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In this explosive episode of On The Record, Christian Briggs teams up with guest Jay Cannon to confront one of the most controversial and urgent questions of our time: Is radical Islam quietly infiltrating America's political, educational, and legal systems? With mosque construction accelerating, school boards being overtaken, and Islamic civic toolkits now being released to guide Muslim engagement in U.S. state and local governments, Briggs and Cannon argue that what we're witnessing isn't just religious growth—it's a coordinated ideological expansion.From the 7th-century origins of Islam to the rise of Sharia-compatible enclaves in places like Dearborn, Michigan and Minneapolis, this hard-hitting discussion unpacks how immigration, unchecked birth rates, and strategic political maneuvering are changing the demographic and ideological makeup of the West. The duo explore the sharp differences between Christianity and Islam—not just theologically, but civically—emphasizing that Western values of free speech, women's rights, and religious liberty are under siege in regions where Islamic influence gains foothold.Briggs and Cannon also expose the multi-billion-dollar funding pipelines from Qatar and other nations backing Islamic student centers, media campaigns, and activist groups. Referencing data from Europe, they spotlight the startling correlation between increased Islamic immigration and surges in crime and rape—especially in the UK, Germany, and France—while highlighting Poland's decisive rejection of Sharia ideology and the resulting drop in crime.This episode also takes direct aim at what they call the “unholy alliance” between Marxists, Islamists, and radical progressives, showing how cultural guilt, misguided tolerance, and media silence are creating a perfect storm for the erosion of American values. Most chilling of all, they predict a tipping point within a single generation—fueled by high birth rates, political organizing, and the weaponization of civil rights laws.Whether you agree or disagree, this episode pulls no punches and will leave you questioning the trajectory of religious freedom, national identity, and the future of the United States. For those concerned about faith, freedom, and America's foundations, this is the wake-up call you've been waiting for.
In this episode of the Expositors Collective podcast, Jeff Figgs offers a sober and deeply pastoral charge drawn from Paul's final words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-11. Speaking from decades of ministry experience, Jeff reminds listeners that Christian leadership is ultimately measured not by recognition or platform, but by faithfulness, character, and endurance.Jeff serves as Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Greeley, where he has faithfully taught verse-by-verse through all 66 books of the Bible over the past 28 years. Ordained in 1992, he began the church in 1996 with a small Bible study that grew into a thriving congregation. He also hosts the radio programme Under the Fig Tree, co-hosts Calvary Live on GraceFM Colorado, and serves as a chaplain for the Weld County Sheriff's Office. That long obedience in ministry gives particular weight to this exhortation.The session is set in the context of Paul's final imprisonment in Rome. Knowing that his life is drawing to a close, Paul writes to Timothy, his “son in the faith,” warning that the last days will be perilous times. Paul describes a culture marked by misdirected love, counterfeit spirituality, and people who are always learning but never arriving at the truth. Against that backdrop, Paul draws a sharp contrast: “But you have carefully followed…”From there, Jeff walks through the qualities Timothy had observed firsthand in Paul.First, doctrine. Timothy had carefully followed Paul's teaching from the time he joined him in Lystra on the second missionary journey. Sound doctrine is shown to be essential, not optional. Drawing from Acts 20 and 2 Timothy 2:15, Jeff emphasises diligent study, faithful preparation, and rightly dividing the Word of truth. Congregations, he notes, can tell when the hard work has been done, and the goal is not to impress with humour or stories, but to leave people saying, “We heard from God.”Second, manner of life. Paul does not only point to what he taught, but how he lived. This unique phrase highlights the inseparable connection between message and messenger. Referencing passages such as 1 Corinthians 11:1 and Acts 20:18, Jeff stresses that a godly message must come from a godly life. The call is searching and personal: to be the same person outside the pulpit as inside it, so that those closest to us would never say, “Not you, pastor.”Third, purpose. Ministry is framed as stewardship rather than self-promotion. Faithfulness, not fame, is the true measure of success. Jeff reflects on the seasons of ministry that shape character over time, including suffering, grief, discouragement, and perseverance. He urges leaders to maintain a genuine devotional life, not merely study for sermons, reminding listeners that we cannot lead others where we ourselves are not walking.Throughout the session, one theme remains clear: godly character matters because we carry a godly message. In a world of perilous times and noisy voices, light does not argue, it is seen. Faithful ministry flows from lives shaped by the Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God, and marked by humility, love, endurance, and integrity.This episode is a timely reminder that the church does not primarily need famous leaders, but faithful ones, men and women who will handle the Scriptures carefully and live them visibly, for the sake of the next generation.Jeff Figgs in 2019 on speech impediments, introversion and the call of God: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3lirX6nlgYk1XDRHlIZsWM?si=515c1d9e1c7c4831For information about our upcoming training events visit ExpositorsCollective.com Join our private Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExpositorsCollective
Welcome back to Snafu with Robin Zander. In this episode, I'm joined by Jeff Jaworsky, who shares his journey from a global role at Google to running his own business while prioritizing time with his children. We talk about the pivotal life and career decisions that shaped this transition, focusing on the importance of setting boundaries—both personally and professionally. Jeff shares insights on leaving a structured corporate world for entrepreneurship and the lessons learned along the way. We also explore the evolving landscape of sales and entrepreneurship, highlighting how integrating human connection and coaching skills is more important than ever in a tech-driven world. The conversation touches on the role of AI and technology, emphasizing how they can support—but not replace—essential human relationships. Jeff offers practical advice for coaches and salespeople on leveraging their natural skills and hints at a potential future book exploring the intersection of leadership, coaching, and sales. If you're curious about what's next for thoughtful leadership, entrepreneurship, and balancing work with life, this episode is for you. And for more conversations like this, get your tickets for Snafu Conference 2026 on March 5th here, where we'll continue exploring human connection, business, and the evolving role of AI. Start (0:00) Early life and first real boundary Jeff grew up up in a structured, linear environment Decisions largely made for you Clear expectations, predictable paths Post–high school as the first inflection point College chosen because it's "what you're supposed to do" Dream: ESPN sports anchor (explicit role model: Stuart Scott) Reality check through research Job placement rate: ~3% First moment of asking: Is this the best use of my time? Is this fair to the people investing in me (parents)? Boundary lesson #1 Letting go of a dream doesn't mean failure Boundaries can be about honesty, not limitation Choosing logic over fantasy can unlock unexpected paths Dropping out of college → accidental entry into sales Working frontline sales at Best Buy while in school Selling computers, service plans, handling customers daily Decision to leave college opens capacity Manager notices and offers leadership opportunity Takes on home office department Largest sales category in the store Youngest supervisor in the company (globally) at 19 Early leadership challenges Managing people much older Navigating credibility, age bias, exclusion Learning influence without authority Boundary insight Temporary decisions can become formative Saying "yes" doesn't mean you're locked in forever Second boundary: success without sustainability Rapid growth at Best Buy Promotions Increasing responsibility Observing manager life up close 60-hour weeks No real breaks Lunch from vending machines Internal checkpoint Is this the life I want long-term? Distinguishing: Liking the work Disliking the cost Boundary lesson #2 You can love a craft and still reject the lifestyle around it Boundaries protect the future version of you Returning to school with intention Decision to go back to college This time with clarity Sales and marketing degree by design, not default Accelerated path Graduates in three years Clear goal: catch up, not start over Internship at J. Walter Thompson Entry into agency world Launch of long-term sales and marketing career Pattern recognition: how boundaries actually work Ongoing self-check at every stage Have I learned what I came here to learn? Am I still growing? Is this experience still stretching me? Boundaries as timing, not rejection Experiences "run their course" Leaving doesn't invalidate what came before Non-linear growth Sometimes stepping down is strategic Demotion → education Senior role → frontline role (later at Google) Downward moves that enable a bigger climb later Shared reflection with Robin Sales as a foundational skill Comparable to: Surfing (handling forces bigger than you) Early exposure to asking, pitching, rejection Best Buy reframed Customer service under pressure Handling frustrated, misinformed, emotional people Humility + persuasion + resilience Parallel experiences Robin selling a restaurant after learning everything she could Knowing the next step (expansion) and choosing not to take it Walking away without knowing what's next Core philosophy: learning vs. maintaining "If I'm not learning, I'm dying" Builder mindset, not maintainer Growth as a non-negotiable Career decisions guided by curiosity, not status Titles are temporary Skills compound Ladders vs. experience stacks Rejecting the myth of linear progression Valuing breadth, depth, and contrast The bridge metaphor Advice for people stuck between "not this" and "not sure what next" Don't leap blindly Build a bridge Bridge components Low-risk experiments Skill development Small tests in parallel with current work Benefits Reduces panic Increases clarity Turns uncertainty into movement Framing the modern career question Referencing the "jungle gym, not a ladder" idea Careers as lateral, diagonal, looping — not linear Growth through range, not just depth Connecting to Range and creative longevity Diverse experiences as a competitive advantage Late bloomers as evidence that exploration compounds Naming the real fear beneath the metaphor What if exploration turns into repeated failure? What if the next five moves don't work? Risk of confusing experimentation with instability Adding today's pressure cooker Economic uncertainty AI and automation reshaping work faster than previous generations experienced The tension between adaptability and survival The core dilemma How do you pursue a non-linear path without tumbling back to zero? How do you "build the bridge" instead of jumping blindly? How do you keep earning while evolving? The two-year rule Treating commitments like a contract with yourself Two years as a meaningful unit of time Long enough to: Learn deeply Be challenged Experience failure and recovery Short enough to avoid stagnation Boundaries around optional exits Emergency ripcord exists But default posture is commitment, not escape Psychological benefit Reduces panic during hard moments Prevents constant second-guessing Encourages depth over novelty chasing The 18-month check-in Using the final stretch strategically Asking: Am I still learning? Am I still challenged? Does this align with my principles? Shifting from execution to reflection Early exploration of "what's next" Identifying gaps: Skills to acquire Experiences to test Regaining control External forces aren't always controllable Internal planning always is Why most people get stuck Planning too late Waiting until: Layoffs Burnout Forced transitions Trying to design the future in crisis Limited creativity Fear-based decisions Contrast with proactive planning Calm thinking Optionality Leverage Extending the contract Recognizing unfinished business Loving the work Still growing Still contributing meaningfully One-year extensions as intentional choices Not inertia Not fear Conscious recommitment A long career, one organization at a time Example: nearly 13 years at Google Six different roles Multiple reinventions inside one company Pattern over prestige Frontline sales Sales leadership Enablement Roles as chapters, not identities Staying while growing Leaving only when growth plateaus Experience stacking over ladder climbing Rejecting linear advancement Titles matter less than skills Accumulating perspective Execution Leadership Systems Transferable insight What works with customers What works internally What scales Sales enablement as an example of bridge-building Transition motivated by impact Desire to help at scale Supporting many sellers, not just personal results A natural evolution, not a pivot Built on prior sales experience Expanded influence Bridge logic in action Skills reused Scope widened Risk managed Zooming out: sales, stigma, and parenting Introducing the next lens: children Three boys: 13, 10, 7 Confronting sales stereotypes Slimy Manipulative Self-serving Tension between reputation and reality Loving sales Building a career around it Teaching it without replicating the worst versions Redefining sales as a helping profession Sales as service Primary orientation: benefit to the other person Compensation as a byproduct, not the driver Ethical center Believe in what you're recommending Stand behind its value Sleep well regardless of outcome Losses reframed Most deals don't close Failure as feedback Integrity as the constant Selling to kids (and being sold by them) Acknowledging reality Everyone sells, constantly Titles don't matter Teaching ethos, not tactics How you persuade matters more than whether you win Kindness Thoughtfulness Awareness of the other side Everyday negotiations Bedtime extensions Appeals to age, fairness, peer behavior Sales wins without good reasoning Learning opportunity Success ≠ good process Boundaries still matter Why sales gets a bad reputation Root cause: selfishness Focus on "what I get" Language centered on personal gain Misaligned value exchange Overselling Underdelivering The alternative Lead with value for the other side Hold mutual benefit in the background Make the exchange explicit and fair Boundaries as protection for both sides Clear scope What's included What's not Saying no as a service Preventing resentment Preserving trust Entrepreneurial lens Boundaries become essential Scope creep erodes value Clarity sustains long-term relationships Value exchange, scope, and boundaries Every request starts with discernment, not enthusiasm What value am I actually providing? What problem am I solving? How much time, energy, and attention will this really take? The goal isn't just a "yes" Both sides need to feel good about: What's being given What's being received What's being expected What's realistically deliverable Sales as a two-sided coin Mutual benefit matters Overselling creates future resentment Promising "the moon and the stars" is how trust breaks later Boundaries as self-respect Clear limits protect delivery quality Good boundaries prevent repeating bad sales dynamics Saying less upfront often enables better outcomes long-term Transitioning into coaching and the SNAFU Conference Context for the work today Speaking at the inaugural SNAFU Conference Focused on reluctant salespeople and non-sales roles Why coaching became the next chapter Sales is everywhere, regardless of title Coaching emerged as a natural extension of sales leadership The origin story at Google Transition from sales leadership to enablement Core question: how do we help sellers have better conversations? Result: building Google's global sales coaching program Grounded in practice and feedback Designed to prepare for high-stakes conversations The hidden overlap between sales and coaching Coaching as an underutilized advantage Especially powerful for sales leaders Shared core skills Deep curiosity Active listening Presence in conversation Reflecting back what's heard, not what you assume The co-creation mindset Not leading someone to your solution Guiding toward their desired outcome Why this changes everything Coaching improves leadership effectiveness Coaching improves sales outcomes Coaching reshapes how decisions get made A personal inflection point: learning to listen Feedback that lingered "Jeff is often the first and last to speak in meetings" The realization Seniority amplified his voice Being directive wasn't the same as being effective The shift Stop being the first to speak Invite more voices Lead with curiosity, not certainty The result More evolved perspectives Better decisions Sometimes realizing he was simply wrong The parallel to sales Talking at customers limits discovery Pre-built pitch decks obscure real needs The "right widget" only emerges through listening What the work looks like today A synthesis of experiences Buyer Seller Sales leader Enablement leader Executive coach How that shows up in practice Executive coaching for sales and revenue leaders Supporting decision-making Developing more coach-like leadership styles Workshops and trainings Helping managers coach more effectively Building durable sales skills Advisory work Supporting sales and enablement organizations at scale The motivation behind the shift Returning to the core questions: Am I learning? Am I growing? Am I challenged? A pull toward broader impact A desire to test whether this work could scale beyond one company Why some practices thrive and others stall Observing the difference Similar credentials Similar training Radically different outcomes The uncomfortable truth The difference is sales Entrepreneurship without romance Businesses don't "arrive" on their own Clients don't magically appear Visibility, rejection, iteration are unavoidable Core requirements Clear brand Defined ICP Articulated value Credibility to support the claim Debunking "overnight success" Success is cumulative Built on years of unseen experience Agency life + Google made entrepreneurship possible Sales as a universal survival skill Especially now Crowded markets Economic uncertainty Increased competition Sales isn't manipulation It's how value moves through the world Avoiding the unpersuadable Find people who already want what you offer Make it easier for them to say yes For those who "don't want to sell" Either learn it Or intentionally outsource it But you can't pretend it doesn't exist The vision board and the decision to leap December 18, 2023 45th birthday Chosen as a forcing function Purpose of the date Accountability, not destiny A moment to decide: stay or go Milestones on the back Coaching certification Experience thresholds Personal readiness Listening to the inner signal The repeated message: "It's time" The bridge was already built Skills stacked Experience earned Risk understood Stepping forward without full certainty You never know what's on the other side You only learn once you cross and look around Decision-making and vision boards Avoid forcing yourself to meet arbitrary deadlines Even if a date is set for accountability (e.g., a 45th birthday milestone), the real question is: When am I ready to act? Sometimes waiting isn't necessary; acting sooner can make sense Boundaries tie directly into these decisions They help you align personal priorities with professional moves Recognizing what matters most guides the "when" and "how" of major transitions Boundaries in the leap from corporate to entrepreneurship Biggest boundary: family and presence with children Managing a global team meant constant connectivity and messages across time zones Transitioning to your own business allowed more control over work hours, clients, and priorities The pro/con framework reinforced the choice Written lists can clarify trade-offs For this example, the deciding factor was: "They get their dad back" Boundaries in entrepreneurship are intertwined with opportunity More freedom comes with more responsibility You can choose your hours, clients, and areas of focus—but still must deliver results Preparing children for a rapidly changing world Skill priorities extend beyond AI and automation Technology literacy is essential, but kids will likely adapt faster than adults Focus on human skills Building networks Establishing credibility Navigating relationships and complex decisions Sales-related skills apply Curiosity, empathy, observation, and problem-solving help them adapt to change These skills are timeless, even as roles and tools evolve Human skills in an AI-driven world AI is additive, not replacement Leverage AI to complement work, not fear it Understand what AI does well and where human judgment is irreplaceable Coaching and other human-centered skills remain critical Lived experience, storytelling, and nuanced judgment cannot be fully replaced by AI Technology enables scale but doesn't replace complex human insight The SNAFU Conference embodies this principle Brings humans together to share experiences and learn Demonstrates that face-to-face interaction, stories, and mutual learning remain valuable Advice for coaches learning to sell Coaches already possess critical sales skills Curiosity, active listening, presence, problem identification, co-creating solutions These skills, when applied to sales, still fall within a helping profession Key approach Use your coaching skills to generate business ethically Reframe sales as an extension of support, not self-interest For salespeople Learn coaching skills to improve customer conversations Coaching strengthens empathy, listening, and problem-solving abilities, all core to effective selling Book and resource recommendations Non-classical sales books Setting the Table by Danny Meyer → emphasizes culture and service as a form of sales Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara → creating value through care for people Coaching-focused books Self as Coach, Self as Leader by Pam McLean Resources from the Hudson Institute of Coaching Gap in sales literature Few resources fully integrate coaching with sales Potential upcoming book: The Power of Coaching and Sales
In 2026, Dr. Smith encourages embracing change and turning a corner in one's identity, aligning with the church's four pillars of becoming. He emphasizes that Christians must shed old ways to grow, answering God's call to "arise." "Arise" signifies transformation, action, and wholehearted commitment, not a task to postpone. It is illustrated in Ephesians 5:14-17, urging believers to awaken from spiritual death. Referencing the Old Testament, "arise" is linked to "establish," denoting God's permanent covenant. God's commands disrupt lives, requiring boldness and faith. Dr. Smith cites Jonah and Jeremiah, highlighting the need for immediate, obedient responses to God's call. Ultimately, "arise" invites believers to fully embrace God's will, disrupting comfort zones and leading to profound personal and spiritual growth.
In 2026, Dr. Smith encourages embracing change and turning a corner in one's identity, aligning with the church's four pillars of becoming. He emphasizes that Christians must shed old ways to grow, answering God's call to "arise." "Arise" signifies transformation, action, and wholehearted commitment, not a task to postpone. It is illustrated in Ephesians 5:14-17, urging believers to awaken from spiritual death. Referencing the Old Testament, "arise" is linked to "establish," denoting God's permanent covenant. God's commands disrupt lives, requiring boldness and faith. Dr. Smith cites Jonah and Jeremiah, highlighting the need for immediate, obedient responses to God's call. Ultimately, "arise" invites believers to fully embrace God's will, disrupting comfort zones and leading to profound personal and spiritual growth.
Marta Havryshko, a historian specializing in Holocaust Pedagogy and Antisemitism Studies at the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, examines Ukraine's ethno-nationalist legacy and its anti-Semitic past. She highlights instances of anti-Jewish violence and pogroms, noting that many Ukrainians, including prisoners of war, collaborated with German auxiliary units during World War II, particularly in the formation of a Ukrainian SS battalion within the Waffen-SS. Havryshko points out a significant gap in the national memory of Ukraine, where the suffering of Jewish individuals is acknowledged only superficially, while Ukrainian involvement in pogroms remains largely unrecognized. She critiques the portrayal of Ukrainian nationalist heroes—freedom fighters who often engaged in ethnic cleansing—as central figures in history, with their narrative overshadowing the suffering they inflicted on others, thus creating a hierarchy of suffering in the retelling of Ukraine's past. Havryshko traces the revival of historical celebrations of ethno-nationalists, such as Stepan Bandera, while noting the reluctance of contemporary Ukrainian leaders to confront the existence of neo-Nazi elements within the military. Referencing her research on the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, Havryshko discusses how Ukraine's neo-Nazi groups have historically found support in the West, largely due to their value as intelligence sources during the Cold War, despite being specifically labeled as “fascists” and “murderers” in CIA reports. Similarly today, Havryshko notes how the mythology of the Ukraine hero continues within the current war with Russia, as the stories of the sexual violence perpetrated by Ukraine forces are elided, not least because the victims of sexual violence in this conflict are primarily men and boys. Get full access to Savage Minds at savageminds.substack.com/subscribe
As a new year begins, many families feel the pressure to "set goals" and hope this year will be different. But should we really be focusing on goals at all? In this episode of Focused Healthy Family, Gina and Don take a thoughtful look at the New Year mindset and ask an important question: Are goals setting us up for success—or disappointment? Referencing research shared by Psychology Today, they discuss why nearly 92% of goals are never achieved, and what actually gets in the way for most people. The conversation explores the differences between goals, intentions, and decisions, and why the language we use matters—especially for caregivers, families, and anyone already carrying a full emotional load. Gina and Don break down how intentions can create flexibility, how decisions can create clarity, and how shifting your approach can lead to more peace and follow-through throughout the year. Whether you're caring for aging loved ones, managing family responsibilities, or simply wanting a healthier mindset moving into the new year, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a more compassionate way to move forward—without the guilt of "failed" resolutions. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/optimizing-success/202412/92-percent-of-people-never-achieve-their-goals #FocusedHealthyFamily #NewYearMindset #IntentionalLiving #GoalsVsIntentions #HealthyFamilies #CaregiverSupport #FamilyWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #NewYearReflection #LifeTransitions #PsychologyToday #StressLessLiveMore
In this episode, Dr. John Patrick contrasts Christianity and Islam on questions of trust, sacrificial love, and moral consequence, highlighting the centrality of the cross in shaping Western civilization. Referencing thinkers such as Tristan Harris, John Lennox, and Tom Holland, Dr. Patrick warns that a society without metaphysics without an understanding of truth, holiness, and moral accountability cannot sustain justice, trust, or human dignity. // LINKS // Website: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/ Podcast: https://doctorjohnpatrick.podbean.com/ Biblical Literate Quiz: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/meaning-metaphor-and-allusion/ Recommended Reading list: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/book-list/ Ask Doctor John: https://www.johnpatrick.ca/ask/ LINKS: https://beacons.ai/doctorjohnpatrick
In this segment, Marc Malusis fields a call from "Angel in the Bronx," who expresses deep concern over the New York Jets' history of "throwing rookies to the wolves" too early. Referencing the failed tenures of Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson, the discussion shifts to the potential 2026 top prospect Fernando Mendoza (the recent Indiana Heisman winner). Malusis argues that while the Jets often rush development to spark a "maturation process," the success of a quarterback depends more on the individual player's scouting and the team's internal pressure to win immediately.
In this special episode of the CineD FocusCheck Podcast, host Nino welcomes back filmmaker, educator, and author Tal Lazar for a wide-ranging conversation about what cinematography really is — and what it needs to become in an age of rapidly evolving technology. Tal's new book, Cinematography: Beyond Technique, challenges a long-standing assumption in filmmaking: that mastering cameras, lenses, and lighting is enough. Drawing on over 15 years of teaching at institutions such as AFI, Sundance, and FilmLab, Tal argues that cinematography lives in the space between intention and execution — not in technology itself. Together, Nino and Tal explore: Why great images don't automatically make great films How directors and cinematographers often talk past each other on set What blocking rehearsals reveal about hidden gaps in film education Why lenses, lighting, and framing are storytelling tools — not technical checklists And how AI forces filmmakers to re-examine creative intention, not just workflow The conversation also tackles one of today's most controversial topics: AI in filmmaking. Referencing recent statements by Roger Deakins and drawing parallels to the Canon 5D revolution, Tal explains why resisting new tools outright is rarely productive — but why giving up creative intention is far more dangerous. This episode is not about choosing sides between “traditional” and “modern” filmmaking. It's about understanding the language of images deeply enough to make deliberate, meaningful choices — regardless of the tools involved. Whether you're a director, cinematographer, producer, or educator, this episode offers a thoughtful, practical perspective on collaboration, visual storytelling, and the future of the craft. Chapters and Articles in This Episode (00:00:57) – Welcome & Introduction Nino welcomes viewers to the special episode and introduces Tal Lazar and the topic of his new book. (00:02:06) – Tal Lazar, Cinematography Beyond Technique & Teaching Background Tal's background as a filmmaker and educator and how the book grew out of 15 years of teaching. (00:05:35) – Visual Storytelling, “The Reading,” and Cinematic Intention Using painting and visual examples to explain how audiences identify story and main characters. (00:09:02) – What Makes a Great Cinematographer Technical skill, clarity of intention, communication, and common misunderstandings on set. (00:14:13) – Directors, DPs, and Collaboration on Set Blocking rehearsals, overlapping responsibilities, and why collaboration improves films. (00:20:45) – How Directors and Cinematographers Should Communicate What productive creative conversations sound like versus ineffective ones. (00:25:31) – Lighting and Lenses as Storytelling Tools Lighting as observation and language; lenses, perspective, intimacy, and emotional distance. (00:38:19) – AI, Roger Deakins, and Creative Intention AI as a tool versus a threat, and what reactions reveal about how cinematography is understood. (00:49:45) – Lessons from the Canon 5D Era & the Future of AI Parallels between past camera revolutions and today's AI-driven changes. (01:13:51) – Practical Advice & Key Takeaways How filmmakers should embrace technology without sacrificing intention; final thoughts and wrap-up. We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com
Sermon Summary Title: Fall on Your Knees Speaker: Nick Lugg Context: A Christmas message exploring the true cost and response required by the coming of Jesus. Overview: In this message, Nick Lugg challenges the congregation to move past the sentimental traditions of Christmas and confront the reality of who Jesus is. Referencing the line "Fall on your knees" from O Holy Night, the sermon asks a central question: "What is Jesus worth to you?" Key Themes: Response is Mandatory: Just like the Shepherds, Wise Men, and King Herod, no one can remain neutral to Jesus. His presence demands a response—either worship or resistance. Worship as Surrender: True worship isn't just singing songs; it is a life posture of "falling on your knees." Nick uses the imagery of the 24 Elders in Revelation casting down their crowns to illustrate surrendering our status, identity, and security to God. Jesus is Central, Not an Add-on: The sermon warns against treating Jesus like an "interior decorator" who just enhances our existing lives. Instead, He often comes as a "wrecking ball," dismantling our wrong priorities to rebuild us on a better foundation. The Call to Re-evaluate: Listeners are urged to identify what "crowns" they are holding onto—career, reputation, comfort, or sin—and to determine if those things are worth more to them than Jesus. Audio Transcript [00:00] Nick Lugg: Good morning. Congregation: Good morning. Nick Lugg: Happy Christmas. Not quite there. We, um... Oh look, it's there. Because it's Christmas we are going to do PowerPoint. Now, this is not my primary skill set, so it's a bit like rubbing your stomach, patting your head, and standing on a beach ball all at the same time. So I'm hoping to remember to press the button at the right time. [00:26] Our prayer and our desire all the time—and always has been every Christmas—is to enjoy the Christmas season, to enjoy the atmosphere, to enjoy all that Christmas is to us. But at the same time, by God's grace, crack it open and get to the reality of what God is wanting to say to us each and every time. We can't be reduced to people that just do traditions. That just do, um, repeat—you know, we just get on rinse and repeat every year. Same thing: bring out the same songs, do the same things, go through the same motions. Because God has always got something fresh to say to us. [01:05] And that's why we've had this mini-series over Christmas where we've, uh... the eagle-eyed amongst you will know that it's been related to the carol O Holy Night. The first one—I think they were slightly in the wrong order, but it doesn't matter because we've got grace—but the first one Johnny spoke was "A weary world rejoices." And then I think Andy, uh, last week was speaking on "The thrill of hope." [01:32] And it's just those... just those lines have so much relevance and so much resonance for us in the world that we live in and the lives that we are leading. A weary world rejoices. But yet, and behind everything that we seek to do as a church, and everything we seek to begin, is to bring that thrill of hope. But as the curtains open, and as heaven is drawn back, and as we begin to see all that is going on behind Christmas, there is also the response, which is: Fall on your knees. [02:07] And the question this morning: What is Jesus worth to you? What is Jesus worth to me? That if we don't come out of Christmas with a greater sense... You know, we've sung these majestic carols—Adore, come let us adore, let's worship Him, and all the other lines that I've forgotten. You know, they—but they are majestic, honestly. But... you know, we adore Him. But if we don't actually adore Him, if we don't actually wrestle with the question: What does, therefore, it mean that He's worth to me? How does His coming—Christmas, the coming of Christ—how does His coming impact my life? How does it change the shape and the way that I think and the way that I act and the way that I live this life that He's given me? [02:54] What is Jesus worth to me? Oh look... [clicks clicker]. So the real story of Christmas, we say it every year, it's not sentimental, is it? But it's one of humility. Anonymity. Struggle. And the telling and the retelling of the story of Mary and Joseph and all that they went through doesn't really ever quite connect and communicate what it must have been like for them to experience what they experienced. [03:22] There was pain. Discomfort. Fear. Anxiety, no doubt. Stress. Uncertainty. Tears. Maybe there were short tempers. There were... there were all sorts of things going on that we would instantly relate to, and yet we don't see on the Christmas cards. But it's into that world, not the Christmas card world, that Jesus came. Jesus came to our world. We might think, "Well, it was all right, you know, Christmas was just so lovely and everything was just so beautiful and there was like shining tinsel and angels and shepherds and it's all so peaceful and everything else on the Christmas cards." But what about us? What about Sheffield? What about Jordanthorpe, Batemoor? What about where I live? What about my background? What about my world? Jesus came into that world. [04:15] And everyone who encountered Jesus had to respond. And the question for us today is the same. As we ask "What is Jesus worth to me?", how do I respond to Him? How do I respond to the fact that He has come? Not just come to the world, not just come to all people—He's come into my life. How do I respond, therefore, to this majestic appearance? [04:42] He's the Son of God. [Struggles with clicker] Is that the one? This is where it all goes wrong, you see. Anyway, it don't matter... [Adjusts slides]. He comes on the margins of society. He's ignored by society. He's unnoticed by society. He's born away from comfort and privilege. The Bible tells us in Philippians that He, though being in very nature God, He didn't consider equality with God something to be grasped, but He came down, took on the very nature of a servant. He took the opposite of what we would think somebody of His power and authority had. [05:22] I was... saw an article or a video report about Air Force One—the President of the United States' plane. You know how when it flies around, all the preparations and all the protection that it has, you know, fighter jet escorts and all of that. None of that for Jesus. But even as a baby, before He ever taught anything, before He said anything—He just cried like babies do—before He healed anyone, before He performed a miracle, He provoked profound responses. [05:54] You know, the first miracle we read about was when He turned water into wine at a wedding. He was an adult. But before all of that, the story of Christmas is about the responses that people made to who He was. Not what He did. Who He is is what makes a difference in our lives and causes us to respond. [06:14] And so we have the Shepherds. Ordinary people. Caught in their routines. But shaken awake by God to say: "Good news of great joy for all the earth, a Savior is born." Pointing the way to Him. And so they got up from their routine, they got up from their humdrum existence, and they left everything to go and see Him, to go and worship Him. [06:37] The Wise Men. Men of influence and education. They were willing to travel hundreds of miles and bring costly gifts because He was worth it. That's not an easy thing to do. It's not easy to travel. You might think it's easy... you know, even traveling these days, going to Zambia or going to Nepal, it's a... it's a consideration. Even just sitting still doing nothing on a plane. Let alone getting on a camel and going hundreds and hundreds of miles. But they considered that they needed to respond to what they had heard and what they had seen. [07:11] There was King Herod. He was a king with wealth and power and influence and all the things that the world could give him. And yet he saw Jesus as a threat and said He's worth eliminating. He wanted... he responded to Jesus. There's no neutrality. One baby, three responses, but everyone responds. There is no neutrality when it comes to Jesus. When He comes into our world, there is no neutrality for us today. When He comes into... we have to respond. We have to ask: What does His coming demand of me? What is He worth to me? What do I do... what do I do about His coming? [07:51] Jesus demands a response. His very presence draws a response from our hearts. Or it should do. Because there is no neutral. No matter how much we want to live in neutral gear. No matter how much we want to be observers and spectators of all of this and just say, "Oh well, you know, we'll see how it goes." Jesus demands a response. And His very presence forces a collision with our priorities. He comes into our hearts. [08:19] I remember that experience. I've given my testimony before, but I remember how I was like a spectator. I was somebody who was beginning to think, when I was 17 years old, and thinking, "Oh yeah, I think I believe in Jesus. I think He's real. I think..." and I went through all of that process for a year. But at that moment that I asked Him to come into my life—BANG—there was that explosion. Things happened. Everything changed shape in my life, in my priorities, in my understanding, in the values. All of that had to be reassessed. [08:50] When Jesus comes into our world, everything has to be reassessed. When He steps into someone's world... when He steps into your world... you cannot carry on as before. I cannot carry on just as before. Everything that we hold dear. Everything that we love. Everything that shapes our identity, that makes us say, "Well this is who I am." Jesus confronts it. He collides with it. Causes it to change shape permanently and forever. [09:20] Not just an emotional moment where we just say, "Oh I think I believe in Jesus now." But actually He physically comes... and He comes into our hearts, He changes the shape of everything from the inside out. Everything that commands our time, our energy, our attention has to be reassessed in the light of Jesus coming. All of it challenged by that one question: Is it worth more to me than Jesus? [09:44] I remember when I was on a mission trip one time in Russia—in the old Soviet Union actually, I can say it now, we had to keep it secret in those days. But, um, we went and there was somebody that was really taken with the Gospel message and they were listening to it all. And they were saying to the person who was sharing with them, they said, "But if I become a Christian though, do I have to... do I have to stop smoking?" And the person was like getting into a bit of a twist, you know, "Oh well, you know, God understands us and God doesn't judge..." and trying to explain it all. [10:14] And then there was this evangelist guy that was with us who was much more to the point. He just came in and said, "Yes. You do." He said, "And if you ask me if I believe in Jesus, do I have to stop wearing blue jeans? I tell you: Yes, you do." He said, "Because it's not about the smoking, it's not about the blue jeans, it's not about the whatever. But the very fact that you're asking that question means that there is a confrontation with what you want. With what you hold dear. Is it worth more to you than Jesus? Give it up! Change it! Change shape!" That's what happened at Christmas. Jesus came into our lives. And so those little questions that come in the light of Jesus... they should become irrelevant. "Can I still do this? Can I still do that?" Why are you asking those questions? Jesus is worth more than all of it. [10:59] And so we have to reassess our priorities. That's what happened at Christmas. So the Shepherds left their livelihood. They left... presumably they left the sheep... couldn't have taken all the sheep to see Jesus, could they? The Wise Men gave their treasure. Herod protected his throne. And we do the same. When Jesus comes, we have to respond. Either we worship, or we resist. There is no neutrality. [11:27] Worship is more than a song. "For a song in itself is not what you have required." And the rest of it. It's not just what happens on a Sunday, is it? We enjoy it. We enjoy the worship. We enjoy our singing. But we call it "worship," we label it "worship," and yet there is so much more to worship. Worship is not an event. Worship is not 30 minutes. Worship is a life posture. It's a life position. It's a life decision that says: "Come what may, Jesus, you are worth it. You are worth my life. You are worth everything I have, everything I can give you." [12:02] I remember a friend of mine who was on mission in India, and he took a team to India. And these sort of young, enthusiastic people that were there, and they encountered a church that was quite different to the type of lively, charismatic church they were involved in. And yet this church was full of people that had been imprisoned for their faith, had been beaten up for their faith, had been through all sorts of struggle. And this bright-eyed young evangelist person said to the guy who was leading the team, he said, "They don't seem to know much about worship, do they?" [12:35] And he said, "Well, it depends what you mean by worship. If you mean music and singing and songs, then maybe they don't know... you know, all of that. But there's an awful lot that they do know about giving their entire life for Jesus and saying: You are worth everything that I can give you." Worship says you are more than anything else in my life. The old carol says: "What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet what can I give Him? Give Him my heart." [13:12] So there isn't anything we can give that impresses Jesus. There isn't anything that He says, "Oh, I think I quite like..."—whether it's our blue jeans or our cigarettes or whatever. It's not about what we give up in that sense. But what we give Him. We give Him our trust. We give Him our obedience. We give Him our love. We give Him our hearts. And that is a whole life thing. That's something that brings a change from the start, and it goes through year after year after year. It's where Christianity is not a flash in the pan. It's not something that we do for a season and then we move on to something else. It's that if truly Jesus has come into our hearts, things have changed. Our priorities have changed. Our vision has changed. Our values have changed. Everything changes and it can't change back. [13:58] But our hearts are shaped, aren't they, by our culture. By comfort. By self-protection. And so we're tempted to use Jesus as an add-on. As a "life enhancer." Someone who fits in with our lives. Instead of someone who rearranges our lives. We treat Him a bit like an interior decorator. Comes in and, you know, tells us what color curtains to have and how to enhance the arrangement of our furniture to give us the best energy and all of that sort of thing. And yet, when He turns up with His hard hat on and a crane with a wrecking ball to come and knock the whole thing down, we don't like that. [14:38] His arrival demands more. And so the only response that we can give Him is to fall on our knees. One day in eternity, scripture says, the 24 Elders fall down and worship. They lay their crowns before the throne. They lay their crowns. In many translations, they take their crowns and they cast them. They throw them. They throw them down at the feet of Jesus. Why do they do that? Why the crowns? Because the crown is a symbol. The crown is a symbol of their identity. Their status. Their achievements. Their authority. Whatever gives their life value in the eyes of others. [15:20] We love it, don't we? Medals and gongs and crowns and uniforms and achievements and things that we can say about who we are and what we've done and what we've achieved. All of that constitutes our crown. And yet when they were in the presence of Jesus, they fell down and worshipped and they lay their crowns before the throne. Say: "Everything that I am, Lord God... have it. Whatever I think I am, You take it, Lord. Because it's... YOU are worth more than that." [15:52] Fall down on your knees. Nothing I have. Nothing I achieve. Nothing that defines me comes close to the value of Jesus. And that's what falling on our knees means. So we let Him question what we hold onto. We let Him reorder what we value. Rather than let's have a discussion about it—"Lord, I think, you know, do a trade, do a deal. Maybe I can keep some of this... you can have this, but I'll have that." It's a complete, radical reorganization, reordering of everything that is valuable to us. [16:26] There are things that define our lives wrongly. Things that we would say about ourselves if somebody asked us, "Well this is what I am. This is why I am like I am. This is what has made me to be like I am." And we settle into that because we think, "Well, this is me. This is just how I am made. This is how I am wired." What if Jesus comes in and dismantles the things that wrongly define us? What if He wants to reshape and rebuild and change our outlook and change our vision of ourselves and change our vision of others and change our vision of the world? He can do that. And He does that as He comes into our hearts. [17:03] Let Him replace our plans with His purposes. What is it that You want, Lord, in my life? What is it that You want in our life? What is it that You want for us as a church? Jesus. Because You are worth it. Whatever we think that we might be or we might achieve or we might... what status we might have... we lay it all before Jesus and say we fall on our knees before You, Lord. Have Your way among us. Fill us, God, with Your Spirit. Not only just to give us an experience that blesses us, but an experience that changes us from the inside out. That reshapes us. That demolishes us and rebuilds us. [17:42] Let Him confront our comforts. The things that give us security. The things that we hold onto. All of those things. Like I said, He's not an interior decorator. Someone making suggestions to make life better. But our worship says: "Do whatever You need to do, Lord, because I am Yours." [18:02] And so, as we fall on our knees, we re-evaluate what we treasure. Ask yourself a question: What in my life currently holds a higher value than Jesus? It's a tough question. And it's not coming from the pulpit saying "Ask yourself!"—pointing back at me—ask yourself. There's so much that takes place in our lives, so much that is established in our lives that is... takes the place of Jesus. So re-evaluate what we treasure. Our comfort. Our time. Our reputation. Our resources. A career. Relationship. Control. A painful identity I don't want to let go of. A sin that I cling to. [18:50] All of that can form a crown. That Jesus demands a response. That we know that we are holding onto those things, but when we come into His presence, we know there has to be a response. There is no neutrality. There's no "Oh, well I think I'll take it or leave it" or "I think I'll wait until next month and see how I feel then." No. When we meet Jesus, there has to be that change. There has to be that response. There has to be that worship. [19:14] And so, take one thing today that has become a crown you hold tightly and consciously place it before Jesus. What is it in your life this morning that you know... Ask God to reveal to you, to show you, what is it that you hold that you can actually... that you need to throw before Him? You need to surrender it. And tell Him: "Jesus, You are worth more than this. All my life I've held onto this thing. All my life this has defined me. All my life this has been the one thing that I don't want to let go of. But Jesus, You are worth more than all of that. And I lay it before You today." There's an opportunity today to lay these things before the feet of Jesus. [19:54] Secondly, reorient our priorities around Him. What are our priorities in life? Does our lifestyle reflect the value of Jesus? The one we adore? The one we sing about? What about the application of that worship? Do we adore Him so much so that our decisions honor Him? Our schedule and our priorities reflect His importance? Our giving, our serving, our obedience demonstrate that He is worth it? Not only to Him, but to anybody that looks at our lives, they say, "No, this person values Jesus more than anything." [20:30] Does our worship cost us anything? Or is it just convenient? Those who responded to Jesus right back at the beginning, in the beginning of the Christmas story—their worship cost them. It took something out of them. It tired them. It stressed them. It pained them. But it was worth it because they were coming to Jesus. [20:53] And so think about an area of life where Jesus has been an add-on. Where we've just invited Him and said, "I like the fact that You're in my life, Jesus, and perhaps You can help me. Give me a little bit of power here and there just to help me through a few things, over a few humps. But don't get too much involved. Don't get too nosey into what's going on. Because I think... I think You know Your place, Jesus." Is He an add-on? Or is He central? [21:18] That's the challenge as we go forward. Not about "Can we raise enough money for 146?" or "Can we, you know, what do we do about this or that?" What's the practical things to do with the growth of a church? It's about as we grow as a community, will we actually have Him in the center of everything that we are and everything that we do? Will He be our first and our last thought in every decision that we make? How does this honor Him? How does this reflect His worth? How does this reflect His value? Because then the church will grow with people that will also know that Jesus is the priority. Jesus is the center. Jesus is the focus. [21:55] And thirdly, reopen our heart to encounter Him. Some of these questions can be at the first stage of our faith... you know, "What's Jesus worth?" But in actual fact, you can have that radical encounter with Jesus, you can have that moment where you know that you've given your all to Him... but five years, ten years, fifteen years down the line, things can look different. You can get jaded. You can get settled into "routine Christianity." Familiar. Predictable. Safe. Christmas is familiar, predictable, safe. But Jesus is coming. Jesus comes into our lives and challenges our priorities. [22:38] And so He's calling us to meet Him again. And for those of us that have become dulled and routine and predictable and safe, there is still that call from Jesus to say: Will you actually reorient? Will you actually re-evaluate? Will you actually reopen your heart to encounter me again? Not emotionally or artificially, but deeply. Pray: "Lord, show me Your worth again. Disrupt me if You must. Call me out of my routine and lead me back to worship." [23:09] And so there's a challenge. Will you worship Him now—today, this morning—and will you worship Him forever? Because it's not sentiment, it's transformation. Christmas is sentimental. It pulls at our emotions. It pulls at our nostalgia. If you ever spend any time on Instagram, these videos come up of what it used to be like in the 80s... I know some of you are thinking "What's the 80s?" But they were good. Christmas was good. It was sentimental and it was emotional and you've got all sorts of childhood memories from there. Probably go a little bit back before the 80s as well, but we won't go there. [23:49] But Christmas is sentimental. But Jesus is transformational. The coming of Jesus transforms. He didn't come to give us sentiment. He didn't come to give us emotion. He's not Father Christmas. But He did come to change everything. And so when the Shepherds saw Him, they ran to Him. When the Wise Men saw His worth, they knelt before Him. When the Elders see His worth, they throw their crowns down in front of Him. And when we see Him, what do we do? Fall on our knees. [24:26] And so today the question isn't simply "Do you believe in Jesus?", but "What is He worth to you?" Will you worship Him not just now, but forever? Will you lay your crown before Him? Will you allow His presence to rearrange your life? Reshape you. Not just now, but forever. For the rest of your life. And into eternity. That Jesus will be worth it. What a terrible thing to just touch the surface of what it means to know Jesus and then arrive in eternity and think, "Oh, that's what it was all about." That we would know Jesus now. This Christmas, may we truly see Him. And when we see Him, fall on our knees. Amen. [25:12] Nick Lugg: Jonathan, are you there? Oh, you're there. The worship team can come back, please.
Presidential Power and Independent Agency Dismissals: Colleague Richard Epstein discusses current Supreme Court arguments regarding presidential power to fire independent board members, referencing actions by both Trump and Biden, critiquing the politicization of agencies like the FTC under Lina Khan and warning that unchecked executive authority to dismiss advisory boards undermines necessary checks and balances. 1868 JULES VERNE
3AW Drive host Jacqui Felgate has pondered one question after seeing photos of the car.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode Artie & Robert Draw on the work of Dr. Pierre Barbet, author of A Doctor at Calvary, and the findings of the Shroud of Turin Research project (STURP), we examine what the Shroud reveals about the physical reality of Christ's Passion. Referencing the Gospels in step with Science, it becomes clearer and […] L'articolo E3 | Seek My Face – His Sweat Became Like Drops of Blood – Artie Nolan & Robert Freese proviene da Radio Maria.
Most children start out self-centered, but generosity is a vital character trait we must intentionally cultivate. Referencing the idea of "audacious generosity," Dr. Roger Smith explains that this concept goes beyond just sharing money—it includes being generous with time, kind words, and possessions. Learn how to model and practice generosity, even with abstract concepts like "sharing," by focusing on taking turns and dividing resources. Dr. Smith encourages praising every effort your child makes to consider another's needs, transforming a self-focused mindset into one that makes the world a better place. Visit me at: https://rogersmithmd.com/ This has been a production of ThePodcastUpload.com
In this week's Flagship Flashback episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast from ten years ago (11-17-2015), PWTorch editor Wade Keller was joined by Jason Powell from ProWrestling.net to discuss the life and career of AWA great Nick Bockwinkel, the previous night's Raw, Charlotte referencing Reid Flair, Survivor Series, plus much more.Then in the previously VIP-exclusive Aftershow, they answered email questions including Goldberg-TNA, ROH's new TV deal and roster instability, Finn Balor, Survivor Series, female referees, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-podcast--3076978/support.
In this “Teabag” episode of Tea with Dr. D, host James Q. Del Rosso, DO, tackles questions submitted by dermatology clinicians across the country, offering evidence-based insights across several challenging clinical topics. Dr Del Rosso begins with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), highlighting the importance of recognizing comorbidities and lifestyle factors that contribute to disease onset and progression, including smoking and elevated body mass index. He advises a phased management approach: prioritizing symptom control and patient comfort before introducing discussions about weight loss or smoking cessation. Depression, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease are also important comorbidities to address over time. On initiating biologic therapy for HS, he explains the 3 pathologic phases, inflammatory, destructive, and burnout, and emphasizes that biologics such as adalimumab, secukinumab, or bimekizumab should be started early, in the inflammatory phase, to prevent irreversible scarring and sinus tract formation. He also shares procedural pearls, including the use of high-dose intralesional triamcinolone, incision and drainage, and deroofing for focal or persistent lesions. The discussion then shifts to photodynamic therapy (PDT) for nonmelanoma skin cancers. Referencing a study by Schlesinger et al, Dr Del Rosso reviews the efficacy of red-light PDT with 10% aminolevulinic acid gel for superficial BCC, highlighting improved clearance rates and favorable cosmetic outcomes over vehicle. Finally, Dr Del Rosso reviews new insights into topical nonsteroidal options for lichen planus, including off-label use of roflumilast and ruxolitinib creams. Both agents, with mechanisms targeting PDE4 and JAK pathways, respectively, have demonstrated reductions in inflammation and pruritus in some reports. Tune in for a concise, high-yield discussion featuring Dr Del Rosso's practical guidance and clinical pearls for today's dermatology practice.
After England blitzed their qualification to the World Cup, Rio analyses how Thomas Tuchel is building his squad and momentum ahead of the tournament.The conundrum around the embarrassment of riches in the number 10 position has been a problem that previous manager Gareth Southgate struggled to solve - so Rio lays out how he would set up the team and reserves special praise for captain Harry Kane.Referencing his time with England as a player, Rio praises Tuchel's tactical clarity and admits that the so-called ‘Golden Generation' would have appreciate how clearly the German is approaching his selection.Are Portugal better without Cristiano Ronaldo? That's a question that Joel asks Rio who discusses how Roberto Martinez should deal with any potentially tricky narratives after Ronaldo looks set to miss the first two games of the tournament through suspension. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
By Lewis Vanausdle - This sermon focuses on the theme of blessings, particularly as described in the Bible. Referencing 1 Peter 4:12, the speaker reminds us that trials and hardships are a normal part of life for believers, but God provides hope and glimmers of positivity even in difficult times. It emphasizes the
House Democrats release new Epstein emails that mention Trump, singer Tish Hyman clashes with politician over trans access to women's spaces, cops shoot food influencer to death after threats, and Akon gets arrested on a warrant in Georgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Conservative Politics and Extremism; The Structural Problems of the BBC. Joseph Sternberg argues that mainstream conservatives must accommodate legitimate right-wing concerns (like immigration) to squeeze out extremists, referencing the German CDU/CSU's successful historical tactic against neo-Nazis. He analyzes the widespread BBC scandal, noting its huge cultural influence in the UK, where it is funded by a mandatory license fee. The deliberate editing of the US President's remarks and allegations of tendentious coverage of the Israel/Gaza war point to a deep, structural problem within the organization. 1907 WAR OF THE WORLDS
Conservative Politics and Extremism; The Structural Problems of the BBC. Joseph Sternberg argues that mainstream conservatives must accommodate legitimate right-wing concerns (like immigration) to squeeze out extremists, referencing the German CDU/CSU's successful historical tactic against neo-Nazis. He analyzes the widespread BBC scandal, noting its huge cultural influence in the UK, where it is funded by a mandatory license fee. The deliberate editing of the US President's remarks and allegations of tendentious coverage of the Israel/Gaza war point to a deep, structural problem within the organization.
It's often said that for e-commerce brands, the holiday season is the 5th quarter of the year. Sue Azari, e-commerce industry lead at AppsFlyer, joins Taylor Lobdell for a tactical breakdown of how the smartest e-commerce apps move from Q4 user acquisition to Q5 retention and remarketing. From UK and EMEA trends to global shifts in spend, Sue details why remarketing spend surges fivefold at the end of the year, how loyalty and personalization schemes actually drive a second purchase, and what makes non-organic installs disproportionately valuable for real app revenue. Referencing real examples from brands like Zara, H&M, Temu, and Shein, Sue lays out the structural shifts, practical tactics, and emerging risks facing every marketer trying to build durable, app-based revenue in a volatile global market.Key topics and questionsThe in-house consultant role at AppsFlyer and its cross-functional focusHow the UK's mature e-commerce market shapes global strategiesWhy Q5 matters, and how its install/revenue spike emergedWhen and why remarketing eclipses UA spendTactics for turning a Q4 buyer into a repeat customer in Q5Personalization, loyalty, and exclusive drops to drive frequencyUGC, influencer content, and AI tools for creative ideationWhat e-commerce needs to steal from gaming's diversified media mixWhy DSPs and Reddit remain underused in e-commercePaid–organic uplift: why half of installs deliver three-quarters of revenueHow to respond to high December CPMs and new market entrantsThe 70-20-10 rule for channel testingGlobal UA patterns: Android vs iOS, tariffs, rapid spend reallocationQR codes, in-store modes, and the app as a bridge to physical retailSegmentation: why abandon basket and uninstalled users matter mostStaying current in a market defined by privacy shifts and macro volatilityTimestamps(0:03) – Intro, Sue's cross-functional role and background(1:11) – UK and EMEA, market maturity, lessons, and cross-region strategy(2:52) – Defining Q5, why end-of-year cycles matter for apps and travel(4:10) – Black Friday: remarketing spend is five times UA at peak(5:03) – Tactics: loyalty, personalization, and getting to the second purchase(6:12) – Creative best practices, UGC, influencers, and new AI tools(7:02) – Diversifying media, DSPs, app-to-app installs, and what e-commerce misses(7:55) – Community and AI as emerging channels(9:13) – Paid–organic uplift, nearly three-quarters of revenue is non-organic(10:38) – Coping with high CPMs, moving spend, leaning on owned media(11:43) – Testing new channels; the 70-20-10 rule for risk(13:47) – Regional differences in UA: China, tariffs, and aggressive spend moves(17:00) – How Sue tracks trends, privacy changes, and new industry moves(17:32) – Temu/Shein: billion-dollar UA, loyalty pivots, and physical store expansions(19:42) – QR codes, attribution, and bridging digital and physical with apps(20:51) – Retargeting segments: abandon basket and uninstalled users(21:46) – Lightning round: favorite channels, brands, tactics, and London recommendationsSelected quotes(4:13) – “When we look at spend, remarketing spend is five times that of UA for e-commerce apps during the end of Q4.”(10:06) – “Nearly three quarters of purchase revenue comes from non-organic sources. Users are much more likely to buy something if they've been driven to the app by a particular marketing campaign.”(21:01) – “Abandoned baskets are my primary focus for remarketing, because 70% of users who install an e-commerce app will abandon their basket. The other one that I think is not as commonly done, but I think it's very valuable, is remarketing to uninstalled users.”Mentioned in this episodeAppsFlyerSue Azari on Linkedin
This powerful sermon on James 2:14-26, "Faith and Deeds," provides a call to active discipleship. Pastor Abby challenges us to understand that true faith is not simply a belief or profession, but one that is proven through practical action. Referencing the biblical examples of Abraham and Rahab, she underscores James' teaching that "faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." We are encouraged to put on the "gloves of our faith" and find ways to tangibly serve our neighbors and community in Christ's name.
Ken Siders, CMP is ETA's Senior Environmental Consultant. He is the past Vice President of Environmental Services at Housecheck. Ken has over 20 years working as an environmental Consultant doing projects around the world including for the Navy, Air Force and TSA. He is also a Commercial and Residential Building Contractor and an Expert Witness specializing in Structural Environmental Disaster Response and Essential Responder Services. This presentation chronicles a challenging three-year project journey at Word of Life Church, titled 'Word of Life Church The Saga Ends”, stemming from complex moisture intrusion following hurricane damage to a unique multi-layer roof system. Referencing standards such as the IICRC S-500, this case highlights the critical steps and obstacles encountered from initial assessment through legal challenges. The presentation will detail the project's key phases, including the intricate initial moisture intrusion and physical building inspections, the meticulous monitoring and documentation of the drying process, and the significant delays and disputes encountered while seeking necessary funding from the insurance company. The narrative culminates in the critical deposition phase, where the project's technical findings and procedures were rigorously examined. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the paramount importance of thorough documentation and strict adherence to peer-reviewed industry standards like the IICRCS-500 when managing complex restoration projects, particularly those involving potential insurance litigation. In conclusion, the 'end' of this saga underscores how diligently prepared documentation serves as essential evidence, validating proper restoration processes and navigating legal challenges often faced in large-scale, disputed claims.
The world celebrates the big moments, the headlines, the trophies, the milestones. But real growth? That happens quietly, in the steps no one sees. In this episode, Jimmy IV explores The Art of Small Wins, the subtle, powerful ways that consistency, courage, and intention shape our evolution. From the psychology of progress to the energy of daily effort, this conversation reminds us that every small act of self-trust matters.Referencing a quote from Paula M. Kramer: international bestselling author and international professional speaker, this episode highlights how positivity, awareness, and reflection can turn tiny triumphs into lasting success. Whether you're healing, rebuilding, or simply trying to move forward one step at a time, this is your reminder that the little victories are the big ones.Your life doesn't need a trophy to be meaningful, it just needs you to notice your progress, protect your energy, and celebrate your evolution. SHOW LINKS:InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSexyCoolLounge VIBE LineVoyage Baltimore Magazine Highlight Series 2nd. Return InterviewStitcherSpotifyAudibleYouTube Voyage Baltimore Magazine 1st. InterviewGuest Credit:Paula M. Kramer: International Bestselling Author and International Professional Speaker Speaking From TriumphSmiles Spark SuccessSoft Skills Strategy Courses Episode 87 - Success In Small Places with Paula M. KramerEpisode 109 - Taking Positive Control for Positive VIBES with Paula M. Kramer
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joins Lisa Dent to discuss federal ICE agents in Chicago and his proposed tax plans. Mayor Johnson shares his dissatisfaction with the detainments made by ICE. Referencing the particular instance of Ruben Torres Maldonado, who was detained in a Home Depot parking lot. Maldonado’s 16-year-old daughter is fighting a rare form […]
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This week, Amy reminded the congregation that broken people often do broken things simply because they don't know who they are or whose they are. When we forget our God-given identity, we let trauma, words, the opinions of others, and the lies of the enemy define us instead of the truth of Scripture.She acknowledged that even though identity is a familiar topic, it's still one we wrestle with daily. We live in a world that constantly tries to redefine us — and as believers, we must stand firm in who God says we are.Referencing her earlier messages on convictions and the church's “Guardrail” series, Amy reminded everyone that convictions are what keep us aligned with Christ. If we trade conviction for convenience, we lose the foundation of who we are.She pointed out that life feels increasingly complicated, tense, and confusing — because we live in a culture that celebrates what God calls sin, questions what He has made clear, and mocks those who stand for truth. Yet, our call is not to withdraw, but to stand firm and love well.Amy turned to the story of Daniel, drawing parallels between ancient Babylon and our modern culture. Babylon didn't just conquer God's people physically — it tried to redefine who they were.King Nebuchadnezzar renamed Daniel and his friends, attempting to reshape their identities around false gods. Daniel's name, which means “God is my Judge,” was changed to Belteshazzar — meaning “Bel protects the king.” This was more than a name change; it was an attack on identity.Amy explained that Satan still uses the same tactics today — whispering lies like “You're not enough,” “You're too broken,” or “You can't be used by God.” But God's Word says the opposite: You are chosen, forgiven, victorious, fearfully and wonderfully made, and more than a conqueror.“When the enemy tells you who you're not,” she said, “remind yourself who God says you are.”Just like Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness, we defeat deception with truth — through Scripture.Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). That means he made up his mind before the temptation even came. Amy urged the church to do the same — to decide in advance what they will and won't compromise.She gave examples of these commitments:“I will seek God first every day.”“I will worship faithfully.”“I will reserve intimacy for marriage.”“I will not join the crowd when it goes against God's ways.”Daniel didn't protest or shout to make his point. He acted with wisdom, respect, and compassion — choosing to make a difference rather than just make a point. His quiet faith changed lives, including the guard assigned to him.Even in exile, Daniel's story shows that God was working behind the scenes. What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good. Amy reminded the congregation that no matter what happens in our culture or nation, our King is still on the throne.Psalm 103:19 declares, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”When we live out who God says we are, our lives become living testimonies that influence others — just like Daniel and his friends influenced kings and nations.Amy was transparent about her own journey — admitting that even after years of studying identity, she still finds herself struggling to fully live it out at times. But she emphasized that it's possible to stand firm without conforming.“You can live in Babylon,” she said, “without letting Babylon live in you.”Practical Ways to Walk Out Your IdentityAmy closed the message with seven practical ways to live out your identity in Christ:Live Out Your Faith Authentically (Matthew 5:16) – Let your good deeds shine so that others see Christ in you. Be consistent, real, and genuine.Be a Person of Integrity (Colossians 3:23) – Let honesty and excellence define you. Be the same person in private that you are in public.Share Your Story – Your testimony is proof of God's transforming power.Show Love and Compassion (John 13:34–35) – Love is your loudest sermon. Don't just win arguments; win hearts.Speak Truth in Love – Truth without love is harsh, but love without truth is hollow.Pray for Opportunities – Ask God daily to open doors to share His love.Reflect Christ's Joy – In a dark world, joy shines brightest.Amy ended with a heart-searching prayer:“Lord, help us be the best version of ourselves in You. Father, do people see the ‘me' that You see and want me to be?”She reminded everyone: You may live in Babylon, but Babylon doesn't have to live in you.
Brandon Weichert analyzes the growing threat of space warfare, referencing Russia's satellites shadowing German intelligence satellites and the Sino-Russian "no limits partnership." He explains that co-orbital satellites can render ground forces "deaf, dumb and blind." Weichert suggests developing small, cheap "bodyguard satellites" alongside France to protect sensitive US military constellations, acknowledging that space technology is inherently dual-use. 1941
In this episode, host Alex Rawlings is joined by Joe Basrawy, Managing Director at Partners Capital, a global multi-asset investment firm serving some of the world's most sophisticated investors — including private equity founders, endowments, and family offices.Joe offers a rare and in-depth look at the Limited Partner (LP) perspective — covering common pitfalls private equity firms make, what LPs are really looking for, and how to stand out in a crowded market. He also shares a masterclass on co-investments, including how LPs assess alignment, avoid adverse selection, and punch above their weight in deal flow.This episode is packed with actionable insights for fund managers, deal professionals, operating partners, and anyone looking to better understand what makes a top-performing PE firm in the eyes of institutional investors.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and guest intro: Joe Basrawy, Managing Director, Partners Capital 01:00 – Joe's background: From investment banking to multi-asset investing 01:25 – What drew Joe to Partners Capital and what's kept him there 02:21 – Biggest mistakes PE firms and portfolio companies make 03:15 – Raising too much capital: Overstretching and going off-spec 04:13 – Deal-level diversification: What LPs want to see 05:39 – Co-investing 101: Why it's attractive and the risks of adverse selection 06:37 – How LPs like Partners Capital avoid adverse selection in co-investments 07:33 – Being a reliable and speedy co-investment partner 08:31 – Why LPs say “no” to co-investments — alignment, conviction, and deal partners 09:57 – Referencing employees and internal conviction in deals 10:56 – What makes the best private equity firms? Joe's four pillars 11:25 – #1: Strategy differentiation – A case study in healthcare PE 13:22 – #2: Value creation edge – Organic growth vs market tailwinds 15:18 – #3: Ownership dynamics – How GP stake sales affect firm culture 17:15 – #4: People – Why leadership and succession planning matter 19:05 – Referencing portfolio executives: The most revealing feedback 20:28 – What LPs learn from talking to portfolio CEOs 21:56 – What LPs look for in fund managers – Discipline, detail, and passion 23:52 – Joe's reading recommendations – Fiction and finance 25:47 – How to connect with Joe 26:17 – Outro from Alex
Yes, we know, we know - we've talked so much from the woman's perspective and we've had several people in our DMs saying it's one-sided. So, against his will and here to speak on behalf of all men, everywhere, is Donna's male friend: Hill. (Both are untrue: he was a willing participant and speaking on his own behalf.)From building trust, tapping into his highest self as a provider, and breaking down the walls to show vulnerability: Hill sheds light on what has and hasn't worked in his time in these dating streets. Referencing the LALALA, there's more alignment in core needs than we knew before.Instagram:@DonnaJaneen#relationships #maleperspective #dating
Is the LDS Church fueling “toxic perfectionism”… or protecting against it?
Paul Mueller critiques industrial policy's resurgence, noting proponents conflate it with pro-market growth. He argues government direction leads to overproduction and resource misallocation, referencing China's EV troubles 1870 MANHATTAN
Paul Mueller critiques industrial policy's resurgence, noting proponents conflate it with pro-market growth. He argues government direction leads to overproduction and resource misallocation, referencing China's EV troubles. 1964 MD
Paul Mueller critiques industrial policy's resurgence, noting proponents conflate it with pro-market growth. He argues government direction leads to overproduction and resource misallocation, referencing China's EV troubles. 1910 FRESNO
In this episode, Ray Higdon elaborates on the concept of 'next step' as a crucial element to improve conversions, sales, and overall success. Referencing insights from leaders like Vern Harnish and James Clear, Ray emphasizes the importance of always providing a subsequent action for followers, clients, and customers. He shares personal stories, mentor advice, and practical examples, highlighting how the 'next step' approach has contributed to his own achievements. The episode encourages listeners to implement continuous engagement strategies and to avoid creating 'islands' without further opportunities. Ray also touches on the significance of finding one's 'anointed brand' and the potential need for coaching to refine and direct efforts. Throughout, the value of simplifying offers and maintaining momentum with clear next steps is underscored. ——
Welcome back to another episode of School Counseling Simplified! All throughout September, we're diving into classroom lessons, one of my favorite tier 1 interventions. While some schools provide ready-made lessons, there are many times you'll need to design and plan them yourself. That's why I'm excited to share tips on how to schedule, plan, and teach effective lessons. These strategies come straight from my Stress-Free Class Lessons Course, a five-module resource designed to help you feel confident and prepared. In today's episode, we're continuing the conversation by focusing on planning your counseling lessons—deciding what to teach and how to teach it. This is a sneak peek into Module 2 of my course. Here's what you'll learn: Planning lessons for the year: how to select topics, incorporate seasonal and school-wide themes, and repurpose content across grade levels. Using the calendar: align lessons with holidays, seasons, or events (for example, starting the year with a “Meet the Counselor” lesson, or teaching about kindness and friendship around Valentine's Day). Referencing data and needs: review referrals, attendance data, and input from administrators to identify student challenges and plan preventative lessons. Combining curriculum resources: integrate any curriculum your school provides with your own lessons to fill in gaps. Book-based lessons: choose books with strong themes and build lessons around them, while ensuring teachers have access to reinforce concepts. We'll also talk about offering “as-needed” lessons when extra support is required, such as teaching a cybersafety lesson to a class that needed immediate guidance beyond their regular schedule. And here's a planning tip: Don't reinvent the wheel. You can easily adapt lessons to make them developmentally appropriate across different grade levels. Your action steps: Write down monthly events you'd like to align lessons with Review discipline referrals and student data Prepare your needs assessment Find out if your school provides a curriculum Research books you might want to use in future lessons Resources Mentioned: Join IMPACT stressfreeschoolcounseling.com/classlessons Connect with Rachel: TpT Store Blog Instagram Facebook Page Facebook Group Pinterest Youtube More About School Counseling Simplified: School Counseling Simplified is a podcast offering easy to implement strategies for busy school counselors. The host, Rachel Davis from Bright Futures Counseling, shares tips and tricks she has learned from her years of experience as a school counselor both in the US and at an international school in Costa Rica. You can listen to School Counseling Simplified on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more!
Prostate cancer may sound daunting, but the reality around its mortality risk can be surprisingly different from what most believe. In this episode, Dr. Stephen Petteruti takes a bold stance against the one-size-fits-all approach to prostate cancer treatment. Referencing pivotal studies like the Pivot and ProtecT trials, he shows that conventional treatments such as prostate removal, radiation, and biopsies often fail to improve longevity and in some cases, may cause more harm than good. The real threats to life? Heart disease, infections, and even treatment-induced complications.Dr. Stephen invites listeners to question the status quo and broaden their perspective. He offers strategic alternatives, including lifestyle changes and a focus on overall health, rather than just the prostate.Tune into the full episode of The Surprising Truth About Prostate Cancer and Mortality.Enjoy the podcast? Subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Dr. Stephen Petteruti is a leading Functional Medicine Physician dedicated to enhancing vitality by addressing health at a cellular level. Combining the best of conventional medicine with advancements in cellular biology, he offers a patient-centered approach through his practice, Intellectual Medicine 120. A seasoned speaker and educator, he has lectured at prestigious conferences like A4M and ACAM, sharing his expertise on anti-aging. His innovative methods include concierge medicine and non-invasive anti-aging treatments, empowering patients to live longer, healthier lives.Website: www.intellectualmedicine.com Website: https://www.theprostateprotocol.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@intellectualmedicine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstephenpetteruti/ Instagram: instagram.com/intellectualmedine Consultation: https://www.theprostateprotocol.com/book-a-consultation Store: https://www.theprostateprotocol.com/store Community: https://www.theprostateprotocol.com/products/communities/v2/fightcancerlikeaman/home Disclaimer: The content presented in this video reflects the opinions and clinical experience of Dr. Stephen Petteruti and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance from your personal healthcare provider. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen or treatment plan.Produced by https://www.BroadcastYourAuthority.com
"Gloves Off," delivered by Brothers Nick and Timothy, stresses the need for us to adopt a warrior-like mentality in our spiritual battles. Drawing from passages such as Psalm 144:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, the message encouraged us to engage in relentless, action-oriented faith. It highlights the importance of personal holiness, discipline, and the expectation of victory, regardless of the challenges faced. Referencing biblical figures like Joshua, Caleb, and David's mighty men, the sermon underscores the necessity of standing firm and fighting alongside our fellow brothers. Ultimately, it calls for a gloves-off approach, urging the saints to fight with unwavering determination and to support one another in our spiritual journey
In this episode, we break down a fascinating new study comparing three training styles — Strength & Conditioning, CrossFit, and HYBRID training — to see which one delivers the best results. The kicker? All groups did the same workouts in different formats. The results might surprise you.We also dig into why training age matters, the most overlooked factor in getting results, and why chasing two goals at once can backfire. From physique burnout to the optimal male body fat percentage, this one covers it all.And then… we tackle CrossFit's bold new campaign: F the Quick Fix. Is it a marketing win, a mistake, or both? We share our takes on the message, the backlash, and what it means for the fitness industry.Timestamps:0:00 A study where all groups did the same workouts but different formats2:17 Exercise science… what's realistic?3:35 So here's what happened7:20 The difference between the test groups9:00 HYBRID group improved overall fitness more than CrossFitters10:10 This was a very well-done study10:46 Training age plays a huge factor here12:03 Areas of improvement for this study12:55 Why this all matters15:41 The most underestimated part of training — enjoyment17:13 Chase two chickens, catch none? (hybrid athletes)19:46 Both groups saw results training hard 4x/week21:45 Training specificity must match your goal23:29 FLEX bumped Daniel Cormier's son's bench press27:10 Optimal male body fat percentage30:16 Not taking the scenic route31:47 Why physique goals can lead to burnout35:09 Five years of consistency = results36:52 Some guys are just built different37:40 Why Khalipa wouldn't take last at the CrossFit Games38:50 Jason has never weighed under 200 lbs40:00 CrossFit's campaign: F the Quick Fix43:30 CrossFit's reputation45:13 Why good marketing can push people away48:11 The American Eagle ad & the Streisand effect51:39 CrossFit calling out Ozempic — useful tool or the next crisis?57:50 Some people have really tried everythingThanks for tuning in to the Jason Khalipa Podcast!
Story of the Week (DR):Trump Demands Intel CEO's Resignation, Says He's ‘Highly CONFLICTED' AND Eric and Donald Trump Jr. to Own Millions of Shares in New U.S. Manufacturing SPAC MMESG Analyst Tom Cotton: Trump's attack, posted on Truth Social Thursday, came two days after GOP Sen. Tom Cotton flagged Tan's prior investments in Chinese companies and his previous leadership at Cadence Design Systems, which recently pleaded guilty to unlawfully selling its tech to a blacklisted military university in China.Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan (~$70M golden hello in March; max potential $400M) directly addressed employees on Thursday after Donald Trump demanded his resignation over national security concerns, saying he has the full support of the board.Tan set up a venture firm called Walden International based in San Francisco that pumped more than $5 billion into over 600 companies. More than 100 of those investments were made in China, including deals with once-obscure startups such as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.—today China's largest chipmaker—where he served on the board for a decade and a half.Today, the executive is still chairman of Walden International. And he's the founding managing partner at Walden Catalyst Ventures, which focuses on investments in the U.S., Europe and Israel. He also serves in that role at another venture fund, Celesta Global Capital.Tan stepped out of the venture world and joined the chip industry full-time when he became interim head of San Jose, California-based Cadence Design Systems Inc. in 2008. The executive, who had previously served on the board, went on to take the permanent CEO job the next year. He stayed in the role until 2021, when he transitioned to executive chairman, and is widely credited with restoring the company's fortunes. In late July of this year, the Department of Justice announced a plea deal that cost Cadence more than $100 million in fines. Employees at Cadence's China unit allegedly hid the name of a customer—the National University of Defense Technology—from internal compliance in order to keep supplying it. That organization had been put on the Department of Commerce's blacklist in 2015. The Chinese university was one of a group of supercomputer operators there that had conducted simulations of nuclear explosions, the DOJ said.Shares of American Eagle surge 20% after Trump calls Sydney Sweeney campaign 'hottest ad out there' AND Epstein victims are a growing political threat to TrumpThe Fall 2025 campaign, titled "Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans," centers on a deliberate pun between "jeans" and "genes.""Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color... My jeans are blue."All the hallmarks of a dick-tatorship:American Eagle gender influence gap is -36%: Jay L. SchottensteinMr. Schottenstein has served as our Chief Executive Officer since December 2015. Prior thereto, he served as our Interim Chief Executive Officer from January 2014 to December 2015. He has served as Chairman of the Board since March 1992. He previously served the Company as Chief Executive Officer from March 1992 until December 2002 and as a Vice President and Director of the Company's predecessors since 1980Creepy nepobaby son: The grown son of an Ohio billionaire is a hooker-loving drug addict who threatened to destroy the renowned Manhattan psychiatrist his parents enlisted to help him, according to bombshell court papers. Dr. Paul Conti, a Stanford-educated psychiatrist from Oregon, alleges in a federal suit that the son also gambled away millions of dollars during trips to Las Vegas while running up credit bills and borrowing money from mobsters.SB360 Capital Partners: owned by Jay and his 3 sons (sorry wife): 13 listed executes: all white menlast time there was a vote on Jay (2023)CEO/Chair control: has been CEO 3 times; chair since 1992; $300k security; 2,011:1 ceo pay ratio; 7% of shares (passive BlackRock/Vanguard/Dimensional/Wellington: 41%; 71% board influenceAudit Committee Chair (which net 20 times last year) and Lead independent Director Noel Spiegel is 77 and over a decade of serviceNominating chair Janice Page is 76 and has served for over 2 decadesCompensation Committee chair has served for nearly 2 decadesUber's Sexual Assault Problem AND Uber beats on revenue, announces $20 billion stock buybackA recent New York Times investigation revealed that Uber has been dealing with a significant sexual assault problem. From 2017 to 2022, the company received over 400,000 reports of sexual assault or misconduct in the United States, which averages to about one incident every eight minutes.The investigation, based on thousands of internal documents, found that while Uber studied the issue and even developed potential safety features like in-car cameras and a feature to match female drivers with female passengers, the company chose not to implement these safeguards because they were concerned about their bottom line and potential lawsuits.Tesla Grants Musk $29 Billion in Stock to Keep ‘Elon's Energies Focused' AND Elon Musk Accused of Stiffing Small Businesses for Millions of Dollars, Causing Some to File for Bankruptcy AND Elon Musk Shares Shockingly Sexist Tweet About Woman Being Property. This one's disgraceful, even for Musk AND "This Will Open the Floodgates": Tesla In Trouble as Jury Orders It to Pay $329 Million After Autopilot Death AND Tesla withheld data, lied, and misdirected police and plaintiffs to avoid blame in Autopilot crash AND Elon Musk Appears to Now Be the Most Hated Person in America, According to New ResearchGoodliest of the Week (MM/DR):DR: Waste from Ben & Jerry's ice cream factories is now powering the Vermont gridNow that the ice cream waste can travel by pipe to become biogas, Ben & Jerry's can also make 600 fewer truck journeys a year, reducing the company's carbon emissions.DR: Gates Foundation is giving $2.5 billion to fund women's health research MM: Musk, Bezos, and Zuck are going full alpha male. America's girlbosses are fed up.When companies won't offer work-from-home policies or the flexibility that working parents need, it can embolden people to become more entrepreneurial and build under their own terms.This is the greatest backlash - if every woman in a “masculine default”, “founder mode” 13 year old man baby culture where “Jamie Dimon says” and John Stankey (see assholiest) says “maybe you don't fit” goes and founds there own firms, I'm giddy to see them wipe the floor with those smug billionaire assholes. Side note - I missed this quote from January FT article in the post-Zuck-on-Rogan “masculine energy” interview, but it would have been assholiest of the decade:“I feel liberated,” said a top banker. “We can say ‘retard' and ‘pussy' without the fear of getting cancelled . . . it's a new dawn.”MM: In that vein - A long-running anti-DEI lawsuit could help companies defend themselves from reverse-racism claims DR MMHello Alice as goodliest of the week - take down that fucknut Stephen Miller and his fake Nazi manboys.Assholiest of the Week (MM):Alex Karp and the men who go to elite universities and say elite universities are bullshit manbabiesPalantir CEO says working at his $430 billion software company is better than a degree from Harvard or Yale: ‘No one cares about the other stuff'Karp went to Haverford, then Stanford for a JD where he met Peter Thiel (who also doesn't like elite education)This past spring, the company also notably established the Meritocracy Fellowship, a four-month, paid internship for high school graduates who may be having second thoughts about higher education. Program admission is solely based on “merit and academic excellence,” but applicants still need Ivy League-level test scores to qualify. This includes at least a 1460 on the SAT or a 33 on the ACT, which are both above their respective 98th percentiles.According to Karp, the internship was created in direct response to the “shortcomings of university admissions.”Here's the problem: there ARE shortcomings to elite colleges, mostly that they exude exclusivism and a commodity - but it's still a pretty rich for a guy who WENT to Stanford where he met his future funder and mentor to talk about how bullshit it wasJohn Stankey and the re-rise of the Jack Welch man-directive manbabies MMIt is incredibly encouraging that 73% of our employees took the time to respond to the survey, with 79% of those respondents feeling committed and engaged with their work at AT&T. While this is reassuring, especially considering the amount of change we've navigated as a company recently, it wasn't a surprise to me that we fell short of our engagement goal.TRANSLATION: I'm not surprised so many of you think we suck, I've been here 5 years as CEO and I'm not awesome at my job… but hold your breath while I tell you how it's your faultThis note may also help you identify areas where your professional expectations might be misaligned with the strategic direction of this company.TRANSLATION: It's your faultI understand that some of you may have started your tour with this company expecting an "employment deal" rooted in loyalty, tenure, and conformance with the associated compensation, work structure, and benefits. We have consciously shifted away from some of these elements and towards a more market-based culture — focused on rewarding capability, contribution, and commitment.TRANSLATION: Fuck your job, this is a meritocracy now. A manly meritocracy.I understand that many may find the demands of your daily lives challenging and difficult. Elder care, job stress, child rearing challenges, economic uncertainty, community unrest, technology anxiety — the list can get long…We run a dynamic, customer-facing business, tackling large-scale, challenging initiatives. If the requirements dictated by this dynamic do not align to your personal desires, you have every right to find a career opportunity that is suitable to your aspirations and needs. That said, if a self-directed, virtual, or hybrid work schedule is essential for you to manage your career aspirations and life challenges, you will have a difficult time aligning your priorities with those of the company and the culture we aim to establish.TRANSLATION: We know your life is hard, but shut the fuck up about it because I don't care.WHERE THE FUCK IS THIS BOARD?Here are the “go hard or go home” board membersBill Kennard, lead "independent" director connected in 13 loops to other directors, been there for 11 years, who got his undergrad in communications from Stanford and worked at the FCC and was an ambassador - proving once again that “communications” isn't a qualification for communicating?Marissa Mayer - maybe this business thing isn't for you? Mike Mcallister, ex Humana CEO, who was investigated for duping elderly into thinking Obamacare's passage would cut Medicare?Scott Ford, who lead the biggest landline company before pivoting to selling coffee, as your bright star into the future of tech?That's where the board is - unqualified for the moment, highly interconnected, with long careers of average performanceLuis von Ahn and the tech bro “sorry, not sorry” we were just “being edgy” no but seriously I know what's best for you secretly manbabiesDuolingo's CEO says he learned a hard lesson about 'edgy posts' and going viralFirst, says Duolingo, the app for learning languages, would be “AI-first”Then says they're not hiring anymore as long as it can be done by AIThen says schools will really just be childcare with AI teachers, and teachers will just “take care of the children” and you need schools for the “childcare”In his apology, he said sorry for being “edgy”Yes, it was the edginess, not the assholeryIf you want to quickly identify a manbaby, it's easy: first they “say” something they really think, then their apology basically is “sorry you didn't get it, I won't say it again”Headliniest of the WeekDR: Shareholders Judge Directors by Their Faces, Study FindsMM: Trump calls for Intel CEO to 'resign immediately'More ESG analysis:Boeing's ex-CFOBlackRock's ex founderThe former CEO at Jack Dorsey's SquareA partner at SequoiaA Princeton professorThe former CEO of HPThe chair who's a VC and has been there since 2009Who Won the Week?DR: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for calling out the billionaire Kraft family regarding the new stadium proposed for the New England Revolution: “We haven't asked for anything out of the ordinary for any significant development, much less a mega-development like this one … To this day, the Kraft Group has provided the city no meaningful technical information … What we've heard has stayed at a conceptual level that is insufficient for any serious negotiation.Citing the proposed figure of $750,000 that the Kraft Group would pay to Boston as a mitigation fee, Wu said, “It is an unserious proposal … the figure is “just 1.1 percent of the $68 million mitigation package that was paid for the Everett casino project right nearby years ago.”Wu, who as the incumbent is also campaigning against Josh Kraft (son of Revolution owner Robert Kraft) in Boston's mayoral race, didn't miss a chance to land a political dig at her opponent: Referencing the proposed mitigation fee, she said that “$750,000 is just one-and-a-half month's of a billionaire son's allowance. It is nowhere near the scale of what we need to address the plans that have already been laid out by our residents, with our traffic engineers, with the coordination of the entire region.”MM: Jamie Smith at EY for writing the only other 2025 US proxy review that included a whole section on director votesPredictionsDR: Trump tries to fit into a pair of Sydney Sweeney's jeans (re: the OJ glove) to prove he did not know Epstein. The American Eagle stock surgesMM: Duolingo releases a new language choice, “Manbro”, in which it teaches how to apologize, how to be more intense, and why you should bow to your AI overlords
Tune in here to this Thursday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! Brett dives into an intriguing and unconventional topic: a mysterious interstellar object reportedly headed toward our solar system. Referencing the work of Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, Brett explores the possibility that the object—known as “3I Atlas”—may be alien technology rather than just a large comet. Loeb’s analysis highlights the object's unusual size, speed, and precisely timed trajectory, which suggest it may not be of natural origin. According to Loeb, the object will make a close approach to the sun on October 29th, potentially using the sun’s gravity for a maneuver. Brett shares his fascination, joking that the object might be responding to Earth's century of radio transmissions—or even his long-standing jokes about space. He discusses the potential of using NASA’s Juno spacecraft to intercept the object in 2026 and encourages listeners to stay curious. What starts as a space oddity turns into a fun and thought-provoking segment blending science, humor, and speculation. Listen here for all of this and more on The Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tune in here to this Thursday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! Brett kicks off the program by talking about Israel’s latest military strategy and the evolving threat landscape at home and abroad. He highlights Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel intends to take full control of Gaza and destroy Hamas as a functioning entity. Brett emphasizes the urgency behind the move, pointing to the remaining hostages and the failure of Hamas to negotiate their release. He also warns listeners to stay alert, referencing growing concerns about potential attacks not just in the Middle East but possibly in American cities and on college campuses. Later, Brett dives into an intriguing and unconventional topic: a mysterious interstellar object reportedly headed toward our solar system. Referencing the work of Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb, Brett explores the possibility that the object—known as “3I Atlas”—may be alien technology rather than just a large comet. Loeb’s analysis highlights the object's unusual size, speed, and precisely timed trajectory, which suggest it may not be of natural origin. According to Loeb, the object will make a close approach to the sun on October 29th, potentially using the sun’s gravity for a maneuver. Listen here for all of this and more on The Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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In this episode of The Tech Leader's Playbook, Avetis Antaplyan sits down with the legendary NFL coach and Hall of Famer, Dick Vermeil—a Super Bowl champion, Rose Bowl champion, and one of the most respected leaders in football history. Known for orchestrating one of the greatest turnarounds in NFL history with the St. Louis Rams, Coach Vermeil shares the leadership principles that drove his career—from the gridiron to the vineyards of Vermeil Wines.This episode dives deep into the human side of leadership: how to build authentic trust, lead with empathy while demanding excellence, and foster strong cultures even during losing seasons. Coach reflects on inviting players into his home, balancing tough decisions with personal care, and the power of connection in high-stakes environments. He also explores delegation, hiring with integrity, and adapting leadership in a remote, modern world.Whether you're leading a sports team or scaling a startup, Coach Vermeil's timeless lessons on character, consistency, and heart will leave you rethinking what it means to lead well. Bonus: Don't miss the story of how he transitioned from football to winemaking—and what it taught him about purpose after peak success.TakeawaysTrust is built through consistent, authentic care—not performance alone.Bringing team members into your personal life can strengthen professional commitment.Great leadership requires balancing high expectations with emotional intelligence.Delegation is essential for growth—you can't scale by doing everything yourself.Culture is most important when you're losing, not just when you're winning.Business leaders should look beyond resumes to truly assess character and capability.Leadership isn't just innate—it can be taught if someone has the desire to grow.Making tough personnel decisions is part of protecting the team's greater mission.Even after retiring from football, purpose and service can evolve into new ventures.The best leaders continue learning, growing, and leading with integrity.Legacy is measured by the impact you have on others—often decades later.Chapters00:00 Welcome & Coach Vermeil's Legendary Career02:45 Building Trust Through Authentic Care05:30 Balancing Tough Love and Compassion07:20 Handling Players Who Don't Step Up10:30 Inviting Players Into His Home14:00 Why Relationships Deepen Commitment17:15 Delegation and Scaling Leadership20:15 Hiring, Referencing & Truth in Interviews24:45 Leading in a Remote World25:50 Is Leadership Innate or Teachable?28:35 Keeping Culture Strong During Losing Seasons33:00 From Gridiron to Vineyard: The Vermeil Wines Story41:00 The Hard Truth Leaders Must Hear46:00 Making Difficult Cuts with Compassion49:00 Coach's Favorite Book & Final Wisdom51:00 Closing Remarks & Toast to LeadershipResources and Links:https://www.hireclout.comhttps://www.podcast.hireclout.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright
Prepare for game-changing AI insights! Join Noelle Russell, CEO of the AI Leadership Institute and author of Scaling Responsible AI: From Enthusiasm to Execution. Noelle, an AI pioneer, shares her journey from the early Alexa team with Jeff Bezos, where her unique perspective shaped successful mindfulness apps. We'll explore her "I Love AI" community, which has taught over 3.4 million people. Unpack responsible, profitable AI, from the "baby tiger" analogy for AI development and organizational execution, to critical discussions around data bias and the cognitive cost of AI over-reliance.Key Moments: Journey into AI: From Jeff Bezos to Alexa (03:13): Noelle describes how she "stumbled into AI" after receiving an email from Jeff Bezos inviting her to join a new team at Amazon, later revealed to be the early Alexa team. She highlights that while she lacked inherent AI skills, her "purpose and passion" fueled her journey."I Love AI" Community & Learning (11:02): After leaving Amazon and experiencing a personal transition, Noelle created the "I Love AI" community. This free, neurodiverse space offers a safe environment for people, especially those laid off or transitioning careers, to learn AI without feeling alone, fundamentally changing their life trajectories.The "Baby Tiger" Analogy (17:21): Noelle introduces her "baby tiger" analogy for early AI model development. She explains that in the "peak of enthusiasm" (baby tiger mode), people get excited about novel AI models, but often fail to ask critical questions about scale, data needs, long-term care, or what happens if the model isn't wanted anymore.Model Selection & Explainability (32:01): Noelle stresses the importance of a clear rubric for model selection and evaluation, especially given rapid changes. She points to Stanford's HELM project (Holistic Evaluation of Language Models) as an open-source leaderboard that evaluates models on "toxicity" beyond just accuracy.Avoiding Data Bias (40:18): Noelle warns against prioritizing model selection before understanding the problem and analyzing the data landscape, as this often leads to biased outcomes and the "hammer-and-nail" problem.Cognitive Cost of AI Over-Reliance (44:43): Referencing recent industry research, Noelle warns about the potential "atrophy" of human creativity due to over-reliance on AI. Key Quotes:"Show don't tell... It's more about understanding what your review board does and how they're thinking and what their backgrounds are... And then being very thoughtful about your approach." - Noelle Russell"When we use AI as an aid rather than as writing the whole thing or writing the title, when we use it as an aid, like, can you make this title better for me? Then our brain actually is growing. The creative synapses are firing away." Noelle Russell"Most organizations, most leaders... they're picking their model before they've even figured out what the problem will be... it's kind of like, I have a really cool hammer, everything's a nail, right?" - Noelle RussellMentions:"I Love AI" CommunityScaling Responsible AI: From Enthusiasm to Execution - Noelle Russell"Your Brain on ChatGPT" - MIT Media LabPower to Truth: AI Narratives, Public Trust, and the New Tech Empire - StanfordMeta-learning, Social Cognition and Consciousness in Brains and MachinesHELM - A Reproductive and Transparent Framework for Evaluating Foundation ModelsGuest Bio: Noelle Russell is a multi-award-winning speaker, author, and AI Executive who specializes in transforming businesses through strategic AI adoption. She is a revenue growth + cost optimization expert, 4x Microsoft Responsible AI MVP, and named the #1 Agentic AI Leader in 2025. She has led teams at NPR, Microsoft, IBM, AWS and Amazon Alexa, and is a consistent champion for Data and AI literacy and is the founder of the "I ❤️ AI" Community teaching responsible AI for everyone.She is the founder of the AI Leadership Institute and empowers business owners to grow and scale with AI. In the last year, she has been named an awardee of the AI and Cyber Leadership Award from DCALive, the #1 Thought Leader in Agentic AI, and a Top 10 Global Thought Leader in Generative AI by Thinkers360. Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.
Deconstruction is the process of dismantling previously held beliefs which begins with the self as the final authority. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar warn that this posture can lead to a rejection of truth and, ultimately, to turning away from God. Many begin deconstructing in response to frustrations with the modern evangelical church, but in doing so, they sometimes discard core doctrines of the faith. The guys emphasize that Christianity doesn't promise happiness, but righteousness. When the gospel is altered to appeal to comfort or culture, it creates false converts who have a false sense of assurance. The path is narrow; following Christ is not easy. While it is good for believers to examine their beliefs, that examination must be built on the foundation of Scripture. Deconstruction often strays from this by starting with self rather than God. The guys make a distinction between deconstruction and honest doubt—doubt that humbly seeks truth in God's Word. Much of today's church culture has endorsed blind faith or discouraged critical thinking. As a result, people don't walk away because they think too much—they walk away because they haven't thought enough, or they've thought apart from Scripture.The guys note that many who deconstruct focus on isolated issues and fail to see the bigger picture. Faith isn't about having all the answers; sometimes it's simply trusting that God does. Referencing 1 John 2:19, the guys remind listeners that leaving the faith doesn't bring freedom. Even John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus, still questioned near the end of his life. The hope isn't in the strength of our faith but in the strength of Christ—the object of our faith.Doubt is often tied to unmet expectations. As the guys point out, fulfillment is found in Christ alone. We don't resolve our doubts through deconstruction; we bring them to Jesus. Our hearts choose what to believe and our minds follow. Seeing the beauty of Christ realigns our thoughts. Faith is not abstract; it is grounded in the truth of the gospel and the Word of God. Scripture wasn't given just for information—it was given to transform us. The guys discuss the role of modern culture, particularly social media, in shaping beliefs. The church has a discipleship problem; people attend on Sunday but are immersed in worldly rhythms by Monday. To the deconstructionist, the guys ask: what are your daily habits? Be honest about how you're being shaped. Ask your questions, but ask them in the presence of God, with Scripture open. God is real. He is the prime reality. Run to Him—not away.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro
Jack Posobiec is back to discuss all the latest threats facing America's future. They discuss the Ukraine-Russia war, NATO's potential involvement, and Vladimir Putin's leadership. Posobiec shares insights from his recent trips to Poland and Hungary, discussing the geopolitical dynamics and rising nationalism in Europe. The conversation also delves into U.S. fiscal policies, with criticism of the budget bill from both Rand Paul and Elon Musk. Referencing historical figures like Pol Pot and Chairman Mao, they discuss the threat of radical left wing movements. Looking ahead to the midterms, Posbiec and Savage discuss how the Administration's current actions may impact the midterm elections.
Savage delivers a passionate critique of the current state of the West, focusing on threats from the radical left and Islamist propaganda. Savage warns about the dangerous rhetoric espoused by Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Occasional-Cortex, who he calls our modern "Troskyites". He exposes how Leftists in the 1960s promoted Mao's "Little Red Book" and compares it to today's socialist followers. He cautions that we have entered a cold civil war instigated by the far-left. Referencing the writings of Oswald Spengler and his book "The Decline of the West," he outlines the threats that Western Civilization faces in its fight for survival. Savage stresses the importance of rallying patriotic Americans to safeguard the nation's founding principles before it's too late.