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Michael McLaren has torn shreds out of Anthony Albanese for his handling of the growing anti-Semitism in Australia and why the buy-back scheme is providing the illusion of Albo doing something to help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hey — we jump right into the mess: politics, wild attack ads, and why trans athletes aren't the enemy. Then we pivot to sports craziness — LeBron's Philly takeover, football preseason hype, and the oddities of social media election spam. Chill, grab a drink, and let's unpack the noise together.
My guest this week is Billy Potter, now CEO of Snellings Walters, and we spend this episode on "the Switch," his firm's process for moving employers from fully insured to self-funded. Billy explains why he thinks it has almost nothing to do with insurance and everything to do with changing who a business trusts to lead them.We get into why "does that make sense?" is the worst question in sales, why he asks prospects "where did I lose you?" instead, and why he believes most deals aren't lost on product, they're lost on communication. Billy breaks down how Culture Index reshaped how his firm hires, trains, and sells, why he tells skeptical prospects out loud that they shouldn't believe a word of his pitch, and why price-driven clients are usually being trained that way by their own consultant.If your presentation is technically correct but you keep losing deals anyway, this is the episode. Tune in."People don't buy what's best for them. They buy what they understand the fastest." - Billy PotterThank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Grace, Truth, and Growth(00:03:19) Culture Index and Why It Blew Spencer's Mind(00:04:33) Billy's Background: Rugby, Sun Life, and a Borrowed ID(00:08:13) Partner vs. Vendor: Why "Supplier" Is a Dirty Word(00:12:52) What Drew Him to the Consulting Side(00:14:34) The Peanut Butter Fight and the Valley of Despair(00:16:19) Advice for Young Producers: Dream Big, Get Rejected(00:19:44) Spencer's Story: The Nursery Floor and Three Cases in a Morning(00:24:49) Becoming CEO and Learning to Manage His Emotions(00:29:08) Why He Loves Building Other People Up(00:30:44) EOS and Smoking Out the Real Issue(00:32:20) How Culture Index Runs Through the Whole Business(00:35:06) The Switch: Changing Who Gets to Lead(00:39:44) His First Big Sale: Telling a Client to Go Talk to Their Agent(00:43:02) "Billy Potter Is Gonna Mess Up, and I'll Be There"(00:45:44) Win and Lose the Same Way: The Anthony Russo Lesson(00:50:20) Why 83% of Employees Don't Understand Their Own Plan(00:53:17) The Fifth-Grade-Level Rule and Why Insurance Loves Jargon(00:56:31) "Where Did I Lose You?" and Other Pivot Questions(00:58:12) The Last Slide: "You Don't Believe Anything We Just Told You"(01:01:14) The "Oh, Damn It" Moment and Who's Really at Fault(01:03:37) Where Self-Funding Is Headed(01:05:11) AI, Robot Surgeons, and the Future of White-Collar Jobs(01:12:27) The Chick-fil-A Standard: Hospitality as a Differentiator(01:14:49) Retaining Our Humanity in an AI World(01:17:07) Closing ThoughtsKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
My guest this week is Billy Potter, now CEO of Snellings Walters, and we spend this episode on "the Switch," his firm's process for moving employers from fully insured to self-funded. Billy explains why he thinks it has almost nothing to do with insurance and everything to do with changing who a business trusts to lead them.We get into why "does that make sense?" is the worst question in sales, why he asks prospects "where did I lose you?" instead, and why he believes most deals aren't lost on product, they're lost on communication. Billy breaks down how Culture Index reshaped how his firm hires, trains, and sells, why he tells skeptical prospects out loud that they shouldn't believe a word of his pitch, and why price-driven clients are usually being trained that way by their own consultant.If your presentation is technically correct but you keep losing deals anyway, this is the episode. Tune in."People don't buy what's best for them. They buy what they understand the fastest." - Billy PotterThank you to our 2026 sponsors!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/fully-insured-vs-self-funding-with-paretohealth-spencer-podcast/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=SelfFundedwSpencer to learn more.Samaritan Fund: A program that connects those who need help to the support they need. We are proud to offer the Samaritan Fund Program. Visit SamaritanFundProgram.com to learn more.Vālenz Health: We're Vālenz Health, your partner in improving health literacy, reducing plan spend, and delivering high-value healthcare. Visit ValenzHealth.com to learn more.Imagine360: Imagine360 helps self-funded employers save on healthcare with smarter health plans. Cut expenses by 20-30% with custom solutions. Contact us today at Imagine360.com.Chapters:(00:00:00) Intro: Grace, Truth, and Growth(00:03:19) Culture Index and Why It Blew Spencer's Mind(00:04:33) Billy's Background: Rugby, Sun Life, and a Borrowed ID(00:08:13) Partner vs. Vendor: Why "Supplier" Is a Dirty Word(00:12:52) What Drew Him to the Consulting Side(00:14:34) The Peanut Butter Fight and the Valley of Despair(00:16:19) Advice for Young Producers: Dream Big, Get Rejected(00:19:44) Spencer's Story: The Nursery Floor and Three Cases in a Morning(00:24:49) Becoming CEO and Learning to Manage His Emotions(00:29:08) Why He Loves Building Other People Up(00:30:44) EOS and Smoking Out the Real Issue(00:32:20) How Culture Index Runs Through the Whole Business(00:35:06) The Switch: Changing Who Gets to Lead(00:39:44) His First Big Sale: Telling a Client to Go Talk to Their Agent(00:43:02) "Billy Potter Is Gonna Mess Up, and I'll Be There"(00:45:44) Win and Lose the Same Way: The Anthony Russo Lesson(00:50:20) Why 83% of Employees Don't Understand Their Own Plan(00:53:17) The Fifth-Grade-Level Rule and Why Insurance Loves Jargon(00:56:31) "Where Did I Lose You?" and Other Pivot Questions(00:58:12) The Last Slide: "You Don't Believe Anything We Just Told You"(01:01:14) The "Oh, Damn It" Moment and Who's Really at Fault(01:03:37) Where Self-Funding Is Headed(01:05:11) AI, Robot Surgeons, and the Future of White-Collar Jobs(01:12:27) The Chick-fil-A Standard: Hospitality as a Differentiator(01:14:49) Retaining Our Humanity in an AI World(01:17:07) Closing ThoughtsKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
→ Ora Oganic | Real ingredients, planet-friendly packaging, easy to love. Head to https://ora.organic/pages/drg and use my code HEALTHYSELF30 to enjoy 30% off your first Ora order today. → Puori | Go to https://puori.com/DRG and use the code DRG at checkout to get 32% off your first Puori Creatine+ subscription order. Episode Description: The way that you breathe actually shapes the way that your face grows. And if your child is sleeping with their mouth open, that is not cute. That is a warning sign. Dr. Nora Zaghi is an airway focused biological pediatric dentist and one of the leading practitioners in sleep disordered breathing. This conversation connects dots that most people have never had connected for them. Mouth breathing, tongue ties, crowded jaws, ADHD, anxiety, dark circles under the eyes, restless sleep, and even the way a child walks. It is all coming from the same root. And for adults who have been living with this their entire lives without knowing it, there are still solutions. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why where your tongue rests in your mouth determines how your jaw and face develop, and why children who mouth breathe grow downward and backward instead of forward and wide • How a tongue tie creates tension through the entire deep front line of the body from the base of the tongue all the way to the toes, and why releasing it has caused patients to cry, stand straighter, speak more confidently, and walk normally for the first time • The root cause connection between a restrictive tongue, jaw clenching and grinding, and chronic anxiety, and the simple at home test you can do right now to check your own tongue mobility This episode is for every parent, every adult who was told they had ADHD or anxiety, and everyone who has been mouth breathing their whole life without knowing there was a name for it. Nora Zaghi: Website: hhttps://www.breathekidsdental.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.norazaghi/?hl=en Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 2:05 - What Causes a Child's Tongue to Rest on the Floor of the Mouth Instead of the Roof 4:03 - Why a Sleeping Baby With Their Mouth Open Is Concerning, Not Cute 5:17 - Signs as an Adult That Your Jaw Never Fully Developed (And What You Can Do Now) 7:15 - How to Self-Check at Home Right Now 9:07 - The Connection Between Mouth Breathing and Chronic Fatigue 10:02 - 44% of People With ADHD Also Have a Breathing Problem — Here's Why 12:58 - Can ADHD Be Misdiagnosed When Sleep Apnea Is the Real Issue? 15:53 - How Breastfeeding Is Actually the First Orthodontic Intervention 17:07 - Why You WANT Gaps Between Your Baby's Teeth (And Why "Perfect Alignment" Is a Red Flag) 18:21 - Tongue Ties, Breastfeeding Pain and What Most Hospitals Get Wrong 22:23 - A Root Cause of Anxiety That Can Actually Be Found in Your Mouth 25:36 - How Releasing a Tongue Tie Can Trigger a Full-Body Emotional Release 26:24 - How to Find a Provider and Where to Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
08-01-26See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clinton Maynard has unpacked how the weekly Palestine protests are having zero impact on the war in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People Have ZERO Game, that's The Real Issue
On episode 302 of EHS On Tap, Scott DeBow, CSP, ARM, Director of Health, Safety, and Environmental at Avetta, talks about recent research findings on the state of workplace safety. This episode is sponsored by Avetta.
If you're a fan who craves the inside scoop on team strategies, elite player movements, and a deeper understanding of NBA dynamics — this episode is your playbook. Whether you root for the passionate Knicks, the evolving Hornets, or just love the game's shifting landscape, you'll leave with a sharper edge on what to watch for in the upcoming season. The NBA season is nearly here — don't miss your chance to stay ahead of the game.
Happy Tuesday, beautiful people! Ku & Paul open the day recapping the United States' disappointing Round of 16 loss against Belgium in the World Cup before debating what needs to change for the USA's men's team to compete at the elite level. We discuss the pay-to-play model in youth soccer, talent identification and if the country simply doesn't have the same level of soccer athletes as some of the world powers.
Fellow Believers Pastor Jeff Weiss, Luke Tibor, Trent Loos welcome Kris and Joy Karlgaard from North Dakota to discuss a convention on human/sex traffing the attended in Texas this past week.
The image-shaping the Celtics are trying to do with spinning the Jaylen Brown trade is to say Derrick White had a better season should draw some real concern if that is in fact true.
Why do the Tigers keep losing?
Andrew and Mark are here for the live Monday as they look at Newcastle United's chase for James Trafford. As always a big thanks to our sponsors NORD VPN and Saily - two products that will enhance your travel abroad. NORD VPN providing the safety and security you need while browsing, and Saily giving you that affordable e-sim and network coverage. You can get discounts by hitting up the links in the description box. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/toon Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Opportunities Are EVERYWHERE.. The Real Issue Is This
Negotiations have begun but there are many questions and we wonder what the real end game is for the owners. Is this a good start or the start of the end?The Padres replace the Angels for at least the rest of the season. We talk about their strengths, weaknesses and if they are on the edge of collapse or a breakout.The Dodgers seem to be turning things around, And we learned some buzz words Shohei knows in English.The early matchups of the College Baseball Playoffs are set, The Road to Omaha is about to get crowded.Twitter/Bluesky: @SiblingRivlryBBFB/IG: @SiblingRivalryBBSiblingRivalryBB.com ---> Get your fave teams gear by clicking one of the Fanatics links, to support the show!
What if the reason you hold yourself back… isn't your personality at all? In this episode of the Dream Interpretation Podcast, Michael and Sandy break down a powerful series of dreams that all point to one hidden issue: rejecting masculine energy because of unresolved wounds connected to Dad. Through dreams about attractive men, collapsing apartment buildings, giant fish, forgotten names, aquariums, washing dishes with Dad, and family homes, the deeper pattern becomes clear: Feeling unsafe around masculine energy Holding yourself back from leadership Avoiding influence and boundaries Rejecting confidence, independence, and direction Mistaking self-protection for healing But the episode doesn't stop there. The dreams also reveal something incredibly hopeful: how healing actually begins. You'll see dreams where the feminine is finally "working for" the dreamer. Dreams where connection replaces rejection. And dreams that show how embracing masculine energy can unlock leadership, spiritual gifts, purpose, confidence, and direction. This episode is a masterclass in understanding how dreams expose the original wound — and how they reveal the moment transformation begins. Chapters 00:00 The Hidden Reason You Hold Yourself Back 00:31 How Dreams Reveal Masculine Energy Wounds 01:06 Dream 1: Cleaning a Room 02:01 The Attractive Man Symbol Explained 02:30 Why Holding Yourself Back Is the Real Issue 03:04 Family Influence and Emotional Hoarding 03:43 Cleaning, Organizing, and Masculine Energy 04:19 Dream 2: Forgetting a Colleague's Name 05:00 When the Feminine Starts Working for You 05:59 Why the Dream Takes Place in the Parents' Bedroom 06:26 Dad's "Truth" Used as a Weapon 07:32 How Fear Around Dad Creates Apologetic Behavior 07:55 The Bathroom Symbol and Emotional Elimination 08:38 How Dreams Show Healing Has Started 10:31 Dream 3: Swimming in a Huge Oceanic Pool 12:04 Why Spiritual Leaders Must Develop Independence 13:36 Aquarium Symbolism Explained 15:28 Helping People Without Getting Lost in the Details 16:43 Leadership vs One-on-One Healing 18:20 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy 19:41 Dream 4: Apartment Building Falls Over 20:14 Why "I'm Glad I'm Alive" Is Important 20:46 The Collapse of Masculine Structure 21:15 The Chaos Under the Surface 21:58 Dream 5: Dad Grousing About the Dishes 23:09 Rejecting vs Embracing Masculine Energy 24:00 The Small Sink and Childhood Symbolism 24:37 Accepting Masculine Energy Instead of Rejecting It 25:36 Fear of Overstepping Boundaries 26:06 Why Helping People Is Not Bad Karma 26:39 Final Thoughts on Healing Masculine Energy 26:48 Mentorship Program Information Get Our Free App with Dictionary & Journal iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aisling-dreams/id6753309760 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dream_analysis.aisling_dreams Check out our courses https://www.dream-analysis.com/courses/ Talk to Sandy about our courses https://bookings.theaislingschool.com/sandy/got-questions
– Angus Taylor’s Budget reply – Pushback on NG and CGT – The real issue with housing affordability See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Rooney Rule is back in the headlines after the Florida Attorney General threatened the NFL with civil rights action, demanding they drop the policy entirely. But if you are pounding the table to defend the Rooney Rule, you are falling for a massive distraction.We are cutting through the performative "box-checking" of NFL billionaires and the misguided legal threats from Florida to get to the real issues threatening Black NFL players. From decades of unchecked coaching nepotism to the upcoming CBA negotiations over 18-game seasons and turf fields, we break down why the race of the man calling the plays is the least of the players' worries.Bring your questions, comments, and emotional outbursts to the chat below. Let's get into it!ORIGINAL BROADCAST: MAY 12, 2026Chapters:(0:00) - The Florida Attorney General's Legal Threat Against the NFL(1:10) - What is the Rooney Rule?(2:35) - Reading the Florida AG's Letter to Roger Goodell(5:51) - The Unlevel Playing Field: Decades of NFL Nepotism(9:40) - The Stats: Why the Rooney Rule Hasn't Fixed the Problem(12:04) - The Accelerator Program (And Why the NFL Paused It)(14:20) - CBA Negotiations, 18-Game Seasons, and the Turf Debate(16:15) - The Real NFL Decision Makers Who Dictate Player Safety
Send us Fan MailOur Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/HockeyCardsGongshowOn this episode of the Hockey Cards Gongshow podcast we start with Get To Know Your Hockey Hall of Famers, this time looking at the life, hockey career, and hobby market for hockey hall of famer, Ace Bailey (17:55). Next in the Weekly 7; 2026 NHL playoffs update and where's the hobby bump for the top performers?, Brady Tkachuk is frustrated, PWHL expansion, Bouchard Norris snub and more (31:50). In hobby news; the April 2026 grading recap from GemRate.com, the rise of One Piece and sports card fraud is becoming a real problem (1:16:22). We review the Top 5 Very Early 2025-26 Metal hockey sales (1:29:37). Then, we finish the show by answering your hockey cards questions in the Gongshow mailbag (1:34:37), then share our recent personal pickups (2:41:47).Partners & SponsorsThe Upper Deck Company - https://www.UpperDeck.comGongshow Reloaded - https://www.GongshowReloaded.comHockeyChecklists.com - https://www.hockeychecklists.comSlab Sharks Consignment - http://bit.ly/3GUvsxNSlab Sharks is now accepting U.S. submissions!GP Sports Cards - https://gpsportcards.com/Total Sports Cards - https://totalsportcards.comSign up for Card Ladder - https://app.cardladder.com/signup?via=HCGongshoFollow Hockey Cards Gongshow on social mediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/hockey_cards_gongshow/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hockey_cards_gongshowFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/HockeyCardsGongshowTwitter - https://twitter.com/HCGongshowThe Hockey Cards Gongshow podcast is a production of Dollar Box Ventures LLC
So I was in Christchurch giving a speech to part of Local Government New Zealand - the South Island arm - so the room was full of mayors and councillors from across the South Island. One of the topics up for discussion was what councils around the country need to do, or could do, to win back public approval. I have to be honest: I left that room - and you know my views on councils - feeling just a little bit sorry for the councillors and mayors I met. The ones I spoke to seemed to be honestly trying. They admitted they've got more to do and that there are stupid costs they need to cut as well. But what they told me is that they're up against it. They're dealing with things they can't change: national laws like the RMA that tie their hands, and unelected staff who just go ahead and do their own thing. And sure enough, there's a story that illustrates at least some of that perfectly. Wellington City Council staff have spent $130,000 on new art for their flash new building - a building where they've hogged the top floors and shoved the mayor downstairs, where he's staring at a wall. Now, the thing is, they don't need art. They have no money and they're going hard on Wellington ratepayers. They do not need to be spending on art. They've already got an extensive collection they could draw from, which includes Colin McCahon, Toss Woollaston, Ralph Hotere, Dick Frizzell - Pablo Picasso, for goodness' sake.Judging by the criticism from elected councillors, it seems those councillors didn't even know the unelected staff were splashing out on fancy art. That's what these people are up against: bureaucrats who treat ratepayers like a bottomless ATM. That is a major problem. Now, I'm not making excuses for elected councillors or mayors - they have their own part to play in big spending. But some of them are genuinely trying. They're just up against decades of ingrained largesse like this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the 2 Be Better Podcast, Chris and Peaches break down two intense relationship dilemmas sent in by listeners seeking guidance. The first story explores a struggling marriage between a hardworking farmer husband and an overwhelmed wife who feels emotionally alone despite his constant effort to provide. The conversation dives deep into marriage expectations, communication breakdowns, resentment, traditional roles, time management, and the importance of gratitude in relationships. Chris and Peaches challenge both perspectives and discuss how couples can move from blame and score-keeping toward teamwork, accountability, and rebuilding connection.The second story shifts to a young couple trapped in toxic family environments, trauma cycles, and unhealthy relationship patterns. Chris and Peaches unpack how childhood trauma, lack of independence, emotional immaturity, and outside influences can sabotage love before marriage even begins. They explore boundaries with family, emotional accountability, relationship red flags, and why personal growth must come before commitment. If you're struggling with relationship conflict, toxic dynamics, or trying to build a stronger partnership, this episode offers raw honesty, tough love, and practical insights for creating healthier relationships and taking responsibility for your own life.Disclaimer: We are not professionals. This podcast is opinioned based and from life experience. This is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions helped by our guests may not reflect our own. But we love a good conversation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/2-be-better--5828421/support.
Jeff Webster is the owner of Take Ten Tire Service, with nearly three decades in the tire industry. He has expanded his operations beyond Oklahoma through recent acquisitions and is an active member of the Independent Tire Dealers Group, where he values long-term relationships and peer collaboration.Josh Porter is the owner of Lex Brodie's Tire Company on the Big Island of Hawaii, where he operates multiple retail locations alongside commercial tire centers, car washes, and service businesses. With over 20 years in the industry, he focuses on staying relevant in a geographically isolated market through diversification and industry connections.Ryan Anderson is the president and owner of Montana Tire Distributors Inc., a business that combines wholesale distribution with retail operations. Having grown up in the industry, he emphasizes the financial and competitive advantages of group buying power and has helped lead the company through continued expansion.Katie Youngblood is a third-generation owner of Youngblood Auto & Tire based in Texas, overseeing both retail locations and a large-scale mobile commercial service operation. Her business primarily serves commercial clients, with a strong focus on roadside service and fleet support across a wide regional footprint.Jay Baxter is the president of Delaware Tire Centers, where he operates a smaller independent dealership. With decades of experience, he highlights the challenges faced by independent operators and the importance of joining networks like ITDG to remain competitive.Peter Greenberg is the owner of City Tire Company and serves as chairman of the Independent Tire Dealers Group. Coming from a multi-generational business, he focuses on helping independent dealers compete against large chains through private brands, collective buying power, and shared strategies.Rick Benton II is the president of Black's Tire Service, a long-standing family-owned company known for its strong community involvement and internal culture. He advocates for collaboration among independent dealers and emphasizes adapting to industry changes while maintaining core values.EPISODE SPONSORThis episode of the Gain Traction Podcast is sponsored by Cosmo Tires. Cosmo Tires offers a wide range of tire solutions designed for durability, reliability, and performance across multiple vehicle segments. Learn more at https://www.cosmotires.comIn this episode…Independent tire shop owners are losing margin in places they don't even see, buried in pricing, sourcing, and deals that were never built for them to win. The big chains aren't just bigger; they're buying better, negotiating harder, and moving faster. That advantage shows up every single time a customer says yes to a quote.The operators in this conversation aren't guessing what's wrong. They're seeing it firsthand: the cost of staying independent without leverage is rising, and it's showing up in tighter profits, tougher competition, and slower growth. Meanwhile, shops that have aligned themselves with groups like ITDG are playing a different game: better pricing, stronger supplier relationships, and a seat at the table they didn't have before.This is the shift most shop owners feel but haven't fully defined yet. The shops that recognize it are already adjusting how they buy, how they price, and how they scale. The rest are still trying to outwork a system that was never built in their favor.Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [01:11] Jeff Webster on ITDG value and industry relationships[06:23] Josh Porter on ITDG benefits and business expansion[12:43] Ryan Anderson on buying power and profit impact[17:36] Katie Youngblood on commercial operations and scale[25:10] Jay Baxter on challenges facing independent dealers[28:59] Peter Greenberg on competition and private label strategy[37:21] Rick Benton II on culture and industry evolutionResources mentioned in this episode:ITDG (Independent Tire Dealers Group LLC)Jeff Webster LinkedInTake Ten Tire & ServiceLex Brodie's Tire CompanyMontana Tire Distributors Inc.Youngblood Auto & TireJay Baxter LinkedInDelaware Tire CentersCity Tire CompanyRick Benton II LinkedInBlack's Tire ServiceTread PartnersGain Traction Podcast on YouTubeGain Traction Podcast WebsiteMike Edge on LinkedInQuotable Moments:“You just never know where you're gonna run across the same people, it's a great family of people.”“It's the difference between competing and succeeding and thriving.”“When we come together, we're a really big fish; it's hard to beat us.”“As an independent, you're faced with private equity getting bigger, how do you compete?”“It's not just about making a living, it's about making a difference.”Action Steps:Join or evaluate a dealer network to immediately increase buying power and reduce cost per tire, independent tire shop owners who stay isolated are overpaying.Audit your current supplier pricing and compare it against group purchasing benchmarks to identify margin leakage.Diversify revenue streams by adding commercial services, mobile support, or complementary automotive offerings to stabilize cash flow.Build relationships with other operators in your market or network to share strategies, vendors, and operational efficiencies.Develop a private label or alternative tire strategy to regain pricing control and protect margins from manufacturer restrictions.
How do progressive covenantalists understand Israel and the land promise?In this episode of Bible Sojourner, Peter Goeman reviews comments from Stephen Wellum in a recent interview with Grant Castleberry. Peter interacts with the core claims of progressive Covenantalism and talks about many of the presuppositions involved.The big questions in this discussion are these:• How does progressive covenantalism understand the people of Israel? • What happens to the Old Testament land promises? • Does Christ's role as the true Israel mean national Israel no longer has significance?• Does typology fulfill earlier promises in a way that sets aside their specific details?• What role should the New Testament and Old Testament play in shaping our hermeneutic? If you enjoy thoughtful discussions on Bible, theology, and culture, subscribe and join the conversation.Video reviewed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4p3UKiZ1ccTime Stamps00:00 Introduction: Progressive Covenantalism, Israel, and the Land Promise00:01:43 Setting the Stage: Grant Castleberry and Stephen Wellum00:06:54 Wellum's Summary of Dispensationalism00:09:35 Peter's Initial Response: A Fair Definition, but One Addition00:11:50 Castleberry's Experience with Older Dispensationalism00:13:04 Why Those Older Views Are Not Essential to Dispensationalism00:18:50 Why Wellum Rejects Dispensationalism00:27:56 Are All God's Promises Fulfilled in Christ in the Same Way?00:33:31 Does Representation Erase Israel's National Identity?00:37:36 Is the Church “Spiritual Israel”? Romans 9 and Galatians 600:43:13 The Problem of New Testament Priority00:45:27 Matthew 19, Acts 1, and Acts 3 on Israel's Future00:50:04 Wellum on the Land Promise and New Creation00:53:49 Peter's Response: The Presuppositions Behind That View01:09:27 The Real Divide: Typology and Whether the Type Must DisappearIf you have found the podcast helpful, consider leaving a review on Itunes or rating it on Spotify. You can also find The Bible Sojourner on Youtube. Consider passing any episodes you have found helpful to a friend.Visit petergoeman.com for more information on the podcast or blog.Visit shepherds.edu for more on Shepherds Theological Seminary where Dr. Goeman teaches.
Why are so many high performers quietly falling apart?They're disciplined.They're successful.They're doing everything “right.”And yet… anxiety, burnout, and emotional instability are rising—especially among high-achieving professionals.In this episode of the Crackin' Backs Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Alderette, PsyD, to explore a powerful shift in how we understand mental health:It's not a mindset problem.It's a nervous system regulation problem.This conversation dives deep into how your nervous system, identity, and emotional regulation shape everything—from decision-making and relationships to performance under pressure.In This Episode, We Explore:Why high performers are experiencing more anxiety, burnout, and identity loss than everThe difference between mindset vs nervous system regulationHow dysregulation changes the way you think, react, and interpret realityWhy social media hijacks your brain—and why it's so hard to disengageThe hidden patterns driving self-sabotage, inconsistency, and overwhelmHow identity—not discipline—controls long-term behavior3 daily practices to improve emotional control, clarity, and resilienceIf you've ever felt:“I'm doing everything right, but still feel off”“I can't turn my brain off”“I look successful, but don't feel it”This episode will reframe how you understand your mind—and your performance.About Dr. Ashley AlderetteAshley Alderette, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist and high-performance coach specializing in emotional regulation, anxiety, burnout, and identity development.She works with executives, founders, and high-performing individuals who are outwardly successful but internally struggling with stress, disconnection, and pressure.Dr. Alderette is trained in evidence-based modalities including:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Exposure TherapyEMDR and somatic-based approachesHer work focuses on helping people move from survival mode to self-mastery—building emotional control, resilience, and clarity under pressure.Learn More About Dr. Ashley Alderette Coaching & Website: HERE LinkedIn: HERE Instagram: HEREWe are two sports chiropractors, seeking knowledge from some of the best resources in the world of health. From our perspective, health is more than just “Crackin Backs” but a deep dive into physical, mental, and nutritional well-being philosophies. Join us as we talk to some of the greatest minds and discover some of the most incredible gems you can use to maintain a higher level of health. Crackin Backs Podcast
In the realm of soteriology there are many terms and positions on various issues, and sometimes it can seem pretty confusing to tell them all apart. Today we will take a deep look at the difference between Calvinism, Arminianism, Molinism and Open Theism. * 00:00 - Introduction * 07:10 - The Real Issue* 45:31 - The History of Calvinism & Arminianism* 1:31:31 - Who's Doing the Work?* 1:53:34 - OBJECTION: "Faith Is Not a Work"* 2:08:27 - Total Depravity vs. Total Inability* 2:16:17 - Election* 2:31:50 - Eternal Security * 2:42:32 - The Problem of Evil* 3:02:39 - Open Theism & Evil * 3:09:20 - Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danceoflife.com/subscribe
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0:30 - Tom Homan: Dems sold this country out for future political power 19:46 - Markmayne Mullin vs. Rand Paul at confirmation hearing 40:13 - DHS/ICE/TSA 59:47 - Eliot Wilson, contributing editor at Defence On The Brink and senior fellow for national security at the Coalition for Global Prosperity: Should NATO help America defend the Strait of Hormuz? 01:12:02 - Scott McKay, publisher of TheHayride.com & Senior Editor at The American Spectator: The Abysmal Quality of the GOP Senate Caucus Is the Real Issue, and the SAVE Act Mess Has Made That Clear. Scott is author of the new novel Blockbusters, which is available at Amazon 01:33:08 - Jack Salmon of the Mercatus Center on the exploding cost of health care fraud — and how much it’s hitting American taxpayers. Check out Jack’s substack The Unseen & Unsaid 01:49:22 - Brian Carter, fellow with the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute: U.S. Military Trajectory in Iran Is Relatively Positive. Follow Brian on X @brian_cartr 02:07:11 - Afroman 02:18:21 - Why Dan Proft is SingleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clip of the Week-"The Real Issue" Brother Mitch Merritt Bro. Mitch Merritt on Mother's Day of 2012 in Columbia Feast Meeting delivered “The Real Issue”. He speaks with passion to the congregation about the real issue of inbred Sin. Brother Jeff Price
If you've been stuck in the cycle of losing and regaining the same weight, this episode will challenge everything you've been taught about weight loss. What if your weight isn't the problem, but a symptom of something deeper? In this episode, we unpack the connection between emotional eating, chronic dieting, stress, nervous system dysregulation, and your relationship with food. If you're ready to stop chasing the scale and start addressing the real root of your weight struggles, this conversation will shift your perspective.Grab your copy of my FREE 9 page Beginner's Guide to Food Sobriety https://www.foodfreedomwithmary.com/foodsobrietyguideFood Freedom Online Course: https://www.foodfreedomwithmary.com/foodfreedomcourseFood Sobriety Mini Course -https://www.foodfreedomwithmary.com/foodsobrietymcWant to learn more about me and my coaching programs? Do you need private coaching and intensive daily contact with a coach? Fill out my application so we can chat about whether or not my program is for you and which option is best for you. Payment plans available. Don't see a payment option that works for your pay schedule? Let's chat about a custom pay plan.www.foodfreedomwithmary.com/chooseyourpath Join my online community The Food Freedom Tribe! An online community of support, eduction, inspiration, accountability….. Learn more here: https://www.foodfreedomwithmary.com/tribemembership Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1upnWHYK0RXfmyRTqlsF_R06z3NA8LZYHIMWFykq7-X4/viewformInstagram: www.instagram.com/coachmaryroberts Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ketomary71 Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4915319108493196/?ref=share_group_linkWebsite: www.foodfreedomwithmary.com Join the email list.Email: mary@foodfreedomwithmary.com
What happens when someone you love doesn't react the way you do to something that feels viscerally wrong? After the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Anne Marie Denman texted her mom, and what followed was a conversation that could have deepened a painful divide. Instead, it deepened their connection. CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (0:42) Meet Anne Marie Denman (2:05) Mom Checks In—And the Reply That Stung (4:34) Catching Dysregulation & Choosing a New Response (5:32) Naming the Real Issue (8:03) The Risk of Uncomfy Conversations (8:59) Her Mom's Response (and Why It Was Enough) (10:07) A Troubled History and What the Email Changed (13:18) How Their Family Stays Connected Through Deep Differences (15:52) Why Anne Marie Shares Her Story (18:27) Conclusion
get strong California Wants to Ban 3D Printers | Episode 593 Good morning. This is James from SurvivalPunk.com. It's 29 degrees. The coffee didn't start. The breaker tripped. My headphones weren't charged. My phone was at 9%. I forgot my medicine and had to turn around in the driveway. So yeah — we're already off to a strong start. And today we're talking about something equally annoying: California trying to ban certain 3D printers. Not because they're dangerous. Not because they're exploding. But because the government is afraid of what people might do with them. Let's get into it. The Headline Is Clickbait… But Also Not The headline reads something like: “California to Ban 3D Printers.” That's bombastic. That's designed to grab attention. But it's not entirely wrong. What they're really trying to do is ban non-approved 3D printers, restrict file sharing, and criminalize ways of bypassing those restrictions — all aimed at stopping people from printing “ghost guns.” Ghost guns meaning: firearms printed from polymer without serial numbers. Here's the issue. This isn't a widespread crisis. This is government reacting to a hypothetical problem. 3D Printers Are Still in Their Infancy 3D printers right now are like computers in 1992. How many people had one back then? A few. Most of them weren't doing anything groundbreaking. They were playing Oregon Trail. That's where 3D printing is right now. If you think of ten people you know, maybe one owns a 3D printer. And of those owners? How many are truly using them to their full potential? Most of them sit there like a treadmill with clothes hanging on it. The narrative being pushed makes it sound like garages across America are mass-producing plastic arsenals. That's just not reality. Government Overreach Is the Real Pattern This isn't about safety. It's about control. We've seen this pattern before: Rainwater catchment restrictions.Filter bans.Endless regulatory creep. Every time there's a new tool that increases individual capability, the instinct is to regulate it before it's even a measurable threat. And once a government starts restricting hardware, restricting file sharing, and criminalizing workarounds — that's not about safety anymore. That's about controlling information and capability. That should concern you whether you own a 3D printer or not. Are 3D Printed Guns Even a Real Issue? Here's a question: How many major shootings have involved fully 3D-printed firearms? Not hypotheticals. Not headlines. Not fear narratives. Actual confirmed cases. Very, very few — if any. Most violent crime still involves traditional firearms obtained through traditional means. So we're building legislation around something that's statistically insignificant. Meanwhile, 3D printers are used to make: ToolsRepair partsAdaptersHobby projectsPrototypesFunctional survival gear But because something could be misused, we're talking about banning the tool entirely. That's backwards. If You Live There… You Already Know At some point, you have to ask: Why are you staying in a state that constantly moves the goalposts? You can fight every single regulation. You can try to out-argue lawmakers. Or you can recognize patterns. When governments show you who they are repeatedly, believe them. Sometimes the most strategic move isn't fighting every skirmish. It's relocating to ground that isn't actively hostile to your independence. Freedom isn't about screaming at politicians. It's about positioning yourself where you don't need their permission. Final Thoughts This isn't about 3D printers. It's about capability. Every time technology empowers individuals, there will be pressure to restrict it. The question is simple: Do you want a society where tools are allowed unless proven dangerous? Or one where tools are restricted because someone might misuse them? Preppers understand this better than most. Capability equals resilience. Resilience equals freedom. And freedom doesn't survive well under constant regulation. This is James from SurvivalPunk.com. DIY to survive. Amazon Item OF The Day Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer, 250mm/s Faster Print Speed CR Touch Auto Leveling Sprite Direct Extruder Dual Z-Axis Auto Filament Loading Ender 3 Upgrade 3D Printer Print Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch Think this post was worth 20 cents? Consider joining The Survivalpunk Army and get access to exclusive content and discounts! Don't forget to join in on the road to 1k! Help James Survivalpunk Beat Couch Potato Mike to 1k subscribers on Youtube Want To help make sure there is a podcast Each and every week? Join us on Patreon Subscribe to the Survival Punk Survival Podcast. The most electrifying podcast on survival entertainment. Itunes Pandora RSS Spotify Like this post? Consider signing up for my email list here > Subscribe Join Our Exciting Facebook Group and get involved Survival Punk Punk's The post California Wants to Ban 3D Printers | Episode 593 appeared first on Survivalpunk.
Send a textEver hear a client say “I'm exhausted” and feel the urge to fix it fast? We've been there too. Today we unpack why that phrase is usually a surface signal pointing to deeper beliefs, sneaky scarcity stories, and a quiet fear of saying no. Instead of stacking more tactics, we show how to slow down, listen longer, and guide the conversation three or four layers beneath the complaint—where the real shift happens.We walk through a vivid coaching example: a high-achieving leader, parent, and business builder who kept saying yes to everything out of fear she'd miss her one big chance. The result? Diluted focus, chronic overwhelm, and calendar chaos that no time block could cure. By naming the core belief—there's never enough—we helped her choose one or two priorities, label the rest “not right now,” and watch the tactics finally work. Her energy returned because her attention stopped leaking into low-impact commitments.We also explore the mindset side of fatigue. Exhaustion can be physical or mental and still be shaped by meaning. The internal loop “I'm tired and failing” shrinks capacity, while “I'm tired and proud of my effort” restores it. We share the precise questions we use to reach the root: What are you protecting? What fear would action expose? What belief makes no unsafe? Where's the hidden payoff in staying overwhelmed? These prompts help clients see the mechanism behind the feeling so they can't unsee it—and that's where durable change starts.If you coach, lead, or simply want your energy back, you'll learn how to replace band-aid advice with high-impact coaching that uncovers beliefs, tightens boundaries, and channels effort into what actually moves the needle. Subscribe, share this with a fellow coach or leader, and leave a review with the question you'd ask first when someone says, “I'm exhausted.”Interested becoming a High Impact Coach? The High Impact Mastery Academy by Modern Leadership Coaching helps you: Serve Your Clients Better Accelerate Client Progress Stand Out as a Certified Coach Join the waitlist today:https://www.modernleadership.us/mastery
This episode isn't theory. It's testimony. Sven Anderson brings a raw, grounded, Spirit-filled conversation that calls men back to the presence of God—not performance, not appearances, but presence
Upgrade to the Premium Podcast Experience - https://rachelhollis.supercast.comDive even Deeper in the Coaching Community - Rachel Hollis CoachingCheck out Upcoming Live Events!!In this episode, Rachel Hollis delves into the destructive nature of comparing ourselves to others. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she explores why we feel the need to compare and how it often leads to measuring our lives against superficial metrics. Rachel highlights the importance of focusing on our own paths and internal metrics of joy, peace, and fulfillment.Get your copy of Rachel's New Book Here: Audible, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Millon, Bookshop.org, or wherever books are sold!00:39 Welcome to the Show01:10 The Death of Joy: Understanding Comparison01:45 A Childhood Story: The Heartbeat Project04:24 The Real Issue with Comparison05:16 Why We Compare Ourselves07:25 A Personal Anecdote: The Bar Class Experience12:19 The Problem with Visible Success14:05 The Cost of Success17:31 Comparison as Self-Punishment18:50 Taking Responsibility for Your Own Life24:51 Dealing with Negative Self-Talk26:55 Jealousy as a Guide29:22 Conclusion: Embrace Your JourneySign up for Rachel's weekly email: https://msrachelhollis.com/insider/Call the podcast hotline and leave a voicemail! Call (737) 400-4626Watch the podcast on YouTube: http://youtube.com/@MsRachelHollisFollow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MsRachelHollisTo learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ever caught yourself thinking (or saying
Schedule your VISION CALL with David Chudyk by visiting www.weeklywealthpodcast.com/visionEPISODE DESCRIPTIONThis week on The Weekly Wealth Podcast, we're doing something we've never done before — we're welcoming a South Carolina State Senator and the President of the SC Senate, Thomas Alexander, to break down how state government really works.Most people only pay attention to politics at the national level… but the truth is, your state government affects your daily life in huge ways — from taxes, business growth, and technical college funding, to road infrastructure, public safety, and poverty initiatives.In this episode, Senator Alexander gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how South Carolina operates, why the state remains competitive for major employers, what lawmakers are working on in 2026, and how everyday citizens can stay informed and get involved.If you live in South Carolina (or honestly any state), this episode will help you understand what's going on under the hood — and why it matters.KEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Why state government matters more than most people realize✅ The Senate is 46 members total and districts represent ~115,000 citizens each✅ The SC Senate makeup: 34 Republicans / 12 Democrats✅ Why state politics can be less divided than the national level✅ How South Carolina attracts major employers without “just paying companies” to come✅ The difference between state-level support vs local government incentives✅ Why a strong business climate benefits everyone:“If companies are successful, citizens are successful.”✅ How SC supports Main Street / small business owners (regulatory reform + pro-business policy)✅ SC's personal income tax has dropped from 7% → 6% in recent years✅ The technical college system is a workforce engine (and a student loan solution)✅ Apprenticeships + customized training programs that match employer needs✅ The “poverty” conversation: local + faith-based + nonprofit partnerships matter most✅ How state budgeting works + why SC's balanced budget requirement is a big deal✅ Infrastructure reality: SC maintains 40,000+ miles of state highways✅ 2026 topics the legislature is actively working on:DUI law reformRegulatory reformAdditional tax policy changesVaping concerns in schoolsUnregulated THC beverages and safety concerns✅ A strong reminder: you don't have to vote party-line on every issue✅ Wealth isn't only money — it's security, preparation, wise decisions, and quality of lifeQUOTES WORTH REMEMBERING“If companies are successful, then our citizens are successful.”“The institution of the Senate is greater than any one of us.”“We have a balanced budget requirement… how novel is that?”“We want South Carolina to remain a special place to live, work,...
When children struggle with gender identity, it's rarely just about gender. In this episode of Facing the Dark, Dr. Kathy Koch and Wayne Stender respond to recent pauses in so-called gender-affirming care for minors and explore what real care for kids actually looks like. Drawing from counseling experience, research, Scripture, and deep compassion, they unpack why anxiety, depression, trauma, and confusion about the future often sit beneath gender distress, and why rushing to medical solutions can miss the deeper needs of the child. This conversation equips parents and loved ones with a posture rooted in compassion, hope, truth, and confidence, showing how to engage kids without rejection or oversimplification. If you love a child who is wrestling with identity questions and want to walk with them wisely and faithfully, this episode offers clarity and a path forward grounded in relationship rather than reaction.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell posted a response last night to the DOJ after the DOJ opened a criminal probe into Powell and the Federal Reserve. Glenn breaks down how the Federal Reserve has transformed from a government department into a private business, completely shielded from responsibility. Glenn responds to Jerome Powell's remarks on the investigation into him, using the chalkboard to explain the government's role in protecting its citizens' rights. All of a sudden, mainstream Democrats simultaneously began speaking out against Hamas. Is it just a coincidence, or do these Democrats know something is coming? Goldie Ghamari, a human rights advocate and former Ontario member of the Provincial Parliament, joins to discuss whether America should get involved in what is happening in Iran. AgrisAcademy co-founder Jeff Kazin joins to give a firsthand account of Venezuela's food crisis. Renzo Castillo, who spent 300 days illegally detained by the Venezuelan government, joins to discuss what he endured, and what his wife is still enduring, while unlawfully detained under Nicolás Maduro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if the distance in your marriage has nothing to do with your effort, your love, or the thousand ways you've been trying to “fix” it?What if the real issue is your energy?In today's episode, discover the powerful three-step process that Christian husbands use to rebuild passion and attraction in their marriages, even after years of distance and disconnect. This episode focuses on spiritual growth in men and the importance of faith and masculinity in creating a confident, passionate Christian marriage. If you're struggling to attract your wife or reignite the spark in your relationship, these proven steps will help shift your energy and reignite desire quickly.These are the same steps I teach inside my coaching programs, and if you act on them, you can feel traction within the next seven days. Yes… even after 20 years of disconnect.Because your wife isn't starving for niceness. She's starving for strength, fierce fire, and for the man God designed you to be.In this episode you'll learn:
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Master the "tone, intent, outcome" framework and build trust through vulnerability to navigate your most difficult conversations at work and become a better leader. You've mastered the fundamentals of negotiation in Women's Leadership Success 153 ( part I). Now it's time to tackle the conversations that keep you up at night: the confrontation with an angry stakeholder, the politically charged discussion dividing your team, the compensation negotiation where everything is on the line, or the feedback conversation that could make or break a critical relationship. This discussion former Scotland Yard negotiator Scott Walker reveals advanced strategies that separate good leaders from exceptional ones. These are the frameworks used when hostages' lives hung in the balance‚ adapted specifically for the high-stakes leadership challenges women executives face every day. Building on the Foundation Effective difficult conversations at work require mastering several core principles: reframing negotiation as a conversation with purpose, managing emotional hijacking through behavioral change indicators, listening at deeper levels to understand emotion and perspective, asking questions rather than making statements, preparing thoroughly using systematic frameworks, and seeking practice opportunities with challenging people. Now we build on that foundation with advanced strategies for the conversations that truly test your leadership capacity. Understanding Their World: The Foundation of Influence You Cannot Influence Someone You Don't Understand A principle that transforms how women leaders approach difficult conversations at work: You can't influence somebody unless you already know what influences them. You're wasting your time. It's the height of arrogance, and you're not really going to succeed long-term anyway. This isn't about manipulation‚ it's about genuine understanding. To truly influence someone, you must understand their beliefs and values, decision-making rules and criteria, primary emotional drivers, how they see the world and their place in it, and what human needs they're trying to meet. The Only Path to This Understanding: Deep Listening Most people think they're excellent listeners, yet often go through the motions without truly engaging. Being on the receiving end when someone is thinking about a million other things feels infuriating and dismissive. The Critical Truth About Listening in Difficult Conversations No one has ever listened themselves out of a job or a relationship. This simple truth carries profound implications for women leaders navigating difficult conversations at work. Deep listening doesn't diminish respect, authority, or influence‚ it amplifies all three. The 5 Levels of Listening for Difficult Conversations Levels 1-3: Surface Listening (Where Most Leaders Get Stuck) Level 1: Distracted Listening Nodding while mentally planning your rebuttal or thinking about other priorities. The other person immediately senses your lack of genuine engagement, trust erodes, resistance increases, and resolution becomes impossible. Level 2: Rebuttal Listening Waiting for them to finish so you can explain why they're wrong. You're not actually processing their perspective, just defending your own. Both parties dig into entrenched positions and the conversation becomes adversarial. Level 3: Logic-Only Listening Focusing solely on facts, data, and logical arguments while ignoring emotions. Most difficult conversations at work are driven by emotional needs, not logical disagreements. You address surface issues while core concerns remain unresolved. Levels 4-5: Transformational Listening Level 4: Listening for Emotion What emotions are driving this person's position? Fear? Frustration? Feeling undervalued? Anxiety about change? Notice emotional shifts and acknowledge them without judgment. Saying "It sounds like this situation is really frustrating for you..." creates connection. Level 5: Listening for Point of View Ask yourself: "Why is this person telling me these specific words RIGHT NOW?" Seek the underlying human needs and deeper motivations beneath the surface position. The presenting issue is rarely the real issue it's usually two to six levels deeper. The Real Issue is Never the Presenting Issue When dealing with kidnappers, they wanted money‚Äîbut it wasn't just about the money. They wanted to save face, to feel like they were in control, to feel significant. If negotiators had only focused on money while ignoring these deeper needs, hostages would have died. In corporate environments, 80% of time on kidnapping cases was spent dealing with internal politics‚Äîwhat's called "the crisis within the crisis." In difficult conversations at work, competing egos and siloed thinking often create more obstacles than the actual business challenge. When your team member asks for a raise, the real issue might be feeling undervalued compared to peers, concern about supporting their family, fear of falling behind in their career, desire for recognition of contributions, or worry that you don't see their potential. The Breakthrough Question: "Why is this person telling me this specific message right now? What underlying human need are they trying to meet?" This transforms you from a transactional negotiator into a strategic influencer. The "Tone, Intent, Outcome" Framework for Preparation Systematic Approach to Difficult Conversations Before any high-stakes conversation, explicitly define three elements. This framework transforms anxiety-inducing difficult conversations at work into strategic opportunities. Component 1: TONE What emotional atmosphere do you want to create? Your tone choice sets the entire trajectory. Consider whether you want collaborative versus confrontational, curious versus defensive, respectful versus dismissive, or calm versus urgent energy. Example scenarios: - Feedback conversation: Supportive, direct, developmental - Conflict resolution: Calm, curious, non-judgmental - Negotiation: Collaborative, firm, professional - Political discussion: Open, respectful, genuinely curious Component 2: INTENT What is your genuine purpose for this conversation? This must be your authentic intent, not a manipulative cover story. Genuine intent includes understanding their perspective fully before sharing yours, finding a solution that works for both parties, repairing a relationship while addressing the issue, setting clear boundaries while maintaining respect, or advocating for your needs without damaging connection. Research from Darden Business School shows that women who approach negotiations with clear, authentic intent focused on mutual benefit achieve better outcomes than those using aggressive tactics. Your genuine intent will show up in your words, tone, and body language. Component 3: OUTCOME What does success look like? Be specific about what needs to be different after this conversation, what specific agreements or commitments you need, what would represent a win-win scenario, and what's your walk-away point. The Power of This Framework: When you explicitly define Tone, Intent, and Outcome before difficult conversations at work, you reduce anxiety through clarity, avoid emotional hijacking by anchoring to your intention, recognize when you're off-track and can self-correct, and can evaluate afterward whether you achieved your goals. Practical Exercise Think about a challenging conversation you need to have this week. Write down your desired tone, authentic intent, and successful outcome. Evaluate whether your intended tone aligns with your authentic intent and whether your desired outcome reflects a win-win possibility. Building Trust Through Tactical Empathy The Paradox of Vulnerability in Leadership One of the most powerful techniques for difficult conversations at work seems counterintuitive: demonstrating vulnerability and acknowledging the other person's perspective even when you completely disagree. The Technique: Emotional Labeling + Paraphrasing This specific formula includes three steps: label the emotion you're observing using phrases like "It looks like..." "It sounds like..." "It feels like...", paraphrase their complete perspective as if the words were coming from their mouth, including their emotional state, concerns, and interpretation, then pause and wait for confirmation or correction. Example Application: "You seem really angry with my behavior in this deal. This is taking a long time, you feel like I haven't really delivered on what I said I was gonna do, you feel as if I'm just taking you for granted and your goodwill for granted here, and actually you probably don't have much trust left in me being able to follow through and completing this on time." Notice what's happening here: demonstrating complete understanding of their perspective without defending, justifying, or explaining, making their emotional experience visible and valid, and waiting for their response before proceeding. Why This Transforms Difficult Conversations at Work You might think they're completely wrong and seeing things from a misguided viewpoint. That doesn't matter at this point. When you accurately reflect someone's perspective, one of two responses occurs: Response A: "Yes! You've hit the nail on the head. That's exactly it." They feel seen and heard, defensive walls come down, and real conversation can begin. Response B: "No, no, no, that's not it. It's actually this..." You're getting better data about what's really going on, moving closer to the real issue. Either way, you're gaining valuable information while the other person feels understood. The Neuroscience Behind This Technique When someone feels genuinely understood, their amygdala (threat detection system) calms down, allowing the prefrontal cortex (rational thinking) to engage.
Unlocking High-Performance Leadership: Lessons from John Murphy on Mindful Management and Business TransformationIn this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with John Murphy, founder of Venture Management Consultants, Inc. and author of more than 20 books including Miracle Minded Manager. Their conversation explores the intersection of nature, spirituality, process improvement, and the art of simplifying leadership in today's complex business environment. This blog distills the most powerful ideas from their discussion, giving leaders actionable takeaways to elevate performance, mindset, and organizational culture.Leadership Insights That Transform Teams and OrganizationsJohn Murphy's leadership philosophy is grounded in deep observation of nature and the role simplicity plays in high performance. He explains that nature operates without stress or overthinking—trees grow, rivers flow, and ecosystems adapt effortlessly—and leaders can benefit by mirroring this same natural alignment. When leaders learn to be fully present rather than pressured, they unlock clarity, creativity, and more intuitive decision-making that supports healthier teams and stronger business results.Another major topic John explores is the power of Kaizen events—intensive improvement workshops that rapidly redesign business processes within days rather than months. These transformation sprints dismantle silos, build cross-functional collaboration, and demonstrate what's possible when teams are given focus, data, and permission to fix what's broken. The speed and sustainability of Kaizen outcomes often reignite organizational momentum and help leaders rediscover the power of disciplined simplicity.John also emphasizes mindful leadership, teaching leaders to shift from resistance to acceptance when confronting uncertainty or change. Instead of reacting from fear, mindful leaders recognize what is, examine the root causes of problems, and respond with clarity. This is paired with his advocacy for the art of subtraction—removing unnecessary steps, roles, tools, or habits that drain energy. By simplifying rather than adding more complexity, organizations experience greater flow, higher productivity, and dramatically improved morale.About John MurphyJohn Murphy is a renowned leadership consultant, speaker, and author with over 20 published books focused on business transformation, mindfulness, and high-performance leadership. His teachings combine spiritual principles, lean methodologies, and decades of executive coaching experience. Learn more about his work at johnjmurphy.org or connect with him on LinkedIn.About Venture Management Consultants, Inc.Founded by John Murphy, Venture Management Consultants specializes in business transformation, leadership development, and operational excellence. The firm supports organizations globally through Kaizen events, executive coaching, culture transformation initiatives, and high-performance training programs. Explore resources and offerings at johnjmurphy.org.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeJohn Murphy's WebsiteJohn Murphy on LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsNature teaches leaders the power of presence, alignment, and simplicityKaizen events accelerate...
Ron Hughley, Brandon Kiley, and Stephen Serda are back to discuss the real issues plaguing the Chiefs this season. Is there actually anything they can fix the rest of the way? The penalties have been a little rough for Kansas City, and the offensive line is very banged up ahead of Sunday Night Football. Subscribe: https://youtube.com/live/a1NFXBs2KYE Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ron Hughley, Brandon Kiley, and Stephen Serda are back to discuss the real issues plaguing the Chiefs this season. Is there actually anything they can fix the rest of the way? The penalties have been a little rough for Kansas City, and the offensive line is very banged up ahead of Sunday Night Football. Subscribe: https://youtube.com/live/a1NFXBs2KYE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices