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Not Today Jenn and Eddie discuss why Eddie loves depressing Christmas music. Do we race toward the New Year becasue we think it's out mulligan for the past year? Eddie is still confused why people recognize him.  Jenn and Eddie talk about the differnet family dynamics they had grwoing up and how it's affected their relationships. Plus, Florida Man Friday! Help support our little show by joining our Patreon. You get early episode drops, bonus content and some surprises! https://patreon.com/TheNotTodayPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 4 Shenanigans: Fun times at House Belsus. Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Let's review the list of characters: David Belsus – 46, physics & astronomy professor at Eastfield college, a community college in the Dallas area. Prepper, survivalist, has a greenhouse in his backyard and lives in an outer ring suburb. Six foot, fit, short cropped hair. Lupie Ramos – 32, former financial advisor, Dave's neighbor, got caught out of state when the lockdowns started. She spent two frantic weeks trying to get back to her daughter. Lupie has been in love with Dave for over a year. Long, dark brown hair, medium build, and a lovely smile. Esme – 9, daughter of Lupie, prone to the occasional snarky comment. Adores Dave. Becca; 18, Lupie's babysitter, was watching Esme when lockdowns occurred. Her refusal to abandon Esme, as her mother insisted, likely saved Becca's life, since her extended family ignored precautions and died of Duo. Esme, Lupie, and Dave are all Becca has left in the world. Short, medium build, small tits, with short blond hair and a smile that is shy with strangers and beams with family and friends. Janice Wheeler; 33, Dave's first partner to arrive, a librarian at Cedar Valley, another community college member of DCCCD. Slender build and medium height, Janice is 3/4 Korean, her paternal grandfather is Anglo. Medium length black hair often pulled back in a bun for work or ponytail at home. Shawna Cooper; 36, senior meteorologist at WFAA, Master's degree in meteorology from O U, worked at NSSL and spent time as a storm chaser. Whole hog sci-fi nut, beginning with Start Trek TNG. 5' 10", large tits, medium brown skin, dark brown eyes, shoulder length black hair styled like a frizzy weeping willow. Olivia Tyler (Liv); 21, senior studying horticulture at Tarleton State University, near Dallas. Daughter of Carter and Janelle, Dave's best friends since college. Had a well-known crush on Dave throughout her teen years. Since her dad was former SF and a survivalist, Liv is skilled with several firearms as well as bladed weapons. Never failed to take a deer any season she's hunted. 5'10" long, dark brown hair, large tits, lightly tanned, brown eyes, and a wide smile. Melanie Ustanich; 22, graduate student in IT at Tarleton, Liv's roommate, recently found a passion for cooking. Spent most of her life in foster homes, Liv's parents accepted her like family the first time she went with Liv on Thanksgiving Break. 5'8" medium length auburn hair, green eyes, small mouth with a ready, mischievous smile. During the interlude, Dave took some time to look over Melanie. He knew less about her than the others, but more than he'd known about Jan or Shawna when they'd shown up on his doorstep. He knew from a glance that she dressed more stylishly than Olivia, though he'd be hard pressed to describe why. He thought both looked great, even if he could tell a difference instinctively. He was always a fan of variety. Silver studs in her ears support three short silver chains each, drawing the eye tantalizingly into the chasm of her russet mane. The verdant green of Mel's satiny top provided the perfect counterpoint to the auburn tones of her hair. The cinched belt securing the crossing panels of her blouse held it together well, yet giving tantalizing views of her medium sized tits. The black slacks clung closely to her well-shaped thighs and calves without the 'painted on' look. "Dave, could you make me one of your 'ginger ales' please?" "Sure, Liv. Anyone else want something?" "Can you make me one of those drinks you made that first time?" Becca asked. "Yeah, that's what Livy is asking for. Seven-Up and Captain Morgan mixed to look like ginger ale." "Oh, okay, then one of those please." "You got it." Dave got to mixing drinks. Jan asked if anyone else wanted wine. All the others voiced their interest, Jan pulled two bottles of blush from the pantry and brought them to the living room. Lupie grabbed wine glasses for each of them and handed them out as Jan poured. Dave watched Becca's first sip carefully. He'd mixed this one normal strength, not the light pour he'd given her last time. Eyes flared, she took a smaller sip than usual, but nodded before setting it on the side table. "Olivia, dear," Lupie asked softly, "I hesitate to ask, but can you tell us about your parents? Should we contact them that you are here, or, are they; ?" "Dad died six weeks ago. Mom passed a week later." Olivia took another sip. Melanie hugged her loosely. Olivia's voice took on a husky note. "She called me, near the end. She told me Dad had died. That she was very ill and wasn't; wasn't, ah,; She knew she wouldn't make it." One hot tear dallied along the top curve of her cheek before coursing downward. Dave took her hand. "She said I should pursue my dreams. All of them." Livy looked Dave dead in the eyes. "She said she'd known for a long time it was more than a crush, that she was sorry she'd belittled it by calling it that. And then ;” Olivia sucked in a breath. Mel hugged Olivia again. "We're all here for you. Let it out at your own pace." Lupie encouraged softly. "She said 'Love him. Love him like I never did. Love him like he deserves.' And then she closed the call." A hard sob shook through Olivia as more tears fell. Dave and Mel hugged her, one from each side. Dave did so while looking at the ceiling with a distant gaze. After several minutes of silence, Jan got up for a second plate. Dave stood to join her. "My mind still doesn't want to eat, but my stomach got a taste of that bruschetta and wants more. Of that, and everything else." Jan smiled and gave him a quick kiss, which he returned. "Can you tell us something about Eddie?" Shawna asked after Dave sat back down. Dave thought for a minute. Slowly, a proud smile spread across his face. "His Eagle project." Olivia smiled and nodded. "Eddie was an Eagle Scout?" Jan asked. "Yes, he was. Got his Arrow of Light as a Webelo too." Livy provided. "Eddie and I were just beginning to reconnect when he began working on his Eagle rank. For his project, he decided to build a foot bridge across the stream in the park." "Armadillo park? The bridge on the south end?" Becca asked. Dave smiled broadly. "That's the one. Before that bridge, anyone walking the path and crossing the bridge at the north end would have to turn around when they hit the ends of the u-shaped path. For some folks, that was more walking than they could handle, so they wound up getting less exercise, or taking their walks in the few areas with sidewalks or walk along the side of the road. Either way they got very little 'green time'. He found a bridge design appropriate for the location, one that would last with little maintenance and convinced a local construction company to donate materials. He met with the city manager and then spoke before the city council to arrange an agreement for maintenance." "The foreman of the construction company and his best concrete specialist offered their services to supervise the volunteer workers and ensure the quality of the work. I think Eddie had a hand in that." Dave's pride in his son couldn't have been any louder on his face. "The kicker was, he vetted the design to make sure the angle of the curve was suitable for someone in a wheelchair. So at the ribbon cutting, the young lady that cut the ribbon, and the first to cross was in Eddie's class. I think she wound up the class Salutatorian. Anyway, she was paraplegic, lost the use of her legs in an accident during her eighth grade year." Dave paused. "I think she and Eddie started dating not long after." Olivia snorted. "They were already dating. I think that night was the first time she gave him the goods though." "Go Eddie." Shawna said huskily. "Seriously?" Dave asked Olivia. "Pretty sure. Not 100%. I mean, I know they did it. Like a lot. Once they opened up that part of the relationship they were like bunnies. I'm not absolutely sure that night was the first night though." "Hell, I was nineteen before my first time. He was always better with people than I ever was." Dave's looked wistfully into the distance, like he was seeing through the walls at something beyond. Then he swallowed hard. He took a steadying breath and blew it out slowly. Becca rubbed his shoulder lightly before giving it a soft kiss. Dave smiled at her, then leaned in to deliver a light peck on her cheek. He looked outward again, scanning across the room. "Thank you all for putting up with this. I'm sorry for acting like such a p--" Becca pressed a finger firmly to Dave's lips. "If that word crosses your lips, you'd better be talking about our body parts. The man that I've watched, relied on, and come to trust implicitly sure as hell isn't one of those. And he deserves better than that." The fire in her red-rimmed eyes put the punctuation to her statement. Dave just nodded in concession to his young lover's demand. With an impish grin she added, "And for the record, anytime we're getting frisky, or flirting, I'm perfectly happy with you calling it: or me: a pussy." She grabbed his hand and shoved it between her shorts-clad legs for emphasis. Becca's addendum broke the somber mood of the room. Everyone got a good laugh. A brief quiet descended as everyone ate a few bites or stared into their drink. Dave looked up to see Jan and Lupie gazing at him, concern and sympathy clearly written across both of their faces. "Well, Becca, since you have some history with our man, tell me something to catch me up with all of you." Shawna requested. "Oh, tell her about the cupcake exchange." Jan suggested. "Dave told me about it while the two of you were getting vaxxed." "Oh that one she told me already. Good story." "Okay, so something new." Becca paused, then blushed. She bit her lip and looked sideways at Dave and cringed. Then she flicked her eyes to Lupie. Lupie caught the look and rolled her eyes. "Go ahead." She said with a sigh. Then she turned her face away. "So, um, you know how Dave runs a couple times a week, and works out with his staff in the backyard about as often?" Shawna nodded at Becca's narrative, then turned to give Dave an appreciative leer. "Ahem, well, it's cooler now, so he does he work outs in a t-shirt and shorts." Shawna nodded again, then stared at Dave's torso like she was imaging him bare chested and sweating. Well, she'd seen him shirtless often enough. Melanie's breathing became slightly deeper and slower as she sized him up as well. "Well, remember we used to live next door. And Lupie's second story windows are high enough to see over Dave's fence." Mel, Shawna, and Jan all looked at each other. "Oh." They said in unison. "You lucky bitches." Jan added. Dave's mind was working at a slower pace and caught up a moment later. He closed his eyes and shook his head. With a small grin. "Well, that's not all of it. See, I made no pretense about watching him work out. I mean, mid-August, heat pounding down? Ten minutes into his work out his whole torso is covered in sweat, with rivulets running down his front and back." Shawna looked transfixed. Jan had her eyes closed. Mel tightly gripped her thighs, staring intently. "Usually I watched from one of the back windows, and just put up with the oblique angle. One day, a few months back, I realize it's very quiet in the house, and I seem to be the only one on the second floor. I decided to move over to Lupie's room, which is at the back corner, with two windows looking out over the backyard, one on each side of the corner." Lupie blushed hard and brought her hands up to cover her face. "So, there was a small space between the curtain panels and I was staring at Dave through the gap as I walked up. I walked as quietly as I could so Lupie and Esme wouldn't hear my footsteps from downstairs. I pulled back the curtain to get a better view. Lupie was hiding in the curtains, eyes fixed on Dave. We both screamed, and Lupie's hand flapped backwards hitting the window frame." "That's how you bruised your hand?!" Dave exclaimed, trying to suppress his laughter. "You flap your hands around when you're surprised?" "No. Just, um, I, uh ;” Lupie's muffled response trailed off. "She took care to wash her hands thoroughly before she let me bind it." Becca interjected. "Initially we thought she'd hurt her wrist, so I stabilized it. But, I recognized later what I had smelled while we were leaving the room." Lupie peeked between her fingers at Becca, pleading. "Okay, never mind." Becca conceded. "I've said too much already." The others looked confused at the abrupt ending until Melanie burst out laughing. When they looked at her questioningly, she said, "I know what I would be doing standing there watching him work out shirtless." And flopped back into the couch giggling furiously. The others started cackling and Jan, chortling, reached over to pull Lupie into her for a hug. "Not like we all don't do it." Dave sat there open mouthed, shocked, and feeling like he'd won something undefinable. He moved to kneel in front of Lupie. He took her hands in his own, pulling them away from her face. He pulled her into a hug. Into her ear he whispered, "I love you." Her hug on him tightened. "And if I hadn't been so dense I would have been in that room to take care of you properly. Or at least, lick your fingers clean." He punctuated his comment with a light nibble of her earlobe. Lupie swatted him on the back as she released him. Her face was still flushed to the tips of her ears. The tight, prim smile and her laughing eyes testified to her approval of the idea, and her mortification it was said out loud. Even at a whisper. Dave got up and refreshed his drink, and Olivia's as well. Becca sipped hers more slowly, and still had more than half a glass. Jan topped off her wine glass, along with Mel's and Shawna's. Lupie got up and made a fresh plate, then headed for the stairs. "I'm going to take a plate to Esme, just in case she didn't get enough earlier. Besides, if I tell her Dave likes the bruschetta, she might try it." Lupie said with a knowing mom smile. Shawna came to Dave once he was seated. She gave him a soft kiss and held him to her. She spoke no words, but conveyed clearly her heart ache for him, and her availability should he need something. When Lupie returned, she took her seat and looked to Olivia asking "Can you tell me something about your father?" Livy squirmed for a moment, then nodded. She took a breath. "He was a security consultant. Worked for a firm that advised companies on the weak points in their physical and cybersecurity. Dad was on the physical side. He'd been a Green Beret before going to college, where he met Mom and Dave." "Oh, wow. So your dad was a badass?" Becca asked. "Carter was so badass he was chill," Dave interjected. "He had that confidence of the guy that knows he'll win if things get physical. Smart too, though." "Yeah, Dad made supervisor pretty fast. He and his team would walk the grounds of a company and show them where a person could slip in or out without detection. Then the cyber guys would do the same for the company's networks. Sometimes, Dad would have to prove the point. He loved that. He and a couple of his team would don tactical gear and break in. Dad always left a fake tarantula with the company logo on its back on the boss' desk, or somewhere critical." Olivia chuckled. "One time, this one CEO was particularly resistant. Dad had to go in a second time. The first time he left a tarantula on the main server station, and one in the research lab; that by law was required to be restricted access. To drive his point home, Dad went to the CEO's office and installed this box on the ceiling, where most don't look. It had some kind of trigger because once the guy sat down, this tarantula drops on a thread from the box, right on the guy's paperwork." Several smiles broke out. Dave laughed soundlessly, his mouth closed so it didn't become a cry. The tears in his eyes were tattle-tale enough. He absently played with Olivia's dark locks. Olivia turned to look at him, eyes soft and happy. She leaned against his hand. Dave realized what he was doing, got self-conscious and pulled back. With downcast eyes, Liv turned back to the room and took in the other faces. A couple of looks exchanged suggested that most had caught what had just passed. Dave tried to process what just happened by staring off through a blank spot on the wall. It wasn't terribly helpful, once he recalled the picture that hung there just a few weeks before. Then Lupie cleared her throat. Dave fixed his eyes on her. He was never particularly perceptive of the looks on people's faces, but this time it seemed pretty clear. She stared at him with a stern look, then shifted her eyes to Liv and back to him. He looked to Jan, who just nodded. "Maybe someone else can share a family background story." Dave temporized. A few pensive looks passed. A tight smile grew on Jan's face. "My aunt Carolyn." She paused for a second. "My dad's sister. They were half-Korean, half European. Aunt Carolyn took more after the European side of the heritage, especially in the kitchen. She made an awesome meatloaf." She chuckled and looked over at Dave and Becca. "She would have loved that meatloaf cupcake." Her eyes watered at the bottom edge. "Visiting her was a way to encounter the white half of my ancestry. She had prints from famous artists. Classic books. If I was there on a Saturday night, she'd serve cheese and crackers, sometimes with a little sausage. As I got older, she'd let me have a small glass of wine as well." Jan took a light breath. "She played some classical music, but mostly it was Michael Bolton and Kenny G. Maybe some Cranberries and Matchbox Twenty when she felt wild. I haven't heard from her in over a month. And she has asthma." Jan trailed off into silence and the room observed it with her. Lupie reached out a hand to Jan's shoulder. She in turn, put her own hand on top of Lupie's. She turned her head and smiled. With a small nod, she turned away again, staring at the floor. Both hands dropped away. After a reasonable silence, Becca spoke. "When I was thirteen, my cousin Kimberly, who was sixteen, offered to pierce my ears for me." Half the women groaned. Dave sat silently, suspecting this wouldn't end well. "She got a large sewing needle, a bottle of rum, a small bowl, and a pair of my mom's stud earrings." "Rum?" Jan asked. Becca rolled her eyes. "Yeah," she said with a sigh, "she said she had to soak the needle in alcohol before using it." A variety of gasps, groans and sighs walked around the room. Dave's sympathetic grimace did less than his hand patting her knee to communicate his support. "Oh, but it gets worse. Wrong kind of alcohol at too low concentration, plus lots of sugar are only enablers. She cleaned my earlobes thoroughly with antimicrobial soap, so maybe that was the one thing she did almost right. But she didn't clean her own hands. And when she stuck the needle through; which hurt like hell; she stabbed her finger." Multiple hands struck foreheads or mouths. "Oh yeah. So we're both bleeding like stuck pigs, and crying. She's freaking out because 'the blood is mixing'. I never figured out what that meant. We bandage each other up the best we could, hide all the stuff from our parents and then hide ourselves. Three days later I have a raging infection in one earlobe and have to go to the doctor AND admit to my mom what happened." Becca paused, shaking her head. "Chewed my ass out. The doctor said because of the infection, I had to wait at least six months to get piercings. Mom added another six as punishment. She did take me to get professional piercings one year to the day after the doctor's visit though." Becca's eyes watered. Dave leaned over and kissed her cheek as a single tear slid down her face. Dave noticed Melanie getting increasingly fidgety. He thought he first noticed something during Becca's tale about his workouts. Maybe when the stories ran out, he'd have his head right. It wasn't fair to her to make her wait too long for imprinting. Or Liv. God, he really needed to get his head around this. He loved Olivia, he truly did. He was just so used to it being a non-sexual, non-romantic relationship. He'd looked on her as nearly a daughter for, well, for her whole life. But she wasn't his daughter. And she loved him. That was so clear in her eyes, every time she looked at him. Not just today, but thinking back over the years. It's crazy to think he could hurt this person he cared so deeply for, by not having sex with her. Fuck, it was Kim Dawson all over again. Shawna sat placidly, attentive as others told their stories. As the room lay silent again for a time, she took her turn. "I once caught my brother coming out of the shower with his girlfriend." Grins and giggles passed around the room. "Mind you, this is after my mother had chewed me out for getting frisky with, um, my best friend in my room." "Oh" several said in unison. "We were experimenting," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "It was my first Thanksgiving Break home from college. We were just friends, with nothing going on physical, since sixth grade. We were both single at the time, but we'd each had boyfriends, and each had sex before. We just thought we'd try out the other flavor. Who better to try that with than your ride or die?" She grinned. "Mom walked in when we had our shirts loose and hands inside each other's bras. Mom got all pissy about it and made some comment along the lines of 'Darian would never disrespect me by having sex under my roof.' Yeah sure Mom." Shawna rolled her eyes. "The bathroom smelled of" she looked straight at Becca, "pussy, so they'd been going at it in there. Mom wasn't home, so the obvious sounds of continuing humping came from his room almost immediately." "Hell of it is, she was this tiny little thing. Barely five foot tall and a nothing waist. And since I'd seen Darian stumbling around out of the bathroom when we both had midnight potty urges, well, he wasn't great at covering up when he's drowsy, and in his case, the stereotype is true. I don't know how he'd didn't break her in half." "After she left, I confronted him with Mom's comment. Now Darian ain't scared of shit; not a machismo thing, he uses his brain; but Momma. She's a foot shorter and at least a hundred pounds less muscle but that boy will cringe and genuflect if Momma is mad. He starts bargaining with me. Of course, he can't offer money since he's just getting his feet under him. He had plans, and he did eventually move out, but he was scrimping and saving so paying me money to shut up would have crippled him." We all hung there, waiting. "Well, Darian had been incredibly protective of me growing up. He over did it, by a lot. So my price for silence was for him to set me up with a friend of his that I had always wanted to date, but Darian kept getting in the way." She paused for a minute. "You know how you really want something, and imagine what it would be like to get it? And then you do, and ugh. Darian meant to protect me against a guy getting handsy. In this case he was protecting me from getting bored. The guy was about as much fun as a wet paper towel. I gave him a handshake at my door when he dropped me off." All the ladies shook their heads in commiseration. Dave closed his eyes and kept his mouth shut. Becca however, didn't. "Dave, how many of your dates ended in handshakes?" "None, from now on," he said flatly. "You got that right." Shawna said. Jan just shrugged and nodded. Becca and Liv hugged him tightly. Mel rubbed a hand against his back. Lupie sat still with an enigmatic grin. Dave knew there were thoughts churning behind those dark chocolate eyes. While he wondered what those thoughts were, he had a thought of his own. Maybe it was what she was thinking, maybe not. Here he was, sleeping with four women, two more about to be added to their ranks, and he hadn't taken a single one of them on so much as one date. That couldn't stand. Granted, movies and restaurant dinners were out. But they had two backyards to have a picnic meal in. The parks were open too. Maybe the Botanical gardens? He'd need to talk with each one, find out what they wanted, and find a way to make it happen. "Well Becca already told a story for me," Lupie said, breaking the silence. Becca blushed and chuckled. "So Melanie, what can you share with the family?" "I was orphaned so early, I don't really remember my parents. Just a few fuzzy images. I bounced from one foster home to another. One time I got to stay in the same place for two years. Usually it was more like eight to ten months. The social workers tried to at least let me stay in one school for a full year. Some of them anyway." "I don't have any horror stories about it. Other kids I fostered with told me about other homes they've been in, and some of those were bad. So I don't want to suggest it doesn't happen, it just never happened to me. The worst for me was not being connected to anyone for long. Honestly, living with Olivia is the longest I've shared a place with anyone. And she brought me home on holidays." Her face darkened. "Carter and Janelle were nice to me." Then she laughed. "I think Carter suspected I was Liv's lesbian lover though." "Oh my god." Liv rolled her eyes and brought a hand to her forehead, covering her eyes. Only Dave noticed Jan wincing at the hated phrase. Then Mel's face went blank, trying to hold back the intense emotions. "You're the closest I've ever had to a sister." The two college girls hugged. After a brief pause, Dave chimed in. "Now that is a tough life, having Olivia as your sister." Melanie laughed. Olivia turned and punched him in the shoulder, with a tight smile on her face. Laughing and rolling with the punch, Dave couldn't help but notice the way her large tits jiggled with the turn and the force of her punch. When she leaned against him, he found himself wishing her neckline was cut lower. The thought was surprising, and conducive to future events, but still slightly disconcerting. Before he could get too lost in his head, Jan spoke up. "So, how about a story about young Olivia?" she asked. Liv groaned. Dave grinned. "Okay, so we've mentioned before she hunts, hikes, does all kinds of outdoors She-Ra stuff." Liv glared up at him. She adjusted her head so the backs of her round silver stud earrings wouldn't poke her head. Mel rubbed Liv's back reassuringly. "You may have noticed that fishing was not mentioned in that list." "Oh God, no." Liv covered her face with her hands. The grins on every face in the room showed realization dawning in each of the other minds present. "So, Carter and I took Eddie and Liv fishing. Carter preferred drift catfishing, so we'd get out on the lake very early, usually by three am, four if we were running late. We had a small casting net we'd use in the shallows to catch bait fish. Then Carter would take the boat to a point up current from where he suspected the cats would be, and we'd drift across with our hooks in the water. Well, the bait fish had to be cut into two or three pieces to be useful. Olivia objected. But not to cutting the fish. To holding them. She squealed every time we put one in her hands. She loved casting the net and hauling it in. she liked fighting the fish on the rod, put touch one with her hands? Oh, no, not happening." Olivia buried her head in his chest and glared upward. "Oh, did I mention her fishing rod and tackle box were Barbie themed?" A series of giggles followed that assertion. "Don't talk about that!" "But you were cute!" "Shit like that is why you keep seeing me as a little girl for you to protect and raise instead of a woman you could sleep with." Olivia humphed. "Beginning to think the only way to change your mind is to sit here topless. I wait like that long enough and your cock might start taking charge." She accented her words by puffing out her generous chest and turning partially towards Dave. "You go girl," Shawna laughed. "How about some big titty solidarity?" She unbuttoned two buttons on her blouse. Jan joined in the laughter while Lupie shook her head, smiling. Becca stared a chant of 'Do it!' quickly joined by Mel. They both shook their chests in time with the chant. "No." Dave said, staring at Liv with no hint of a smile. He swatted Becca on the knee. "Hmm, what do I need to do to get a spanking Daddy?" Melanie purred. "Do not start that shit." Dave tried to be stern this time but didn't quite manage it. "Speaking of getting something started, I'm getting kinda itchy here. I don't know if either of you are in the mood yet, but this serum is starting to eat at me." Liv and Mel exchanged looks. "I don't want to jump the line on banging your dream guy, but please girl, let's get this started. If you don't go, I will." "Sexier words were never spoken," Dave noted dryly. That got Liv laughing. Dave stood. "Do you two want to do this one at a time, or side-by-side?" "One at a time," Mel stated emphatically. "After walking in on you masturbating once, I don't need to see that pussy again." Liv groaned and turned her head to the ceiling. Then Mel turned to Lupie "hashtag justiceforLupie." She grinned. Lupie just rolled her eyes while Becca laughed. Jan laughed, but reached out a hand to Lupie's shoulder. Dave took Olivia's hand and turned to the stairs. She interlocked her fingers with his and walked beside him with her head against his shoulder. They stayed like that until they reached the bed. Dave turned to face Olivia, placing his hands on her shoulders. She looked into his eyes, hungry, pleading. Dave took a deep, shuddering breath and pushed aside the thoughts of the little girl that kissed him on the check at bedtime as he tucked her into bed. He stared into Olivia's eyes, focusing on the woman in front of him, as she is now, wanting to be with him. She loved him. had for a long time. She had been dedicated to the idea of being with him for life, for longer than, well, any woman in his past or present. The reality of that finally washed over him. His love for her did not need to end or change, merely grow. He had always been hers. Dave pulled Olivia into him and kissed her with passion. Olivia moaned into the kiss. Dave felt her hot tears as their cheeks brushed. He pulled back, their faces parted but close. "I love you Olivia Barnes, always and forever." A heart-rending sob burst from her as her dearest dream manifested. She jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist, and kissing him fiercely, their tongues dancing. Dave slowly walked them to the edge of the bed and sat her down. Mostly. Olivia was not letting go. Dave tugged at the bottom of her blouse and lifted. Olivia broke the kiss and raised her arms, her legs still clutching him tightly. Dave paused removing her shirt when her lips were exposed, but her eyes still covered. He moved in for a kiss. He felt her grin as their lips moved in unison. Olivia then grabbed Dave's shirt as he finished removing hers. Dave moved to her jeans and quickly removed those as She reached for his waist band. Olivia grasped his pants and boxers as one and removed them. Dave, standing, naked and half-erect. Olivia, seated on the edge of the bed, in a lacy white bra and matching panties. They drank each other in. She looked up at him. "Well, part of you is getting interested," she smirked. "You get all of me, Olivia, just as you always have. I'll show you my love every day. It will just manifest in a few new ways from now on." Olivia scooted up the bed as Dave crawled up, aligning himself over her, kissing as they moved. Dave's hands wandered along her thighs and sides. Olivia's fingers coursed lazily along his back. "Just one request." She gave him an impish look. "When you go get Mel to bring her up here, leave my legs spread so the first thing she sees when she walks in is my pussy." "You're rotten ya know that? I have to live with her too ya know." "She'll laugh. It's just roommate hijinks." Dave returned to kissing Olivia. He moved his lips lower, down her neck, to her collarbone, and then the slopes of her tits. He slipped his hands underneath her, unclasping her bra. Gingerly, he removed it. Olivia's large tits, no longer supported by a bra, formed two delicious lumps on her chest, that looked like they were about to slide off her chest. Olivia's eyes glistened, radiating joy as Dave took her tits in his hands and began kissing them. She moaned as he ministered to her bosom with his mouth. When he took one nipple in his mouth and suckled, she gasped. "Oh, David, Yes!" Pleasure and unbridled joy left her breathing ragged, her mind awash in bliss. His hands remained at her tit, massaging gently, easing her higher with delicate caresses. His mouth proceed lower, kissing her ribs. Her abdomen. Kissing and licking her belly button. She giggled and twisted her torso. Dave brought his hands down to Olivia's hips. He grasped her panties and pulled them down to her ankles, raising himself and her legs up. He tossed them aside and brought his face to kiss the crease of her pelvis and her hip. She shuddered. Her arousal scented the room. Her lovely light brown vulva filled his vision as he breathed softly across her bare essence. The hairs of the small landing strip on her mons tousled in the artificial breeze. She lifted her head to look at him. "David;” she pleaded. He grinned. He locked eyes with her and closed his mouth around her lower lips and began to suckle. Her body arched and she sucked in a breath. His tongue played across her sopping wet slit. He tasted her juices. He nibbled her flowering inner lips. He slipped his tongue into her entrance. "Oh God David Yes! Oh please put it in me." Olivia whimpered. "Darling, you've wanted this night for a long time. I intend to make it worthwhile." "You are enough David, that's al; Ah" she cried out as he took her clitoris in his mouth and suckled. He slid one finger gently inside, massaging her tunnel. Every stroke drew her natural lubricant in greater volume than the last. He inserted as second finger and she moaned, writhing, hips bucking. He released her button and withdrew his fingers. She eased her motions. Dave crawled up her body, a victorious and hungry grin on his face. She beamed, breathing heavily. He caressed and kissed her tits briefly as he moved up. Finally hovering over her, face to face, bodies aligned, his erection resting between them, Dave kissed her once again. She clutched him and returned the kiss. Dave maneuvered his member with his hips, aligning with her fully relaxed and open entrance. He pushed in gently, a small distance just to lodge the tip of his helmet in her. The precum coating his cockhead set off a body-rocking orgasm that stole her breath. When her eyes re-opened, Dave drove himself into her, full length, in one smooth stroke. Her eyes glowed with joy. He began moving himself in and out of her. Slowly at first. Always firmly, gently. Staring into her eyes as he worked them both to ecstasy. He picked up his pace. She began rocking her hips with his. Soon they were pounding into each other, breathing raggedly, eyes still locked, her hands braced behind his shoulders until their passion pushed him over the brink, firing rope after rope of hot cum into her waiting vagina. The effect on Olivia was immediate. A primal scream of pleasure burst from her lips as her body convulsed like a marionette in the hands of an angry child. And then she fell to the bed, limp. "Imprinting,; imprinting,; imprinting, ;” Dave kissed her forehead and extracted himself from her body. He crawled off the bed and left to clean himself in the bathroom. He returned with a damp washcloth to clean her. After dressing in loose shorts and a shirt, he arranged her as she'd requested and left the room shaking his head. Melanie met him at the bottom of the stairs with a passionate kiss and a tight hug. "You need a minute or two?" "Yeah, let me get a drink and I should be fine." He returned the kiss, then slipped from her arms to search out some juice from the fridge. "Oh, I thought you meant you needed a little something to steel yourself for doing me." "Please." Dave guzzled half the glass. "One, you are hot. Two," he blushed a bit, "I have a thing for redheads." Melanie smiled. "Oh yeah?" "Hell, if you had freckles, I'd kiss each one of them." That made her blush. After Dave finished off a second glass of juice, he and Melanie headed upstairs, pursued by catcalls and wolf whistles. Esme, who'd been invited into the living room after Dave and Olivia had gone upstairs, just laughed at the shenanigans. Opening the door, Melanie exclaimed, "Oh my god, you left; " she pursed her lips. "No, she put you up to this didn't she?" Dave chuckled and grabbed a light blanket. "No," Melanie said, "save that to cover us both when you finish with me." She cupped her hand under one of Liv's shapely thighs and brought the leg over the other, giving her friend a bit of modesty she hadn't asked for. Dave noticed that her hand seemed to linger just a bit on Liv's thigh. It certainly looked like Mel gave her rump a light squeeze. Maybe he just imagined it. She turned to face him. "Reading between the lines, from everything Liv's told me, you don't think you deserve any of us, do you?" Dave swallowed hard, trying not to react. "I'm going to tell you something harsh and reassuring. You don't. And you know something else? We don't deserve your love either. I learned bouncing around those homes that love isn't earned. It's too valuable to be earned. No one is ever worthy of someone else's love. Body, heart, or mind. Love is a gift. We each give our love to you, by our choice. And you give us your love by your choice. I barely know you and I'm more comfortable being here with you than I've ever been with any man." She paused to let that sink in. "David, just accept that you are a damn good man, and we are all happy to be here with you. Enjoy what we give you. Let us enjoy what you give in return." Dave felt like this beautiful young woman that barely knew him was staring straight into his heart, laying it bare and spearing it with the cruelest weapon; hope. He stretched out his hand tentatively, reaching for the sash holding her blouse closed. She looked down briefly, seeing his hand. She immediately looked into his eyes and gave the smallest nod, and a smile. Dave pulled slowly on the loose tail of the cinch and dropped it. The belt ends fell to her sides and the halves of her blouse hung loosely, exposing the center of her chest and abdomen. Melanie had a belly button piercing. A small chain with two small clear crystals near the top and at the bottom, a butterfly done mostly in silver metal clasping tiny crystals, except for a soft pink pearl serving as the body of the faux insect. "You like? Your profile said you weren't a fan of body modification, but I was hoping you would be ok with this." "It's cute and sexy and innocent and naughty all at once." Dave smiled. He stepped up to her, sliding his hands into her blouse and around her back. He pulled her into a soft, slow kiss. They explored each other that way for a few minutes. Dave brought his hands up to her tits, cupping them and kneading them through her black satin bra. Melanie sucked in a breath and hummed. She broke the kiss and drew his attention with her eyes. "The others told me how you like to take your time, maximize a woman's pleasure. I am super fucking horny right know. You can take me to the heights later, we have forever for that. Right now I just need to pound your stake into me and lay claim to my body." "What about your heart?" She grinned "Just like they said you would. It's getting there, just takes a bit more time." She shrugged her blouse off and shucked her pants. The panties were also black and satiny. "Come on Davey, fuck my brains out and make me yours." She tossed her bra and panties aside quickly and crawled up the bed, turn over on her back once she was alongside her friend. Dave stripped of his shirt and shorts rapidly and joined her on the bed, pressing his body lightly against hers. His erection sandwiched between their torsos, her medium sized tit and their pointy nipples pressed against his chest. He kissed her again and she hummed. She worked her hips against his and together that got him lodged in her. A few strokes inside her passage caused him to leak out the first drips of precum and she exploded in a howling convulsion, her eyes rolling back, one hand flailing and bashing the insensate Olivia. "Fuck that was good. Give it to me David, give your woman what she needs. Seal your claim." She kissed him fiercely and they both rocked their hips savagely. No sensuality, just raw primal fucking of two hungry bodies. Despite his recent bout with Liv, this carnal frenzy brought Dave to the pinnacle faster than he anticipated and he crashed through, erupting a geyser of cum inside her depths. As the hot load filled her cavity, Melanie wailed in ecstasy, her mind shattered by the biochemical overload. Then she flopped to the bed, repeating the new world's chant of family harmony and togetherness. Chapter 6 – Shenanigans. October 4, 2020. David Belsus awoke to three beautiful young ladies lying beside him, all nude. As yet, none of his partners had elected to sleep in another room. Last night they all emphatically wanted to be near him. No one piled over anyone else. Lupie came to bed in a rich blue camisole with matching high cut panties. Shawna clad herself in a soft pink camisole and pink boy shorts. Jan wore one of Dave's sweatshirts as a baggy night gown, no panties underneath. He'd checked by way slipping his hands under the hem of the shirt to dance along her skin. Finding paradise exposed, he impishly fingered her to heaven as she begged for his cock. She beamed when he finished. She kissed him deeply after he sucked all her juices off his digits. None of the three were in bed at the moment. Shawna was likely on her way to work already. Which meant Jan and Lupie had gotten up with her to talk and share breakfast, or at least coffee. They had developed a morning routine rather quickly. That left Liv and Melanie nude, side by side on his left, and Becca, nude, curled tightly under his right arm, his hand resting just above her hip. She slumbered peacefully, unperturbed by the small motions he made as he took in the morning tableau. Becca's insecurities stemming from the near-abduction at the vax center had faded quickly with the reassurance of imprinting on Dave. What followed in its wake was the desire to be close to the person she'd just started sleeping with, magnified by this being the only person she'd ever slept with, further multiplied by the vaccine-clad certainty this was her person for life. Becca wasn't pushy about it. She knew enough to leave some space for the others to get their 'Dave time' too. In and out of bed. And the others, having experienced a similar phase in life, and happy that, for her, it really would be for a lifetime, accommodated her wherever possible. And then Dave's mind recalled a text conversation. "; Oh god, I just had this thrill run through me at the idea of waking up with you already in me, on top of me." Dave stroked her hip softly, slowly easing his fingers toward the crease where her leg met her pelvis. After several minutes of this, he brought his left hand up to cup her tit, massaging lightly, avoiding the nipple. He wanted to slowly raise her towards wakefulness, and ignite her libido, but he didn't want her awake until after he'd penetrated her. Just as she'd asked. Dave carefully eased himself out of her arms, rotating himself until he was kneeling on the bed, behind her knees and 'under' her butt as Becca lay curled on her left side. Dave leaned in and began kissing along Becca's outer thigh of her top leg while gently stroking the inner thigh of her bottom leg with his right hand. His left hand stroked softly along her side. A quick brush of her lower lips indicated her unconscious arousal, or the serum effects. Either way, Dave rubbed his half-hard cock between her thighs, rubbing against her labia, to get them both ready. He kept kissing her hand and arm while softly playing with her tit. "David?!" Came the scandalized whisper. Lupie and Jan stood, frozen, in the doorway, not believing what they were seeing. "She expressly asked for this, you can even check my text messages." Both ladies looked concerned, but said no more. A few more minutes of play time had Dave fully hard, regaining what he briefly lost with the interruption. Becca was ready as well. Dave seated himself at her entrance and pushed slowly, steadily forward. He was half inside her, leaning over her when Becca's eyes flew open. Wide-eyed, mouth agape, she turned her head and moaned. She writhed against David and clutched his upright arms. When her breath returned, she kissed him hard. She pulled away, winking as she deliberately flexed the muscles of her inner passage. Dave took that as a signal to continue. He steadily worked himself in her. Becca grinned madly, moaning and encouraging him. In a few minutes, both were racing to a peak they reached in tandem. Becca fell limp against the mattress, gasping. Dave steadied himself by resting his ass on his heels. Both dismounted the bed and began searching for clothes. Lupie gave Dave a quick kiss on the cheek and hugged Becca before heading downstairs. Jan stayed to change clothes. Jan viewed Becca with a grin. "Get your jollies little freak?" Becca beamed and blushed. "Umm hmm." "Just razzing you, ya know." "I know. I'm still learning what I like, and that is one of them. You know, the way you get off when a guy has a big; book collection." Her eyes twinkled. She squealed and caught the pillow Jan threw as she joined the laughter. "Oh my god, a naked pillow fight. I knew they were real!" Dave laughed and ducked as both partners chucked pillows at him. Dark brown irises set in almond eyes gazed at Dave from Becca's laptop resting on the folding table Becca had set up in one of the unused bedrooms. Raven black hair framed an oval face of chocolate brown before cascading over shoulders set with remembered power, but a hint of sag. The plain white scoop necked t-shirt stretched into small ripples between her tits. The shirt was mostly opaque, yielding evidence of a white bra of exactly the same tone as the shirt, but nonetheless unable to disguise two ripe, thick nipples making their presence known. As the call began, her small, tight mouth had appeared balanced between the promise of lighting up the room with a smile, or unleashing a verbal tirade that would leave all within earshot cringing. Dave's skeptical, reserved approach was pushing her more towards desperation. "Yes, I have been; unkind to people through all of high school. I thought I was better than a lot of people. I had a group that I hung out with, and we deemed ourselves 'the betters' of everyone else. Becca knows some of what I did, more from hearing about it or seeing it than experiencing it directed at her. I; held back since she helped me study." Reena swallowed before continuing. "I've had all these months to think about life and people and a lot of stuff okay? I'm not proud of my behavior. I was a bitch." Her eyes began to water at the lower edge. "Being isolated, knowing people are dying, finding out from a few friends they only have another day or hour left; " her voice caught. A few tears coursed down her apple cheeks, but she batted them aside quickly. "Do you know what it's like to stop hearing from someone that you thought you'd invite to your wedding, or have your kids play together?" Becca inhaled, about to speak, but Dave stayed her with a gentle touch. It wouldn't do to interrupt when Reena was clearly pouring her heart out. The words she spoke over the next several minutes could be the ones he really needed to hear to make a good decision. "The kids in grades below us stopped answering a long time ago. There's an internet rumor that this thing takes more men than women, and everyone under eighteen, but even the ones over eighteen are hard to find someone that answers, boy or girl." Reena's 'queen of the school' composure was cracking. While that allowed a glimpse at the person behind the mask, it wouldn't do to let her fall apart. Time to say something reassuring, but realistic. "Reena, just tell me about why you want to be here." "Honestly, Becca may be the only friend I have left I the world. And I was never a very good friend to her before. I; I want to do better. I've been thinking a lot about what I should change. Specific things I should stop saying or doing. Remembering to say 'please' when I ask for something instead of expecting compliance because of 'who I am.' Or saying 'thank you' when someone else does something for me. Doing something for someone else just because they need it, even if they never asked." Shaking, Reena paused to collect herself. "Becca has told me about you. I'm not smart like you and her, but I would like to study something past high school. Please, please choose me. I'll; I'll do anything you want." Her voice lowered and her eyes dropped at the last sentence. "There's a lot I still don't know about sex, but I'll learn. I'll be your little; " "Hold up. Kareena, I'm not out to push you to be some kind of play toy. If we are compatible in other ways, we'll figure out the sex part. Why don't you tell me about your hobbies, things you do just because they're fun? May be things you did even if your friends weren't into them." "Well, I do like to read; even though I joined in with the others when we made fun of 'bookworms'." Her eyes were downcast for the end of that sentence but came back up. "Becca mentioned you're a big book lover. But; I don't read; like nonfiction, or high class stuff. I mean, I have red Lord of the Rings, but that took forever. I could only get through like the first three pages of Moby Dick and Tale of Two Cities before passing out though." She still looked scared, so Dave gave her some reassurance. "Yeah, I think I maxed out after the first chapter of each of those. Some people love that style, but for me, it was a snooze fest too. The last two I mean. I love Lord of the Rings. So tell me, what do you like to read?" "Well, there's this series about this guy that keeps monsters in check in the San Francisco area." "Monsters?" Dave tried not to sound dubious. "Well, magical creatures. Fairies, unicorns, vampires, stuff like that. Oh, the author's name is Blake Conrad. It's a lot of fun if you like magic stuff. I have the full collection. Everything that's out so far. The next book was due out already, but the pandemic hit and who knows when they'll publish it now. For all I know, the one that's waiting is the last one. Chances are the author caught this thing and died months ago." Her face darkened again. "Well, if this does work out," Dave said, "You're welcome to bring your complete; Blake Conrad collection with you, and we'll look for similar books, similar titles. I know Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and Ursula K. Le Guin use a lot of magic themes in their works. Sounds like they might be right up your alley." Hearing Dave endorse her reading interest perked Reena up. "You know, I could help the other girls too. I like doing nails. I'm pretty good at it too. I can free hand designs and stuff." "I could see where that could come in handy. So to speak." Dave grimaced at his unintended pun. Becca laughed. Reena just shook her head. "Anyway, I'm sure some of the ladies would appreciate that. I'll stick with natural myself," Dave said with a wink. That got a chuckle out of her. "Look, I'm not expecting you to have everything planned out. You're eighteen. There's still a lot to decide. And speaking of decisions, I'd like you to meet virtually with the other ladies of the house and we'll talk as a family after." "Also, take some time yourself to think this through completely. I know you want to be here so you can be close to someone familiar, but bear in mind, that means being sexually bonded to me, a forty-six year old man, more than twice your age. By the time you were born, I'd finished grad school, got married, had a kid, and divorced." Reena looked pensive but nodded. Dave left her to talk with Becca more. He caught Jan in the library with a notepad, apparently noting possible additions. On his suggestion, she left to join Becca. In the dining room, he found Olivia munching a bowl of cereal. Lupie sat with her. The two were sharing an easy conversation which halted when Dave walked in. He'd seen Lupie's bible on an end table in the living room when he passed through. Liv must have come down to get breakfast while Lupie was conducting a bible study on her own. Not like it was safe yet to go to a church. Especially when so many church goers around here seemed to buy into the 'just a hoax' nonsense. Dave shook his head. Christian Nationalism seem purpose built to destroy conservatism and faith in one fell swoop. Sure had a good shot at it with this damn plague. Dave shook out thoughts of things he couldn't control. Here, now, was one woman that had been interested in him for a few years as she lived next door, and another that had pined for him for; a decade? And both were happy to be bound to him by this weird vaccine, even though it meant sharing him with other women. This world was wonderful and terrifying in the same breath. "Morning, Hermosa," Dave said before kissing Lupie on the lips. She hummed into the brief contact. "Morning, love bug," he said as he greeted Olivia in the same manner. As he pulled away, she slugged his shoulder, smiling scowl pulling her lips tight. Lupie shook her head. "David, I'm with Olivia on this one. Terms of endearment you used when she was a child are not conducive to her feeling she's being accepted as a woman." "I meant it as continuity. She has a lot of love to give. Always has. And I appreciate that." Olivia's scowl relaxed but did not become a smile. Well, not immediately. Lupie raised an eyebrow at him with a gentle smile. Dave realized what he needed was a change of subject. "Becca is upstairs Zooming with a friend of hers from high school. She; would like to join us here." Both ladies smirked. Dave sighed and rolled his eyes. He brought a hand up to his face and rubbed his eyes before leaning into the hand, the elbow of the same arm resting on the table. "Look, it's not like I'm seeking women out. I'm not out pursuing young girls." Olivia shifted in her seat. "I mean; " "I get it Dave. Don't apologize." Her voice was soft, with a hint of iron. "I talked with her for a while. She's apparently been talking with Becca since before the two of you got vaxxed in the first place." He said, looking at Lupie. "And it seems Becca has been telling Reena all about us, especially about vaxxed life with me." "Kareena Agrawal? The one Becca calls 'the Indian Karen'?" Olivia barely managed to contain the mouthful of cereal and milk at Lupie's interjection. Dave held back a laugh. "She seems genuinely heartbroken and lost, Lupie. And she has taken time in isolation to examine her past behavior." Dave paused, looking each of them in the eye. "I'm reserving judgement for now. I think it would be a good idea if each of you took time to talk with her, probably with Becca as host. I ran into Jan already, she's probably up there with her now. All I'm asking is that you get with Becca sometime today to find a time you can Zoom with her and form your own opinion. I may be 'the man of the house'; " Dave bowed his arms out from his sides, leaning side to side with a faux stern look on his face; "but this is too big not to get ya'lls take on it as well." Both women giggled at the display. "Okay, okay, I'll seek Becca out in a few minutes. I'll give Reena a fair hearing, just understand, I've heard enough of her exploits to be a bit wary." "Wouldn't have it any other way, cielo." The warmth of the smile Lupie gave him was enough to power an entire town. It was a few hours past noon when Dave heard voices in the bedroom. He left his office to see if that meant Melanie was up. She'd been out for eighteen hours. Opening the door, he found Becca and Liv sitting on the bed, talking. Mel was nowhere to be seen. "Mel up I take it?" "Yup, been awake for a few minutes. She needed to use the bathroom," Becca informed him. "She'll probably be in there a while." Liv chimed in, just as Mel emerged. She had a huge smile on her face. "Wow, usually a night like last night would leave you crying on the toilet for an hour. And I needed a hazmat suit to go in there afterwards." Mel smirked. She strode over to Dave and gave him a big hug. He recognized the t-shirt she wore, black with a white line drawing of Einstein sticking out his tongue. Recognized, because it was probably the one from his closet. "Looks like I unlocked the special bonus. They did say sometimes a healing process happens during imprinting. How long was I out anyway?" "About eighteen hours," said Liv. "Longest of any of my partners. What's the healing you're talking about?" "I have; had; I B S. I tend to be careful about what I eat, or go ahead and indulge once in a while, knowing I'm going to pay the price in the morning." She turned to face Liv, with her hands on her hips. "And for your information missy, I was somewhat careful last night. The wine was dry, and I only ate a little bit of cheese. And I didn't have any deviled eggs." She grumbled that last sentence. Liv looked at Dave. "She loves deviled eggs, especially made with dill relish instead of sweet, which I've told her was the way you do it. Not that you made last night's, but that does mean the only relish in the house is dill. Problem is, the protein in the whites plus the fat in the yolk and mayo is an issue for her. If it weren't for that, she'd gobble deviled eggs like she's trying to set a world record." Dave chuckled. "As a deviled egg lover, I can testify that that much deviled egg will cause intestinal issues that oughta be against the Geneva Convention, without any medical conditions." The trio giggled. Becca sat bolt upright for a minute. "Hey, weren't there deviled eggs leftover in the fridge?" Mel was already up and moving. "Clear square sandwich container with the see through blue lid!" Mel's happy cackle faded as she sprinted down the stairs. To be continued in part 5, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.

Toni's new Medicare Survival Guide Advanced Edition book is available now - pick up your copy at www.tonisays.com Download your Free Guide: How Do I Enroll in Medicare? https://tonisays.com/free-download-how-to-enroll/ Remember - with Medicare it's what you don't know that will hurt you! There's so much good information in this podcast, please be sure to share this podcast with your friends! Recognized by feedspot.com as one of the best Medicare Podcasts in the nation! Write Toni - info@tonisays.com. Toni's book is available at www.seniorresource.com and https://tonisays.com You can call Toni at 832-519-8664 Toni welcomes all Medicare questions. Toni now offers informative Medicare Webinars for all of your Medicare needs at https://tonisays.com You can find Medicare Moments wherever you find your favorite podcasts, such as: Apple: https://apple.co/44MoguG Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7c82BS4hb145GiVYfnIRsoAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/884c1f46-9905-4b29-a97a-1a164c97546b/medicare-moments?refMarker=null You can find Medicare Moments at: https://podcasts.seniorresource.com/medicare-moments/ Toni's new book: Maze of Medicare is now available at www.tonisays.com Combining Scripture with Medicare, it is the only book of its kind. Toni's columns appear weekly in about 100 newspapers across America. If you would like Toni's column to appear in your local paper, or if you would like Toni to speak at an event - contact Toni King at 832-519-8664 Thank you for listening and be sure to tell your friends about Medicare Moments! Blessings! Toni KingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this enlightening episode of Dr. Olli Tikkanen's podcast, we are joined by the esteemed Professor James F. Sallis, a newly appointed Distinguished Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego. Recognized as an "obesity warrior" by Time Magazine and with over 500 scientific publications to his name, Professor Sallis delves deep into the intricate world of physical activity, its implications on public health, and the challenges faced in its promotion. The discussion sheds light on the subtle yet powerful influences of major industries on sedentary behavior and the complexities of securing dedicated funding for physical activity research. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are offered a rare glimpse into the evolution of physical activity research, the importance of its implementation, and the pressing need for more research to address the existing challenges. Join us as we navigate the intersections of physical activity, built environments, and public health with one of the world's leading experts in the field. _________________________________ This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions. --- Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children. --- Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove. --- Explore our Wearables,  Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep,  Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles. --- Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods. --- Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide. --- Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview. --- Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ". --- For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability. --- Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher  

Interview with Lee Jensen Lee Jensen is an award-winning celebrity hairstylist renowned for his work on the red carpet and in television. Recognized by the Hollywood Beauty Awards as one of LA's Top 3 Hairdressers of the Year (2018–2019) and voted Men's Best Haircut in LA for the same years, Lee has styled celebrities including Chrissy Teigen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Mila Kunis, Jessica Biel, and Emma Chamberlain. His work has graced major events such as the Golden Globes, Grammys, Emmys, MTV VMAs, and Oscars, making him a leading name in celebrity hair and red carpet styling. Links: https://www.instagram.com/leejrjensen/ News from TheTease.com: https://www.thetease.com/evanie-fraustos-pravana-blue-christmas/ https://www.thetease.com/uberliss-styling-essentials-for-your-most-iconic-holiday-hair/ More from TheTease.com   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/readthetease/  (readthetease) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volumeupbythetease/  (volumeupbythetease) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyehlers/ (KellyEhlers) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eljeffreycraig/  (eljeffreycraig) Web: https://www.thetease.com (TheTease.com) Email: VolumeUp@TheTease.com   Credits: Volume Up is a Tease Media production. This episode was produced by Monica Hickey and Madeline Hickey. James Arbaje is our editor and audio engineer. Thank you to our creative team for putting together the graphics for this episode.   Thank you to the team who helped create our theme song. Show them some love and check out their other work! •Josh Landowski https://www.instagram.com/josh_landowski/ 

In this episode, we have the honour of speaking with the multi-talented Shreya Patel, an actress, filmmaker, and mental health advocate who has left an indelible mark in the realms of entertainment, activism, and mental health advocacy. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women of Canada and a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient, Shreya's incredible journey has been characterized by her unwavering commitment to creating positive change. Through her groundbreaking projects, including 'Girl Up,' the music video 'Freedom Dance,' and the Unity- #LOVESPREADS Faster Than Virus documentary, she has captivated global audiences and united people from 66 countries. Having showcased her work at renowned film festivals such as Toronto and Munich, Shreya has also graced the pages of Vogue and Grazia as a model. Join us for an inspiring conversation as Shreya shares her career path, insights on empowering the underdog, the importance of mental health and human rights, and invaluable advice for aspiring individuals seeking to make a difference in the world.How to find Shreya:LinkedInInstagram Twitter www.windowdreams.ca Book recommendation(s): Podcast recommendation(s):  Huberman Lab PodcastHow to find WOMENdontDOthat: Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker PatreonInstagramTwitterBlogPodcastNewsletterWebsiteInterested in sponsorship? Contact us at hello@womendontdothat.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, Jill Gunter from Espresso joins the show to discuss the state of crypto today. We deep dive into how has crypto evolved, why privacy matters, predictions for 2026, will Espresso launch a token & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Jill: https://x.com/jillgun Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- This Empire episode is brought to you by VanEck. Learn more about the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE): http://vaneck.com/EmpireNODE An investment in the Fund involves a substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. It is possible to lose your entire principal investment. The Fund may invest nearly all of its net assets in either Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments. The Fund does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly. Digital asset instruments may be subject to risks associated with investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), which include the historical extreme volatility of the digital asset and cryptocurrency market, as well as less regulation and thus fewer investor protections, as these ETPs are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools for the purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Visit vaneck.com to read and consider the prospectus, containing the investment objective, risks, and fees of the fund, carefully before investing. © Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation. -- GEODNET is the world's largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries. Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com] -- Uniswap's Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi. Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap's powerful onchain trading infrastructure. https://hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks -- Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (02:44) The State of Crypto Today (10:21) How Has Crypto Evolved? (19:18) Ads (VanEck, Geodnet, Uniswap) (21:40) Why Privacy Matters (35:55) Who Wins In Crypto Infra? (45:56) Crypto's Identity Crisis (52:52) Predictions For 2026 (55:49) When Will Espresso Launch A Token? -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This episode's Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow' Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: Healthcare's workforce crisis demands innovative solutions that transform how we develop and deploy talent.Our next guest, Van Ton-Quinlivan, is addressing this challenge as CEO of Futuro Health, building the nation's largest network of allied healthcare workers.With extensive experience spanning private, public, and nonprofit sectors, Van brings a unique perspective to workforce development shaped by her personal journey as a Vietnamese refugee who found opportunity through education. Now she's dedicated to unlocking that same potential for others.Recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare and among the 100 Most Influential Higher Education Leaders, Van shares Futuro Health's pioneering approach to creating community-based education pipelines that serve both workers seeking meaningful careers and employers needing compassionate, skilled talent.Join us to discover how inclusive workforce development is transforming lives and strengthening healthcare communities nationwide. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Education as a gateway to opportunity - Van shares her personal journey as a Vietnamese refugee and how education transformed her life, fueling her passion to unlock opportunities for others through workforce developmentBuilding the largest allied health network - Futuro Health is creating community-based education and training pipelines to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers across the nationHuman Touch Healthcare program - A six-week signature program focused on emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and teamwork designed specifically for adult learners without traditional lecture formatsBalancing AI and human connection - As healthcare adopts AI, strengthening uniquely human skills like compassion becomes essential to distinguish when to use human agents versus AI agentsJPMorgan Chase Foundation partnership - Upcoming grant will enable 12 employers (providers, health plans, or rural networks) to implement the Futuro Health method for growing local healthcare workers from untapped communitiesAbout our Guest:Van Ton-Quinlivan is a nationally recognized workforce development leader with a career spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. As CEO of Futuro Health, she's building the nation's largest network of allied healthcare workers. In 2022, she was appointed by Governor Newsom to help shape California's healthcare workforce education and training.Van is the author and podcast host of WorkforceRx, promoting agile, multicultural solutions for employers, educators, and workers. Featured in major media and a sought-after keynote speaker, she's been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare (2024) and among the 100 Most Influential Higher Education Leaders (2025). She serves on several national boards and holds an MBA and MA in Education Policy from Stanford University.Born in Vietnam and raised in Hawaii, Van now lives in California. A new empty nester, she enjoys morning coffee walks with her husband, and recently took up taiko...

In a landmark interview on The Ash Said It Show, Tom Buchsbaum, co-founder of Austin Craft Spirits, detailed the origin story of a brand that is systematically redefining the American spirits landscape. Transitioning from tech innovation to precision distilling, Buchsbaum has positioned Austin 101 at the intersection of Texas Terroir and Environmental Stewardship. The Genesis: Solving the "Bourbon Fatigue" Market Gap Buchsbaum's moment of conviction came from identifying a "White Space" in the spirits industry. While the market was saturated with heavy, oak-forward Bourbons and spicy Ryes, there was a profound lack of high-clarity, grain-forward spirits. Austin 101 was engineered to bridge the gap between premium vodka and traditional whiskey. By utilizing the Light Whiskey designation, Buchsbaum's team distills at a higher purity—precisely between 160 and 190 proof—resulting in a spirit that retains the complex esters of the grain without the aggressive wood tannins of a virgin barrel. The Science of Texas Terroir: Steam Distillation The brand's "flavor-first" philosophy is powered by a custom-engineered 42-foot steam-jacketed column still. Unlike traditional direct-fire stills that can scorch the mash, Austin 101's precision thermal control operates below 210∘F. The Mash Bill: 100% Texas-grown non-GMO white corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley. The Profile: This low-temperature extraction preserves the signature butterscotch, vanilla, and stone fruit notes that have become the brand's sensory hallmark. Sustainability: The Circular Whiskey Economy Austin 101's commitment to Green Luxury is anchored in their Circular Aging Process. The distillery exclusively utilizes recycled American white oak barrels sourced from local Texas craft bourbon makers. This sustainable finishing serves two critical functions: Ecological Preservation: It drastically reduces the carbon footprint associated with new timber harvesting. Flavor Refinement: By using "seasoned" wood, the whiskey undergoes a mellow maturation that highlights the grain's natural sweetness rather than masking it behind heavy char. Future Trajectory: Scaling the "Texas Light" Global Category Small-Batch Precision at Scale As Austin 101 expands its distribution footprint beyond the Texas border, the brand employs a data-driven distillation model to ensure consistency. From the approachable Austin 85 to the award-winning Austin 111 Cask Strength, the scaling process remains rooted in small-batch integrity and rigorous quality control. The Next Frontier of Innovation Buchsbaum teased a roadmap of experimental releases designed to push the boundaries of the Light Whiskey category. Enthusiasts can expect: Grain-Specific Expressions: Leveraging high-rye mash bills for a "Light but Bold" profile. Experimental Cask Finishes: Utilizing the unique Texas climate to accelerate interactive aging in diverse secondary vessels. 2035 Vision: Defining Texas Whiskey Globally The long-term vision is clear: Austin 101 aims to be the global benchmark for Texas Light Whiskey. Within the next decade, Buchsbaum anticipates Light Whiskey becoming a mainstream pillar of the spirits industry, with Austin 101 leading the charge through its unique blend of technical precision, authentic provenance, and sustainable distilling. Web: https://www.austin101whiskey.c... About the brand: Austin 101 stands as a testament to geographic authenticity. Eschewing the shortcuts of mass-produced spirits, the distillery anchors its identity in Texas Terroir. Every drop is forged from a proprietary mash bill of 100% locally sourced grains, including non-GMO white corn, soft red winter wheat, and malted barley. By maintaining a strict grain-to-glass pipeline, Austin 101 ensures that the spirit remains an honest reflection of the Hill Country's agricultural heritage. The brand rejects artificial additives and chill-filtration, opting instead for a transparent expression of the raw ingredients. Precision Crafting: The Art of High-Proof Refinement The hallmark of Austin 101 is its precision distillation process. While conventional whiskeys often lean on heavy barrel char to mask imperfections, Austin 101 utilizes a high-proof distillation method (reaching between 160 and 190 proof) to isolate the most elegant flavor compounds. This technical rigor allows for the surgical removal of harsh congeners, leaving behind a clean, sophisticated "heart" of the spirit. The result is a structural complexity rarely found in American whiskey—a profile characterized by: Bright Top Notes: Notes of wildflower honey and stone fruit. Mid-Palate Depth: Rich layers of creamy butterscotch and Madagascar vanilla. A Refined Finish: A signature "light" exit that is exceptionally smooth, favoring subtle almond and spice over aggressive wood tannins. Visionary Sustainability and Circular Aging Austin 101 redefines luxury through the lens of environmental stewardship. Central to its mission is a pioneering Circular Aging Program. By maturing the spirit in recycled American white oak barrels, the distillery significantly mitigates the environmental impact of new timber harvesting. This sustainable approach is not merely an ecological choice but a flavor-driven one; the seasoned oak allows the delicate nuances of the Texas grain to flourish without being overwhelmed by the intense char of a virgin barrel. From localized grain procurement to water-conscious production, Austin 101 represents a new era of eco-conscious distilling, proving that a premium whiskey can be both world-class and world-respecting. Meet Ash Brown, the dynamic American powerhouse and motivational speaker dedicated to fueling your journey toward personal and professional success. Recognized as a trusted voice in personal development, Ash delivers uplifting energy and relatable wisdom across every platform. Why Choose Ash? Ash Brown stands out as an influential media personality due to her Authentic Optimism and commitment to providing Actionable Strategies. She equips audiences with the tools necessary to create real change and rise above challenges. Seeking inspiration? Ash Brown is your guide to turning motivation into measurable action. The Ash Said It Show – Top-Ranked Podcast With over 2,100 episodes and 700,000+ global listens, Ash's podcast features inspiring interviews, life lessons, and empowerment stories from changemakers across industries. Each episode delivers practical tools and encouragement to help listeners thrive. Website: AshSaidit.com Connect with Ash Brown: Goli Gummy Discounts: https://go.goli.com/1loveash5 Luxury Handbag Discounts: https://www.theofficialathena.... Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/po... Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSa... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1lov... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsa... Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog #atlanta #ashsaidit #theashsaiditshow #ashblogsit #ashsaidit®Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ash-said-it-show--1213325/support.

Welcome to episode #1015 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). At a moment when scarcity shapes everything from opportunity to attention, understanding who gets what (and why) has become one of the most consequential questions in modern life. Judd Kessler is the inaugural Howard Marks Endowed Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, an award-winning economist, and one of the leading thinkers in market design, public policy and behavioral economics. His research examines how rules, incentives, and institutional structures shape outcomes in environments where price alone cannot (or should not) decide allocation, from organ donation systems to education, labor markets, and beyond. Recognized early for his impact, Judd was named one of Forbes' "30 Under 30" in Law and Policy for his work on organ allocation and received the Vernon L. Smith Ascending Scholar Prize in 2021. His first (and new) book, Lucky by Design - The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want, distills years of research into how "hidden markets" - those governed by rules rather than prices - quietly determine access to jobs, schools, tickets, healthcare, and even relationships. Judd explores the mechanics of scarcity, the strategic role of lotteries, waiting lists, and signaling, and how individuals unknowingly participate in market design every day. He also examines how AI is beginning to reshape allocation systems, why visible markets increasingly contain hidden layers, and how better design can improve both efficiency and equity. Grounded in rigorous scholarship yet deeply practical, Judd's work reframes luck not as randomness, but as something shaped by systems we can understand and sometimes redesign. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 57:59. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with Judd Kessler. Lucky by Design - The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want. Follow Judd on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Navigating Economic Sentiments. (03:03) - Understanding Hidden Markets. (06:11) - The Dynamics of Scarcity and Value. (08:53) - The Role of Consultants in Hidden Markets. (11:48) - Market Design and Equity. (14:57) - Strategies for Market Participation. (18:11) - The Impact of Social Proof on Demand. (20:54) - Reimagining Market Structures. (31:57) - Creating Scarcity and Demand. (34:28) - Market Design and Allocation Strategies. (36:39) - The Impact of Replicas and Knockoffs. (46:44) - Hidden Markets: Positive or Negative? (49:47) - AI in Market Design. (59:01) - Becoming a Market Designer.

When the world's leading voice in human-centered privacy joins forces with the high-octane energy of Ash Brown, the result is an eye-opening deep dive into the digital frontier. Ash Brown welcomes Ken Griggs, the Emmy award-winning technologist and CEO of Julia Social, for a timely conversation about the UK government's proposed nationwide digital ID system and its global implications. The Big Debate: Security vs. Surveillance Ken Griggs brings decades of expertise in blockchain technology and cryptography to dissect what a centralized digital ID truly means for the average citizen. While governments pitch these systems as a convenience for accessing public services, Ken sounds the alarm on the hidden costs to personal privacy and data autonomy. In this captivating episode, Ash and Ken explore: The Centralization Trap: Why storing the identity of an entire nation in a single database creates a high-risk honey pot for hackers and state actors. The Julia Social Vision: How Ken's work with Julia Social advocates for a decentralized identity approach, where individuals—not institutions—own and control their own data. The UK Digital ID Ripple Effect: Why the global community should watch these legislative moves closely, as they could set a groundbreaking or dangerous precedent for digital rights worldwide. Turning Tech Insight into Real-World Action Ash Brown's signature Authentic Optimism keeps the conversation grounded as Ken provides actionable insights on how listeners can protect their digital footprints today. From understanding the mechanics of Not.Bot to the security power of the Chia blockchain, this interview bridges the gap between complex tech and everyday life. Seeking a masterclass in the future of privacy? This episode of The Ash Said It Show is essential listening for anyone who values their digital freedom. Web: Not.Bot About this Founder: Ken Griggs is the visionary founder and CEO of Julia Social, a platform dedicated to human-centered privacy and decentralized social networking. With a career spanning decades at the intersection of technology and human interaction, Griggs has established himself as a premier authority on blockchain applications and digital security. A Legacy of Innovation from Speech Research to Blockchain Before launching Julia Social, Ken Griggs built a reputation as a pioneer in several cutting-edge fields. He spent years at the forefront of speech recognition research, laying the groundwork for how humans interact naturally with complex digital systems through voice technology. Following this, he transitioned into a leadership role as the Vice President of Customer Success at Chia Network Inc (CNI). During his tenure at CNI, he played a pivotal role in the growth of the eco-friendly Chia blockchain, specializing in the development of real-world applications focused on security, sustainability, and efficiency. The Shift to Julia Social and Digital Autonomy Driven by a deep passion for user-owned data and digital autonomy, Griggs eventually departed from his role at Chia Network to found Julia Social. His current mission is to reshape the digital landscape by moving away from centralized data silos toward a more secure, decentralized future. Today, Ken Griggs is frequently sought after for his insights on human-centered privacy, designing technology that prioritizes the user over the institution. He remains a leading voice in decentralized identity and blockchain strategy, influencing the global conversation on how digital identity and social connectivity should evolve in a Web3 world. Meet Ash Brown, the dynamic American powerhouse and motivational speaker dedicated to fueling every journey toward personal and professional success. Recognized as a trusted voice in personal development, Ash delivers uplifting energy and relatable wisdom across every platform she touches. Why Choose Ash Brown Ash Brown stands out as an influential media personality due to her Authentic Optimism and commitment to providing Actionable Strategies. She equips her audience with the tools necessary to create real change and rise above life challenges. For those seeking inspiration, Ash Brown serves as the ultimate guide to turning motivation into measurable action. The Ash Said It Show Top Ranked Podcast With over 2100 episodes and more than 700000 global listens, the Ash Said It Show features inspiring interviews, life lessons, and empowerment stories from changemakers across all industries. Each episode delivers practical tools and encouragement to help listeners thrive in their daily lives. Visit the official website at AshSaidit.com to explore more. Connect with Ash Brown Follow the journey and access exclusive content through these official channels Goli Gummy Discounts go.goli.com/1loveash5 Luxury Handbag Discounts theofficialathena.com ref ashsaidit Review the Podcast on iTunes itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 Subscribe on YouTube youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee Instagram instagram.com/1loveash Facebook facebook.com/ashsaidit Official Blog ashsaidit.com/blog #atlanta #ashsaidit #theashsaiditshow #ashblogsit #motivationalspeaker #personaldevelopment #atlantapodcast #femaleentrepreneur #successmindset #inspiringwomen #contentcreator #selfimprovement #ashbrown #businessgrowth #atlantabloggerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ash-said-it-show--1213325/support.

In his final interview, Emilio Ortiz & Franco Romero delivers one of the most emotional and revealing transmission to date. We dive into the truth about 2026, the breaking of the final dimensional tethers, the Great Remembering, and why humanity is entering a period of accelerated awakening unlike anything our species has lived through. Franco explains how the Divine Child is returning as the new operating system for human consciousness, why so many people feel destabilized right now, and how the 9D architecture of reality is collapsing old identities so we can embody our 5D blueprint. We explore the spiritual, energetic, and psychological implications of the next 12–24 months, including timeline compression, DNA activation, emotional purging, and the moment he realized he could no longer continue public interviews — a moment that brought both of us to the edge.✦ Even though it's his last interview for the foreseeable future, Franco has opened the doors to his full initiatory course, The Way of the Inner Child. If your heart feels the pull, you can enter using code EMILIO for 15% off here: https://playground.iammyme.com/quest This conversation uncovers what's really happening as we approach the 2026 planetary shift, why many are experiencing déjà vu, timeline flickers, and spontaneous intuitive openings, and how the “game” of Earth is being rewritten from the inside out. Franco shares profound insights about remembering who we are, the end of the 12,000-year cycle, the role of the 144,000 initiates, and the deeper purpose behind the collective chaos. Whether you're navigating your own awakening, questioning your identity, or feeling the magnetic pull of the New Human, this emotional final message from Franco Romero is a roadmap for the transition ahead .Franco Romero is a clairvoyant visionary, author, and spiritual teacher known for his powerful insights into the 5D Shift, human awakening, and the evolution of consciousness. Recognized for his prophetic clarity and heart-centered guidance, Franco is one of today's most influential voices on the New Earth timeline.___________________✦ IMPORTANT UPDATE: We have officially begun The Convergence with Kelly Kolodney, and there's still space to join. Until 12/12, you have the opportunity to be a part of the most potent offering of the year. Join us here: https://theangelraphael.mykajabi.com/... ___________________PODCAST CHAPTERS00:00 - Franco Romero Intro3:27 – Why Humanity Is Entering a Never-Before-Seen Era12:33 – Mandela Effect & Dissolving Old Identity17:34 – What Will 2026 Feel Like?19:52 – The Truth Hidden in Every Tradition24:09 – Why This Reality Was Created38:59 – Two Roles in Humanity's Ascension43:35 – Mystical Abilities Returning:47:49 – Dormant DNA, 24 Strands & Physical Evolution55:35 – Remembering This Is a Simulation59:54 – The Calling of Light-Bearer1:01:58 – Why Words Activate Reality1:11:05 – 2024–2026 Timeline1:12:24 – Speaking Like God1:13:26 – How We Are Connected to the Field 1:19:32 – The Power of Desire Statements1:21:07 – How Global Consciousness Shifts Timelines1:30:32 – Levitation Story: Mysticism Becomes Physical1:43:41 – What Franco Would Tell His Future Self?___________________Guest: Franco Romero | Clairvoyant & Spiritual Teacher✦ Website | https://www.francoromero.com/✦ Inner Divine Playground Community | https://playground.iammyme.com/c/star... Host: Emilio Ortiz✦ IG |   / iamemilioortiz  ✦ Subscribe to Channel |    / emilioortiz  ___________________© 2025 Emilio Ortiz. All rights reserved. Content from Just Tap In Podcast is protected under copyright law.Legal Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by guests on Just Tap In are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Emilio Ortiz or the Just Tap In Podcast. All content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Daily Dad Jokes (19 Dec 2025) Christmas Joke Button - 101 eye rolling dad jokes for the festive season! Amazon. The perfect gift for Kris Kringle, Secret Santa and of course for dad! Click here here to view! The official Daily Dad Jokes Podcast electronic button now available on Amazon. The perfect gift for dad! Click here here to view! Email Newsletter: Looking for more dad joke humor to share? Then subscribe to our new weekly email newsletter. It's our weekly round-up of the best dad jokes, memes, and humor for you to enjoy. Spread the laughs, and groans, and sign up today! Click here to subscribe! Listen to the Daily Dad Jokes podcast here: https://dailydadjokespodcast.com/ or search "Daily Dad Jokes" in your podcast app. Jokes sourced and curated from reddit.com/r/dadjokes. Joke credits: ShrimpEcho, Appropriate-Rice-718, EdWinches, randomusername123458, mrl33602, Bacontrain-35, Anxious_Muscle_8130, Gil-Gandel, digiBeLow, , GiborDesign, Jesse_Bitchman, Maxinerah, no_bon3s_about_it, Ok_Law219, ggfchl, JestarAuthor, Amazing_67, k_woz1978 Subscribe to this podcast via: iHeartMedia Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts YouTube Channel Social media: Instagram Facebook Twitter TikTok Discord Interested in advertising or sponsoring our show? Contact us at mediasales@klassicstudios.com Produced by Klassic Studios using AutoGen Podcast technology (http://klassicstudios.com/autogen-podcasts/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daily Dad Jokes (19 Dec 2025) Christmas Joke Button - 101 eye rolling dad jokes for the festive season! Amazon. The perfect gift for Kris Kringle, Secret Santa and of course for dad! Click here here to view! The official Daily Dad Jokes Podcast electronic button now available on Amazon. The perfect gift for dad! Click here here to view! Email Newsletter: Looking for more dad joke humor to share? Then subscribe to our new weekly email newsletter. It's our weekly round-up of the best dad jokes, memes, and humor for you to enjoy. Spread the laughs, and groans, and sign up today! Click here to subscribe! Listen to the Daily Dad Jokes podcast here: https://dailydadjokespodcast.com/ or search "Daily Dad Jokes" in your podcast app. Jokes sourced and curated from reddit.com/r/dadjokes. Joke credits: ShrimpEcho, Appropriate-Rice-718, EdWinches, randomusername123458, mrl33602, Bacontrain-35, Anxious_Muscle_8130, Gil-Gandel, digiBeLow, , GiborDesign, Jesse_Bitchman, Maxinerah, no_bon3s_about_it, Ok_Law219, ggfchl, JestarAuthor, Amazing_67, k_woz1978 Subscribe to this podcast via: iHeartMedia Spotify iTunes Google Podcasts YouTube Channel Social media: Instagram Facebook Twitter TikTok Discord Interested in advertising or sponsoring our show? Contact us at mediasales@klassicstudios.com Produced by Klassic Studios using AutoGen Podcast technology (http://klassicstudios.com/autogen-podcasts/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#918: Join us as we sit down with Ryan Blaser – Founder & CEO of Test My Home. Recognized as a leading voice in modern home health science, Ryan breaks down the tools, education, & support you need to uncover hidden toxins in your environment. In this episode, Ryan gets real about how your home may be impacting your health – from optimizing air quality & reducing mold exposure to identifying EMFs lurking within the household. Ryan shares how to create a safer, healthier home while minimizing exposure to the silent dangers around you.   To learn more visit www.testmyhome.com/skinny.    To Watch the Show click HERE   For Detailed Show Notes visit TSCPODCAST.COM   To connect with Ryan at Test My Home click HERE   To connect with Lauryn Bosstick click HERE   To connect with Michael Bosstick click HERE   Read More on The Skinny Confidential HERE   Head to our ShopMy page HERE and LTK page HERE to find all of the products mentioned in each episode.   Get your burning questions featured on the show! Leave the Him & Her Show a voicemail at +1 (512) 537-7194.   This episode is sponsored by The Skinny Confidential Your skincare routine, reimagined. Shop The Skinny Confidential Face Towels today at https://shopskinnyconfidential.com/products/face-towels.   This episode is sponsored by Squarespace Go to Squarespace.com for a free trial, and when you're ready to launch, http://squarespace.com/SKINNY to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.   This episode is sponsored by ARMRA Go to http://armra.com/SKINNY or enter SKINNY to get 30% off your first subscription order.   This episode is sponsored by Nutrafol  Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month's subscription plus free shipping when you go to http://Nutrafol.com and use promo code SKINNYHAIR.    This episode is sponsored by Synergy Ready to get started on your very own gut health journey? Visit http://SYNERGYDRINKS.com to find your SYNERGY flavor today.   This episode is sponsored by Cymbiotika Go to http://Cymbiotika.com/TSC today to get 20% off plus free shipping.    This episode is sponsored by Willie's Remedy+ Order now at http://drinkwillies.com and use code SKINNY for 20% off of your first order + free shipping on orders over $95, and enjoy life in the high country.   Produced by Dear Media

How can you unlock creativity to thrive in leadership and life?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Natalie Nixon—creativity strategist, author of The Creativity Leap and Move, Think, Rest, and CEO of Figure 8 Thinking. Recognized on the Thinkers50 Radar and named one of the Top 50 keynote speakers by Real Leaders, Natalie helps executives and organizations harness creativity as a strategic advantage.   A proud African American woman and Gen Xer, Natalie grew up on the East Coast in a family that modeled discipline, faith, imagination, and rest. From her father's example of Sabbath practice to her mother's encouragement of daydreaming, Natalie learned early that curiosity and movement fuel innovation and resilience.   She shares lessons for leaders: Embrace creativity everywhere. It's not just for artists—engineers, CFOs, and educators all thrive when they pair wonder with rigor. Build curiosity into culture. Ask better "what if" questions to unlock new possibilities. Honor natural rhythms. Movement and rest sharpen thinking and prevent burnout. Connect ROI to creativity. Collaboration and curiosity drive productivity, efficiency, and innovation. Trust intuition. Imagination and foresight are as powerful as logic in leadership. Natalie's story shows that by moving, thinking, and resting with intention, leaders can reimagine what's possible and create lasting impact.   Order Natalie's book Move Think Rest here.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-117-move-think-rest-to-promote-creativity-with-natalie-nixon  

Toni's new Medicare Survival Guide Advanced Edition book is available now - pick up your copy at www.tonisays.com Download your Free Guide: How Do I Enroll in Medicare? https://tonisays.com/free-download-how-to-enroll/ Remember - with Medicare it's what you don't know that will hurt you! There's so much good information in this podcast, please be sure to share this podcast with your friends! Recognized by feedspot.com as one of the best Medicare Podcasts in the nation! Write Toni - info@tonisays.com. Toni's book is available at www.seniorresource.com and https://tonisays.com You can call Toni at 832-519-8664 Toni welcomes all Medicare questions. Toni now offers informative Medicare Webinars for all of your Medicare needs at https://tonisays.com You can find Medicare Moments wherever you find your favorite podcasts, such as: Apple: https://apple.co/44MoguG Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7c82BS4hb145GiVYfnIRsoAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/884c1f46-9905-4b29-a97a-1a164c97546b/medicare-moments?refMarker=null You can find Medicare Moments at: https://podcasts.seniorresource.com/medicare-moments/ Toni's new book: Maze of Medicare is now available at www.tonisays.com Combining Scripture with Medicare, it is the only book of its kind. Toni's columns appear weekly in about 100 newspapers across America. If you would like Toni's column to appear in your local paper, or if you would like Toni to speak at an event - contact Toni King at 832-519-8664 Thank you for listening and be sure to tell your friends about Medicare Moments! Blessings! Toni KingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Wendy's product manager Will Croushorn joins host Sam to share how FreshAi, the fast-food restaurant's voice-based AI ordering system, is reinventing the drive-through experience for millions of customers. From handling 200 billion ways to order a Dave's Double burger to making fast food more accessible for guests in multiple languages, Will reveals how empathy and innovation will positively impact the future of convenience. Learn how his team turns speech data into insight, builds trust in automation, and can even hide a few Easter eggs in your next order. Read the episode transcript here. That's a wrap on Season 12! We'll back in January with a bonus episode. Guest bio: Will Croushorn is a product leader at Wendy's and cocreator of its drive-through voice agent, FreshAi, which handles more than 150,000 orders each day across hundreds of stores throughout the U.S. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the “Next Big Things in Tech,” the artificial intelligence platform shows that AI can deliver measurable impact at enterprise scale. Croushorn's career has been shaped by relentless curiosity: He started a school in northern Iraq, became fluent in Behdini Kurdish, and now advances vision and multimodal AI serve customers in entirely new ways. Me, Myself, and AI is a podcast produced by MIT Sloan Management Review and hosted by Sam Ransbotham. It is engineered by David Lishansky and produced by Allison Ryder. We encourage you to rate and review our show. Your comments may be used in Me, Myself, and AI materials. ME, MYSELF, AND AI® is a federally registered trademark of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. All rights reserved.

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Bissing, the powerhouse behind One Love Social, a boutique creative and paid ads agency dominating the lighting niche. Recognized as one of the strongest marketing voices in the industry, Ashley shares how she helps lighting companies scale faster, market smarter, and stand out in competitive markets.

In this episode, Emma Cox is joined by Christina Ross, Head of Science & Impact at Credo Beauty, to talk about how this leading clean beauty retailer is redefining what people expect from their products—and from the brands behind them. Christina shares how her background in toxicology and public health shapes her work on Credo's rigorous ingredient standards, and why sustainability, packaging innovation, and supply chain transparency are now non-negotiable for brands who want to lead.Christina discusses the role of science in sustainability strategy, including how systems-based thinking guides Credo's approach to ingredient evaluation and responsible product design. As the largest clean beauty retailer in the U.S., Credo leverages its unique position to raise the bar for more than 130 beauty brands through The Credo Clean Standard™—a framework that combines strict requirements with industry best practices and resources.Christina and Emma unpack the value of certifications, the importance of consumer education, and how Credo's decarbonization strategy is shaping the next phase of climate action in beauty.By the end of the episode, you will understand why clean beauty is not just a marketing label—it's an ongoing commitment to safety, transparency, and environmental responsibility.Don't miss an episode—subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social for the latest updates!Episode Resources: Credo Beauty's Impact & Standards: https://credobeauty.com/pages/mission PACT Collective – Beauty Packaging Recycling Program: https://www.pactcollective.org/NSF/ANSI 417 – Personal Care Product Certification: https://www.nsf.org/standards/personal-care-products -About ESG Decoded ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Emma Cox, Erika Schiller, and Anna Stablum for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that's not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we'll bust on this podcast.ESG Decoded | Resource Links Site: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/Apple Podcasts: https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcastsSpotify: https://go.climeco.com/SpotifyYouTube Music: https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-MusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/IG: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/*This episode was produced by Singing Land Studio  About ClimeCoClimeCo is an award-winning leader in decarbonization, empowering global organizations with customized sustainability pathways. Our respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies, governments, and capital markets to develop tailored ESG and decarbonization solutions. Recognized for creating high-quality, impactful projects, ClimeCo is committed to helping clients achieve their goals, maximize environmental assets, and enhance their brand.ClimeCo | Resource LinksSite: https://climeco.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/IG: https://www.instagram.com/climeco/

“Generosity means that you give of the things that you really can't get back.”   “I was happiest and most fulfilled anytime I was giving or fully engaged with another person.”   “Generally when people hear generosity, they think you're asking them for money. So I specifically wanted to focus on generosity that had nothing to do with money, especially using an ROG.”   Episode summary | In this final episode of the Return on Generosity podcast, hosts Shannon Cassidy and Susan Jin Davis reflect on the journey of the podcast, discussing the importance of generosity in leadership, the insights gained from over 250 episodes, and the impact of generosity on personal and professional growth. They emphasize the need for self-care, the power of listening to diverse voices, and the call to action for listeners to live generously in their own lives.   R.O.G. Takeaway Tips | The importance of being present and listening to others is crucial in leadership. Generosity is often misunderstood and is not just about money. The Return on Generosity concept emphasizes the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving. Leaders set the tone for a culture of generosity within their teams. Listening to diverse voices can amplify underrepresented perspectives. Self-care is a crucial aspect of being able to give generously to others. Generosity can lead to better business results and stronger team dynamics. The podcast has highlighted the importance of mentoring and thoughtful feedback. Gratitude can serve as a gateway to a more generous mindset. The impact of generosity can be profound, changing lives and communities. Living generously can help combat feelings of loneliness and disconnection.    Chapters |  00:00 Farewell to ROG: A Reflective Goodbye 03:04 The Genesis of Generosity: Understanding ROG's Foundation 05:55 Defining Generosity: Beyond Money 08:50 The Impact of Generosity on Leadership and Culture 11:54 Lessons from 250 Episodes: Insights and Reflections 14:38 Diverse Voices: Amplifying Underrepresented Perspectives 17:28 The Transformative Power of Generosity 20:28 Generosity in Today's World: Challenges and Opportunities 23:17 Cultivating an Abundance Mindset: The Path to Generosity 27:44 The Power of Love as an Action 30:18 Generosity and Self-Care: A Holistic Approach 34:12 Leadership Lessons from the Podcast Journey 37:28 Stories of Generosity: Transformative Experiences 40:54 The Impact of Generosity on Listeners 42:39 Reflections on Achievements and Future Aspirations 47:33 Activating Generosity in Personal Life 50:28 A Call to Action: Embracing Generosity   Guest Bio | Shannon Cassidy is the Founder and CEO of Bridge Between, Inc., a Certified Woman-Owned Business celebrating 25 years of helping leaders and teams thrive. A Certified Executive Performance Coach, Keynote Speaker, and High-Performance Team Facilitator, Shannon is an authority on behavioral change and the transformative power of generosity in leadership. As the host of the R.O.G. Return on Generosity podcast, Shannon amplifies the message that generosity isn't just a virtue—it's a competitive advantage. She believes that small, intentional acts of generosity—whether through time, attention, knowledge, or opportunity—can revolutionize workplace culture, drive engagement, and unlock extraordinary business results. Her keynote presentations are designed to equip audiences with actionable wisdom and practical frameworks that make their lives easier, more productive, and more fulfilling. Through compelling storytelling and real-world strategies, Shannon challenges audiences to embrace generosity as a powerful leadership philosophy—one that fosters trust, strengthens collaboration, and accelerates success. With a proven track record of coaching CEOs and senior executives, Shannon helps leaders integrate generosity into their daily practices, empowering them to step up as role models and create environments where teams feel valued, motivated, and inspired to give their best. She is the author of Grounded in Gratitude, V.I.B.E.—an in-depth self-discovery journey—and The 5 Degree Principle, a leadership fable illustrating how small changes lead to extraordinary results. Recognized for her practical, impactful, and authentic approach, Shannon is a sought-after speaker for conferences, leadership summits, and corporate events. Audiences leave her sessions feeling energized, empowered, and equipped to implement strategies that boost their productivity, fulfillment, and overall effectiveness.   Bridge Between Resources: 5 Degree Change Course Free N.D.I. Network Diversity Index  Free Generosity Quiz  Crazy Good Turns Podcast Credits: Guest Host, Susan Jin Davis interviewing R.O.G. Host, Shannon Cassidy, Bridge Between, Inc.

Virtues are important in every area of life, but they are especially important within the context of leadership. In this episode from 2020, the CEO of Habitat International, Jonathan Reckford, joins us to discuss the virtues of a leader. Recognized as one of Forbes' 6 Leadership Podcasts To Listen To In 2024 and one of the Best Leadership Podcasts To Stay in the Know for CEOs, according to Industry Leader Magazine. If this podcast has made you a better leader, you can help it by leaving a quick Spotify or Apple Podcasts review. You can visit Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and then go to the “Reviews” section. Thank you for sharing! ____________ Where to find Andy: Instagram: @andy_stanley Facebook: Andy Stanley Official X: @andystanley YouTube: @AndyStanleyOfficial See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Noah from Theia & Smac from Compound discuss why crypto's next chapter won't be powered by hype alone. They explain how valuations, narratives, fund structures, and real cash-flow durability are reshaping the industry, and why investors must adapt to a world where fundamentals finally matter. Enjoy! — Follow Noah: https://x.com/tradernoah Follow Smac: https://x.com/0xsmac Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Compound Annual Meeting: https://x.com/mhdempsey/status/1999119478936785108?s=20 — Zcash is encrypted Bitcoin. Your digital bill of rights securing your freedom for the 21st century. Buy, store and spend ZEC privately using Zashi Wallet download today: https://electriccoin.co/zashi/ -- "Mantle Global Hackathon 2025 is live! Running from Oct 22 to Dec 31, Mantle invites builders to design the future of Real-World Assets (RWAs) on its modular L2 stack. Key Highlights: - $150,000 Prize Pool + Grants & Incubation opportunities - Access to Bybit's 7M+ verified users - Judges from Bybit Ventures, Spartan, Animoca Brands - 6 Tracks: RWA/RealFi, DeFi, AI, ZK, Infra, GameFi Join the Hackathon: https://www.hackquest.io/vi/hackathons/Mantle-Global-Hackathon-2025" -- GEODNET is the world's largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries. Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com] -- Uniswap's Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi. Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap's powerful onchain trading infrastructure. https://hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks -- Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:24) How Theia & Compound Are Positioned (05:58) Thoughts On Valuation Debate (10:50) Do Narratives & Storytelling Drive Markets? (22:24) Ads (Zcash) (23:01) Tension Between Old & New Investors (25:27) Having A View On Public Markets (28:53) Will Crypto Be The Fastest Horse Again? (33:44) Who Outperforms: Majors or Apps? (35:43) Ads (Zcash) (36:20) Identifying Durable Vs Ephemeral Advantages (40:49) State Of Crypto Liquid Funds (45:51) Activist Investing In Crypto (47:48) Ads (Mantle, Geodnet, Uniswap) (50:41) Views On Prediction Markets (53:55) Biggest Market Opportunities (01:01:36) Water Supercycle? — Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

A movement in Minnesota and nine other states calls for an approach to child welfare that maintains connections between foster and birth families, so they can work together to give children love and support. It's called the Quality Parenting Initiative, or QPI. For Jessica Gunnarson, this strategy was a natural response to her personal experience on different sides of the child welfare system. Gunnarson is a foster parent in Duluth and she's receiving an award this week from the initiative. And Kate Rickord works with the Youth Law Center, a national group behind QPI.Gunnarson and Rickord joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini to talk about the unique approach to foster care.

Christian Life Coach Darla Nelson, a certified expert in faith-based stress management and NLP, unveils the silent epidemic of isolation caused by the word “fine.” In her powerful new book, I'm Fine. Really?: Moving From Stress and Anxiety to Peace and Calm, Nelson asserts that the antidote to isolation and chronic anxiety begins with embracing vulnerability and biblical honesty. Nelson, a respected Christian author and speaker, explains: “'Fine' keeps people at arm's length; honesty invites connection. Vulnerability is where true healing begins, and that's when peace starts to take root.” This faith-filled guide is essential for readers seeking Christian stress relief and a path to emotional clarity. The book invites readers to drop the mask, embrace God's grace, and rediscover the inner peace that comes from being authentic with themselves, others, and their faith. I'm Fine. Really? is a practical guide for Christian women (and men) that walks readers through simple, life-giving shifts to achieve lasting emotional and spiritual health. You will learn to: Understand the root causes of stress and anxiety from a Christian perspective. Release emotional weight and past burdens that hinder spiritual growth. Build healthier Christian habits, thought patterns, and God-centered relationships. Embrace peace and calm, even amid life's chaos and uncertainty. Nelson's narrative is candid, heartfelt, and deeply relatable. Drawing on her personal journey and over a decade of experience as a Life Coach, the book is filled with honest stories that prove you don't need perfection to find fulfillment. About: Darla Nelson is a highly sought-after Christian Life and Health Coach, a respected author, and an inspiring speaker. She specializes in helping Christian women and individuals move beyond the chains of stress, anxiety, and burnout to discover inner peace and their God-given purpose. With over a decade of certified experience, Darla provides faith-based coaching that integrates biblical principles with proven methodologies. Her professional credentials include certifications in Life Coaching, Health Coaching, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). She equips her clients with practical mental health tools, stress management techniques, and spiritual growth strategies to navigate life with profound calm and clarity. Darla is the expert you need for: Christian Stress Relief Purpose-Driven Life Coaching Overcoming Anxiety with Faith Biblical Health & Wellness Coaching Finding Peace in Chaos For 38 years, Darla has built a life of strong faith and family alongside her husband, which includes three married children and five grandchildren—a testament to the principles she coaches.

“If you have opportunities to have them take over the work, you can engage them in a way with chaos circles. I love doing chaos circles when they're teaching themselves the music. Sometimes you see students who are usually very shy really step up to the challenge of becoming leaders, You get to see students in a way that they don't always present themselves if you can get them moving around and engaging the brain that way.”Dr. Jenny Bent is Professor of Music and Director of Choral and Vocal Activities at Sonoma State University. With degrees from Boston University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Bent's expertise spans voice performance, choral conducting, and choral literature. Described by the San Francisco Classical Voice as “superb” with “excellent diction and well-controlled dynamics,” Dr. Bent's choirs have earned unanimous superior ratings and command performances at festivals throughout California and have performed under her baton at such venues as Carnegie Hall in New York City and Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Her ensemble SonoVoce was recently honored to perform at the CA All-State Music Educators Conference (CASMEC).Recognized for her achievements as a choral educator, Dr. Bent received the 2019 CMEA Bay Section Outstanding Choral Educator Award and the 2023 CMEA Pearson/Scott Foresman/Silver Burdett Choral Educator Award. She brings over a decade of high school teaching experience, notably at the Marin School of the Arts.Beyond her academic work, Dr. Bent contributes to the choral music community as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and conference presenter for organizations including CMEA, ACDA, and Golden State. From 2016-2023, she served on the board of the California Choral Directors Association (CCDA), and she currently holds the positions of Repertoire & Resources Collegiate Choirs Coordinator for National ACDA and Western Region Representative for the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO). From 2007-2014, Dr. Bent shared her passion for choral music as a host of "The Choir Loft" on KRCB-FM. She is also a proud (and semi-obnoxious) baseball mom whose favorite moments are watching her two sons do what they love.To get in touch with Jenny, you can email her at bentje@sonoma.edu or find her on Facebook (@jenny.bent.5)Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

Recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2025, Hillary Cohen is the co-founder of Every Day Action, a nonprofit tackling food waste and hunger by redirecting unused gourmet meals from Hollywood sets to people in need across Southern California. After years working as an assistant director and witnessing staggering amounts of food thrown away daily, Hillary and her co-founder, Sam Luu, set out to challenge the status quo and prove that feeding people shouldn't be “too complicated.” What began during the pandemic has grown into a movement that partners with studios and fills plates instead of dumpsters. In this episode, Hillary shares how small shifts behind the scenes can lead to big change on the streets.

Sobriety is hard—and recovery is a full-time job. Parenting is hard—and more than a full-time job. Sarah Allen Benton is an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She is Chief Clinical Officer and co-owner of Waterview Behavioral Health. She is co-owner of Benton Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC, offering clinical and business support services to innovative addiction and mental health companies. She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology. Sarah has been sober for more than 20 years; she has been a mother for 13. She is far from alone, approximately 20.9 million consider themselves in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD). It is fair to say millions are also parents. In PARENTS IN RECOVERY: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle (Rowman & Littlefield), Sarah draws on research, professional expertise and deeply personal experience to support mothers and fathers as they navigate their way through parenting while embracing a sober lifestyle. From “wine mom culture” to social media FOMO, Benton covers every aspect of living sober while raising children. Amazon: Parents in Recovery: Parents in Recovery: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic: https://www.amazon.com/Underst... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarah... Parents in Recovery Support Group Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share... Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sa... Instagram - @parentsinrecovery Website:www.bentonbhc.comwww.waterviewbh.com Sarah Allen Benton, M.S., LMHC, CADC, is a leading authority in addiction and mental health, known for her clinical expertise and published work. As an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), she brings over 20 years of lived experience as a parent in recovery from alcohol use disorder to her practice. Clinical and Business Leadership Chief Clinical Officer & Co-founder: Sarah Allen Benton is the CCO and co-founder of Waterview Behavioral Health (Wallingford, CT), a specialized mental health intensive outpatient program (IOP) providing crucial services for individuals with complex needs. Website: https://www.waterviewbh.com/ Co-owner: She is also the co-owner of Benton Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC, which offers clinical and business support services, including strategic consulting, to innovative mental health and addiction companies across the industry. Website: https://www.bentonbhc.com/ Expertise: Her background includes roles as a therapist and clinical consultant across various levels of care, practices, and start-ups, including experience at McLean Hospital in their dual diagnosis transitional treatment program. Published Work and Education Author: Benton is the highly-regarded author of Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic (2009), a foundational text that provides insight into high-achieving individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder, a common area of her expertise. Education: She holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology from Northeastern University, Bouvé School of Health Sciences. Location and Credentials Location: Killingworth, Connecticut Credentials: M.S., LMHC, CADC This profile emphasizes her dual role as a clinical expert and a behavioral health entrepreneur, making her a highly discoverable authority in addiction recovery, sober parenting, and high-functioning alcoholism treatment. Meet Ash Brown, the dynamic American powerhouse and motivational speaker dedicated to fueling your journey toward personal and professional success. Recognized as a trusted voice in personal development, Ash delivers uplifting energy and relatable wisdom across every platform. Why Choose Ash? Ash Brown stands out as an influential media personality due to her Authentic Optimism and commitment to providing Actionable Strategies. She equips audiences with the tools necessary to create real change and rise above challenges. Seeking inspiration? Ash Brown is your guide to turning motivation into measurable action. The Ash Said It Show – Top-Ranked Podcast With over 2,100 episodes and 700,000+ global listens, Ash's podcast features inspiring interviews, life lessons, and empowerment stories from changemakers across industries. Each episode delivers practical tools and encouragement to help listeners thrive. Website: AshSaidit.com Connect with Ash Brown: Goli Gummy Discounts: https://go.goli.com/1loveash5 Luxury Handbag Discounts: https://www.theofficialathena.... Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/po... Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSa... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1lov... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsa... Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog #atlanta #ashsaidit #theashsaiditshow #ashblogsit #ashsaidit®Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ash-said-it-show--1213325/support.

Jane Muir is a powerhouse business law attorney and the managing shareholder of J. Muir & Associates, P.A. in Coral Gables, Florida, where she blends sharp legal strategy with genuine passion for helping entrepreneurs and organizations thrive. Recognized repeatedly as a Super Lawyer and honored among Miami's 20 Under 40 Emerging Leaders, Jane brings deep expertise in commercial litigation, contracts, corporate formation, and general counsel services to the table. Her leadership extends beyond the courtroom — she's a former president of both the Coral Gables and Miami-Dade Bar Associations, a dedicated community advocate, and a relentless ally for business innovation and justice. Jane's story is about bold leadership, resilience, and using legal know-how to unlock real-world impact. Jane Muir is a Miami attorney, whose practice focuses on commercial litigation, contracts and general counsel. Her diverse experience includes purchase, sale and management of businesses, and enforcing a variety of business contracts, prosecuting partnership and real estate disputes, defending intellectual property rights, and recovering assets. She has been elected to leadership roles like president of the Coral Gables Bar Association and the Miami Dade Bar Association, appointed to serve as Receiver in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, to temporarily manage businesses during legal disputes, and recognized with several significant honors and awards, such as the Florida Bar's 2015 Young Lawyers Division's Lynn Futch Most Productive Young Lawyer Award and the Miami Dade Bar Association's President's Award. https://www.jmuirandassociates.com/jane-muirBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don't miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadioThank you for your time. 

On this episode of Clean and Sober Radio, host Gary Hendler welcomed special guest Stephen Forzato. Steve brought insights drawn from three decades of wiretapping, undercover operations, and hundreds of interviews with individuals involved in the drug trade. His extensive experience has given him a rare, birds-eye view of America's escalating drug epidemic and its deep connection to the devastating world of human trafficking. Recognized statewide in Pennsylvania for his expertise, Steve offered an informed and sobering look at the intersection of addiction and exploitation.

James I as Ecumenicist Amid Confessional Complexity: Colleague Claire Jackson portrays James I as an ecumenicist seeking accommodation, provided Catholics recognized his temporal authority via an Oath of Allegiance, noting he faced a "confessional complexity" ruling Protestant Scotland and England alongside Catholic Ireland, aiming to isolate radical Jesuits from the loyal majority. 1897

In this episode of The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Sravan Ankaraju, Founder of Divergence Academy—one of America's fastest-growing vocational schools. Sravan shares how his mission-driven vision is transforming the modern workforce by equipping veterans and career changers with hands-on, career-ready skills in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI. Recognized on the Inc. 5000 and honored with the U.S. Department of Labor's HIRE Vets Gold Medallion, Sravan and Divergence Academy are redefining workforce training for high-demand tech roles. Whether you're a transitioning service member, career changer, or someone passionate about the future of work, this conversation offers invaluable insights on tech training, workforce development, and veteran empowerment.

Julie Lavender Le Doux is a speaker, mentor, and author of The Amazings Series kids books. Known for her innovative storytelling and compassionate heart, she helps families walk through pain with biblical truth and simple, effective steps for emotional and spiritual healing. Drawing from her homeschool journey and her family's experience with deep trauma, Julie brings a rare blend of faith, creativity, and hard-won wisdom. Recognized as "a gifted teacher with an impactful message," she guides parents and kids to trade wounds forGod's peace hope and Wonder.Follow Julie at: https://www.thequestforwonder.comNOTE: This information is for educational and investigative purposes.-------------------------Check out all of our vendors at: https://patriotswithgrit.com/patriot-partners/ SPONSORS FOR THIS VIDEO❤️ Cardio Miracle – One Drink. Endless Benefits.Feel steady energy, sharper clarity, and stronger resilience every day.Own your freedom in health & experience the full power your body was designed for.

Join Dr. Lewis in a conversation with Keith Turner, the owner of Keith Turner Weight Loss Aerobics, in Clinton, Maryland. Keith specializes in body shaping, toning, and long-term weight management across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Recognized as one of the top trainers in the nation, he is known for helping men and women achieve sustainable results through personalized training programs that include aerobics and comprehensive nutritional guidance. Email: ktweighlossllc@gmail.comSuccess 4 Women is broadcast live Thursdays at 2PM ET on W4WN Radio - Women 4 Women Network (www.w4wn.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). Success 4 Women TV Show is viewed on Talk 4 TV (www.talk4tv.com).Success 4 Women Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media (www.talk4media.com), Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/success-4-women--3126970/support.

Sweet Vegan is setting the bar for holiday gifting with the highly anticipated Winter Box. As revealed by Chef Andrea, this curated collection transcends traditional confections, aiming for a complete, multi-sensory experience that encapsulates the cozy, festive atmosphere of the holidays. Classic Holiday Traditions: The inspiration runs deep, drawing from classic seasonal moments. Evocative Winter Sights: Imagine a snowy New York City street—the packaging and flavor profiles are designed to transport the recipient. Comforting Seasonal Scents: Expect delightful notes of warm spices and fresh fir trees, elevating the entire experience. This isn't just candy; it's a true celebration of the season, optimized for those searching for "unique vegan gifts," "luxury holiday chocolates," and "festive gluten-free treats." Commitment to Quality & Dietary Excellence In a crowded gourmet market, Sweet Vegan's unwavering commitment to quality and dietary excellence is its competitive edge. The Winter Box is the result of a meticulous process that successfully balances bold flavor innovation with strict vegan and gluten-free commitments. Artisan Ingredients: The secret is using only the finest, unique artisan ingredients. Handmade Process: Every piece is meticulously crafted by hand, ensuring a unique, high-end feel and decadent texture. Guilt-Free Indulgence: These chocolates are guaranteed to meet dietary needs while standing out as exceptionally decadent treats. The 'Perfect' Gift Experience: Thoughtful Luxury The Winter Box is engineered to be the "perfect gift." Chef Andrea has focused on creating an emotional experience designed to convey thoughtfulness and exceptional taste on the part of the giver. Introducing the WINTER Wonders Flavors (November-January) The core of the Winter Box is its unique and surprising flavor combinations, which Chef Andrea noted often receive the most delightful customer feedback. Ash's live tasting of these celebrated vegan truffles confirmed their exceptional taste and texture. The featured flavor lineup for this season includes: Blueberry Bliss Midnight Passion Peppermint Persuasion (A seasonal favorite!) Pomegranate Power These flavors target long-tail search terms such as "peppermint vegan truffles," "pomegranate dairy-free chocolate," and "unique chocolate flavor combinations." Building Year-Round Loyalty Sweet Vegan strategically leverages the high-quality reputation and initial excitement of the Winter Box to cultivate year-round loyalty. This seasonal success introduces customers to the rest of their product line, demonstrating that the same commitment to flavor and quality exists in all their offerings, long after the festive season ends. This helps cement Sweet Vegan as a leader in "premium vegan snacks" and "gourmet dairy-free treats." Web: https://www.sweetvegan.nyc About Sweet Vegan NYC: Sweet Vegan NYC is a premium, woman-owned chocolate company based in Harlem, founded by Vegan Chef Andrea Young. The brand's identity is defined by its commitment to inclusive indulgence and community empowerment, making it a standout in the growing plant-based dessert market (projected to reach $5.2B by 2027). Sweet Vegan's core advantage and key to high discoverability lies in its unwavering allergen commitment, which targets a massive, underserved niche. They offer uncompromisingly delicious chocolate that is always nut-free, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and preservative-free. Inclusivity Focus: The chocolates are crafted not just for vegans, but for anyone with food sensitivities or simply a love for exquisite, gourmet chocolate—making them the perfect safe gift for any occasion. Artisan Quality & Flavor: Chef Andrea, utilizing her background in interior architecture and training as a vegan chef, emphasizes unique flavor combinations and beautiful, high-end packaging (Source: Design to Vegan Chef). Best Sellers: Look for the top-rated Midnight Passion and award-winning Luscious Lemon flavors. Sweet Vegan NYC occupies the premium luxury segment of the growing vegan and gluten-free snacks market. They successfully differentiate themselves by eliminating all common major allergens, providing a decadent, guilt-free indulgence that bridges the gap between specialized dietary needs and high-quality gourmet treats. Meet Ash Brown, the dynamic American powerhouse and motivational speaker dedicated to fueling your journey toward personal and professional success. Recognized as a trusted voice in personal development, Ash delivers uplifting energy and relatable wisdom across every platform. Why Choose Ash? Ash Brown stands out as an influential media personality due to her Authentic Optimism and commitment to providing Actionable Strategies. She equips audiences with the tools necessary to create real change and rise above challenges. Seeking inspiration? Ash Brown is your guide to turning motivation into measurable action. The Ash Said It Show – Top-Ranked Podcast With over 2,100 episodes and 700,000+ global listens, Ash's podcast features inspiring interviews, life lessons, and empowerment stories from changemakers across industries. Each episode delivers practical tools and encouragement to help listeners thrive. Website: AshSaidit.com Connect with Ash Brown: Goli Gummy Discounts: https://go.goli.com/1loveash5 Luxury Handbag Discounts: https://www.theofficialathena.... Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/po... Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSa... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1lov... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsa... Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog #atlanta #ashsaidit #theashsaiditshow #ashblogsit #ashsaidit®Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ash-said-it-show--1213325/support.

Chef Walter Potenza joins the show to talk about Italian Cuisine being recognized by UNESCO for the first time everSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest:John Hope Bryant leads the nation's largest nonprofit provider of financial literacy services for youth and adults. Recognized globally, he was named to the Forbes BLK50 List in 2024 and TIME Magazine's inaugural The Closers List. A best-selling author and CNBC contributor, he reaches millions through his ‘Straight Talk' series and continues to advance economic opportunity and inclusive capitalism.What You Will Learn:Why becoming the person you're meant to be often confuses othersHow courage, optimism, and faith drive leadershipLessons from Dale Carnegie on influence and growthThe mindset shifts that separate good leaders from great onesJoin us for this inspiring conversation with John about acting boldly, embracing fear, and evolving into your best self. Lukas Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

How can global corporations and local entrepreneurs collaborate to fight plastic pollution at scale?In this week's episode, host Anna Stablum welcomes Jessie Coates, EY Corporate Responsibility Markets Leader, and Bintang Ekananda, Founder and CEO of Alner. Together, they unpack the unique public-private partnership known as TRANSFORM, a collaboration between Unilever, the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and EY. This decade-long initiative connects multinationals with mission-driven startups in Asia and Africa to scale innovative, market-based solutions.Jessie and Bintang share how Alner's refill-and-reuse business model is helping reduce plastic waste in Indonesia and how this collaboration supports both impact and profitability.During this episode, you will learn:How refill systems are transforming local retail in IndonesiaWhy big brands benefit from investing in impact-driven startupsHow public-private partnerships accelerate sustainability solutionsWhat's needed to scale circular packaging models & reduce single-use plastic wasteDon't miss an episode—subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social for the latest updates!Episode Resources: Alner – Circular Retail & Refill Solutions in Indonesia: https://www.alner.id/ TRANSFORM Program – Unilever, UK FCDO and EY Impact Accelerator: https://transform.global/ EY Ripples – Shaping the future with confidence: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/corporate-responsibility/ey-ripples UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution (Global Plastics Treaty Overview): https://www.unep.org/intergovernmental-negotiating-committee-plastic-pollution -About ESG Decoded ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Emma Cox, Erika Schiller, and Anna Stablum for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that's not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we'll bust on this podcast.ESG Decoded | Resource Links Site: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/Apple Podcasts: https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcastsSpotify: https://go.climeco.com/SpotifyYouTube Music: https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-MusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/IG: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/*This episode was produced by Singing Land Studio  About ClimeCoClimeCo is an award-winning leader in decarbonization, empowering global organizations with customized sustainability pathways. Our respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies, governments, and capital markets to develop tailored ESG and decarbonization solutions. Recognized for creating high-quality, impactful projects, ClimeCo is committed to helping clients achieve their goals, maximize environmental assets, and enhance their brand.ClimeCo | Resource LinksSite: https://climeco.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/IG: https://www.instagram.com/climeco/

Activity doesn’t equal impact. In this REVERB episode, Andy Stanley and co-host Suzy Gray revisit last week's conversation with Jason Jaggard to reveal why focus fuels growth and distraction kills it. They discuss the hidden cost of trying to do everything, how to align a team around a shared vision, and why scaling influence requires letting go of certain responsibilities, not adding more. Whether you lead a team of two or two hundred, this conversation will help you lead with purpose, confidence, and sustainable impact. Recognized as one of Forbes' 6 Leadership Podcasts To Listen To In 2024 and one of the Best Leadership Podcasts To Stay in the Know for CEOs, according to Industry Leader Magazine. If this podcast has made you a better leader, you can help it by leaving a quick Spotify or Apple Podcasts review. You can visit Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and then go to the “Reviews” section. Thank you for sharing! ____________ Where to find Andy: Instagram: @andy_stanley Facebook: Andy Stanley Official X: @andystanley YouTube: @AndyStanleyOfficial See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Taylor is the founder of the Pack Baseball and Softball Academy, a transformative coach, mentor, podcaster, and innovator known for integrating AI technology into youth sports training. Recognized for his holistic approach, Jason empowers young athletes and fellow coaches alike to build resilience, mental strength, and life skills, both on and off the field. Through developing emerging talent, supporting parents and coaches, and leveraging new tools to maximize performance, Jason inspires others to believe in their potential and achieve lasting success. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jason Taylor joins Robert Plank to share how sports can teach resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the role of vision in personal and professional growth. Jason reveals how their academy's new AI tool analyzes swings to accelerate athlete development and discusses stories of transformation—like that of a struggling youth who became a star athlete. He offers real-world parenting advice, highlights the foundational role of mentors, and shares how believing in each child's future can foster not only athletic achievement but lasting, positive life change. Quotes: “The strength of the wolf is in the pack, and the strength of the pack is in the wolf.” “There are no shortcuts. Resilience is probably the most life-changing skill that sports teach you.” “A mentor's belief in you transfers until you start to believe it yourself, and once you do, you can't be derailed.” Resources: Connect with Jason on LinkedIn. Pack Baseball & Softball Academy

This week, CIO of Bitwise Matt Hougan joins the show to discuss fading the power of the four-year cycle, the accelerating wave of institutional adoption, and whether Strategy selling its Bitcoin is a real risk. Matt also weighs in on the Santi-Haseeb L1 debate, balancing token value with investment, and what he thinks drives the next phase of growth. Enjoy! — Follow Matt: https://x.com/Matt_Hougan  CIO Memo: https://bit.ly/4pK4gmC  Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz  Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel  Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod  — Zcash is encrypted Bitcoin. Your digital bill of rights securing your freedom for the 21st century. Buy, store and spend ZEC privately using Zashi Wallet download today: https://electriccoin.co/zashi/ — Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates https://app.katana.network/krates—This Empire episode is brought to you by VanEck.Learn more about the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE): http://vaneck.com/EmpireNODEAn investment in the Fund involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. You may lose your entire principal investment. The Fund may invest nearly all of its net assets in Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments but does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly.Digital Asset Instruments may involve risks tied to investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), including the historically extreme volatility of digital asset and cryptocurrency markets and reduced regulation and investor protections, as these ETPs are not registered investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”).Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Visit vaneck.com to review the prospectus, including the Fund's investment objective, risks, and fees, before investing.© Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation.—GEODNET is the world's largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries.Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com]—Uniswap's Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi.Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap's powerful onchain trading infrastructure.https://bit.ly/4pt0Fd0 — Timestamps 00:00 Intro 03:28 2026 vs The Four Year Cycle 05:06 Bitcoin Covered Call Strategy 07:44 The Case Against The 4-Year Cycle 11:14 Ads (Zcash, Katana) 12:31 Will Strategy Sell Its Bitcoin? 16:36 Inside The Institutional Mind 24:24 How Advisors Think About Crypto 27:40 The Best Stories In Crypto 30:23 Ads (Zcash, Katana) 31:39 Risk-First Investing 33:01 L1 Debate: Haseeb vs Santi 36:19 Balancing Token Value & Investment 40:16 Ads (VanEck, Uniswap) 41:58 Zcash & The Privacy Narrative 44:29 The Future Of ICOs 46:55 The Token-Equity Convergence 48:19 Final Thoughts — Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Dana Micucci redefines danger for the modern lightworker not as external threat, but as the peril of spiritual bypassing and succumbing to fear or lower collective consciousness. Unlike 20th-century internal work, the 21st-century task is active internal mastery to hold and anchor high-frequency light amidst global chaos and intense energy shifts. This internal mastery is crucial for external impact. The Lesson in Mastery: From Seeking to Embodying Truth The memoir, a sequel to Sojourns of the Soul, marks a pivotal shift: the 'lesson in mastery' is moving from seeking truth externally (via sacred travel) to embodying that truth internally. This profound shift is the foundation for applying spiritual wisdom to complex modern life, validating the current memoir as an essential guide for the lightworker journey. Ma'at: Ancient Egyptian Wisdom for the Digital Age Micucci shares the powerful ancient Egyptian principle of Ma'at (truth, balance, and cosmic order), encountered at the sacred temples of Egypt. This ancient wisdom is surprisingly practical for navigating modern issues like misinformation and polarizing technology. Ma'at serves as a vital spiritual compass for filtering digital input by aligning words, thoughts, and actions with truth and balance. Essential Spiritual Tool: Conscious Breathwork For newcomers beginning their spiritual path, the single most essential spiritual tool is conscious, focused breathwork. This simple technique instantly interrupts the fearful, egoic mind, anchors the individual in the present, and connects them to their innate power and grace. The breath is highlighted as the most accessible bridge between mind, body, and spirit. Planetary Transformation: The Challenge and The Opportunity The current period of intense planetary transformation presents two key facets from a lightworker's view: Greatest Challenge: The temptation to disconnect or fall into despair amidst global crises. Greatest Opportunity: The unprecedented acceleration of soul evolution. The current evolutionary waves force humanity to confront shadows, offering a unique chance to rapidly ascend into higher consciousness and co-create the New Earth. Trusting the Higher Guiding Force Micucci shares how a personal test or transformation—a period of loss and uncertainty—revealed that apparent "breakdown" was the higher guiding force clearing old foundations. By embracing deep surrender, she recognized the timely appearance of support as confirmation that this force was conspiring on her behalf. The Final Action Step: Radical Self-Compassion The final, practical action step Micucci hopes readers take after finishing The Years of Living Dangerously is to practice radical self-forgiveness and self-compassion. Choosing to unconditionally love the self and silence the internal critic is deemed the most profound way to 'open their hearts to the evolutionary waves of change' and become a clear channel for light. Web: http://www.danamicucci.com/ About Dana Micucci: Award-Winning Author, Spiritual Teacher & Lightworker Dana Micucci is a highly-regarded award-winning author, spiritual teacher, speaker, and healer dedicated to guiding others through planetary transformation. Her work fuses ancient wisdom with modern revelation, offering a powerful path for accelerated consciousness and soul purpose fulfillment. Dana's transcendent new spiritual memoir, The Years of Living Dangerously: Lessons from the Front Lines of a 21st-Century Lightworker, chronicles her extraordinary evolution as a lightworker. This book is a supportive roadmap for navigating the intense shifts of our time. It features: Inspirational personal revelations from sacred sites (e.g., temples of Egypt) and high-frequency power spots worldwide. An inspiring blend of ancient wisdom and practical spiritual tools. Tests, miracles, and transformations that shaped her journey of expanded awareness. Dana Micucci's Published Works In addition to her memoir, Dana is the author of other influential books that explore deep metaphysical themes: The Third Muse: A captivating metaphysical novel and time-travel mystery set in the international art world. It celebrates divine feminine wisdom, the Magdalene Order, and the healing power of love. Sojourns of the Soul: A spiritual travel memoir—a gold winner in the Nautilus Book Awards—inspired by her profound journeys to the world's most sacred sites. Global Teacher, Healer, and Shamanic Practitioner As a dynamic speaker and a seasoned teacher/practitioner of ancient mystery school wisdom, Dana Micucci conducts transformational talks, workshops, and sacred journeys worldwide. Her healing and mentoring practice is rooted in extensive shamanic training, offering a multidimensional healing vibration that: Ignites deep shifts in consciousness and expanded awareness. Fosters the recognition of your soul's purpose. Assists in accelerating a fearless journey toward wholeness, joy, and fulfillment. With grounded clarity and compassion, Dana serves as an ambassador of the New Earth consciousness. Based in Taos, New Mexico, she travels widely in sacred service. Dana also enjoyed a decades-long career as a widely published journalist, specializing in culture, travel, and spirituality. Her byline has appeared in prominent publications, including: The New York Times International Herald Tribune Chicago Tribune Spirituality & Health For more information about her books, workshops, and healing practice, visit: www.DanaMicucci.com Meet Ash Brown, the dynamic American powerhouse and motivational speaker dedicated to fueling your journey toward personal and professional success. Recognized as a trusted voice in personal development, Ash delivers uplifting energy and relatable wisdom across every platform. Why Choose Ash? Ash Brown stands out as an influential media personality due to her Authentic Optimism and commitment to providing Actionable Strategies. She equips audiences with the tools necessary to create real change and rise above challenges. Seeking inspiration? Ash Brown is your guide to turning motivation into measurable action. The Ash Said It Show – Top-Ranked Podcast With over 2,100 episodes and 700,000+ global listens, Ash's podcast features inspiring interviews, life lessons, and empowerment stories from changemakers across industries. Each episode delivers practical tools and encouragement to help listeners thrive. Website: AshSaidit.com Connect with Ash Brown: Goli Gummy Discounts: https://go.goli.com/1loveash5 Luxury Handbag Discounts: https://www.theofficialathena.... Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/po... Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSa... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1lov... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsa... Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog #atlanta #ashsaidit #theashsaiditshow #ashblogsit #ashsaidit®Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ash-said-it-show--1213325/support.

Leslie Venetz is a top 1% B2B sales expert, sought-after speaker, and Founder of The Sales-Led GTM Agency. Recognized globally as a LinkedIn Editorial Top Voice, 5x Top 50 Sales Thought Leader, and 2024 Sales Innovator of the Year, Leslie is one of the most influential voices in modern sales. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, MorningBrew and Success Magazine and her content has been viewed over 100 MM times. Author of Top 50 USA Today best-seller Profit-Generating Pipeline: A Proven Formula to Earn Trust and Drive Revenue, Leslie helps outbound B2B sales organizations profitable sales strategies. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leslievenetz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@salestipstok YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@b2bsalescoach Twitter: https://x.com/b2b_salescoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b2bsalescoach/ Website: www.salesledgtm.com Book purchase link: www.salesledgtm.com/book/ Leslie's Business Book Club: www.lesliesbookclub.com Revenue Revelry Masterclasses: www.revenuerevelry.comConnect and tag me at:https://www.instagram.com/realangelabradford/You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel herehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDU9L55higX03TQgq1IT_qQFeel free to leave a review on all major platforms to help get the word out and change more lives!

300,000 Black women have been pushed out of the workforce. The system labels them "aggressive" when they speak, "not a team player" when they set boundaries, "difficult" when they advocate for themselves. These aren't random incidents; they're the deliberate mechanisms that systematically remove Black women from positions of power and influence. Minda Harts has documented this structural violence across thousands of women's experiences and built a framework to navigate it with clarity. As a bestselling author, workplace consultant, and NYU professor, she created The Seven Trust Languages®, a system that gives women the precise vocabulary to identify where and how they're being strategically undermined at work in real time. She's the author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace, You Are More Than Magic, and Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace. Recognized by LinkedIn as the #1 Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace and by Business Insider as one of the 100 People Transforming Business, Minda is the founder of The Memo LLC and Queen of Harts Productions. She works with Fortune 500 companies to rebuild trust and teaches the next generation of leaders at NYU's Wagner School of Public Service. In this conversation, Minda shows you how to see the patterns, name what's happening, and make strategic choices that protect your power.   You can find Minda Hart's work here: Website: https://www.mindaharts.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindaharts/?hl=en YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialMindaHarts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindaharts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindaHarts/ ----more---- Tools and stories to help you choose yourself in a world that socializes you not to. The Shop: Discover exclusive tools, curated workshops, and guides for the radical woman ready to step fully into her power. https://www.charliestoolbox.com/shop Substack Newsletter: Read deep dives and stories about women choosing themselves, money, self-trust, and building power outside of old systems. https://charliestoolbox.substack.com/ Website: Find more resources, learn about our methodology, and explore all our offerings in one place. https://www.charliestoolbox.com/ The Podcast: Listen to real conversations with women who've built lives beyond approval, expectation, and limits. https://charliestoolbox.podbean.com/ Your sovereignty is your foundation. My role is to help you use it as a launchpad. **Follow for Daily Inspiration:** - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charliestoolbox - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliestoolbox/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/charliestoolbox   Take Action Now: Hit subscribe if you're ready to stop waiting for permission and start choosing yourself. New episodes drop weekly with tools for building a life that's authentically felt and beautifully lived.

This week, Santi and Rob discuss market volatility, MicroStrategy's financial health, and Ethereum's valuation. They also dive into current macro conditions, recent Tether FUD, and prediction markets. Enjoy! – Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod —- Zcash is encrypted Bitcoin. Your digital bill of rights securing your freedom for the 21st century. Buy, store and spend ZEC privately using Zashi Wallet download today: https://electriccoin.co/zashi/ -- Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users. Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates] -- This Empire episode is brought to you by VanEck. Learn more about the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE): http://vaneck.com/EmpireNODE An investment in the Fund involves a substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. It is possible to lose your entire principal investment. The Fund may invest nearly all of its net assets in either Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments. The Fund does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly. Digital asset instruments may be subject to risks associated with investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), which include the historical extreme volatility of the digital asset and cryptocurrency market, as well as less regulation and thus fewer investor protections, as these ETPs are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools for the purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Visit vaneck.com to read and consider the prospectus, containing the investment objective, risks, and fees of the fund, carefully before investing. © Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation. -- GEODNET is the world's largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries. Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com] -- Uniswap's Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi. Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap's powerful onchain trading infrastructure. https://hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks – [Timestamps] (00:00) Intro (04:40) The L1 Valuation Debate (16:28) Ads (Zcash, Katana) (17:44) The Market's Lack of Liquidity  (30:07) Ads (Zcash, Katana) (31:24)  Thoughts on Saylor & MicroStrategy (46:25) Ads (VanEck, Geodnet,Uniswap) (48:47) Recent Tether FUD (57:47 ) Thoughts on Prediction Markets (01:09:18) Kraken Acquires xStocks (01:12:04) Favorite Christmas Movies —-- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Don't expect people to be who they seem on the surface. - Dafna Krouk-Gordon In 1980, Dafna Krouk-Gordon founded her human resources agency in one room above a drug store, with just one employee. 45 years later, Toward Independent Living and Learning (www.tillinc.org) is thriving, with 1,000 employees throughout Massachusetts and into New Hampshire, and the noble goal of improving clients' lives, one day at a time. Dafna is also the co-author of the book: Moving Out: A Family Guide to Residential Planning for Adults with Disabilities. Recognized as a Top 100 Women-Led Business, TILL is providing innovative ways for people with disabilities to lead rich, fulfilling, independent lives. Says Dafna: “Our parents want to know that we are not just there for the moment. We will be there for the long term.” Born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt, by hardworking parents, Dafna and her sister were taught: “if you promise someone you are going to do something, you better do it.” Her Jewish family escaped Egypt under dire circumstances and immigrated to the United States. In this interview, Dafna recalls arriving in America: “We were told that there was money, gold in the streets, but we didn't find any!” When reflecting on her career in human services, Dafna has always followed the guiding principles of her faith: community, social conscience, and “to fix the world, because for good or for bad, there is a lot to fix.” For 24 minutes of information and inspiration, just hit that download button! #disabilities #differences #leadership #Jewish #nonprofit #candyoterry

From Battlefield to Boardroom: A Global Legacy of Courage, Compassion & Leadership This week, the Team Never Quit Podcast welcomes a truly extraordinary guest: Dr. Sudip Bose — emergency physician, Iraq War veteran, entrepreneur, medical innovator, and one of the world's most dynamic voices at the intersection of medicine, military leadership, and business. Few leaders embody resilience and global perspective the way Dr. Bose does. His story spans continents, combat zones, emergency rooms, and corporate boardrooms—all shaped by deep heritage and a lifelong commitment to service. A Legacy Rooted in Courage and Heritage Born in the United States to parents who emigrated from Kolkata, Dr. Bose carries a powerful cultural heritage. Fluent in Bengali and proud of his lineage, he is a descendant of: ·         Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, legendary freedom fighter ·         Jagadish Chandra Bose, pioneering scientist ·         Satyendra Nath Bose, the physicist behind the concept of bosons Their spirit of bravery, intellectual curiosity, and innovation lives on in Dr. Bose's own journey. Leadership Forged in War Dr. Bose's leadership was tested early—on the front lines of Iraq as a U.S. Army physician under the most intense combat conditions. He earned the Bronze Star Medal for his service and was entrusted with treating Saddam Hussein after his capture. More than the accolades, the battlefield taught him the principles that guide his life: ·         Stay calm when others panic ·         Find clarity in chaos ·         Turn adversity into opportunity ·         Let heritage and values anchor global impact These lessons follow him into every trauma bay, boardroom, and keynote stage he steps into today. From the ER to the Global Stage After returning from combat, Dr. Bose transitioned into civilian life—continuing his work as an emergency physician while expanding his influence across medicine, media, innovation, and policy. His roles include: ·         Executive Producer of Desert Doc, the Telly Award–winning Amazon Prime docuseries revealing the realities of emergency medicine ·         Founder of The Battle Continues, a nonprofit supporting injured combat veterans ·         EMS Medical Director for the largest geographic hospital coverage area in the U.S.—19 counties and 38,000 square miles ·         Advisory Board Member for DrB.ai, a global digital health platform increasing access to affordable care ·         Trusted Advisor to the U.S. Congress on healthcare policy ·         Keynote Speaker for Fortune 500 companies and major financial institutions Across everything he does, Dr. Bose bridges healthcare, military discipline, and business strategy—helping leaders thrive in high-stakes environments. This is a masterclass in courage, clarity, service, and global leadership—told by a man who has lived it on every front line imaginable. In this episode you will hear: • [My sister] She's a CEO but sometimes she's the CEO of my chaos. (7:46) • I basically started med school at 21; I got my MD at 25. (8:59) • I remember sitting with my dad and asking him: “What can I do where I don't have to study?” (10:58) • Things that are just tragic and sad; they shape you later. You don't realize it at the time. (11:47) • I think if they had an award in high school for least likely to go in the military, I might have gotten that award. Guess what? In Junior high – 6th grade – I weighed 49 pounds. I was tiny. I didn't hit 5' tall until my sophomore year of high school. (12:33) • I'm in the books as the Illinois state champion in wrestling, because nobody could match my weight division. (13:11) • You don't realize how your world can change in a moment, and what seems like irrelevant work or homework or assignments later in life might save your life. (16:32) • In Iraq, I find myself cooped up in this ambulance. An armored 5-7-7 track medical vehicle with metal wheels, jostling to the next section of Bagdad or Fallujah and then the vehicle comes to a screeching halt, the back door opens and you hop out like a frog jumping out of a blender. And you find yourself on the front lines of the battlefield. (21:33) • There are the mental challenges of losing people you know. (22:52) • You love [life] saves where you can have them unite with their family. (27:11) • Within hours of getting there, there were two soldiers that came in and I had to pronounce dead. You just realize, wow, you are in it now. (31:19) • You cant take care of everyone, but by training my medics, I multiplied myself. (34:02) • [Marcus] You scored the number 1 in the nation on your medical exam board; You scored at the top of the Army physical fitness test; A Bronze Star; Recognized by CNN as a CNN hero; You're one of the leading physicians in the world; [You served] The longest combat tour since WWII; You treated Saddam Hussein. (52:26) • I evaluated [Saddam Hussein] shortly after his capture. (56:10) • You have to put your feelings, emotions, everything side, so you can focus. (57:45) • Somebody told me I might be the only person who has ben face to face with Saddam Hussein and shaken hands with George W. Bush. (58:38) • The people who gave their lives, their vision, their limb, made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Those people wrote the blank check, up to and including the cost of my life. That's what keeps me motivated. (59:48) • The journey keeps going forward and the battle continues… (75:55) Support Dr. Bose:    - Website: https://www.docbose.com/    - IG: https://www.instagram.com/drsudipbose?igsh=MWZhbjJqNXNxazk2aA==    - Watch “Desert Doc” —>  https://tr.ee/Wds2TOBWTP    - YouTube —> https://tr.ee/DlNDNGdGo0 Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes   - Navyfederal.org        - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20] - Dripdrop.com/TNQ   - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]   - meetfabiric.com/TNQ   - masterclass.com/TNQ   - Prizepicks (TNQ)   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ    -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ

Welcome to episode 539 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, on this replay episode, I'm talking with Casey Hanisko. Casey is a distinguished leader in adventure travel. She's the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and an executive coach helping tourism leaders navigate change. Recognized among the "50 Most Important Women in Travel," she shares her expertise through media, speaking engagements, and her "Leading Naturally" newsletter. Show Notes Casey Hanisko Linkedin Guest Focus Instagram Adventure Travel Trade Association The Leap That Terrified Me More Than Any Business Decision (And What It Taught Me About Leadership) Ever stood at the edge of something terrifying—knowing the only way forward is to leap, but every cell in your body is screaming, Nope? That was me on a canyon swing in Interlaken. Spoiler: I needed a push. You think making high-stakes decisions in business is tough? Try standing on the edge of a 300-foot drop, debating whether plummeting into the abyss is a good idea. There's a moment in adventure—and in leadership—where hesitation creeps in. Your palms sweat. Your mind races. And sometimes, you need someone to give you that push. What Happened: I'd like to think I'm pretty fearless. I've hiked, biked, and paddled my way through some of the world's most stunning (and challenging) landscapes. But nothing—not rock climbing, not waterfall jumping, not even running a business—prepared me for the sheer terror of standing on the edge of a canyon swing in Interlaken. Picture this: I'm perched on the platform, strapped in, heart pounding. My entire executive team—yes, the people I work with—are watching. The guy running the swing looks at me and asks, "Need a push?" ABSOLUTELY NOT! I sit there for two full minutes, locked in a battle with my own fear. Every rational thought in my brain says, Just do it. But my body? Oh, my body says, Are you out of your mind?! Then, the guy places a hand on my back. Just enough pressure to remind me: I either take the leap myself, or I'm going anyway. And that was it. I went. Terrified. Screaming. And, once I hit the swing… laughing. Principle: That moment on the canyon swing? It's leadership in a nutshell. Leadership requires courage. Sometimes, you're at the edge of a big decision, knowing you need to move—but fear holds you back. Sometimes, you need support. That guiding hand (or well-placed nudge) from someone who sees your potential, even when you doubt yourself. And often, the thing you dread most? Turns out to be the most exhilarating experience of your life. Whether it's taking the leap into a leadership role, starting that business, or stepping into unknown territory—you're going to feel fear. That's normal. The key is to recognize it, hold it, and move forward anyway. Transition: The problem is, most people let fear stop them. They overthink. They hesitate. They tell themselves they need more time, more preparation, more certainty. But here's the truth: the perfect moment? It doesn't exist. Too many outdoor entrepreneurs and leaders stall out waiting for the "right time" to make their next move—whether that's scaling a business, stepping into leadership, or launching that dream trip. That's Why: That's why, in this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I sat down with Casey Esco—executive coach, adventure leader, and all-around expert on navigating uncertainty in business and the outdoors. She shares exactly how adventure can teach us to embrace risk, push through hesitation, and build the courage to lead (even when you're scared out of your mind). Call to Action: If fear has ever held you back from making a move—whether in your career, your business, or even your next adventure—you need to hear this episode. Because courage isn't about being fearless, it's about taking the leap anyway. #Outdoor Adventure, #Podcast, #Adventure Travel, #Leadership, #Coaching, #Outdoor Activities, #Nature, #Curiosity, #Camping, #Hiking, #Strategic Planning, #Storytelling, #Diversity, #Women Leaders, #Inclusivity, #Nature Inspired Coaching, #Outdoor Brands, #Business Strategy, #Personal Growth, #Passion, #Wellness, #Travel Experiences, #Adventure Community, #Outdoor Lifestyle, #Networking, #Conservation, #Adventure Stories

5/8. Guano, Tragedy, and the Rise of Intensive Farming — Steven Moss — Moss discusses seabird guano (nutrient-rich droppings), first recognized as a valuable resource by the Incas and subsequently monetized by William Gibbs, who accumulated immense wealth trading guano from arid Peruvian islands. Moss emphasizes that guano harvesting occurred under tragic human conditions, with Chinese indentured laborers frequently dying during extraction operations. Mossnotes that declining guano availability stimulated the invention of synthetic fertilizers by Haber and Bosch, catalyzing the emergence of intensive chemical agriculture. Moss documents that high-intensity chemical farming, despite enabling global food production, precipitated catastrophic declines in bird and insect populations, a phenomenon extensively documented in Rachel Carson's seminal work Silent Spring. 1880

Great leaders accomplish more by doing less—protecting margin, fully leveraging their unique strengths, and keeping the vision in front of their teams. In this episode, Andy Stanley and Jason Jaggard discuss why focus is a leadership discipline, not a personality trait. When leaders stop trying to do everything and instead focus on the work only they can do, the organization grows, the team gains clarity, and momentum accelerates. This episode explores the habits that keep leaders out of the weeds, thinking strategically, and empowering others to lead. Download the application guide: https://bit.ly/4rmoa8Q Here is what they cover in this episode: The leader who decides to make everybody happy eventually compromises. (5:28) Only do what only you can do—Identifying where you add the most value. (9:29) Fully exploited strength is a far greater value than marginally improved weakness. (17:46) The formula for vision. (29:04) The multiplier mindset, why replacing yourself is key to the health of your organization. (38:50) If you want to be great, you become a servant to everybody else. (55:28) Special thanks to our sponsor BELAY for offering a free download of their 40 hour CEO Work Week Guide. It includes goal setting, tools, templates, and an ideal work week builder. Just text the word ANDY to 55123 to claim your free guide now. Recognized as one of Forbes' 6 Leadership Podcasts To Listen To In 2024 and one of the Best Leadership Podcasts To Stay in the Know for CEOs, according to Industry Leaders Magazine. If this podcast has made you a better leader, you can help it by leaving a quick Spotify or Apple Podcasts review. You can visit Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and then go to the “Reviews” section. Thank you for sharing! ____________ Where to find Andy: Instagram: @andy_stanley Facebook: Andy Stanley Official X: @andystanley YouTube: @AndyStanleyOfficial See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.