Podcasts about refocusing

My guest today is Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI. It's a conversation spanning the history, present, and future of OpenAI, from the origin of ChatGPT through Codex, hardware, and their new Jalapeno chip. We discuss the early decision to buy compute at a scale nobody thought was rational, and the plan to build a gigawatt of new capacity every week.  We talk about Kimi and distillation, the Hugging Face incident and what it means for the pace of AI development, and what it's like to raise kids who will grow up never knowing a world without abundant intelligence.  Please enjoy my conversation with Sam Altman. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  ----- Become a Colossus member to get our quarterly print magazine and private audio experience, including exclusive profiles and early access to select episodes. Subscribe at ⁠colossus.com/subscribe⁠. ----- ⁠Ramp's⁠ mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ramp.com/invest⁠⁠ to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. ----- Trusted by thousands of businesses, ⁠Vanta⁠ continuously monitors your security posture and streamlines audits so you can win enterprise deals and build customer trust without the traditional overhead. Invest Like the Best listeners get a special offer of $1,000 off Vanta when you go to ⁠vanta.com/invest⁠.  ----- WorkOS⁠ is the infrastructure B2B and AI-native companies use to sell to enterprise. It covers everything enterprise security requires: SSO, SCIM, RBAC, Audit Logs, AI governance, and more. Trusted by 2,000+ fast-growing companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Cursor, and Vercel. ----- Rogo is the AI platform for finance. They're building agents for Wall Street that are trained to understand how bankers and investors actually do work: from diligence and modeling, to turning analysis into deliverables. To learn more, visit rogo.ai/invest. ----- ⁠Ridgeline⁠ has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. Visit⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ridgeline.ai⁠. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant. Timestamps: (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like The Best (00:02:02) Intro: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (00:02:35) Refocusing (00:05:43) OpenAI's Compute Bets (00:09:07) Data Centers (00:11:14) Jalapeno Chip (00:11:52) Kimi, Distillation & Open Source (00:14:39) The Hugging Face Incident (00:17:46) OpenAI's Mission & Vision (00:22:14) All the Returns Are at the Frontier (00:22:27) Bottlenecks: Compute, Research, Data (00:23:49) Sam's View on AI & Jobs (00:26:56) Unpopular Bets That Turned Out Right (00:27:45) Model Cycles (00:29:45) How Sam Uses AI (00:32:44) Having Kids (00:34:56) Why Sam Has No Equity in OpenAI (00:35:33) Robotics (00:36:48) The Origin Story of ChatGPT (00:39:22) How to Get AI into More Hands (00:42:20) How Sam Recruited Great AI Researchers (00:43:57) What Sam Learned From Being an Investor (00:45:22) What the Next 6–36 Months Look Like (00:46:31) Codex (00:49:36) Could We Be Oversupplied in Compute in Two Years? (00:50:09) Sam's View on Scaling Laws (00:50:20) Alec Radford (00:51:12) Formative Moments (00:53:50) Kindest Thing

The number of disabled children requiring residential care placed in for-profit facilities, find out about how you can donate your voicemail to support the Samaritans' latest campaign, Cork will host the Refocusing the lens on human trafficking in Ireland conference, Drinkaware highlight the importance of thinking before you drive ahead of the August weekend and Joe Heffernan on negative self-talk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Refocusing On Jesus John 15:4-6

Is hiring a person still your default answer to a problem? For a growing number of startups, it shouldn't be.In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein is joined by returning guest Matt Cook, co-founder of Scouut, one of Australia's most respected engineering recruiters for early-stage startups, to unpack what's changed in engineering hiring since Matt's last visit. They cover ‘team debt' (the AI-era sequel to tech debt), why AI is acting as an appetite suppressant for headcount, why the best engineers are now worth $400K+, and why the ‘software factory builder' is becoming the most sought-after hire in tech.In this episode, you will:Understand "team debt", and why teams built to solve today's problems are already becoming obsoleteLearn why "removing the crutch" (like scrapping a QA gating function) forces the kind of AI-native change that timid, incremental adjustments never willDiscover why most startups were already overstaffed before AI, and why AI now acts as an ‘appetite suppressant' for hiring rather than just an efficiency toolHear why hiring should now be treated as a last resort, and what that actually means in practice for foundersUnderstand why compensation banding and headcount-based budgeting are breaking down, and what smart companies are replacing them withLearn about the rise of the ‘software factory builder': the rare, highly-paid engineer who uses their judgment to build airtight, AI-based infrastructure the rest of the team can lean onTimestamps00:00 Coming Up...00:58 On Today's Show: Matt Cook on 'Team Debt'02:36 What is Team Debt?05:12 Refocusing on AI Native Solutions10:40 Unlearning Old Hiring Ladders12:04 Why Companies Are Oversized14:59 AI, the 'Corporate Ozempic'19:25 Layoffs and Team Composition24:02 Disrupting Yourself at Series B28:12 The Salary Race for AI Engineers34:01 Limitations of Headcount Budgeting38:16 How Downsizing Can Help You Grow41:13 ClickUp's 'Hail Mary' Pivot44:26 Software Factory Builders and 'Forward Deployed' Automation49:14 Maintaining Safe Internal Software54:25 Closing ThoughtsResources mentionedScouut (Matt Cook's engineering recruitment firm for early-stage startups): https://scouut.com.au/Matt Cook on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmarkcook/ 'Corporate Ozempic' by Scott Galloway — the essay behind the AI/hiring analogy Yaniv references: https://www.profgalloway.com/corporate-ozempic/The PactHonor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSecure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/Follow us on YouTube for full video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksThis episode of the Startup Podcast is sponsored by .tech domains. Forget weird prefixes and creative misspellings; the availability for .tech domains is simply way better than .com. For a clean and memorable name, go to https://⁠get.tech/tspThis episode of the Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited time offer of US$1,000 off, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://⁠www.vanta.com/tsp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurAssistant Producer: Steph Hefferan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steph-heff/Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Celebrate, The Savior is Here!Jesus Christ is Alive!Get to know Jesus Christ, He will change your life!!!Go to GOD for discernment and wisdom.Know the Truth as the Truth will make you free! (John 8:32)___The Pledge of AllegianceNEO420 = Real News + Real Information for WE THE PEOPLEWE THE PEOPLE are at war with the deepstate criminal cabal!!!Turn off your tv, radio, and stop listening to paid professional liars spreading propaganda.***SUPPORT Independent Free Speech Reporting***Thank you for the SUPPORT & SHARING the TRUTH!!!___Podcast  link is here http://neo420.com/talks-podcast/The video channel link is here. https://odysee.com/@NEO420TALKS:4The Viral Delusionhttp://www.theviraldelusion.com/HAARPDARPA BlackjackAshli Babbit false flag Jan 6 video evidence___NEVER FORGET 9 11!!!Rumsfeld admitted $2.3 Trillion missing from Pentagon Sept 10 2001.  https://odysee.com/@NEO420TALKS:4/rumsfeld-2.1Trillionunaccountedforb-ccriminalsstoleit:7Planes did NOT bring down the two towers.AE911Truth.orgGeorge Bush Sr was CIA director before being Vice President then President.Towers that fell:-Building 1-Building 2-Building 7 (seldom reported even though BBC reporter reported building down before it happened) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0VFMqi--Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.Support the show

Parker Haynes Chats Professional Golf Journey, Learnings & CommunityJoin us as Parker Haynes shares his journey through professional golf, the challenges of Q school, and his personal experiences on and off the course. This episode offers a candid look at the realities of chasing a PGA Tour dream, including the importance of patience, preparation, and community support.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene02:00 Parker Haynes' Recent Activities and Upcoming Tournaments11:55 Challenges and Learnings from Recent Qualifiers15:02 The Tradition of Hole-in-Ones and Golf Culture20:00 Beverages and Casual Conversations21:05 Pizza and Liquor Selection21:57 Wiener Review Redemption23:25 Golfing Strokes and Handicaps27:15 PGA Hope and Community Events28:30 Golf Stories and Friendships30:59 Airbnb Life on Tour35:55 Card Games and Competitive Spirits37:58 Managing Emotions in Golf39:55 Refocusing on Fundamentals41:38 Adapting to Challenges and Changes43:49 Experimenting with Equipment50:50 Future Plans and Tournament Schedule57:41 Sponsorship and Support in Professional GolfParker Haynes Instagram - https://instagram.com/parkerhaynesBenton Artie Golf Equipment - https://bentonartie.comPGA Tour Qualifying School - https://www.pgatour.comQ School Info and Requirements - https://www.pgatour.com/news/2023/01/01/pga-tour-q-school-2023-qualifying.htmlTwitter - https://twitter.com/parkerhaynesApparel for the show provided by turtleson. Be sure to check them out online for the new season lineup at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://turtleson.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thanks to Fantasy National Golf Club for providing the stat engine for the show. They can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fantasynational.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Neat Glass. Be sure to check out The Neat Glass online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠theneatglass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or on Instagram @theneatglass for an improved experience and use discount code: bb10 to receive your Birdies & Bourbon discount. Thank you for taking the time listen to the Birdies & Bourbon Show for all things PGA Tour, golf, gear, bourbon and mixology. Dan & Cal aim to bring you entertaining and informative episodes weekly. Please help spread the word on the podcast and tell a friend about the show. You can also help by leaving an 5-Star iTunes review. We love to hear the feedback and support! Cheers. Follow on Twitter & Instagram (@birdies_bourbon)

Coach Ted talks about how we get derailed from our priorities and how to see past the fog to get refocused. (Originally aired 07-29-2024)

We're coming up fast on the halfway point of the year — and if that fills you with dread, don't panic. Here's the good news: a midyear review beats a New Year's resolution every time, because right now you're not working from a theory about how the year might go. You have six months of real data. This episode is how you use it.Oh, and the episode comes with a free download - https://www.resilientretailclub.com/recap(Our sponsor Faire are offering 50% off and free shipping on first orders until July 31st. Simply add the code "Resilient50" at checkout) Hi, I'm retail strategist and founder of Resilient Retail Club, Catherine Erdly. And in this episode of the Resilient Retail Game Plan, I'm walking you through the exact process I've used with members, course students, and clients over and over again: look back honestly at the first half of the year, then use what you find to spring-board into a stronger second half.The key word is honestly — without blame, without self-recrimination, and without brushing past everything you've actually achieved.We start with the numbers: your total sales versus plan, your best sellers by value, units and profit, and a "dead weight audit" of what hasn't moved.But the real value isn't the figures themselves — it's asking why they happened, because knowing why you succeeded is as useful as the number itself.From there we look at conversion rate, average order value, your sales channels, a social-media audit, and a relationship audit of the suppliers, stockists, and couriers you depend on.Then we get subjective — and I make no apology for it.We celebrate your wins out loud, run a start / stop / continue on the first half, and use a 20-minute SWOT analysis as an emotional clearing exercise to get the 3am worries out of your head and onto paper.Finally, we refocus.If midyear admin usually fills you with dread, this is the episode that turns it into momentum.There's a free downloadable workbook to do it alongside me.Chapter Timestamps00:00 — Why a midyear recap beats January 1st: you have real data now01:33 — Revisiting the goals you set in January (without the self-blame)03:40 — The numbers that matter — and why you should ask why they happened06:10 — Best sellers: value, units, and profit08:06 — The dead weight audit: stuck stock and disappointing lines09:33 — Conversion rate and average order value10:28 — Sales channels: are you investing where it's actually working?11:20 — The social media and relationship audits13:17 — What worked, what didn't, and start / stop / continue16:29 — How the business feels: SWOT and the 20-year interview19:31 — Refocusing for half two: set your number and key dates21:41 — Your homeworkUseful LinksFree midyear recap workbook: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/recapResilient Retail Club podcast: https://www.resilientretailclub.com/podcast/Catherine on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/catherineerdlyMentioned in this episode:Faire 50% off - use code 'Resilient50'

Join Ryan and Jason as they explore the art of coaching athletes through quick turnarounds, mental resilience, and strategic recovery. They share insights on managing fatigue, mindset, and performance in high-stakes competitions, along with personal anecdotes and movie banter.   key topics Fatigue management in short cycles Mental recovery and mindset strategies Execution vs capacity in performance Importance of rest and psychological prep Strategies for online qualifiers and quick turnarounds Mastering Quick Turnarounds: Strategies for Coaches and Athletes The Art of Mental Resilience in High-Performance Sports Sound Bites "Zero script, zero script." "Managing fatigue in short cycles is tough." "Refocusing after a tough workout is crucial." Chapters 00:00Unscripted Intros and Movie Talk 10:28Athlete Recovery and Quick Turnarounds 10:57Mental Resilience in Athletes 16:24Coaching Strategies for Quick Turnarounds 20:53Managing Competition Stress and Recovery 26:28Preparing for Upcoming Challenges

Is the golden age of personal development over, or is the industry simply going through a necessary shift? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I take a closer look at how personal development has evolved and why we're starting to question the influence of gurus who were once placed on a pedestal.I explore what led to the rise of these figures, the impact of cancel culture, and how unrealistic expectations of perfection have shaped both the industry and the people within it. I also explore our tendency to outsource our thinking, and what that means for genuine, sustainable growth.More importantly, I challenge the idea that personal development is something we consume, and instead bring the focus back to personal responsibility, self-awareness, and doing the deeper work ourselves. If you've been questioning where personal development is heading, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what's changing and what actually matters moving forward.What's inside:Why the era of putting personal development gurus on pedestals is coming to an endThe impact of cancel culture and why some “gurus” have fallen from graceHow our expectations of perfection in others can hold us back from real self-growthWays that personal development is becoming more individual and meaningfulThe importance of self-reflection and personal agency over following “experts”How embracing imperfection, both in ourselves and others, is essential to authentic developmentWhy the future of personal growth means focusing less on gurus and more on our own context, relationships, and continuous learning.Key Topics Covered:00:00 Intro01:09 The rise and fall of “gurus”02:16 Cancel culture and loss of trust03:28 Why we put people on pedestals (and why it's a problem)05:25 Accepting human imperfection in personal development06:46 Moving from guru-led to self-led growth08:34 What real personal development actually looks like10:43 Refocusing on personal responsibility and agency11:28 Final thoughts & reflection.Like, comment, follow and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on growth and professional development.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/ Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

This episode was recorded before the tragic news of Dr. Habermas' death. We deeply mourn his passing. Dr Habermas was a man who carefully and passionately pursued the truth, and so we hope that today's episode, in that spirit, we'll pay a small tribute to his legacy.What happens to our democracy when the "written word" is replaced by the "viral image," and reasoned debate is drowned out by the hunt for clicks? University of Groningen professor Dr. Peter Verovšek joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the legacy of Jürgen Habermas and how the digital age is transforming the democratic public sphere. Dr. Verovšek explores the core arguments of his book, Jürgen Habermas: Public Intellectual and Engaged Critical Theorist. They examine the philosophical evolution of Habermas' work, from his early critiques of post-war Germany to his recent concerns regarding the "new" structural transformation of the public sphere caused by social media. In this conversation they explore:The "Desk" of the Intellectual: Why Habermas views the written word as the primary tool for public engagement and why he performs his role as an academic from the "primary place" of his desk. The First Generation vs. Habermas: How Habermas moved Critical Theory away from the "negativism" of Adorno and Horkheimer toward a consistent account where theory and practice flow from one another. The "Life World" vs. Systems: Why we must protect our day-to-day cultural lives—the "life world"—from being "colonized" by the impersonal logics of money and administrative power. Social Media as a "Double-Edged Sword": How the internet turned every citizen into a potential author while simultaneously removing the editors and fact-checkers essential for democratic legitimacy. The Intellectual vs. The Guru: Why true public intellectuals act as "early warning systems" for society rather than "gurus" who monetize their following or tell people how to live. The Crisis of Digital Authorship: Why the shift from reasoned argumentation to "appearance" and "mobilization" makes it increasingly difficult for marginalized voices to be heard in a saturated media environment. This is a conversation for anyone interested in political philosophy and media ethics who wants to understand the forces reshaping our democracy and how to reclaim a meaningful public square.Make sure to check out Dr. Verovšek's book: Jürgen Habermas: Public Intellectual and Engaged Critical Theorist

Award-winning picture book author and self-proclaimed “National Park Gramma” living on a cattle ranch in Central California. With nearly 30 books (including the beloved Mouse Traveler series that takes kids on adventures to America's National Parks), Tricia weaves real facts into fun, heartwarming stories. After a 20+ year hiatus and personal challenges, she returned to her passion in her 80s — independently publishing under Write ‘em Cowgirl Publishing and even crowdfunding new titles. A former archaeology student, rancher, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Tricia brings warmth, wisdom, and an uplifting message about using stories to spark curiosity, conservation, and lasting family values in the next generation.https://triciagardella.com/

Christopher A. Wilson (Chris Wilson) is a seasoned tax practitioner, entrepreneur, and author dedicated to making personal finance simple, accessible, and actionable. As CEO of Wilson Enterprise, Inc., he oversees 14 H&R Block offices across North Carolina and Virginia, serving thousands of clients each year. With more than 20 years focused on financial education and empowerment — plus prior corporate experience at GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Ashland Oil — Chris holds a Business & Accounting degree from Winston-Salem State University and currently serves on its Foundation Board.He is the visionary behind upcoming book concepts including Investment Clubs, S&P 500, and Mortgage Magic, all designed to help everyday people understand investing, smart tax strategies, and building a nest egg that lasts a lifetime. His core mission: “to make financial understanding accessible and empower people to take control of their financial future.”https://www.christopherawilson.com/

CJ kicks off Episode 346 with a real-life chaotic Sunday and a reminder that growth-minded teachers show up—even when it's messy. From students not turning in work to end-of-year burnout, CJ breaks down practical strategies to re-engage your classroom, chunk projects, and refocus on what actually works. He also dives into motivation, the power of joy, and how to avoid focusing on the wrong students. Plus: ideas for summer reading, classroom projects, and why “doing less but better” might be the key to finishing the year strong.Chapters0:00 Chaotic Sunday + real-life teacher life2:00 Growth mindset: why showing up matters4:15 New classroom addition: class fish + engagement ideas6:10 Why students aren't turning work in (and what to do) 10:45 Chunking projects for better completion rates14:30 Fast grading + making grades visible to students17:20 Summer book club idea for students20:10 Reflection: best lessons from this year24:00 Brain rot project + engagement strategies28:15 Spirit weeks + building student buy-in31:00 Resetting after long days + avoiding burnout35:20 Inspiration vs. exhaustion (how to refill your energy)39:10 Science fair + school-wide event ideas43:00 Screen time in schools: what's actually working48:30 Why teachers are leaving (and how to stay grounded)56:10 Refocusing on the right students1:01:00 End-of-year motivation + finding joy again1:06:30 Planning ahead for next school year1:11:00 Closing thoughts + upcoming resources________________________________________________________________________✉️ FREE Weekly Teaching TipsGet exclusive strategies + classroom ideas every week:https://teach-your-class-off-27476.myflodesk.com/newsletter

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we're joined by Jimmy Scroggins, Lead Pastor of Family Church in South Florida. Under Jimmy's leadership, Family Church has grown into a network of over 20 congregations across multiple languages, all unified under one structure while maintaining local leadership and live teaching at every location. Are you finding your church's energy drifting in too many directions? Wondering how to keep your ministry focused while still doing all the “good things” churches are called to do? Tune in as Jimmy offers a clear perspective on why maintaining a relentless focus on the weekend experience is critical for sustained church growth. A network of neighborhood churches. // Family Church operates as one unified organization—one name, one budget, one leadership structure—but functions like a family of neighborhood churches. Each location has live preaching, local leadership, and contextualized ministry for its community. Like siblings in a family, each campus shares core DNA while expressing it differently based on context, language, and culture. This approach allows the church to scale while remaining personal and locally effective. Why Sunday still matters most. // One of Jimmy's strongest convictions is that healthy churches must prioritize the weekend gathering. When growth slows, churches can be tempted to drift away from focusing on Sunday. Leaders may unintentionally elevate secondary ministries, such as midweek programs or community initiatives, because they feel like wins. However, if Sunday gatherings are not vibrant, engaging, and growing, the effectiveness of every other ministry will eventually decline as well. A healthy weekend service creates the momentum that fuels everything else, and secondary ministries all need to drive back to the Sunday experience. Creating alignment across multiple locations. // One way Family Church keeps the focus on Sunday, and maintains unity across a large multisite network, is through shared sermon planning, common teaching outlines, and collaborative preparation. While each pastor delivers messages in their own voice, the theological direction and structure remain consistent. At the same time, local campuses retain flexibility to adapt to their specific communities, ensuring both consistency and contextual relevance. Developing future leaders intentionally. // A key driver of Family Church's growth is its leadership pipeline. The church utilizes internships, residencies, and student ministry roles to identify and develop future campus pastors. Notably, Jimmy views student pastors as potential senior leaders because their roles require a broad range of skills, from teaching and leadership to administration and pastoral care. By consistently investing in emerging leaders, the church creates a steady pipeline of capable pastors ready to lead new locations. Coaching for continuous improvement. // Teaching quality is a high priority, and every communicator receives regular coaching. Sermons are recorded, reviewed, and evaluated by trusted leaders who provide feedback and track growth over time. Jimmy himself participates in this process, modeling a culture of humility and continuous improvement. Refocusing requires difficult decisions. // For churches that have drifted away from prioritizing the weekend, Jimmy offers a caution: refocusing will require letting go of some good things. Leaders must carefully evaluate where time, money, and energy are being spent, and whether those investments are truly supporting the weekend experience and the church's primary mission to make disciples. To learn more about Family Church, visit gofamilychurch.org and explore their resources and annual leadership conference. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Lastly, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Risepointe Do you feel like your church’s or school's facility could be preventing growth? Are you frustrated or possibly overwhelmed at the thought of a complicated or costly building project? Are the limitations of your building becoming obstacles in the path of expanding your ministry? Have you ever felt that you could reach more people if only the facility was better suited to the community’s needs? Well, the team over at Risepointe can help! As former ministry staff and church leaders, they understand how to prioritize and help lead you to a place where the building is a ministry multiplier. Your mission should not be held back by your building. Their team of architects, interior designers and project managers have the professional experience to incorporate creative design solutions to help move YOUR mission forward. Check them out at risepointe.com/unseminary and while you’re there, schedule a FREE call to explore possibilities for your needs, vision and future…Risepointe believes that God still uses spaces…and they're here to help. Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. So glad that you have decided to tune in. We’ve got a returning guest today, which, what does that mean? That means it’s somebody I want you to hear from again. Excited to have Jimmy Scroggins with us. He is the lead pastor at Family Church. They’re one of the fastest growing churches in the country with, if I’m counting correctly, 14 campuses in Florida, plus five locations in Spanish and a Portuguese location. That’s a lot of moving parts. Family Church is dedicated to building families in South Florida through a network of neighborhood churches. Jimmy became the lead pastor there in 2008. Super excited to have you on the show again today.Jimmy Scroggins — Hey, man, always glad to be with you and appreciate what you do.Rich Birch — Yeah, encouraging to see you as well again. So why don’t you bring people just up to speed for folks who haven’t been following along with Family Church. Give us a picture where things are at today, your 14 campuses, multiple locations. What’s a network look like today? Tell us all about that.Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah, so actually, depending on how you can, you know, we use the word campus and church interchangeably. So although we are one church organization, one budget, one name, one leadership structure, one constitution and bylaws, we still function a lot from the perspective of an attender like likes independent churches because we have live teaching and live local leadership at every family church location.Rich Birch — Yep.Jimmy Scroggins — And so we have 20 locations. Rich Birch — Okay. Jimmy Scroggins — Then we have some additional, so because some of those are Spanish speaking… Rich Birch — Yep. Jimmy Scroggins — …yeah like Portuguese our Portuguese church has their own campus. A couple of our Spanish speaking churches have their own campus.Rich Birch — Love it.Jimmy Scroggins — Then a couple of them congregations meet on the same campus with an English speaking congregation.Rich Birch — Okay. Yep.Jimmy Scroggins — And so so that’s that’s where we’re at. We have all those different physical locations and several more coming online in the next 12 months or so. Rich Birch — That’s fantastic.Jimmy Scroggins — And we’re really excited about the opportunity that we have to reach people in South Florida. We are not a megachurch. We have but a budget and the total attendance of a megachurch, but that’s in the aggregate. Our largest attended campus on a strong Sunday that’s not Easter might have 1,800 people. Our next one might have 1,500. We have another one that runs about 900. And then the rest of them are like usually with t between 400 and 600. Yeah.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s great. That’s really this neighborhood church vision that you’ve been talking about, right? Which is the idea, if I remember correctly, it’s a one hundred locations that you’re hoping for, you’re wondering, you’re asking the Lord. Tell us talk to us a little bit about that.Jimmy Scroggins — We’re talking about a hundred congregations, so they don’t all have to be Family Church. So we felt that we also helped to plant a truly autonomous, independent churches that are not Family Church. And so between that and where we are now with our own locations, we think we’ve started out on 40 something… Rich Birch — That’s amazing. Jimmy Scroggins — …of these over the last 15 years or so. Rich Birch — That’s great.Jimmy Scroggins — And, You know, the number 100 is kind of aspirational. I don’t know if we’ll ever actually get 100. Rich Birch — Right. Jimmy Scroggins — But it’s it’s it’s close enough that we can measure progress, but far enough out there that it feels like, man, we’ve got a lot of work to do.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s great. What what do you, this is like a sidebar question. How do you kind of define the difference between a Family Church, somebody that’s in the network or is a part of the Family Church versus a church plant?Jimmy Scroggins — Sure.Rich Birch — How do you think about the difference between those two?Jimmy Scroggins — Well, I mean, again, our our main markers, the one thing that, well, we say what makes us one church or one church organization is we’d have one name. So like all of our Family churches, if if we do a strategic partnership or a merger with another church, they’re all going to become Family Church. Jimmy Scroggins — We have one constitution and bylaws that we all share. We have one um leadership structure, so they’ll all come into the leadership rubric and structure of Family Church, and we have one budget. So we all pool our resources and then we dispense them to together to fund the work of the different locations that we have.Rich Birch — Yeah, I love that. So…Jimmy Scroggins — And because we have live teaching, too, you know, we we try not to use language. We usually will correct someone around here if they use language like the mothership… Rich Birch — Right. Jimmy Scroggins — …or the main campus because we don’t we don’t have that.Rich Birch — No, no.Jimmy Scroggins — You know, wherever you attend church, that’s your main campus. Whoever’s your pastor, your preacher, that’s who you want to hear.Rich Birch — That’s good.Jimmy Scroggins — That’s that’s your that’s your lead pastor.Jimmy Scroggins — So we really try to think of it like that.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s cool. Yeah, there’s a lot there. And maybe we’ll have you on another time to talk about, you know, how you’re keeping those together and keeping them aligned and focused. Because there’s, you know, I think there’s a lot of people that would aspirationally say, hey, that would be great. But man, I’m just not sure the inner are workings of that. But that’s it for another day. So I’m already setting you up for the next conversation.Jimmy Scroggins — All right. All right. Great. Look forward to it.Rich Birch — But one of the things I’ve heard you talk about is, hey, you know, we got to stay focused on the weekends. We got to stay focused on Sunday mornings. That sounds simple, and the kind of thing, of course, that’s what we do. But what what were you seeing when you think, hey, we got to be focused on Sundays. We got to be focused on that experience as church leaders.Jimmy Scroggins — One of the things that I’ve discovered over my, you know, I’ve been, I’ve been a ministry a long time. I’m 54 years old. This is the only kind of work I’ve ever really been in vocationally. So as I’ve watched, I’ve just watched churches always have this tendency to drift away from a focus and a value on what happens on Sunday morning and towards other things.Jimmy Scroggins — Now, before anybody starts emailing you or emailing me or whatever, I understand. I want to say all, just please assume the best in terms of the caveats, right? Rich Birch — Yep.Jimmy Scroggins — I know that discipleship is the goal, not church attendance. This is not about nickels and noses and all that. That that is really not what I’m talking about.Jimmy Scroggins — What I’m talking about is for a church to have an organizational drive, for a church to have an organizational forward momentum, they have to be succeeding and rallying people at their weekend services. That’s just the way that it is. If you don’t do that well, you are blunting the impact of everything else that you might be doing, whether it’s small groups or home groups or whatever else. Jimmy Scroggins — And again, look, this is not the Bible. This is my opinion. If you, my opinions are all free. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to take it. But I do think that, I do think that in my experience just watching, and and what I watch is when churches begin to get into severe decline, what they do is they usually latch on to some other ministry that’s not Sunday morning… Rich Birch — Right. That’s true. Jimmy Scroggins — …so they can feel like they’re getting a win. And so they’ll start, you know, our, what’s really important around here is our Thursday night ministry to special needs kids.Rich Birch — Yep.Jimmy Scroggins — It’s our orphanage that we own in Haiti. It’s our soup kitchen where we feed the homeless every Monday. And all of those things are awesome things.Rich Birch — Yeah, VBS in the summertime or yeah, whatever those kind of things.Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah, there are things that the church should do, maybe where you are, and those are all godly things, good things, biblical things, faithful things. But the thing of it is, what I watch is churches latch on to those things because they stop believing they can succeed on Sunday morning, and those things take on greater and greater importance.Jimmy Scroggins — But but what what churches find is that eventually, if you don’t make Sunday morning healthy and vibrant and growing, all of the other things that are the auxiliary ministries that are attached to that are going to go away also.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s, I love that. In fact, just recently I was with a church where we were talking about similar issues and they were talking about these other things they do. And I was challenging them very similarly. I was said like, listen, that all sounds great. But like, how can we take the energy you’re putting into that and focus it in on the weekend, focus it in on Sunday? What can we do to rather than because it feels diffused? It’s like, you know, you got all these other areas you’re you’re spending your time on. Rich Birch — What does focus really look like for you as you’re coaching, even your team at Family? You say, okay what do what does it look like to kind of have a great weekend that feels like a win? What are some of those kind of telltale signs of, yeah, that that’s a that’s a congregation that’s focused on making that work?Jimmy Scroggins — Well, I think I think there’s organizations such as 9Marks and others who have laid this out pretty clearly. What should be happening when a church is gathering regularly? And so I think I think others have done a really eloquent job of laying these kinds of things out. And I want to go ahead and say I’m for all of 9Marks and all that kind of stuff.Rich Birch — Yep.Jimmy Scroggins — And I really am from the heart. But I also would just say, in terms of some more pragmatic ways that you approach that, obviously being faithful to what the Bible calls a neighborhood church to do. But I think one of the ways i encourage pastors is agreeing that we’re going to be faithful theologically in every way. I want to try to create the kind of church that I want my family to grow up in.Rich Birch — That’s good. That’s good.Jimmy Scroggins — So I’ve got kids, I’ve got teenagers, when I had little ones, when I had preschoolers, what kind of preschool experience do I want my kids to have in a context of a faithful church? Rich Birch — That’s good.Jimmy Scroggins — What kind of children’s ministry experience? What kind of student ministry experience? What kind of music do I think that our family ought to be singing together when we gather on the Lord’s Day? What kind of sermon do I want my wife and my children, what kind of sermon do I need to be hearing when we gather on the Lord’s Day?Jimmy Scroggins — And so that’s what I’m trying to think about. And what you’ll find is, you know, now I’m in a little bit of a different phase because now I have my kids and grandkids go to my church. So what kind of an experience am I hoping that my grandchildren are going to have in the context of a biblically faithful neighborhood church?Jimmy Scroggins — And so I’ve just found that when you think of it like that, it clarifies a lot of things.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Jimmy Scroggins — And and it also lets you be authentically who you are. And what I found is that if I will help to create the kind of programming in the context of a biblically faithful church that I want my kids to experience, there’s a lot of people who actually have the same desires. And they might not even be able to articulate it because maybe they don’t have the training or they haven’t thought about it as hard as I have. But when they but become part of it they go, that’s what I’ve always been looking for right there.Rich Birch — Right, right. Well, that’s part…Jimmy Scroggins — And so that’s what that’s what I think.Rich Birch — Yeah, I love that. It’s a part of being a leader, right, is to identify here are the things that are important to our organization and and how do we keep those front and center and keep them in front of people? And I love that just personal kind of reflection, even, hey, what what am I looking for and how does you know, what do I think God can use? Rich Birch — Well, pivoting a slightly different direction, thinking about what you’re doing at Family Church, you know, when you’re running multiple locations in multiple languages. How do you keep this kind of focus consistent with across all your campus pastors who are leading in very different contexts? You know, I know you’re all in South Florida, but like it’s very different communities you’re in. Jimmy Scroggins — That’s true.Rich Birch — Talk us through how are you, how are you driving unity and continuing to make sure Family Church is Family Church.Jimmy Scroggins — Well, a couple of things, Rich, you know, we’re multisite, but we, so, you know, our, our goal is always family resemblance, not cookie cutter and identical. So the way I think I’ve shared this with on your podcast before, but the Scroggins family, we have eight biological children. None of them are twins. They do have a look because genetics are real. Rich Birch — Yes. Jimmy Scroggins — But they don’t look alike and they don’t want to be alike.Rich Birch — Right.Jimmy Scroggins — They like being brothers and sisters. They like being part of the Scroggins family. If someone else picks on them, they tend to tribe up pretty quick. But there’s a healthy sibling rivalry among all of them. And that’s kind of my idea for how our family of neighborhood churches can work.Jimmy Scroggins — is There’s a family resemblance. We’re all proud to be part of the family. We love each other a lot. We pull for each other really hard. There’s a healthy amount of sibling rivalry. We don’t like other people coming at our coming at our brothers and sisters. And so that’s kind of how I like to posture our churches as much as I can.Jimmy Scroggins — And the way that we keep consistency and camaraderie and chemistry and hold each other accountable is we just have a lot…we call it meals, meetings, and retreats. So we have a lot of meals together. We schedule it. We budget for it. We have a lot of retreats together. We schedule it. We budget for it. We have a lot of face-to-face meetings, more than most churches or leaders would tolerate. But that’s part of how we create culture and how we cultivate culture together.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s very good. I love that. Actually, very similar Mark Jobe in Chicago. They have 20 some odd locations as well, all preaching locally. Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah. Rich Birch —And he gave a very similar answer. I said, how do you keep everybody together? And he would kind of look to like well, we all get together for lunch on Monday. That was that was his answer. You know, it’s very similar.Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah. Yeah.Rich Birch — Like, hey, we got to keep FaceTime with each other. We got to keep relationally connected. Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s that’s fantastic. What would you say some of the, when you say your campuses have a strong resemblance, sticking with the genetic. Jimmy Scroggins — Sure. Rich Birch — What are some of those markers of the strong resemblance that that are telltale for you?Jimmy Scroggins — I mean, aside from the more superficial things like branding, right? Signage and branding. But also, I would say like our preaching. So we cultivate our sermon series together. Every preacher preaches in their own voice. umThey make every sermon their own, but we do collaborate. We create like a three or four or five point fill in the blank outline together that we all use. Then you have a lot of freedom beyond that, but that does keep a family resemblance. Jimmy Scroggins — Um, even our music, we don’t all have to use the same songs. We don’t, it’s not always in the same style, but we do have a set of songs that we’re using each quarter. And, um, we tend to try to, people have freedom to, to add songs or do something, but we, we, we kind of agree on a catalog of songs that we’re going to focus on for the quarter.Jimmy Scroggins — Our liturgy is similar. So we have certain, like an announcement video that we all play all every church, every campus does. So we all do the same call to worship, reading out loud together congregationally. And we all do the same benediction, you know, that we read out loud congregationally. We all take the Lord’s supper every week.Jimmy Scroggins — We share our baptism. So like,whenever we baptize, we video all of them. And then the following week, those baptisms are shown at every location. Rich Birch — Right.Jimmy Scroggins — So we all rejoice in each other’s baptism. So those are just some things that we’re doing to communicate, hey, we’re all we’re all one.Jimmy Scroggins — At the same time, again, if you go to some of our congregations that majority black, well, it feels like it. I mean, the music’s different. The the preaching style is different. The the the way people react in the room is different. Obviously, if you’re Brazilian and you’re speaking Portuguese, obviously, if you’re, and even our Hispanic churches… One the things I discovered—I didn’t know this because I’m such a redneck—but when I come down here to South Florida, I did not realize that Hispanic is not actually all one thing. There’s actually a lot of different countries that speak Spanish… Rich Birch — Right. Sure. Jimmy Scroggins — …and they speak Spanish differently. And they actually like, they’re different. Rich Birch — Right.Jimmy Scroggins — And so I did not know that. And I never thought about it. And so even those congregations may have some differences.Rich Birch — Some differences. Yeah.Jimmy Scroggins — So that’s how we that’s how we do it.Jimmy Scroggins — Try to maintain family resemblance. Try to maintain Sunday morning excellence. At the same time, giving the preachers and the congregations freedom to reach their own neighborhoods for Christ.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s fantastic. I’d love to double click on the Sunday morning excellence piece, particularly around teaching. So I get that you’re doing, you know, the kind of team teaching in a sense, here’s the three or four points, we’re kind of all heading in the same direction. What are you doing to ensure that that part of what you do, we know that’s critically important for all our churches, that that part is as high quality as it can be, you know, it’s it’s kind of as engaging as it can be.Rich Birch — What are you doing um from a feedback, coaching, you know, maybe even selection of those campus pastors or the people that are speaking? you wouldn’t call them campus pastors, lead pastors. What are you doing on that front to ensure that that is as high quality as it can be?Jimmy Scroggins — Well, we have a system for that. So we have a couple of guys. We have three or four guys in our church or pastors here that are very gifted and not only in teaching and preaching, but they’re gifted coaches. And so we have a system and I, and a regular rhythm where everyone videos their sermons and then they they email their manuscript and their video to these coaches and then they get feedback. But then they sit down and actually watch the video and get personal feedback from these coaches. And they do this several times a year.Jimmy Scroggins — And we keep a running log on here’s some things that we’ve asked them to work on and improve. And so then when we come back the next time, did they work on these things and are they improving? And so those are the kinds of it’s not perfect, but it is a it is a serious mechanism that we have where…Rich Birch — Yeah.Jimmy Scroggins — And I do it, too. I submit to it as well. We all get coached and we all get better.Rich Birch — I love that. Actually, this is now the second church. I literally was talking to a church earlier this week that is pursuing a secondary communicator to do exactly this. So it’s actually not the lead pastor who they’re who they’re kind of charging with this coaching role on communicators. Talk to me about that. That’s an interesting decision because I think a lot of people would assume, oh, that must be Jimmy’s job. He’s going to be coaching all these people. But talk to me about about your decision to have them do that.Jimmy Scroggins — So one of the things that I do in a church like ours is I delegate a lot of things, but I do not delegate the teaching ministry of the church. So every week, if you go to our, you know, every week I meet for about two hours with everyone who’s preaching this weekend.Rich Birch — Okay.Jimmy Scroggins — So they’re all in that meeting. We’re talking through the sermon. We’re developing this outline. I do that myself. I personally lead the preaching retreats. We have two a year where we’re laying out our calendar. So we’re always 18 months out on our preaching calendar.Rich Birch — Yeah.Jimmy Scroggins — And so those are, that’s just something I, I don’t want to delegate. Um, the teaching ministry of the church belongs to me in terms of responsibility, for the ah oversight of it.Jimmy Scroggins — And so that’s how we do that.But in terms of the coaching, these are all men that I’ve known for a long time that I trust a lot.Rich Birch — Right. Right.Jimmy Scroggins — We’re theologically aligned.Rich Birch — Yep.Jimmy Scroggins — I know the kind of feedback that they are likely to give. I trust it a lot. I know how they do it because I submit to it myself. And part of the reason that I do it is I want to get better. And part of the reason I do it is I want to interact with the coaches.Rich Birch — Right. Yeah, that’s good. That’s great.Jimmy Scroggins — So I, yeah. And so it is my responsibility. But the other thing is, you know, Rich, on coaching, whether it’s student ministry, kids ministry, you know, I’m I’m an ex-athlete. And one thing that athletes do, they get coached all the time, and they get coached by people who usually can’t do what they’re being coached to do.Rich Birch — That’s true.Jimmy Scroggins — So like, you know, when Tom Brady was at his height winning Super Bowls, not one of his coaches could have played quarterback as well as him, but he got coached every week.Jimmy Scroggins — When Tiger Woods was at his peak of golf, he flew Butch Harmon, his swing coach, around his jet. And if Butch could play golf as good as Tiger Woods, he’d have won the Masters. Rich Birch — Right.Jimmy Scroggins — But he was his coach. And so somebody doesn’t have to be better than you to coach you.Rich Birch — That’s good. That’s great insight for sure. And, and yeah, that the analogy of, yeah, somebody that’s professional at what they’re doing is getting coaching right in there. And it’s a different skillset than the, the same is true the other way. There’s a lot of people that are pro-athletes who can’t make the jump to coach. They just can’t do that. They… Jimmy Scroggins — That’s correct. Rich Birch — …you know, that’s like a different, it’s a totally different skillset than, than doing the thing that we’re talking about. What about the these key staff, campus pastors in these locations? How are you where are you finding them before they join the team? Are they coming up within? Are you you know what what’s that look like? How are you how are you finding these individuals to lead?Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah.Rich Birch — I know this real pressure point a lot of multisite churches.Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah, well it’s a pressure point for us, too. And we never have enough.Rich Birch — Right.Jimmy Scroggins — But I will say we work at it. So we have an internship program that’s year round. So we’re trying to cultivate college age kids, not because we’re going to hire them necessarily. We hire some, but so that we have a pool of people that we know that are in their 20s that may have an interest in vocational ministry.Jimmy Scroggins — We bring in, in the summers, a cohort of outside college students who are from all over the country. Again, it’s kind of like an eight week where we invest in them, but it’s an eight week job interview also. And so at the conclusion of that, we’re sitting down with our team and going, okay, is there anybody that was here this summer that we would want to hire? Stuff like that.Jimmy Scroggins — We do have a residency program here in English and Spanish. So we’re cultivating, these are for people who are beyond college age and these is our residency is primarily aimed at people who already live here and who are engaged in a career that’s not vocational ministry. And people who are, it’s usually, we’re we’re looking for people who are at a point in their career or their business where they have a lot of control over their own schedule.Rich Birch — Right.Jimmy Scroggins — And then we give them some training. It’s a two year residency program. And then some of them become pastors or lay ministers. Some of them become just highly trained volunteers. That’s another avenue.Jimmy Scroggins — And then we’re networking all the time. So we’re working hard. We try to enter our team and cohorts. We try to travel and be there for college fairs and other things. Because we have to work hard so we have a Rolodex of people that we can call on when when we when we need someone to come fill fill a role.Rich Birch — And out of those, well, first of all, super commendable that you have lots of different avenues. And lots of times when I ask your church that question, they’re like, well, we do this one thing and it’s not working. It’s like, okay…Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah.Rich Birch — …well, it takes more than one thing. You got to do a bunch of different things. Which of those has been the most effective or most fruitful for, or is it kind of a scattershot? It’s all of it for… Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah. Rich Birch — …you know, identifying particularly key leaders.Jimmy Scroggins — They’re all fruitful in different ways. One of the things that we do is we use our student ministry. So when we have full-time student ministers, which we have a bunch of them, we really don’t hire somebody to be full-time as a student pastor unless we think they could be a campus pastor or lead pastor.Rich Birch — That’s good.Jimmy Scroggins — So it doesn’t mean that they will be, but every single person we hire, we think this person’s got the gift mix, they’ve got the teaching gift, they’ve got the want to, they’ve got some administrative ability, they’re a good convener, people tend to come around them. And so we’re trying to identify those people who may not be ready yet in terms of experience or age or family development or whatever, to be a lead pastor, but we want to identify people who we think are on that trajectory, put them in those slots.Jimmy Scroggins — And we do that because student ministry, you know, I was a student pastor for a long time. Student ministers do basically everything that a lead pastor does. They have to prepare messages. They have to rally volunteers. They have to arrange music. They have to oversee events. They have to do funerals and weddings. They have to do counseling. They have to deal with discipline problems. So student pastors, and they have to do it all on shoestring. They tend to be really good at senior pastor stuff after they’ve been doing it for a while. So that’s why we do it that way.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s great. I love that. I love the, just even the clarity of identifying, Hey, we know that the people in this, you know, in this role, those are all people who eventually we could see, you know, if they keep developing, they could be in these roles. That’s a, that’s, that’s fantastic.Rich Birch — Well, this been a fantastic conversation. Getting back to the kind of Sunday focus question. if, if I’m a church leader and I think, man, I think we’re maybe a bit off focus on some stuff. We’re not, we’re not putting enough energy into the weekend. What would your recommendation be to them for pulling back on other things? How do you actually do that in a way that you know doesn’t kind of kibosh? How do we make that transition in a way that that actually propels the church forward rather than you know hindering us? Any thoughts on that?Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah, that’s probably a whole nother podcast, Rich.Rich Birch — Yes.Jimmy Scroggins — But just in brief, I would just say you need to do that very wisely because what you’re going find out is in order to refocus, you’re going to have to either de-emphasize or stop doing something else. And that something else is probably a really good thing that some Christian somewhere ought to be doing. And your church has a constituency of people in it who are super passionate about that thing. Rich Birch — Right.Jimmy Scroggins — And so you gotta be really wise because you just go ripping and slashing, um you’re gonna undercut your own leadership credibility. And in some situations you might undercut your leadership opportunity.Jimmy Scroggins — And so you gotta be really wise about that. But I think minimally, if you could just assess it. So years ago I heard a guy that was really good at organizational leadership. He said, he said if you brought in a consultant from outside and he didn’t know anything about your church, and he didn’t care about anything about it. And he just assessed it and said, you should stop doing this, you should start doing that, you should fix this, you should fire them, you should hire them. He goes, why don’t you just think about what that guy would say and then do it. Rich Birch — Right. Yes.Jimmy Scroggins — So I think there’s a part of that where even if you can’t wisely do everything all at once, I think there is a sense in which you should at least be able to identify what those things would be if you could. And then you begin to chip away at it.Jimmy Scroggins — So the way, I mean, just real clarity is just like, hey man, where’s the money? How who how many how many staff dollars or budget dollars are flowing towards helping Sunday morning succeed and how much of it is flowing elsewhere?Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Jimmy Scroggins — How many staff members and how many staff hours are directed at other programming versus Sunday morning programming? How much of your brain space as a senior leader is being occupied by other ministries versus Sunday morning? Rich Birch — That’s good.Jimmy Scroggins — And I would just say it doesn’t mean that it should be zero. It just means the clear priority in my mind should be your weekend gatherings. And then a very simple, like a very practical example of how this might work out is let’s take student ministry. So I did that for a long time.Jimmy Scroggins — A lot of churches on like their midweek program on Wednesday nights, whatever night it is, they have a huge group, two or three or four times bigger than the student ministry group that meets on Sunday mornings. Okay, and why is that? Well, we’re reaching the community. Okay, maybe. Maybe you got a bunch of kids that aren’t Christian or whatever, and they come to your thing because it’s fun. and Maybe you’re also collecting some kids from other churches whose youth group isn’t as good as yours, or maybe they don’t have one, or, you know, whatever. There’s there’s a lot of reasons why the youth group on the midweek is is big, and there’s nothing with that.Jimmy Scroggins — But I would just say, my so what I tell my youth pastors is, look, get the biggest group you can on Wednesday nights. I love it. Blow it out. I’m just not evaluating you on that. I’m evaluating you by how many students are here on Sunday mornings. Rich Birch — Right.Jimmy Scroggins — Because because Sunday morning kids come with their families and families are what build churches.Rich Birch — Right. Right. That’s good.Jimmy Scroggins — Now they’re going push back and say, so you don’t care about reaching all these lost kids at our public school. No, I actually really do, which is why if that’s something that we’re really passionate about, why don’t you get a job with FCA or Youth for Christ or First Priority? Let’s fund you and, man, knock yourself out as a missionary to the public schools.Jimmy Scroggins — But what we’re trying to do at Family Church is make disciples. And the way we do that is building families. It doesn’t mean that we won’t have kids whose parents don’t go to church. We will and we do. But what I’ve learned over many years is all that activity around people who never whose parents never come bears very minimal fruit compared to the energy we put into parents whose kids do come or likely to come. Those that fruit tends to remain.Jimmy Scroggins — I know we’ve all got anecdotal stories. I do too. Rich Birch — Yes. Jimmy Scroggins — And I know you know I am 100% in favor of student ministry as a missions enterprise, and we want to reach kids and baptize kids. I’m for all of that. We baptize a lot around here. At the same time, everyone at our church knows I’m being evaluated by what happens on Sunday morning. So what I’m doing on Wednesday really needs to be a funnel where I’m catching kids and bringing them into our true discipleship matrix, which is um Lord’s Day worship. So whether they have they’re with their parents or not.Jimmy Scroggins — A Christian who says, I’m a Christian, I’ve been baptized, but I don’t participate in Lord’s Day worship with a neighborhood church. That’s not a, that’s not, they’re not following a biblical pattern and that’s what we’re trying to get kids. So that that’s just an example of how an emphasis on the weekend might flesh out in a local church.Rich Birch — I love the clarity there. And I love the like, hey, you can do that thing, but we got to make sure that there’s a connection between that and this. And if we can’t show that we’re that this thing is going to drive to that thing, to the weekend, we you know, you you probably don’t want to be doing that. I think the clarity that you’re giving your people, I think, is a huge gift there. That’s that’s fantastic.Rich Birch — Well, Jimmy,Jimmy Scroggins — Well, you know, it’s one of the things about what I do is I always sound like I’m 100% positive and like I know what I’m doing. Just to be clear, hey, man, other people do it different. God blesses it.Rich Birch — Sure. Yeah, yeah.Jimmy Scroggins — Praise God for it.Jimmy Scroggins — This is how we do it at Family Church. I don’t think it’s the only way to do it.Rich Birch — Right. No, that’s great. And in fact, actually, that’s a telltale sign I’ve seen in lots of churches would say, would have that same humility to say, hey, we know there’s lots of different ways to do it. This is the way that we’re doing it. Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah.Rich Birch — This is what we believe God’s called us to. But we’re that means we’re called to this thing. We’re going to do it this way. Jimmy Scroggins — Right.Rich Birch — And that clarity, rather than like, hey, we’re always every six months, we’re trying something different. I think that just drives in too many weird directions and the church doesn’t end up being focused enough. Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah.Rich Birch — So yeah. Yeah, I really appreciate your clarity, Jimmy. Well this has been a fantastic conversation today. Any kind of last words as we wrap up today’s conversation?Jimmy Scroggins — Yeah, I would just say again, if you’re a church leader, my my humble encouragement to you is make Sunday morning the best thing that you do. Put your primary and energy into that. And if your Sunday morning is vibrant and healthy and growing and people are being encouraged and taught and trained and they’re serving, then what you’re going to find is all of the other things that you want to do and should do outside of that are likely to be healthier.Rich Birch — That’s great. Thanks so much. If people want to track with you or with the church, where do we want to send them online?Jimmy Scroggins — You can go to our website, gofamilychurch.org. We have some podcasts as well. Church for the Rest of Us is one. We’ve got another one for ladies called Mom Village. Check all that out. And and we love to connect. Jimmy Scroggins — We also have a we have a we have a conference every March. It’s a one-day conference, very affordable, small, no green rooms, no VIP treatment. But we want people to come with us, make friends with us, and talk church. Rich Birch — That’s great. Jimmy Scroggins — And you can check all that out online or on our website.Rich Birch — Love it. We’ll link to all that in the show notes. I appreciate you, Jimmy. Thanks for being here today.Jimmy Scroggins — Always. Thanks so much, Rich. Appreciate it.

Life has a way of pulling our attention in a hundred different directions. Between responsibilities, worries, and the constant noise of everyday life, it’s easy for our focus to drift. Often, it’s not outright rebellion that creates distance from God—it’s distraction. A slow fade. But Scripture gives us a clear and simple invitation: fix your eyes on Jesus. When we intentionally shift our focus back to Christ, something powerful happens. The weight of the world doesn’t necessarily disappear, but it begins to lose its grip. The things that once felt overwhelming start to shrink in the light of His presence. Jesus, who endured the cross and secured our hope, becomes the anchor that steadies our hearts. Refocusing isn’t complicated—it simply requires a willingness to pause, look up, and reconnect with the One who holds it all together. Highlights Distraction, not rebellion, often pulls us away from God Fixing our eyes on Jesus restores peace and clarity The pressures of life lose power in light of Christ’s presence Busyness can quietly replace devotion if left unchecked True satisfaction is found in Christ, not worldly pursuits Refocusing on Jesus is simple, but requires intentionality Jesus endured the cross to secure our hope and faith Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Turn Your Eyes Upon JesusBy Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV) How many of us know and love the famous hymn, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus? There really is a sense of purity and weightiness to many of the hymns we sing. But this one strikes a particularly intimate chord, beckoning us to look up and out beyond our distractions, disappointments, and even our despair. Not only is it calling us to shift our perspective, but to fix our gaze on the face of our Lord. It is there that all of the cares of this world dim and fade in the light of His love and glory. This hymn truly is one of my absolute favorites. I actually wasn’t exposed to it until a bit later in life, but it was so influential that decades later, I still have a vivid memory of the first time I heard it. I was riding in the back of a car when Michael W. Smith first shared a beautiful rendition of these beloved lyrics. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus,Look full in His wonderful face,And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,In the light of His glory and grace.” There is so much in our world that clamors for our attention. Our challenges, our worries, our incessant need to be busy, and our constant pursuit of “happiness.” All of which depletes our faith, steals our peace, and leaves us feeling lost, anxious, and hopeless. This is the slippery slope that can so easily lead us astray. Often, our distance from the Lord is not due to intentional rebellion but rather to a slow fading of affection. As famously quoted by Corrie ten Boom, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy.” True satisfaction can only be found in Him. Nothing else will ever satisfy. In preparation for sharing about this hymn in today’s devotional, I conducted a little research to learn more about its origin and authorship. The hymn was penned by Helen Lemmel in 1922. Her own words were inspired by the life and poetry of a female missionary named Lilias Trotter, who encouraged those around her to “turn your soul’s vision to Jesus, and look and look at Him… for ‘He is worthy’ to have all there is to be had in the heart that He has died to win.” Jesus was, is, and always will be the answer to our questions, the treasure to our pursuit of riches, and the fulfillment of our innermost desires. The God-shaped hole in each of our hearts will never be satisfied by the lesser things of this world. The struggle truly is real. The noise and allure of all that surrounds us will constantly bombard our hearts and minds. It will never go away while we remain in this fallen world. As such, it requires intentional effort on our part to break free of our earthly bonds. But when we really think about it, the effort is so minimal. All we have to do is look up. Just set down our phones, walk away from our planners, close our computers, or turn off the TV, and simply shift our gaze from the temporal to the eternal. The Lord has already done all the hard work for us. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) The only thing He is asking of us is to turn our eyes upon Him. As soon as we do, all the things of this world will grow dim in the light of His glory and grace. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you feel overwhelmed, distracted, or lost? If so, how do you attempt to comfort yourself or ease your worries? I encourage you to take some time today to listen to the timeless truths of this hymn. I pray it ministers to your aching or anxious soul as you cast your gaze upon Him. And may we all relish in His light, and love, and grace. Further Reading:Psalm 105:4Jeremiah 29:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Rob Oliver is a content creator and DJ who went all-in on house music, and this conversation reveals why Miami is optimised for spending not building, how the music industry is surprisingly political, and why pursuing what you love gives energy instead of draining it.Rob explains why he hates Miami despite being there, it's status games rather than real building, though it remains necessary for what he's creating. Learn why the DJ world is more cliquish than expected with exclusive circles that either embrace or reject you based on having a following, how most people stay bogged down by relationships and jobs they hate without realising what they're leaving on table, and why his viral talking-head format eventually stopped working after massive volume.00:00 Introduction02:07 Reflecting on changes since their last conversation03:22 Observations on Miami's flashy and materialistic culture06:16 Transitioning focus to music and social media growth09:04 Lifemaxxing, pursuing passions across multiple domains12:23 Navigating the political landscape of the music industry22:53 Discussing tax implications of living in the US24:57 Perspectives on endless content streaming30:05 Experiences in Ibiza and its influence on life34:53 Evaluating personal growth through music and events39:17 Harnessing music's power & Ideal music performance settings and experiences47:14 Reflecting on past open relationship dynamics56:59 Refocusing on positive content & Future plans» Escape the 9-5 & build your dream life - https://www.digitalplaybook.net/» Transform your physique - https://www.thrstapp.com/» My clothing brand, THRST - https://thrstofficial.com» Custom Bioniq supplements: https://www.bioniq.com/mikethurston• 40% off your first month of Bioniq GO• 20% off your first month of Bioniq PRO» Join our newsletter for actionable insights from every episode: https://thrst-letter.beehiiv.com/» Join Whoop and get your first month for free - join.whoop.com/FirstThingsThrst» Follow RobInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robthebank/Website: https://robthebank.music/

The communist trying to refocus the American people against the enemy of the communist. Lindsy Graham seems to be working against the Trump administration. Jewish Producer Chris. Medal of Honor: Ronald RosserFollow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For my last conversation with Sam see here: https://youtu.be/Q06L7Uxq4PY?si=su6O18LIw3fF_JKfRabbi Sam Stern returns to The Fifth Question for a wide-ranging conversation on Reform Judaism, Zionism, anti-Zionism, and the future of American Jewish institutions. We start with Stern's recent op-ed—“Reform Judaism chose Zionism. That was not a mistake.”—and trace the Reform movement's historical arc from the 1885 Pittsburgh Platform to the 1937 Columbus Platform, and into today's post–October 7 landscape. Along the way, we tackle one of the central fault lines shaping liberal Jewish life right now: the tension between universalism vs. Jewish peoplehood/particularism, and what happens when Jewish identity is reduced to general ethics or political activism.This episode also digs into the question so many young Jews have inherited: why is Israel always framed as “complicated”? Stern argues that “nuance poisoning” and institutional risk-aversion have pushed Jewish education to start with critique instead of values—leaving students without the language, confidence, or backbone to stand up for themselves and for the Jewish community. We also discuss the role of Jewish institutions, the need to set an Overton window for communal boundaries, and whether the Reform movement can remain a big tent with real guardrails—including how it speaks (or fails to speak) to Sephardic/Mizrahi realities and political diversity in the American Jewish community.Topics & keywords: Reform Judaism and Zionism, Reform movement platforms, anti-Zionism, Jewish peoplehood, universalism vs particularism, Jewish institutional leadership, Jewish Overton window, Jewish education and Israel, campus antisemitism, post–October 7 American Jewish life, HUC, Reconstructionist movement, Hillel vs Chabad, Sephardic and Mizrahi American Jews.Chapters (video time):0:00 Intro + the op-ed: “Reform Judaism chose Zionism”0:23 Reform history: Pittsburgh (1885) to Columbus (1937)3:26 Institutions failing Jews + the need for new leadership5:25 Cycles of idealism: liberal universalism vs Zionist “pessimism”8:02 Universalism vs particularism in Reform Judaism10:04 If Judaism = universal ethics, why be Jewish?13:22 Peoplehood as a target of modern “universalism”16:02 Being “outflanked” + boundaries in a big-tent movement17:28 Survey language: who counts as a Zionist?21:13 “Israel is complicated” and how education frames values26:55 “Nuance poisoning” and starting with critique vs meaning38:28 The Jewish Overton window and communal boundaries40:26 Reform institutions and partisan politics44:27 Refocusing on Jews, Jewish education, and peoplehood53:54 ClosingIf you have thoughts on this episode—especially whether Reform conference food is fully kosher—drop a comment. I'm genuinely curious.#reformjudaism #zionisme #jewishpeople #americanpolitics #israel #adl #jewishidentity Jewish History, Politics, Israel, Antisemitism, and Zionism - I cover it all.Politics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6QupJZ1HLY&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqqL-GSNw6NhSZWOvzaDdIKJewish History: https://youtu.be/1u4jHoZ8stM?si=0jZP4uhXlVEg2NOTAntisemitism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCgnEZ1d24Q&list=PLQ3aQmFcYiCqkU_aPIJGbE1xTKEbkh8euFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.levine.31/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rabbidaniellevine/#Israel #Rabbi #Jewish #WhatisZionism #DoJews?

The African American community has long been an under-appreciated and underserved segment in retail. One clothing retailer is tailoring their offerings to meet their specific needs, which has led to incredible brand loyalty, and huge profits.Ken Seipel has served as Citi Trends CEO since November of 2024, and became the chairman of the Board of directors in April of 2025. Ken has extensive retail leadership experience, including serving as the CEO of West Marine from 2019 to 2021, and CEO of Gabriel Brothers from 2013 to 2017.Ken joins us to talk about his storied career in retail, how Citi Trends is leveraging AI to make smarter decisions, and why he feels so confident in their future growth.Highlights:Ken's retail journey (2:05)Turnaround experience (3:53)The Scale of Citi Trends (5:03)Off-price retail (6:35)Serving the African American community (7:21)Three-Tiered Product Strategy (10:08)The Citi Trends Turnaround (12:38)Leveraging AI (14:29)What's driving their recent success? (16:21)Gross Margin Expansion (19:35)Expansion Strategy (21:44)Focus for 2026 (24:46) Links:Ken Seipel LinkedInCiti Trends LinkedInCiti Trends WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co

 "This remains an active investigation and will continue until Nancy Guthrie is located or all leads have been exhausted," the Pima County Sheriff's Department stated in a February 27 press release.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey Grace gang! Here's a little nugget of wisdom and honesty from me to you. God bless!

Coach Ted talks about how we get derailed from our priorities and how to see past the fog to get refocused. (Originally aired on 07-29-2024)

Troy Ave sits down with Ian Bick for an honest conversation about his upbringing, the path that led him into the criminal justice system, and what it took to survive time at Rikers Island. In this episode, Troy Ave breaks down his early life, the court case that changed everything, the realities of being locked up inside Rikers, and how incarceration reshaped his mindset both personally and professionally. He speaks honestly about accountability, survival, and navigating life after the system while continuing his journey in music. _____________________________________________ #TroyAve #HipHopInterview #PrisonStory #StreetLife #TrueCrimePodcast #MusicIndustry #LifeAfterPrison #rikersislandstories _____________________________________________ Thank you to AVA & LUCY for sponsoring this episode: AVA: Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app and when you join using my promo code LOCKEDIN, you'll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. _____________________________________________ LUCY: Go to HTTP://LUCY.CO/IANBICK and use promo code IANBICK to get 20% off your first order. _____________________________________________ Connect with Troy Ave: https://www.instagram.com/troyave/?hl=en _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Troy Ave on Rikers Island & Interview Introduction 00:32 Growing Up in Brooklyn: Background & Perspective 01:44 Privilege, Exposure & Early Worldview 03:40 Family Life, Brooklyn Upbringing & Environment 06:11 Lessons From Parents & Early Business Mindset 07:27 Teen Years: Discipline, Mistakes & Street Fights 10:39 Gang Life: Attraction, Reality & Short-Lived Appeal 13:05 Life Choices After Gangs: Credit, Jobs & Direction 14:24 First Hustles: Work, Streets & School Balance 17:46 From the Streets to Music: Motivation & Drive 21:40 The Mixtape Era & Early Music Grind 24:45 Drug Money vs Music Money 27:30 Leaving the Streets & Refocusing on Music 33:00 Jail Time, Loyalty & Leveling Up Mentally 36:52 Touring Independently & Music Industry Lessons 41:01 The Real Consequences of Street Life 44:42 The Shooting, Arrest & Legal Battle 52:00 Inside Rikers Island: Firsthand Experience 01:00:32 Life in Jail: Mindset, Privileges & Survival 01:13:12 Locked Up Again: Routines & Mental Toughness 01:19:12 Money, Status & Jail Politics 01:32:00 Rikers Island: Violence, Dominance & Reality 01:46:40 Lessons Learned, Hustle & Life After Jail 02:01:47 Achievements, Missed Goals & New Perspective 02:06:06 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raymond reviews with Ray the performance of our recommendations since the release of our 2026 outlook and highlights key areas to monitor. They assess the AI theme and reaffirm an equity overweight in the US and Asia ex-Japan. The discussion also covers gold and concludes with comments on bonds.You can read our latest Global Market Outlook today here.Speakers: Raymond Cheng, Chief Investment Officer, North Asia, Standard Chartered Bank Ray Heung, Senior Investment Officer,  Standard Chartered Bank For more of our latest market insights, visit Market views on-the-go or subscribe to Standard Chartered Wealth Insights on YouTube.

Send us a textWhen life feels loud, overwhelming, and distracting, where do you turn?In today's Midweek Motivation, we look at the contrast between Saul and David to discover how refocusing on God brings peace, clarity, and direction. David, known as a man after God's own heart, shows us what it looks like to quiet the noise of anxiety, comparison, and distraction by trusting God's sovereignty, resting in His presence, and running to Him daily.If you've been feeling overwhelmed or pulled in too many directions, this episode will help you slow down, refocus, and realign your heart with Jesus.In this episode, you'll discover:Why distraction and anxiety often grow when we stop trusting God's sovereigntyWhat David did differently than Saul when pressure and fear set inHow worship helps quiet the noise and re-center your heartWhat it really means to rest in your identity in ChristWhy running to God instead of solving everything yourself changes everythingHow resolve and obedience lead to lasting peaceNo matter what season you're in, God is inviting you to turn down the noise and refocus on Him.About Westside Community ChurchWestside is a place made up of real people from all walks of life. We are a “come as you are” church that strives to be a safe place for people to investigate faith. No matter your story, questions, doubts, or struggles, we're glad you're here today.LINKS & RESOURCES:SUBSCRIBE to always see our content and let us reach more people for JesusGive to support this ministry and help us reach people all around the world: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/giveSTAY CONNECTED:Website: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsidecommunitychurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx

Ed can't help another snow day detour + refocusing NSD in CFB by Ed Lane

What if a simple injection could boost your energy, improve your sleep, and support your overall health during perimenopause?I'm sharing my personal journey, the wins, the challenges, and everything I've learned along the way, so you can decide if peptides might be the right tool for you.Tune in as I talk about my experience with peptides, what's worked, what hasn't, and why listening to your body is key.Episode Timeline: 00:01 – Episode Preview01:27 – Podcast Intro04:10 – Listening to Body Signals06:45 – Refocusing on Peptides08:48 – What Peptides Really Are10:30 – My Peptide Journey Begins14:40 – Foundations Before Peptides16:55 – Defining My Health Challenges19:20 – Why I Chose Each Peptide21:55 – What Changed Fast24:46 – What Takes Time26:44 – Why Lab Testing Matters29:10 – What Didn't Change31:05 – What's Next For Me34:10 – When to Shift Strategy36:30 – Peptides: Icing on Cake39:05 – How to Know You're Ready42:10 – Final Takeaways & Next Steps

Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, the public face of the Trump administration's immigration operations, is no longer leading enforcement efforts in Minnesota after two fatal shootings and escalating legal battles over who gets to investigate them.President Trump heads to Iowa trying to sell his economic agenda, even as backlash grows from within his own party over his immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.And a landmark trial begins in Los Angeles that will test whether major social media companies knowingly designed their platforms in ways that harm kids, a case that could force the tech industry to rethink how its apps are built.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Andrea de Leon, Rebekah Metzler, Brett Neely, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas, Ava Pukatch and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Bovino Out of Minnesota(05:57) Trump Refocusing on Economy(09:38) Social Media on TrialLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What if witnessing 10 deaths in 23 years changed your view on life? In this episode, Kyle Skalisky shares how he helps teams build cultures of trust, respect, and accountability through his company Wyld Sky Aerospace and Management Consulting. After 23 years as a fighter pilot (F-15, F-16 aggressor, and F-18 in operational flight tests) and 15 years in the aerospace industry doing flight tests, Kyle recently stepped down as president and CEO of Check Six Aero Solutions to focus on giving back. His book "A Skyless Traveled: A Maverick Life of Leadership, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Purpose" shares lessons learned from the cockpit about building exceptional teams. Kyle believes good teams need three things: character (how people treat those who can do nothing for them), competence (people who can get the job done and are willing to learn), and commitment to the mission. He also wrote the book for his six and four-year-old sons, wanting to leave something showing what their father did for 50 years before they were born. Kyle reveals three relationships that shaped him: meeting President Ronald Reagan at his Air Force Academy graduation in 1984, whose speech about being solution-oriented rather than a naysayer set the tone for his career; his parents who married at 16, had six kids by 29, and just celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary teaching him dedication and never giving up on people; and his best friend Malibu, a talented pilot who died at 30 when he hit the ground during a Red Flag exercise. Witnessing 10-11 deaths in 23 years of flying changed Kyle's perspective—he stopped worrying about what people thought and started pursuing what brought joy, realizing that if no one will remember it in five years, it's just not that important.   [00:04:20] From CEO to Giving Back Recently stepped down as president and CEO of Check Six Aero Solutions Now runs Wyld Sky Aerospace and Management Consulting Wrote book "A Skyless Traveled: A Maverick Life of Leadership, Resilience, and the Pursuit of Purpose" Serves wonderful wife Dr. Kyra Carpenter and two boys Wilder (6) and Colt (4) [00:06:00] Why Write the Book Experience is great but people never get opportunity to pass it on to next generation All people's stories are wonderful, wishes more could tell them Wants to lift up next generation that will follow Wrote book for his 6 and 4-year-old boys as older father [00:06:40] Leaving a Legacy Doesn't know how long he gets to be with boys growing up Wanted to leave something showing 50 years before they were born Show what their father did and what he believed in Pass message down to true legacy: children and family [00:07:20] Growing Up in Wenatchee, Washington Parents married at 16, had six children by 29 Didn't have much but knew wanted to do something bigger Didn't fly on airplane until 17 years old, senior in high school First flight was to Air Force Academy physical at Whidbey Island [00:08:00] The First Flight That Changed Everything Had state playoff baseball game that afternoon across state Local orchardist Jim Wade flew him in Cessna 172 Flying over Cascade Mountains, seeing Mount Rainier was transformative Changed into uniform in car, was third batter, hit three-run homer off future major leaguer [00:09:00] Air Force Academy and Finding His Passion Second time flying was leaving for US Air Force Academy (only way to get to college) Got exposed to things small town guy never traveled beyond family station wagon Found passion for flying airplanes at young age Stumbled into it with no idea it would be 23 years as fighter pilot [00:10:00] Fighter Pilot Career Flew F-15 operationally around the world for 23 years Was F-16 aggressor (adversary/bad guy that trains combat pilots) Did exchange tour with US Navy, flew F-18 in operational flight tests Retired after 23 years, went to Raytheon [00:10:40] Entrepreneurial Years Owned Great Harvest Bread company franchise (had a bakery) Co-owner of pro indoor football league team in Spokane Taught him when it's your own money, think more about spending it Helped when managing other people's money at Raytheon and Mitsubishi [00:13:20] Proudest Moment: The Team That Didn't Need Me At Raytheon, experimental R&D test airplane transitioning from single customer Customer said they don't want exclusive use anymore, won't pay for it Five year task to redefine mission, vision, create new organization After five years: "This team doesn't need me anymore, they can do this without me" [00:14:40] From One Program to 15 Had to go out and advertise capability to other Raytheon programs Restructured team to support multiple test projects instead of just one Asset went from supporting one program to 15-16 programs Worth billions of dollars in sales to Raytheon [00:15:40] Mitsubishi: Six Months of Success Mitsubishi trying to certify new regional jet, program having problems Took over program management and flight test team Program for previous 5 years never met schedule or been on budget Within first month, for next 6 months straight met schedule and under budget [00:17:00] Refocusing the Team Just through refocusing team, aligning tasks to priorities Giving people clear idea of what they did and why important to mission Aligned the focus and became best flight test team in business Better than Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, Embraer or any large OEMs [00:19:00] Character, Competence, and Commitment Good teams have people full of character (how they treat those who can do nothing for them) Team needs competence (people who can get job done, willing to learn and improve) Third C is commitment to what they're doing Finding right people with all three is when you will succeed [00:21:20] Meeting President Ronald Reagan Air Force Academy graduation 1984, Reagan handed him diploma Speech that day embodied how Kyle wanted to live his life Not enough to be naysayer pointing out everything wrong Have to be person who can bring forward solutions [00:22:40] Reagan's Impact Shaped views about what was valuable throughout life Optimistic but understood reality, charismatic but not fake Had guiding principles but willing to change Genuinely liked people (important for any leader) [00:24:00] His Parents' Influence Parents are who really had impact on who he became Never made it feel like they gave up something for kids Felt true blessing was getting to have kids in their lives Father was athlete of year, worked morning job, bartended at night while in college [00:25:40] 72 Years Together Parents both 88 years old, just had 72nd wedding anniversary Even when times are hard, don't give up on people, work through it Father didn't become major league player but channeled into coaching Oldest brother became professional baseball player with Philadelphia Phillies [00:27:00] Learning to Live in the Moment Finding joy means learning to live in the moment Let go of past but learn lessons, don't let it define you Don't be so focused on future that you forget what's in front of you Take opportunities that may take you on detour in life [00:28:20] Losing Malibu Best friend Jim "Malibu" Reynolds was academy graduate, talented flyer Designed and built own aerobatic airplane, flew in air shows Made mistake on range in Red Flag exercise, hit ground and died at 30 Changed Kyle at 30 years old, realized it can all end very quickly [00:29:40] 10 Deaths in 23 Years Saw at least 10-11 deaths in 23 years of flying Changed how he looked at things and approached them Before worried about everything, how people thought of him Now: if no one will remember in 5 years, it's just not that important [00:33:00] The Squadron Bar Ritual Friday nights not just about drinking, it's a ritual Chance to bond with people going through similar experience Way to relax, find friendship and bonding in non-retribution way Learned more in one-on-one conversations than formal meetings   KEY QUOTES "I wrote a book because I have those six and four-year-old boys. I am an older father and I don't know how long I get to be with those boys growing up. I wanted to leave something to show for those 50 years before they were born, what their father did and what I believed in." - Kyle Skalisky "Good teams have people full of character. You can't define that on a resume. It's how people treat those who can do nothing for them. But you also have to have competence. Then the third C is commitment." - Kyle Skalisky CONNECT WITH KYLE SKALISKY 

Bill English of Bible and Business and On Path Coaching talks about what it means to visioncast for your ministry or organization to refine and refocus.  He invites you to help visioncast for Bible and Business!  Lori Wildenberg, author of "Grandparents Make Grand Partners," highlights the impact that grandparents can on the faith and wellbeing of their grandkids, and how to work with the parents to support them, even amid disagreements.   The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

I'm back!  After about 7 years (or more) of bi-weekly publishing, I gave myself a break (to have the flu, in part), but now it's back to business! In 2026, I'll be focusing the podcast more on the commercial side of data products. This means more founders, CEOs, and product leader guests at small and mid-sized B2B software companies who are building technically impressive B2B analytics and AI products. With all the focus on AI, I want to focus on things that don't change: what do value and outcomes look like to buyers and users, and how do we recreate it with analytics and AI? What learnings and changes have leaders had to make on the product and UI/UX side to get buyers to buy and users to use?   So, that brings us to today's episode.  Today, I'll explain why I think model quality, analytics data, and raw AI capability are quickly becoming commodities, shifting the real challenge to how effectively companies can translate their data and intelligence into value that buyers and users can clearly understand and defend.  I dig into a core tension in B2B products: fiscal buyers and end users want different things. Buyers need confidence, risk reduction, and defensible ROI, while users care about making their daily work easier and safer. When products try to appeal broadly or force customers to figure out how AI fits into their workflows, adoption breaks down. Instead, I make the case for tightly scoped, workflow-aware solutions that make value obvious, deliver fast time-to-value, and support real decisions and actions.    Highlights/ Skip to: Refocusing the trajectory of the show for 2026 (00:31) Turning your product's intelligence into clear, actionable solutions so users can see the value without having to figure it out themselves (4:32) You're selling capability, but buyers are buying relief from a specific pain point (7:33) Asking customers where AI fits into their workflow is poor design (16:57) Buyers and users both require proof of value, but in different ways (20:05) Why incomplete workflows kill trust (24:18) The importance of translating technical capability into something a human is willing to own (30:09)

Refocusing my desire to please people on pleasing God

In this special one-off episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Head of Consumer Insight Cassandra Napoli give a sneak peek into how WGSN forecasts consumer and product trends.The hosts of the two WGSN podcasts, Lives of Tomorrow and Create Tomorrow, also explain how the two podcasts work together to help you better understand tomorrow's world whether you work in consumer lifestyle products or you're just interested in how the world's evolving. Listen in for a taste of what's to come on our podcasts in 2026.

Coca-Cola's leadership change. PepsiCo's post-activist playbook. KDP's upcoming strategic re-organization. The commoditization of bottled and sparkling water. MAHA's regulatory shakeup. Refocusing the consumer on sports drinks. As we start 2026, Duane Stanford and John Sicher dive into the hottest industry inflection points.Text us thoughts, questions, or topic suggestions.

Building a Resilient Faith: A Synthesis of Key Themes Executive Summary This document synthesizes the core themes from a sermon delivered on the first Sunday of 2026 by Zach, a youth pastor. The central argument posits that the start of a new year should not be viewed as a simple "reset," as life's troubles do not magically disappear. Instead, the focus should be on building a resilient faith—the capacity to press on and grow stronger through struggle and hardship. Grounded in the scripture of John 16:33, the message presents two definitive truths: trouble in this world is inevitable, but this trouble is not final because Jesus has "overcome the world." This victory makes peace and confidence possible even amid life's most difficult seasons. The sermon provides a practical, three-question framework for developing this resilience: identifying the specific trouble ("What's happening?"), shifting focus to foundational truths about God ("What is true no matter what?"), and taking ownership of one's response ("What can you do?"), primarily through prayer and engagement with a church community. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. The Premise: Rejecting a "Reset" Mentality The sermon begins by challenging the conventional notion of the New Year as a monumental fresh start. It argues that while the calendar resets, personal burdens and ongoing struggles are carried over from one day to the next. • Critique of New Year's Superficiality: The speaker describes New Year's as a "weird holiday" where "nothing magically, like, disappears when it's January 1st." Problems from the previous week or year do not vanish when the clock strikes midnight. • Introducing Resilience as the Core Focus: Instead of concepts like "refresh or reset," the proposed theme for the new year is resilience. • Definition of Resilience: Resilience is defined as "our ability to move forward and grow stronger after we've struggled or failed or faced hard stuff in our life" and "our resolve to press on even when we feel so worn down or just ready to throw in the towel." II. The Challenge: Doubt and the Temptation to Quit The message explores how hardship and a lack of immediate results can lead to doubt and the temptation to abandon one's faith journey. This is illustrated through the speaker's personal anecdotes of quitting karate, soccer, and reading The Lord of the Rings as a child because he "couldn't see the value in moving forward" or "couldn't see the results quick enough." • The Slippery Slope of Doubt: When individuals feel worn down, doubt begins to seep in, particularly in their faith. This doubt manifests as a series of challenging questions directed at God. • Questions Arising from Hardship: The sermon provides specific examples of questions that emerge during difficult times: ◦ "Is God still worth following? If my family still is broken..." ◦ "Is God still loving? If I'm still battling with depression..." ◦ "Is God still as good as he says he is? Even when I don't see him showing up the way I want him to..." ◦ "Why should I keep doing this?" III. The Theological Foundation: John 16:33 The sermon's central argument is built upon Jesus's words in John, chapter 16, verse 33. This scripture is presented in the context of Jesus preparing his disciples for his imminent betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion—what the speaker calls "some of the worst trouble that his disciples have experienced in their lifetime." John 16:33: "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world." This verse is broken down into two definitive, non-negotiable statements. A. The Certainty of Trouble: "In this world you will have trouble." This is presented as a fundamental truth of the human condition. • An Inescapable Reality: Trouble is not a possibility but a guarantee in a world described as an "incomplete" and "broken" plane of existence. Therefore, experiencing hardship should not be shocking. • Historical Context: The disciples, as "lower income Jewish men living in the Roman Empire," would have deeply resonated with this statement. For them, every day was a battle, and speaking against authority could lead to death. • Jesus's Own Experience: Jesus himself was speaking these words just before he would be "arrested, flogged, beaten, crucified." He was about to experience "the worst trouble." B. The Proclamation of Victory: "But take heart, I have overcome the world." This statement is the essential counterpoint, offering hope and a foundation for resilience. • Trouble is Not the End: Jesus's victory over the world through his death and resurrection ensures that trouble "is not going to be the end all be all to your life." As the speaker states, "Trouble is not the end for you, church. Whatever you face in your life, it's not the period in the sentence of your life." • Peace Becomes Possible: Because of Jesus's victory, peace is accessible regardless of the season or hardship one faces. This is a peace that comes from a "God who has been through it, who walks in it with you, and who has made a way for that trouble to only be temporary." • The Nature of Resilient Faith: A resilient faith is defined as "one that never gives up on God" because it is rooted in the truth that God has overcome life's worst struggles. IV. A Practical Framework for Building Resilience To move from theological principle to practical application, the sermon offers a three-question process to guide individuals through moments of trouble. QuestionPurpose & Explanation1. What's happening?To be honest and specific about the trouble being faced. This involves identifying the source of the struggle, whether it's a person who caused disappointment, an event beyond one's control, or even a fellow Christian whose actions have caused questioning.2. What is true no matter what?To shift perspective from immediate circumstances to the unchanging truths of God. This is not a "quick fix" and does not make the trouble less real, but it helps one focus on the reality that God is loving, in control, good, and present.3. What can you do?To focus on controllable attitudes and actions in response to trouble. While one may not be able to fix the entire situation, one always has a say in their personal response. V. Key Actions for Cultivating Resilience The framework leads to two specific, actionable steps for building a resilient faith in 2026. A. Prioritizing Prayer Prayer is presented not as a final, desperate act, but as a proactive first step. • Prayer as a First Step: A key quote emphasizes this point: "Prayer is not a last resort. Prayer is not a Hail Mary we throw when we feel like we have no other option. Prayer is a first step..." • An Invitation to God: Prayer is the act of bringing a situation to God and inviting Him to "have his way in it." The message reassures that God is not "scared by your questions or your doubt" or "thrown off by it." B. Engaging in Community Deep involvement in the church body is highlighted as a critical component of resilience. • The Role of the Church: The speaker encourages the congregation to "go deep into life with such a group of people" to lean on one another for support. • Refocusing and Growth: The community serves to "help refocus ourselves when things seem too troublesome and hard to see the truth." Mutual support is essential for growth and maintaining perspective. VI. Conclusion: The Call to Respond The sermon concludes with an invitation for the congregation to respond to the message in a tangible way. • An Invitation to Prayer: Attendees are invited to pray, either alone or with designated individuals (wearing green lanyards), during the final song. • Unburdening and Discovery: The moment is framed as an opportunity to be "open and honest with him about what you are walking through" and to "unburden yourself." It is a chance for one's resilience to grow by discovering a Jesus "who is here with us now and who has overcome the world." • Final Affirmation: The closing prayer reaffirms God as one "who sees us, who has met us where we are," and who has overcome life's troubles so that believers might know "real peace and have real eternal life."

This final episode of the year is one I knew I had to record—not to recap accomplishments, but to talk honestly about what this year revealed. Because the end of the year isn't just a finish line… it's a mirror.In this episode, I'm sharing the real, behind-the-scenes moments that shaped me this year: the resilience I didn't know I had, the health challenges that forced me to slow down, the emotional weight of caring for my mom, and the sacred reset moments that reminded me who I'm becoming.If you've felt stretched, tested, or quietly called to make next year look different… you're not alone. And you're not behind. This episode is your reminder that playing bigger isn't always about doing more—it's about choosing better.This is the conversation I needed this year, and I have a feeling you might need it too.In This Episode, I Cover:The Truth About ReflectionWhy this moment isn't about judgmentHow to look honestly at what worked—and what didn'tThe Hidden Lessons of a Hard YearWhat my mom's health journey taught meHow fear, worry, and responsibility almost consumed meThe reminder that health is not optionalResetting, Refocusing, and RestartingThe four-part framework I'm using to step into 2026, including:Reset: What this year revealed about your energy, patterns, and capacityRelease: What you're done toleratingRefine: What actually supported your growthAlign: Who you want to build with next yearThe Power of Relationships and AlignmentWhy certain opportunities fell away—and why that was the blessingWho I'm choosing to play bigger with next yearHow alignment became my highest standardA Permission Slip for Next YearYou're not behindYou're not lateYou don't need to burn your life down to growSometimes success just means choosing betterIf you're stepping into the next year with big goals and an even bigger heart… this episode will ground you, encourage you, and remind you of your strength.If this episode spoke to you, inspired you, or helped you breathe a little deeper, hit Follow so you never miss an episode.To stay connected, join our community, or see upcoming events, head to letsplaybigger.com.I can't wait to grow with you in the new year.---Thank you for joining me on this episode of Play Bigger with Raquel Quinet, and remember, keep pushing your limits to achieve your goals.For updates and collaborations or opportunities, go to www.LetsPlayBigger.comFind more resources on our websitehttps://raquelq.com/podcast/Follow Raquel on Raquel Quinet's socials:Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | LinkedInCheck Out Our2025 Play Bigger EventsApply to be in our Play Bigger MastermindGrow Your Real Estate Business with Real BrokerageJoin our Facebook Play Bigger Community

Matthew 2:1-12

Hosted By: Nancy Hecht CFP® CPA and Joe Bert CFP® Nancy Hecht CFP® CPA and Joe Bert CFP® take your calls and provide expert answers to your questions on NEWS 96.5 FM. Submit your questions to:  1-844-220-0965 Nancy@FinancialGroup.com • Joe@FinancialGroup.com The post Refocusing Your Finances In 2026 appeared first on On The Money Podcast.

Today’s Bible Verse: “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord has said to her would be acomplished! - Luke 1:45 Luke 1:45 captures the quiet power of faith that trusts God’s promises before they are fulfilled. Spoken over Mary during the Christmas story, this verse reminds us that belief isn’t passive optimism—it’s active trust in a faithful God whose word never fails. Advent invites us into the same posture Mary embraced: surrendering our expectations and choosing faith, even when the outcome is still unseen. MEET YOUR HOST: Dr. Kyle Norman at https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ The Reverend Dr. Kyle Norman is the Rector of St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Kamloops BC, Canada. He holds a doctorate in Spiritual formation and is a sought-after writer, speaker, and retreat leader. His writing can be found at Christianity.com, crosswalk.com, ibelieve.com, Renovare Canada, and many others. Rev. Norman has 20 years of pastoral experience, and his ministry focuses on helping people overcome times of spiritual discouragement.Find more from Rev. Norman at revkylenorman.ca Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The holidays are meant to be a season of joy, generosity, and gratitude. Yet for many families, the celebrations come with a heavy dose of financial stress—stress that lingers long after the decorations are packed away. Our desire to bless others often leads to spending more than we planned. But it doesn't have to be that way.Recently, we sat down with Neile Simon, Certified Credit Counselor and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christian Credit Counselors, to talk about how families can give meaningfully, stay within their means, and refocus on what Christmas is truly about.Creating a Realistic Holiday PlanMost people enter the holiday season with the best of intentions. We want to show love, bless others, and create special memories. But somewhere along the way, those intentions can derail.Neile explains that a mix of cultural pressures makes overspending almost effortless: holiday sales, credit card offers at checkout, “buy now, pay later” deals, and social media's endless highlight reels. Before long, the drive to be generous morphs into the belief that we must spend more to prove how much we care.And the consequences last far beyond December—financial stress, increased debt, and a January filled with regret rather than joy. The good news: overspending isn't inevitable. Neile suggests starting early and planning intentionally.1. Decide what you can truly afford. Account for all holiday expenses—gifts, food, travel, entertainment, and even small traditions that add up.2. Set a total spending limit. Let this number guide every decision throughout the season.3. Use cash or debit when possible. “When the money's gone, you're done—and that's okay,” Neile says. This simple boundary protects you from impulse spending.4. If using credit cards, treat them as tools—not the enemy. Used wisely, they can help you track your spending. The key is to stay disciplined and avoid taking on debt you can't comfortably repay.Ultimately, a budget is not a restriction—it's a path to freedom. It helps you enjoy the season without dreading the bill that arrives in January.Meaningful Giving Without OverspendingGenerosity isn't measured by price tags. In fact, the most meaningful gifts are often the simplest.Neile encourages families to focus on personal, relational giving:Handwritten notesHomemade treatsShared experiencesThoughtful, small gifts with clear intentionHer own family keeps gift-giving fun by setting spending limits and doing a white-elephant exchange. “It takes the pressure off,” she says, “and turns gift-giving into shared laughter and memory-making.”When togetherness becomes the priority over possessions, Christmas becomes both more joyful and more affordable.If You're Already in Debt, There's HopeFor families already carrying debt, Christmas can feel like a tug-of-war between generosity and financial reality. Neile offers this encouragement: give within your means—even if it means scaling back.Why? Because responsible giving protects your finances, your peace, and your future.“Think of it this way,” Neile says. “A relaxed, stress-free January is far better than stressing out after overspending in December.”Scaling back isn't failure—it's stewardship. And it models wisdom and faithfulness for your children.Refocusing on the True Meaning of ChristmasAmid the lights, the gifts, and the traditions, it's easy to lose sight of the heart of Christmas.“Christmas is a celebration of Jesus—the greatest gift ever given,” Neile reminds us. When our hearts are centered on Him, love and grace become the focus. Giving within our means allows us to celebrate joyfully, gratefully, and peacefully.And when we spend with purpose—anchored in Christ rather than consumerism—we experience a kind of joy that lasts long after the season ends.Need Help With Debt?If financial stress is weighing you down, Christian Credit Counselors can help. As a nonprofit ministry, they specialize in debt management—not debt consolidation—working directly with your creditors to lower interest rates and help clear the path toward freedom.Learn more at: ChristianCreditCounselors.org/Faith. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm an 84-year-old retired veteran, and my wife is 81. We have a $375,000 mortgage on a $3.2–$3.4 million home, a $140,000 portfolio, a 529 with $55,000, about $100,000 in gold jewelry, $40,000 in Social Security benefits, and $15,000 in credit card debt. We're running out of money and need to tap our home equity. The VA offered a $400,000 loan, but would a HELOC or a reverse mortgage be better? Who can help us make the right decision?We're receiving a $60,000 inheritance and have $10,000 in credit card debt. Should we use some of the inheritance to pay it off, and what should we do with the rest? My husband is disabled, and we're in our 60s—so is investing any of it in the stock market wise? And should we tithe on the inheritance?I'm 65, still working full-time as a caregiver, and have about $900,000 in my 401(k). When should I start Social Security—now or when I retire in May 2026? And how do I know if I have enough saved for retirement, since I'm debt-free and have fairly basic expenses?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Credit CounselorsHome Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement by Harlan J. AccolaMovement MortgageWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on the podcast, I'm joined by Rachel Riggs, author of In Good Health. As a former specialty food shop owner, Rachel's life dramatically changed due to chronic illness. Refocusing her work toward healing, she started developing anti-inflammatory recipes rooted in her California sensibilities. Rachel now lives with limited stamina and, despite that, wrote her cookbook with a focus on celebrating what's possible, flavorful, and aligned with her healing. Her mission is to inspire readers to transform their health and well-being through modern, vibrant food that excites the senses, rejuvenates the palate, and liberates readers from outdated habits. In Good Health features over 75 recipes designed for those with chronic illness, dietary restrictions, or anyone craving nutrient-dense, grounding, everyday food. Ingredients lists are short, prep times are reasonable, and each recipe includes a photo to guide readers with clarity and confidence. In This Episode We Talk About: How Rachel approaches cooking by celebrating what's included, not what's missing The art and challenge of baking with almond flour and maple syrup What it means to create dishes from scratch rather than adapting traditional recipes Her message for cooks and bakers navigating new dietary needs or chronic illness Why she encourages writers to create organically, long before a book deal Rachel's story is a powerful reminder that creativity and nourishment can flourish even in seasons of limitation. You can write a cookbook and rebuild a meaningful cooking life from exactly where you are. Things We Mention in This Episode: Cookbook Author Platform Checklist Rachel Riggs In Good Health   

Every year, as the holidays approach, photographers are bombarded with ads promising that the next lens, light, or gadget will finally take their work to the next level. The deals are tempting, the pressure is real—and it's easy to believe that "better gear" equals "better photographer." In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we dive into how to survive the holiday marketing frenzy and refocus your energy on growth that actually matters. Instead of chasing discounts, this conversation is about investing in yourself: your creativity, your craft, and your purpose. We explore how to tune out the noise, resist the constant call to consume, and make intentional choices about where to expand in your photography journey - whether that means learning new skills, starting a personal project, or refining your artistic vision. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: Recognizing the Hype – How the photo industry's marketing cycle is designed to create FOMO and how to step back from it. Purposeful Expansion – Ways to grow as a photographer without spending a dime—through experimentation, education, and community. Mindful Purchasing – How to evaluate what you actually need versus what marketers tell you you're missing. Refocusing on Creativity – Why the best investments often come from time, attention, and curiosity—not gear. Building a Sustainable Mindset – Approaching your photography career with balance and long-term purpose instead of impulse-driven consumption. This episode is a reminder that no sale can buy skill, vision, or passion. True growth comes from practice, purpose, and presence - not your credit card balance. Tune in now to hear how you can thrive during the holiday marketing season and make meaningful, lasting investments in your photography journey. If you ARE in the market for some useful tools for your photography business and want to take advantage of the deals available this time of year, check out our compiled list of the ultimate Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for photographers - https://nerdyphotographer.com/news/black-friday-deals-photographers/

In this episode of The Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast, I sit down with Mike Stohler—Navy veteran, former airline pilot, and now co-founder of Gateway Private Equity Group to talk about the highs, lows, and pivots that shaped his real estate journey.   Mike's story is a masterclass in perseverance and reinvention. He went from losing everything in his early 20s to owning and managing over 1,500 multifamily units and expanding into hotel investing across the U.S. and Spain.   We cover how he turned failure into fuel, built confidence through education and mentorship, and made the leap from W-2 employment to full-time investing. Mike also shares his transition from multifamily to hospitality and how partnering with experienced operators helped him scale internationally.   If you've ever struggled with fear, self-doubt, or analysis paralysis, this episode will show you what's possible when you commit to learning, surround yourself with the right people, and take calculated risks toward financial freedom.   Key Talking Points of the Episode   00:00 Introduction 01:06 Refocusing before the new year and setting goals for 2026 02:02 Meet Mike Stohler: Navy vet, former airline pilot, and real estate entrepreneur 04:01 Buying properties with no experience and losing everything 05:29 Learning resilience through military discipline and rebuilding after failure 07:27 The mindset shift from fear to action—"Just make the move" 09:28 The biggest fears holding investors back and how to overcome them 11:05 Why mentors and proximity are the ultimate accelerators for success 12:06 The power of partnership: how to shadow and learn from experienced investors 17:01 Balancing family, business, and burnout while making the transition from W-2 19:42 "Apartments are not hotels"—why hospitality is a completely different game 21:14 Building partnerships with experienced operators and profit-sharing structures 23:38 Why Spain? Expanding internationally through strong local networks 24:45 Managing hotel investments remotely: systems, teams, and automation 25:13 Turning travel into a business expense: living and investing internationally 26:21 How to get in touch with Mike and his team   Quotables   "All of the fears that are inside your head are real inside your head—but that's not the truth."   "Hotels aren't real estate. They're businesses that sit on real estate."   "I'm still learning every day. Warren Buffett's 90 and still reading 10 books a week."   Links   Mike Stohler https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstohler   Gateway Private Equity https://gatewaype.com/   The Richer Geek Podcast https://www.therichergeek.com/   QLS 4.0 - Use coupon code for 50% off https://smartrealestatecoach.com/qls Coupon code: pod   Apprentice Program https://3paydaysapprentice.com Coupon code: Podcast   Masterclass https://smartrealestatecoach.com/masterspodcast   Wicked Smart Books https://wickedsmartbooks.com/podcast   Strategy Session https://smartrealestatecoach.com/actionpodcast   Partners https://smartrealestatecoach.com/podcastresources

Guiding Question: What's your North Star—and do you have a clear vision of what you want to be, do, and leave behind before you die? Key Takeaways: Living with the End in Mind, Practically: Robert Lewis introduces a practical life tool called the “North Star”—a simple but profound exercise to help men clarify their life purpose. It's a personal vision statement built around this prompt: “Before I die, I want to…” Completing that phrase across several categories helps a man live with intentionality. Key Categories for the North Star Tool: Be – Who do you want to become? Do – What do you want to accomplish? Have – What experiences or possessions do you desire? Help – Who do you want to serve or impact? Enjoy – What brings you joy that you want to prioritize? Leave – What legacy do you want to leave behind? The Danger of Drift: Many men go through life burdened and bent by responsibilities, pressures, and comparison—Robert calls this the “reactive life.” It leads to burnout and purposelessness. Instead, he urges men to live a “proactive life,” guided by purpose, conviction, and vision. Two Ways to Live: Comparing and Competing – Living based on what others do or have, leading to exhaustion and envy. Envisioning and Enjoying – Living by looking forward, anchored in a personal vision, leading to clarity and joy. Personal Vulnerability and Modeling: Robert shares his own “before I die” goals—ranging from coaching football again to writing a screenplay and helping plant 100 transformational churches. He models how this exercise applies at any age, affirming that it's never too late to start dreaming—or start over. Encouragement by Age: For Older Men: It's not too late. Reclaim your second half. For Younger Men: Start now. Your dreams can be purer, bigger, and more long-lasting if formed early. For Everyone: This tool is your compass, your GPS, and your life's alignment check. Final Charge: Robert emphasizes that crafting this North Star vision may be the most important thing a man ever does as an adventurer. It shapes not just what he does, but who he becomes and how deeply he lives. Key Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 4:4 – Rivalry and comparison as vanity. Ephesians 5:15–16 – Walk wisely and make the most of your time. Proverbs 16:9 – A man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Genesis 1:28 – God's design for man and his purposes. Proverbs 20:5 – Drawing out the deep purposes of a person's heart.

Today, I want to take you behind the scenes in The Lab this week. Every month I do a retro where I look at the months that just passed, things that went well, things that didn't go well, things that I'm changing because of that. I wanted to share a version of that here on the channel and on the podcast feed, and hopefully by learning more about what's going on in my head, not only do you feel a little bit seen and understood, but maybe it gives you some insight and unlocks something for you in your own business as well. So in this episode, I'll be looking at the last quarter of the year. I want to look at my business, how it's performing so far, and where we're heading. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Full transcript and show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *** TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Quarterly Business Review Insights 06:26 Parenting, Priorities, and Adaptation 08:09 Lab and Book Priorities 11:51 Refocusing on Creator Priorities 15:41 Ambition on My Terms 19:40 Writing, Thinking, and Mimetic Desire 21:40 Content Repurposing Across Platforms 25:56 Content & Product Strategy Update 30:29 Lab Membership Updates & Features 31:54 Making the Book a Success 35:44 Balancing the Perfect Title 38:11 Struggling to Do Less *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#270: Being a creator and a parent | Jay-Talking with Jay Acunzo *** ASK CREATOR SCIENCE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit your question here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *** WHEN YOU'RE READY

Get my new book: https://bronsonequity.com/fireyourselfDownload my new special report - How to Use Inflation to Your Advantage - www.bronsonequity.com/inflationWelcome to our latest episode!Join Bronson and Nate as they sit down with J Scott — serial entrepreneur, BiggerPockets podcast co-host, and author of five bestselling real estate books including The Book on Estimating Rehab Costs. J has sold over 500,000 copies of his books and brings decades of experience across single-family, multifamily, and development.In this episode, J unpacks how curiosity, humility, and economic awareness shape successful investing. From learning construction by asking “dumb” questions to his current outlook on inflation, debt, and development, J shares timeless principles on how to stay adaptable and grounded — in both money and life.TIMESTAMPS00:41 - Intro01:28 - Nate's story: Learning from a $100K renovation mistake02:24 - J's engineer mindset and how he learned to estimate rehab costs03:54 - The power of asking questions06:26 - Bronson and Nate on teachability and humility in investing07:19 - The 18 Laws of Leverage and learning from others08:36 - J's market outlook: inflation, cap rates, and rent growth11:31 - How inflation affects underwriting and long-term real estate values14:41 - Opportunities in development amid reduced housing supply16:44 - Rethinking debt and leverage in today's market19:04 - Why it's harder to raise capital now — and why that's opportunity20:07 - Psychology of investing: Why people avoid buying at the bottom21:55 - Multifamily outlook: why now might be one of the best times to buy23:24 - Beyond multifamily: asset classes J is (and isn't) bullish on26:02 - What J believes about money that others think is crazy28:20 - “Money is like soap” — why patience builds real wealth28:50 - What's more important than money — responding to tragedy with purpose31:51 - Refocusing on what truly matters in life and investing33:45 - How to connect with J Scott34:07 - Takeaways from Nate and BronsonConnect with the Guest:Website: JScott.com#RealEstateInvesting#MailboxMoneyShow#WealthBuilding#PassiveIncome#EntrepreneurMindset#InflationInvesting#FinancialFreedom#PersonalGrowth

What do you do when most of your week feels like a loss?   On this candid episode of The Vinney and Beau Show, hosts Vinney (Smile) Chopra and Beau Eckstein open up about the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the setbacks that drain your energy, and the daily practices that help them bounce back stronger.   Together, they dive into:

In this week's Ask Me Anything, Ryan and Kipp tackle questions from the Order of Man community around productivity, energy management, and living with greater intention. From balancing family responsibilities with work, to eliminating distractions and staying aligned with long-term goals, they dive deep into practical strategies men can apply right now. They also cover tools for planning, handling setbacks with resilience, and the value of family meetings. Plus, updates on the Iron Council and the importance of choosing growth over mere compliance. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 News headlines – Phillies “crazy Karen” 08:32 Shifting AMA format & topics 09:18 Work-life balance & energy 19:07 Refocusing after interruptions 22:36 Full alignment in planning 31:22 Income and spending trackers 32:15 Writing vs. digital planning 34:39 Recommended tools 42:48 Weekly family meetings 47:03 Best time to plan 51:19 Mindset when plans go off track 01:00:29 Iron Council promotion & Facebook group Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready