Podcasts about Reader

On this episode of Buzzing About Romance, Amanda, Jenni, and Leah join Becky for some real talk about reader burnout.

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery, I found myself slowing down and paying attention to something that has shaped every area of my life and business over the years. Self awareness. I walked into the studio a little wired, moving fast, thoughts racing, and it reminded me how easy it is to lose control when you are not grounded. That moment pulled me back to a principle I wrote down years ago. My responsibility is to lead myself, lead my family, lead my team, and lead my business. None of that happens without awareness. As I reflected on what I see every week inside the business, I started connecting the dots between friction and lack of growth. Friction shows up when deals fall apart, when clients lose trust, when agents feel blindsided, and when emotions take over. I see it clearly when I look at cancellations. The majority of deals that fall apart come from newer agents or agents with fewer transactions, not because they are incapable, but because expectations were not set and preparation was missing. When you do not explain the process upfront, when you assume clients understand, you create confusion. And confusion always leads to friction. I have learned that friction is not something to blame on others. It is something to look inward at. Every time I felt emotionally charged, defensive, or frustrated, it came back to my own lack of preparation or communication. When clients question your value or your commission, it is not an attack. It is feedback. It means the foundation was not built strongly enough. Confidence does not come from hoping a deal closes. It comes from knowing you prepared, explained, and led with intention. What changed my life was stacking three things together. Self awareness. Self development. Self discipline. Awareness helps you see where things broke down. Development gives you the tools to fix it. Discipline makes sure you do not repeat the same mistakes. When I stopped reacting emotionally and started responding strategically, everything shifted. My communication became clearer. My leadership became stronger. My results became more consistent. I have learned that it does not matter what you think you said. It matters what the other person heard. If clients are surprised, confused, or defensive, that is on us. Our job is to slow down, explain the process, and make sure they understand every step. When expectations are clear, trust stays intact. When trust stays intact, deals move forward. This is not just about real estate. This is about how you show up in life. If there is friction, it is pointing you to something you need to see. You cannot change what you refuse to look at. Growth begins the moment you take responsibility for your words, your actions, and your preparation. The more aware you become, the less reactive you are. The more disciplined you are, the less chaos you create. And the more intentional you are, the faster momentum builds. Reader reflection questions Where in your business are you experiencing repeated friction and what might it be trying to show you How clearly are you setting expectations with your clients before problems arise What daily disciplines do you need to strengthen to lead yourself at a higher level Notable quotes from the episode "You cannot change what you refuse to see." "If you find yourself explaining or defending yourself, there is a wrench in your system." "It does not matter what you think you said. It matters what they heard."   Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media: Instagram: @azaraujo Facebook: A.Z. Araujo TikTok: A.Z. Araujo YouTube: Do The Work Podcast   For Real Estate Agents in AZ: Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates: dothework.com/azaa   Upcoming Events: If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit: dothework.com bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!   New Do The Work Gear: Check out the latest DTW and Do The Work Gear! Hats, shirts, journals, and more: shop.dothework.com

Kate Winslet is an actor who achieved global fame playing Rose DeWitt Bukater, opposite Leonard DiCaprio as Jack Dawson, in the 1997 James Cameron epic Titanic. During her career she has won five BAFTAs, two Emmys, five Golden Globes and an Academy Award for her role in the Reader. Kate was born in Reading in 1975 and attended Redroofs School for the Performing Arts in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Her film debut came in 1994 when she played a teenage killer in Peter Jackson's film Heavenly Creatures. The following year she played Marianne Dashwood opposite Emma Thompson's Elinor in Sense and Sensibility, directed by Ang Lee. Kate's performance earned her a BAFTA for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She went on to consolidate her reputation as one of the most versatile actors of her generation by starring in a list of popular and critically acclaimed films including Hideous Kinky, Iris, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Holiday.Last year Kate directed her first film, Goodbye June, starring Helen Mirren, Timothy Spall and Andrea Riseborough. Kate has three children and lives in West Sussex with her husband Ned and her family.DISC ONE: Georgia on my Mind - Roger Winslet and Sophie Breakenridge DISC TWO: Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs - Brian and Michael DISC THREE: Kiss from a Rose - Seal DISC FOUR: Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald DISC FIVE: Nuvole Bianche - Ludovico Einaudi DISC SIX: Weird Fishes/ Arpeggi - Radiohead DISC SEVEN: Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes DISC EIGHT: Pump up the Jam - Technotronic BOOK CHOICE: Outside: Recipes for a Wilder Way of Eating by Gill Meller LUXURY ITEM: Freshly ground coffee CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Georgia on my Mind – Roger Winslet and Sophie Breakenridge Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Paula McGinleyDesert Island Discs has cast many actors away over the years including Dame Emma Thompson, Cate Blanchett and Dame Helen Mirren. You can hear their programmes if you search through BBC Sounds or our own Desert Island Discs website.

Top Stories for January 17th Publish Date: January 17th PRE-ROLL: Kia Mall of Georgia From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Saturday, January 17th and Happy Birthday to James Earle Jones I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. Gwinnett commission accused of deliberately skipping GOP member for vice chair Kemp proposes money for Highway 316 projects, fighting homelessness GCPS receives grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: EAGLE THEATRE STORY 1: Gwinnett commission accused of deliberately skipping GOP member for vice chair Drama is brewing in Gwinnett County politics, and it’s all about the vice chairman seat on the county commission. Republicans are accusing the Democratic majority of intentionally skipping over the board’s lone Republican, District 4 Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp, for the ceremonial role. For years, the vice chair position rotated among district commissioners—until it didn’t. Holtkamp, now in his fourth year, has never been chosen. Instead, the board voted 4-1 to name Democrat Ben Ku as vice chair, sparking claims of “partisan gamesmanship.” Holtkamp, for his part, kept it diplomatic: “I was disappointed but respect the process.” Others? Not so much. Republicans are calling it a blatant snub. Democrat Kirkland Carden didn’t mince words, saying Holtkamp’s “partisan antics” cost him the role. But Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson downplayed the drama, calling the vote a routine decision. And so, the debate rages on. STORY 2: Kemp proposes money for Highway 316 projects, fighting homelessness Gov. Brian Kemp has big plans for Georgia this year—think highways and homelessness. At the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs and Issues Breakfast, he laid out his priorities, and for Gwinnett residents, one stands out: $200 million to keep transforming State Route 316 into a limited-access highway. “Growth along 316 is incredible,” Kemp said. “We need a safe, efficient expressway.” Work’s already underway at Hi Hope Road, with more interchanges and overpasses coming. But that’s not all. Kemp’s also pushing $1.8 billion for permanent express lanes on I-75 in Henry County to ease its infamous traffic jams. And homelessness? He’s proposing $50 million for grants to fund shelters, outreach, and mental health services. Big moves, big money—Kemp’s aiming to leave a mark. STORY 3: GCPS receives grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Gwinnett County Public Schools just scored big—literally. Thanks to a $6.3 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (with help from Atlanta United, the Falcons, and PGA TOUR Superstore), middle and high school sports are getting a major boost. What’s the plan? For starters, GCPS will add field lighting at six athletic fields, meaning weekday soccer games—no more cramming everything into Saturdays. Better lighting also means safer, more flexible practices and games. The grant will also fund girls’ flag football at 14 middle schools by 2026 and help cover costs for boys’ and girls’ soccer programs, especially in underserved areas. The Blank Foundation, founded by Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank, has donated over $1.5 billion to causes that unite and uplift communities. This grant? Just another example of that mission in action. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles MarketsSTORY 4: Fox Theatre delivers chart-topping year The Fox Theatre had a banner year in 2025, racking up awards and accolades that cement its place as one of the most beloved venues in the country. From ticket sales to community impact, the recognition poured in. The biggest win? Being crowned IEBA’s 2025 Theatre of the Year—an honor that highlights excellence in programming, operations, and artist relations. “This reflects the strength of our team, the artists who grace our stage, and the audiences who keep showing up,” said CEO Allan Vella. The Fox also dominated year-end charts: No. 2 Highest Grossing Venue Worldwide (Billboard), No. 1 in ticket sales for its size (VenuesNow), and No. 6 globally for ticket sales (Pollstar). Locally, it snagged “Best of Atlanta” honors and a Reader’s Choice Award from the Atlanta Jewish Times. Even the leadership shined—Vella made Atlanta Magazine’s “Atlanta 100” and Billboard’s Touring Power Players list, while team members Rachel Bomeli and Faustina Brooks earned industry awards. The Fox isn’t just a theatre; it’s a cultural powerhouse. STORY 5: Johnson-Morgan named school board chair, Simmons is vice chair Gwinnett County’s school board is shuffling its leadership roles for 2026, but keeping familiar faces at the helm. Tarece Johnson-Morgan, last year’s vice chair, is stepping up as chairwoman, while Adrienne Simmons, who served as chair in 2025, will now take on the vice chair role. Both votes? Unanimous. Not everyone was thrilled, though. Board member Steve Knudsen voiced frustration that Steve Gasper or Rachel Stone weren’t considered for vice chair—but, notably, he didn’t nominate them during the vote. In other business, the board kept its attorney and legal organ the same, readopted policies, and adjusted a few meeting dates for the year. We’ll be right back. Break 3: GCPL Passport STORY 6: Georgia Democratic lawmakers try to rein in ICE Georgia Senate Democrats took aim at the Trump administration Tuesday, introducing a flurry of bills targeting immigration enforcement and military deployments. They didn’t hold back, calling Trump’s administration a “rogue regime” and demanding state Republicans step up. One flashpoint? ICE. After an officer fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis last week, Sen. Josh McLaurin accused ICE of escalating violence. “We’ve all seen the video,” he said. “This isn’t what they’re trained to do.” McLaurin’s bill would let citizens sue ICE for civil rights violations. Other proposals include requiring judicial warrants for enforcement at sensitive locations (like schools and hospitals), mandating badges and unmasking ICE officers, and limiting National Guard deployments without the governor’s approval. Sen. Kim Jackson didn’t mince words: “If Georgia State Patrol can show their faces, so can ICE. It’s cowardice.” But Republicans, like Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, dismissed the effort, saying, “The state can’t regulate the federal government.” STORY 7: Georgia GOP senators target Raffensperger over voter registration lists Georgia Republicans are turning up the heat on Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, demanding he hand over the state’s unredacted voter registration list to the Trump administration. But Raffensperger? He’s not budging. State law, he says, protects private voter info—Social Security numbers, birthdates, driver’s licenses. Sharing that? Not happening. The DOJ, meanwhile, has been pushing all 50 states for voter lists, claiming it’s about accuracy. They even sued Georgia last month. The resolution, led by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ allies, accuses Raffensperger of “obstruction.” But it’s mostly symbolic—no legal teeth. Raffensperger’s office fired back, saying they’ve already complied as far as the law allows. “He won’t risk identity theft for millions of voters,” the statement read. The DOJ’s lawsuit heads to federal court in Macon soon. Stay tuned. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. 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These texts from the Evergetinos unsettle us because they refuse to remain within the boundaries of what feels morally tidy or intellectually manageable. They do not ask us to refine our ethical reasoning. They ask us to relinquish it. Not because truth no longer matters, but because truth in Christ is no longer possessed or deployed by us. It is entered. It is suffered. It is entrusted to God. Abba Alonios' answer shocks precisely because it violates our instinct for clean distinctions. We want truth to be a weapon that guarantees justice. We want moral clarity to protect us from risk. Yet the elder places before us a situation in which telling the truth would mean cooperating with death. The choice is not between honesty and deceit as abstract values. It is between acting as judge and surrendering judgment to God. The lie he permits is not born of calculation or convenience but of restraint. It is a refusal to become the final arbiter over another human life. Here the Gospel quietly overturns us. Christ does not save the world by insisting on correct procedure. He saves it by entering into its injustice and absorbing it without retaliation. He does not clarify situations from a distance. He descends into them and bears their weight. The elder's answer does not sanctify falsehood. It exposes our illusion that we are capable of wielding truth without wounding when our hearts are still governed by fear and reactivity. The second account presses even deeper. The Reader does not merely endure slander. He consents to it. He allows truth to be buried in order to spare the Church further scandal and to place his own vindication entirely in the hands of God. This is not passivity. It is not weakness. It is a terrifying freedom. He relinquishes reputation. He relinquishes status. He relinquishes even the right to be understood. He chooses to stand before God alone. Here moral reasoning collapses. By every rational measure the Reader should defend himself. Justice demands it. Yet the Gospel reveals a different justice. One that does not rush to expose wrongdoing but waits for God to uncover what human judgment cannot heal. The Reader's silence becomes prayer. His loss becomes intercession. His false condemnation becomes the means by which God exposes the deeper sickness of slander and restores the one who sinned. What these texts reveal is that the Christian life cannot be lived from the center of our own discernment alone. The Gospel draws us past the point where we ask what is fair or reasonable and into the mystery of Christ who was condemned while innocent and silent before His accusers. These stories are not moral templates to be imitated mechanically. They are icons. They show us what love looks like when it no longer seeks to justify itself. The Fathers knew how quickly our sense of virtue becomes self protection. How easily truth becomes an extension of our fear. The Gospel dismantles this illusion. It exposes how much of our judgment is driven by the need to control outcomes and secure our innocence. Christ does not ask us to abandon truth. He asks us to abandon ownership of it. To enter this mystery is to accept that fidelity to Christ will sometimes look like loss. That obedience may cost us clarity. That love may require us to stand undefended. Not because injustice is holy but because God alone is capable of judging without destroying. These writings do not give us answers we can apply. They draw us into a posture we must inhabit. One where restraint replaces reaction. Where prayer replaces accusation. Where truth is no longer something we speak over others but a life we entrust to God. The Gospel does not refine our moral instincts. It crucifies them and raises something altogether new. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:00:41 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 343 G paragraph 2 00:06:59 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 343 G paragraph 2 00:07:17 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Philokaliaministries.org/blog 00:08:34 Angela Bellamy: Reacted to "Philokaliaministries..." with ❤️ 00:08:46 Una's iPhone: Laughter is the best medicine? 00:10:05 Una's iPhone: I'm reading St Nicodemos Handbook of Spiritual Counsel 00:10:25 Una's iPhone: Yes 00:10:38 Una's iPhone: Guarding the senses 00:10:49 Anna: What's the book we're reading? 00:11:02 Anna: Thanks! 00:15:01 Angela Bellamy: Good evening Father. I've been looking forward to the class. Its lovely to see you doing well. :) 00:34:40 John ‘Jack': In John 7; 1-10 where the disciples try to talk Jesus into going in to the feast of the tabernacles he tells them his time has not yet come, he then goes in without them in disguise, thus has always seemed to be he lied, or at least misled them, id love to hear your interpretation on that scripture. 00:41:09 John ‘Jack': They are very good at showing us our own minuteness 00:43:04 Angela Bellamy: Excuse my interjection but Jesus explained that He couldn't go openly because He was being sought after to be murdered. That the people did not accept Him and that it wasn't time for His crucifixion. 00:44:45 John Burmeister: if i saw the murder, im not judgeing the person, im judging the act, 00:45:26 Julie: The importance of praying for discernment 00:45:42 John Burmeister: god will still have his judgement. it maybe gods providence for me to turn him in 00:54:41 Anthony: I don't think I would just take the judgement. I'd suppose having a good reputation is important for not just me, but my family and people who assume I did the grave evil.  For example how many true and false accusations against Catholic priests and others in USA was an excuse for people to leave faith in anger and grief? 00:54:44 Anna: Wow suffering is so powerful 00:55:37 John Burmeister: Replying to "I don't think I woul..." or for money 00:57:32 jonathan: Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb led to the slaughter, and like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Mark 15:3–5 – When accused before Pilate, “The chief priests accused him of many things… But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.” 00:57:51 Angela Bellamy: Reacted to "Isaiah 53:7 – “He wa..." with ❤️ 01:01:54 Anthony: George Pell 01:03:27 Joan Chakonas: A example showing where you turn the other cheek to slander, and God takes care of you ultimately. 01:03:34 Joan Chakonas: Reacted to "Isaiah 53:7 – “He wa…" with ❤️ 01:06:55 Rebecca Thérèse: Unfortunately, abusers often manipulate themselves into important positions and a network develops where they look out for each other. Then when an allegation arises against an innocent person they go after them to make it look like they're cracking down on abuse and corruption where really they're just deflecting scrutiny away from themselves. The allegations against Cardinal Pell were easy to disprove but the authorities weren't interested in the truth. 01:08:44 Angela Bellamy: Joseph was slandered and yet the Lord held him dear. Humility invites God into our situation. He is sovereign over all. 01:10:20 Forrest: The bishop in this story continued his evil ways stating that the prayers of the reader must be to afflict the woman. Would the reader have been praying that way? 01:17:44 Janine: Praying for you Father! 01:18:37 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you☺️ 01:19:43 Bob Čihák, AZ: Bless your excitement and overexpressing the Truth, Father, You're not alone!

(SPOILER) Your Daily Roundup covers busy next two days, Traitors episodes 4 & 5 tonight, an update on the Kiefer Sutherland arrest, follow up on my first apartment story from yesterday, & a very manipulative Reader Email.   Music written by Jimmer Podrasky (B'Jingo Songs/Machia Music/Bug Music BMI) Ads: ZocDoc – Click on https://zocdoc.com/RealitySteve to find and instantly book a top rated doctor today.  Ollie - Go to https://ollie.com/realitysteve Promo Code: REALITYSTEVE for 60% off your first box Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Summary: Today we’re tackling a topic that hits many people hard each January: “Blue Monday.” You may have heard it called “the most depressing day of the year”: a day when motivation runs low, bills come due, and the sparkle of the holidays fades into the grayness of winter. But is “Blue Monday” real? Why do so many people feel down this time of year? And what can you do, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, to climb out of the slump and find renewed hope? If you’ve ever felt like the light of Christmas faded too fast or that you’re struggling to find joy in January, this episode is for you. In this episode, I share How to Beat the Blues: Finding Hope When “Blue Monday” Hits. We unpack where the idea of “Blue Monday” came from, what really contributes to winter sadness, how to recognize when it’s more than just a passing mood, and how God invites us to nurture our mind and soul even in the darkest season. Quotables from the episode: Every January, the search engines light up with people looking for answers about “Blue Monday.” Some call it the most depressing day of the year. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t mark any day on His calendar as hopeless. Even when science can explain some of the factors that make us feel low, Scripture reminds us in John 1:5 that “the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” So today, let’s uncover both the science and the Savior’s invitation to find peace, joy, and renewed perspective, no matter what your calendar says. Part 1: Where “Blue Monday” Came From The term “Blue Monday” actually originated not from a psychologist or neuroscientist, but from a marketing campaign in the early 2000s. A British travel company wanted to boost winter vacation sales and partnered with a psychologist to create a formula that supposedly calculated the “most depressing day of the year.” They based it on factors like weather, debt level, time since Christmas, failed New Year’s resolutions, and low motivation. The date usually lands on the third Monday in January. But here’s what’s interesting: the science behind it was never validated. It was largely pseudoscience; a catchy idea meant to sell trips to sunny places! Yet it resonated with people because, truthfully, many do feel a dip in mood this time of year. Why? There’s a real physiological and psychological basis for that. Shorter daylight hours disrupt our circadian rhythm and lower serotonin levels—our brain’s natural mood stabilizer. Colder temperatures mean less outdoor activity and fewer endorphins. Holiday aftermath leaves us financially stretched and emotionally fatigued. Unmet resolutions of ourselves or others stir up shame or disappointment. So while “Blue Monday” may not be an official scientific day, it does point to something many experience: what we might call the post-holiday blues or seasonal affective slump. Part 2: How to Identify It Let’s talk about how you can tell if what you’re feeling is just a short-term dip or something more concerning. Here are some common symptoms of the “Blue Monday” slump: Low motivation or energy Irritability or tearfulness Difficulty concentrating Changes in sleep or appetite Feeling disconnected or unproductive Hopeless thoughts like “What’s the point?” If you’ve noticed these for a few days after the holidays, you’re not alone. Our brains and bodies crave rhythm and light—and winter often disrupts both. But sometimes, what starts as a temporary funk can evolve into something more serious like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Major Depression. Part 3: When to Seek Professional Help Seek professional help if: Your sadness lasts more than two weeks. You lose interest in things you usually enjoy. Your sleep or appetite drastically change. You feel worthless, helpless, or hopeless. You find yourself withdrawing from others. You experience thoughts of death or suicide. Those are not signs of weakness—they’re signals from your body and brain that you need care and support. Just as you’d seek medical help for persistent pain, it’s wise to seek mental health help for persistent sadness. As a neuropsychologist, I’ve seen firsthand that depression and anxiety are treatable. There are excellent therapies, medical interventions, and lifestyle approaches that can help. But the first step is reaching out. And as a believer, I want you to know this: needing help does not make you a failure of faith. God often works through professionals to bring healing. He created our minds and bodies with complexity, and He delights when we care for them wisely. Remember Elijah in 1 Kings 19? He was exhausted, afraid, and said, “It is enough; now, Lord, take my life.” God didn’t rebuke him. God fed him, let him rest, and then gently spoke truth to him. That’s a model of divine compassion toward our emotional distress. Part 4: How to Take Care of Yourself If you’re feeling those “Blue Monday” blues—or a longer winter sadness—here are practical, biblically grounded ways to care for your mind, body, and spirit. 1. Get More Light Exposure to sunlight—or a light therapy box—can boost serotonin and regulate your circadian rhythm. Genesis 1:3 says, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Light was His first gift to creation, and it still brings life today. 2. Move Your Body Exercise increases endorphins and dopamine, improving both energy and outlook. You don’t need to run a marathon—start with a short walk or stretch. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reminds us our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Caring for them is an act of worship. 3. Nurture Connection When we isolate, sadness grows louder. Reach out to a friend, attend a Bible study, or volunteer. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. 4. Adjust Your Expectations After the holidays, it’s easy to compare today’s ordinary moments to the excitement of December. Give yourself permission to slow down, to reset. The Bible gives us multiple examples of Jesus, the Son of God, taking time to rest. If He needed rest, why would we expect differently of ourselves? Matthew 11:28—“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”* 5. Feed Your Spirit Immerse yourself in Scripture, prayer, and worship music. Depression dims perspective, but God’s Word renews it. Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.” 6. Practice Gratitude Gratitude activates brain regions associated with joy and resilience. Even small blessings count—warm coffee, a friend’s text, a sunset. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 7. Set Rhythms of Rest Winter is nature’s reminder to rest. God Himself modeled rest on the seventh day—not from exhaustion, but completion. Rest refuels your mind and aligns your soul with His peace. Part 5: Reframing the Season Maybe this January feels heavy. Maybe you’re tired of gray skies or unmet resolutions. But let’s reframe it: What if winter isn’t a punishment, but an invitation? An invitation to slow down. To nurture your inner life. To rediscover hope not in circumstances, but in Christ Himself. Remember: no day is truly “blue” when it’s covered by God’s grace. He specializes in turning mourning into dancing, ashes into beauty, and despair into praise (Isaiah 61:3). The same God who paints the sunrise after the darkest night will bring light to your soul again. Friend, if you’re listening today and feeling the weight of winter, know this: you are not alone. God sees you. He is not disappointed by your sadness; He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). There’s no shame in reaching for help—from Him, from loved ones, or from professionals. Healing doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine; it means letting God meet you in the reality of your pain. Scripture References: John 1:5 “the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 1 Kings 19 “It is enough; now, Lord, take my life.” Genesis 1:3 says, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “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.” Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Isaiah 61:3 “and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Change how you look at unsold inventory in this episode with Amrita Bhasin of Sotira, joining the show to break down how poor inventory forecasting is crushing CPG brands, why nearly a quarter of all retail and e-commerce inventory never sells, and how excess inventory liquidation has become one of the biggest supply chain challenges today! We dive deeper into how Sotira is using AI to power a tech-driven reverse logistics marketplace that connects sellers, buyers, and donation partners while protecting brand equity, enforcing expiration and regional compliance laws, and improving recovery rates, how integrated freight optimization APIs help control transportation costs, why mismanaged forecasting leads to millions in deadstock, and how smarter liquidation strategies can reduce waste, unlock tax benefits, and keep inventory moving.   About Amrita Bhasin Amrita Bhasin is the co-founder and CEO of Sotira, an award winning reverse logistics company that enables retailers, manufacturers and brands to discreetly monetize and donate unsold inventory.  Amrita was named to the 2026 Forbes 30 under 30 list and the 2025 Mayfield AI List. Amrita has been invited to speak on national and international broadcast networks including CBS, Fox, ABC, Scripps, and CGTN and has been profiled in Forbes, TechCrunch, and Business Insider. She is regularly quoted as an expert by leading publications such as Reuters, Bloomberg, Wired, Fortune, CNBC, Glossy, Huffington Post, Sourcing Journal, Reader's Digest, Modern Retail, AP, Yahoo Finance, and FreightWaves. Amrita has spoken about reverse logistics at leading conferences and trade shows such as TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, Home Delivery World 2025, HumanX 2025, ReTHINK Retail 2025 and Groceryshop 2025. Amrita was a delegate speaker at the 2025 One Young World Summit in Munich, Germany. She is an upcoming speaker at Manifest 2026 and Food Waste Summit 2026.  Amrita was a 1st place winner at Shoptalk 2025 and 1st place winner at Reverse Logistics Conference and Expo 2025. Amrita has been recognized by the State of California and Stop Waste for contributions to reducing enterprise waste via reverse logistics automation.   Connect with Amrita LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrita-bhasin/  Website: https://www.sotira.co/  Email: amrita@sotira.co  

Highway 1 through Big Sur reopened Wednesday after a three year closure. Salinas City Council member Andrew Sandoval has been censured. And, Santa Cruz City Council will end its contract with a license plate-reading company.

As we continue an exciting new year of Fostering Change, this episode centers on possibility — what happens when lived experience, research, and belief in young people come together to rewrite outcomes.This week, Rob Scheer is joined by Dr. (Candidate) Shanté Elliott, a learning scientist, social innovator, and founder of TasselTurn — an organization reimagining how children in foster care and students experiencing housing insecurity move through school, graduation, and the transition to adulthood.Having experienced foster care herself, Shanté brings rare and powerful insight to her work. She blends academic research, technology, and deep empathy to help children in foster care not only stay in school, but truly see themselves as capable, worthy, and supported.What began in 2020 with a $300 grant has grown into a nationally recognized platform connecting young people with coaching, mentorship, and meaningful incentives tied to educational milestones.Now a PhD candidate at Northwestern University, Shanté has been recognized as a Forbes Changemaker, L'Oréal Paris Woman of Worth, and Echoing Green Fellow, with her work featured in Forbes, The Imprint, and Reader's Digest. In this conversation, she shares how education — when paired with trust and opportunity — can become a powerful pathway to stability, confidence, and economic mobility for children in foster care.

3 police departments respond to East Hartford trampoline park to break up large fight among teenagers, Reader asks Miss Manners if it's OK to skip a funeral for your best friend's mother because it is too far away, Man steals a front end loader and tries to run over police cars

Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/qUDGHnwTUPwFollow along with the pdf of the story here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JCIYkr489nAvNDZQapUJ9UzTdmeCpt-8/view?usp=sharing Let me read to you some Yiddish from 1977 and unpack the values and worldview of the Hasidic young girls through the moral lessons presented in this book. See how they were introduced to social values of obedience, kindness, respect to the elders, safety, trust in each other, modesty, and more. Please let me know what you think I missed.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-frieda-vizel-podcast--5824414/support.

(SPOILER) Your Daily Roundup covers thoughts on the first 3 episodes of the “Traitors” and how it's format needs a change, Golden Globes, the Masked Singer, and answering a Reader Email.   Music written by Jimmer Podrasky (B'Jingo Songs/Machia Music/Bug Music BMI) Ads: Ollie - Go to https://ollie.com/realitysteve Promo Code: REALITYSTEVE for 60% off your first box ZocDoc – Click on https://zocdoc.com/RealitySteve to find and instantly book a top rated doctor today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery, I came into the new year fired up because momentum does not magically appear on January first. Momentum is built by the hours you put in before anyone is watching, by the systems you commit to, and by the discipline to do the work even when it feels repetitive. I have spent decades learning this lesson the hard way, and I am more convinced than ever that systems and consistency are what separate real growth from wishful thinking. I talked about why I am so passionate about building plug and play systems for our agents and why I believe they will continue to pay dividends far into the future. After twenty one years in this business, I know without a doubt that I would not have the results I have today without structure, coaching, and a willingness to listen. I was a student before I ever became a leader. I took notes. I respected the process. I valued the people who were ahead of me and I did exactly what they asked, even when it was uncomfortable. One of the hardest truths I shared is that most people will ask for advice but very few will actually apply it. Overthinking, overanalyzing, and looking for shortcuts becomes a way to stay busy without moving forward. Real change usually comes when the pain gets loud enough that excuses stop working. That is when I invested heavily in coaches and mentors, put my money where my mouth was, and followed instructions without trying to negotiate my way out of the work. When my coach told me to record a video every single day, I did it for over three hundred and fifty days straight. Not because it was easy, but because he had the results I wanted. I also addressed something that needs to be said more often. Accessibility does not mean a lack of value. Just because I answer my phone and pour into people does not mean I operate from scarcity or desperation. I know my worth. When someone asks for guidance and then immediately looks for another opinion without applying what was just given, they are not doing research. They are avoiding responsibility. That behavior breaks trust and eventually closes doors. The lesson is simple but not easy. Stop collecting opinions. Stop asking questions you are not ready to act on. Respect the people who have proven results by actually doing what they say. Consistency builds confidence. Confidence builds certainty. And certainty is the foundation of every top producer I know. If you want more in 2026, there is no secret formula waiting to be discovered. There is only work to be done. Appreciate the access you have. Honor the people pouring into you. And most importantly, show up every day and do the work. Reader reflection questions Where in your life are you asking for advice but not fully applying what you are being told Who in your circle has earned your respect through results and how are you honoring that guidance What consistent action are you avoiding because it feels uncomfortable or repetitive Notable quotes Confidence and certainty are the root of a top producer Just because I am accessible does not mean I do not know my value Stop asking questions and just do more of the work   Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media: Instagram: @azaraujo Facebook: A.Z. Araujo TikTok: A.Z. Araujo YouTube: Do The Work Podcast   For Real Estate Agents in AZ: Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates: dothework.com/azaa   Upcoming Events: If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit: dothework.com bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!   New Do The Work Gear: Check out the latest DTW and Do The Work Gear! Hats, shirts, journals, and more: shop.dothework.com

Has American democracy outstripped its constitutional accommodations? Faith in the resilience and adaptability of the US Constitution rests on a long history of finding new ways to make the system work. In The Adaptability Paradox: Political Inclusion and Constitutional Resilience (University of Chicago Press, 2025), political scientist Stephen Skowronek examines the rearrangements that regenerated the American government in the past and brings that experience to bear on our current predicament. He shows how a constitution framed in writing some 230 years ago can run into serious difficulties directly related to its long and impressive history of adaptation. Skowronek connects questions about the Constitution's adaptability to the challenges of democratization. For most of American history, serial rearrangements of constitutional relationships widened the government's purview as a national democracy without giving either nationalism or democracy free rein. Skowronek argues that the politics of adaptation shifted fundamentally with the “Rights Revolution” of the 1960s and `70s when American national democracy approached the inclusion of all its citizens on equal footing. Since then, power and authority have been reconfigured in ways that have steadily magnified conflicts over the essentials of good order. Conservatives aim to dismantle a Constitution that progressives are intent on building upon, and the consensus necessary for a constitutional democracy to function effectively has all but evaporated. No longer a socially bound framework for national action, the Constitution has become an abstract matrix of possibilities, a disembodied opportunity structure open to starkly different, mutually unacceptable futures. Rather than being liberated by this unbound Constitution, the American people now appear entrapped by it. Is it possible that the development of American democracy has exhausted the adaptive capacities of the Constitution? A timely reminder that constitutional democracies do not survive on faith alone, The Adaptability Paradox is a sober appraisal of the unfamiliar ground on which we now tread. Professor Stephen Skowronek is Pelatiah Perit Professor of Political Science and Professor in the Institution for Social and Policy Studies at Yale University. He is the author of many books on American Political Development, the presidency, and the administrative state. Dr Ursula Hackett is Reader in Politics at Royal Holloway, University of London. She is the author of America's Voucher Politics: How Elites Learned to Hide the State (Cambridge University Press, 2020) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

On this episode, Alexander Davidson, an English teacher and author, talks about his life as a self-proclaimed chaotic mood reader and gives a lot of really excellent book recommendations from a wide range of genres. He also talks about his recently developed love for audiobooks, and gives some great recommendations for narrators to look out for.    Mr. D Reads on Instagram    Books mentioned in this episode:    What Betsy's reading:  Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and his Mother) by Rabih Alameddine   Books Highlighted by Alexander: The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway  The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern  Just Mercy by Brian Stevenson  Beach Read by Emily Henry The Overstory by Richard Powers Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi The Guncle by Steven Rowley  Dark Matter by Blake Crouch  The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes  Young Mungo by Douglas Stewart  Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides  Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen  Chain Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah    All books available on my Bookshop.org episode page.   Other books mentioned in this episode: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak  Matilda by Roald Dahl  Holes by Louis Sachar  Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds  Beartown by Fredrik Backman  A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman  The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley  The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams  Forget Me Not by Julie Soto Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo  Great Expectations by Charles Dickens Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid  Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan The True True Story of Raja the Gullible (and His Mother) by Rabih Alameddine  James by Percival Everett  The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty  The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern  North Woods by Daniel Mason  Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart 

Losing the fear of not drinking can feel impossible, can't it? For Lindsey, alcohol was woven into every milestone: sixth-grade sleepovers, college weekends, early marriage, and long workweeks that ended with “just one more” drink on the couch. Drinking wasn't just a habit; it was how she fit in, turned off the noise, and chased that first rush of feeling totally okay for a moment. Over time, the hangovers became brutal, and the mental fallout was even worse—fights with her husband, Sunday dread, and memories she didn't always want to remember. One morning, after a night that ended with a chipped tooth and dry heaving on the kitchen floor while her daughter watched, something inside her shifted. Lindsey found This Naked Mind and, for the first time, felt like someone was telling her she wasn't broken—this is simply what alcohol does. The book became a permission slip to step off the hamster wheel and experiment with not drinking at all. In this episode, Lindsey joins Coach Cole to talk about rebuilding self-trust, reshaping a marriage that was once built on drinks, and becoming the kind of mom whose daughters see her saying “no” with confidence instead of needing a glass to cope. Lindsey and Coach Cole discuss: Lindsey describes the first drink in middle school and how quickly alcohol became tied to identity, popularity, and feeling “okay” for a moment. The progression from curiosity to dependence: chasing euphoria, ignoring red flags, and waking up in emotional and physical pain. How “I'll just drink less” experiments and endless rules kept her stuck in the same cycle of regret, self-doubt, and harsh inner dialogue. The breaking point: a trip that ended with a chipped tooth, a morning spent on the bathroom floor, and her daughter seeing a version of mom Lindsey never wanted to be. Finding This Naked Mind and reframing her story—from “I'm the problem” to “this is what alcohol does,” opening space to question everything. What changed when she began losing the fear of not drinking: more stable moods, clearer health goals as a trainer, and deeper presence with her family. The new foundation of her marriage and parenting—less reactivity, more responsibility for her own choices, and a commitment not to be someone else's story of what they had to overcome. How losing the fear of not drinking allowed Lindsey to feel “light as a feather” and more. Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: How To Stop Using Alcohol As A Crutch - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E811 - https://thisnakedmind.com/how-to-stop-using-alcohol-as-a-crutch-e811/ What Is the Pink Cloud? - Reader's Question - E320 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-320-reader-question-what-is-the-pink-cloud/ How To Feel Good Without Alcohol - Reader's Question - E702 - https://thisnakedmind.com/podcast/ep-702-readers-question-how-to-feel-good-without-alcohol/ Ready to take the next step on your journey?  Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Until next week, stay curious!

This is a Bonus Episode, which means that it doesn't have any of the beautiful audio engineering from our amazing team.In this Bonus Episode, Jennie Nash talks with physician-writer Carolyn Roy Bornstein about how one Blueprint exercise brought clarity to a long-stalled book project. By identifying a single ideal reader, Carolyn was able to see exactly who she was writing for and shape A Prescription for Burnout with purpose and focus.They discuss why audience clarity matters and how the Blueprint can unlock momentum at the right moment in the writing process.Our guest, Carolyn Roy Bornstein, MD is a retired pediatrician, narrative medicine teacher, and author whose work explores the healing power of reflective writing. Her forthcoming book, A Prescription for Burnout: Restorative Writing for Healthcare Professionals, will be published by Johns Hopkins University Press. Carolyn draws on her clinical experience, her own journey through trauma and recovery, and her work with healthcare trainees to help writers—and caregivers—find voice, purpose, and resilience through the written word.Join Us for the Blueprint Challenge Starting January 12Hi there supporters and subscribers! Many of you are joining the Winter Blueprint for a Book, and if that's you, you must opt-in to receive posts, AMAs, write-alongs and podcasts. In 10 weeks, future you will be thanking current you for all the work you put in to figure out what you want this book to be—and how to best get it there, whether you're starting fresh with a new draft or revising something that still hasn't come together.If you don't opt in (how-to below), this will be the only Blueprint-related email that comes your way. (So no worries and no extra emails for those of us having a normal chaotic writing season!)And for those of you who haven't yet signed up—WHAT are you waiting for? This is a killer deal—put in an hour a week (okay, maybe more some weeks) and you could have a blueprint in hand by March—with a cohort, AMAs, write-alongs and plenty of help. Last chance—or at least, this is the last time we'll prod you. If you decide to jump in next week, we'll be here.Want to learn more? We published a whole series about the joys and benefits of the Blueprint:* What the Blueprint is and why Jennie made it* Introducing the winter book coach hosts* Overcoming Pantsing Pitfalls: How the Blueprint Method Can Save Your Story* The Blueprint is the Solution for Time-Strapped Writers* How to Use a Blueprint for Revision* Befriending the Blueprint* Using Mindfulness to Master the BlueprintNot yet a paid subscriber? There's still time—in fact, there's still a special deal in place for those who want to jump in: 20% off an annual subscription until 1/15/25, and you can spend the next ten weeks figuring out what you want this book to be, instead of writing 250K words over the course of the year to achieve the same thing. Ask me how I know.To join Blueprint for a Book, you must opt-in and set up your podcast feed. Don't worry, it's simple! Click here to go to your #AmWriting account, and when you see this screen, do two things:* Toggle “Blueprint for a Book” from “off” (grey) to “on” (orange).* Click “set up podcast” next to Winter 2025 Blueprint for a Book and follow the easy instructions. (It is MUCH easier to do this step on your phone.)Once you set those things up, you'll get all the future Blueprint emails and podcasts (and if you're joining the party a bit late, just head to our website and click on Blueprint for a Book Winter 2025 in the top menu). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amwriting.substack.com/subscribe

A Washington Democrat wants to change rules around license plate readers. Rep. Adam Smith says that Congress needs to step in and rein in the ‘choas’ of college football after UW’s QB transferred. UW study shows Washington teens distracted by phones, which is prompting a push to ban them. // Big Local: The News Tribune analyzes whether Sheriff Keith Swank spends too much time on X. Tacoma is adding more traffic cameras. Spokane leaders propose land‑value tax pilot to curb land speculation and address housing crisis. // You Pick the Topic: Young people are increasingly dropping cigarettes for vaping.

2026 is a big year for Johnny JR as he sets his sights on winning the London Marathon. And with Dave lacing up his cheating shoes to pound the P of London's streets as well, the team have quezzies.Luckily today's episode features a man who is more than capable of answering said quezzies: friend of the show and running guru Ben Parkes. It's his job to help John hack the London Marathon. Godspeed Ben.But fear not, it's not all running chat. Elis has been on the TV, John is (like Meatloaf) out of hell, and there's a cornucopia of call centre celeb stories to read.Keep your ears peeled for some fine Mad Daddery featuring ancient ONS maps, and the team imagine how John would fare on I'm A Celebrity.Reader of this description, send us an email! The address is elisandjohn@bbc.co.uk and the WhatsApp is 07974 293 022.

What does it really mean when someone looks at your career and says, “You should be doing more”?In this episode of ComicLab, Brad and Dave respond to a pointed listener question that cuts straight to the bone: If they have the skills, the experience, and the ideas — why haven't they launched even more projects? The answer isn't defensive or dismissive. Instead, it becomes a clear-eyed breakdown of creative bandwidth, sustainability, work-life balance, and the invisible labor that propels up a long-term comics career. From Patreon and newsletters to storefronts, commissions, podcasts, and family responsibilities, they unpack why “doing enough” is often misunderstood from the outside — and why restraint can be a strategic choice, not a lack of ambition.The conversation then pivots to one of the trickiest problems any humor writer faces: How to judge your own work when readers don't get the joke. How many confused comments are just statistical noise—and when do they signal a real problem in execution? Brad and Dave dig into the uncomfortable middle ground between ego and humility, exploring how to listen to feedback without letting it derail your voice, and how to improve clarity without sanding off what makes your work distinctive. It's a nuanced, experience-earned discussion about ramps, chasms, audience expectations, and why “it happens to everyone” is not an excuse — but also not a death sentence.If you've ever felt pressure to produce more, or struggled to decide whether reader confusion is a warning sign or just the cost of taking creative risks, this episode offers hard-earned perspective from two cartoonists who've been navigating those exact questions for decades.TakeawaysCreative projects often take a backseat due to time constraints.Cartoonists manage a heavy workload that includes multiple projects.Balancing creativity with administrative tasks is crucial for success.Feedback from readers can help improve comic writing.Self-editing is a continuous process for comic creators.Reader confusion can indicate a need for better communication in comics.Communication is key in the artistic process.     You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

Episode Summary: Emotional Exhaustion and holiday burnout are very real experiences. Today we’re going to be talking about the post-holiday aftermath that many of us feel for a myriad of reasons. We are going to cover expectations—unmet and unspoken; the subsequent disappointment which follows and the straight up exhaustion of making Christmas happen for our loved ones. If we don’t pause for a moment following the holidays, we rush headlong into the long winter months with unresolved sadness, which impacts our mental and emotional well-being, making those January blues stronger. Our goal today is to equip you with space to process what happened or didn’t happen, reminders that you are not alone, and practical hope-filled tools to apply to the post-holiday aftermath you may be experiencing. Quotables from the episode: The living room is scattered with wrapping paper, ornaments are askew on the tree, and a fine layer of dust covers everything. Family has wandered off to pursue individual pursuits and you’re sitting alone. You did it. You curated gifts based on personal interests and desires. You planned special meals and made the once-a-year Christmas treats. But now the exhaustion sets in. You wonder if your family appreciates your effort, and you question whether it’s worth it. Crawling into bed and skipping the big family get together later that day sounds great. Instead, you pull yourself up and put another foot in front of the other. “Do the next thing,” you whisper, but wonder if you actually can. Today we are talking about How to Heal from Emotional Burnout and Holiday Exhaustion. Emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion is a real experience that many of us deal with. It can start as early as October or November and lingers into January. I love the reminders in Psalm 46 to be still, but it can be so hard to do. But when I keep reading, I see that knowing God and bringing him glory helps me frame being still inside the comforting knowledge that God is with me through it all. It’s the “all” that trips us up during the holidays. How do we determine how much or how little to do? How do we manage our expectations within the framework of stillness wrapped in God’s presence? One of the contributing factors in emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout comes from a motive to serve others and to create a special experience for them. It’s a good and noble desire to do this. The gift of hospitality, even to our own families, is a special way to show them God’s love. That’s where my desire comes from: I want to show my family love by doing for them. But when we neglect the best thing, we find ourselves running through the holidays in our own strength, which creates emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion. I love the sisters, Mary and Martha, found in Luke 10:38-42. These two women show us how to both serve and be still. I’ve never liked how Martha is shown as wrong and Mary as right. If we take the time to read what Jesus said, we learn there is a good way and a better way. Martha had good motives in serving Jesus and the other guests. In the context of healing from holiday exhaustion and emotional burnout, the desire to create a beautiful holiday experience is a good desire. Martha’s mistake was her unspoken expectation that her sister should be helping her create this amazing experience for the Lord. However, Mary spent her time listening at the feet of Jesus. While it looked like she was doing nothing, she shows us how being still is an active response. Spending time with Jesus is a better desire. It changes us from the inside out. Let’s explore how to hold both the good and the better in the same space and time. I’ve always had mixed feelings when it comes to the account of Mary and Martha. I want to be a Mary, but I definitely relate to Martha’s personally as a get-it-done kind of person. I can’t tell you how often I hear “I don’t know how you do all you do!” And in transparency, for many years, I wore that as a badge of honor, until doing became my downfall. One thing that has always stood out to me in the account of these two sisters is when Scripture says But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. It’s not that what Martha was doing was bad…it just wasn’t the best thing. It’s so easy to set aside our private, personal time with Jesus during the crazy, busy holiday season, and embarrassingly, I have succumbed to that at times. But what you’re saying is that healing from emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion starts with being still with Jesus. It’s within the stillness with Jesus where we can be refreshed and guided for our next thing. We can ask the Holy Spirit to show us where we may have expectations that could lead to disappointment. I must continually remind myself that life is not a movie script, with perfectly plotted responses. There is no call for “Cut!” or “Go again.” Our family members deal with their own internal angsts, expectations, and disappointments, which clash with ours. If we start the day with Jesus and invite him into every part of our day, we can hold the good with the better and reveal both a Martha and a Mary side to our families and ourselves. Unmet expectations (of others and ourselves) can contribute to emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, so we have to be intentional when we want to change course. Addressing expectations by making time with Jesus a priority during the holiday season is vital, but let’s turn our attention to some practical steps. One step we can do post-holiday is to ask our families what traditions or activities are important to them. We may be doing all the things, but maybe we don’t need too. Taking the time to talk about expectations, and adjusting them going forward both helps to heal, and create self-guards going forward. A second aspect that crucial for our healing from emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout is to Create space in your life to rest and recover. There’s no universal required day to take down the decorations and return the gift bags to their storage space. Lay on the couch post-Christmas and New Years. Turn off the lamps and turn on the Christmas lights. Take time to rejoice in Jesus coming to earth for you. Contemplate God with us. Be still and know he is God. Depending on how depleted, fatigued, or burned out you may feel, I would add to that to create a “recovery zone”. Pick a short window every day, even if only 10-20 minutes, where you intentionally do nothing that requires output. Instead, sit with a cozy drink, listen to calm music, step outside for a breath of fresh air. This sends your nervous system the message: “I am safe. I can rest.” The fourth suggestion we have for how to heal from emotional exhaustion and holiday burnout is where we can learn from Mary. I’d suggest a brief post-holiday evaluation can be very helpful by answering two questions. First, What wore you out? Second, What gave you life? Taking the time for a post-holiday evaluation helps heal from emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion because self-reflection helps our brain release what is internally keeping our mind in a state of stress, and is a way to prepare and protect your mental and emotional strength for the next year. This is where we realize where we may have lost sight of “God with us.” It’s easy to keep saying yes and to add more. Some years we have the capacity for a lot and other years we need to scale back. Three of my kids have birthdays in November, January, and February. Reserving energy for their births changed how I did Christmas, from the décor to the gifts to the food. And I discovered an important truth—it’s not so much what we do that makes Christmas special but the who. Who we are with and who we focus on. A fifth tip, which is really important, is to Replenish What Was Depleted. To do this, I would add a third question to the self-evaluation, and that is to ask yourself What did the holidays season drain the most? If it was sleep, commit to earlier nights for a week or two. If it was social energy, block out quiet evenings. If it was finances, enact a low-spend month or two. If it was emotions, journal what you carried and release it to God. We know that the level of emotional exhaustion or holiday burnout is different for everyone, and some years are worse than others, but with a shift in our perspective, a bit of self-reflection, communicating with our family, creating space to rest and recover, and intentionally replenishing what was depleted, we can experience healing from emotional burnout and holiday exhaustion. Scripture References: Psalm 46:11-12 “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” Luke 10:38-42 “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Recommended Resources: Reframing Rejection: How Looking Through a Different Lens Changes Everything By Jessica Van Roekel Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jessica Van Roekel: Website / Instagram / Facebook For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Co-Host: Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who believes that through Jesus, personal histories don’t need to define the present or determine the future. She inspires, encourages, and equips others to look at life through the lenses of hope, trust, and God’s transforming grace. Jessica lives in rural Iowa surrounded by wide open spaces which remind her of God’s expansive love. She loves fun earrings, good coffee, and connecting with others. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

COUNTDOWN the top 30 most listened to episodes of 2025. Date With A Debut is a podcast hosted by writer Nick Wasiliev: shining a light on debut authors, their incredible books, and their journeys to publication. This week, I sit down with Geoff Parkes to discuss his debut novel, When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole. WARNING: This book contains intense subject matter, including instances of abuse and violence. Reader discretion is advised.

Book Worm's Story Snacks | A Microscopic Adventure What really happens inside your body when you get a cut? In this action-packed Story Snack, Book Worm and Reader shrink down to a microscopic size and travel inside a human body to explore the immune system from the inside out. What starts as a curious learning adventure quickly turns into a full-blown biological emergency when invading germs build a slimy “germ fort” near a fresh cut — and healing is on the line. Join a brave squad of white blood cells, meet the enthusiastic helper cell Tiny T, ride rushing plasma rivers, swing antibody lassos, and help deliver vital platelet repair patches as the immune system springs into action. Together, you'll discover how the body detects danger, fights infection, and heals itself — all through teamwork, courage, and a little imagination.

We are kicking off the New Year with Wisdom Talk Radio weekly episodes in 2026! Every other week you will still find the kind of provocative and enlightening interviews you have come to expect. On the alternate weeks I'll be sharing selected readings from my book, Unconditional Remembrance: Your Connection to Source. There is bound to be some riffing along with the reading! In today's inaugural episode, you are invited to experience the energy of Unconditional Remembrance. I begin with the “Note to the Reader.” Let's set the stage for what is to come.Find Laurie Seymour at https://thebacainstitute.com/ .Follow Wisdom Talk Radio on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisdomtalkradio Subscribe on Apple.Want to reach out to me? You can email me directly at laurie@thebacainstitute.com If you are enjoying our show and you'd like to spread the love, please subscribe, download, comment, and tell your friends and family about us. We want to thank you for your continued support. We really appreciate it! Find more episodes of Wisdom Talk Radio HERE Discover your Quantum Connection Style! (QUIZ)The first step to mastering your Quantum Connection is to know your natural style of being in the world.We are each designed to connect with Source differently. Knowing your style, with both your superpowers and your learning edge, is the first step of aligning with your inner guidance at a deeper level than you ever thought you could. It's the doorway to creating what you truly want in your life.Click here to take the quiz now: Quantum Connection QuizFind Laurie's new book, Unconditional Remembrance: Your Connection to Source HEREGet Laurie's New Book, Unconditional Remembrance: Your Connection to Source: https://mybook.to/UnconditionalRememSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/wisdom-talk-radio/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Episode 92 - Murdock and Marvel: 2018 It was a great year for comics, everywhere except the shops, and movies, graphic novels and TV continued to do well.  The Year in Comics  Comics in Other Media Comic Sales Notable Comics Top Comic News Notable Passings Marvel Eisner Awards Dan's Favorite The Year in Daredevil  Appearances: Daredevil v5 #595-610, Daredevil Annual #1, She-Hulk #159, Falcon #6, All-New Wolverine #33, Avengers #687-689, Hunt for Wolverine #1, Hunt for Wolverine: Weapon Lost #1-4, Hunt for Wolverine: Dead Ends #1, Infinity Countdown: Daredevil #1, True Believers: Infinity War #1, True Believers: Fantastic Four – The Wedding of Redd & Sue #1, True Believers: Marvel Knights 20th Anniversary – Daredevil by Bendis and Maleev #1, True Believers: What if Kraven the Hunter Had Killed Spider-Man? #1  Writer: Charles Soule (#595-610)  Pencils: Stefano Landini (#595-597), Ron Garney (#598-600), Mike Henderson (#601-605), Phil Noto (#606-610)  Inks: Stefano Landini (#595-597), Ron Garney (#598-600), Mike Henderson (#601-605), Phil Noto (#606-610)  Most of 2018 is devoted to one storyline – Mayor Fisk. The Kingpin has fully legitimized himself — not in the shadows or backrooms like the past, but right out in public with a suit, a flag pin, and a press conference. His first major move? He weaponizes the entire NYPD against vigilantes. Anyone in a mask is now considered a rogue element. And he's specifically asked the DA's office, and in particular Matt Murdock, build a case against Daredevil.  But that doesn't last very long as Fisk offers Murdock a job as Deputy Mayor (keep your friends close…) which Murdock surprisingly accepts. Fisk's plan is to keep him occupied with things of his choosing so Fisk can continue what he's doing without Murdock full attention.   Meanwhile, the inhuman serial killer Muse escapes from prison so Frank McGee (head of security force for New Attilan) asks Daredevil to help find him while Muse creates new pro vigilante art throughout the city. But it's Blindspot who ends up coming face to face with the killer who once took his sight. Meanwhile, 6 cops get killed in the Meatpacking District and Fisk uses it as an opportunity to further demonize vigilante's by blaming the killings on Frank Castle aka the Punisher.    In an oversized issue 600 adorned on the cover with the who's who of street level heroes and villains behind our man in red. In it we see a trap set by Fisk to roundup street level heroes as well as the confrontation between Blindspot and Muse that ends up having major consequences. This issue will be our spotlight story this week.  Over the next few issues, we see Matt Murdock as the acting mayor and see him enlist heroes and then villains in the fight against the hand. Murdock fires Welsey, Fisk's chief of Staff, for fighting him every step of the way and installs his lifelong friend Foggy Nelson in the role – He also gets to act as cover so Matt can go out and fight the hand as Daredevil. This continues until the Hand launches their latest offensive – a gas cloud that incapacitates Matt Murdock who was looking down at the city from the roof of city hall. And he's only able to be awoken by Father Jordan, Matt's priest, who arrives at city hall offering the help of Ordo Draconum, The Order of the Dragon, of whom Jordan is a member.   The story comminates with a final battle at City Hall that includes horses and swords. It ends with Daredevil plunging a sword into the Beast and a bright white light. With the Hand now defeated, Matt and Wilson Fisk, who has recovered, talk. To spare New York further stress and political turmoil, Matt agrees to relinquish the mayor's office back to Fisk, but only on the condition that Fisk ends his anti-vigilante crusade. Fisk agrees to the terms. As Matt and Foggy are leaving, Matt overhears Fisk and his associate Wesley admitting to rigging the mayoral election.  Now knowing for sure the election was rigged, Daredevil reaches out to Frank McGee to help him start an investigation into Wilson Fisk. McGee brings in a couple inhumans to help them with the case. Cypher, who can read and understand any code or language as well as Reader (and his dog Forey) who has the ability to make anything he reads manifest into reality 3 times per day.   In a short 2-book story in the latter part of the year, we see the return of Mike Murdock – and not just Matt Murdock pretending to be his twin brother but an actual separate person. Daredevil saves Mike from some C list villains at the Bar with No Name. We learn Reader read Mike into existence and can easily erase him. But Mike insists on talking to his brother Matt. He escapes and enlists Foggy's help (at gunpoint) in setting up a meeting.   The two meet in public and after talking Matt lets Mike leave saying it's not their decision to erase Mike anymore. Mike then approaches Wilson Fisk and to prove he's not Matt, tells Fisk that Matt knows he rigged the election and is trying to build a case against him. The story ends with the Hood offering Mike an opportunity to prove himself.  The year ends with the start of the final story arc of volume 5 “The Death of Daredevil” which spills over into 2019 so we are going to save this story until next episode. This Week's Spotlight: Daredevil Volume 5, Issue 600 May 2018 “Mayor Fisk part 6”  Recap Why We Picked This Story Daredevil Rapid Fire Questions The Takeaway Everything is a circle! Questions or comments We'd love to hear from you!  Email us at questions@comicsovertime.com or find us on Twitter @comicsoftime. ------------------ THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING CREATORS AND RESOURCES  Music: Our theme music is by the very talented Lesfm.  You can find more about them and their music at https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/.  The Grand Comics Database: Dan uses custom queries against a downloadable copy of the GCD to construct his publisher, title and creator charts.  Comichron: Our source for comic book sales data.  Marvel Year By Year: A Visual History  DC Comics Year By Year: A Visual Chronicle  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_based_on_English-language_comics  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Marvel_Comics_superhero_debuts  https://comicbookreadingorders.com/marvel/event-timeline/  https://www.comic-con.org/awards/eisner-awards/past-recipients/past-recipients-1990s/ 

(SPOILER) Your Daily Roundup covers Sage from Survivor releases names in a 47 minute YouTube video, Taylor Swift sets a new record with one of her singles, and answering a Reader Email.   Music written by Jimmer Podrasky (B'Jingo Songs/Machia Music/Bug Music BMI) Ads: Hello Fresh – Go to https://hellofresh.com/RealitySteveFM10 to get TEN free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife ($144.99 value) on your third box Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery, I want to slow things down and really take stock of what this past year has looked like. We are in the final stretch of 2025, and if you are anything like me, it feels like it flew by. A lot changed this year. Not just in business or the industry, but personally. Wins, losses, pressure, doubt, growth. Different stories, same emotions. That is the human experience, and it is something we all share whether we talk about it or not. What stood out to me most this year is how extreme the outcomes have been. I have seen people thrive in ways they never imagined, and I have seen others barely hanging on. Some are healthier, stronger, and more confident than ever. Others are exhausted, disconnected, and avoiding hard truths. Marriages strengthening, marriages breaking. Businesses exploding, businesses stuck. When you step back and look at it honestly, there is one common denominator in all of it. Us. Personal accountability is unavoidable. When multiple areas of life feel off, it is not the market, the timing, or other people. It starts with me. I have always had a soft spot for new years. Not because a calendar magically fixes anything, but because it gives people permission to begin again. I know the jokes. The gym fills up. People talk about goals and resolutions like they are pointless. Maybe some people fall back into old habits. I was that person for years. I would promise change, see a little progress, then sabotage it and end the year right where I started or worse. Big wins followed by bigger self destruction. That cycle is exhausting and it limits long term growth. Back in 2014, everything was on the line for me. My marriage was strained. My finances were tight. My health was declining. My mindset was dark. I was not showing up as a husband, a father, or a leader. I was going through the motions, and when you do that long enough, you feel the gap between who you want to be and how you are actually living. That gap is misery. What changed was not motivation. It was responsibility. I learned something critical during that season. Doing the right things today does not erase the consequences of yesterday. You still have debts to pay, relationships to repair, habits to rebuild. Progress does not show up instantly. But it does show up consistently if you stay the course. That is where the idea of the 300 Empire came from. Small daily actions compounded over time. Hours in the gym. Hours studying. Hours sharpening skills. Over time, it changes everything. Not overnight, but permanently. That lesson still applies today. Year after year, the investment compounds. When you put that much time into your mind, body, and craft, it becomes nearly impossible to stay the same. You move faster. You gain confidence. You operate with clarity. The same applies to business. Systems, processes, coaching, repetition. None of it is accidental. It all starts with taking care of yourself first. As we move toward 2026, here is the truth. A new year does not fix anything on its own. Doing the right things occasionally does not either. The difference is doing the right things consistently. When you see people far ahead, it is not because they are smarter or luckier. It is because they are willing to do things others are not. The real question is not what you want. It is what you are willing to do. Peace comes when you stop comparing and start deciding. Decide what you truly want. Decide what success looks like for you. Then commit to the actions that support it. There is no bottom to how bad things can get if you avoid responsibility. But there is also no ceiling on what you can create when you take ownership and stay disciplined. Today is always a good day to begin again. Reader reflection questions What patterns from this past year do you need to take responsibility for instead of avoiding What are the daily actions you know you need to commit to but have been resisting What version of success would actually bring you peace rather than comparison Notable quotes "Rarely does someone destroy their life in a single decision. It is usually a series of small moments ignored over time." "Doing the right things today does not erase the consequences of yesterday, but over time it changes everything." "There is no ceiling to what you can create when you take ownership and stay disciplined."   Follow A.Z. Araujo on Social Media: Instagram: @azaraujo Facebook: A.Z. Araujo TikTok: A.Z. Araujo YouTube: Do The Work Podcast   For Real Estate Agents in AZ: Learn more about Do The Work Coaching and A.Z. & Associates: dothework.com/azaa   Upcoming Events: If you're a real estate brokerage owner, sign up for one of our upcoming events. Visit: dothework.com bigmoneybrokerage.com Join my mailing list for updates!   New Do The Work Gear: Check out the latest DTW and Do The Work Gear! Hats, shirts, journals, and more: • • shop.dothework.com

EPISODE 657 - Sue William Silverman - Selected Misdemeanors - Essays at the Mercy of the ReaderSue is the author of four memoirs: How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences, forthcoming, March 2020, the Unversity of Nebraska Press, American Lives Series; The Pat Boone Fan Club: My Life as a White Anglo-Saxon Jew, the University of Nebraska Press, American Lives Series; Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You, winner of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Award Series in Creative Nonfiction. Her memoir Love Sick: One Woman's Journey through Sexual Addiction was also made into a Lifetime TV Original Movie. Her craft book is Fearless Confessions: A Writer's Guide to Memoir, and her poetry collections are If the Girl Never Learns and Hieroglyphics in Neon.As a professional speaker and writer, Sue has appeared on many nationally syndicated radio and TV programs including The View, Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN; a John Stossel Special on ABC-TV; CNN-Headline News; the Montel Williams Show; the Ricki Lake Show; and the Morning Show with Mike and Juliet. She was also featured in an episode of "The Secret Lives of Women" on WE-TV. Sue was also interviewed by Rich Fahle for PBS Books.https://www.suewilliamsilverman.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

JEFFERSON'S DEFENSE OF AMERICA AND THE MCGUFFEY READER Colleague Professor Robert G. Parkinson. Thomas Jefferson discovered Logan's Lament in 1774 and later used it in his Notes on the State of Virginia to refute French claims that everything in America was "degenerate." Jefferson presented Logan as proof of Native American intellectual equality, effectively cementing the story of Cresap's guilt in the public mind. This sparked a feud with Luther Martin, a Cresap in-law who attacked Jefferson to clear the family name. Consequently, the lament became a standard recitation text for schoolchildren in the McGuffey Readers, embedding the narrative of the "vanishing Indian" into American culture. NUMBER 7

JEFFERSON'S DEFENSE OF AMERICA AND THE MCGUFFEY READER Colleague Professor Robert G. Parkinson. Thomas Jefferson discovered Logan's Lament in 1774 and later used it in his Notes on the State of Virginia to refute French claims that everything in America was "degenerate." Jefferson presented Logan as proof of Native American intellectual equality, effectively cementing the story of Cresap's guilt in the public mind. This sparked a feud with Luther Martin, a Cresap in-law who attacked Jefferson to clear the family name. Consequently, the lament became a standard recitation text for schoolchildren in the McGuffey Readers, embedding the narrative of the "vanishing Indian" into American culture. NUMBER 7

Contact Ms MargoTheBoneReader.com

This week, Halley and I catch up on what we've been reading and watching, and then dive into bookish plans and goals for 2026! Check Out Author Social Media PackagesCheck out the Bookwild Community on PatreonCheck Out My Stories Are My Religion SubstackGet Bookwild MerchFollow @imbookwild on InstagramOther Co-hosts On Instagram:Gare Billings @gareindeedreadsSteph Lauer @books.in.badgerlandHalley Sutton @halleysutton25Brian Watson @readingwithbrianMacKenzie Green @missusa2mba

A severed head turns up in a small rural town. While police investigate this as a crime, they look at disturbed graves, search for missing people — suspect a killer. But the forensic artist on the case has a very different theory for how the head ended up in the woods.This story contains references to forensic material, sensitive listeners please be advised.Thank you to Michelle Vitali & Mike O'Brien for sharing this story with Snap.Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.Happy New Year Snap Nation -- thank you for listening in 2025! We love you!Snap Classic - Season 16 - Episode 61 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Brea and Mallory choose their new year's reader resolutions! Plus, they give advice on what to do when reading makes you sleepy. Email us at readingglassespodcast at gmail dot com!Reading Glasses MerchRecommendations StoreThe Reading Glasses Book!Sponsor -Factorwww.factormeals.com/GLASSES50OFFCODE: GLASSES50OFFLinks -Reading Glasses Facebook GroupReading Glasses Goodreads GroupWish ListNewsletterLibro.fmTo join our Discord channel, email us proof of your Reading-Glasses-supporting Maximum Fun membership!www.maximumfun.org/join Books Mentioned - Pet by Catherine ChidgeyThe Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman 

Happy New Year 2026! I love January and the opportunity to start afresh. I know it's arbitrary in some ways, but I measure my life by what I create, and I also measure it in years. At the beginning of each year, I publish an article (and podcast episode) here, which helps keep me accountable. If you'd like to share your goals, please add them in the comments below. 2026 is a transitional year as I will finish my Masters degree and continue the slow pivot that I started in December 2023 after 15 years as an author entrepreneur. Just to recap that, it was: From digitally-focused to creating beautiful physical books; From high-volume, low cost to premium products with higher Average Order Value; From retailer-centric to direct first; and From distance to presence, and From creating alone to the AI-Assisted Artisan Author. I've definitely stepped partially into all of those, and 2026 will continue in that same direction, but I also have an additional angle for Joanna Penn and The Creative Penn that I am excited about. If you'd like to join my community and support the show every month, you'll get access to my growing list of Patron videos and audio on all aspects of the author business — for the price of a black coffee (or two) a month. Join us at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn. Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Leaning into the Transformation Economy The Creative Penn Podcast and my Patreon Community Webinars and live events Finish my Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture Bones of the Deep — J.F. Penn Add merch to CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com How to Write, Publish, and Market Short Stories and Short Story Collections — Joanna Penn Other possible books Experiment more with AI translation Ideally outsource more marketing to AI, but do more marketing anyway Double down on being human, health and travel You can find all my books as J.F. Penn and Joanna Penn on your favourite online store in all the usual formats, or order from your local library or bookstore. You can also buy direct from me at CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com. I'm not really active on social media, but you can always see my photos at Instagram @jfpennauthor. Leaning into the Transformation Economy I've struggled with my identity as Joanna Penn and my Creative Penn brand for a few years now. When I started TheCreativePenn.com in 2008, the term ‘indie author' was new and self-publishing was considered ‘vanity press' and a sure way to damage your author career, rather than a conscious creative and business choice. It was the early days of the Kindle and iPhone (both launched in 2007), and podcasting and social media were also relatively new. While US authors could publish on KDP, the only option for international authors was Smashwords and the market for ebooks was tiny. Print-on-demand and digital audio were also just emerging as viable options. While it was the early era of blogging, there were very few blogs and barely any podcasts talking about self-publishing, so when I started TheCreativePenn.com in late 2008 and the podcast in March 2009, it was a new area. For several years, it was like howling into the wind. Barely any audience. Barely any traffic, and certainly very little income.  But I loved the freedom and the speed at which I could learn things and put them into practice. Consume and produce. That has always been my focus. I met people on Twitter and interviewed them for my show, and over those early years I met many of the people I consider dear friends even now. Since self-publishing was a relatively unexplored niche in those early years, I slowly found an audience and built up a reputation. I also started to make more money both as an author, and as a creative entrepreneur. Over the years since, pretty much everything has changed for indie authors and we have had more and more opportunity every year. I've shared everything I've learned along the way, and it's been a wonderful time.  But as self-publishing became more popular and more authors saw more success (which is FANTASTIC!), other voices joined the chorus and now, there are many thousands of authors of all different levels with all kinds of different experiences sharing their tips through articles, books, podcasting, and social media. I started to wonder whether my perspective was useful anymore. On top of the human competition, in November 2022, ChatGPT launched, and it became clear that prescriptive non-fiction and ‘how to' information could very easily be delivered by the AI tools, with the added benefit of personalisation. You can ask Chat or Claude or Gemini how you can self-publish your particular book and they will help you step by step through the process of any site. You can share your screen or upload screenshots and it can help with what fields to fill in (very useful with translations!), as well as writing sales descriptions, researching keywords, and offering marketing help targeted to your book and your niche, and tailored to your voice. Once again, I questioned what value I could offer the indie author community, and I've pulled back over the last few years as I've been noodling around this. But over the last few weeks, a penny has dropped. Here's my thinking in case it also helps you. Firstly, I want to be useful to people. I want to help. In my early days of speaking professionally, from 2005-ish, I wanted to be the British (introvert) Tony Robbins, someone who inspired people to change, to achieve things they didn't think they could. Writing a book is one of those things. Making a living from your writing is another. So I leaned into the self-help and how-to niche. But now that is now clearly commoditised. But recently, I realised that my message has always been one of transformation, and in the following four areas.  From someone who doesn't think they are creative but who desperately wants to write a book, to someone who holds their first book in their hand and proudly says, ‘I made this.' The New Author. From someone who has no confidence in their author voice, who wonders if they have anything to say, to someone who writes their story and transforms their own life, as well as other people's. The Confident Author. From an author with one or a handful of books who doesn't know much about business, to a successful author with a growing business heading towards their first six figure year. The Author-Entrepreneur. And finally, from a tech-phobic, fearful author who worries that AI makes it pointless to create anything and will steal all the jobs, to a confident AI-assisted creative who uses AI tools to enhance and amplify their message and their income. The AI-Assisted Artisan Author. These are four transformations I have been through myself, and with my work as Joanna Penn/The Creative Penn, I want to help you through them as well. So in 2026, I am repositioning myself as part of The Transformation Economy. What does this mean? There is a book out in February, The Transformation Economy by B. Joseph Pine II, who is also the author of The Experience Economy, which drove a lot of the last decade's shift in business models. I have the book on pre-order, but in the meantime, I am doing the following. I will revamp TheCreativePenn.com with ‘transformation' as the key frame and add pathways through my extensive material, rather than just categories of how to do things. I've already added navigation pages for The New Author, The Confident Author, The Author-Entrepreneur, and The AI-Assisted Artisan Author, and I will be adding to those over time. My content is basically the same, as I have always covered these topics, but the framing is now different. The intent is different. The Creative Penn Podcast will lean more heavily into transformation, rather than just information — And will focus on the first three of the categories above, the more creative, mindset and business things.  My Patreon will continue to cover all those things, and that's also where I post most of my AI-specific content, so if you're interested in The AI-Assisted Artisan Author transformation path, come on over to patreon.com/thecreativepenn I have more non-fiction books for authors coming, and lots more ideas now I am leaning into this angle. I'll also continue to do webinars on specific topics in 2026, and also add speaking back in 2027. It's harder to think about transformation when it comes to fiction, but it's also really important since fiction books in particular are highly commodified, and will become even more so with the high production speeds. Yes, all readers have a few favourite authors but most will also read a ton of other books without knowing or caring who the author is. Fiction can be transformational. Reader's aren't buying a ‘book.' They're buying a way to escape, to feel deeply, to experience things they never could in real life. A book can transform a day from ‘meh' into ‘fantastic!' My J.F. Penn fiction is mostly inspired by places, so my stories transport you into an adventure somewhere wonderful, and they all offer a deeper side of transformative contemplation of ‘memento mori' if you choose to read them in that way.  They also have elements of gothic and death culture that I am going to lean into with some merch in 2026, so more of an identity thing than just book sales. I'm not quite sure what this means yet, but no doubt it will emerge. I'll also shape my JFPennBooks.com site into more transformative paths, rather than just genre lists, as part of this shift. My memoir Pilgrimage always reflected a transformation, both reflecting my own midlife shift but I've also heard from many who it has inspired to walk alone, or to travel on pilgrimage themselves. Of course, transformation is not just for our readers or the people we serve as part of our businesses. It's also for us. One of the reasons why we are writers is because this is how we think. This is how we figure out our lives. This is how we get the stories and ideas out of our heads and into the world. Writing and creating are transformative for us, too. That is part of the point, and a great element of why we do this, and why we love this. Which is why I don't really understand the attraction of purely AI-generated books. There's no fun in that for me, and there's no transformation, either. Of course, I LOVE using Chat and Claude and Gemini Thinking models as my brainstorming partners, my research buddies, my marketing assistants, and as daily tools to keep me sparkly. I smiled as I wrote that (and yes, I human-wrote this!) because sparkly is how I feel when I work with these tools. Programmers use the term ‘vibe coding' which is going back and forth and collaborating together, sparking off each other. Perhaps that I am doing is ‘vibe creation.' I feel it as almost an effervescence, a fun experience that has me laughing out loud sometimes. I am more creative, I am more in flow. I am more ‘me' now I can create and think at a speed way faster than ever before. My mind has always worked at speed and my fingers are fast on the keys but working in this way makes me feel like I create in the high performance zone far more often. I intend to lean more into that in 2026 as part of my own transformation (and of course, I share my experiences mainly in the Community at patreon.com/thecreativepenn ). [Note, I pay for access to all models, and currently use ChatGPT 5.2 Thinking, Claude Opus 4.5, and Gemini 3 Pro). So that's the big shift this year, and the idea of the Transformation Economy will underpin everything else in terms of my content. The Creative Penn Podcast and my Patreon Community The Creative Penn Podcast continues in 2026, although I am intending to reduce my interviews to once every two weeks, with my intro and other content in between. We'll see how that goes as I am already finding some fascinating people to talk to!  Thank you for your comments, your pictures, and also for sharing the episodes that resonate with you with the wider community. Your reviews are also super useful wherever you are listening to this, so please leave a review wherever you're listening this as it helps with discovery.  Thanks also to everyone in my Patreon Community, which I really enjoy, especially as we have doubled down on being human through more live office hours. I will do more of those in 2026 and the first one of the year will blearily UK time so Aussies and Kiwis can come. I also share new content almost every week, either an article, a video or an audio episode around writing craft, author business, and lots on different use cases for AI tools.  If you join the Patreon, start on the Collections tab where you will find all the backlist content to explore. It's less than the price of a coffee a month so if you get value from the show, and you want more, come on over and join us at patreon.com/thecreativepenn My Books and Travel Podcast is on hiatus for interviews, since the Masters is taking up the time I would have had for that. However I plan to post some solo episodes in 2026, and I also post travel articles there, like my visits to Gothic cathedrals and city breaks and things like that. Check it out at https://www.booksandtravel.page/blog/  Webinars and live events Along with my Patreon office hours, I'm enjoying the immediacy and energy of live webinars and they work with my focus on transformation, as well as on ‘doubling down on being human' in an age of AI, so I will be doing more this year. The first is on Business for Authors, coming on 10 and 24 January, which is aimed at helping you transform your author business in 2026, or if you're just getting started, then transform into someone who has even a small clue about business in general!Details at TheCreativePenn.com/live and Patrons get 25% off. In terms of live in-person events, it looks like I will be speaking at the Alliance of Independent Authors event at the London Book Fair in March, and I'll attend the Self-Publishing Show Live in June, although I won't be speaking. There might be other things that emerge, but in general, I'm not doing much speaking in 2026 because I need to … Finish my Masters in Death, Religion, and Culture This represents a lot of work as I am doing the course full-time. I should be finished in September, and much of the middle of the year will be focused on a dissertation. I'm planning on doing something around AI and death, so that will no doubt lead into some fiction at a later stage! Talking of fiction … Bones of the Deep — J.F. Penn The Masters is pretty serious, as is academic research and writing in general, and I found myself desperate to write a rollicking fun story over the holiday break between terms. I've talked about this ‘tall-ship' story for a while and now I'm committing to it. Back in 1999, I sailed on the tall-ship Soren Larsen from Fiji to Vanuatu, one of the three trips that shaped my life. It was the first time I'd been to the South Pacific, the first time I sailed blue water (with no land in sight), and I kept a journal and drew maps of the trip. It also helped me a make a decision to leave the UK and I headed for Australia nine months later in early 2000, and ended up being away 11 years in Australia and New Zealand. I came home to visit of course, but only moved back to the UK in 2011, so that trip was memorable and pivotal in many ways and has stuck in my mind. The story is based on that crossing, but of course, as J.F. Penn my imagination turns it into essentially a ‘locked room,' there is no escape out there, especially if the danger comes from the sea. Another strand of the story comes from a recent academic essay for my Masters, when I wrote about the changes in museum ethics around human remains and medical specimens i.e. body parts in jars, and how some remains have been repatriated to the indigenous peoples they were stolen from. I've also talked before about how I love ‘merfolk' horror like Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant, All the Murmuring Bones by A.G. Slatter, and Merfolk by Jeremy Bates. These are no smiling fantasy mermaids and mermen. They are predators. What might happen if the remains of a mer-saint were stolen from the deep, and what might happen to the ship that the remains are being transported in, and the people on board?  I'm about a third in, and I am having great fun! It will actually be a thriller, with a supernatural edge, rather than horror, and it is called Bones of the Deep, and it will be out on Kickstarter in April, and everywhere by the summer.  You can check out the Kickstarter pre-launch page with photos from my 1999 trip, the cover for the book, and the sales description at JFPenn.com/bones Add merch to CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com I've dipped my toe into merch a number of times and then removed the products, but now I'm clear on my message of transformation, I want to revisit this. My books remain core for both sites, but for CreativePennBooks, I also want to add other products with what are essentially affirmations — ‘Creative,' ‘I am creative, I am an author,' and variants of the poster I have had on my wall for years, ‘Measure your life by what you create.' This is the affirmation I had in my wallet for years! For JFPennBooks, the items will be gothic/memento mori/skull-related. Everything will be print-on-demand. I will not be shipping anything myself, so I'm working with my designer Jane on this and then need to order test samples, and then get them added to the store. Likely mid-year at this rate! How to Write, Publish, and Market Short Stories and Short Story Collections — Joanna Penn I have a draft of this already which I expanded from the transcript of a webinar I did on this topic as part of The Buried and the Drowned campaign. It turns out I've learned a lot about this over the years, and also on how to make a collection, so I will get that out at some point this year. I won't do a Kickstarter for it, but I will do direct sales for at least a month and include a special edition, workbook, and bundles on my store first before putting it wide. I will also human-narrate that audiobook. Other possible books I'm an intuitive creative and discovery writer, so I don't plan out what I will write in a year. The books tend to emerge and then I pick the next one that feels the most important. After the ones above, there are a few candidates. Crown of Thorns, ARKANE thriller #14. Regular readers and listeners will know how much I love religious relics, and it's about time for a big one! I have a trip to Paris planned in the spring, as the Crown of Thorns is at Notre Dame, and I have some other locations to visit. My ARKANE thrillers always emerge from in-person travels, so I am looking forward to that. Maybe late 2026, maybe 2027. AI + religion technothriller/short stories. I already have some ideas sketched out for this and my Masters thesis will be something around AI, religion, and death, so I expect something will emerge from all that study and academic writing. Not sure what, but it will be interesting! The Gothic Cathedral Book. I have tens of thousands of words written, and lots of research and photos and thoughts. But it is still in the creative chaos phase (which I love!) and as yet has not emerged into anything coherent. Perhaps it will in 2026, and the plan is to re-focus on it after my Masters dissertation.  I feel like the Masters study and the academic research process will make this an even better book, But I am holding my plans for this lightly, as it feels like another ‘big' book for me, like my ‘shadow book' (which became Writing the Shadow) and took more than a decade to write! How to be Creative. I have also written bits and bobs on this over many years, but it feels like it is re-emerging as part of my focus on transformation. Probably unlikely for 2026 but now back on the list … Experiment more with AI translation AI-assisted translation has been around for years now in various forms, and I have experimented with some of the services, as well as working with human narrators and editors in different languages, as well as licensing books in translation. But when Amazon launched Kindle Translate in November 2025, it made me think that AI-assisted translation will become a lot more popular in 2026. AI audiobook narration became good enough for many audiobooks in 2025, and it seems like AI-translation will be the same in 2026. Yes, of course, human translation is still the gold standard, as is human narration, and that would be the primary choice for all of us — if it was affordable. But frankly, it's not affordable for most indie authors, and indeed many small publishers. Many books don't get an audiobook edition and most books don't get translated into every language. It costs thousands per book for a human translator, and so it is a premium option. I have only ever made a small profit on the books that I paid for with human translators and it took years, and while I have a few nice translation deals on some books, I'm planning to experiment more with AI translation in 2026. More languages, more markets, more opportunities to reach readers. More on this in the next episode when I'll cover trends for 2026. Ideally outsource more marketing to AI, but do more marketing anyway You have to reach readers somehow, and you have to pay for book marketing with your time and/or your money. Those authors killing it on TikTok pay with their time, and those leaning heavily on ads are paying with money. Most of us do a bit of both. There is no passive income from books, and even a backlist has to be marketed if you want to see any return. But I, like most authors, am not excited about book marketing. I'd rather be working on new books, or thinking about the ramifications of the changes ahead and writing or talking about that in my Patreon Community or here on the podcast. However, my book sales income remains about the same even as I (slowly) produce more books, so I need to do more book marketing in 2026. I said that last year of course, and didn't do much more than I did in 2024, so here I am again promising to do a better job! Every year, I hope to have my “AI book marketing assistant” up and running, and maybe this will be the year it happens. My measure is to be able to upload a book and specify a budget and say, ‘Go market this,' and then the AI will action the marketing, without me having to cobble together workflows between systems. Of course, it will present plans for me to approve but it will do the work itself on the various platforms and monitor and optimize things for me. We have something like that already with Amazon auto-ads, but that is specific to Amazon Advertising and only works with certain books in certain genres. I have auto-ads running for a couple of non-fiction books, but not for any fiction. I'd also ideally like more sales on my direct stores, JFPennBooks.com and CreativePennBooks.com which means a different kind of marketing. Perhaps this will happen through ChatGPT shopping or other AI-assisted e-commerce, which should be increasing in 2026. More on that in trends for the year to come in the next show. Double down on being human, health and travel I have a lot of plans for travel both for book research and also holidays with Jonathan but he has to finish his MBA and then we have some family things that take priority, so I am not sure where or when yet, but it will happen! Paris will definitely happen as part of the research for Crown of Thorns, hopefully in the spring. I've been to Paris many times as it's just across the Channel and we can go by train but it's always wonderful to visit again. Health-wise, I'll continue with powerlifting and weight training twice a week as well as walking every day. It's my happy place! What about you? If you'd like to share your goals for 2026, please add them in the comments below — and remember, I'm a full-time author entrepreneur so my goals are substantial. Don't worry if yours are as simple as ‘Finish the first draft of my book,' as that still takes a lot of work and commitment! All the best for 2026 — let's get into it! The post My 2026 Creative And Business Goals With Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Episode Summary: Welcome to a brand-new year! If you’re like many, today might bring a mix of emotions. Excitement for a fresh start, anxiety over the unknown, or maybe even a lingering weight from the past. So many of us enter the new year feeling burdened by past mistakes, failures, or regrets. The enemy would love nothing more than to keep us stuck in shame, replaying the moments we wish we could erase. But here’s the truth: Our God is a God of redemption, of new beginnings, of fresh mercies every morning including this very one. Today, we talk about Trusting God's Redemption Over Your Past. We’ll explore what it means to step forward in faith instead of shame, to trust in God’s plans instead of our past, and to fully embrace the fresh start He offers us through His love and grace. Quotables from the episode: If stepping into this new year has felt more like stepping into a cloud of uncertainty, I want you to know that you are not alone. More importantly, you are not without hope. Today, we’re going to explore what God’s Word says about new beginnings and how we can release the past to walk confidently into His plans for our future. God is in the business of making things new. If you’re struggling to let go of past failures, hear this today—God is doing a new thing in your life. Will you embrace it? No matter what yesterday held, today is a new day, and His mercies are fresh and waiting for you. Practical Tip 1: Release What You Cannot Change Holding onto past regrets won’t change them. Take a moment to pray and surrender those memories to God, repenting where necessary and trusting Him to use even your mistakes for His glory. Practical Tip 2: Replace Shame with Truth The enemy often whispers lies of unworthiness and failure, but God calls you redeemed. Meditate on scriptures that remind you of your identity in Christ—because you are loved, valued, and renewed every day. Practical Tip 3: Set Your Eyes on the Future, Not the Past In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul encourages us, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal...” Today, commit to focusing on God’s promises for your future. Each new day is a step toward the plans He has for you—plans filled with hope and purpose. Where there is uncertainty, seek God’s will for your future. Practical Tip 4: Surround Yourself with Encouragement Fellowship is key. The enemy would love to isolate you, but we were not created to be alone. Whether it’s through Christian friends, a church community, or inspirational books and podcasts, fill your life with voices that affirm your worth and point you toward God’s truth. When you're surrounded by encouragement, the journey to healing and new beginnings becomes much more manageable. Practical Tip 5: Start Each Day with a Fresh Perspective Begin every morning by thanking God for a new day and seeking His guidance. A short prayer or a moment of reflection can reset your mindset, reminding you that His mercies are new every day. Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers to track the fresh starts and breakthroughs God is bringing into your life. If you need a resource to start your day in God’s word, reflecting on His promises, I encourage you to pick up a copy of my book Today Is Going to Be a Good Day: 90 Promises From God to Start Your Day Off Right. Take a moment now to reflect on these steps. Ask yourself: What past burdens do I need to surrender? Which scriptures will I meditate on to replace shame with truth? Allow God to fill you with hope as you anticipate the new things He’s ready to do in your life. Friend, I don’t know what your past holds, but I do know this—God is bigger than your mistakes, greater than your failures, and ever faithful in His love. As you step into this new year, hold onto the promise that He is doing a new thing in your life. You no longer have to be weighed down by what was. Instead, embrace what is to come, knowing that God’s plans for you are filled with hope, purpose, and renewal. As you leave this episode, I encourage you to put these steps into practice. Tonight, reflect on the scriptures we discussed and commit to a fresh start tomorrow morning. Trust that each new day is a gift from God—a day filled with His mercy and love. Let’s pray together: “Lord, thank You for the promise of new beginnings. Help us to let go of the past and step boldly into the future You have planned. May we embrace Your truth over our shame, and may Your mercies renew us each morning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Scripture References: Isaiah 43:18-19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Lamentations 3:22-23: “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.” Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we step into a brand-new year, Tobi takes listeners on a reflective walk through the most popular Volunteer Nation Podcast episodes of 2025, sharing key insights and takeaways from each. Think of this as a Reader's Digest–style recap of the ideas, strategies, and conversations that resonated most with volunteer engagement leaders over the past year and a powerful resource to help you start 2026 with clarity, connection, and momentum! Full show notes: 195. The Top 10 Volunteer Nation Podcast for 2025 - Our Countdown Volunteer Nation Podcast - Episode Highlights [03:16] - #10: Episode 177, Manage Volunteers Like a Pro and Episode 174, Write Volunteer Emails Volunteers Actually Read [07:11] - #9: Episode 163, New Research from Points of Light with Jennifer Sirangelo [09:46] - #8: Episode 143, Three Big Problems with Your Volunteer Recruitment Flyer [13:56] - #7: Episode 166, Train Volunteers with This Simple 4-Step Framework [18:21] - #6: Episode 146, Expanding the Volunteer Jobs to Be Done at Your Nonprofit [23:11] - #5: Episode 157, A Fresh Take on Volunteer Position Descriptions [27:06] - #4: Episode 176, Beyond Pizza Parties: Innovative Volunteer Appreciation Ideas [31:31] - #3: Episode 154, Entitled or Exploited? Volunteer Bias in Organizations [36:46] - #2: Episode 162, The #1 Secret to Deep Volunteer Participation [39:41] - #1: Episode 147, Volunteer Recruitment Trends from Our New Report [45:16] - Key themes from 2025: mindset, clarity, connection, systems, evolving expectations [49:31] - Final reflections Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause. For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, redefining what's possible and confirming a new era in the business of touring. As streaming transformed how we listen to music, selling records is no longer the financial centrepiece it once was for artists. Instead, exclusivity has been transferred to the live experience. But staging shows on this scale requires enormous investment and complex production. At the same time, ticket scarcity fuels extraordinary demand and rising prices, which mean big ticket prices.Tanya Beckett explores how technology, fandom and economics turn modern concert tours into multi-billion-dollar ventures.This week on The Inquiry, we're asking: How did music megatours become such a money spinner?Contributors Kevin Kim, Head of Asia at music distribution company Route Note, Seoul, South KoreaSerona Elton, professor at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, United StatesAdam Behr, Reader and Head of Music at Newcastle University, United KingdomPoppy Reid, music journalist and founder of Curious Media, Sydney, AustraliaPresenter: Tanya Beckett Producers: Maeve Schaffer and Matt Toulson Researcher: Evie Yabsley Production Management Assistant: Liam Morrey Technical Producer: Craig Boardman Editor: Tom Bigwood(Photo: Taylor Swift during The Eras Tour. Credit: Erika Goldring/TAS24/Getty Images)

This week Kate Sheppard and Thomas Lecaque drop in to talk about the greatest romcom of all time.About our guests:Dr. Kathleen Sheppard earned her PhD in History of Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2010. After a post-doctoral teaching fellowship at the American University in Cairo, she arrived at Missouri S&T in the fall of 2011. She teaches mainly survey courses on modern Western Civilizations, which is arguably one of the most important courses students in 21st century America can take. Her main focus is on the history of science from the ancient Near East to present day Europe, United States, and Latin America. She has taught courses on the history of European science and Latin American science, as well as a seminar on women in the history of science.Sheppard's research focuses on 19th and 20th century Egyptology and women in the field. Her first book was a scientific biography of Margaret Alice Murray, the first woman to become a university-trained Egyptologist in Britain (Lexington, 2013). Murray's career spanned 70 years and over 40 publications. Sheppard is also the editor of a collection of letters between Caroline Ransom Williams, the first university-trained American Egyptologist, and James Breasted from the University of Chicago (Archaeopress, 2018). Sheppard's monograph, Tea on the Terrace, is about hotels in Egypt as sites of knowledge creation in Egyptology during the discipline's “Golden Age,” around 1880 to 1930.Women in the Valley of the Kings: The Untold Story of Women Egyptologists in the Gilded Age was published in July 2024. It has been reviewed in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and was a top 6 Reader's Choice non-fiction book on Goodreads.Thomas Lecaque is an associate professor of History at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. He specializes in the nexus of apocalyptic religion and political violence. He has written for the Washington Post, Religion Dispatches, Foreign Policy and The Bulwark, among others.

Maryanne Wolf is a UCLA professor and the renowned author of "Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain" and "Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World." She says deep reading makes you a better thinker, communicator, and citizen. But what happens if you lose the ability to read slowly, patiently, and critically? Is there anything you can do to get it back? Sponsored By: GoDaddy - Get a domain for pennies at godaddy.com/nbi The Next Big Idea Club - Get 20% a membership when you use code PODCAST at nextbigideaclub.com (This episode first aired in March 2023.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(SPOILER) Your Daily Roundup covers Jordan and JoJo have their first child, Reader Email follow up, & one person wins the $1.8 billion Powerball.    Music written by Jimmer Podrasky (B'Jingo Songs/Machia Music/Bug Music BMI) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Summary: Christmas is often called the most wonderful time of the year, yet for many, it’s also one of the most exhausting. Between the holiday to-do lists, family obligations, and the weight of expectations - both our own and others’- this season can leave us physically weary, emotionally drained, and even spiritually depleted. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Today, we’re talking about how to release those expectations, embrace true rest in Christ, and find renewal in Him. If your soul feels weary, this conversation is especially for you. Today we’ll be talking about Hope for the Weary Soul. Quotables from the episode: It’s no surprise that Christmas can leave us feeling depleted. We put pressure on ourselves to create the perfect holiday - perfect gifts, perfect décor, perfect meals and table settings, and perfect gatherings. Social media only adds to this burden, making it seem like everyone else has it all together. But the truth is, exhaustion isn’t just about being physically tired. It’s about the weight we carry in our hearts - disappointment, grief, unmet expectations, and the struggle to meet everyone’s needs, often while neglecting our own. Jesus knew we would experience this. That’s why in Matthew 11:28, He says, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. He invites us to exchange our striving for His peace. But that requires us to let go of what we were never meant to carry in the first place. If you’re feeling weary, I encourage you to take a moment and ask yourself: What am I holding onto that God never asked me to carry? Maybe it’s the expectation of making everyone happy. Maybe it’s guilt over what you can’t do. Maybe it’s the grief of a loved one who isn’t here this Christmas. Whatever it is, the first step toward rest is recognizing what is making us weary and laying it at Jesus’ feet. Christmas is a busy time with many annual traditions and expectations. Others have expectations of us, we have expectations of others, and we have expectations of ourselves. As a result, sadly, it’s a recipe for failure. Part of the problem with expectations is that it’s impossible to meet unvoiced expectations. Everyone’s picture of the holiday varies. Some celebrate with family on Christmas Eve, others celebrate on Christmas. Some families draw names for gifts and possibly set a monetary limit, while other families give gifts to everyone. Some families get up early while others sleep in late. There is as much variability to the who, what, when, and where of the celebration as there are people celebrating. So how do we actually release those expectations? It starts with shifting our perspective. The world tells us Christmas is about performance, about how much we do, how beautiful we make it, how much we give. But God’s Word tells us something different. Christmas is about receiving. Receiving the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. Martha was distracted by all the preparations, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, simply being with Him. And what did Jesus say? Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Does that ever sound like you? I’ve certainly been guilty. This season, instead of being like Martha - running from one thing to the next, trying to make everything perfect, and meet a list of unspoken expectations - what if we chose to be like Mary? What if we sat at His feet, even in the middle of the chaos, and let His presence be enough? One practical way to do this is by setting boundaries. Say no to the things that drain you. Say yes to the things that nourish your soul. You don’t have to attend every event, bake every cookie, or create a Pinterest-worthy Christmas. Choose rest. Choose Jesus. Releasing expectations is only part of the equation. True renewal comes when we replace striving with abiding. John 15:4 says, Abide in me, and I in you. When we stay connected to Jesus, He renews our strength. One way to abide in Him this Christmas is by spending time in His Word. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, let Scripture be your source of renewal. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. When we take time to be with God, He refreshes our weary souls. Christmas isn’t about what we do. It’s about what’s already been done for us through Christ. No matter how much is on your plate, you don’t have to carry it alone. Jesus came to bring us peace, not pressure. So this Christmas, let’s step out of striving and into His rest. Prayer for the Weary Soul Heavenly Father, we come before You weary, but we know that You are our source of strength. Help us release the burdens we were never meant to carry and rest in Your perfect peace. Teach us to abide in You, to embrace Your presence above all else, and to find renewal in Your love. Thank You for the gift of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. In His name, we pray. Amen. Scripture References: Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Luke 10:38-42 tells the story of Mary and Martha. “Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” John 15:4 says, Abide in me, and I in you. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the very events that bring you the most joy are also your biggest source of fear when it comes to staying alcohol-free? Chris struggles with drinking at family celebrations and sports games, while T returns to The Path after two years alcohol-free that felt emotionally flat, wondering how to enjoy life without alcohol and still feel excitement and relaxation. Coach Cole helps Chris use visualization and an experiment mentality for upcoming social events, while Coach Soraya supports T in seeing how childhood invisibility shaped her relationship with herself and alcohol.  Chris's session: “First freaking times” at pool parties & games—turning triggers into experiments Visualization: practice the event ahead of time BYO plan: NA drinks & a Yeti cup—have something in your hand Confident energy: own your choice & invite others to try NA options Post-event “data”: what felt better, what needs tweaking, what you learned Creativity over consumption: swapping late-night drinks for art, Legos, & family time How to enjoy life without alcohol by focusing on presence, play, & connection T's session: Why two alcohol-free years felt “flat” & what “flat” was protecting Relational safety: being validated & verbally known as a path to joy Feeling your way (not thinking) into wants, rituals, & evening routines Naming numbing: alcohol as anesthetic & what it tries to solve Gentle self-worth rebuild through safe, supportive people Micro-experiments: sunset walks, movement, tiny creative reps How to enjoy life without alcohol by restoring self-connection & belonging Cole Harvey is a certified Naked Mind Senior Coach. For years, he felt lost and used alcohol as a way to cope, until he decided to go alcohol-free and focus on finding his purpose. Through curiosity, self-compassion, and adventure, he transformed his life. As a habit change and mindset coach, Cole helps young men understand themselves, build better habits, and find meaning. More on Coach Cole: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/cole-harvey/ Soraya Odishoo is a Certified This Naked Mind Coach and certified Kula Yoga instructor. With a deep commitment to working with individuals who feel disconnected from their true selves, Soraya specializes in helping people break free from addictions to substances or behaviors that no longer serve them. Her heart-centered, trauma-informed approach focuses on accessibility for BIPOC and LGBTQIA++ communities. Soraya's passion lies in guiding others back to their personal power, allowing them to find peace, purpose, and lasting healing. More on Coach Soraya: https://thisnakedmind.com/coach/soraya-arjan-odishoo-alpc/ Episode links: nakedmindpath.com Related Episodes: What's the Secret To Finding Purpose After Stopping Drinking? – Reader's Questions – E640 – https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-640-readers-question-whats-the-secret-to-finding-purpose-after-stopping-drinking/ Alcohol Free Firsts - Coaching Questions - E265 - https://thisnakedmind.com/ep-265-coaching-questions-with-scott-pinyard Finding Your True Self and Building Genuine Connections Without Alcohol - Alcohol Freedom Coaching - E821 - https://thisnakedmind.com/building-genuine-connections-without-alcohol-e821/ Ready to take the next step on your journey? Visit https://learn.thisnakedmind.com/podcast-resources for free resources, programs, and more. Quince: Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/naked⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns  Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box + a free item for life at ⁠⁠Hungryroot.com/nakedmind⁠⁠ with code nakedmind Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at ⁠⁠Shopify.com/mind⁠⁠  Aura Frame: Get $35 off Aura's Carver Mat frame at ⁠⁠AuraFrames.com⁠⁠ with promo code NAKEDMIND Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at ⁠⁠MasterClass.com/NAKEDMIND⁠

Dr. Michael Breus—known worldwide as “The Sleep Doctor”—is a clinical psychologist, board-certified sleep specialist, bestselling author, and one of the ten most influential people in sleep. He's appeared on The Dr. Oz Show around 40 times, was named the top sleep specialist in California by Reader's Digest, and has spent over 25 years helping executives, entrepreneurs, and high performers use sleep as a true performance enhancer instead of treating it like a weakness.​ On this episode we talk about: Why “sleep is for the weak” is terrible advice for entrepreneurs, and how poor sleep quietly wrecks resilience, safety, creativity, and business performance.​ The truth about “how many hours you really need,” why 8 hours is a myth, and why consistently needing 9–10 hours is actually a red flag.​ How stress (physical, emotional, spiritual, and business-related) changes your sleep needs, and why waking up feeling good is the real metric that matters.​ The reality of wearables like Whoop and Oura: what data is useful, what's inaccurate, and how to avoid letting your sleep score hijack your day.​ Chronotypes (night owl vs. morning lark), why they're genetic, and how aligning your schedule with your type can dramatically increase productivity.​ Top 3 Takeaways Eight hours is not a universal rule—sleep need is individual, but less than six hours consistently hurts reaction time, decision-making, and creativity, all of which are crucial for making money.​ Most wearables are decent at telling you when you slept and woke up, but bad at sleep stages; use them to spot trends, not to obsess over nightly scores.​ Aligning your work, workout, and wind-down times with your chronotype (your genetic sleep–wake preference) can make you more productive without forcing “5 a.m. hustle” that fights your biology.​ Notable Quotes “Eight hours is a myth—not everybody in the universe needs eight hours of sleep.”​ “If you're getting less than six hours, that's when reaction time drops and things become highly problematic.”​ “There's no universe where your wearable is accurate, but it can be consistently inaccurate—and that's still useful if you look for trends.”​ Connect with Dr. Michael Breus: Website: thesleepdoctor.com​ Chronotype quiz: chronoquiz.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

The Bears are making threats again — this time saying they're considering a move to Northwest Indiana after they hit a wall trying to reduce their property tax burden in Arlington Heights. It's just another chapter in the ongoing back-and-forth, but with other Chicago teams vying for new stadium projects, we're wondering: Is there a better way to do this? Host Jacoby Cochran talks with the Chicago Architecture Center's Michael Wood about a new possible way forward in municipal stadium development. Vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Reader's Best of 2025! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 22 episode:  Simply Eloped Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In the Bay's final news roundup of 2025, Ericka, Alan and Jessica discuss the recent series of small earthquakes in San Ramon and Sonoma County, Oakland's decision to expand its network of license plate reader cameras, and new upgrades to the Clipper card system. Links: Scientists Say San Ramon's Latest Earthquake Swarm Is Normal, but Residents Are on Edge | KQED Oakland Council Expands Flock License Plate Reader Network Despite Privacy Concerns | KQED New Clipper Cards Are Here, With Big Perks for Riders. How to Manually Upgrade Yours | KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1st annual Byrdie's Reader's Choice Beauty Awards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's episode of Hands-On Tech, Curt asks Mikah Sargent about a good replacement to the Pocket app, an app that allowed you to save articles for later reading, which Firefox discontinued back in July of 2025. Don't forget to send in your questions for Mikah to answer during the show! hot@twit.tv Host: Mikah Sargent Download or subscribe to Hands-On Tech at https://twit.tv/shows/hands-on-tech Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Full Show notes: Bengreenfieldlife.com/sleepbetter Michael J. Breus, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist and both a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is one of only 168 psychologists in the world to have passed the Sleep Medical Specialty board without going to Medical School. Dr. Breus was recently named the Top Sleep Specialist in California by Reader’s Digest and one of the 10 most influential people in sleep. Dr. Breus is on the clinical advisory board of The Dr. Oz Show and on the show (40 times). Dr Breus pens a monthly column in WebMD magazine, 'Sleep Matters,' and writes regularly for WebMD, The Huffington Post, and Psychology Today. He is also the author of The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan and Beauty Sleep. Dr. Breus is the author of 4 books, with his newest was released in Dec of 2024 called Sleep, Drink, Breathe: Wellness is too complicated. This book gives an easy-to-follow 3-week program to teach everyone how these 3 simple biobehaviors are the foundation for wellness. He is an expert resource for most major publications, doing more than 300 interviews per year. Visit : bengreenfieldlife.com/orionsleep and use code - GREENFIELD15 to save 15% off Episode Sponsors: Just Thrive: For a limited time, you can save 20% off a 90 day bottle of Just Thrive Probiotic and Just Calm at justthrivehealth.com/ben with promo code: BEN. That’s like getting a month for FREE! Take control today with Just Thrive! The Medicin: Immune Intel AHCC is a clinically studied shiitake mushroom extract that enhances immune cell communication through a patented fermentation process creating highly bioavailable alpha glucans. Backed by 30+ human studies and used in over 1,000 clinics worldwide, AHCC supports immune function for everyday wellness and chronic health challenges—learn more at TheMedicin.com and use code BEN for 10% off. Organifi Shilajit Gummies: Harness the ancient power of pure Himalayan Shilajit anytime you want with these convenient and tasty gummies. Get them now for 20% off at organifi.com/Ben. LVLUP Health: I trust and recommend LVLUP Health for your peptide needs as they third-party test every single batch of their peptides to ensure you’re getting exactly what you pay for and the results you’re after! Head over to lvluphealth.com/BGL and use code BEN15 for a special discount on their game-changing range of products. Timeline: Give your cells new life with high-performance products powered by Mitopure, Timeline's powerful ingredient that unlocks a precise dose of the rare Urolithin A molecule and promotes healthy aging. Go to shop.timeline.com/BEN and use code BEN to get 20% off your order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.