Podcasts about rbc

In Monterey Bay, California, a boat captain saw fifteen Pacific white-sided dolphins join a super pod of more than two thousand dolphins. Various types and ages of dolphins gather in pods to fend off predators, feed, and socialize. Still, the size and diversity of this super pod was a rare sight to behold.

Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer became famous for his talent at age twenty. The art critics of his day called him “the greatest mind that ever expressed itself in line.” As his fame spread, influential people tried to hire him with promises of luxury and ease. Even other acclaimed artists such as Giovanni Bellini and Raphael revered his work. In what experts consider to be his best self-portrait, Dürer mingled his physical characteristics with what he thought Jesus might have looked like. He painted himself with long wavy hair, a beard, and eyes that seemed to convey a sense of divine purpose. Many assumed this piece was a prideful statement about the artist’s opinion of himself. Others who were familiar with his virtuous character believed the painting wasn’t blasphemous or big-headed but aspirational. They believed Dürer wanted to live a life that would allow people to see Jesus in him. If we truly know Christ, this is our desire as well. Believing in Him and accepting His death and resurrection as the basis for our relationship with God means we should now live for Jesus—not for ourselves (Galatians 2:19). We live for Him and He lives in us and works through us. The apostle Paul said this about his spiritual transformation: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (v. 20). May the glory of Christ shine through our lives today so that the world sees Him in us.

After Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters nearly destroyed his small North Carolina town in 2024, a pastor noticed an inspiring pattern. As he struggled to answer the persistent question, “What do you need?” donations kept showing up exactly when he needed them. Phone chargers? Out of the blue, a man drove up with a generator, creating a charging station at the church. Drinking water? Suddenly, pallets of water bottles arrived. Coincidence? The Bible points us to God, not mere happenstance. “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The promise might seem empty to a town nearly demolished by a thirty-foot wall of raging water. But Paul, who was in prison when he offered this encouragement, was no stranger to hardship. Paul was writing to the church in Philippi to thank them for badly needed financial gifts. Except for them, he’d been neglected (v. 15). But God used them to meet his needs. So, His words shined a bright light on God who provided the “riches of His glory” found in Christ Jesus our Savior, in whom we have “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3). Joy, peace, truth, salvation are among the needs He richly provides. In kindness as well, He’ll provide a drink of water too, if that’s what we need. What a loving, generous God.

Researchers discovered that the water anole can stay underwater for twenty minutes without a fresh gulp of air. The tiny lizard has water-repelling skin, and after taking a deep dive it exhales a bubble of air that sticks to its snout. The clever creature then rebreathes the bubble again and again—something scientists believe is the recycling of the trapped air supply. Although water anoles possess this special ability, like many creatures, they must breathe to live. In Genesis we read that God “breathed into [Adam’s] nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (2:7). As He created all things in “the heavens and the earth” (v. 4), He also created man from “the dust of the ground” (v. 7). But it took God’s breath of life to make His creation fully alive. He transformed the first human into a living being—a living soul. Later, He formed Eve from Adam’s rib (v. 22). As spiritual beings, we’re able to serve God and enjoy fellowship with Him by belief in Christ. Jesus “breathed on” the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 12:20). One commentator writes that this “ ‘inbreathing’ of the Holy Spirit is essential in order for people to enjoy fellowship with God.” Each breath we take is God’s gift of physical life. As believers in Jesus, it’s also a reflection of our eternal life and being indwelt by the life-giving Spirit (Romans 8:11).

The CEO was hurting employees with his sharp tongue. No one dared confront him. Everyone was afraid of him, including Gene. But one day the CEO berated a new employee, reducing her to tears. When Gene saw how everyone in the room stayed silent, he spoke up. “I told him the way he was treating people was wrong,” Gene recalls. “He was astonished; it was the first time someone stood up to him. He didn’t change, but I’m glad I spoke up.” Scripture tells us of another man who stood up to a challenge many were afraid of. Shammah, a military warrior of David, came from difficult circumstances (see 1 Samuel 22:1-2), but God used him to defeat the Philistines, a formidable enemy of the Israelites. “When the Philistines banded together at . . . a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them” (2 Samuel 23:11). Only Shammah had the courage to defend Israel’s food supply. Being the lone man against the Philistine army meant death, but Shammah “took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it” (v. 12). God helped Shammah defeat the Philistines (v. 12). He may have been the only Israelite in the field, but he wasn’t alone－God was with him, giving him great victory that day. There may be times when we’re called to stand up to a challenge that everyone else is avoiding. Like Shammah, let’s take our stand, relying on God’s presence and help.

In 2018, a man checked into a room at New York hotel for a one-night stay. Remarkably, he used the room for five years without paying another cent—exploiting obscure rent laws to hold on to it. His refusal to leave, however, eventually led to potential prison time for him. Like an unwelcome tenant who overstays, James warns us that the devil lingers in our lives when left unchecked. “Resist the devil,” James writes, “and he will flee from you” (4:7). The apostle emphasizes that our struggles often come from impure “desires” and “wrong motives” (vv. 1, 3)—things like pride, divided loyalties, and impure thoughts residing in our hearts. To counter such temptation, James offers two commands: “submit . . . to God” and “resist the devil” (v. 7). To submit means surrendering every part of our lives to God. Resisting the devil is equally active, requiring prayer, vigilance, and the wisdom of Scripture. Like a landlord evicting an unlawful tenant, in God’s strength we can refuse to let the temptation of the devil overtake us. As we resist him, God promises victory as James asserts: “He will flee from you” (v. 7). When we evict sin and the devil’s influence and “come near to God” (v. 8), we allow His peace, joy, and purpose to dwell more fully in us. The enemy can’t stay where God reigns!

Speaking to a group of young actors, Academy-Award-winning actor Denzel Washington encouraged them to begin each day with prayer, suggesting they “put your shoes way under the bed at night” to ensure they "gotta get on your knees in the morning.” Developing a regular habit of prayer might take some thoughtful and even creative planning, but it’s a practice that has sustained God’s people throughout history—especially in difficult times. We see this in the life of Daniel, who was served in King Darius’ administration. He quickly distinguished himself as the top government advisor, which angered local officials. Out of jealously they plotted to oust the prophet, but they quickly realized the only charge that would stick was related to Daniel’s well-known habit of prayer. Even after the officials tricked the king into making it illegal for Daniel to pray, Daniel still “got down on his knees, and prayed . . . just as he had done before” (Daniel 6:10). A consistent prayer life was essential for Daniel to experience God’s sustaining strength and peace (Psalm 29:11). It helped him to triumph over the forces seeking to destroy him. In the same way, establishing a regular time to meet with God in prayer and making it a daily priority can help cultivate our relationship with Him. During each difficulty we face, it’s His strength that will sustain us.

The key metrics to watch in Nvidia's earnings—and why a guidance hike could be on the way. As oil prices continue to fluctuate amid Middle East tensions, RBC's Helima Croft is concerned about a different commodity ahead of cooling temperatures. Plus, unsealed court documents reveal the Fed, the Senate, the Deptartment of Justice, and NASA were just some of the federal agencies hacked by a Chinese state-sponsored group. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael couldn’t help laughing as Grace hid behind a menu. They were playing a game of hide-and-seek at the table in a café while waiting for the food. The five-year-old thought that if she couldn’t see her father, then he couldn’t see her. It seemed silly at the time, but as Michael reflected on the incident later, he realized it contained an important lesson: Do we believe we can hide our sins from God? Do we think that if we can’t see Him, then He can’t see us? In Amos 9, this same point is made when God, speaking through the prophet, warns Israel not to think they can escape judgment for their sins. “Though they hide themselves . . . I will hunt them down.” He said, “I will keep my eye on them” (vv. 3-4). Nothing escapes the eyes of the all-seeing, all-knowing God. But the warning also came with a message of hope. In verses 11-15, God promises restoration: “I will restore David’s fallen shelter—I will repair its broken walls” (v. 11). After suffering the consequences of their sin, God’s people would be restored and given bountiful blessings (vv. 13-15). Just as God sees our failings, He also sees our repentance, and He is ready to forgive and restore. As we draw comfort from this truth, let’s hold on tightly to the holy and righteous God who is full of mercy and grace.

Ken is Founder, President and CEO of Churchill Asset Management, one of the largest private credit managers in the U.S., overseeing more than $66 billion of committed capital. A veteran of leveraged finance with leadership roles at Churchill, Carlyle, RBC, and Chase, Ken shares how private credit has evolved, where middle-market opportunities remain, what investors misunderstand about risk and scale, and why relationships, trust, and disciplined underwriting continue to matter in an increasingly data-driven world.-This podcast/webcast is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, or business advice. It is not a solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement. All opinions expressed by participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Evoke Advisors Division of MAI Capital Management, LLC ("Evoke”), its affiliates, or any companies mentioned. Information shared has not been independently verified by MAI or its affiliates. MAI Capital Management, LLC (“MAI”) is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), which does not imply any particular level of skill or training.Certain information contained herein has been obtained from third party sources and such information has not been independently verified. No representation, warranty, or undertaking, expressed or implied, is given to the accuracy or completeness of such information by any person.While such sources are believed to be reliable, Evoke does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information. Evoke does not undertake any obligation to update the information contained herein as of any future date.The content is intended for a general audience and does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell securities or adopt any investment strategy. Any examples or scenarios discussed are illustrative only, involve risks and uncertainties, and do not guarantee future results. Non-traditional assets carry significant risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Decisions should be based on individual objectives, risk tolerance, and circumstances.Statements herein are general and may not reflect an individual's or entity's specific circumstances or applicable laws, which vary by jurisdiction. Further, speakers' views are personal and may differ from Evoke and MAI recommendations and are not specific investment advice; and do not consider client objectives, risk tolerance, and diversification. Guests may have current or past relationships with Evoke and MAI, its affiliates, or the host, including as clients, service providers, or business partners. Participation does not constitute an endorsement or testimonial. No compensation has been paid or received for guest participation unless disclosed. MAI and its affiliates may have business relationships with entities mentioned in this podcast, which could create potential conflicts of interest. These relationships may include advisory services, investment management, or other arrangements. MAI seeks to manage such conflicts consistent with its fiduciary obligations and policies.(As of December 22, 2025)

Professional boxer Jim Braddock was known as someone who fought not for riches and fame, but to put food on the table for his family. The movie Cinderella Man chronicles his fairytale-like comeback from a past-his-prime boxer to the world heavyweight champion. While facing extreme poverty during the Great Depression, Jim repeatedly sacrifices his own resources, health, and pride to provide for his children. He’s never intimidated by an opponent and courageously endures pummeling in the ring to keep his family safe. Jim’s legacy is one of passionate defense of his family. We too, have a passionate defender who has promised to take our place in the ring. When the Israelites faced Pharaoh’s mighty army after their escape from slavery in Egypt, they were terrified and cried out to God. “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than die in the desert!” they foolishly said (Exodus 14:12). But Moses replied in faith: “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (v. 14). And without any action from the Israelites, their enemies were literally swept away by the sea as God supernaturally ended the battle before it even began. Sometimes it feels like we’re facing the trials of life or arrows from the enemy, Satan, on our own. But God has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). He fights for us; we need only to be still.

I have been banging the drum for copper for some time, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Gold has the glamour, but many, including veteran investor Rick Rule, now see the greater opportunity in copper. In summer 2024, I highlighted three copper companies Amerigo Resources (ARG.TO) at around C$1.75 and Arizona Sonoran Copper (ASCU.TO) at C$1.36 and QCCU (QCCU.V) at 12c . Amerigo and Arizona Sonora both hit C$8 on Monday meaning gains of ~350% and ~500%. QCCU, on the other hand, is still at 12c. You can't win them all.Back in May we noted that things were getting a little hot. The metal had just hit fresh highs; there was a plethora of investment bank supercycle notes and social media was full of predictions about imminent shortages. The long-term story is intact but don't chase it, we suggested. Copper tends to be weaker over the summer and some consolidation could give you a better buying opportunity.We got a good opportunity in June but it did not last long, and here we are three months on with copper at ~$6.50/lb a couple of per cent below where we were in May.It doesn't take a genius to work out which way the trend is going in that particular chart. The summer lull has been more of a pause than anything else.Meanwhile, beneath the surface, the fundamental copper story is getting stronger.Copper's problem is not demand. It is supply.We covered the demand side extensively in May. AI needs copper. Data centres need it. Power grids need it. Electric vehicles, rearmament, reindustrialistation, India - they all need copper. This is not the usual China story by the way. If anythign China demand is lacklustre. Its imports of unwrought copper fell 11.5% year-on-year in July and industrial production there has been slowing. But, as RBC notes, the LME copper market had moved into its steepest backwardation since the 2021 squeeze. In other words, buyers are paying substantially more for copper now than for delivery later. That is a classic physical tightness indicator. Antofagasta has cut its 2026 production guidance after problems at Los Pelambres. Codelco has abandoned its 1.34 million tonne production target and now expects to produce less than it did last year.Meanwhile we have BHP's latest results. Copper now accounts for 54% of its earnings (EBITDA). Its copper mines are extraordinarily profitable (70% EBITDA margin). Yet despite the obvious incentive to produce more, BHP's copper production actually fell 3% last year. This is the largest mining company in the world, with some of the best copper assets, engineers and access to capital on the planet. If anyone can turn on the copper taps, so to speak, it should be BHP. Yet it is talking about a “persistent structural deficit” of as much as 10 million tonnes a year next decade. Demand from electrification, digitalisation, data centres and other newer uses, meanwhile, is expected to grow at around 6.5% a year.So it now aims to grow its copper production at ~5% a year, faster than the rest of its business. The requires an extraordinary amount of capital.In a recent video, Merlin Marr-Johnson, CEO of Fitzroy Minerals (FTZ.V) analyses BHP's spending plans using Escondida, the world's largest copper mine, as an example and concludes, “They're spending $5 billion to stand still. And that is the copper industry in a nutshell.”Billions of dollars of investment don't necessarily mean billions of dollars of new production. Mines get older. Grades decline. Pits get deeper. More rock has to be shifted to produce the same amount of metal. Processing plants wear out and have to be replaced. Sometimes you have to spend billions just to stop production falling.Which brings us to Rick Rule.Is copper now a better bet than gold?It could be.Rule argues that “The biggest copper mining companies in the world need to spend $250 billion to maintain current levels of copper production.” Note - to maintain, not increase. Not every one has $250 billion sitting around waiting to be spent. “The copper development boom that we absolutely have to see in the next 10 years will require vast amounts of capital.”“There's nothing that we can do, nothing at all that we can do, to avert a shortage in copper,” he says. As a result, five years from now the copper price will be, “dramatically higher than it is today.”As you know, copper is an important strategic mineral. Citi recently looked at what might happen if countries start building national inventories. Global refined copper inventories, it estimates, currently sit around at around 3 million tonnes, equivalent to just 1.3 months of global consumption. If governments decided they wanted three months instead, they would need need to find another 4 million tonnes of copper.Where does it come from?To be accumulated over two years, Citi calculates, would require the copper price price to rise to over $10/lb to bring enough scrap into the market and destroy enough demand to balance things.That is not a forecast, by the way, it is a scenario. But governments are increasingly treating critical minerals as a matter of national security. The US has proposed a US$12 billion strategic commodities programme, the EU has allocated billions to critical-mineral security and there have been calls in China for increased copper stockpiling.So what do we actually buy? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.theflyingfrisby.com/subscribe

A recent photography contest featured images created by artificial intelligence (AI). People from around the world submitted pictures they had fabricated by AI text prompts on computers. Only AI-generated images were allowed. One winner was a surreal depiction: against a sandy landscape, something that looked like a pink flamingo curled into a feathery ball. There was only one problem. The winning image was a real photograph of a real flamingo. The photographer had entered an authentic photo in an AI-contest. His picture, “Flamingone,” was disqualified. That’s right—the authentic photo was rejected for being the real thing. The prophet Isaiah vividly foretells a similar irony about the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ: “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7). Christ was taken to court for claiming to be the Jewish Messiah. Yet he did not offer a defense: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth” (v. 7). Isaiah points to the ultimate contradiction: “He was despised and rejected by mankind” (v. 3). That’s right—the authentic Messiah, the true Son of God, was rejected as being fake. Today, you and I are judges in that court of decision. Do we accept Jesus as the authentic Son of God? Or do we reject Him as something less? Even if we believe in Him, does our daily living sometimes reject Him as the real deal?

Of all United States presidents, Jimmy Carter had the longest marriage. He and his wife Rosalyn were married for seventy-seven years. When Carter was asked the secret to his long, successful marriage, he replied, “Choose the right person to marry.” Beyond that, he named three other concepts for marital success: reconciliation, communication, and devotion to faith. We see the idea of reconciliation in Ephesians 4:26: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” The Carters took this seriously. “Every night, we try to make sure we’re completely reconciled from all the arguments during the day,” Jimmy once said. We can see the secret to Christlike communication in Ephesians 4. Paul wrote, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32). God ordained marriage as something good—something established by Him (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4). Proverbs 18:22 says that marriage is a divine blessing: “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” And the way we treat one another, in marriage and in the entire body of Christ, can encourage and positively affect others. Whether we’re single or married, our words and actions can truly reflect the loving, forgiving heart of Christ.

On a Thursday, just before lunch, the pastor passionately reminded the seventy senior saints gathered in his church’s cinder block auditorium about the promise of their resurrection. Meanwhile, in the fellowship hall sandwiches and watermelon slices were set out, waiting to be consumed by mourners sitting on metal folding chairs placed on stained carpet. It was a perfectly normal funeral, except for the preacher. He was a well-known speaker who has preached to stadiums full of thousands. Now he was speaking just as enthusiastically to this weekday gathering. Paul told his protégé, Timothy, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season . . . . discharge all the duties of your ministry” (4:2–5). All the duties. Not only the big ones performed on large stages with bright lights. Also ordinary, weekday duties. The speeches that won’t be recorded and broadcast for generations to come. The tasks that few will see. Do those well too. Because Someone is watching. Paul told Timothy he was serving “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead” (4:1). Your platform may be small, but your audience could not be more important. Jesus waits expectantly for your service. Do it for Him, relying on the power of His Spirit. He will be honored as you humbly, faithfully minister to others.

In the dimly lit restaurant, our waitress quietly took our orders with a solemn expression. But then a customer kindly gave her a writing pen that had a little flashlight built into it. He told her it was so she could “see in the dark.” Her face lit up and her demeanor changed to reflect joy. It was evident that she as delighted by the gift—clicking the light off and on. When she left our tables, the man smiled as he whispered to me: “I think she brightened up when I gave her the pen. It made her day!” The God-given gift of light certainly brightens our days. Jesus is the ultimate gift of light—“Light . . . come into the world” to save the world (John 3:16-19). God provided this Gift because He loves us and wants to be in relationship with us. When we receive Christ as our Savior, our sins are forgiven, and we experience fellowship with Him. Jesus brightens our lives for all eternity. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). As believers in Jesus, we’re also to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). When we receive the gift God gave us through Christ, we walk in His light and “shine [our] light before others” (v. 16). As He helps us, let’s shine for Him today!

Dr. Theoharis Theoharides is back, and this time we got into the stuff that has been all over the news. Leucovorin. Tylenol. Benadryl. Underneath the headlines there is actual science, and Dr. Theo walks through what inflammation, mast cells, and folate really have to do with our kids. The throughline is simple. A diagnosis is a label, not a treatment plan, and there is measurable biology underneath that label that most workups never look at. Dr. Theo holds five degrees from Yale, spent 37 years at Tufts, has published more than 500 peer reviewed papers, and was the first researcher to connect mast cells to autism. He now runs the Center of Excellence for Neuroinflammation Research in Florida. In this episode: - What a mast cell actually is, and why the ones in the brain matter- Propionic acid, and why it is sitting in most kids' cereal- The four things he wants every autism workup to cover- The folate test most kids never get, and why normal bloodwork can still be wrong- A 30-second test you can run at your kitchen table tonight- Why constipation changes behavior more than almost anything he has seen- What to do when your pediatrician refuses to order a test- How to tell a real supplement from an expensive one- Twenty years of autism fads, and why stem cells do not work- When to stop something that is not working His most honest moment: "I hate the term therapeutic because I don't know what I'm treating." His best one: "The brain is working. The fact that they don't speak doesn't mean anything." RESOURCESFRAT, the Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test. Must be ordered by a physician.MTHFR gene analysis.RBC folate and RBC B12, to see what is getting inside the cells.Flat abdominal X-ray, when behavior spikes and nobody can explain it. FIND DR. THEOdrtheoharides.com, which has an intake form.Instagram: @drtheoharidesHe sees patients in Fort Lauderdale the third week of each month, adolescents and adults only. FIND ROBtheautismdad.comThe book, So Your Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism, is out December 29. Preorder at theautismdad.com/book/ DISCLAIMERDr. Theoharides is a physician and PhD pharmacologist with five degrees from Yale and more than 500 peer reviewed publications. This conversation is education, not personalized medical advice. He names specific tests, supplements, medications, and doses, and he gives them as clinical context. The right number for any individual child depends on age, weight, and labs. Do not start, stop, or change anything based on a podcast. Talk to your child's doctor.

As a landscape photographer, I’m drawn to photos I find online. Recently I came across “10 of the Most Breathtaking Places in the U.S.” A photo of a geothermal spring depicts a massive basin of multi-colored luminescence. A snapshot of the Hoh Rain Forest shows a dense mossy forest that looks like something straight out of “The Hobbit.” A stunning picture taken in Monument Valley, Arizona, could be a panorama of Mars. These awesome images make me think of our awesome God. In Psalm 68, David gushes about God’s majesty: “Sing to God . . . extol him who rides on the clouds” (v. 4). Vividly, the psalmist proclaims God’s power over enemies: “May you blow them away like smoke” (v. 2). Yet God’s sheer majesty and power are contrasted with His intimate love: “Praise be to the Lord . . . who daily bears our burdens” (v. 19). David’s epic psalm reaches a climax with his breathless praise: “You, God, are awesome” (v. 35). In landscape photographs, I find both immensity and intimacy. The sheer expanse of these vistas speaks personally to my soul. It makes me wonder if the landscapes of our world are really glimpses of God Himself— reflections of how He’s both awesomely immense and breathtakingly loving. In that light, maybe today we might look for His reflected beauty around us. Maybe today we might whisper to Him, “You, God, are awesome.”

Natalie Ochoa, president of Jigsaw Health, details widespread magnesium insufficiency and why it occurs (soil depletion, low plant intake/processed foods, stress-related loss, aging, and medication effects including diuretics and proton pump inhibitors). They discuss the poor reliability of standard serum magnesium testing, the limitations of RBC magnesium testing, and using symptoms such as cramps, twitches, constipation, fatigue, and sleep trouble as clues. Ochoa explains Jigsaw's sustained-release magnesium malate (MagSRT) designed to reduce GI side effects and how to read labels for elemental magnesium, with typical intake around 500 mg/day. She reviews the 2018 placebo-controlled Scottsdale Magnesium Study (91 participants) showing increases in RBC and serum magnesium and reduced deficiency symptoms, and a Korean study linking higher magnesium intake to less sarcopenia and lower CRP. They also cover MagSoothe (magnesium glycinate) and an Oura Ring-based sleep trial reporting reduced perceived stress and improved sleep quality, plus mention Jigsaw's potassium drink, electrolyte product, and cod liver oil.

All summer long, the children in the house behind ours spend hours swinging on their swing set. Their noisy swing set. Its creaky noise doesn’t bother the children who seem, some days, to swing endlessly. Complaining, I asked my husband why their parents don’t oil the swing. Praying about it, however, I noticed a change in my heart. I could see the children’s laughter and joy bursting from the trust they find in their family’s yard, and in having parents within calling distance nearby. Jesus spoke of such trust when speaking of children. People were bringing their children to Jesus so He could bless them, but His annoyed disciples scolded the parents, rebuking them (Mark 10:13). Seeing this, Jesus “was indignant” (v. 14). “Let the little children come to me,” He told them, “and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” He added, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (vv. 14-15). He’d already taught His disciples this when they’d argued who among them was greatest. Taking a child in His arms, He said, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me” (9:37). Demonstrating the same idea, “He took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them” (10:16). What beautiful reminders to be childlike in our trust in Jesus.

Global yields hit multi-decade highs, putting renewed pressure on stocks. The traders chat with CNBC's Rick Santelli about the backup in rates, while RBC's Lori Calvasina makes sense of the overall market impact. Then, the Chart Master Carter Worth makes the case that it could be time to take profits in oil refiners. Plus, Curaleaf's CEO discusses a cannabis takeout target, semis lose momentum and what to expect from Target results tomorrow. Fast Money Disclaimer   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“What a cruel act to be untruthful,” German theologian and monk Meister Eckhart once wrote in a poem that contrasts relationships built on trust and honesty with those damaged by lies. He described truthful, loving words as “wonderful spices mixed into the days.” But lies, he emphasized, are like earthquakes in the mind and poison to the soul: “Havoc is created in the mind that can no longer trust someone once loved . . . . a plague is spread by one who cannot tell the truth.” The imagery of a plague spread by falsehoods might seem stark. But to take speech seriously resonates with how our words and their impact are described throughout Scripture. When Paul describes to new believers the difference between life before and after their union with Jesus, words take center stage. “Do not lie to each other,” the apostle emphasizes, “since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self” (Colossians 3:9-10). There are many reasons to be tempted to lie or distort the truth. Sometimes we might think it’s the best way to protect ourselves or others. But through Christ’s love, through His Spirit at work in our hearts, we learn a different way—one transformed by “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (3:12). And we learn how forgiveness and love can create the kind of trust and peace that brings rest to our souls (v. 15).

According to research, Gen Z can detect a false compliment from a mile away. While the intention might be kindness, the members of that generation value something deeper: genuine respect and honesty. Not looking to be flattered, they want to be believed in. When truth is spoken, they feel respected, taken seriously, and are challenged to grow. But this is likely true for most of us. Psalm 141:5 gives voice to this wisdom. David wrote, “Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me.” In his prayer to God, he asked that he would welcome loving wounds from friends as kindness (v. 2; see also Proverbs 27:6). David was intimating that real love doesn’t dodge difficult conversations. It tells the truth, not to shame people, but to help be drawn to God and not “be drawn to what is evil” (Psalm 141:4). This passage reminded David’s listeners that wise, truthful feedback isn’t about tearing others down but building them up. Let’s not fear receiving correction from the right sources, and let’s not shy away from offering it either. We don’t need more sugar-coated words. We need people who are willing to speak the truth in love. Sometimes, the words that sting the most are the ones that build us, heal us, and help us become who God made us to be.

Branden’s father was dying of cancer in his fifties. Wanting to help, Branden talked his parents into moving in with him so he could assist them. His dad loved the tropics but could no longer travel, so Branden got creative. He landscaped a pond behind his house, stocked it with fish, and installed a waterfall that tumbled over rocks. He trucked in three loads of beach sand, added banana trees, lights, and tiki torches, and built an awning for shade. His dad spent his last days enjoying a backyard island paradise. Branden’s actions reflect the kind of harmony between parents and children envisioned in Exodus 20. There, God through Moses instructed the children of Israel: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). That directive grows out of the commands to love and respect our heavenly Father (vv. 3-8) and bridges to the last five commands, which instruct us how to love and respect our fellow human beings. Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t covet (vv. 12-17). Honoring parents might come easily for some. For others, it’s extremely difficult. There’s too much pain and distrust. Old wounds refuse to heal. We can commit it to God our Father, who understands that pain. He enables us to live in His love.

Blueprint info session - (doors close August 24) - https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/offers/ExuLzY2G/checkoutLow ferritin can leave you exhausted, shedding hair, and wired at night even when your bloodwork looks "normal." In this episode I break down what "ferritin face" really means, the ferritin numbers that actually matter, and the exact labs to bring to your provider.I share my own story (my ferritin dropped to a 9), the three ferritin patterns to know, why "normal" is not the same as optimal, and the root causes most people miss like estrogen clearance, gut absorption, and blood loss. None of this is medical advice, it's here to help you ask better questions and advocate for yourself.Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share things I actually use and trust.Substack ferritin/iron article with my full personal protocol, estrogen clearance protocol, HCL protocol, and the extended lab lists - https://sarahkleinerwellness.substack.com/p/two-things-everyone-with-a-ferritin?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewerPrevious episode: "5 diet trends that can increase estrogen dominance" - https://youtu.be/60U3Fuk340UUlta Labs, for ordering your own direct-to-consumer labs -https://www.ultalabtests.com/oxygenmaskmeditationMelatonin hair serum / hair care system - https://monatsocialshop.com/SARAH-KLEINER?q=ir-clinical-hair-thinning-defenseShampoo + Conditioner I use - https://monatsocialshop.com/SARAH-KLEINER?q=thick-full-haircare-duoFermenting Fairy kefir —code sarahk - https://fermentingfairy.com/products/vanilla-bean-coconut-milkLab list: Low ferritin is never just one marker. Bring these to your provider (not medical advice): ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation (TSAT), transferrin, TIBC, CBC (hemoglobin, RBC count, MCV), hs-CRP, ESR, copper, ceruloplasmin, B12, folate, full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies), liver markers, kidney markers, plus your symptoms and bleeding history. Cofactors to check: copper, retinol (vitamin A), B12, B2, B6, folate This video is not medical advice & as a supporter to you and your health journey - I encourage you to monitor your labs and work with a professional!________________________________________Get all my free guides and product recommendations to get started on your journey!https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/all-free-resourcesCheck out all my courses to understand how to improve your mitochondrial health & experience long lasting health! (Use code PODCAST to save 10%) - https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/coursesMy free product guide with all product recommendations and discount codes:https://www.canva.com/design/DAF7mlgZpJI/xVyE4tiQFEWJmh_Xwx8Kbw/view?utm_content=DAF7mlgZpJIFree Webinar on Light & Health (includes free light bulb guide) - https://www.sarahkleinerwellness.com/mycircadianapp-free-webinarGet Early Access to Podcast Episodes & my Seasonal Food Course + UVB+Red Light Therapy course for free -  https://open.substack.com/pub/sarahkleinerwellness/p/uvbred-light-protocol?r=5eztl9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueQuick note, some of the links in my description are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission if you use them, and it doesn't cost you anything extra. I only ever share stuff I actually use.

One April afternoon, millions gathered along a mapped arc across Mexico and the United States to witness a rare total solar eclipse. Schools released children, small towns blossomed to receive travelers, neighbors set up lawn chairs in driveways donning protective glasses to take in the wonder. As television crews documented the countdown to “totality,” the crowd grew silent except for one repeated phrase: “Oh my God!” That struck me. I don’t know for certain why those observers chose that phrase in that moment, but I suspect that as mortals encountered the rare and the astonishing, they seemed to need Someone to acknowledge. Someone to thank. Someone to worship. When we look heavenward, our response is awe. As David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). Luke, the historian, reports Jesus’ last minutes on the cross. “It was about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining” (23:44-45). Matthew shares a response to this revelation. “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’ ” (Matthew 27:54). They couldn’t help but acknowledge God as the Someone worthy of worship. In humble awe, I worship You—my God.

I’ve heard it said, “We can’t make our children believe. We can only give our children reason to believe what we believe.” That’s a wise observation—but how do we do it? Of all people to take parenting advice from, the apostle Paul is seldom the first choice. It’s likely that he had no children. Parents prefer to hear from someone who’s been-there-done-that, someone who knows about sleepless infants, the storms of puberty, and how it feels to pray for a prodigal. Yet Paul has something to teach us here. Paul had been on his way to persecute Christians when Christ intervened. Paul fell to the ground, blinded (Acts 9:1-9). Soon he was visited by Ananias who restored his sight and explained his mission: “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard” (22:14-15). Paul did witness, and God gave him a quiver-full of spiritual offspring. His “parenting approach” was to share what he’d seen, and to pray. Whether parenting our own children or interacting with others, we can’t make them believe. Rather, we witness with our words and lives as to what we’ve seen and heard. And we pray. Our God, who sent Paul to the gentiles, sends us with the same instruction: witness so they may believe. Then entrust them to our Father who loves them.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Leaders in Customer Loyalty: Brand Stories, RBC's James Lombardi explores how Avion Rewards has evolved into a broad loyalty ecosystem open to all Canadians. He discusses RBC's approach to strategic partnerships, the continued importance of travel rewards, and how AI and hyper-personalization are helping the bank deliver more relevant value and experiences to members.

My friend José was in hospice care, dying. He’d been alert and talkative during my prior visit but a week later was now frail and speechless. I sat with José and his family anyway, hoping my presence would mean something to them. At the end of what would be my final visit, I was the last one in the room with him. I finally stood and slowly headed to the door but stopped and turned around one last time to say, “Love you,” not expecting a response. There I saw José moving his lips. He was mouthing the words “love you” in return. A person’s parting words can leave a lasting impression. As Jesus was getting ready to return to His Father in heaven after His sacrificial death and resurrection, He assured His disciples that all authority on heaven and earth belonged to Him (Matthew 28:18). And He left them with this lasting charge or Great Commission, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (vv. 19-20). Christ also assured His followers that He would always be with them (v. 20). Jesus’ parting words are for us today, too. May we embrace His call to tell others about Him so they can experience His love and forgiveness, live for Him, and enjoy eternal life with Him in heaven. His message is too good not to share with people of all nations.

SHOW NOTES  SPONSORED BY: Soul of Business™ Experience Find out more at: https://leader.blainebartlett.com/sobecommunity   Managers are drowning in invisible overload, and it is quietly wrecking performance, decisions, and relationships. Dr. Liane Davey (www.thoughtload.com) reveals why the real problem is not time, it is thought load, and how to free your team from the emotional, cognitive, and energy drain that makes great work nearly impossible. Blaine Bartlett brings the conversation into sharp focus by connecting thought load to the Soul of Business, the hidden source of creativity, meaning, and long-term organizational health. Together, they expose why so many teams get stuck in grievance instead of productive conflict, and why the way we reward work today often pushes people to pull harder in the wrong direction. You'll discover: Why emotion and feeling are not the same thing, and why that distinction changes leadership How to spot when a team has grievance, not conflict, and what to do about it Liane's tent-and-tarp metaphor for understanding competing stakeholder demands Why attention, not time, is the scarcest resource at work How the “treacherous triad” of cognitive load, emotional burden, and low energy compounds overwhelm A simple “thinking sabbatical” approach that creates room for insight The three priority lists framework for doing the right work in the right part of your calendar Dr. Liane Davey is a New York Times bestselling author, a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review, and a trusted advisor to leaders at organizations like Amazon, Walmart, RBC, MD Anderson, and Google. Her latest book, Thought Load: Manage the Madness and Free Your Team to Do Great Work, gives managers a practical way to reduce overload and restore effectiveness. If you manage people, lead teams, or feel buried under constant demands, this episode gives you language, frameworks, and a fresh way to think about what is really stealing your best work. Essential listening for leaders who want more than productivity - they want impact. Remember to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. For more insights and resources, visit Blaine's website and stay inspired to lead with purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anthropic is rolling out invisible watermarks for content generated by its AI models, part of a broader push by platforms to help users spot and filter AI-generated text, images, and files as the internet gets increasingly flooded with bots and slop.Plus, RBC and BMO are selling Moneris to U.S. private equity firm Francisco Partners for $2 billion, as Canada's dominant payments platform faces growing pressure from faster, more flexible rivals.And in The Big Picture: Ottawa readies a new trade pitch ahead of looming U.S. tariffs, Gay Lea bets big on cottage cheese, Canadian consumer insolvencies hit their highest level since the financial crisis, and Environment Canada rolls out a new extreme weather alert system.The Peak Daily is produced in partnership with reframevid.com

I recently traveled to Los Angeles and had to rent a car. Soon, I was driving through narrow downtown lanes, full of traffic and people. I found myself driving very carefully, slower than normal. Why? Well, I didn’t want to have an accident. But I really didn’t want to damage my rental car. It wasn’t mine, after all. I was just, well, borrowing it. Most of the time, we’d rather be owners than renters. But, as I drove, I couldn’t help but think that renting that car illustrated something important about my relationship to God. Scripture teaches that even our bodies—which we might think we own—don’t belong to us. In a larger conversation about sexual sin in 1 Corinthians 6, Paul concludes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (vv. 19-20). I’ll admit, it’s hard to completely comprehend that my body is not my own. Still, God calls us to honor Him with it. To care for our bodies. To realize that we are stewards—renters, if you will—of these vessels He’s given us, that we might use them to honor and serve the One whose own broken body and blood saved us.

Because of his father’s alcoholism and mistreatment of his mother, Pablo left home when he was a teenager. He moved in with an uncle, graduated high school, married, and had three children. But sadly, Pablo began repeating the same destructive behavior he’d once fled. His own alcohol addiction and behavior began to tear his family apart. Soon, it was all gone—his marriage, family, job, and home. “My life was terrible, and it got worse,” he said. Finally, he turned to a treatment facility for help. “I was in bad shape, and God opened the door for me.” One day after praying, he experienced God through the beauty of nature. Soon his youngest daughter noticed he’d changed and reconciled with him. Today he’s working to rebuild trust with his other children. In Lamentations, Jeremiah grieved over the plight of his people, who had turned from God and were exiled to Babylon: “I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall . . . and my soul is downcast within me” (Lamentations 3:19-20). Like the Israelites, Pablo was far from God. And like Jeremiah, he found hope in God: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (vv. 22-23). Like Pablo, the Israelites got a fresh start. We can turn to Him and find hope.

The film A Hidden Life tells the true story of Austrian farmer Franz Jägerstätter during World War II. Sickened by Nazi atrocities and believing only Jesus is Lord, Franz refuses to swear allegiance to Hitler and is arrested. The rest of the film shows the anguish this brave stand brings him. Franz’s village treats him with contempt for opposing Hitler’s agenda. Cellmates ridicule his faith, and even some priests think he’s being foolish. “God doesn’t care what you say, only what’s in your heart,” one person says, tempting Franz to “hail” Hitler without meaning it to save his life. “My rock, my fortress,” Franz prays, feeling pressure to recant, “give me strength to follow You.” Psalm 31 is the prayer of a person facing evil powers. “Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me” (v. 2), David pleads in the face of his own tyrants (vv. 4, 11). His life in anguish and suffering the contempt of his neighbors, David longs to stay faithful under pressure (vv. 3, 10–13). “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” he prays (v. 5), words later echoed by Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:46). Our God never leaves costly faithfulness unrewarded. Franz Jägerstätter stayed faithful to the end. Like Jesus, this faithfulness cost him his life. But just as Jesus was raised from the grave, so Franz will rise one day too.

During basketball practice, Enrique’s dad asked him and his friend to show the team how to pass the ball correctly. Enrique had practiced for weeks but feared messing up. He prayed, completed the drill, and said, “Thank You, Lord!” Later, his dad said, “I’m proud of you for working hard, Son. But I’m prouder that you prayed and praised God.” Enrique shrugged and said, “I just did what you do.” Throughout history, God has worked through healthy cross-generational relationships. Sharing His decrees and laws with the Israelites, He said not to add to them nor subtract from them (Deuteronomy 4:1-2). “Observe them carefully,” God said, “for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations” (v. 6). But God wasn’t only interested in how others perceived His people. He said, “Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (v. 9). Why? So that they “may learn to revere” God and teach “their children” about Him (v. 10). We don’t have to be parents or serve in children’s ministry to share our Spirit-empowered faith with younger people. Whether we’re praying for a younger person or a young family, providing resources to nurture spiritual growth, or offering encouragement, God uses our healthy cross-generational relationships to impact generations to come.

Before he became famous, the Mongolian warlord Genghis Khan (c. 1162-1227) killed his own half-brother to advance his position in the family. As he solidified his power, he began to build an empire more expansive than Alexander the Great’s, stretching from Asia’s Pacific coast to Eastern Europe. Ruthless in his tactics, the khan and his “Golden Horde” left a trail of death and destruction everywhere they advanced. His devastating military forays are unparalleled in recorded history. Today we face a vicious foe even more intimidating than a marauding army—an enemy who wants to conquer and devastate our souls. The apostle Peter cautioned, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). This enemy is cunning and dangerous like a great warrior and is much more than we can handle on our own. But we have great reason for hope. The apostle John wrote, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). This “one who is in you” is the Holy Spirit Himself. We need not fear the enemy of our souls. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we gain confidence that our lives are guarded from the one who’s trying to conquer our souls. Our God is greater. We can trust Him to be with us in everything.

In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen sits down with Wayne Pommen, Chief Revenue Officer at Affirm and founder of PayBright, Canada's first e-commerce buy now, pay later platform. Wayne shares his unlikely journey from competitive rowing, including the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, to a PhD in international relations, Bain Consulting, and private equity at TorQuest, where a failed deal set him on the path to building a fintech unicorn.Wayne pulls back the curtain on PayBright's early days, from spinning out a tiny 5-person division called HealthSmart Financial Services to pivoting into e-commerce and landing Casper and Endy as launch partners. He offers a practical breakdown of running a successful M&A process, sharing the dos and don'ts that led to Affirm's acquisition of PayBright in 2020.Now a senior executive at a public fintech giant, Wayne reflects on what he's learned from working alongside Max Levchin, why Affirm refuses to charge late fees or deferred interest, and how AI is transforming everything from underwriting to go-to-market. He also shares his views on agentic commerce, the Canadian consumer credit landscape, and why “don't quit” is his favorite life lesson.Whether you're a founder navigating a pivot, an operator scaling through acquisition, or just curious about the future of payments and AI, Wayne Pommen delivers the kind of straight talk that comes from building and scaling one of Canada's most successful fintech stories.–A big thanks to our sponsor, Moomoo CanadaThis is the kind of tooling that used to live on a Bloomberg terminal, but now it is on your phone, just a few taps away. They offer real-time data, full options chains, and an AI assistant that actually explains trading strategies.Moomoo is the perfect place for people who want to take their money seriously. Open an account today at moomoo.caFrom Cambridge to Bain to Private Equity (03:10)* The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, a broken wrist, and a comeback story* Why he chose Bain over academia and how consulting shaped his career* Joining TorQuest and zeroing in on non-bank financial servicesFinding the Kernel: HealthSmart Financial Services (05:18)* The summer of 2013, losing a deal but falling in love with the point-of-sale lending model* Why banks ignored this niche and how technology was changing the game* Spinning out a tiny five-person division with no CEOThe Pivot to E-Commerce (10:14)* Doubling the health business in 2016 and realizing it would take forever* The epiphany: Canada had no point-of-sale financing for e-commerce* Mapping out the user experience over Christmas 2016 and pre-selling Casper and EndyBuilding PayBright: Scrappy, Fast, and Capital Efficient (15:00)* Running a “double-headed monster,” healthcare and e-commerce side by side* Advice for founders navigating platform shifts, from legacy platforms to AI-native products* The economics of buy now, pay later, merchant fees, interest rates, and cost of riskThe Affirm Acquisition (21:02)* Growing annual loan volume from $6 million to $220 million in five years* The COVID boom and inbound interest from Klarna, RBC, TD, and Affirm* Running a mini process, dos and don'ts for foundersStaying On: Becoming CRO at Affirm (27:34)* Why he stayed past the earnout and has now been there for more than three years* Lessons from Max Levchin and the “dog on a bone” approach to going deeper* How to stay focused across multiple products and jurisdictionsAgentic Commerce and the Future of Shopping (33:09)* What agentic commerce really means and what it doesn't* Why agents will read the fine print and guide consumers to better choices* The partnerships with Google, Stripe, and ShopifyBanning Deferred Interest and Late Fees (36:04)* Why deferred interest is “borderline abusive” and hard to defend* Affirm's no-late-fee, no-compounding, transaction-level underwriting model* Aligning lender and consumer interests, the Max Levchin insightFrom Private to Public: Lessons in Discipline (40:32)* How being public forces discipline without over-dictating the quarter* Advice for CROs on timing the public markets* Why Stripe staying private proves there's no one-size-fits-all pathAI at Affirm: Supercharging Revenue and Underwriting (44:11)* The proliferation of AI tools internally and the excitement of experimentation* How transformer-based models are improving underwriting* The future of work, querying Slack for tribal knowledge in secondsAbout Wayne PommenWayne Pommen is Chief Revenue Officer at Affirm, where he oversees the company's revenue-generating teams and products. He joined Affirm in January 2021 through its acquisition of PayBright, Canada's leading buy now, pay later provider, which he founded and led as President and CEO starting in 2015, growing it from 5 to 250 employees with retail partners including Apple, Hudson's Bay, Wayfair, Samsung, and Sephora. Before PayBright, Wayne was a Principal at TorQuest Partners and a consultant at Bain & Company. A former competitive rower for Canada's national team, he holds a degree from Harvard and a PhD from Cambridge.Connect with Wayne Pommen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-pommen-8844021/Visit Affirm's website: https://www.affirm.com/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Archaeologist Jodi Magness and her team have been excavating a synagogue in the ancient village of Huqoq in Lower Galilee where they’ve found an incredible collection of mosaics, paintings, and carvings. Particularly rare, however, is a mosaic telling the biblical story of Deborah and her role in Israel’s battle against the Canaanites; there’s no other known ancient depiction of this heroine. During twenty years of oppression by Canaan, Deborah, a prophetess, “was leading Israel” (Judges 4:4). At God’s prompting, Deborah urged Israel’s general Barak to mount an attack on the Canaanite forces and their commander, Sisera. Barak heeded God’s instructions to “take . . . ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead them up to Mount Tabor” (v. 6) and Deborah lured the enemy’s army to the area. The Canaanite troops indeed fell in the battle, and though Sisera initially fled on foot, he too ultimately met his demise. “On that day God subdued . . . Canaan before the Israelites” (v. 23) through the courageous obedience of Deborah and Barak. The Bible preserves for us a literary mosaic of historical events in the life of God’s people—collectively and individually. Through it we’re offered examples from which we can glean courage to heed God’s instructions even in the face of hardship and struggle. We can trust Him to equip us with the strength to do so.

“What makes you smile when you think about your son?” That was my question for Clarence—a younger man I was mentoring. The proud father proceeded to share some of his bright four-year-old’s accomplishments. One particular response left me amused. Not only does the child have his father’s first and last names, but he already looks so much like his father that he can unlock his father’s smart phone using the facial recognition feature! In John 14, Jesus made it clear how closely He resembled His Father. When an inquisitive Philip requested, “Lord, show us the Father” (v. 8), Jesus responded, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (v. 9). How was it that the Father was revealed through the Son? It was through Jesus’ “words” (v. 10) and “works” (v. 11) that God’s love, mercy, grace, and more were brilliantly displayed. Empowered by God’s Spirit, believers in Jesus are privileged to share family likeness. The invisible God becomes visible through His children. Regarding Christ-like love, John reminds us, “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12 nlt). What is it about your words and deeds that remind others of Jesus?

Dr. Josh Axe spent two years exhausted before an advanced blood panel revealed the real problem: his vitamin B2 was almost undetectable, and his mitochondria were badly depleted. Once he corrected it, his energy went from a 6 out of 10 to a 10 out of 10. The fix wasn't a stimulant or a gadget, it was testing inside the cell (RBC markers, not just serum) instead of trusting "normal" bloodwork. If rest isn't fixing your fatigue, this is the episode that tells you where actually to look. As always, this is general wellness education and not medical advice, so run your own testing and dosing with your clinician. CLICK HERE TO BECOME GARY'S VIP!: ⁠https://bit.ly/4ai0Xwg⁠ Get Heal Your Cells by Dr. Josh Axe & Dr. Will Cole: https://bit.ly/4bN7AJh Listen to "The Dr. Josh Axe Show" on all your favorite platforms! YouTube: https://bit.ly/3TuvbYM   Spotify: https://bit.ly/4hHfE1J   Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/4yKYJ4p   Click here to connect with Dr. Josh Axe: https://bit.ly/3S7vzvX  Thank you to our partners A-GAME: “ULTIMATE15” FOR 15% OFF: http://bit.ly/4kek1ij AION: “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4h6KHAD AIRES: "ULTIMATE20 " FOR 20% OFF: https://bit.ly/4a3Duze BAJA GOLD: "ULTIMATE10" FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/3WSBqUa BODYHEALTH: “ULTIMATE20” FOR 20% OFF: http://bit.ly/4e5IjsV COLD LIFE: THE ULTIMATE HUMAN PLUNGE: https://bit.ly/4eULUKpCYMBIOTIKA: "BRECKACYM30" FOR 30% OFF: https://bit.ly/4tjyluP GENETIC METHYLATION TEST (UK ONLY): https://bit.ly/48QJJrk GENETIC TEST (USA ONLY): ⁠https://bit.ly/3Yg1Uk9 GOPUFF: GET YOUR FAVORITE SNACK!: https://bit.ly/4obIFDC H2TAB: “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4hMNdgg HEALF: 10% OFF YOUR ORDER: https://bit.ly/41HJg6S PEPTUAL: “TUH10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4mKxgcn SNOOZE: LET'S GET TO SLEEP!: https://bit.ly/4pt1T6V WHOOP: JOIN & GET 1 FREE MONTH!: https://bit.ly/3VQ0nzW Watch  the “Ultimate Human Podcast” every Tuesday & Thursday at 9AM EST: YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3RPQYX8⁠ Podcasts: ⁠https://bit.ly/3RQftU0⁠ Connect with Gary Brecka Instagram: ⁠https://bit.ly/3RPpnFs⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://bit.ly/4coJ8fo⁠X: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Opc8tf⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://bit.ly/464VA1H⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://bit.ly/4hH7Ri2⁠ Website: ⁠https://bit.ly/4eLDbdU⁠ Merch: ⁠https://bit.ly/4aBpOM1⁠ Newsletter: ⁠https://bit.ly/47ejrws⁠ Ask Gary: ⁠https://bit.ly/3PEAJuG⁠ Timestamps 00:00 - Intro of Show 02:27 - Why 5,000-year-old medicine still works 04:40 - His mom's cancer diagnosis 09:00 - The first steps after a diagnosis 11:09 - The Greek test and hyperthermia 13:59 - Oxygen, sugar, and cell metabolism 16:25 - Choosing the right herb per person 18:27 - Waking at 3AM and inverted cortisol 19:04 - Ashwagandha as a cortisol adaptogen 20:32 - A sleep stack without melatonin 21:59 - Where to start with bloodwork 23:19 - Micronutrients and the vitamin B2 story 27:45 - Testing inside the cell, not the blood 29:37 - Lp(a), ApoB, and the right fats 39:18 - How stress and emotion block healing 43:55 - The "memory transplant" 46:38 - Heal Your Cells and the spinal infection 55:09 - Build muscle for mitochondria 59:47 - What it means to be an Ultimate Human Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It is not intended for diagnosing or treating any health condition. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making health or wellness decisions.  Gary Brecka is the owner of Ultimate Human, LLC which operates The Ultimate Human podcast and promotes certain third-party products used by Gary Brecka in his personal health and wellness protocols and daily life and for which Ultimate Human LLC and / or Gary Brecka directly or indirectly holds an economic interest or receives compensation.  Accordingly, statements made by Gary Brecka and others (including on The Ultimate Human podcast) may be considered promotional in nature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When commercial fisherman Scott Thompson fell out of his boat one moonless night in the Santa Barbara Channel off the California coast, he didn’t know if he’d survive. He swam hard after the boat, but the motor was running and he couldn’t reach it. So he attempted swimming to a distant oil platform in the darkness. Beginning to lose hope, Thompson heard a splash in the cold water near him. A harbor seal swam with him for a while, nudging him along toward the platform. Five hours later, Thompson completed the long swim and described the seal as “an angel” sent to help him. The writer of the book of Hebrews describes angels as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). The passage highlights the greatness of Jesus and emphasizes that angels—wonderful and glorious beings that they are—exist to further His purposes in saving us. Jesus sustains “all things by his powerful word” (v. 3). All around us is an unseen reality in which God sends angels to aid those who have gladly received the good news of Jesus. Sometimes our nights may be long, and we may wonder if we can keep going. But He’ll always give us the help we need—help that will nudge us on in Him.

Kazuto and his wife Migiwa waited with trepidation for the ultrasound exam results. Migiwa’s liver had been failing for more than nine months, and she urgently needed a liver transplant. Kazuto could donate a portion of his liver to his wife, but there was one condition: Migiwa’s heart had to be strong. The last ultrasound had shown slight improvement to her heart. Would it show more this time? To their disappointment, the results were the worst yet. Kazuto shared: “After I comforted my crying wife, I also cried by myself. But . . . waiting isn’t a waste of time because God is nurturing something wonderful . . . while we wait, even though we can’t see anything on the surface.” Kazuto’s confidence in God paralleled that of King David, who wrote, “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). Because God is our “light”, “salvation”, and “stronghold” (v. 1), we can trust Him to offer hope amid darkness (v. 3), comfort us during our trials (v. 13), and secure us safely in “his dwelling” (v. 5). When God seems to delay in answering our prayers, we can still put our complete trust in His unchanging attributes. As we bring our heartaches to Him, let’s also instruct our hearts: “Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (v. 14). He is with us and always working for our good.

An Uber driver named Esbon Kamau picked up a sixteen-year-old rider who was on his way to purchase a motorcycle—a gift from his father. After Kamau dropped the passenger off, he noticed the teen had left a bag in the back seat. There was $8,000 inside—the cash needed for the purchase of the motorcycle. Kamau quickly contacted Uber to try and locate the passenger. Soon Kamau delivered the cash back to the grateful, relieved young man. “Do the right thing at the right time,” Kamau said, “and don’t let selfishness overpower [you]." Kamau displayed integrity. He resisted making a fast buck or taking advantage of someone’s mistake. Instead, he chose to simply do the right thing. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,” Proverbs says (10:9). When we practice integrity, we never have to worry about remembering what we said to whom, because truth is our only concern. When we practice integrity, we don’t have to fear for our reputation or that our schemes will catch up with us. We don’t have to be concerned about being a person whose “crooked paths will be found out” (v. 9). We simply live true—displaying wisdom (v. 13) that comes from God. We’re secure and free in Him. We face numerous temptations to lie or manipulate in life, but God calls us to walk with Him. And as we do, we can lead “blameless” (v. 29) lives of integrity.

Michele experienced a mixture of emotions as her father neared the end of his life. She grieved when he said, “Honey, I won’t be here to walk you down the aisle.” But she assured him of her love, clinging to the hope she found in Hebrews 11 as she said: “You’re heading for a better country, a country in heaven.” Michele believed that her dad, when he died, would be with God forever. She reflected, “Heaven will be that good!” The letter to the Hebrews was aimed at the Jewish believers experiencing persecution by state and religious opponents. Although it was written before the destruction of the temple in ad 70, the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans may have occurred soon after. In this climate of fear, the author urged the believers to hold firm to their faith as he highlighted a great “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). Each “did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance” (Hebrews 11:13). They lived by faith, “longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” God was pleased to be called their God, and He “prepared a city for them” (v. 16). Although Michele ached with sadness when her father died, she embraced the promises of her heavenly Father. We too can welcome these same promises “from a distance” (v. 13), trusting in God.

Though she enjoyed befriending and helping folks in her church’s seniors ministry, Carol found herself being picked on by its domineering leader. She felt so bothered by it that she had to seek counseling. She was advised to quit the ministry, but she didn’t want to “abandon” the seniors. Feeling caught in between, she prayed to God for guidance, and He gave her comfort and assurance as she submitted her fears to Him. He showed her that she should talk to the leader but trust Him to resolve the issue. When King Jehoshaphat heard of a powerful enemy approaching Jerusalem, his first response was to pray. Appealing to God’s sovereignty, he said: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Instead of relying on their own strength, the king and people of Judah submitted themselves and their troubles to God. God’s answer was heartening: “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God commanded Judah to march out, but to trust Him with the result. They did so in faith, praising God as if the prayer was already answered—and found a battle already won (vv. 20-21, 24). Whenever we face difficult situations, let’s pray and look to God for help. We may not always see victory, but whatever happens, we need not be afraid, for the battle is His.

Heartwood is the central supporting pillar of certain trees. Although dead, it won’t decay or lose strength while the outer, living layers are intact. Composed of fibers bound together by a chemical glue called lignin, heartwood can be as strong as steel. This element of a tree’s structure enables it to survive nature’s travails. When Paul encouraged the Colossians to live a resurrected life, he could have used the metaphor of heartwood to express how those who have been saved, are transformed. “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). While Paul’s reference to us as “dead” might seem discouraging, when understood from the perspective of the resurrection we grasp the hope of such a statement. God transforms the dead core of our beings, strengthening us in the power of the resurrected Jesus to endure the trials of this life. Our prior inner beings are as dead as the heartwood of a tree. Yet we still exist as the unique people God created us to be—and more. We’re made new (Revelation 21:5). We’re new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Jesus “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). We see a living example of how the structure of trees represents our life in Christ. Thanks be to God for transforming us from death to life!

A scientific study revealed that watching TV programs featuring mean characters can actually lead people to be mean. Various forms of aggression—whether outright fighting or subtle gossip—primes viewers’ brains for similar behavior. This connection is often subconscious, meaning that even shows with seemingly “harmless” jokes at others’ expense can subtly influence how we treat others. So too, the people we choose to spend our time with will affect our behavior. Solomon provides timeless wisdom on this important subject: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). He implies that individuals may not achieve this wisdom alone, so they should associate with wise, God-honoring people—teachers and friends—instead of those who are foolish. Surrounding oneself with wise individuals fosters “good judgment” and helps us steer clear of “destruction” (v. 15). One scholar calls this “education by friendship.” Regular companions inevitably influence each other, for better or worse. Solomon urges us to be aware of the company we keep, recognizing that “the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life” (v. 14). As God helps us, let’s consistently surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to revere Him, love others, and grow in wisdom.

In one of her novels, Toni Morrison tells the story of Nel and Sula, girlfriends since childhood. But the friendship frays as Sula’s self-centeredness grows, culminating in her seducing Nel’s husband. “Why didn’t you think about me?” Nel asks Sula. “Didn’t I count?” Sadly, Sula doesn’t even care enough to answer. As anyone who’s experienced it knows, the pain of a friend’s betrayal is hard to rival. King David felt such “malice and abuse” when a political conspiracy of “threats and lies” engulfed him (Psalm 55:10-11). The worst part was who was behind it. “If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it,” he says. “But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend” (vv. 12-13). How should we respond to such betrayal? While David takes his turmoil to God (vv. 16, 20), he prays retribution will fall on his betraying friend (v. 15). We see a different approach taken by Jesus. Faced with Judas’ betrayal, he says, “Do what you came for, friend,” refusing to retaliate in kind (Matthew 26:49-50). Can a friendship recover from betrayal? Only if the offended can stay open to reconciliation and the offender proves their repentance over time. Sula’s lack of remorse means Nel must walk away. May God empower us to treasure our friendships and swiftly make amends for any hurt we cause.

My friend, Alex, a book editor, checked his inbox, anticipating an angry email from an author. He’d been working with a prominent business leader on his manuscript for months. Unexpectedly, the publisher had decided to halt the publication of the book due to company problems. After emailing the author the bad news, Alex braced himself. A week later a reply came. “I didn’t answer right away because I wanted to think first about my words and how to respond,” the author wrote. He expressed disappointment, then calmly stated how he thought the publisher could’ve handled the issue. The author’s wise, measured response left a deep impression on me. His behavior reflected what the Bible says our communication should be like, especially when we’re angry. The apostle James tells us to keep “a tight rein on [our] tongues” because it’s easy to sin with our words (James 1:26; 3:5−6). We’re to prioritize listening to others so we can understand them, choose our words, and consider whether it’s necessary to get angry (1:19). Not only does restraint in speech help us to avoid sin and allow the Scriptures to change us (v. 21) but it also reflects who God is to others: “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8). Let’s model our loving God with our words—and our silences.

As I gazed at the intricate etching Christ and the Woman of Samaria by Dutch artist Rembrandt, two interesting details caught my eye. The first was Jesus’ humble pose—leaning over, with His hand over His heart—as he addressed the Samaritan woman. By depicting Jesus this way, Rembrandt captured a significant aspect of the biblical story. Due to centuries of hostilities between the two groups, Jews typically did not associate with Samaritans (John 4:9). Yet Jesus reached out with respect and dignity to a woman considered an outcast, not only because of her ethnicity but also because of her checkered past (vv. 17–18). Jesus knew the woman’s struggles and offered “living water” (v. 10) to satisfy her deepest need—the gift of cleansing and life-giving grace available through a restored relationship with God. The second detail that caught my eye was the dark shadow covering the woman’s face, symbolizing her initial struggle to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, or Israel’s promised rescuer. When the woman told Jesus, “I know that Messiah is coming” (v. 25) and He responded, “I am he” (v. 26), her eyes and heart were opened (v. 29). As we encounter people who are spiritually thirsty, Jesus’ example reminds me to speak with humility and kindness, praying for God to remove the shadow that “has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4) so that they can fully understand Jesus’ life-changing offer of living water.