Podcasts about renew

1 Corinthians 6:15–20; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 First Thessalonians 4:3 declares, “God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.” How challenging it is to pursue holiness in our world. Tune in to hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll discuss the spiral toward sexual promiscuity, the consequences in the aftermath, and the steps toward freedom from bondage. God calls believers to pursue holiness because He has our good at heart. Renew your commitment to sexual purity today!

1 Corinthians 6:15–20; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 First Thessalonians 4:3 declares, “God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.” How challenging it is to pursue holiness in our world. Tune in to hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll discuss the spiral toward sexual promiscuity, the consequences in the aftermath, and the steps toward freedom from bondage. God calls believers to pursue holiness because He has our good at heart. Renew your commitment to sexual purity today!

1 Corinthians 6:15–20; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 First Thessalonians 4:3 declares, “God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.” How challenging it is to pursue holiness in our world. Tune in to hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll discuss the spiral toward sexual promiscuity, the consequences in the aftermath, and the steps toward freedom from bondage. God calls believers to pursue holiness because He has our good at heart. Renew your commitment to sexual purity today!

This episode is mainly for New Believers and Believers who are a bit baby on their theology, BUT it is a good reminder for all. If we need a reminder or even a direction this one will help with that struggle inside.Bible Verses: John 15:7-11; James 5:13-16; Romans 8:9-11; John 14:15-17----------------------------------------------------------------Top 100 list at Feedspot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/christian_men_podcasts/E: warriorwithin.christianmanhood@gmail.com|TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pastorwarriorwithinMerch Store: https://wwcm-podcast.printify.me/productsPayPal DONATIONS: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=KC3DTP8HM7DAEYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WarriorWithinMinistriesStudios-----------------------------------------------------Affiliated with Talitha Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://talitha.com/pastordido⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----------------------------------------------------Track: Jim Yosef - Samurai [NCS Release] Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.Watch:Free Download / Stream:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://NCS.io/Samurai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

When life feels heavy, it doesn’t just affect our schedules—it affects our thoughts. This devotional begins with a picture of community: a small group faithfully studying Scripture together in the middle of real-life chaos—toddlers, teens, and nonstop responsibilities. But even in that meaningful rhythm, they began to notice something: resistance. Delays, disruptions, sickness, financial strain, and unexpected emergencies kept piling up, and it felt as if something was actively working against their time in the Word. That experience leads to an important reminder: spiritual battles often show up first in the mind. When pressure increases, discouragement can settle in, and the patterns of the world can begin to shape what we believe, fear, or chase. That’s why Romans 12:2 is so central here—renewal isn’t just about trying harder; it’s about being transformed from the inside out. When our minds are renewed, we begin to see more clearly, discern God’s will, and resist the pull of destructive patterns. The devotional also points out that when believers feel divided, distracted, or weighed down, returning to the basics matters. We don’t fight heaviness with more noise—we fight it with truth, community, and grace. That can look like meeting regularly with other believers, standing firm together in God’s Word, and speaking Scripture aloud so truth gets deeper than emotion. It also means giving ourselves grace when we fail—remembering that confession and repentance are gifts, not punishments. Renewing your mind is a daily practice. It’s choosing, again and again, to let God’s promises reshape your thoughts instead of letting the world define them. And as God transforms your thinking, He strengthens your faith, grows unity with other believers, and steadies you for whatever comes next. Main Takeaways Spiritual heaviness often affects our thought life first, which is why renewing the mind is essential. God transforms us from the inside out as we resist the world’s patterns and cling to His truth. Community matters—meeting regularly with other believers strengthens faith and unity. Speaking Scripture aloud can help anchor truth in your heart and interrupt destructive thought patterns. Grace is part of renewal; when we fail, we can confess, repent, and start again with God’s help. Today’s Bible Verse Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2 Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “Renew our minds, transform our thoughts, and give us the tools to lean into our faith when this life veers off course.” You can listen to the full prayer in this episode, or read the devotional at the links below. Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content? LifeAudio – Discover daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Explore faith, prayer, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The People's Bank of China has renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement with the Bank of Canada. The agreement is valid for five years.

“One of the most painful places couples get stuck after betrayal is right here: One partner is thinking, ‘We're okay. Why can't we move on?' And the other is thinking, ‘I want to—but my body keeps panicking.' And both end up wondering what's wrong with them.In this episode, I want to explain why this disconnect happens—not because someone is resisting healing, but because the nervous system doesn't work on logic or timelines. If you've ever felt frustrated, confused, or ashamed of your body's response after betrayal, this conversation is for you.”Connect With Me + Continue Your HealingJoin me at one of the Upcoming Betrayal Trauma Conferences: The Betrayal Healing Conference on January 26-30, 2026. (Virtual)Together We Rise: Collaboration, Care, and Community in Recovery in person in Dallas, TX on Feb. 4-6, 2026If today's episode resonated with you, you don't have to walk the healing journey after betrayal alone. I create trauma-informed resources, conversations, and learning experiences to support individuals and couples navigating infidelity, betrayal trauma, and relational repair.Here are a few ways to stay connected and continue your healing:Join me at a Retreat or IntensiveIf you're craving deeper, in-person support and embodied healing, I'm helping facilitate two upcoming experiences created specifically for betrayed partners. The Courage to Thrive Betrayal Trauma Intensive takes place March 17–20 in Spanish Fork, Utah and offers a structured, trauma-informed space to understand betrayal trauma, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild self-trust. Later this year, the Rise, Renew, Restore Retreat in Costa Rica, happening July 13–18, offers a more spacious, restorative experience focused on slowing down, reconnecting with your body, and healing in the presence of nature and supportive community. Free Resources & DownloadsAccess free tools, guided practices, and educational resources designed to support nervous system regulation, self-trust, boundaries, and clarity after betrayal.

Before you board FLIGHT 2MV make sure you have all your documents in order!! Renew your SOCA VISA now and get access to some of the biggest hits and more for Carnival 2026. Mixed by the DJ With The Most Vibes - DJ ADAM 2MV DOWNLOAD - https://fanlink.tv/socavisa26 TRACKLIST - https://docs.google.com/document/d/14wC_H47X3rgOugHLpOQRPfttDvqa94rZEPeFS_lU3rw/edit?usp=sharing

SCRIPTURE- Ezekiel 36:26"I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."REFLECTION- JustinMUSIC- "Crown Him with Many Crowns" by The O'Neill Brothers Group- "It is Well with My Soul" by David BauerNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

If our hearts aren't beating for God and His interests, we'll end up running from one dry well to the next, wondering why it never satisfies. GOOD NEWS! When God gives us a new heart it comes with a new HEARTBEAT! Open a Bible to Acts 11 and follow along with Pastor Kyle.

Choice Classic Radio presents to you Dangerous Assignment, which aired from 1949 to 1953. Today we bring to you the episode titled “Renew Sheik Haroun's Uranium Deal.” Please consider supporting our show by becoming a patron at http://choiceclassicradio.com We hope you enjoy the show!

In this kickoff episode of Creating an Ageless Future, host Regan Archibald opens the new year by reflecting on recent personal highlights, upcoming program updates (including a new weekly Wednesday time), and a simple theme for 2026: get clearer results by removing what no longer serves you. He explores how “over-optimization” can create decision fatigue, why the easiest habits are the ones that stick, and how small environment tweaks can make good choices more automatic. Regan also walks through his three-part view of health—lifestyle, energy for enjoyable activities, and fun experiences—and introduces a practical self-audit framework (EPIC) to help listeners identify common obstacles and set a focused, doable next step for the year ahead.RESOURCES: AGELESS FUTURE:Book Comprehensive Labs: https://agelessfuture.com/longevity-labs/FREE copy of The Peptide Blueprint: https://agelessfuture.com/blueprint Sign up for future Health Accelerator Challenges calls LIVE! https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YZsiUMOzSyqcE8IinC5YEQ#/registration *Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Regan-Archibald/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARegan%2BArchibald * Articles: https://medium.com/search?q=Regan+ArchibaldLIKE/FOLLOW/SUBSCRIBE AGELESS FUTURE:YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@ReganArchibald / https://www.youtube.com/@Ageless.Future  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regan-archibald-ab70b813Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ageless.future/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgelessFutureHealth/DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Many of the molecules discussed in this video are research compounds and are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any specific medical use, indication, or condition. They are mentioned only in the context of existing scientific literature and ongoing research and are not being recommended, prescribed, sold, or offered through this video. This content does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, products, procedures, or treatment protocols.References to our clinic are for general educational context only; investigational or non‑approved products are not available for direct ordering or prescribing based solely on viewing this content. Do not start, stop, or change any medication, peptide, or supplement based on this video. All medical decisions must be made with a licensed prescribing clinician after a proper evaluation. No provider–patient relationship is created by viewing this content or contacting our clinic. Regan Archibald is a Licensed Acupuncturist and longevity coach. He is not a medical doctor. All medical decisions, lab ordering, and prescribing in our clinic are performed only by our licensed medical team (MD, APRN, PA). Viewers should follow the guidance of their own licensed clinicians and local health authorities regarding diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Did you know that your home's design can impact your mood, focus, and even how safe you feel? The good news: it's simpler than you think to reset your space — and the start of a new year is the perfect time to do it. In this episode, Sarah Trop, founder of FunCycled Repurpose Design, shares easy, budget-friendly ways to refresh your home and make it feel more comfortable, more functional, and more like "you." From trauma-informed design to repurposing items you already own, she explains how small changes, like color and texture, can calm your mind and nervous system. Her tips will help you find your style and actually enjoy being home! You can get Sarah Trop's book, Created to Create: Designing Spaces That Renew the Soul, on Amazon! Connect with Sarah: WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestFree Interior Design GuideConnect with Jamie at Truman Charities:FacebookInstagramLinkedInWebsiteYouTubeEmail: info@trumancharities.comThis episode was post produced by Podcast Boutique https://podcastboutique.com/

Is it gaslighting — or defensiveness rooted in shame? For betrayed partners, the difference matters…but not in the way you might think.In this episode, Sarah Morales joins Amie to break down:Gaslighting vs normal relational conflictWhy “I didn't mean to” isn't the deciding factorHow repeated harm still counts — even without malicious intentWhat it actually means to take your power backIf you've been stuck second-guessing your reality, this episode is for you.Chapters02:55 Understanding Gaslighting and Misunderstandings04:30 The Scale of Gaslighting07:05 Shame Responses16:09 The Broken Arm Analogy24:02 The Bow and Arrow Analogy25:57 Values and Boundaries28:16 Recovery and Self-Awareness32:13 Healthy Communication and Vulnerability45:52 Distinguishing Between Abuse and Gaslighting Register Now!Rise, Renew, Restore Somatic Healing Retreat in Costa Rica -  Ready to experience deep somatic healing? Join us this July for a transformative 5-day intensive created specifically for women healing from betrayal trauma or navigating divorce. This is your opportunity to reconnect with your body's wisdom, release what you've been carrying, and heal alongside other women who truly understand your journey. Get our FREE eBook - Healing From Betrayal Trauma: A Compassionate Guide to Reclaiming Your LifeQuestions or topics you'd like us to address? Send us an email with “Choose To Be” as the subject to podcast@chooserecoveryservices.com. Watch us⁠ on YouTube.Follow us on Instagram: @choose_recovery_services⁠Schedule⁠ a complimentary consultation.Join our email list to be notified when new episodes air.More from Choose Recovery ServicesBeyond the Facade Podcast - Podcast geared toward helping men live authentically and in harmony with their values.Choose Healing - Weekly support group for women who have recently experienced betrayal and are needing help coping with the symptoms of trauma. Intensives - Accelerate your healing journey with one of our intensives. Foster connection with others who share similar experiences, creating an immersive environment that enables profound transformation in a short period of time.Help. Her. Heal - This program is for men seeking to learn more about empathy, conflict resolution, and healthy communication. Beyond the Facade: Men's Healing Group - We help men move through the pains of addiction, relationship healing, managing emotions, and moving past shame. You'll learn how to better connect with others, understand your own emotional experience, and build a deeper sense of self respect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Empowered Divorce Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with Amie Woolsey for those who are leaning toward divorce.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dating From Within - Amie Woolsey hosts this workshop which teaches you how to date yourself first. Learn how to know if you are ready to date again and what a healthy relationship looks like. Should I Stay or Go? - Self-paced course designed to be a companion on your journey toward self-discovery and personal empowerment. Trauma Trigger Kit - Triggers can come out of nowhere. Keep a Trauma Trigger Kit on hand to help you use your five senses to stay grounded and connected to yourself.Believing in You - In this program Amie teaches you how to work WITH your brain instead of against it. Learn tools that will help you move forward to trust, love, empowerment, and finding joy once again.Intimacy Within ⁠- Creating healthy intimacy with your partner begins with creating healthy intimacy within. Amie's self-paced course and guidebook will walk you through the seven levels of intimacy. Learn how to embrace authenticity and vulnerability even in the face of potential rejection.

Lord Jesus, at the Jordan River You humbled Yourself, standing among sinners and revealing the Father's love. The heavens were opened, the Spirit descended, and the Father proclaimed You as His beloved Son.Renew in us the grace of our own baptism. Wash us clean of sin, strengthen us with the Holy Spirit, and help us to live as beloved children of God.May we walk in faith, serve with humility, and reflect Your light to the world. We ask this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready” – Crossing the Jordan I. Introduction Opening greeting and call to readiness for the Word of God. Reference to the recent week of prayer and fasting as preparation. Sermon title: “Get Ready, Get Ready, Get Ready.” Text reference: Joshua 3:1–5. Key verse: “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” Connection to the new year (2026) as a “new season” — a place we've not passed before. II. Two Extremes in the Life of Faith Extreme #1: People who think everything depends on God alone. Passive faith; no personal effort (e.g., expecting blessings without action). Extreme #2: People who think everything depends on themselves. Self-striving faith; no prayer or reliance on God. Balanced truth (Joshua 3:5): Human responsibility → “Sanctify yourselves.” Divine power → “The Lord will do wonders.” A biblical tension: God acts, but we prepare. III. Historical and Scriptural Context Israel at the Jordan River. On the threshold of the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering. Consequence of earlier unbelief and disobedience. The Ark of the Covenant. Symbol of God's presence and holiness. Instructions: follow it at a distance — reverence before a holy God. The Crossing. Jordan River in flood (½ mile wide); an impossible situation needing a miracle. Spiritual parallel for 2026. Represents transition into a new season filled with both blessings and unknowns. IV. Our Part: “Sanctify Yourselves” Meaning of consecration. To set apart, make holy, dedicate to God's purposes. Synonyms: sanctify, purify, make acceptable to God. Illustration: The church drums. Ordinary objects made sacred through dedicated purpose. Believers are called to the same — living for God's glory. Practical applications of consecration. Self-examination and repentance of sin. Renew commitment to God and His house. Live holy lives — avoid spiritual compromise. Commitment to consistent church involvement and ministry. Stop gossip, negativity, and complaining; unity and obedience bring blessings. Financial consecration: honor God with firstfruits. Lifestyle consecration: avoid ungodly influences; guard media and relationships. Relational accountability and transparency (illustrated through phone example). Personal humility and ongoing sanctification — asking God to search the heart. Examples of sacrifice and faith. Pastor's story about his wife leaving a high-paying law job to serve in ministry. Lesson: Consecration often means sacrifice, but God multiplies what's surrendered. V. God's Part: “The Lord Will Do Wonders” Nature of God's wonders. Miracles, provisions, and supernatural acts demonstrating His glory. Miracles reveal who God is, not just what He does. Hope from Scripture (Romans 15:4). Old Testament lessons written for our learning and to build hope. The same God who parted the Jordan acts today. Faith declaration for 2026. God calls what is not as though it were — the promises are already in motion. Prophetic declarations for the year: Growth in intimacy with God. Healing and restoration (“this sickness is not unto death”). A rising young generation with holy passion. God will rebuke the devourer. Restoration of faith to believe again. VI. Conclusion and Call to Response Call for the congregation to stand, receive, and respond in faith. Affirmation that their fasting and prayer were part of consecration. Encouragement that God will release blessings long awaited. Exhortation to pray, worship, and believe for God's wonders in 2026.

In this special bonus episode, Hali Roderick is joined by her friends and trusted colleagues Amie Woolsey and Alana Gordon for a shared conversation about the heart, vision, and deeper purpose behind the Rise, Renew, Restore Women's Retreat in Costa Rica.Together, we explore why this retreat is about so much more than getting away — it's about creating true nervous-system relief, embodied healing, and a felt sense of safety that many women have been longing for after betrayal, burnout, and chronic emotional stress.We also unpack the meaning behind the name Rise, Renew, Restore, and how each part reflects the journey women move through when they step into a space designed not just for insight, but for deep, body-level change.Stay Connected with Me:Join me at one of the Upcoming Betrayal Trauma Conferences: The Betrayal Healing Conference on January 26-30, 2026. (Virtual)Together We Rise: Collaboration, Care, and Community in Recovery in person in Dallas, TX on Feb. 4-6, 2026Join me at a Retreat or IntensiveIf you're craving deeper, in-person support and embodied healing, I'm helping facilitate two upcoming experiences created specifically for betrayed partners. The Courage to Thrive Betrayal Trauma Intensive takes place March 17–20 in Spanish Fork, Utah and offers a structured, trauma-informed space to understand betrayal trauma, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild self-trust. Later this year, the Rise, Renew, Restore Retreat in Costa Rica, happening July 13–18, offers a more spacious, restorative experience focused on slowing down, reconnecting with your body, and healing in the presence of nature and supportive community. Sign up for my Newsletter: Rooted and Rising WeeklyJoin the waitlist: Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming You CourseDownload my free:⁠⁠Mini Guide to Mindful Healing After Betrayal⁠⁠Download my free ebook:⁠ ⁠Your First Steps to Rising From Betrayal⁠⁠⁠⁠RootedAndRisingHealing.com⁠⁠Connect on Instagram:⁠ ⁠@rootedandrising.healing⁠⁠Follow on Facebook:⁠ ⁠Rooted and Rising Healing with Hali Roderick⁠⁠Contact: ⁠rootedandrisinghealing@gmail.com⁠

The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll kicks off the new year alongside Uncrowned's finest, Chuck Mindenhall and Shaheen Al-Shatti.First up, they discuss how concerned we should be about Ilia Topuria's fighting future following the UFC lightweight champ's recent court proceedings (5:20).Another UFC lightweight with no title-fight news is Arman Tsarukyan. The trio react to Dana White's interview with Robbie Fox, where he shed light on why (17:30).The 155lbs division continues to make headlines, this time with title contenders Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker clashing in a social media war of words. The lads break it down (28:31).From one feud to another, Petesy and the boys dissect the latest developments in the Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier rivalry (48:45).Finally, the guys highlight their biggest stories to watch in 2026 (55:54), and answer your Super Chats (1:16:18).

Message by Rick Fisher (Blackaby International Ministries) The post Renew Conference – Session 3 appeared first on Flint Hill Baptist Church.

Message by Rick Fisher (Blackaby International Ministries) The post Renew Conference – Session 2 appeared first on Flint Hill Baptist Church.

If you've done the work — therapy, somatic healing, journaling, inner reflection — yet still feel a part of you is collapsed, disconnected, or joyless, you're not alone...and you're not done healing yet.In this special bonus episode, Alana, Amie, and Hali get raw, passionate, and vulnerable about the Rise, Renew, Restore Retreat — a soul-level transformational experience specifically designed for women who've survived betrayal and are ready to thrive.They share:✨ Why betrayal isn't just emotional — it lives in the nervous system✨ What it means to rise gently — not by forcing, but by supported embodiment✨ How this retreat helps women reconnect with their bodies, intuition, and joy✨ The unique blend of somatic healing, adventure, sisterhood, and restoration✨ Real-life fears about travel + how the retreat holds your hand every stepRise, Renew, Restore is for women who have already done meaningful healing work but still feel like parts of them haven't fully come back online. Through somatic practices, nervous system regulation, adventure, rest, and intentional sisterhood, this retreat helps you reconnect to your body, your intuition, and your joy.This isn't about becoming someone new — it's about coming home to yourself.

Edge God In Podcast 306: A New Year Launch into God EdgeGodIn.com | Host: Lauren E Miller Championing Human Potential in Christ Download Bible Study Template Learning Objective: Identify EGO-driven patterns rooted in fear and positionality, discern God's invitation to trust and surrender in the New Year, and intentionally choose a different direction aligned with God's plan and purpose for their lives. Scriptures: Matthew 2:8 | Galatians 3:3 | Ephesians 2:10 | Colossians 3 | Jeremiah 29:11 | Proverbs 16:3 | Isaiah 40, 46 | Psalm 72 Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have plans for me. You have gifted me with another year of life. Renew my hope and confidence in you and your ability to use me for your great work in this world. Previous Edge God In Podcast: Advent Journey: Edge God Into the Position Hustle Support Resources: Award Winning Books: Hearing His Whisper, with Every Storm Jesus Comes Too  https://amzn.to/3nNxdya 99 Things You Want to Know Before Stressing Out!  Emotional Intelligence in Christ Project: Book, 6-Week Study Guide & Course Now Launched Stress Relief Video Techniques: Click Here https://laurenemiller.com/stress-relief-coaching-expert/

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent on the show this week! Lego unveils its Smart Brick. Jacob kvetches about AI's overwhelming presence at CES. We get some on-site reporting from CES. And Utah becomes the first state to allow artificial intelligence to renew medical prescriptions. Mikah talks about Lego's new Smart Brick technology that allows you to interact and play with your Lego sets more directly. Jacob shares his thoughts about the overall theme of AI that has become front and center at this year's CES event. Stephen Robles of beard.fm joins the show live from CES to talk about what he saw at the event. And Ruth Reader of POLITICO stops by to talk about Utah being the first state to allow artificial intelligence to begin renewing medical prescriptions for patients. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Stephen Robles and Ruth Reader Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT zscaler.com/security

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent on the show this week! Lego unveils its Smart Brick. Jacob kvetches about AI's overwhelming presence at CES. We get some on-site reporting from CES. And Utah becomes the first state to allow artificial intelligence to renew medical prescriptions. Mikah talks about Lego's new Smart Brick technology that allows you to interact and play with your Lego sets more directly. Jacob shares his thoughts about the overall theme of AI that has become front and center at this year's CES event. Stephen Robles of beard.fm joins the show live from CES to talk about what he saw at the event. And Ruth Reader of POLITICO stops by to talk about Utah being the first state to allow artificial intelligence to begin renewing medical prescriptions for patients. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Stephen Robles and Ruth Reader Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT zscaler.com/security

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent on the show this week! Lego unveils its Smart Brick. Jacob kvetches about AI's overwhelming presence at CES. We get some on-site reporting from CES. And Utah becomes the first state to allow artificial intelligence to renew medical prescriptions. Mikah talks about Lego's new Smart Brick technology that allows you to interact and play with your Lego sets more directly. Jacob shares his thoughts about the overall theme of AI that has become front and center at this year's CES event. Stephen Robles of beard.fm joins the show live from CES to talk about what he saw at the event. And Ruth Reader of POLITICO stops by to talk about Utah being the first state to allow artificial intelligence to begin renewing medical prescriptions for patients. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Stephen Robles and Ruth Reader Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT zscaler.com/security

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent on the show this week! Lego unveils its Smart Brick. Jacob kvetches about AI's overwhelming presence at CES. We get some on-site reporting from CES. And Utah becomes the first state to allow artificial intelligence to renew medical prescriptions. Mikah talks about Lego's new Smart Brick technology that allows you to interact and play with your Lego sets more directly. Jacob shares his thoughts about the overall theme of AI that has become front and center at this year's CES event. Stephen Robles of beard.fm joins the show live from CES to talk about what he saw at the event. And Ruth Reader of POLITICO stops by to talk about Utah being the first state to allow artificial intelligence to begin renewing medical prescriptions for patients. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Stephen Robles and Ruth Reader Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT zscaler.com/security

Many couples stay together after infidelity—but staying together isn't the same as healing.In this episode of Choosing to Stay After Infidelity and Betrayal, we explore the quiet, often unspoken space many couples live in after betrayal: life looks calmer on the outside, but underneath there's still tension, disconnection, or a sense of holding your breath.This conversation gently examines how avoidance can masquerade as peace, the difference between rugsweeping and real repair, and the signs that healing is actually happening—for both partners.This episode isn't about pushing you toward a decision or creating pressure to “do more.” It's about offering clarity without urgency, and honesty without self-abandonment.Connect With Me + Continue Your HealingJoin me at one of the Upcoming Betrayal Trauma Conferences: The Betrayal Healing Conference on January 26-30, 2026. (Virtual)Together We Rise: Collaboration, Care, and Community in Recovery in person in Dallas, TX on Feb. 4-6, 2026If today's episode resonated with you, you don't have to walk the healing journey after betrayal alone. I create trauma-informed resources, conversations, and learning experiences to support individuals and couples navigating infidelity, betrayal trauma, and relational repair.Here are a few ways to stay connected and continue your healing:Join me at a Retreat or IntensiveIf you're craving deeper, in-person support and embodied healing, I'm helping facilitate two upcoming experiences created specifically for betrayed partners. The Courage to Thrive Betrayal Trauma Intensive takes place March 17–20 in Spanish Fork, Utah and offers a structured, trauma-informed space to understand betrayal trauma, regulate your nervous system, and rebuild self-trust. Later this year, the Rise, Renew, Restore Retreat in Costa Rica, happening July 13–18, offers a more spacious, restorative experience focused on slowing down, reconnecting with your body, and healing in the presence of nature and supportive community. Free Resources & DownloadsAccess free tools, guided practices, and educational resources designed to support nervous system regulation, self-trust, boundaries, and clarity after betrayal.

The House is moving toward a Thursday vote to revive health care tax credits that expired at the end of last year, marking an unusual moment of bipartisan agreement. Several Republicans are defying party leadership and teaming up with Democrats to force a vote on a three‑year extension that could pass in the House. Greg and Holly discuss the latest.

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent on the show this week! Lego unveils its Smart Brick. Jacob kvetches about AI's overwhelming presence at CES. We get some on-site reporting from CES. And Utah becomes the first state to allow artificial intelligence to renew medical prescriptions. Mikah talks about Lego's new Smart Brick technology that allows you to interact and play with your Lego sets more directly. Jacob shares his thoughts about the overall theme of AI that has become front and center at this year's CES event. Stephen Robles of beard.fm joins the show live from CES to talk about what he saw at the event. And Ruth Reader of POLITICO stops by to talk about Utah being the first state to allow artificial intelligence to begin renewing medical prescriptions for patients. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Stephen Robles and Ruth Reader Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT zscaler.com/security

Jacob Ward of The Rip Current joins Mikah Sargent on the show this week! Lego unveils its Smart Brick. Jacob kvetches about AI's overwhelming presence at CES. We get some on-site reporting from CES. And Utah becomes the first state to allow artificial intelligence to renew medical prescriptions. Mikah talks about Lego's new Smart Brick technology that allows you to interact and play with your Lego sets more directly. Jacob shares his thoughts about the overall theme of AI that has become front and center at this year's CES event. Stephen Robles of beard.fm joins the show live from CES to talk about what he saw at the event. And Ruth Reader of POLITICO stops by to talk about Utah being the first state to allow artificial intelligence to begin renewing medical prescriptions for patients. Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jacob Ward Guests: Stephen Robles and Ruth Reader Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: joindeleteme.com/twit promo code TWIT zscaler.com/security

In this Part Two New Year's episode, Kyia and her husband Jake talk through how they reflect, reset, and step into a new year together. Following Kyia's solo episode on her word of the year, Renew, they discuss intentions over goals, habits they're shifting as individuals and as a married couple, and how faith shapes the way they plan for the year ahead. This conversation is less about resolutions and more about becoming aligned, present, and renewed.

In this episode of C.U. On The Show, Doug English welcomes back Peter Myers of DDJ Myers for a deep, practical conversation on board renewal and board performance. As credit unions face accelerated board turnover, CEO transitions, and shifting competitive pressures, Peter explains how boards can objectively assess their effectiveness, align on the most strategic priorities, and intentionally evolve to the next level of governance impact.Watch the video episode here: https://youtu.be/X5ryxBWS_yURead the episode summary: How CUSOs and FinTech Partnerships Can Become a Powerful Growth Engine for Credit Unions | ACT AdvisorsEmail doug@act-advisors.com with any inquiries.

Send Us Your Prayer Requests --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

If healing feels uncomfortable lately, this episode is for you.This week Alana talks about the difference between dysregulation and readiness — and how discomfort can be a sign you're ready to move from survival into growth. This episode offers a compassionate, trauma-informed reframe for betrayal trauma survivors who feel stuck, restless, or unsure of their next step.You're not broken. You might just be ready. Chapters01:55 Understanding Discomfort in Healing05:53 Signs of Being Stuck vs. Being Tender08:05 Recognizing the Need for Change13:22 The Role of Talk Therapy and Somatic Work18:06 Visualizing the Healing Process21:15 Empowerment and Moving ForwardRegister Now!Rise, Renew, Restore Somatic Healing Retreat in Costa Rica -  Ready to experience deep somatic healing? Join us this July for a transformative 5-day intensive created specifically for women healing from betrayal trauma or navigating divorce. This is your opportunity to reconnect with your body's wisdom, release what you've been carrying, and heal alongside other women who truly understand your journey. Questions or topics you'd like us to address? Send us an email with “Choose To Be” as the subject to podcast@chooserecoveryservices.com. Watch us⁠ on YouTube.Follow us on Instagram: @choose_recovery_services⁠Schedule⁠ a complimentary consultation.Join our email list to be notified when new episodes air.More from Choose Recovery ServicesBeyond the Facade Podcast - Podcast geared toward helping men live authentically and in harmony with their values.Choose Healing - Weekly support group for women who have recently experienced betrayal and are needing help coping with the symptoms of trauma. Intensives - Accelerate your healing journey with one of our intensives. Foster connection with others who share similar experiences, creating an immersive environment that enables profound transformation in a short period of time.Help. Her. Heal - This program is for men seeking to learn more about empathy, conflict resolution, and healthy communication. Beyond the Facade: Men's Healing Group - We help men move through the pains of addiction, relationship healing, managing emotions, and moving past shame. You'll learn how to better connect with others, understand your own emotional experience, and build a deeper sense of self respect.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Empowered Divorce Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with Amie Woolsey for those who are leaning toward divorce.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dating From Within - Amie Woolsey hosts this workshop which teaches you how to date yourself first. Learn how to know if you are ready to date again and what a healthy relationship looks like. Should I Stay or Go? - Self-paced course designed to be a companion on your journey toward self-discovery and personal empowerment. Trauma Trigger Kit - Triggers can come out of nowhere. Keep a Trauma Trigger Kit on hand to help you use your five senses to stay grounded and connected to yourself.Believing in You - In this program Amie teaches you how to work WITH your brain instead of against it. Learn tools that will help you move forward to trust, love, empowerment, and finding joy once again.Intimacy Within ⁠- Creating healthy intimacy with your partner begins with creating healthy intimacy within. Amie's self-paced course and guidebook will walk you through the seven levels of intimacy. Learn how to embrace authenticity and vulnerability even in the face of potential rejection.

If you're heading into the new year feeling creatively overwhelmed — with too many ideas, unfinished projects, and uncertainty about where to focus — this episode is for you. So many singer-songwriters struggle not because they lack inspiration, but because choosing one direction feels risky. What if you pick the wrong project? What if you lose momentum? What if you don't follow through? In this episode, we explore a gentler, more sustainable approach to creative focus: choosing one creative practice instead of forcing yourself to commit to a specific outcome or project. Rather than asking, “What should I make this year?” we shift the question to, “What is asking for my devotion?” You'll hear: Why having too many ideas can create creative paralysis The difference between choosing a project and choosing a practice How focusing on one creative practice builds clarity, consistency, and trust A guided listening exercise to help you tune into what wants your attention right now How devotion to practice can naturally support songwriting, singing, and creative momentum This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and release the pressure to have everything figured out. You don't need to chase every idea — you only need to choose the practice that can hold them all. If you're craving creative clarity without burnout, and focus without force, this conversation will meet you right where you are.  

In this episode of the Real Life Theology podcast, the discussion delves into the stages of spiritual and emotional maturity as part of a four-part series on discipling people into emotional and spiritual health. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding these stages: spiritual infants, children, young adults, parents, and grandparents. Key points include the necessity of emotional maturity for true spiritual growth, the identification of spiritual maturity through behavioral examples, and the essential role of guiding individuals through these stages. Additionally, the episode contrasts spiritual gifts with maturity, underscoring the difference between outward talents and true spiritual growth. For more insights and resources, join RENEW.org's Newsletter. Get our Premium podcast feed featuring all the breakout sessions from the RENEW gathering early, and join RENEW.org at one of our upcoming events. Join RENEW.org's Newsletter: https://renew.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/ and get our Premium podcast feed: https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/. Join RENEW.org at an upcoming event: https://renew.org/resources/events/

A short, honest story shows how a ten-minute reset can turn a sour morning into a bright one. We share simple ways to use quick pauses to change state, protect relationships, and steer the rest of the day.• a child's fast mood shift after brief rest• why micro-breaks calm the nervous system• simple reset ideas that fit real life• early signs you need a pause• small rules that make resets stick• how a short reset helps you show up kinderThanks for joining me on this week's Mindful Moment. I look forward to seeing you right here next time on Mindful Moments.https://aarondegler.com/

What happens when a VR agency stops leading with compliance—and starts leading with trust? In this episode of Manager Minute, Carol Pankow sits down with Lea Dias, Director of the Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, to talk about rebuilding an agency from the inside out. Facing high vacancies, low morale, and years of monitoring pressure, Lea chose a different path—one grounded in listening, kindness, and belief in her people. The result? ✔ Renewed staff engagement ✔ Stronger community partnerships ✔ Improved employment outcomes ✔ A culture moving from survival to purpose This is a powerful reminder that real change doesn't start with spreadsheets—it starts with people.   Listen Here   Full Transcript   Lea: I'm proud when I see my staff here at the administration level, thinking less about what the staff are doing wrong and focusing more on how can we help them, getting resources to help them, reaching out directly to help them. People talk a lot about rapid engagement and forget that ongoing part rapid and ongoing engagement. If you focus on culture first, the numbers I believe will follow. And if you focus only on numbers, the culture will crumble.   {Music} Intro Voice: Manager Minute, brought to you by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center. Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host, Carol Pankow.   Carol: Well, welcome to the manager minute. Joining me in the studio today is Lea Dias, director of the Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Lea recently participated in a panel at the fall CSAVR Conference, sharing Hawaii's journey to improving employment outcomes and what she calls their secret sauce. So how are things going in Hawaii?   Lea: Oh gosh, a lot better now that the shutdown is over. And we got a couple of our grants came through recently. And so that's all good. I think a lot of people think, oh, Hawaii, it's Paradise, right?   Carol: Yes.   Lea: But we have the same sort of issues I think, that many other agencies do. But things are getting better in Hawaii. I'll say that.   Carol: That is awesome to hear. It's so good to see you again. Oh my gosh.   Lea: you too.   Carol: So for years, Hawaii has faced real challenges, including declining employment outcomes, significant work tied to addressing findings from an RSA monitoring report. In fact, you all were monitored the same year I was when I was still with Minnesota Blind back in 2019. And so I remember having a bond with you guys.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: Because we were all going through it together.   Lea: Yes.   Carol: Now, I know when you stepped into the director role following the former director's retirement, you really brought this stabilizing, steady calmness that the agency really needed. And under your leadership, the team is rebuilding momentum, strengthening systems and really seeing some meaningful progress in the work being done across the islands. So today we're just going to explore that journey. What's changed, what's working and what other states can learn from your experience. So let's dig in.   Lea: Okay.   Carol: Can you start by sharing your journey with Hawaii VR and what led you into the director role?   Lea: Sure, Carol. Well, first of all, aloha, and thank you for having me. I have been with Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, we're a combined agency, by the way, for over 30 years. And I started off about 34 years ago as an entry level VR counselor at the general site of our agency. And then in 2000, I moved over to become the supervisor of field services at our Ho'opono, which is our services for the blind branch. And Then I stayed there for a while. I then assumed the role of director of our New Visions Structured Discovery Orientation Center, and eventually I became the administrator of Blind Services, and I was honored to serve in that role until about July of 2023. So the majority of my career so far was spent at home. And I learned so much there, you know, working for a blind agency beyond what I got from my master's degree and all that. I learned so much about consumer empowerment. And, you know, the real dramatic changes that vocational rehabilitation can make in people's lives. So anyway, when the former Hawaii VR administrator left pretty abruptly, our agency was in a tough place. We had a vacancy rate of over 40%, I want to say close to 45% and rising low morale. We had that heavy corrective action plan you talked about from RSA and many staff were feeling really overwhelmed. So initially I stepped in as a temporary assignment just because I care so much about our agency. I love this profession. I care about the people we serve, and I wanted to do what I could to help stabilize and restore hope. And also, I had several staff approach me and ask me to do it, and that meant a lot to me. So I decided to apply after that. And I've been official in this job just a little over two and a half years, since July 2023.   Carol: That has gone really quickly.   Lea: Yes it has.   Carol: Well, and when you said bringing kind of that stabilizing calmness, everybody talks about that. You've been credited with doing that. How did you approach leading through that uncertainty and kind of rebuilding trust.   Lea: Oh gosh. Well, thank you for the compliment. But when I stepped in we were struggling across the board. And I know because I was part of that. Right. Coming from within the agency, we had declining successful employment outcomes way down. And a lot of the outcomes we had, they weren't really careers. In many cases, we had something like 77% of eligible participants leaving us before they even got to the point of IPE.   Carol: Wow!   Lea: Which is really atrocious. Super high vacancies. And because of those super high vacancies, we had counselors having to cover other counselors caseloads. So people were really burned out, overwhelmed. And because we had been working since 2019 to resolve that corrective action plan with RSA, and we had been so focused on that, staff were, I think, drowning in compliance tasks. And not that compliance isn't important because it is, of course, but there was a lot of blaming and overcorrecting in my opinion, and I think the human side of VR had been kind of pushed aside. When I was preparing for my speech for CSAVR, I kind of asked the line staff, I told them what I was going to be doing and asked them what they thought. And one counselor really summed up for me how it was by saying, just quote, we were all just Surviving.   Carol: Oh.   Lea: That's kind of pretty much where it was.   Carol: That's quite a statement.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: it really is. And I know I worked with your team too throughout that.   Lea: Mhm.   Carol: You know, when we were trying to work on getting corrective actions done and just kind of redoing policies over and over and fifth iteration, sixth iteration.   Lea: Right.   Carol: Oh my gosh. It was.   Lea: Right.   Carol: It was a lot. And you lose that sense of, you know, you lose the sense of the people and the reason you're all there. I can completely understand that being in the midst of that.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: I know at CSAVR the whole panel was talking about the secret sauce. What do you think has been the biggest impact so far for your agency?   Lea: Well, I focused on listening first and staff told me they felt hurt and they had felt mistrusted and they had felt disrespected. They talked about too many barriers to getting their work done. And, you know, I believed them because like I said, I know.   Carol: Yeah.   Lea: So I developed a pretty tight group of folks on my leadership team up here who I knew I could trust really implicitly to help me, you know, listen to people struggle with and overcome these barriers for our staff and our consumers. And this tight group of people, they shared my vision for the agency and my philosophy of the purpose of this great program called vocational rehabilitation. So we opened up leadership meetings. I decided to bring in frontline supervisors rather than just the people in the quote unquote, ivory tower, and line staff at all levels into our conversations. I really emphasize transparency and consistency and kindness and respect for ourselves. I demanded it to each other and to our consumers, because I really had to rebuild safety and rebuild trust. In the beginning because of the way our agency had been. When I would open up the floor, you know, for people to talk, it was crickets. People just didn't want to speak up. All of that to say, I think there's really to me and I think I said this at CSAVR, I don't think there's really a secret sauce, to be honest. We've made many improvements, but we still have a long way to go, particularly with our data collection and data analysis and reporting are performance measures. Still need a lot of work and my staff and I are learning together. I guess you could say our secret sauce is trust plus autonomy, plus removing barriers and trying to find a way to yes for our consumers and for our staff.   There's lots of little examples, you know, based on feedback that we got from our staff, we started allowing counselors to close their own cases. They weren't allowed to do that, as a result of the reaction to the corrective action plan. I would say we eliminated some things that were outdated or unnecessary, like some financial needs testing language. I stopped the communicating via solely via memo. All communication via memo. Training via memo. I mean, that kind of stuff just doesn't work. It's a good backup, but you can't rely on just written stuff.   Carol: No.   Lea: I cut out what I saw as unnecessary multi-layers of approvals for things as simple as a payment for a service to a consumer would have to come all the way up to the administrator's level if it was, I think, over $2,500. And I was like, this is ridiculous. We really started making a culture shift, I think, from compliance first to people first from distrust, mistrust, and I would say custodialism to communicating my belief, you know, in the skills and judgment of our people tried to make it a less intimidating environment where people could speak their truths and make suggestions for improvements because, you know, like I mentioned, I'm a leader, but I'm also a leader who in a lot of ways has been where they've been. And I know the power of what we can achieve when we all work together and I really believe all those things. I think all those little examples and more have really helped to make a difference.   Carol: I love that because you can always sense your authenticity. Always. I remember meeting you way back, you know, with NCSAB, and we would do work together on committees and all of that good stuff. And it's like, oh my gosh, I always just thought you were amazing because you truly, you walk the talk that you say and people believe you, you know, you're believable. And I think that trust you've put in your people. I could see a difference when we were out there, even last year as a TA center and came for a visit, there was just a whole different sense with that whole group. It was really nice to see. I can just tell. I mean, I can tell from the outside, having seen you all before in meetings where, you know, things were it just felt more chaotic and people didn't feel free to speak. And now you can just see everybody's faces. I mean, it was just their whole affect was so much better.   Lea: Oh, thank you. Thank you for your kindness. That makes me so happy to hear that. I see it, too. But it, I'm always questioning. Is it enough? Am I doing enough? There's still so much to do. But you gotta start somewhere.   Carol: Well, you have to start somewhere.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: I think you've done an incredible job with that.   Lea: Ahh.   Carol:  What do you feel like? Maybe. What progress are you most proud of? Or. And what maybe lessons would help other agencies because other people are going through this. You are not the only one in the entire, you know, system here. It is all over the country.   Lea: Yeah. Well, I mean, closing out that corrective action plan was a huge milestone. Very proud of that, especially after so many years. So it took from 2019 till just earlier this year, 2025 for us to finally, you know, get out from under that so that we can focus on other things. But we didn't do it alone. You know, like you mentioned, Doctor Chaz Compton, Chaz and you and the entire VRTAC QM team were really instrumental in helping us get there, and you guys really walked alongside us with empathy and clarity and unwavering support. Even with the time difference and, you know, being an ocean away. I mean, you guys were always there. And, you know, after I assumed this role, you know, Doctor Compton visited us twice so far for in-person, all staff meetings. So I brought in all staff, not just counselors, not just rehab teachers, everybody on staff for in-person sessions. Zoom is great for a lot of things, but sometimes you need everyone there in person for kind of a call to action, you know what I mean?   Carol: Yeah.   Lea: Anyway, those sessions that we had together with Chaz were, I think, really helped us along in this transformation. His ability to connect with staff and reframe challenges helped us ignite what we're calling our Reimagine and Renew initiative. I also want to acknowledge you, Carol, you know, your leadership at the VRTAC QM and the way, you know, you mentioned you and your team guided our agency and you helped us see this journey not as a series of failures, which is how we felt, but really an opportunity more so for growth and renewal. So what am I most proud of? I am most proud when I see our line staff coming up with these fantastic suggestions and being willing to talk to me about it, and then acting on those where we can and making those changes.   I am proud that I see in so many of them, their passion reigniting. I'm proud that many of them don't just see this as a drudgery, kind of 9 to 5 case manager job sitting in front of a computer all day. They're out in the community a lot more now, engaging with consumers, engaging with other agency partners. And when I say engaging with consumers, things like evenings and weekends, graduations, award ceremonies, things like that might seem like a small thing to some, but I know those consumers remember and they appreciate that and their families. I'm proud when I see my staff here at the administration level thinking less about what the staff are doing wrong and focusing more on how can we help them, getting resources to help them, reaching out directly to help them. I see a lot less finger pointing in both directions, because I know when I was on the line, I'd be like those people in administration and administration, people going, are those people on the line? They don't. I see a lot less of a lot less of that. And I'm really pleased that a lot of our partners in the community are ready to talk to us again. I think a lot of those relationships, for various reasons, had been pretty badly damaged, and that's actually been a big part of my job, too, is rebuilding those relationships. So I would say the biggest lesson for other states is this you can't transform an agency just through compliance tasks alone. You need trusted partners, you need honest conversations, and you really need a willingness to go to the mat to rebuild your agency culture, like from the inside out.   Carol: That is really good advice.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: I always think in this role it takes a village. Like when you were talking about assistance from the QM. And I know when we come alongside any state agency, we always refer to it like we. We always feel like we're part of you.   Lea: You are.   Carol: You know, even in the when we're meeting with staff and staff, it's like, okay, this is what we're going to do next, or...   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: ...let's work on this. And we always feel like we just become another we're another staff like in the group to help facilitate whatever getting done. And so.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: That has been so fun and really fun to see. Like your people embracing all of it. You just see such a difference. It really is pretty incredible.   Lea: Yeah. And I want to be really clear. It's not about me. It's not. It's the village. It's everybody together that is making progress. And I think things are looking up.   Carol: But you did make it possible because you open the space and it takes time. Like you said, people at first weren't really willing to talk because there'd been a long time where you couldn't talk about it.   Lea: Yeah, yeah.   Carol: You know, you couldn't bring things up. I remember the whole finger pointing back and forth all the time. People were like, oh, people in Central office. They don't know what's going on out here.   Lea: Yeah, yeah. And it still happens sometimes, you know, I get it, but not, not as much as before.   Carol: Not like before, No, but it takes that. And that took you really coming in and opening up the space. And it's a time factor. Like look at you've been doing it over two years now. Probably another lesson would be it doesn't go quick. Like it takes time to do this and repairing relationships.   Lea: Yes.   Carol: That's a time factor. They've got to trust you and over and over see what you're doing.   Lea: Yeah. And this is probably bad advice, but forget the work life balance thing. For me, it's like I'm at home thinking about this stuff. Like, what can I do? You know what I mean?   Carol: I know I used to sleep, I'd sleep with a pad of paper by my bed, because I'd often wake up in the middle of the night and be like, I'd have an idea, and I'd write it down because I didn't want to lose it for the morning. And then I'd come in. I'd be like, I was thinking last night, and staff would be like, oh my God, you had your pad of paper by the bed?   Lea: Yep, I talked to Siri. Siri, take a note.   Carol: Yes!   Lea: yes.   Carol: Oh, that's so funny. What strategies do you think just a little bit on your, you know, the employment outcomes. And you've done better with those. Chaz was super jazzed about that.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: What strategies do you think contributed most to those improvements you've had in your employment outcomes?   Lea: I've been thinking about this. I think our internal strategies, people talk a lot about rapid engagement and forget that ongoing part, rapid and ongoing engagement. Talking, you know, just like a broken record, talking with staff about that and the importance of that. And I'm seeing that happening more like I mentioned with those evenings, weekends being out in the field.   Carol: Yeah.   Lea: Streamlining processes, as I mentioned, empowering our counselors and trusting them to do their jobs. I think those were all essential. But and of course, the partnership and the help that we got from the TAC-QM, helping us look at our systems with fresh eyes and supporting us in building some sustainable, long term solutions so that external guidance also gave us confidence and helped accelerate our progress. So with all of those pieces kind of working together, some of our results have really improved dramatically. So you mentioned our successful closures. So between program year 23 and program year 24 our successful closures more than tripled. Okay.   Carol: Amazing.   Lea: The numbers are the numbers are small okay. Compared to like New York or something. But you know, in prog ram year 23 we had 30 closures. In program 24 we had 107.   Carol: That is awesome.   Lea: So yeah, I think that's pretty cool. I'm talking some of them are real careers, too, to real success story.   Carol: Oh, I love that.   Lea: That whole thing with the attrition before IPE has dropped really sharply. University of Hawaii at Manoa. They do a consumer satisfaction survey right for clients post closure, and we had the highest return rates ever and the highest levels of satisfaction ever, according to the university Hawaii, who's been doing these surveys for us. And then just some other stats to throw at you. But from program year 23 to 24, we saw our applications increase by 55%. That's applications for services. Determinations of eligibility increased by 59%, IPE development went up by 52%, and our vacancy rate for our staff has dropped to about 30 something percent. It's still high, but it's a lot lower than it was, and it's continuing to drop. And I've been able to fill some really key leadership positions where we had lost some very good people over those tumultuous years. So yeah, I hope I answered your question, but it's I think it's a lot of factors.   Carol: You did. It's been amazing though. And you look at that. I love that those kind of family sustaining wages, people in careers. That was always super important to me. I didn't want to just, you know, jobs and food, filth and flowers. Although people can do, you know, there are people that do want those jobs, but that isn't the only job that's out there.   Lea: Right. And that thinking long term.   Carol: Yeah.   Lea: You know, Chaz did training with us too. I'm thinking long term, like nurse's aide.  Or have you thought about nurse? Let's see. What are the differences here.   Carol: right.   Lea: Yeah, I like that.   Carol: Chaz is great at that. Bring it all.   Lea: Yeah.   Carol: Oh my gosh. Good for you though. Look at I think that just shows the power of when staff are trusted and they're feeling really good about their work and they're you're all in alignment on the same mission. You can really make huge things happen and including impacting your vacancy rate for employees, because I know you were much higher. I mean, it felt like you were like at 50% or something. So to have it even down to 30 is better.   Lea: Yeah. I'm also looking at revising our CSPD requirements because they're super high right now. And of course, I believe in the master's degree and the CRC and all that, but I think there's some room for us to loosen that up just a bit, still be in line with federal regulations. But that's another thing that I've heard from staff.   Carol: Yeah, that's a good idea. And there's probably a lot of people we could connect you with. Other states have done something similar to...   Lea: Yes.   Carol: ...kind of create space and layers and ways for people to get in and all of that.   Lea: Yes. Now is a good time because of the Unified State Plan is coming.   Carol: Yes. Perfect timing.   Lea: Yes.   Carol: Good pitch to make. It's like take advantage of that state plan. Time to make those changes.   Lea: Yes.   Carol: So what kind of advice would you have for other VR directors navigating tough challenges based on this experience? Do you have any other things you could offer your colleagues across the country? Because we got a lot of new people in, and there's a lot of really tough situations happening everywhere. You had quite a lot on your plate. So is there any other kind of things that could help them?   Lea: Gosh. Well, I would say start by listening. Trust your staff. They already know what the barriers are. Trust yourself. Listen to your consumers. Your consumer organizations encourage, expect, I should say, rapid and ongoing engagement with our consumers. Help them to dream big and to think long term. Find a way to say yes wherever possible. Give our consumers all the skills and confidence that they need to really achieve their life goals. Celebrate wins, even the small ones. Be a broken record if you have to. Keep your mission visible. And just remember, if you focus on culture first, the numbers I believe will follow. And if you focus only on numbers, the culture will crumble.   Carol: Really good advice.   Lea: Yeah, there's just no task too big when it's done together.   Carol: Oh, Lea, look at you go.   Lea: Ahh.   Carol: you made it all happen. Oh my God.!   Lea: Oh, stop it, I'm gonna cry.   Carol: Nah, you've been great. It's so fun to talk to you. I know chaz said at the conference people were crying when you had talked. There were so many people crying and coming up to you and really feeling so engaged and energized.   Lea: And I was surprised how many people came up because I thought our story was going to be like the worst in the whole, you know, all VR. And I had people coming up kind of, yeah, sharing that they had gone or they are going through a similar situation and, people, can I hug you?   Carol: Oh yeah.   Lea: And I was like, oh sure. You know. So no, I, I'm, I'm so humbled and honored that you even asked me to speak here because although I know we've made as a team some progress, we still have a way to go. But we're going to get there.   Carol: Yeah. See I just want other people to hear your message of hope and positivity, because I think we have a lot of directors feeling pretty, pretty sad right now. I'm pretty tough there in some pretty tough spots. And it you kind of you get that all internalized. I know from being a director too. Boy, it's hard to kind of pull out of all of that when you have just all of this piled on top of you, right? And it's hard to see sort of the light at the end of the tunnel. But your, your vision and just your whole message of really the hope and, and living into that mission and really the trust and all the things you've done, you've been doing the right things. And I think other people need to hear it. So I appreciate you doing this so much.   Lea: Oh, thank you so much again. Thank you.   Carol: Well, so I wish you much continued success. Thanks for your time. I hope you have a great day. Thank you.   Lea: Thank you, thank you.   {Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR. One manager at a time. One minute at a time. Brought to you by the VRTAC. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening.

Episode Title: Rest and Renew with Gentle ThunderDescription: In this episode, we invite you to unwind and recharge with the soothing sounds of gentle thunder. Discover how the calming rhythm of a soft thunderstorm can help ease your mind, reduce stress, and create a peaceful atmosphere for rest and renewal. We also share simple ways to bring these natural sounds into your daily relaxation practices for improved mental well-being.Take a moment for yourself today—let the gentle thunder guide you to a place of calm and balance in the midst of a busy life.Stay tuned for more episodes designed to support your journey toward relaxation and tranquility.=======DISCLAIMER

Prayer is essential to a flourishing walk with God. Yet, too often, our prayers remain shallow or neglected. The apostle Paul models how to use the beauty of Christ's work as a springboard for hopeful and heartfelt prayer. In this panel discussion from TGC25, Megan Hill, Paul E. Miller, Trillia Newbell, and George Robertson take a fresh look at the prayers of Ephesians with the hope of deepening our delight in drawing near to God. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As a new year begins, many people carry regret, disappointment, or anxiety from what they didn’t accomplish in the past year. Yet Scripture invites us to move forward with hope, not fear. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God is faithful to complete the good work He began in us. He does not call us to dwell on the past, but to trust His power to renew, restore, and make all things new. God’s newness isn’t wishful thinking—it’s His promise. No matter what the previous year looked like, He is still working, still transforming, and still bringing new life and purpose as we step into the year ahead. Today’s Bible Verse: Philippians 1:6 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/philippians/1-6.html“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Main Takeaways You’ll learn why God doesn’t want you living in regret or replaying past failures. Discover how Philippians 1:6 gives confidence that God completes what He starts. Understand how Scripture repeatedly calls believers to stop looking back and press forward. Reflect on how God promises to do new things—even when we can’t yet perceive them. Be encouraged that your future is shaped by God’s renewal, not your past disappointments. Bible Verse References Philippians 1:6 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/philippians/1-6.html Luke 9:62 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/luke/9-62.html Philippians 3:13 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/philippians/3-13.html Isaiah 43:18 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/43-18.html Ezekiel 36:26 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/ezekiel/36-26.html Isaiah 42:9 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/42-9.html Isaiah 43:19 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/43-19.html 2 Corinthians 5:17 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/5-17.html Revelation 21:5 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/revelation/21-5.html Your Daily Prayer Dear Father, thank You for Your promise to make all things new. Help me release the regrets, disappointments, and unfinished plans of the past year into Your hands. Strengthen my heart to look forward with hope, trusting that You will complete the good work You began in me. Renew my spirit, soften my heart toward You, and guide my steps into the newness You have prepared. May this year be marked by deeper trust, greater obedience, and a life that glorifies Your name.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christ-centered podcasts and devotionals. Explore biblical encouragement and spiritual growth articles at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Study today’s Scripture passages with trusted tools at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Devotionals and Christian living resources:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In celebration of the New Year, let us release that which we no longer need, and renew our vision and intention for the path ahead. In today's meditation, we release and renew. This podcast is made possible with great thanks to our subscribers on Patreon. Join our community at Patreon (dot) com (slash) theMeditationPodcast

Philippians 4:4-9; James 4:13-15 At the crossroads of the New Year, follow the steps we teach our children when they come to an intersection. Stop. How has God been moving in your life? Look. What new direction might He be leading you? Listen. What changes is God asking you to make? Hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he draws wisdom from Scripture regarding your thoughts, your treasure, your time, and your touch. God has great plans for you in these four areas. How will you invest your life this year? It's your move. Make this year count!

Philippians 4:4-9; James 4:13-15 At the crossroads of the New Year, follow the steps we teach our children when they come to an intersection. Stop. How has God been moving in your life? Look. What new direction might He be leading you? Listen. What changes is God asking you to make? Hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he draws wisdom from Scripture regarding your thoughts, your treasure, your time, and your touch. God has great plans for you in these four areas. How will you invest your life this year? It's your move. Make this year count!