make when she tried to be authentic." Reena's face and shoulders seemed to suddenly melt. Jan stepped in beside the teen, wrapping her arms around her. "And the one time I made fun of my aunt for it in my mother's hearing was the last. She pulled me aside and scolded me for being insensitive, and ungrateful. Mom said that ramen was always about making something tasty, with love and what ever ingredients were available." Jan made a point of looking over the prepped ingredients arrayed on the counter. "And this is exactly what you have done." She kissed Reena on her cheek. "Thank you. Thank you for the meal, and thank you for reminding me of two lovely, caring women in my life." Reena hugged her. Then she got the specifics of what Jan wanted and got busy making it. Dave stepped out of his office and got two steps down the hallway when Lupie found him. "Dave, could I use your office and computer for a bit? It's kind of urgent. I was in the middle of some trades and my laptop died." "Again?" Dave chuckled. Lupie looked chagrined and rolled her eyes. "Good thing you have your software installed in there already. Just log me off and do what you gotta do. How long do you need me to stay out?" "Rest of the afternoon?" "Okay." Dave started to walk away but Lupie snagged him by the shirtfront and tugged him towards her. They kissed softly. They didn't hear the small footsteps approaching. "Oh gag me with a tamale." Both adults laughed too hard to maintain the kiss. "I do need to get in there," Lupie said. A quick peck and she scampered into the office. Dave knelt down and wrapped Esme in a hug. "And you, rascal, need to give it a rest. We keep a lot out of your sight because; well because it should be out of your viewing. So give us a break on the kissing once in a while, huh?" "Yessir" her tone sounded reluctant, but the grin was hard to suppress. She took four quick steps away from him before turning. "Dave?" "Yes, sweetie?" "Thanks for making mom happy." "Never have I ever; used a pay phone," Reena said with a wicked grin. Shawna and all the ladies over thirty took a drink. Dave first reached into his pocket, pulled his hand back out, and tossed a quarter at Reena. Then he took a drink. Liv busted out laughing. "One of Dad's favorite songs!" she cried as she cackled loudly and leaned a bit too far over into Mel. They'd been going for over half an hour. And she and Mel had pre-gamed. "Song?" Reena asked. "Pay phones used to cost a quarter to make a call. Early nineties, there was a country breakup song called 'Here's a Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares'," Dave filled in. Reena pouted, then stuck out her tongue. "Okay, Lupie, your turn," Jan prompted. 'Never have I ever; done the splits." Reena threw one back. Liv joined her, while Dave laughed. "That laugh suggests a story," Nessa observed. "Yeah, yeah," Liv replied. "I was; oh, about ten or so?" "Eleven," Dave corrected. "Right. Anyway, the girlie girl types were saying I was not really a girl if I couldn't do the splits. So I did." Dave cleared his throat. Liv blushed. "On top of the monkey bars." All the older ladies burst out laughing. "Well, that showed them!" Shawna rejoined. "And I believe it's Dave's turn now." "Alright, never have I ever; taken a nude or semi-nude selfie." Reena's eyes bugged out. She reached for her drink, threw back a slug, then covered her face with her hand. Mel, Liv, and Nessa followed suit. That was no shock to anyone. Jan doing so caught a few looks. "Nope, not gonna talk about it." Jan's face was as red as Melanie's hair. "Okay, moving on; " "Not yet. Someone hasn't drunk." Dave said. He looked at Becca, clearing his throat. "What?! I've never sent nude selfies. You're the first guy I ever got naked for!" "I believe you." Then Dave held up his phone and waggled it. Becca's eyes got wide. "Oh, crap, I forgot about that!" The young blonde blushed about six shades of red before reaching for her drink. "Oh, this I gotta hear." Melanie breathed. Becca hid her face in her hands, peeking between two fingers. Lupie laughed loudly. "Okay, you busted me out, so spill." Becca looked pleadingly at Dave, then shrugged her shoulders, giving him a nod. "Loops, you remember that very first day, when the vax guy came around?" Lupie nodded in reply. "And you wondered why Becca was acting all embarrassed after I told you I'd accepted you both?" "Yes?; oh!" "I told you she'd be the one to say it was okay to tell you what happened? She just did." Lupie just nodded in reply. "Uh, care to fill the rest of us in?" Mel asked. "So the CDC guy came around mid-September. He got to Lupie's house first. She sent him over here with a letter asking that I request her and Becca, giving her reasons why I should say yes. After setting things up with Arthur, I texted both of them that I would make the request. Becca replied with a selfie. With her shirt and bra pulled up. Still have it by the way." Dave winked at Becca. "Shit, we shoulda thought of that! Right after the video call!" Liv groused, nudging Mel. "Another missed first." "Becca was weeks before that call, so still first. Well, first amongst this group, not first ever." "Oh, yeah?" Dave dodged. "Old girlfriend, long time ago. So, who's turn is it next?" Thankfully, they let it slide. October 27, 2020. Dave descended the stairs to see Olivia, Becca and Reena watching a 90's movie. The two teens were making a concerted effort to take in as much of the movies and songs that Dave had grown up with, particularly the ones he had physical copies of. Reena had taken some adjusting to the idea of watching without streaming. Not that they didn't stream at all. Last night, Dave had discovered several of his partners, including Reena, hadn't yet seen Hamilton. That required immediate correction. "Wow, really? It's a great story, well executed, and it's historical. I mean, yeah, they take some liberties, but Miranda was pretty true to the essence of the characters." "But history?" Reena whined. "It's just a bunch of old white guys." Dave looked askance at her. "You're sleeping with an old white guy." Reena's face fell, and Dave's heart with it. In a soft voice, she said, "You're not just an old white guy to me." Her head wasn't exactly hanging, but she didn't meet his eyes. Fuck, emotional landmine triggered. Splash damage accumulating. Dave got up swiftly, without rushing, to stand in front of her and take her in his arms. He kissed the crown of her head as her face nestled in his chest. "I'm sorry honey, I didn't mean to sound so disparaging." Reena slipped her arms around Dave and took him in a hug. Several others joined in, circling the pair in their arms. "Reena, honey?" Shawna prompted. "The guy who wrote it had a vision to make the story more interesting than 'just a bunch of old white guys. Give it a try. I think you'll like it." As often happened, Shawna was spot-on. This morning though, the trio were watching Dave's blu-ray of Twister. "You know, we'll have to watch this in April. Before or during the first severe thunderstorm warning." Dave said as he rounded the back corner to pass them without blocking their view. All three girls chuckled lightly and accepted the kisses Dave planted on them as he passed behind them on his way to the library. Entering, he found Vanessa lounging with a book. He took a seat in easy speaking distance without crowding her. "So, how are you settling in?" "Pretty well. It's; so peaceful here. I really expected a house with this many people in it to be more chaotic. I mean, there's a fun energy here, and a lot of life, but it's; so soothing here. Thank you, David. For accepting me, for just; being here to match with." "I'm enjoying having you here. Beyond the obvious, I mean." Nessa snickered at that. "You've slipped rather smoothly into the family and already I couldn't imagine this place, or us, without you." "That's so sweet, thank you." "Maybe once the whole state's vaccinated, we'll get some normalcy and get out to do the usual family things together." "When we get some normalcy again, you ought to marry Lupie." "I should marry all of you." "No. No, I don't feel that way. Lupie does. Olivia does. And maybe Janice. Shawna too, she has it bad for you. Becca is still young and sorting it all out. Same goes for Reena and Mel. I don't share that depth of bond. I wouldn't want to cheapen what they have with you by sharing a marriage ceremony when I don't have that connection. I damn well better be one of the bridesmaids though" A wry smile crossed Vanessa's face. "I care for you. I love you. I love this family. I am not in love with you." "If it weren't for this damn serum, you would be free to find someone to have that bond with." Vanessa's eyes watered. "Don't ever say that again." There was steel in every syllable. "I may not be in love with you, but this is one of the best relationships I've ever had. I have more joy; not mere happiness; joy in my life now than I have had in a very long time. If the serum caused this, then Thank God and bring it on. I wouldn't change what I have right now for anything. I know you care for me. I can feel it. I feel it from each of the others. What we have is special and I don't ever want to let it go." Dave stood and walked towards Vanessa. From one eye, a tear rolled down her cheek. "I haven't felt this safe and accepted since I was a little girl that didn't know what emotional pain was." She closed her eyes, surrendering, hopeful, to what he might do next. Dave bent down, bringing his face to hers. He kissed each eye gently. He kissed each tear streak. He kissed her gently on the nose, eliciting a small giggle. He kissed her lips, softly at first, growing firmer as she responded. She broke the kiss and opened her eyes in time to see his eyes opening. She could see the tears watering them. "You're going to make me fall in love with you aren't you?" "No. I'm going to give you every reason to, and let you decide." Dave reached underneath Vanessa and lifted her. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him as he carried her. Olivia noticed them coming out of the library. With a small grin she began singing in a soft voice "Who; knows what to-morrow brings; in a world; few hearts survive ;” Dave tried scowling at her, but he couldn't get the grin off his face. As they neared the base of the stairs, Vanessa ceased her slow circuit of kissing Dave's cheek, neck and lips. "I think you better let me walk from here stud." Dave chuckled and lowered her feet to the floor. They rose up the stairs, side-by-side joined at the hips, shoulders, and lips. From below, they heard Olivia mutter "God that's hot." Reena Umm-hmmed her agreement. "My nipples are freaking diamonds right now." Entering the bedroom, Dave and Vanessa began removing each other's clothes, quickly, but without frenzy. They stood naked, at the end of the bed, kissing, holding and softly groping each other. Dave pressed in close and gripped Vanessa under the curve of her ass. He lifted her and tossed her into the middle of the bed. She squealed happily as she flew. Dave slowly crawled up the bed, kissing Vanessa as he went. He started by kissing the big toe of her left foot and proceeded down the top of her foot to her ankle. Then he switched to her right foot. When he reached her ankle, he continued laying soft, gentle kisses up her shin. Then again up her left shin. He avoided the backs of her calves, her kneecap and the inside of her knee. These spots were very ticklish for Vanessa. Becca loved the loss of control when Dave tickled her. Becca and Janice loved the counter play of tickling and sexual stimulation. Vanessa would mule-kick him through a wall if he tickled her. And be out of the mood. And be pissed for a few days. So no tickle-y He kissed his way up the tops and outsides of each leg. He kissed a wandering path around her abdomen, taking time at her belly button like a caravan merchant at an oasis. Vanessa moaned. Her belly button was one of her favorite places for Dave to play with. Dave began working his way upward again, kissing in a straight line that ran up from her navel between her tits. He looked up as he rose, seeing her eyes locked on him, hungry and happy. Pure joy radiated from her face. He reached the hollow of her neck and alternated kissing with light nibbling. Vanessa moaned again and shifted beneath him. This was another of her favorite spots. He kissed up to her jaw, across her jawline, to her lips. "Umm" Vanessa hummed as Dave settled in, his body pressing firmly against hers. He rested his weight on his elbows and knees (outside of hers) and took her hands in his, out to the sides of her head, their fingers interlaced. It was more sensual than sexual. After several minutes, Dave slipped his hands loose and moved lower for the next step. He broke the kiss. Vanessa whimpered and opened her eyes. She bit back a complaint about the end of the kiss, because she knew what was coming would be better. Dave kissed her chin, then her shoulder. He stroked the outside of each tit with his fingertips. He kissed from her shoulder down to the top of her tit. He kissed around her tit, never touching the areola. Then he placed tiny, soft kisses just at the border of her areola without brushing her nipple. Vanessa whimpered. His hand played with her other tit, likewise avoiding the areola. Vanessa squeaked as he took her nipple and areola in his mouth and suckled, flicking his tongue against her nipple. "Yes; ;” she clutched the sheets and writhed beneath him. It was delicious torture. He had her worked up and ready, but kept the foreplay going rather than enter her. One finger of his hand lightly brushed across her other nipple. Back and forth. Back and forth. Light pinch. "Oh, David, please baby." Dave chuckled. He met her eyes as he descended down her body again, taking less time than when he rose. He kissed her hip, then across her pelvis and down. He kissed her mound of Venus and descended with his mouth hovering over her labia, but not touching. He let his breath brush over her entrance. Then he pulled back further and kissed her inner thigh. He heard a strangled whine from above. He nibbled. He switched thighs. More shifting and squirming. Dave latched his mouth onto Vanessa's labia and suckled like a newborn. "Yes!" Her body lifted off the bed for several seconds. He flicked his tongue against her entrance before easing it inside of her. She let out a contented moan. He slid his hands along her sides and thighs. Dave lifted his eyes to look at Vanessa. Her eyes were closed in bliss. He moved marginally forward and took her clitoris into his mouth, massaging it with his lips and tongue. "Oh God!" her eyes flew open. Hands gripped sheets and pulled hard. Her feet lifted. Dave backed off, giving her a moment. He started crawling up the bed, over top of her. Vanessa pouted and locked eyes with him. Desire and need echoed back and forth between their eyes. Dave inserted himself into her wet, relaxed passage and slid forward purposefully. Vanessa issued a sound that was both a sigh and a moan signaling her satisfaction. Once again, Dave interlaced his fingers with hers. With his hands on top of hers, and all four hands beside Nessa's ears, Dave began to rock his body overtop of her. He held himself just low enough that his chest and ribs softly grazed over her erect nipples. With slow, gentle strokes, he raised the two of them towards ecstasy. Kissing softly, they communicated without words, just sighs, moans, and hums. Time stopped and the world fell away. Just two lovers wrapped in gauzy layers of lovemaking. Nessa's body trembled with anticipation for what felt like an eternity as Dave caressed and stimulated her, hitting all her pleasure spots just so, raising her gently to one delicious climax. He buried himself to the root within her as the dam burst forth. Her erotic writhing alternatively pushed him away and strove to swallow him within her. The oscillations of her wet passage seized his organ and sent him cascading over the cliff with her. Struck by the serum induced orgasm, Nessa clutched him tightly and howled her pleasure. When Nessa's grasp loosened, Dave slipped to lie beside her, holding her close. Drifting back into the conscious world, Nessa snuggled in close, draping an arm over him. "Hmm, so that's what the girls have been calling 'the full Dave', huh? I like it." Shawna's rotating early shift was today, allowing all of us to sit down as a family and finish discussing housing preferences. Mel came in from the kitchen once Shawna arrived. "We didn't quite get there last time, but with 12 or more people, we need a bigger kitchen." Lupie said emphatically. "Preferably with a double oven and a cooktop with five burners and a grill. Four burners and no grill is still okay. And gas, not electric." "Anything else for the kitchen?" "Well, an island, preferably with power to it, but with a cutting board top, and large enough for rolling out dough." Lupie paused, looking pensive. "Did I go too far?" "Not at all, that sounds great. Especially if I actually get to use it." Dave grinned back. Lupie smirked and rolled her eyes. "Oh, and one other condition; a nice big batch of tamales after we move in." Lupie's eyes danced. "Absolutely." "I was thinking," Reena said, "how about a backyard deck?" Dave interjected "Not really necessary. It would be good to have, but I can build a reliable deck. Especially with Livy involved. You can help too if you want." "If you can do renno, I may have work for you." Vanessa smirked. Dave laughed. "I still have a day job. Our house sure, but I'm not looking to make it a job. Oh, and what ever we get needs plenty of electrical outlets. If it's really necessary, I could run a few new breakers and circuits, but seriously, I'd rather stay away from that." Shawna looked alarmed. "Baby, I believe you when you say you've got skills, but I don't want you around one-ten, or worse, two-twenty." Dave returned with a scowling laugh, "That's why you turn it off at the box, dear." "Just be careful honey." "Yes, Peaches." That earned a laugh all around, as Shawna blew a kiss at him. Nessa looked at her. "Are you from Georgia?" "No, but my parents met there in college. Mom's from Georgia, Dad was just there for school. They raised me and my brother in St. Louis." "And you went there for your degree?" "Oh no. I knew I wanted to be a meteorologist since I was a young teen. I went to O U. With the National Weather Service center right there, I got experiences I could never have gotten elsewhere. Spent a good chunk of my upper-class and grad years chasing storms." "Sounds like a lot of fun." "Oh yeah." Nessa grinned with Shawna, then turned to Dave. "I have been asked to press the idea of the towers one more time. Not so much our immediate supervisor here, but the folks back in DC. Their argument is that it's more efficient." "Unbelievable." Dave managed to avoid grumbling. "You do realize that the same people that want to shove us into a shoebox are the same little hypocrites that scream their heads off when a CEO lays off workers to make his company more efficient. Both of them are promoting the math of what they want, ignoring what they don't, and neither actually gives a shit about the people they are using like pawns." Shawna, seated beside him, stroked his arm, a slight grin on her face. "Yeah, okay, I'll climb down off my soap box. But no, I do not want to live in an apartment tower. A neighborhood, sure. A diverse neighborhood sounds great. I'm not a fan of monochrome anyway." "Clearly," Nessa said. "Just looking around the room proves that." "I'm sorry, but the whole 'I know better than you' crowd pisses me off, whether it's the church variety, the lefty variety, or the old money variety." "Okay, okay," Nessa replied light heartedly. "I had to bring it up again. I've done so, and you've been quite clear. I'll get on the search tomorrow. It may take a bit, but I'm sure we can find something that meets our requirements." The conversation turned to other subjects, and the family splintered into little knots of discussions. Mel slipped back out to check on the meal she was making. Dave didn't know what it was, but it smelled really good. Well, he knew it was something with chicken. He decided to join Mel in the kitchen. "Hey, Mel, how's it goin'?" "Almost done." Mel turned her face to his and received the offered kiss. "Smells really good. Chicken soup?" "Chicken and dumplings. From scratch. I boiled the chicken earlier this afternoon. It's about time for me to mix the dumplings. After that, it'll be ready to eat in twenty minutes." Dave wrapped his arms around her, holding her close from behind as she watched the pot. "Perfect choice for a dreary day like today. And, I haven't had chicken and dumplings in a long time." "Well, I hope you like mine." "Oh, Mel," Dave said as he nuzzled his head against hers, "you know I like your dumplings." He traced the middle finger of each hand up her sides, pulling away before reaching her tits. She cackled, turning to face him. With a light smack on his shoulder she said, "You're an old lech," she stepped in for a kiss. "But you're my old lech." She waggled her eyebrows. Dave chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. Then the doorbell rang. "Go, I need to get on the dumplings anyway." Mel swatted him on the ass as he walked away. Jan was already at the door when Dave arrived. The soldier was just handing over the clipboard. Beside her stood a young black woman with her hair in several tight braids. She stood about 5'6", with eyes that appeared to prefer laughing, but bore the potential to penetrate obfuscation, a cute button nose and a bright red lipstick on her perfectly sized mouth. Large golden hoop earrings in her ears and tight black jeans on her legs were the only attire visible other than her thick coat. Given the near-freezing temperatures and drizzle that had gone on all day long, Dave could hardly blame her. The black handle and ribbing stood out starkly from the vivid, deep pink of her umbrella canopy. It looked thoroughly functional, and infinitely girlie; maybe a bit more Wednesday Addams than cheerleader, but that didn't bother Dave in the slightest. Jan handed the clipboard back to the soldier, who departed immediately. "Hello, my name is Janice, though I prefer Jan." She held out her hand, which was taken without trepidation. "And this is Dave." He likewise reached out and shook the lady's hand. "Come on inside. We were just about to sit down for dinner." "About twenty minutes," Dave supplied. "Mel; Melanie; is making chicken and dumplings." "Oh, that sounds really good. Especially with this weather." She pulled her roller case through the foyer and parked it just inside the living room. The ladies approached her, no more than three at once, and the early few drew her towards the center of the room as they greeted her and introduced themselves. Mel, having not taken a seat yet, exited to the kitchen again, reappearing barely a minute later. "It'll be about ten more minutes," she replied to the expectant faces that turned her way. Becca and Olivia immediately stood, heading to the kitchen. Apparently, it was their turn to set the table. The light conversations and sharing continued through the meal, interrupted only by nearly everyone asking for a second bowl (Dave had four, but made sure everyone else was done eating before the last two.) Of course, each family member took multiple opportunities to praise Mel for the quality of the meal, and the excellent choice for the dreary conditions. Dave listened in on the conversations around him, paying special attention to the ones involving the new arrival, Niki. Between his own conversations with her, he learned her full name was Nicole Lassiter, and she worked as the network administrator and network security administrator for a bank headquartered in Dallas. With all the losses, she was now over all computer issues that were not customer facing. Her little brother was still in college, hunkering down in the UGA dorms. Niki, her mom, and her dad each called him at least once a week both for their own peace of mind and to keep his spirits up. Niki's parents were recently vaccinated. Her mother had styled her hair before 'her baby girl' left for the Vax Center. The tight braids she wore were called a Senegalese twist. Since her mother was a hairdresser (not that she was seeing customers at the moment) she had extensions on hand to do her daughter up right. Niki's dad had just retired from road construction work, looking to open up a barbecue restaurant; right before the lockdowns hit. Dave also noticed a slight unsteadiness on occasion when Niki walked. It made him concerned for her well-being, but he wasn't sure how to bring it up without being rude. As the evening wore on, he noticed Niki making furtive glances his way. The next time she did, he made eye contact, lifting one eyebrow. She bit her lip and nodded. Dave rose from his seat and strode to her side. A few eyes followed them as he took her hand and led her upstairs. Dave guided her to the master bedroom. Niki quickly took a seat on the bed. "You know, I didn't ask you earlier: do you want to do this here, or in a separate room? Here, you're going to wind up with several other women in the bed as well. We still have a room you could wake up in with some privacy. Shawna and I use it sometimes to spend time together when she gets home from work, and she stores clothes in there so she can dress and not disturb anyone when she has an early morning shift, but nobody uses the bed in there." "No, here's fine, thank you." Looked pensive for a moment. And a little pained. "Are you okay? If you don't want to do this; " "No, no I'm fine, really. Well, I'm not fine, but you aren't the problem, not by a long shot. I pushed myself too hard this evening. I should have spent less time standing." Dave waited while she ordered her thoughts. "I haven't been completely honest with you, Dave. I only recently got to a point where I can walk without a cane. Over a year ago, I was t-boned by a drunk driver. Shattered my legs. It'd be a good bet that half the metal in this room, is in my bones right now." She let out an annoyed snort. "I used to run track. Even got a partial scholarship that helped me get my degree. I spent months in a wheelchair, and then a walker. After that, I moved up to those forearm crutches. During lockdown, I couldn't go to the doctor, so when I felt annoyed enough with the crutches I shifted to a simple cane. And now I've been walking without any aid for over a month, but it hurts like hell; and it's tiring." "You are one tough cookie." Dave said from the spot he'd taken beside her as she spoke. "I don't feel so tough. I feel beat up and worn out." Dave hugged her. "You want me to tuck you in and let you rest? We could do the imprinting tomorrow." "No, no I want to do this with you Dave. I just may need you to go easy. And probably help me undress." "Just to be clear, you're asking me to strip your clothes off, handle your body gently, and blow a load inside you?" Dave said with a hint of sarcasm. Niki giggled. "You seem man enough to handle the job." Dave answered her with a kiss, full on the lips, pressing firmly but with moderation. His hands drifted behind her shoulder blades. Niki responded, humming into the kiss and parting her lips. When Dave's tongue probed undemandingly, hers welcomed the visitor. Dave's hands roamed slowly, taking the first steps in learning the body of his newest lover. He enjoyed the feel of her in his hands. There was a looseness, as would be expected for an athlete that had been benched. Beneath that slight layer, there was a firm core. She was; exciting. And excited. Whatever she wanted in a man, she seemed to think Dave had it. Well, that and the serum had her amped up. Dave was finally getting past feeling guilty about that. Mostly. Dave started consciously directing his hands, seeking the buttons or clasps or zipper to loosen the neck of the tight black top she was wearing. Solid black panels with a black lace overlay stitched in at regular intervals. Finding the short zipper took no time at all. He next dropped his hands, seeking the hem of her shirt under her jeans waist. There was no hem. As his hands quested, he found bare hip, with cloth from the top still diving down her front and back. Just like a swimsuit. Then it struck him. He came up for air and play scowled at her. "You could have just said it was a bodysuit." She snickered. "Aw, where's the fun in that?" Dave kissed her. Then he gently shoved her backwards onto the bed. Her torso lay flat on the bed, her legs dangling off. Dave stood and faced her. Reaching down, he unbuttoned her jeans and lowered her zipper. Niki's eyes twinkled as Dave took hold of the cuff of her jeans and pulled them off. He missed the worried look in her eyes as the scars on her legs were exposed. That's because his eyes were locked on her trim brown legs. They stayed fixated on those lovely legs as he kneeled between them and began kissing her legs, first one then the other. All over her thighs, then, gently lifting, careful not to lift too high, he kissed her calves and shins. He lavished every inch of her legs with his lips and tongue. Niki moaned. Then she sniffled. Alerted, Dave brought his head up, locking his eyes on hers. Tears watered the bottom of her almond shaped sockets. "You make me feel beautiful again." "You always were." He kept his eyes on her as he kissed the inside of her knee. The kiss extended into suckling. He gave the spot a little nip, then moved his position by a few inches and giving the same attention, adding in a few strokes of his tongue tip. Niki's chest heaved. Dave could hear sobs amongst the moans as he switched to her other knee. He would have been alarmed except for the clearly cathartic tone. "Umm, David, please, I need you up here." With a grin, Dave worked his way, unhurried but not dawdling, up her leg, kissing and huffing hot breath on her exposed skin as he went. Reaching her fragrant core, Dave brought his fingers softly to the three little snaps holding the gusset of her bodysuit together. A gentle flick separated the two soaked flaps of cloth and revealed that Niki wore nothing underneath. The engorged, richly black outer labia of her nethers drenched in her arousal. Her inner labia petaled outward, yielding a peek at the pink interior. Dave blew one long, slow hot breath over her bare, quivering sex before latching his mouth on her. He suckled her lower lips as her back arched. Niki keened her pleasure while her arms beat a tattoo on the bed. "David, now, please, now." Dave shucked his shoes and quickly slipped his cargo shorts and boxers to the floor. In a flash, Dave was over top of her, dragging her up the bed like a leopard securing his prey in a tree. Niki's breath caught as he took charge of her body. The fire in her eyes was unmistakable. He kissed her deeply, then pulled away. With his eyes locked on hers, he moved himself to her entrance and pressed his cockhead just barely inside. The fluids leaked all over his throbbing cock touched her most sensitive places and set off a riot only attributable to the serum. Dave anchored her motions with his knees, pressed against her rear, but not enough to force her legs too far apart. "Fuck that was good." She paused for a deep breath. "Hmm, I'm all yours now Dave. Send me off to neverland, lover." Dave worked within her, slowly and gently at first, picking up pace slightly and a little more force when she signaled it was needed and acceptable. Her hums and moans continuously reminding him his actions were still mutually desired. His peak arrived and he shot hot ropes of cum with his cock buried deep in her, his cockhead brushing her cervix. Immediately, she shuddered, racked with the serum induced pleasure that forever locked her life with his. Dave held her in her throes until she went limp muttering "Imprinting; imprinting; imprinting ;” He rose, going to the bathroom to clean himself before returning with a wet washcloth and a hand towel to clean Niki. Once she was cleaned and dry, he snapped her body suit closed again and arranged her comfortably on the bed, beneath the covers. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before heading downstairs to spend social time with the rest of his family. As he descended the staircase into the mild buzz of the other eight women happily sharing his life, his home, and his bed, Dave marveled at how amazing his life was. Chapter 10; Storm Winds. October 28, 2020 4:18am David's hand was halfway to the palmprint secured gun safe on the back side of his headboard before he realized he was even awake. With the vertical placement, and the; activity frequently occurring in the bed, he'd installed two Velcro loops to hold the pistol and magazine inside. He released the pistol and placed it on his chest before reaching back for the clip. Fortunately, only two hands and a part of one leg were draped over him at the moment. The four younger girls were in their rooms, leaving Lupie, Jan, Shawna, Vanessa, and his newest partner Nicole to share his bed. Nicole was one of the hands, and the partial leg. By consensus, the ladies decided she should get to curl up next to Dave for her imprinting sleep. Gingerly, Dave slipped free of his partners' limbs and slid down the bed onto the floor. Only then did he insert the magazine and work the slide. Flipping the safety on, he padded softly but quickly to the closet to grab a pair of shorts. He decided not to wear slippers this time. He might need the extra footing. Keeping close to the wall, he approached the bedroom door. With the door still shut, he took the safety off, but kept his finger out of the trigger well for the moment. Slowly, Dave eased the door open. Slipping through, he noticed a shape in the hallway, against the wall, at the top of the stairs. Too dark to identify an individual, the figure made the 'Join Me' signal his friend Carter had taught him long ago. He did not raise his weapon. Sliding along the wall silently, just the way he'd practiced at least once every year, Dave approached. Proximity gave the reassurance the lighting denied at a distance. Liv crouched in the hallway, pistol in hand, wearing only a light nightgown that reached most of the way to her knees. With a quick series of hand signals, Dave told Liv to follow at a distance as he prepared to descend the stairs as quietly as possible. Liv signaled back that she should lead, but apparently had no signal for why. Dave negated the suggestion, and started down the stairs. He reached the lower landing with no incident. His nerves had been raw as he got halfway down and the solid wall gave way to railing. Now he crouched on one knee, Liv a few steps up from the landing, but with good vision on the living room area, both of them listening. The nighttime chirping of mockingbirds was absent. No flutter of wings or rustle of raccoons, possums, or skunks. Out here on the wild edge of the metroplex, there was always something moving at night. Dave signaled for Liv to post up on the landing and then moved along the wall of the stairs, in front of the media center to the corner of the living room where the downstairs hallway started. He was now directly below the spot Liv had occupied when he first emerged from the bedroom. And just two steps from his secured gun closet recessed under the stairs and hidden behind a normal looking panel. Dave had only one twelve round magazine. Liv had purchased a larger safe and had a spare ten round magazine in addition to the one in her weapon. It was a bit awkward carrying it since she had no pockets, but Carter had taught a variety of firing stances, one of which allowed carrying something in the non-dominant hand. By the absence of natural sounds, somebody was outside. He did not know how many, or how they were armed, but he was sure they weren't here in the oh-my-god-it's-early hours for a friendly visit. He slid the cover for the pin pad open so he could punch in the unlock code. Dave heard a crashing thump at the door followed by cursing. The security door worked just fine. He didn't get a chance to smile though. The glass door at the back of the living room shattered from several rounds. Dave squared his body with the opening just as two men stepped through. The first man fell as Dave brought his weapon up. The second went down just as his head turned to his right to see Liv's position flanking their breach. Dave heard a tinkling sound from the entry. Someone was breaking the window in the front parlor. Now he was worried. The thick pillar at the free corner of the landing would give Liv scant protection against a firearm. Dave stayed low, stepping away from his corner. It gave him protection against someone firing from the sliding door breach, but he had no angle to fire into the entryway. With the furniture screening him from the glass door breach, he approached the arch between the entry and living room. Loud whispers drifted in from his right. The remaining attackers on the deck seemed to be hesitant about testing themselves against the defenses. He was straining to pick out words when a head began to resolve itself in the entry. Dave fired two rounds. The body fell. He held his position, weapon ready. Out back he heard an angry growl, "Hey, one of those women is my sister!" The reply was too low to understand the words, but the snideness came through clearly. As did the answering gunshot. What the hell is going on? They're shooting each other now? Hey, they don't need to be on my property for that! The fallen body in front of Dave slid backwards. Hands appeared from the foyer and the broken glass door, but they were empty. The hands gripped a pair of ankles of one downed man each and yanked them back to where the hands came from. This repeated for the second body near the glass door. Wet sickening sounds ensued, backed up by an occasional retching noise. Murmurs were heard. Someone said something about a marker and a bag. "David?!" Shawna's voice called from up the stairs. That wasn't the only sound from upstairs. Roscoe was barking his head off. Furtive whispers indicated some of his family were at the top of the stairs with Shawna. "Keep everyone up there. Open up the armory in the main closet and distribute weapons to the adults. Everything Lt. Malcolm Reed gave us is in there. Arm up and take defensive positions upstairs." That was a bluff. Hopefully enough of one to drive the attackers away. Dave was sure Shawna would recognize the name of the armory officer from Enterprise and catch on. The sounds from the foyer and back deck took on a hurried pace before Dave heard footsteps rushing away. Dave and Olivia exchanged glances, and then immediately darted their eyes back to the penetration points. This happened a few more times over the next several minutes. "Looks like we're clear." "Yeah, just stay on your toes." "I know. I grew up under the same guy that trained you, remember?" "Vividly." Cautious footsteps descended the stairs. "David, Olivia, it's Shawna. I'm coming down." Slowly, Shawna came into view, feet first on the exposed portion of the staircase. Her pink satin nightgown falling just past her knees gave her some coverage, but made Dave aware of the cold, damp air pouring in from both breaches. "Are you two okay? Is it safe?" "For now. We've got two big holes in the house, so maybe keep everybody up there where it's warm unless they're needed down here." Dave paused for a second. "Ask Nessa and Mel to look out the upstairs windows. See if they can spot these guys leaving, or lying in wait." Shawna disappeared upstairs, then came back down after a brief verbal exchange. Shawna came down to the lower landing and spoke briefly with Livy, giving her a hug. Then she came to Dave. She hugged him fiercely. Her voice shook as she said thickly, "For a little bit there, I thought I was going to lose you." "We held." Dave managed to keep most of the nervous tension and post-adrenaline shake out of his voice. By the look in her eye, Shawna wasn't fooled a bit. Dave led her to the beginning of the hallway, the cubby under the stairs. He whispered the passcode in her ear so she could unlock it. That had been the galling thing during the attack. His full stash of weapons had been right beside his shoulder, but he couldn't spare the attention to unlock it. Clearly, he needed to rethink his arrangements. Shawna handed out a thigh holster for him, which he only saw peripherally as he kept watch. The weight told him immediately she'd placed two pre-filled magazines in there for him. He pulled one out for a quick check. No use him having Livy's mags. "I go to the pistol range about every other month. Nothing fancy, but I'm a decent shot and I know the difference between ten mil and nine mil. What? It's a very satisfying skill to have, and a great way to blow off some stress." Dave chuckled and turned his head, with a quick lean to her and gave her a peck on the cheek. Then he stepped back out to his post. He felt Shawna walking out, so he moved to the other side of the hallway so she could make her way to Livy with the other thigh holster without crossing Dave's line of sight. She paused at his shoulder. "Dave, do you want the other weapons in there?" Dave thought for a minute. He knew which ones Shawna had to mean. He sighed, "Yeah. A tac vest and one of the MP5's. Tac vests should already have six loaded magazines in the pockets. Get two and give the other vest and weapon to Liv. Then find out if anyone upstairs has any weapons training. You said you shoot, how good are you?" Shawna handed out a vest first, which Dave quickly donned. "With silhouette targets, I can put four out of five rounds through the heart. Now, I haven't gotten to shoot since the lockdowns, but I was pretty regular before." She handed him one of the MP5's which Dave quickly slung over his head and shoulder, inserted a magazine he'd pulled from the vest and chambered a round, then safed the weapon. "Are those; ?" "Semiauto. Carter went to a lot of work to make sure we had everything we could legally have, but never anything illegal. They do have the integral noise suppressor. It was expensive as hell and took forever plus a mountain of paperwork, but it's all legal. At least in Texas." "God Bless Texas," she said with a gleam in her eye. Shawna gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before sauntering over to Livy, a thigh holster clutched in one hand, a tac vest in the other, and an MP5 slung over her neck. A second thigh holster, with a nine millimeter and magazines was strapped to her sleek, powerful thigh. Shawna handed off the gear to Olivia, then swiftly moved back to the concealed weapons closet. She was in there for quite a while before emerging. "There was only one more pre-loaded nine mil mag, so I had to load a few or just walk around with one. The second choice didn't sound viable." "Agreed." Dave grasped Shawna's bicep and pulled her in for a quick kiss on the cheek. She beamed at him after returning the kiss, then headed upstairs. Dave heard Liv saying something to Shawna as she passed by. An eternity and a short time later, two sets of footsteps descended the staircase. Melanie followed behind Shawna. "Carter and Liv both took me to the range several times. I even went to a tactical course once my aim was; acceptable. But only with pistol. I've never shot anything else." "Good enough. There's another thigh holster and pistol inside. What did Carter train you on? "Nine millimeter. He said it was so common it made a good starting point. Once with Liv, we rented shotguns at an outdoor range and I was decent with it." "Pistol will do fine. Shawna, help her get some magazines loaded. Has anyone called for police?" Mel swallowed nervously. "I didn't see anyone waiting in the back yard, but the deck;” "Yes?" "It's; disturbing. Dave, be careful." Dave nodded, as did Liv. Shawna spoke up as she followed Mel in. It was tight with two adults in there, but doable. At three it would have been cramped. "Lupie called. They didn't know how long before someone responds. They're stretched thin and the night shift is the least staffed." Wordlessly, she handed over a t-shirt she'd grabbed while she was upstairs. Dave slipped the tac vest off, donned the shirt, then the tac vest again. While he dressed, he spoke with his partners. "Fuck. Okay, here's what's gonna happen. You two take defensive positions on the stairs. One of you take the lower landing, one further up, just below the ceiling line. Then Liv and I will go out through the deck, and check the exterior all the way around." "I'll take the landing," Mel said. "I've had training with Carter, I should be the one exposed." "You sure?" Shawna prodded. "Yeah." "Okay, take your positions then." Dave kissed each one on the cheek before they walked away. When both had taken their places, Liv came over to him. Dave had one more instruction for Shawna. "Oh, and tell Lupie to call the police again, let them know we are clearing the grounds so they don't just shoot us on sight." Shawna nodded and crept upwards. Jan came down the stairs, bearing a pair of shoes for Dave and Liv, a pair of socks stuck into one shoe for each of them. After handing over the shoes, Jan headed back upstairs. They shod themselves quietly. "So, me on point?" Liv asked as she finished. "No, I'll take point, you cover me." "Dave, if anything happens to you, we're all in big trouble." "That's why you're watching my back. Otherwise, I'd go out there solo and leave you in charge here." "Like hell you would. I ain't some; " "I know you are capable, but I'm still going to shield you from as much risk as I can." Liv rolled her eyes. "Gee, I feel safe and offended all at once." Dave stared at her stony. "Are we done here? Ready to go?" "Shit, Dad really rubbed off on you. Yeah, let's do this." Olivia fell in behind Dave as he headed straight for the glass door breach. Both held their weapons ready, jutting forward with the strap taut around their necks and backs. Dave paused at the breach. "Off safe." "Roger." Dave examined the scene visible through the broken glass and the flapping curtain. Blood trails led out the breach from the various points where the bodies of the invaders had landed. He could see the legs of a few of them still on the deck. He turned his head to catch first Shawna's then Mel's eyes, nodded, and proceeded cautiously but swiftly out the breach. He swiveled right going out, knowing Liv would go left, just as her father had taught them for years. Each stopped at the furthest extension of the deck in their direction, scanning the deck and yard in a full semicircle, their backs to the house. There was no damage to the fence, and no apparent damage to the greenhouse or anything else in the backyard. The deck however; well, it wasn't damaged. The bodies on it were. Each had the pants and underwear pulled down and a huge bloody mess where the genitals once were. Blood continued to ooze out of the wounds, though clearly it had poured out initially. Dave signaled his intent to clear the greenhouse. Liv followed him. It didn't take long to clear. They emerged quickly, rescanning the backyard as they did. With Liv trailing, Dave exited the backyard through the side gate. The side yard showed no disturbance. In the front yard, they found the same gruesome sight as the back deck. Here though, they found an empty plastic baggie with blood spatter. And a few bloody fingerprints. The bag snagged under the heel of the corpse, ensuring the light wind was insufficient to blow it away. Dave and Liv finished the sweep, checking the other side yard, which showed no signs of disturbance. "I think we're safe, for now. These guys bugged out." "Yeah, but why did they cut their buddies' junk off?" Dave shivered, and not from the crummy weather. Well, maybe a little from the weather. He was barely dressed after all. "Let's get inside." Since the front door was still locked, they traipsed back through the side yard to the gate and came in through the broken glass door. "Coming in." Dave called before entering. "No sign of anyone out there." The relief on Mel and Shawna's faces was evident. Their shoulders relaxed slightly. "Can you two keep watch here? I'm gonna talk to the others, then we'll both get dressed, and then I'll call the police again." At the top of the stairs, four of Dave's partners wrapped him in hugs muttering their relief that he was still in one piece. He could see Lupie gazing at him, beseechingly as she held Esme close, soothing her. A loud bang against a door at the end of the hall reminded Dave of other necessities. "You better go let Roscoe out so he can see that we're all intact," Dave chuckled. As Olivia opened the door, Roscoe bolted from the room, turning only when she bellowed "Roscoe, Heel." That cut through his canine brain fog of 'defense mode'. He turned to her, sniffing as if checking on her condition. Liv knelt in front of him. She placed her hands on either side of his face and began stroking his neck and back while speaking softly, in calm tones. After a few whimpers, he started aggressively licking her face and putting his paws on her shoulders. Addressing his family, Dave said, "Liv and I need to get dressed. We need to call the police again, and we need to get those holes sealed." "Holes?" Jan asked. "Yeah, they busted in the sliding door and a window in the parlor. It's not quite as cold and miserable downstairs as it is outside, but it's close enough. For now, stay upstairs unless you have something you need to do down there. You can still run down to grab a book, or make meals or snacks. For tv, use the spare room that Shawna uses when she has morning shifts." "We could just use our laptops for streaming, Dave. We'll be fine." Reena added. She looked a bit bleary. To be fair, everyone seemed caught in some whipsaw state of alert and drowsy. Not surprising, given what they'd just been through. Dave patted her on the shoulder and kissed the crown of her head in appreciation. Releasing Reena, Dave knelt in front of Esme, who was showing clear signs of worry and strain. He enveloped her in his arms and held her close. "It's okay now, baby girl. We're all okay now." He held her, stroking her hair and back soothingly. After several minutes had passed, he loosened his grip and began to stand. Esme's arms immediately came up, wrapping Dave in a vise-grip hug. She didn't say anything, she didn't cry or whimper. She just clutched him tightly. Dave eyed Lupie, but she just looked back at him imploringly. He reached a hand out to her and she grabbed on immediately. He looked around at the others and saw the need for reassurance was still there. Olivia had already slipped into her room with Roscoe to get dressed. Becca, Reena, Jan, Nessa and Lupie all rushed to surround him the moment he waved his hand to 'bring it in'. Esme was wedged between Dave and Lupie. She finally relaxed her grip on Dave, and switched over to her mother. With a silent chuckle, Dave kissed Lupie on the cheek and slipped off to the master bedroom. Jan followed after him. "I thought I'd call the police and put it on speaker so you could talk to them while getting dressed." Dave nodded, then wrapped her in a hug and gave her a closed mouth kiss that was no less affectionate for its chasteness. Reluctantly, he released her and headed into the closet to collect some clothes. Jan dialed 911 as soon as Dave emerged. Police staffing was so low, all calls went through the emergency center. Long held habits are hard to break, though. Especially when those habits are codified in a manual. That's what they call 'procedure'. "911, what's your emergency?" "We called earlier about a break in. The people trying to break in have left, except the ones we shot," Dave called out in clear, even tones for the speaker. "Is anyone injured?" The operator droned, as if she been on duty too long, too many days in a row. "No, ma'am," Dave said. "No one in my family was hit, and the ones we shot are dead." "Are you sure they're dead?" "Yes ma'am. The guy that taught me how to shoot didn't teach me to miss. Besides, before they left, the invaders; mutilated the bodies. If they hadn't died from the gunshots, they'd have died from the blood loss." Dave was watching Jan's face when he mentioned the mutilation. Not the best choice, since he nearly fell over pulling on his cargo pants. It did allow him to see the flinch that briefly flitted across her face before she reasserted control. "Did you say mutilated, sir?" The tones were even, obviously someone that had worked 911 for years. Still, there were notes of 'oh shit' blended with 'what fucking else?' "I did." "Would you please specify the nature of the mutilation?" "The genitals of the deceased were removed." A short silence reigned on the line. "Could you repeat that sir?" The operator's voice sounded slightly more alert. Dave pulled his pre-tied sneakers on as he said, "the scrotum was removed from each of the corpses." This conversation was now added to the thick stack of reasons to be very glad of the distance between the master bedroom and Esme's bedroom. Lupie and the others had taken her there when Dave walked away. Between the walk-in closet and Dave's office, there was little chance sounds from the bedroom penetrated that far. "Are you certain the perpetrators have left?" "Yes ma'am, one of my partners and I swept the area; our yard anyway; and found no one remaining. All we found were the bodies that the survivors had drug back out of the house and carved up." "So the shooting happened inside the house?" "Correct." "I'm noting all this in the file sir. I'm appending this report to the prior calls your partner made requesting assistance. Since you are no longer in immediate danger, I am diverting the patrol response. They will get to you to you after attending to higher level calls." Even as she spoke, the woman's voice grew more exhausted, like a Walmart employee on Black Friday at about 3pm. "It's been almost an hour since the initial break in. Why has it taken so long?" "Sir, I'm not at liberty to discuss that, but I do apologize. I have no control over response times. I will dispatch a detective to investigate as well. Until then, please leave the scene undisturbed." "How long will that take? Can you give me an estimate?" "Probably a few hours, sir. There are very few detectives working night shift, so they'll likely hand this over to the dayshift investigators." "Hours? These guys busted in my sliding door and broke a large window in the parlor. It's making for quite a chilly cross breeze. And that's not even counting the blood stains and blood trails in my living room and entryway." Dave's voice had begun to rise. "Sorry, I'm trying to maintain a level tone here, but that's a bit difficult given what's happened and what you're telling me." The voice on the other end reached its most hollow state. "I'm sorry sir, I can't change those realities. Please understand that it will be three hours minimum before a detective would reach you. More likely it will be three hours before a detective is assigned to your case. Patrol won't take that long, but it won't be immediate." Dave took a deep, cleansing breath. It was only marginally useful, but it helped him keep his tone level. "And what is the longest likely time before a detective gets out here?" "Possibly six to eight hours sir." "That's; " Dave caught himself. And formed a plan immediately. "Fine. We'll be ready when the detective arrives." He hung up. Dave took a deep breath, staring intently at the far wall, fully aware of Jan quietly and patiently waiting off to his right. He rubbed his face, then snatched up his t-shirt and pulled it on. "Okay, let's meet with everyone else. I have a plan, and we can deal with this." Dave said as he stood. With a concerned look to Niki's slumbering form, he strapped the thigh holster in place and fastened the tac vest as he walked. The MP5 he slung over his neck and shoulder, then pulled around to his back. To be continued in part 9, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.

The Bulletproof Dental Podcast Episode 420 HOSTS: Dr. Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak GUEST: Darren Shaw DESCRIPTION In this episode, Peter Boulden and Dr. Craig Spodak welcome Dr. Darren Shaw, a leading expert in local SEO, to discuss the latest trends and strategies for optimizing local search for dental practices. They explore the importance of Google Business Profiles, the impact of reviews, and the emerging role of AI in search. Darren shares insights from the White Spark Local Search Ranking Factor Survey, emphasizing key factors that influence local rankings, including primary categories, proximity, and behavioral signals. The conversation also covers effective review strategies and the significance of diversifying review sources to enhance visibility in AI search. Listeners will gain valuable tips on how to improve their online presence and attract more patients through local search optimization. TAKEAWAYS Local search is crucial for dentists, focusing on Google Business Profile. Primary category selection significantly impacts local search rankings. Proximity to the searcher is a key factor in local search results. Reviews and their recency are critical for ranking in local search. Behavioral signals, such as clicks and engagement, influence rankings. AI search is emerging, but traditional SEO practices remain relevant. Diversifying review sources can enhance visibility in AI search. Regular updates to Google Business Profile are essential for engagement. Utilizing listicles can improve visibility in AI search results. White Spark offers comprehensive SEO services for dental practices. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Local SEO and Ranking Factors 03:17 Understanding Local Search vs. Traditional SEO 06:05 Key Takeaways from the 2026 Local Ranking Factors 09:15 The Importance of Google Business Profile Categories 12:06 Proximity and Its Impact on Local Search 15:05 The Role of Keywords in Business Names 17:52 Utilizing Additional Categories for Better Ranking 21:14 The Significance of Reviews in Local SEO 24:01 Effective Review Strategies for Dentists 27:03 Psychological Principles Behind Review Requests 28:28 The Psychology of Reviews 30:02 Incentivizing Reviews and Staff Engagement 31:37 The Evolution of SEO and Authenticity 32:56 The Impact of AI on Reviews and Rankings 34:47 Behavioral Signals and Google Business Profiles 40:49 AI Search and Its Implications for Dentists 49:13 White Spark's SEO Services for Dentists 53:21 Bulletproof Summit Code 54:08 Outro REFERENCES Bulletproof Summit Bulletproof Mastermind  

The definition of “proximity” is nearness in space, time and relationship—Have you seen the movie CLOSER? With Natalie Portman and Jude Law? Super dark and twisty. It's my favorite movie of all time because it makes me feel a feeling. The intimacy, the raw and real side of what it really means to be in a relationship.This is what I mean when I say power of proximity— the ability to connect at a cellular level, to feel emotional expansion well beyond the glitz and glam of luxury photoshoots. I want the real activations behind the scenes. I want to know your MF soul and to sink my teeth into nitty gritty vibration of what it really means to be exactly who you are as my mentor.That's exactly what you get when you step into the upper division of Wonder World. Seeking so much more than a sequin hat and a big hat to manifest with???UMBRELLA is calling your name…

Merry Christmas!In this heartfelt Christmas Eve service message, Pastor Karl explores the profound truth that Christmas is far more than a baby in a manger—it's the culmination of God's everlasting love story that began in the Garden of Eden.Drawing parallels between Eden and Bethlehem, Pastor Karl unpacks how God's love has always been revealed through three key ways: proximity (drawing near to walk with us), provision (supplying what we cannot provide for ourselves, including forgiveness and eternal life), and parameters (loving boundaries for our protection and flourishing).Yet humanity's response—from Adam and Eve to today—has often been to doubt God's goodness, reject His nearness, and step outside His guardrails. Even so, God's relentless love pursues us, covers our shame, and satisfies His justice through the promised Seed: Jesus Christ, whose virgin birth and sacrificial death crush the enemy's power.Pastor Karl challenges us: Many love the warm vibe of Christmas but avoid its weighty claims. True celebration means embracing God's love fully—belonging to His family, becoming like Christ, giving our lives in response, and going on mission to share His love.This message invites everyone to respond to God's pursuit, whether by placing faith in Jesus for the first time or recommitting to live in joyful obedience within His loving parameters.Join us as Pastor Karl and his son Caleb dive deeper into these truths in a special family message. Come experience the depth of God's love that didn't begin in Bethlehem—but was gloriously fulfilled there.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 8:00am 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

In this powerful message from Pastor Karl, we journey beyond the manger to discover the timeless roots of Christmas in the Garden of Eden. Christmas is far more than a seasonal vibe—it's the profound story of God's unchanging love, revealed through proximity, provision, and loving parameters.Drawing parallels between Eden and Bethlehem, Pastor Karl shows how God has always pursued us: walking closely with humanity, generously providing what we cannot obtain ourselves, and setting protective boundaries for our good. Yet, from the beginning, humanity has often rejected this love, doubting God's goodness and choosing our own way.The heart of the gospel shines through as Pastor Karl reminds us that even in our rejection, God's love pursues and covers us—first promised in Genesis with the crushing of the serpent's head through the seed of the woman, and perfectly fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus, Emmanuel, "God with us."This message challenges us: Will we embrace not just the warmth of Christmas, but the weighty claims of Christmas—God's call to love Him fully with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength through belonging to His family, becoming like Christ, giving generously, and going on mission?A stirring reminder that God's everlasting love didn't begin in Bethlehem—it was set in motion from the very beginning, for you and me.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 8:00am 9:30am & 11:00am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

In this powerful episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares the exact moment she realized her network held million-dollar value — not metaphorically, but in real opportunities, partnerships, speaking invitations, and client referrals. She breaks down how proximity accelerates business growth, why community is a strategic advantage, and why She Connects and the Collective are intentionally designed to help women build the relationships that open doors. Topics Covered Why relationships are more valuable than algorithms The moment Michelle realized her network was an asset How proximity accelerates visibility, confidence, and opportunities The real purpose behind She Connects Why community-led growth outperforms content-only strategies How to build a network that drives revenue and referrals Key Takeaways Your network can be worth millions when nurtured with intention Proximity is the fastest accelerator in business Community is a strategic advantage, not a “nice to have” The right room will open doors that content can't Building alone slows your growth — connection collapses time Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Want a front-row look at how sports careers actually start, and how a young club becomes a community heartbeat? Wes sits down with Professor Craig Schmitt of the University of Arkansas to connect the dots between classrooms, street teams, stadium design, and the human moments that make match days unforgettable. Craig's path runs from youth hoops and nonprofit programs to graduate study and a faculty role where he “coaches” students into the recreation and sports industry. His central insight is deceptively simple: experience matters, but storytelling wins. If you can name the skills, show the outcomes, and explain the growth, you'll move faster than titles alone ever will.We dig into U of A's layered approach, undergrad exploration across facilities, finance, marketing, revenue, and law; a master's cohort embedded in college athletics; and PhD training rooted in rigorous research and teaching. Craig opens up the playbook on networking trips to franchises, venues, agencies, and pushing students beyond marquee brands to the wider world of sport tourism, outdoor recreation, and event operations. Then we zoom in on Ozark United FC: a regional identity that sidesteps the Razorback shadow and grassroots tactics that turn awareness into belonging across Fayetteville, Rogers, and beyond.From there, the conversation becomes about experience design and fan psychology. Smaller, smarter venues. Proximity you can feel. Concourses that keep you in view of the pitch. Tech that extends identity beyond match day, paired with a warning about over-automation: when parking, tickets, and concessions go touchless, we risk losing the human spark that sells the second beer and creates a story worth retelling. Craig's prediction is bold and timely: clubs that restore human touch points without sacrificing convenience will win loyalty. If you care about sports business, fan experience, or the future of soccer in Northwest Arkansas, this one hits the sweet spot.If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help more fans and future pros find us.

In this episode, Eric breaks down how fast your situation can change in government contracting when you stop letting your current circumstances define your future. He shares the real story of going from financial desperation to landing a multi-million-dollar subcontract by taking responsibility, showing up consistently, and positioning himself where opportunity lives. Eric also introduces one of the most overlooked strategies in GovCon: proximity. Whether it's working from Starbucks, being on base, or simply showing up in the same places every day, relationships are built through presence. You don't need money, certifications, or a perfect plan — you need to leave the house and put yourself in rooms where decisions are being made. Key Takeaways Where you are today does not determine where you'll be tomorrow Proximity to decision-makers beats online networking every time Real relationships are built through consistency and showing up Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/ 

S9 E6 — In a season of parties and entertaining, it's good to remember that hospitality means something very different—welcoming the stranger and caring for one another. In The Hospitality of Need, Kevan Chandler, born with a progressive disability, explores how dependence can expand life and deepen community. His story points us back to our shared human neediness, reflected in the baby lying in the manger. 00:0 Reimagining the Good Life06:12 Gift of Interdependence12:52 Understanding Need and Hospitality17:37 Proximity and Need21:43 Peer to Peer Caregiving26:39 A Journey to Skellig Michael32:53 Spiritual Realities of Need38:12 Invitation Into NeedMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Amy Julia's interview with Kevan on Take the Next StepThe Hospitality of Need: How Depending on One Another Helps Us Heal and Grow Together by Kevan Chandler and Tommy SheltonWe Carry Kevan I John 1_WATCH this conversation on YouTube: Amy Julia Becker on YouTubeSUBSCRIBE to Amy Julia's Substack: amyjuliabecker.substack.comJOIN the conversation on Instagram: @amyjuliabeckerLISTEN to more episodes: amyjuliabecker.com/shows/_ABOUT OUR GUEST:KEVAN CHANDLER is the founder of the nonprofit organization We Carry Kevan and speaks worldwide about friendship and disability. He and his wife, Katie, enjoy doing everything together, including growing vegetables and reading to each other.Kevan was the second of his siblings to be diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, type 2, a rare neuromuscular disease. In 2016, he and his friends took a trip across Europe, leaving his wheelchair at home, and his friends carried him for three weeks in a backpack.An avid storyteller, Kevan is an author and speaker worldwide about his friendships and unique life with a disability, being a featured speaker for Tedx and Google, as well as various conferences, pharmaceutical companies, and universities.__We want to hear your thoughts. Send us a text!Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Thanks for listening!

AJ sits down with Matt Ritter, co-host of Man of the Year, to unpack the male loneliness epidemic and why so many men lose friendships as they get older. Matt shares his TCS framework for keeping friendships alive, why proximity and ritual are the real secrets to connection, and how to design a “friendship strategy” that fits your life instead of waiting for it to happen. You'll learn how to move acquaintances into real friends, how to host like a pro without burning out, and why your partner can't (and shouldn't) be your only friend. Chapters: 00:00 – The male loneliness crisis and the “Man of the Year” tradition05:00 – Why friendship dies without a dramatic ending10:00 – Proximity and strategy: building real connection15:00 – The TCS framework and the myth of the lone wolf20:00 – How to be “worth knowing” — standing out socially25:00 – The friendship habit: stacking connection into your life30:00 – Overcoming rejection and fear of the invite35:00 – Rituals, hosting, and creating sticky friendships40:00 – Why your wife can't be your only friend45:00 – Friendship as self-care and the original life hack A Word From Our Sponsors Stop being over looked and unlock your X-Factor today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠unlockyourxfactor.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  The very qualities that make you exceptional in your field are working against you socially.  Visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠artofcharm.com/intel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for a social intelligence assessment and discover exactly what's holding you back. If you've put off organizing your finances, Monarch is for you. Use code CHARM at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠monarch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in your browser for half off your first year.  Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince. Upgrade your wardrobe today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠quince.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Grow your way - with Headway! Get started at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠makeheadway.com/CHARM ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use my code CHARM for 25% off. Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Sign up for your $1/month trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Need to hire top talent—fast? Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Indeed.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. This year, skip breaking a sweat AND breaking the bank. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mintmobile.com/charm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SELECTQUOTE.COM/CHARM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TODAY to get started  Curious about your influence level?  Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theartofcharm.com/influence⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Episode resources: Man of the Year Podcast The Buddy System Check in with AJ and Johnny! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AJ on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Johnny on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AJ on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Johnny on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Charm on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Charm on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Charm on TikTok⁠ friendship, male loneliness, connection, charisma, social skills, hosting, confidence, relationships, community, vulnerability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PART TWO: Discussing exercise selection, giving real-world specialization phase examples, important nutrition considerations, duration of specialization phases, and more Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Welcome Back00:24 - Listener Feedback and Evolving Coaching Philosophy02:39 - Programming Architecture for Specialization03:49 - Exercise Selection and Stimulus to Fatigue Ratio07:07 - Glute Specialization Example11:24 - Side Delt Specialization Example13:31 - Sensation vs. Tension in Different Movement Types17:37 - Training Intensity and Proximity to Failure25:34 - Managing Intensity Across Different Client Levels31:52 - Non-Priority Muscle Groups During Specialization35:50 - Nutritional Status and Specialization Success41:02 - Meal Timing and Training Quality45:40 - Duration of Specialization Phases50:19 - The Importance of Long-Term Commitment53:49 - Common Mistakes in Specialization Phases58:31 - Brandon's Current Training Approach01:04:02 - High Rep Training and Exercise Variety01:11:33 - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways01:14:56 - Where to Find Brandon and ClosingFollow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/?hl=enCheck out Brandon's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chasing-clarity-health-fitness-podcast/id1619611966Brandon's Email: bdacruzfitness@gmail.comKeywordsbody parts specialization, training, weak points, coaching, muscle growth, frequency, volume, fitness podcast, hypertrophy, exercise selectionTo Apply For Coaching With Our Team: CLICK HERE

Interview with Dennis Lindgren, CEO of Black Bear MineralsRecording date: 10th December 2025Black Bear Minerals (ASX:BKB) has completed a strategic transformation from lithium explorer to focused North American precious metals developer, acquiring the Shafter Silver Project in Texas for A$30 million whilst advancing the Independence Gold Project in Nevada. This repositioning positions the company at the intersection of exceptional resource grades, existing production infrastructure, and America's growing recognition of critical mineral supply vulnerabilities.The flagship Shafter Project hosts 17.6 million ounces at 289 grams per tonne silver in foreign resource estimates, ranking amongst the ASX's highest-grade silver resources. CEO Dennis Lindgren, formerly with South32 and Alcoa, emphasises the infrastructure advantage: "It's one of the highest grade silver projects on the ASX. It comes with about 150 million in estimated infrastructure and that includes existing underground workings, existing core sheds as well as historical data." This existing infrastructure—including underground workings, mill circuits, and processing facilities operational until 2013—potentially compresses development timelines by years compared to greenfield competitors.Near-term catalysts centre on JORC-compliant resource conversion targeted for the second half of 2026, supported by A$17 million working capital allocated for drilling programmes. Recent rock chip sampling has returned exceptional grades exceeding 3,000 g/t from near-surface areas outside the current resource footprint, whilst historical stockpile evaluation reveals grades averaging over 300 g/t, suggesting previous operators may have applied inappropriate cutoff grades or overlooked valuable mineralization.Beyond silver-focused historical operations, Black Bear's technical review has identified multicommodity potential including zinc, lead, vanadium, and gold across multiple locations. Lindgren noted: "We're picking up really good levels of zinc and lead that we would consider as targets to go forward with." This creates potential by-product credits that could materially improve project economics whilst expanding exploration vectors beyond current silver-equivalent resource calculations.Silver's designation as a US critical mineral fundamentally alters the strategic context surrounding domestic production projects. America produces approximately 30 million ounces annually whilst consuming over 210 million ounces—importing roughly 85% of requirements despite the metal's critical status for national security and economic competitiveness. Lindgren articulated the supply-demand imbalance: "Having another US domestic asset that can actually supply into those markets we think is something that's very attractive particularly with it being critical now."Jurisdictional advantages strengthen Black Bear's development pathway. Texas ranks within the top five global mining jurisdictions with 20% tax rates, partial permitting already in place, and strong community support in Presidio County. Proximity to major Mexican silver operations ensures access to experienced workforce and established supply chains.Portfolio diversification comes through Independence Gold Project in Nevada, hosting 419,000 ounces of near-surface heap-leachable gold at 0.4 g/t and 980,000 ounces of high-grade skarn mineralisation at 6.67 g/t. The company recently completed 5,000 metres of drilling exceeding planned programmes, with assay results expected in early 2026.Management's measured approach prioritises resource definition and JORC compliance over premature production planning, appropriate given recent acquisition timing. However, the infrastructure leverage and critical mineral designation create optionality for accelerated development should commodity fundamentals, government support, or strategic partnerships materialise. Investors should monitor JORC conversion progress, drilling results from both projects, and infrastructure assessment studies as key milestones determining whether Black Bear can validate its high-grade silver thesis and capitalise on structural supply deficits facing American consumers.Learn more: https://cruxinvestor.comSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

In this episode, I talk about the three big categories that determine whether you show up in Google search and in AI-generated search results. A lot of chiropractors are being told that Google is dead and AI is taking over. I wanted to clear that up, explain what's really going on, and help you understand what matters most for your online visibility. I also share a bit about how I help chiropractors through websites, local SEO, and my Next Step program. Some key points I touch on: • Google is still very much alive and heavily used. • AI hasn't replaced Google, and AI is now part of Google anyway. • The fundamentals of local SEO still matter for both Google and AI. • You don't need to panic or chase shiny AI tools to win in local search. Why AI Confusion Is Hurting Chiropractors Lately, I've been seeing more chiropractors reach out because someone told them AI is all that matters now. A lot of marketers are using AI buzzwords to sell products or services that chiropractors don't really understand. This episode is partly a response to that confusion and partly a way to protect chiropractors from being taken advantage of. A few important reminders: • People have not suddenly stopped using Google. • AI search is influenced by many of the same signals Google uses. • Anyone claiming to know the exact formula for AI ranking is probably exaggerating. • When someone is selling you something AI-related, slow down and ask questions. • Work with people you trust, not people who rely on hype. The Three Categories That Drive Local Search Everything you want to accomplish with local SEO falls into three buckets. These buckets determine whether you show up online and how well you rank compared to other chiropractors in your area. The three categories are: • Relevance • Prominence • Proximity Even AI-powered search uses these categories, just interpreted in different ways. Relevance: The Most Straightforward Ranking Factor Relevance is simply about matching what someone is searching for. If you want to show up when someone types chiropractor in your town, you need the word chiropractor and your town on your website and your Google Business Profile. Things I see chiropractors forget: • The word chiropractor doesn't appear anywhere on their homepage. • Their title tag doesn't say chiropractor. • Their meta description never mentions their city. • Their primary Google Business Profile category is incorrect. • They expect to rank for services they never list on their site. Other important notes about relevance: • You should target chiropractor, not just chiropractic. • You should list your town, service area, and secondary services clearly. • Structured data, metadata, and image tags reinforce relevance. • Stuffing near me into your site does nothing because Google already knows your location. Prominence: The Hardest and Most Important Category Prominence is your authority, your reputation, and your trust score online. Google uses many different signals to evaluate prominence. Things that influence prominence include: • Website traffic • Backlinks from relevant sources • Local citations • Your review count • The quality of your reviews • Your brand strength in the community • How often people search for your practice name • Time spent on your site and how users interact with it Examples I discuss: • Starbucks ranks instantly because its brand is deeply recognized by Google. • The Joint has built-in authority because it's a national franchise. • A solo chiropractor with one location has to build prominence from scratch. Why prominence takes the most effort: • It requires ongoing reviews. • It requires ongoing content and activity. • It requires consistency over time. • If you stop building prominence, someone else will pass you. This is why I tell chiropractors: • Never take your foot off the gas once you start ranking well. • If you're outpacing other chiropractors two or three to one in reviews, keep going. • Prominence slips when you stop feeding it. Proximity: The Factor You Can't Control Proximity is all about physical location. It determines your map ranking radius and plays a huge role in where you show up. What affects proximity: • Where your practice is physically located • How many chiropractors surround you • How tightly clustered your competition is • Whether you are near the geographic center of a city • Whether you're in a dense metro or a small rural town Examples I explain: • If you're the only chiropractor for miles, you'll rank easily. • If you're on the edge of town, you might rank better on one side than the other. • If you're surrounded by 100 chiropractors toward downtown, ranking there is harder. • If you stop working on SEO, someone who keeps building prominence can surpass you even if they're slightly farther away. Proximity is the least flexible category, but: • Relevance and prominence can help you extend your reach. • Strong prominence can help you compete even in dense markets. Why SEO Must Be Ongoing, Not Occasional I explain why local SEO isn't a two-month project. Google and AI reward consistency, not short bursts of effort. This is why: • You build trust slowly over time. • Someone else can outrank you if they keep working and you stop. • Google wants to see an ongoing pattern of value, activity, and credibility. • SEO is more like relationship-building than advertising. Stopping SEO is like stopping exercise. You don't lose everything the next day, but over time the results fade. A Warning About AI Scams and Hype I didn't plan to talk about this part, but it came up naturally because chiropractors are getting bombarded with AI pitches. The main points I share: • Be suspicious of companies selling AI as a miracle fix. • Just because something uses the word AI does not make it helpful. • Chiropractors often don't know enough about AI to judge whether a service is legit. • This makes the profession vulnerable to bad advice and overpriced products. • Ask questions, take your time, and only hire people with proven credibility. Final Thoughts At the end of the episode, I circle back to the core message. If you want to rank well in local SEO, whether on Google or the new AI-driven platforms, your success depends on relevance, prominence, and proximity. There is no secret. There are no shortcuts. The real strategy is doing the right things consistently over time. I also thank listeners, ask them to share the podcast, and remind them that reviews are always appreciated.   Resources Mentioned Free Website/SEO Review: https://rocketchiro.com/chiropractic-practice-assessment Best chiropractic websites: https://rocketchiro.com/best-chiropractic-websites

Send us a text On this week's episode of The Book Fix, hosts Yajaira and Cheli dive straight into peak cozy season with Laurie Gilmore's upcoming 2025 Dream Harbor romance, The Gingerbread Bakery. It's snowing, everyone's in everyone's business, and Dream Harbor is collectively holding its breath to see if its resident grumps can stop bickering long enough to survive a wedding. Join the besties as they discuss whether or not they would recommend this book!Support the showOur Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thebookfix?utm_source=linktree_admin_sharebecome our Patron ♡ https://www.patreon.com/BookFixbuy us a book ♡ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thebookfixBusiness Inquiries: thebookfixpodcast@gmail.comfollow us on Tiktok! ♡ https://www.tiktok.com/@thebookfix

Send us a textThis week on Hot Topics, the team touches on the following topics and more:Rolling layoffs are becoming more of a trend. Reducing the workforce 50 or fewer employees at a time could be a way for companies to save face and avoid reporting requirements. What are the implications of this on the remaining workforce? Studies show increases in anxiety are just the tip of the iceberg.Proximity bias - Does it show up in your workplace? The future of remote work starts with clarity and transparency to your employees.There's a drastic rise in misalignment between employees and leadership. Are your leaders being clear about the values and expectations to their employees?The impact of banning pay history questions in the hiring process.Healthcare costs are projected to increase next year and will be difficult on companies and employees.People in lower socioeconomic ranges are feeling more disconnected than ever with their employers.People are turning to dating apps for professional uses…? What do you think for?Caregiving is becoming more and more of a barrier for people in their workplaces. How do they balance it and how does a company stay balanced across employees?Job hugging is reshaping our workforce. Hard jobs are in high demand and seeing a surge in applicants.The economy is creating turmoil for all levels of employees. There are a lot of areas of the workforce that are going to be facing challenges in this market and it's important to be thinking ahead. Support the showOur new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE! Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!Do you have a situation or topic you'd like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at Email@TeamAtHRStories.com for suggestions and inquiries.The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

"I was at a tourism conference in Hangzhou in 2018, where Chinese companies showed how they were using AI to personalise travel for users. That's nearly eight years ago." In 2025, AI became a strategic commercial tool in all sectors, including travel and tourism. But it isn't widely understood just how effectively embedded AI already is in China's tourism sector, and how far ahead its leading players are to much of the world. On the final show of 2015, Gary welcomes back Joao Romao, Associate Professor at Yasuda Women's University in Japan, to debate the shifting Geopolitics of Travel in Asia six years after the first cases of Covid-19 were discovered in Wuhan, China. Joao is the author of Economic Geography of Tourism, which places contemporary tourism in the context of global economic, technological, societal, environmental and political challenges. We discuss the evolving AI-in-travel landscape and the multiplicity of post-Covid variables shaping travel decision making.  We analyse how Covid savaged the value of the Yen leading to a surge of inbound tourism, while making outbound travel expensive from Japan. And we dive into the implications for regional travel of icy bilateral relations between China-Japan. Plus, we look at the Middle East's investment-driven approach to tourism growth, and how this might impact South East Asian destinations in future. Meanwhile, what is the Circuit of Proximity, and why does it matter? And what did governments across Asia learn about their travel economies during the Covid shutdowns - and are those learnings are being effectively applied six years later?

In this episode, Eric Coffie breaks down one of the most overlooked—but most powerful—entry points in government contracting: local vendor pool contracts. Using Miami-Dade County as an example, Eric shows how pre-qualification pools work, why they offer low competition, and how one of his students used this exact method to go from $0 to $90,000 per month in revenue. From finding underpopulated pools, to leveraging mandatory site visits, to understanding why local vendors have a massive advantage, Eric gives a step-by-step roadmap anyone can follow—even with no licenses, no certifications, and very little capital. Key Takeaways Vendor pools = small competition + long-term contracts. Many city and county pool contracts run 5–8 years and allow late entry, giving local businesses repeatable opportunities with far fewer bidders than federal work. Local vendors have built-in advantages. Proximity, mandatory site visits, and the ability to estimate real competition make these contracts ideal for beginners with limited resources. Start with low-risk, high-demand categories. Rental equipment, debris removal, installation/maintenance, and simple supply items can be fulfilled using vendor credit (Home Depot, rental companies) with minimal upfront cost. Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/  Watch the full Youtube Episode here: https://youtu.be/F-FfsZyySfw 

In this conversation, Mandy Schell, founder of the Pacific Northwest Women's Network, shares her journey of empowering women through community and connection. She discusses the transformative power of saying yes to new opportunities, the importance of creating a welcoming space for women to connect, and the impact of her events on attendees' lives. Mandy emphasizes the shift from traditional networking to building genuine relationships and proximity, and she reflects on the challenges and lessons learned in event planning. Her insights on leadership, financial transparency, and the future of her network inspire listeners to embrace their own journeys of growth and connection.To every woman who craves meaningful, in-person experiences — LIVE is Mandy's signature annual gathering centered on deep connection, powerful visibility, and building the rooms we all deserve! Tickets to PNW LIVE 2026!  January 23, 2026  Tacoma, WA:   https://www.pnwwomensnetwork.com/tickets?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae2tb7WFYi1iIdmSvmVagAMVtQeJ5zhvXyLGM6d6mSDTkKOM64TuvhCGJLC2w_aem_K2ioBPgimHER9oM-G1iDvgChapters00:00 Empowering Women Through Community03:02 The Catalyst for Change06:00 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Opportunity09:05 The Impact of Connection11:55 Creating an Ecosystem of Support14:58 Building Relationships and Authenticity17:55 Lessons from the First Event20:51 The Journey of Event Planning23:54 The Purpose Beyond Profit26:33 Creating Meaningful Connections27:39 Dreams and Aspirations in Event Planning29:20 The Joy of Dressing Up and Community30:58 Challenges in Event Sponsorship33:20 Strategies for Securing Sponsors35:32 Handling Unexpected Challenges38:36 The Importance of a Supportive Team40:21 Evolving Membership Models42:57 Creating Fun and Engaging Events45:25 Empowering Women Through Strength and LeadershipConnect with Mandy: Tickets to LIVE 2026! https://www.pnwwomensnetwork.com/tickets?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAae2tb7WFYi1iIdmSvmVagAMVtQeJ5zhvXyLGM6d6mSDTkKOM64TuvhCGJLC2w_aem_K2ioBPgimHER9oM-G1iDvgPNW Women's Network: https://www.pnwwomensnetwork.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmandyschell/?hl=enConnect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewomenontop Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

Smylie Kaufman is joined by golf analytics authority Rick Gehman, the creator of RickRunGood.com and host of CBS Sports' First Cut Podcast, for a deep dive into the world of golf data, modeling, betting edges, and modern player strategy. Rick breaks down how the PGA TOUR is evolving through analytics, why driving is more valuable than ever, how players misinterpret ShotLink data, and where fans can actually find a meaningful betting advantage. Smylie and Rick also get into: - Why baseball analytics paved the way for golf - How players should interpret their own ShotLink stats - Why proximity is one of the most misunderstood metrics - What really wins under pressure - The biggest Ryder Cup mistakes made by Team USA - Why the European model works — and how the U.S. can fix it - Which rising players are primed for breakout seasons - And the surprising ways modern players use (and misuse) data This episode is packed with insight for golf fans, bettors, stat nerds, and players alike. Don't forget to like, comment & subscribe to support the show! CHAPTERS: 00:32 Rick's background: baseball → data → golf 02:08 Building the golf database 03:27 Baseball analytics ⇄ golf analytics 04:38 How data changed modern golf 05:30 ShotLink: what players misunderstand 06:32 How younger players use tech + data 08:12 Why hitting driver is more valuable than ever 10:08 Misleading stats: Proximity explained 12:26 Real strategy: Driver vs. iron off the tee 14:06 Modeling golf courses & comp-course analysis 16:22 What pros ask Rick for (custom reports) 17:31 Predicting performance on new / unfamiliar courses 19:34 Ryder Cup breakdown: U.S. vs Europe strategy 21:03 Where Team USA went wrong 22:49 Pairing mistakes explained (Scheffler/Bryson, etc.) 24:59 Why Europe trusts data more effectively 27:15 If Rick ran Team USA strategy 29:20 Presidents Cup → How USA should use it better 31:36 Shot-shape & trajectory analytics (new radar data) 33:31 “Go-to shots” under pressure 35:02 Darts, proximity, and scoring insights 36:27 NEW stat idea: Strokes Gained Under Pressure 38:41 Bonus Putting metric 40:14 Rising talents who will break out 42:03 Players who maximize limited skillsets 45:06 The importance of speed in the modern game 49:05 Ben Griffin's leap explained 51:28 The Jordan Spieth question 54:11 Chris Gotterup's ceiling 56:00 Outro + In memoriam for Scott Hulme #TheSmylieShow #RickGehman #GolfAnalytics #PGATour #GolfBetting #GolfStats #RickRunGood #GolfPodcast #DataGolf #ShotLink #GolfStrategy

Like California's towering redwoods that survive through interconnected root systems, our spiritual growth depends on community rather than isolation. God designed us to grow through relationships that provide accountability, encouragement, and spiritual sharpening. When we isolate ourselves, especially during difficult times, we become vulnerable to spiritual attack and stagnation. The early church model shows us the importance of gathering not just for teaching, but for fellowship, meals, and prayer. True spiritual community breaks us out of echo chambers that only validate our feelings, instead providing voices that challenge us toward growth. Faith is contagious - when we surround ourselves with wise, spiritually mature believers, we burn brighter and stand stronger together. (Yes, this is the one with the ping pong balls)

Get the Midterm Rental Insurance Blueprint: https://experimentrealestate.com/#blueprintIn this reflective episode of In The Lab, Ruben unpacks one of the most overlooked success variables in entrepreneurship and temporary housing: your environment. After attending a high-level BookThinkers event hosted by his friend Nick Hutchinson of episode #99 and reconnecting with mentors and peers, Ruben breaks down how proximity, intention, and the rooms you choose to enter shape your growth more than tactics ever will.He shares the deeper meaning behind the “white lab coat vs. the suit” rebrand—why beginner operators need experimentation, and why seasoned operators need depth, systems, and specialization. Ruben walks through how he discovered his tribe across short-term rentals, mid-term rentals, insurance housing, and beyond, with pivotal moments sparked by guests like Michael Sjogren (Episode 91), Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh (Episodes 81 & 263), and Will Dotson. Each connection created a bridge, a business model, or a breakthrough reminder.This episode zooms in on the power of alignment, integration, and why deeper rooms lead to bigger opportunities, why Q4 is advantage season, and how vertically aligning your mission, business, and contribution creates momentum that lasts beyond a single market cycle.If you've ever felt stuck between where you are and the room you know you should be in, this episode is your invitation.Tune in now to learn how to choose environments that elevate you, adopt belief systems that accelerate you, and build a business that serves something bigger than yourself.#EntrepreneurMindset #RelationshipEquity #BusinessGrowth #RealEstateInvesting #Networking #ExperimentNation

They said you're too small to matter.But your customers? They need you to exist.In this episode, George sits down with author, strategist, and small business champion Sri Kaza to challenge the myth that size determines success. From leading corporate giants to helping underdog entrepreneurs thrive, Sri shares powerful stories and frameworks to help you rethink growth, resilience, and what really makes your business irreplaceable.This is not just another strategy episode. It's a call to purpose, proximity, and positioning. Whether you're just starting or scaling, this conversation will reignite your belief in the power of playing your own game.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why being “too small to scale” is a lie—and how to embrace your uniquenessThe three Underdog Principles every entrepreneur needs to survive any stormWhy trying to copy corporate strategy might be holding you backHow to build meaningful customer proximity—even in a digital worldReal-world stories of resilience and impact from Main Street entrepreneurs Key Takeaways:✔️Positioning matters more than polish: You don't need to be big, you need to be meaningful to the people who matter most.✔️Your proximity is your power: Real relationships with your customers will always outperform clever marketing.✔️Purpose fuels resilience: When you're rooted in why you're doing the work, your business becomes unshakeable.✔️Structure and soul both matter: The most successful businesses blend solid frameworks with gut-led values.✔️Never outsource connection: Building authentic relationships with your audience is your job. Don't hand that away. Timestamps & Highlights:[00:00] – The underdog mindset: why small businesses matter[04:11] – Meet Sri Kaza: from corporate exec to champion of small businesses[06:39] – Too small to scale? Why differentiation > size[11:45] – Differentiating a landfill: a lesson in unique value[13:40] – Japanese ramen and the pursuit of mastery[17:57] – Proximity and customer experience: lessons from Viking Cruises[22:22] – The 3 Underdog Principles: Positioning, Proximity, Purpose[29:26] – Proximity in the digital age: how to listen, learn, and connect[35:43] – Why Sri shifted from big corporations to small business service[42:22] – Resilience during COVID: stories of survival and adaptation[45:33] – The underdog mindset: how to own it without falling into victimhood[52:21] – Sri's top 3 entrepreneurial lessons (and they're gold) Connect with Sri Kaza:Get the Book: Unconvention on AmazonWebsite: sri-kaza.comFree Resource: Download the Underdog Principles Primer at sri-kaza.comYour Challenge This WeekWhat part of this episode hit home for you?Tag @itsgeorgebryant and @kazasri on social and share your biggest insight.Join the conversation and let us know:Would your customers miss you if you disappeared? If not… It's time to change that.Join The Alliance: The Relationship Beats Algorithms™ community for entrepreneurs scaling with trust and connection.Apply for 1:1 Coaching: Ready to grow your business with purpose and sustainability? Apply hereLive Events: Get in the room where long-term business is built. See upcoming events.

Last week, I shared a post on Instagram about Rich Girl Rules for Networking, and the response was wild. The shares and comments all confirmed this is what you're craving as you look ahead to 2026. In this episode, I break down the 6 strategic rules I've used to scale far beyond seven figures. I'm sharing why you can't outgrow your network with your current mindset, and how buying access to the right rooms instantly rewires your risk tolerance, confidence, and speed. Get ready to stop waiting for permission and start positioning yourself like the woman your next level requires. Check out our Sponsors: SKIMS - I finally tried SKIMS and I get all the hype. Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com and let them know we sent you in the dropdown after checkout. Brevo - the all-in-one marketing and CRM platform designed to help you connect with customers and grow your business. Get started for free today - go to www.brevo.com/happy Blinds.com - Blinds.com makes it easy to get the designer look without the showroom markups. Get an exclusive $50 off when you spend $500 or more with code EARN at checkout. Shopify - Try the ecommerce platform I trust for Glōci, Sign up for your $1/month trial period at Shopify.com/happy Northwest Registered Agent - protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/earnfree Headway - the #1 daily growth app that delivers key insights from the world's best non fiction books in bite sized 15 minute reads and audio. Save 25% off when you go to  makeheadway.com/happy. HIGHLIGHTS Why Rich Girl networking is different at the seven-figure level. Proximity is the portal to your next level. Why your conversations determine your capacity. How mentorship collapses years into months. Why proximity creates probability instantly. How seven-figure women invest before the result shows up. RESOURCES Join the Audacity Challenge HERE! Join the most supportive mastermind on the internet HERE! Check out our FREE 90-Day Business Blueprint HERE! Listen to my free SECRET PODCASTS SERIES - Operation: Rekindle This B*tch Get glōci HERE Use code: HAPPY at checkout for 25% off! FOLLOW Follow me: @loriharder Follow glōci: @getgloci

Steve Bannon's newly surfaced email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein reveal a level of familiarity and cooperation that sharply contradicts the public image Bannon built as a crusader against elite corruption and sex trafficking networks. The tone of the correspondence shows two men who were not distant acquaintances or professional collaborators but comfortable insiders speaking the shorthand of established allies. The messages reportedly occurred while Bannon held influence inside the Trump White House, meaning Epstein had a direct conversational line into one of the most powerful political environments in the country. That proximity raises serious questions about access, influence, and what each man stood to gain from the relationship—especially given Epstein's long-documented role as a financier and broker of high-level connections.What makes this revelation particularly explosive is the contrast between Bannon's public persona and the private reality revealed in the emails. While he publicly positioned himself as a warrior exposing hidden predators and elite abuse networks, behind the scenes he was maintaining a cordial, strategic, and seemingly cooperative relationship with the most infamous trafficker of the era. Critics argue that this is more than hypocrisy—it represents a profound betrayal of the people who trusted Bannon to speak truth to power, including survivors of trafficking whose trauma he leveraged rhetorically. The silence now coming from his defenders, once loudly calling for accountability against anyone adjacent to Epstein, underscores the political and moral double standard now exposed. The implications of these communications are broader than personal embarrassment—they suggest a deeper rot inside institutions that were claiming to fight the very evil they were quietly standing beside.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Steve Bannon's newly surfaced email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein reveal a level of familiarity and cooperation that sharply contradicts the public image Bannon built as a crusader against elite corruption and sex trafficking networks. The tone of the correspondence shows two men who were not distant acquaintances or professional collaborators but comfortable insiders speaking the shorthand of established allies. The messages reportedly occurred while Bannon held influence inside the Trump White House, meaning Epstein had a direct conversational line into one of the most powerful political environments in the country. That proximity raises serious questions about access, influence, and what each man stood to gain from the relationship—especially given Epstein's long-documented role as a financier and broker of high-level connections.What makes this revelation particularly explosive is the contrast between Bannon's public persona and the private reality revealed in the emails. While he publicly positioned himself as a warrior exposing hidden predators and elite abuse networks, behind the scenes he was maintaining a cordial, strategic, and seemingly cooperative relationship with the most infamous trafficker of the era. Critics argue that this is more than hypocrisy—it represents a profound betrayal of the people who trusted Bannon to speak truth to power, including survivors of trafficking whose trauma he leveraged rhetorically. The silence now coming from his defenders, once loudly calling for accountability against anyone adjacent to Epstein, underscores the political and moral double standard now exposed. The implications of these communications are broader than personal embarrassment—they suggest a deeper rot inside institutions that were claiming to fight the very evil they were quietly standing beside.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Steve Bannon's newly surfaced email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein reveal a level of familiarity and cooperation that sharply contradicts the public image Bannon built as a crusader against elite corruption and sex trafficking networks. The tone of the correspondence shows two men who were not distant acquaintances or professional collaborators but comfortable insiders speaking the shorthand of established allies. The messages reportedly occurred while Bannon held influence inside the Trump White House, meaning Epstein had a direct conversational line into one of the most powerful political environments in the country. That proximity raises serious questions about access, influence, and what each man stood to gain from the relationship—especially given Epstein's long-documented role as a financier and broker of high-level connections.What makes this revelation particularly explosive is the contrast between Bannon's public persona and the private reality revealed in the emails. While he publicly positioned himself as a warrior exposing hidden predators and elite abuse networks, behind the scenes he was maintaining a cordial, strategic, and seemingly cooperative relationship with the most infamous trafficker of the era. Critics argue that this is more than hypocrisy—it represents a profound betrayal of the people who trusted Bannon to speak truth to power, including survivors of trafficking whose trauma he leveraged rhetorically. The silence now coming from his defenders, once loudly calling for accountability against anyone adjacent to Epstein, underscores the political and moral double standard now exposed. The implications of these communications are broader than personal embarrassment—they suggest a deeper rot inside institutions that were claiming to fight the very evil they were quietly standing beside.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Former McKinsey partner and author Sri Kaza shares how small businesses can turn their size into a superpower. Through his “Underdog Principles” — Positioning, Proximity, and Purpose — Sri reveals why true success lies not in scale, but in connection, clarity, and conviction. A must-listen for every entrepreneur ready to rewrite the rules.00:32- About Sri KazaSri is an author of a book titled Unconvention - A Small Business Strategy Guide. He has developed the underdog principles, which is a strategic framework that helps small businesses leverage their inherent advantage of positioning, proximity and purpose. He's a former McKinsey partner for small and a small business advocate. 

Proximity marketing only works with a sustained, multi-touch approach. Rich outlines a five-step system using customer involvement, identity-rich mailers, check mailers, testimonial letters, and micro-canvassing to turn one completed job into multiple neighborhood sales. With effort and repetition, contractors can break through resistance and generate new local leads.

Is Solana the next evolution of Bitcoin's corporate playbook? Lance Roberts and DeFi Development Corp. CFA, Parket White, explore how digital assets like Solana, stablecoins, and tokenized treasuries are reshaping balance sheet strategy for companies and investors alike. 0:19 - INTRO 2:11 - Digital Asset Strategy & Solana - the upside potential 3:36 - The MicroStrategy Idea - holding Bitcoin (instead of Gold) 6:31 - Treasury Vehicle Advantages - access Taxation of Cryptocurrency 9:11 - Disadvantages & Risks of Cryptocurrency - liquidity issues & Michael Saylor's view: Shifting to preferred stocks 12:56 - The Problem for Bitcoin - betting on debasement & limited supply vs fractionalization 15:14 - Fiat Currency, Inflation, & Distribution 16:02 - Proximity to the Money Spiggot 18:10 - Stablecoin, Coinbase, Solana, & Treasury Business - Solana actually generates yield; proof of work vs mining 19:05 - THe Meaning & Mechanism of Staking: Inflation rewards & transaction fees; staking & un-staking 22:48 - How payouts are made 24:54 - Solana Crypto network: usability, growth, tokenized assets, and upside potential - Legacy payment systems will be moving to the chain 28:02 - Key metric is Solana-per-share 30:21 - Stripe & other adopters of blockchain assets - what about the need for major banks? 31:25 - The whole point of cybercurrency is to get around major money center banks - What's the risk in this gameplan? 34:33 - The Conspiracy Theory: Major banks' influence on SEC to create regulatory legislation against cybercurrencies 35:34 - The Politics behind Crypto 37:17 - Tether - Largest cyrpto holder, 5th largest holder of treasuries 38:18 - The Creative Destruction of Capitalism 39:50 - Three Things About Digital Asset Treasuries - know what you own, management team, track record of execution; treasury #DFDV

It's not too late- come join us all week long in our BEST YEAR YET training! Happening Monday Nov 24th-Friday Nov 28th: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/bestyearIn this TGIM, Nicole gets real about a belief many of us were taught growing up, that saving is the only way to get rich. Inside entrepreneurship, the truth is different. Wealth grows through circulation, investment, and proximity, not by waiting for the perfect time.You will hear how money is energy, why mentorship collapses time, and how community accelerates sustainable business growth. Nicole shares lived examples, from investing in high-level coaching to choosing structure over hesitation, so you can stop waiting and start growing your aligned business now.If you want a richer life and a profitable company that feels good, this conversation shows you how strategy meets soul, and how the right coaching, community, and money mindset unlock 6-figure momentum.Key takeawaysYou cannot save your way to wealth. Wealth for women entrepreneurs grows through circulating money, smart investments, and business mentorship, not by hoarding cash.Waiting keeps you stuck. Accountability and coaching collapse years into months, helping you scale your business with clarity and confidence.Proximity is a growth strategy. Being in the room with high-achieving women expands what you believe is possible and upgrades your money mindset and standards.Invest before you feel ready. Big moves, like joining a mastermind or hiring a coach, create commitment, action, and sustainable business growth.Strategy meets soul wins. Pair aligned strategy with energetic alignment, and watch your 6-figure business growth become inevitable.Join Jess Marley from the Local Inc. at the Jingle and Mingle Party, Dec. 4th at the Queen's in Nanaimo, BC. Tickets available here: https://thelocalinc.ca/product/the-not-so-corporate-christmas-party/Mentioned in this episode:Ready to have your BEST YEAR YET?Join us for five days of mindset, money, and strategy magic where we'll walk you through how to plan your most aligned, abundant year yet! Monday Nov 24th - Friday Nov 28th WE GATHER DAILY 3-4 pm pst (virtually on zoom) You're a woman in business with big goals your own clients, more cash flow, more freedom But if you're honest… sometimes you're flying by the seat of your leggings. You want to enter 2026 feeling focused and in control because as of right now

Website: tfhoakland.orgLinktree: linktr.ee/TFHOAKExperience God. Find Family. Make a Difference.TFH Oakland ChurchOakland, CA

Andrew Gordon, dean of students, warns against the belief that proximity to God and spiritual things is the same as a surrendered and obedient relationship with God.

In this solo episode of the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, I pull back the curtain on my early days of investing and the messy transition from the 2008 crash into creative real estate. I walk you through the "dead zone" years, the IRS and creditor headaches, the move from a waterfront home into a 900-square-foot apartment, and how those experiences forced me to design what eventually became our Three Paydays™ system.   If you're sitting in a W2 you don't love, stuck in analysis paralysis, or wondering how to actually replace your job with creative real estate deals, this one is for you. I'll share the exact sequence: hiring a coach when I had no money, raising $25K for a mastermind, doing my first 12+ deals out of a tiny office, building the team around me, and scaling from zero to 10 properties a month under contract.   You'll hear the mindset shifts, the tactical steps, and the hard-won lessons that took me from "completely stuck in my head" to building a business and community that now has 95+ years of combined experience helping students all over North America.    The goal is simple: shorten your learning curve, help you avoid my mistakes, and challenge you to ask, "Why not me?"   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:24 The value of getting "a decade worth of lessons" handed to you 03:05 The difference between knowing the path vs. walking it 04:24 30/60/120-second decisions & the cost of indecision 05:47 What your real risk is: Gut check for anyone with a W2 07:13 Goals vs. a real plan with accountability 08:17 Why you don't need the full "how" before you commit to a clear beacon 09:31 IRS, creditors, repossessions, and downsizing to a 900-square-foot apartment 10:10 The birth of the Three Paydays system 11:08 How that "you're done" moment forced me back into the trenches making calls 12:03 Lesson: doubters, weather, circumstances, and past failures can't stop you 14:10 The difference between "crap debt" for toys and investing in yourself 15:34 Proximity, association & eliminating money stress 16:31 How thinking about money 24/7 chokes your creativity 17:20 Why you only need a phone and leads—no fancy tech required 18:13 How 13 deals stacked up between August and December 2013 19:08 Building the team: VAs, Nick, and qualifying buyers 20:23 Why good team members create revenue, not expense 21:29 Lesson: everyone is bad at first—that's normal and fixable 23:53 Tax refund season & stacking big checks 25:05 Future pacing: who are you in 3–5 years? 26:41 Start/stop list & aligning your calendar 28:01 Free resources to help you get on the right track   Quotables   "There is an enormous difference between knowing the right path and walking it, actually doing it in the trenches."   "Only you can stop you."   "Good team members will create more revenue, not expense."   Links   QLS 4.0 - Use coupon code for 50% off https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qls Coupon code: pod   Apprentice Program https://3paydaysapprentice.com Coupon code: Podcast   Masterclass https://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   3 Paydays Books 3paydaysbooks.com/podcast    Strategy Session https://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   Partners https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcastresources

About KyleKyle Thiermann is a professional big-wave surfer, journalist, and creative director whose career bridges storytelling, advertising, and adventure. He's written for Men's Health, Surfer, and Outside Magazine, and helped shape campaigns for brands like Patagonia, Yeti, and Mudwater, with his ads and viral spots reaching over 100 million people. Kyle is also the author of One Last Question Before You Go: Why You Should Interview Your Parents Now, a deeply personal exploration of family, curiosity, and conversation. In this episode, Justin and Kyle dive into the fear that drives creativity, the lessons of surfing six-story waves, and how to use curiosity and courage to build a more meaningful creative life.Think Like A Game Designer is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Ah-ha! Justin's TakeawaysDeadlines create gravity: Surrounding yourself with people you respect and setting clear deadlines are two of the most powerful tools for getting things done—it is the engine of creative work, which turn ambition into action and ensure you finish what you start. Proximity is an accelerant: Kyle's learned, both in the ocean and in his creative career, that the fastest way to improve is to surround yourself with people already doing the thing you're learning. Mentorship and shared goals create a rhythm of steady progress that's hard to find alone.Better questions equal better understanding: We're trained to have answers, but not to ask better questions and that's where understanding truly lives. Whether you're exploring a design challenge or rebuilding a relationship curiosity has the power to turn conversation into insight. Kyle's book about interviewing his parents is a masterclass in curiosity.Show Notes“The power of deadlines and more specifically, the fear of disappointing people I respect has driven my career.” (00:04:55)We start by talking about the writing group where Kyle and I met, guided by New York Times best-selling author Neil Strauss. Together we dig into how essential structure and accountability are for any creative project including the value of mentors, peers, and most of all, deadlines. If you've listened to this podcast before, you've heard me say it: deadlines are magic. They turn vague ambition into finished work.“Find the people that are doing the thing and hang out with them as much as possible.” (00:15:58)Kyle connects his life as a big-wave surfer to his creative process, showing that fear and mastery follow the same pattern. Whether you're paddling into six-story waves or starting a new creative career, the fastest way to grow is to surround yourself with people already doing what you aspire to do. Mentorship, proximity, and shared accountability accelerate progress more than any course or tutorial ever could. “Copywriting is much more like stand-up comedy, where you're trying to take an idea and distill it down to its most essential form that's going to get someone's attention and connect them to this thing that you are selling.” (00:34:49)Kyle compares copywriting to stand-up comedy and it's a perfect analogy. Both rely on timing, clarity, and emotion. Every word has to earn its place. For designers, writers, and storytellers, the lesson is simple: your job isn't to explain, it's to distill. When you can make someone feel something in a single line, you've revealed its essence, making it easier for your audience to understand, and therefore, to buy.“We're taught to have the right answers, but never taught to have the right questions.” (00:51:56)Kyle wrote a book about interviewing his partents. His book grew out of realizing that curiosity—especially toward the people closest to us—is a learned skill. We train for answers, but not for questions, and that leaves entire parts of our relationships unexplored. As Kyle discovered, interviewing is about transforming judgment into curiosity. Asking better questions of our parents, our collaborators, or ourselves is how we rediscover the people we thought we already knew.* Kyle's Upcoming Book: https://geni.us/onelastqbeforeyougo* Kyle's Website: https://www.kylethiermann.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit justingarydesign.substack.com/subscribe

Many believers confuse being around God with actually being close to Him. The story of Mary and Martha reveals that proximity and presence are different things. While Martha was busy serving Jesus, Mary chose to sit at His feet and experience true intimacy. The greatest threat to spiritual closeness isn't sin but distraction. True confidence comes not from the absence of fear but from the presence of the Father. When we intentionally position ourselves to spend time with God, we absorb His power and boldness naturally rather than trying to manufacture it through our own efforts.

Preacher: Jason Min Title: Salt and Light: Proximity Sermon Series: Life Reimagined Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)

You're doing the right things. Church, small group, Bible reading. But something still feels off.It's possible to be around Jesus without actually being close to Him.In Mark 2, a man is carried to Jesus but ends up stuck on the roof. So near, yet still not face to face. That's where many of us find ourselves. Surrounded by faith activity but still longing for real connection.Jesus isn't asking for perfection. He's inviting you to come closer.Don't settle for almost. There's more.-In what ways have you mistaken activity for intimacy with Jesus, and how can you identify when you're experiencing that 'low-grade ache' in your faith?-Which of the eight false forms of discipleship (consumer, individualistic, performance, intellectual, institutional, self-powered, comfort-driven, or selective) resonates most with your current spiritual journey, and why?-In what ways have you settled for 'roof living' rather than being lowered directly into the presence of Jesus, and what would it take to change that?

After a predictably unpredictable set of detours through Latin grammar, parenthing philosophies, and 90s video games, we catch up on the latest shadow (interim?) docket activity and recap the oral argument in the tariffs cases. 

You keep reworking the curriculum of your offer instead of launching it.You're designing a beautiful website, tweaking graphics in Canva, writing posts you never publish.You research.You revise.You overthink.You scroll for “inspiration.”You take notes.You gather ideas.And then you tell yourself it's “not ready yet.”Meanwhile, the days go by.The weeks go by.The months go by.And you're still inside your head…still brainstorming…still “getting things together”…still “working on your offer”…Still.Not. Moving.And here's the truth:Your business will never replace your income if you are avoiding the one action that actually moves the needle.There is ONE thing every successful entrepreneur does.Not the strategy.Not the niche.Not the branding.Not the tech.THIS thing.And until you're willing to do it — like actually do it — your business will stay stuck in place.Let's talk about the moment I realized this…and the six steps that will pull you out of the overthinking loop and into real momentum.Trying to build a business without being seen…When I pivoted into business coaching, I immediately have 7-8 clients I started working with. One day I decided to sit down, and analyze their intake forms for my market research.I sat with them.I studied them.And at some point as I was deep in my analysis of the research, it hit me.The truth was suddenly screaming off the page:They are trying to build a business without being seen. It was like they were hiding in the backend of their business.Hiding behind tasks that “felt productive” but didn't require emotional exposure.Once I saw this pattern… I couldn't unsee it. And the image that came to mind was of my dog in residency, Champion.The hidey hole: The Place You Hide When Something Feels Too VulnerableBack when I was in residency, I had a sweet little dog named Champion.Champion loved me… and was terrified of almost everyone else.So when the dog walker came into my apartment?He would run straight into the back of my closet — this tiny corner we affectionately called his Hidey Hole — and refuse to come out.She'd have to gently coax him out every single time.He wasn't trying to make everyone's life difficult. His nervous system was just overwhelmed and he was instinctively trying to protect himself. What I realized is… My clients were trying to build their businesses from a hidey hole. And maybe this is something you do as well. You're recording podcasts… but sending them to no one.You're outlining programs… but never releasing them.You're creating content… but never publishing it.You're planning and working and creating on your computer… but hesitate to put your work out into the world. You are trying to build your business from a hidey hole because you are afraid of being seen. It's avoidance — disguised as productivity.It's doing the safe work.The solo work.The invisible work.The work that doesn't involve other people, opinions, or outcomes.And just like Champion — you're hiding because something feels scary.Something feels too vulnerable.Something feels too emotionally risky.But here's the real problem:You can't build a business from a hidey hole. Not a real one.Not one that makes money.Not one that replaces your income.Because a business that makes money requires you to put yourself out there. It requires you to get in the arena.Getting in the arenaLet's throw it back to Teddy Roosevelt's man in the arena speech…“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcomingWho knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement.And who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”That quote says it all. Being an entrepreneur forces you to choose what kind of person you want to be.Do you want to be in the arena?Or do you want to be a cold and timid soul?Arena Action vs. Hidey-Hole ActionLet's define these two types of actions right now so we are on the same page. Hidey Hole Action involves you and your computerArena Action involves other people.Hidey Hole action is all the stuff you do alone:* brainstorming* tinkering* curriculum building* tweaking graphics* editing modules* planning* re-planning* researching* thinkingAll the internal, safe, low-exposure work.Arena action is anything with a chance of emotional exposure:* reaching out to someone* pitching a collab* posting content* sharing your offer* having market research convos* doing a livestream * hosting a webinarArena action is what actually builds a business.Hidey Hole action is what keeps you busy and distracted. And if you are unwilling to do arena action your business will never make money. So today, I'm walking you through the 6 strategies for getting into the arena. 1. Accept That It's RequiredWhen I first started building my business, I didn't realize what it took to build a business. I signed up for a life coaching certification without actually thinking about how I would get clients. For some reason it didn't seem relevant. But on week 3 of my certification training, I opened the workbook to the section called “Prospecting.”Prospecting — which was really the practicing of building relationships with potential clients. I read through the workbook. Feeling more horrified with each sentence that I read. Stunned, I closed my laptop. Internally I was screaming…” wait I have to do WHAT?”Up until that moment, I hadn't thought about the “business” part of building a business. I wasn't thinking about having sales conversations.I wasn't thinking about doing marketing. So the realization I would have to put myself out there like a mormon on a mission filled me with dread. I seriously thought about quitting right then. Backing out of the whole business thing. But instead, I decided to commit.I realized that entrepreurship required stepping into the arenaover and over agiain.and I decided to rise to the challenge. You know what they say… . acceptance is the first step. So thats what I need you todo first. Take a moment and let it sink in for real.You cannot build a business without being seen.You can't build a business in a hidey hole.You must take bold + vulnerable action again and again to build a business. Entrepreneurship requires you to step into the arena.Period. 2. Choose the Discomfort of GrowthThe concept of comfort zone is a lie. People think they can either choose to stay in their comfort zone, or get out of their comfort zone and grow. That's not the choice. Because the truth is “stay in your comfort zone” is not a real choice. You can stay put where you are, but where you are is not comfortable.If your current situation was truly comfortable… you wouldn't be trying to solve for it. You are not comfortable. You are in familiar discomfort. The choice is NOT stay in your comfort zone or get out of your comfort zone because every path has discomfort. The real choice is which discomfort to you want?The discomfort of stagnationorthe discomfort of growth? You will be uncomfortable either way, so all you can do is choose your preferred discomfort. 3.Leverage your social circleWhen I surrounded myself with other entrepreneur friends — people who were also posting, launching, experimenting it became so much easier to do it myself.Putting yourself out there.Taking on emotional risk to build something of your own became a social currency. A normal behavior. I wasn't the only one feeling exposed — everyone was.We were all in the arena together.And that's the magic of community:Proximity normalizes fear.When the people around you are doing brave things regularly, your bravery starts to rise to meet theirs.4. Learn How to Regulate and Process Your EmotionsThe only reason you avoid stepping into the arena is because you are afraid of your own feelings. * You're afraid you won't get the result you want and feel disappointed.* You're afraid people will judge you and you'll feel embarrassed.* You're afraid of getting a no and feeling rejected. * You're afraid you'll feel like a failure.It always comes back to a feeling. If you weren't afraid of those emotions, nothing would stop you.This is why emotional regulation matters so much.Because when you know how to:* process your emotions* be with your emotions* support yourself through your emotions* expand your emotional capacitythere's nothing to be scared of. Your fear shrinks.Your capacity expands.The reason I can get into the arena on such a regular basis is because I've trained myself to hold all emotions. I feel so confident in my emotional capacity.That doesn't mean I'm not afraid, but I can manage the fear because I trust myself to manage all my emotions. Once you learn how to manage your emotions, the arena stops feeling like an existential threat — and starts feeling like a fun challenge. 5. Anchor Yourself in the MissionWhen you're rooted in your mission the arena stops feeling like a personal performance… and starts feeling like service.This is where your clarity anchors come in:* Who you're here to help* The result you help them achieve* Why you're the one to lead themWhen you're grounded in those three truths, everything shifts.You're no longer entering the arena to “prove yourself.”You're not posting for validation.You're not launching to feel worthy.You're doing it because your people need you.When your mission is bigger than you, your courage increases.Your willingness expands.Your resistance softens.It's not about being selfless — it's about being mission-led.When you anchor into why you're here and who you're here to serve…you stop obsessing over how you look and start focusing on who you can help.That mission pulls you forward in a way willpower never could.And some days, that mission is the only thing that gets you into the arena.6. Make “Getting Into the Arena” the Entire MetricThis is the one that frees you.Most people avoid the arena because they're terrified of what will happen after the action:“What if I launch… and no one buys?”“What if I pitch… and no one responds?”“What if I try… and it flops?”But that fear only exists because you're measuring the wrong thing.Your metric — especially in the beginning — is NOT:* Did it sell?* Did it convert?* Did people like it?* Did it work?Your metric is simply:“Did I get into the arena today?”That's it.Did you launch the thing?Did you post the post?Did you submit the pitch?Did you put yourself out there?That is the only metric that matters at the start.When getting into the arena becomes the whole metric, something magical happens:You stop tying your self-worth to outcomes.You start celebrating your courage instead of critiquing your performance.And once you've mastered that — the consistency, the self-trust, the willingness to show up — THEN you can start focusing on outcomes.But not before.Because you cannot optimize what you're too afraid to do consistently.So let the metric be simple.Did you get into the arena?If yes → celebrate.If no → hold yourself accountable. That's how momentum is built.That's how capacity is built.And that's how businesses are built.It's time to get into the arena…At the end of the day, business is not built in your Google Docs, or your Canva files, or the safe little corners of your brain where everything feels theoretically perfect.Business is built in the arena.It's built in the moments when you choose to feel the discomfort instead of avoiding it.When you choose growth over hiding.When you choose the mission over your fear.When you choose showing up even when there's no guarantee of how it will go.Every entrepreneur you admire has felt the exact same emotions you're feeling right now — the doubt, the fear, the awkwardness, the vulnerability — and the only difference is that they kept going.They didn't wait to feel ready.They didn't wait for perfection.They didn't wait until certainty arrived.They increased their emotional capacity.They anchored into their mission.They made “getting into the arena” the only metric that mattered — until it became normal.And that is available for you, too.So if you take nothing else from this:Stop measuring success by outcomes you haven't earned the emotional reps for yet.Start measuring success by your willingness to step into the arena at all.Because when you consistently show up — even imperfectly, even shakily, even with your heart beating out of your chest — you become the kind of person who can hold the results you say you want.You become someone who can launch.You become someone who can sell.You become someone who can lead.You become someone who can succeed.Not because you eliminated fear — but because you learned how to walk with it.So ask yourself:Did I get into the arena today?If the answer is yes — that's everything.If the answer is no — you know exactly what to do next.Your business will grow in direct proportion to the number of times you choose courage over comfort.Get into the arena.Feel what you need to feel.Show up again tomorrow.This is how you become the entrepreneur you want to be.If you want to join me in the arena, this is exactly what we do inside of Create Your Six Figure Offer. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit spirituallyambitious.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Daily Mastermind, host George Wright III returns from a high-level mastermind retreat and shares the powerful lessons he gained from being surrounded by top CEOs and entrepreneurs. He explains how true masterminding—what Napoleon Hill called the creation of a “third mind”—can spark breakthroughs, expand your vision, and accelerate success. George emphasizes that no one achieves greatness alone. Proximity, collaboration, and aligned relationships are now the real growth strategy in business. The old model of competing and guarding ideas is fading; the future belongs to those who co-create, share resources, and build authority together.00:41 The Energy and Power of a Mastermind02:33 Interview with Navy SEAL Jason Redman04:27 Defining the Mastermind Concept04:43 Why You Need a Mastermind07:05 Three Key Reminders08:30 Final Call to ActionYou have GREATNESS inside you. I BELIEVE in You. Let's Make Today the Day You Unleash Your Potential!George Wright IIICEO, The Daily Mastermind | Evolution X_________________________________________________________P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are ways I can help you…Get to know me:1. Subscribe to The Daily Mastermind Podcast- daily inspiration, motivation, education2. Follow me on social media Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | TikTok | Youtube3. Get the Prosperity Pillars Poster I Developed over 20 years from my Mentors.

2 Kings 2 isn't a cute Bible-college brochure. It's a field manual. In this 2015 message, Pastor Greg Mitchell contrasts the “sons of the prophets” model with Elisha's gritty, relational discipleship. Result: information alone never produced a prophet, but impartation and obedience did.Key themesBible school vs. Bible methodThree traps: head-knowledge pride, spectator Christianity, lip-service to headshipFive marks of real discipleship: impartation, direction, cost, service, supernatural power“Double portion” = inheritance and authority to leadScriptures: 2 Kings 2; 1 Kings 19:19–21; James 1:22; Luke 5:4; Matthew 28:19.Chapters00:00 – Opening and text: 2 Kings 200:34 – Diagnosis: culture in decline02:20 – Do Bible schools fix it?04:42 – Origins of “sons of the prophets”07:01 – Why prophet school didn't work09:17 – Pastor Mitchell's Bible-school experience13:01 – Our DNA: a discipleship movement15:18 – Clash with denomination over Bible school17:40 – The new drift back to schooling20:06 – Mistake #1: Information ≠ qualification23:16 – Mistake #2: Proximity without participation27:29 – Mistake #3: Mouth “submission,” resist direction33:17 – What works: the marks of discipleship35:42 – Cost and service before microphones37:42 – Don't go to a gunfight without the supernatural40:56 – “Double portion” explained: inheritance and authority43:23 – Call to repentance and challenge to actShow NotesALL PROCEEDS GO TO WORLD EVANGELISMLocate a CFM Church near you: https://cfmmap.orgWe need five-star reviews! Tell the world what you think about this podcast at: • Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://apple.co/3vy1s5b • Podchaser: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/taking-the-land-cfm-sermon-pod-43369v

What happens when you surround yourself with the right people in business? In this powerful conversation, I chat with Sonya, founder of Linchpin Digital, about the true power of proximity and how the people you spend time with can completely shift what you believe is possible. Full shownotes at https://clarewood.com/podcast/episode346/

In this episode, I'm wrapping up part two of How to Intimidate Without Talking. I talk about how real power shows up through composure, presence, and silence. When you stay calm under pressure, hold your space, and don't react to provocation, that's real intimidation. You don't need to argue or prove yourself—your control speaks louder than words. Show Notes [00:59]#4 Composure under pressure.  [11:23]#5 Proximity and presence.  [15:52]#6 Withholding reaction.  [21:27] Recap Episodes Mentioned: 2338: The TRASH That Is The American Medical System Next Steps ⚡️ Power Presence Protocol  Command The Room Without Words → http://PowerPresenceProtocol.com 

The momtemplating is in full swing. Christmas planning has started, Dancing with the stars needs to get their shit together and we are all ready for Wicked part 2 to come out.Hosts: Tina Graf and Kerry LucasGuests: Neeka Pirooz, Grace Graf and Emerson GrafProduced by Grace Graf

In this episode, I break down the truth people avoid: your environment is shaping you more than your intentions ever will. Proximity builds identity. The people you spend time with either sharpen your vision or blur it, elevate your standards or drag them to the floor. I take you through psychology, the animal kingdom, war strategy, and real-life experience to show you how your circle predicts your future long before you live it.Buy my book Above the illusion. Above the Illusion: The blueprint for mental clarity, self-respect, and irreplaceable value" is a deep exploration into the hidden forces shaping our lives – the conditioning, beliefs, and stories we've unknowingly accepted as truth. This book exposes the psychological distractions that cloud our vision, keeping us blind, fearful, and stuck in cycles of limitation.Anthony Minaya challenges you to question the narratives that hold you back, illuminating the illusions that prevent you from seeing yourself clearly. From the self-imposed boundaries to the unconscious patterns dictating your choices, "Above the Illusion" guides you to break free from the mental fog and step into undeniable personal growth.This isn't just a book about change – it's about learning how to see. When you learn to recognize what is real and what is fabricated by fear and doubt, you gain the clarity, awareness, and self-respect necessary to reshape your life."Above the Illusion" will leave you more prepared, more conscious, and more powerful than ever before – ready to live with a sharpness that cuts through deception and a confidence rooted in truth.Buy now. https://a.co/d/8w516R7

How does a century-old luxury lingerie brand balance craftsmanship, connection, and cutting-edge technology? In this Rethink Retail episode, Cathy McCabe, CEO of Proximity, sits down with Marianna Satanas, President of Hanro USA, to explore how timeless values can drive modern transformation. They discuss: - Turning heritage and craftsmanship into a modern customer experience - How human connection still defines true clienteling in luxury - Why authenticity and personalization matter more than ever - Using AI to empower teams and give customers real choice - How sustainability, quality, and emotional value shape buying behavior today

Watch Bishop T.D. Jakes from The Potters Touch To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/973/29

Watch Bishop T.D. Jakes from The Potters Touch To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/973/29