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In this special on-location episode of the Know Zone Podcast, Caroline Massey, Social Media Specialist at Classic Vacations®, brings listeners to Las Vegas for Classic's annual Reservations Training Event. Amid the energy of learning and connection, Caroline sits down with hotel partners from around the world to discuss what makes their properties truly exceptional.Hear from: • Andrew Pike, Managing Director, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection• Ray Benevides, Fairmont Resorts Hawaii• Juan Vela, Chief Executive Officer, Velas Resorts• Garry Perotin, Complex Director of Leisure Sales, Conrad Punta de Mita & Hilton Los CabosFrom personalized service to signature experiences that leave a lasting impression, this episode is packed with insights designed to expand travel advisors' expertise and elevate how they present these standout luxury properties to their clients.

Bills talks about Sebastians wedding, Harry Potter being a terrible person, Julia Roberts in my best friend wedding being a top movie villain ever, Nba being back, why he's more on tiktok these days and thinking about naming his dog Rex Cheeseburger Billions

Welcome back to Snafu with Robin Zander. In this episode, I'm joined by Miki Johnson – coach, facilitator, and co-founder of Job Portraits, a creative studio that helped companies tell honest stories about their work and culture. Today, Miki leads Leading By Example, where she supports leaders and teams through moments of change – whether that's a career shift, new parenthood, or redefining purpose. We talk about how to navigate transition with awareness, why enjoying change takes practice, and what it means to lead with authenticity in uncertain times. Miki shares lessons from a decade of coaching and storytelling – from building human-centered workplaces to bringing more body and emotion into leadership. We also explore creativity in the age of AI, and how technology can either deepen or disconnect us from what makes us human. And if you're interested in these kinds of conversations, we'll be diving even deeper into the intersection of leadership, creativity, and AI at Responsive Conference 2026. If you're interested, get your tickets here! https://www.responsiveconference.com/  __________________________________________________________________________________________ 00:00 Start 01:20 Miki's Background and Reservations about AI Miki hasn't used AI and has “very serious reservations.” She's not anti-AI – just cautious and curious. Her mindset is about “holding paradox”, believing two opposing things can both be true. Her background shapes that approach. She started as a journalist, later ran her own businesses, and now works as a leadership coach. Early in her career, she watched digital technology upend media and photography – industries “blown apart” by change. When she joined a 2008 startup building editable websites for photographers, it was exciting but also unsettling. She saw innovation create progress and loss at the same time. Now in her 40s with two sons, her focus has shifted. She worries less about the tools and more about what they do to people's attention, empathy, and connection – and even democracy. Her concern is how to raise kids and stay human in a distracted world. Robin shares her concerns but takes a different approach. He notes that change now happens “day to day,” not decade to decade. He looks at technology through systems, questioning whether pre-internet institutions can survive. “Maybe the Constitution was revolutionary,” he says, “but it's out of date for the world we live in.” He calls himself a “relentless optimist,” believing in democracy and adaptability, but aware both could fail without reform. Both worry deeply about what technology is doing to kids. Robin cites The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and says, “I don't believe social media is good for children.” He and his fiancée plan to limit their kids' screen time, just as Miki already does. They see it as a responsibility: raising grounded kids in a digital world. Robin sees AI as even more transformative – and risky – than anything before. “If social media is bigger than the printing press,” he says, “AI is bigger than the wheel.” He's amazed by its potential but uneasy about who controls it. He doubts people like Sam Altman act in the public's best interest. His concern isn't about rejecting AI but about questioning who holds power over it. Their difference lies in how they handle uncertainty. Miki's instinct is restraint and reflection – question first, act later, protect empathy and connection. Robin's instinct is engagement with vigilance – learn, adapt, and reform systems rather than retreat. Miki focuses on the human and emotional. Robin focuses on the structural and systemic. Both agree technology is moving faster than people can process or regulate. Miki uses curiosity to slow down and stay human. Robin uses curiosity to move forward and adapt. Together, they represent two sides of the same challenge: protecting what's most human while building what's next. 10:05 Navigating the Tech Landscape Miki starts by describing how her perspective has been shaped by living in two very different worlds. She spent over a decade in the Bay Area, surrounded by tech and startups. She later moved back to her small hometown of Athens, Ohio—a progressive college town surrounded by more rural areas. She calls it “a very small Austin”, a blue dot in a red state. She loves it there and feels lucky to have returned home. Robin interrupts briefly to highlight her background. He reminds listeners that Miki and her husband, Jackson, co-founded an employer branding agency called Job Portraits in 2014, the same year they got married. Over eight years, they grew it to around 15 full-time employees and 20 steady contractors. They worked with major startups like DoorDash, Instacart, and Eventbrite when those companies were still small—under 200 employees. Before that, they had started another venture in Chicago during Uber's early expansion beyond San Francisco. Their co-working space was right next to Uber's local team setting up drivers, giving them a front-row seat to the tech boom. Robin points out that Miki isn't coming at this topic as a “layperson.” She deeply understands technology, startups, and how they affect people. Miki continues, explaining how that background informs how she sees AI adoption today. Her Bay Area friends are all-in on AI. Many have used it since its earliest days—because it's part of their jobs, or because they're building it themselves. Others are executives leading companies developing AI tools. She's been watching it unfold closely for years, even if she hasn't used it herself. From her position outside the tech bubble now, she can see two clear camps: Those immersed in AI, excited and moving fast. And those outside that world—more cautious, questioning what it means for real people and communities. Living between those worlds—the fast-paced tech culture and her slower, more grounded hometown—gives her a unique vantage point. She's connected enough to understand the innovation but distant enough to see its costs and consequences. 16:39 The Cost of AI Adoption Miki points out how strange it feels to people in tech that she hasn't used AI. In her Bay Area circles, the idea is almost unthinkable. Miki understands why it's shocking. It's mostly circumstance—her coaching work doesn't require AI. Unlike consultants who “all tell leaders how to use AI,” her work is based on real conversations, not digital tools. Her husband, Jackson, also works at a “zero-technology” K–12 school he helped create, so they both exist in rare, tech-free spaces. She admits that's partly luck, not moral superiority, just “tiny pockets of the economy” where avoiding AI is still possible. Robin responds with his own story about adopting new tools. He recalls running Robin's Café from 2016 to 2019, when most restaurants still used paper timesheets. He connected with two young founders who digitized timesheets, turning a simple idea into a company that later sold to a global conglomerate. By the time he sold his café, those founders had retired in their 20s. “I could still run a restaurant on paper,” he says, “but why would I, if digital is faster and easier?” He draws a parallel between tools over time—handwriting, typing, dictation. Each serves a purpose, but he still thinks best when writing by hand, then typing, then dictating. The point: progress adds options, not replacements. Miki distills his point: if a tool makes life easier, why not use it? Robin agrees, and uses his own writing practice as an example. He writes a 1,000-word weekly newsletter called Snafu. Every word is his, but he uses AI as an editor—to polish, not to create. He says, “I like how I think more clearly when I write regularly.” For him, writing is both communication and cognition—AI just helps him iterate faster. It's like having an instant editor instead of waiting a week for human feedback. He reminds his AI tools, “Don't write for me. Just help me think and improve.” When Miki asks why he's never had an editor, he explains that he has—but editors are expensive and slow. AI gives quick, affordable feedback when a human editor isn't available. Miki listens and reflects on the trade-offs. “These are the cost-benefit decisions we all make,” she says—small, constant choices about convenience and control. What unsettles her is how fast AI pushes that balance. She sees it as part of a long arc—from the printing press to now—but AI feels like an acceleration. It's “such a powerful technology moving so fast” that it's blowing the cover off how society adapts to change. Robin agrees: “It's just the latest version of the same story, since writing on cave walls.” 20:10 The Future of Human-AI Relationships Miki talks about the logical traps we've all started accepting over time. One of the biggest, she says, is believing that if something is cheaper, faster, or easier – it's automatically better. She pushes further: just because something is more efficient doesn't mean it's better than work. There are things you gain from working with humans that no machine can replicate, no matter how cheap or convenient it becomes. But we rarely stop to consider the real cost of trading that away. Miki says the reason we overlook those costs is capitalism. She's quick to clarify – she's not one of those people calling late-stage capitalism pure evil. Robin chimes in: “It's the best of a bunch of bad systems.” Miki agrees, but says capitalism still pushes a dangerous idea: It wants humans to behave like machines—predictable, tireless, cheap, and mistake-free. And over time, people have adapted to that pressure, becoming more mechanical just to survive within it. Now we've created a tool—AI—that might actually embody those machine-like ideals. Whether or not it reaches full human equivalence, it's close enough to expose something uncomfortable: We've built a human substitute that eliminates everything messy, emotional, and unpredictable about being human. Robin takes it a step further, saying half-jokingly that if humanity lasts long enough, our grandchildren might date robots. “Two generations from now,” he says, “is it socially acceptable—maybe even expected—that people have robot spouses?” He points out it's already starting—people are forming attachments to ChatGPT and similar AIs. Miki agrees, noting that it's already common for people under 25 to say they've had meaningful interactions with AI companions. Over 20% of them, she estimates, have already experienced this. That number will only grow. And yet, she says, we talk about these changes as if they're inevitable—like we don't have a choice. That's what frustrates her most: The narrative that AI “has to” take over—that it's unstoppable and universal—isn't natural evolution. It's a story deliberately crafted by those who build and profit from it. “Jackson's been reading the Hacker News comments for 15 years,” she adds, hinting at how deep and intentional those narratives run in the tech world. She pauses to explain what Hacker News is for anyone unfamiliar. It's one of the few online forums that's still thoughtful and well-curated. Miki says most people there are the ones who've been running and shaping the tech world for years—engineers, founders, product leaders. And if you've followed those conversations, she says, it's obvious that the people developing AI knew there would be pushback. “Because when you really stop and think about it,” she says, “it's kind of gross.” The technology is designed to replace humans—and eventually, to replace their jobs. And yet, almost no one is seriously talking about what happens when that becomes real. “I'm sorry,” she says, “but there's just something in me that says—dating a robot is bad for humanity. What is wrong with us?” Robin agrees. “I don't disagree,” he says. “It's just… different from human.” Miki admits she wrestles with that tension. “Every part of me says, don't call it bad or wrong—we have to make space for difference.” But still, something in her can't shake the feeling that this isn't progress—it's disconnection. Robin expands on that thought, saying he's not particularly religious, but he does see humanity as sacred. “There's something fundamental about the human soul,” he says. He gives examples: he has metal in his ankle from an old injury; some of his family members are alive only because of medical devices. Technology, in that sense, can extend or support human life. But the idea of replacing or merging humans with machines—of being subsumed by them—feels wrong. “It's not a world I want to live in,” he says plainly. He adds that maybe future generations will think differently. “Maybe our grandkids will look at us and say, ‘Okay boomer—you never used AI.'” 24:14 Practical Applications of AI in Daily Life Robin shares a story about a house he and his fiancée almost bought—one that had a redwood tree cut down just 10 feet from the foundation. The garage foundation was cracked, the chimney tilted—it was clear something was wrong. He'd already talked to arborists and contractors, but none could give a clear answer. So he turned to ChatGPT's Deep Research—a premium feature that allows for in-depth, multi-source research across the web. He paid $200 a month for unlimited access. Ran 15 deep research queries simultaneously. Generated about 250 pages of analysis on redwood tree roots and their long-term impact on foundations. He learned that if the roots are alive, they can keep growing and push the soil upward. If they're dead, they decompose, absorb and release water seasonally, and cause the soil to expand and contract. Over time, that movement creates air pockets under the house—tiny voids that could collapse during an earthquake. None of this, Robin says, came from any contractor, realtor, or arborist. “Even they said I'd have to dig out the roots to know for sure,” he recalls. Ultimately, they decided not to buy that house—entirely because of the data he got from ChatGPT. “To protect myself,” he says, “I want to use the tools I have.” He compares it to using a laser level before buying a home in earthquake country: “If I'll use that, why not use AI to explore what I don't know?” He even compares Deep Research to flipping through Encyclopedia Britannica as a kid—hours spent reading about dinosaurs “for no reason other than curiosity.” Robin continues, saying it's not that AI will replace humans—it's that people who use AI will replace those who don't. He references economist Tyler Cowen's Average Is Over (2012), which described how chess evolved in the early 2000s. Back then, computers couldn't beat elite players on their own—but a human + computer team could beat both humans and machines alone. “The best chess today,” Robin says, “is played by a human and computer together.” “There are a dozen directions I could go from there,” Miki says. But one idea stands out to her: We're going to have to choose, more and more often, between knowledge and relationships. What Robin did—turning to Deep Research—was choosing knowledge. Getting the right answer. Having more information. Making the smarter decision. But that comes at the cost of human connection. “I'm willing to bet,” she says, “that all the information you found came from humans originally.” Meaning: there were people who could have told him that—just not in that format. Her broader point: the more we optimize for efficiency and knowledge, the less we may rely on each other. 32:26 Choosing Relationships Over AI Robin points out that everything he learned from ChatGPT originally came from people. Miki agrees, but says her work is really about getting comfortable with uncertainty. She helps people build a relationship with the unknown instead of trying to control it. She mentions Robin's recent talk with author Simone Stolzoff, who's writing How to Not Know—a book she can't wait to read. She connects it to a bigger idea: how deeply we've inherited the Enlightenment mindset. “We're living at the height of ‘I think, therefore I am,'” she says. If that's your worldview, then of course AI feels natural. It fits the logic that more data and more knowledge are always better. But she's uneasy about what that mindset costs us. She worries about what's happening to human connection. “It's all connected,” she says—our isolation, mental health struggles, political polarization, even how we treat the planet. Every time we choose AI over another person, she sees it as part of that drift away from relationship. “I get why people use it,” she adds. “Capitalism doesn't leave most people much of a choice.” Still, she says, “Each time we pick AI over a human, that's a decision about the kind of world we're creating.” Her choice is simple: “I'm choosing relationships.” Robin gently pushes back. “I think that's a false dichotomy,” he says. He just hosted Responsive Conference—250 people gathered for human connection. “That's why I do this podcast,” he adds. “To sit down with people and talk, deeply.” He gives a personal example. When he bought his home, he spoke with hundreds of people—plumbers, electricians, roofers. “I'm the biggest advocate for human conversations,” he says. “So why not both? Why not use AI and connect with people?” To him, the real question is about how we use technology consciously. “If we stopped using AI because it's not human,” he asks, “should we stop using computers because handwriting is more authentic?” “Should we reject the printing press because it's not handwritten?” He's not advocating blind use—he's asking for mindful coexistence. It's also personal for him. His company relies on AI tools—from Adobe to video production. “AI is baked into everything we do,” he says. And he and his fiancée—a data scientist—often talk about what that means for their future family. “How do we raise kids in a world where screens and AI are everywhere?” Then he asks her directly: “What do you tell your clients? Treat me like one—how do you help people navigate this tension?” Miki smiles and shakes her head. “I don't tell people what to do,” she says. “I'm not an advisor, I'm a coach.” Her work is about helping people trust their own intuition. “Even when what they believe is contrarian,” she adds. She admits she's still learning herself. “My whole stance is: I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.” She and her husband, Jackson, live by the idea of strong opinions, loosely held. She stays open—lets new conversations change her mind. “And they do,” she says. “Every talk like this shifts me a little.” She keeps seeking those exchanges—with parents, tech workers, friends—because everyone's trying to figure out the same thing: How do we live well with technology, without losing what makes us human? 37:16 The Amish Approach to Technology Miki reflects on how engineers are both building and being replaced by AI. She wants to understand the technology from every angle—how it works, how it affects people, and what choices it leaves us with. What worries her is the sense of inevitability around AI—especially in places like the Bay Area. “It's like no one's even met someone who doesn't use it,” she says. She knows it's embedded everywhere—Google searches, chatbots, everything online. But she doesn't use AI tools directly or build with them herself. “I don't even know the right terminology,” she admits with a laugh. Robin points out that every Google search now uses an LLM. Miki nods, saying her point isn't denial—it's about choice. “You can make different decisions,” she says. She admits she hasn't studied it deeply but brings up an analogy that helps her think about tech differently: the Amish. “I call myself kind of ‘AI Amish,'” she jokes. She explains her understanding of how the Amish handle new technology. They're not anti-tech; they're selective. They test and evaluate new tools to see if they align with their community's values. “They ask, does it build connection or not?” They don't just reject things—they integrate what fits. In her area of Ohio, she's seen Amish people now using electric bikes. “That's new since I was a kid,” she says. It helps them connect more with each other without harming the environment. They've also used solar power for years. It lets them stay energy independent without relying on outside systems that clash with their values. Robin agrees—it's thoughtful, not oppositional. “They're intentional about what strengthens community,” he says. Miki continues: What frustrates her is how AI's creators have spent the last decade building a narrative of inevitability. “They knew there would be resistance,” she says, “so they started saying, ‘It's just going to happen. Your jobs won't be taken by AI—they'll be taken by people who use it better than you.'” She finds that manipulative and misleading. Robin pushes back gently. “That's partly true—but only for now,” he says. He compares it to Uber and Lyft: at first, new jobs seemed to appear, but eventually drivers started being replaced by self-driving cars. Miki agrees. “Exactly. First it's people using AI, then it's AI replacing people,” she says. What disturbs her most is the blind trust people put in companies driven by profit. “They've proven over and over that's their motive,” she says. “Why believe their story about what's coming next?” She's empathetic, though—she knows why people don't push back. “We're stressed, broke, exhausted,” she says. “Our nervous systems are fried 24/7—especially under this administration.” “It's hard to think critically when you're just trying to survive.” And when everyone around you uses AI, it starts to feel mandatory. “People tell me, ‘Yeah, I know it's a problem—but I have to. Otherwise I'll lose my job.'” “Or, ‘I'd have bought the wrong house if I didn't use it.'” That “I have to” mindset, she says, is what scares her most. Robin relates with his own example. “That's how I felt with TikTok,” he says. He got hooked early on, staying up until 3 a.m. scrolling. After a few weeks, he deleted the app and never went back. “I probably lose some business by not being there,” he admits. “But I'd rather protect my focus and my sanity.” He admits he couldn't find a way to stay on the platform without it consuming him. “I wasn't able to build a system that removed me from that platform while still using that platform.” But he feels differently about other tools. For example, LinkedIn has been essential—especially for communicating with Responsive Conference attendees. “It was our primary method of communication for 2025,” he says. So he tries to choose “the lesser of two evils.” “TikTok's bad for my brain,” he says. “I'm not using it.” “But with LLMs, it's different.” When researching houses, he didn't feel forced into using them to “keep up.” To him, they're just another resource. “If encyclopedias are available, use them. If Wikipedia's available, use both. And if LLMs can help, use all three.” 41:45 The Pressure to Conform to Technology Miki challenges that logic. “When was the last time you opened an encyclopedia?” Robin pauses. “Seven years ago.” Miki laughs. “Exactly. It's a nice idea that we'll use all the tools—but humans don't actually do that.” We gravitate toward what's easiest. “If you check eBay, there are hundreds of encyclopedia sets for sale,” she says. “No one's using them.” Robin agrees but takes the idea in a new direction. “Sure—but just because something's easy doesn't mean it's good,” he says. He compares it to food: “It's easier to eat at McDonald's than cook at home,” he says. But easy choices often lead to long-term problems. He mentions obesity in the U.S. as a cautionary parallel. Some things are valuable because they're hard. “Getting in my cold plunge every morning isn't easy,” he says. “That's why I do it.” “Exercise never gets easy either—but that's the point.” He adds a personal note: “I grew up in the mountains. I love being at elevation, off-grid, away from electricity.” He could bring Starlink when he travels, but he chooses not to. Still, he's not trying to live as a total hermit. “I don't want to live 12 months a year at 10,000 feet with a wood stove and no one around.” “There's a balance.” Miki nods, “I think this is where we need to start separating what we can handle versus what kids can.” “We're privileged adults with fully formed brains,” she points out. “But it's different for children growing up inside this system.” Robin agrees and shifts the focus. Even though you don't give advice professionally,” he says, “I'll ask you to give it personally.” “You're raising kids in what might be the hardest time we've ever seen. What are you actually practicing at home?” 45:30 Raising Children in a Tech-Driven World Robin reflects on how education has shifted since their grandparents' time Mentions “Alpha Schools” — where AI helps kids learn basic skills fast (reading, writing, math) Human coaches spend the rest of the time building life skills Says this model makes sense: Memorizing times tables isn't useful anymore He only learned to love math because his dad taught him algebra personally — acted like a coach Asks Miki what she thinks about AI and kids — and what advice she'd give him as a future parent Miki's first response — humility and boundaries “First off, I never want to give parents advice.” Everyone's doing their best with limited info and energy Her kids are still young — not yet at the “phone or social media” stage So she doesn't pretend to have all the answers Her personal wish vs. what's realistic Ideal world: She wishes there were a global law banning kids from using AI or social media until age 18 Thinks it would genuinely be better for humanity References The Anxious Generation Says there's growing causal evidence, not just correlation, linking social media to mental health issues Mentions its impact on children's nervous systems and worldview It wires them for defense rather than discovery Real world: One parent can't fight this alone — it's a collective action problem You need communities of parents who agree on shared rules Example: schools that commit to being zero-technology zones Parents and kids agree on: What ages tech is allowed Time limits Common standards Practical ideas they're exploring Families turning back to landlines Miki says they got one recently Not an actual landline — they use a SIM adapter and an old rotary phone Kids use it to call grandparents Her partner Jackson is working on a bigger vision: Building a city around a school Goal: design entire communities that share thoughtful tech boundaries Robin relates it to his own childhood Points out the same collective issue — “my nephews are preteens” It's one thing for parents to limit screen time But if every other kid has access, that limit won't hold Shares his own experience: No TV or video games growing up So he just went to neighbors' houses to play — human nature finds a way Says individual family decisions don't solve the broader problem Miki agrees — and expands the concern Says the real issue is what kids aren't learning Their generation had “practice time” in real-world social interactions Learned what jokes land and which ones hurt Learned how to disagree, apologize, or flirt respectfully Learned by trial and error — through millions of small moments With social media and AI replacing those interactions: Kids lose those chances entirely Results she's seeing: More kids isolating themselves Many afraid to take social or emotional risks Fewer kids dating or engaging in real-life relationships Analogy — why AI can stunt development “Using AI to write essays,” she says, “is like taking a forklift to the gym.” Sure, you lift more weight — but you're not getting stronger Warns this is already visible in workplaces: Companies laying off junior engineers AI handles the entry-level work But in 5 years, there'll be no trained juniors left to replace seniors Concludes that where AI goes next “is anybody's guess” — but it must be used with intention 54:12 Where to Find Miki Invites others to connect Mentions her website: leadingbyexample.life Visitors can book 30-minute conversations directly on her calendar Says she's genuinely open to discussing this topic with anyone interested  

New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra shares her journey as a storyteller, discussing the evolution of her writing career, the power of stories, and the importance of navigating relationships and intimacy in her work. She reflects on her unique writing process, the challenges faced in the creative industry, and emphasizes the joy found in writing. Kantra's insights highlight the significance of finding one's voice and process in storytelling. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of a Storyteller 03:03 Exploring the Power of Stories 06:15 Navigating Relationships and Intimacy 08:49 The Evolution of Writing and Creativity 11:44 Coping with External Challenges 14:27 Finding Your Unique Writing Process 17:21 The Importance of Joy in Writing Author's Website: www.VirginiaKantra.com Social Media Links: www.facebook.com/VirginiaKantraBooks www.instagram.com/VirginiaKantra/ Author Bio: New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra is a big believer in the power of stories—the ones we grow up with and the ones we tell ourselves. She has written over thirty novels about strong women, messy families, and the journey to find where you belong. Her books have received numerous awards as well as starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and praise in People and USA Today. Married to her college sweetheart, she makes her home in North Carolina. Her favorite thing to make for dinner? Reservations. Love this episode? Rate it ⭐️ Thumbs Up

New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra shares her journey as a storyteller, discussing the evolution of her writing career, the power of stories, and the importance of navigating relationships and intimacy in her work. She reflects on her unique writing process, the challenges faced in the creative industry, and emphasizes the joy found in writing. Kantra's insights highlight the significance of finding one's voice and process in storytelling. Chapters 00:00 The Journey of a Storyteller 03:03 Exploring the Power of Stories 06:15 Navigating Relationships and Intimacy 08:49 The Evolution of Writing and Creativity 11:44 Coping with External Challenges 14:27 Finding Your Unique Writing Process 17:21 The Importance of Joy in Writing Author's Website: www.VirginiaKantra.com Social Media Links: www.facebook.com/VirginiaKantraBooks www.instagram.com/VirginiaKantra/ Author Bio: New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra is a big believer in the power of stories—the ones we grow up with and the ones we tell ourselves. She has written over thirty novels about strong women, messy families, and the journey to find where you belong. Her books have received numerous awards as well as starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and praise in People and USA Today. Married to her college sweetheart, she makes her home in North Carolina. Her favorite thing to make for dinner? Reservations. Love this episode? Rate it ⭐️ Thumbs Up

WhoAlan Henceroth, President and Chief Operating Officer of Arapahoe Basin, Colorado – Al runs the best ski area-specific executive blog in America – check it out:Recorded onMay 19, 2025About Arapahoe BasinClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Alterra Mountain Company, which also owns:Pass access* Ikon Pass: unlimited* Ikon Base Pass: unlimited access from opening day to Friday, Dec. 19, then five total days with no blackouts from Dec. 20 until closing day 2026Base elevation* 10,520 feet at bottom of Steep Gullies* 10,780 feet at main baseSummit elevation* 13,204 feet at top of Lenawee Mountain on East Wall* 12,478 feet at top of Lazy J Tow (connector between Lenawee Express six-pack and Zuma quad)Vertical drop* 1,695 feet lift-served – top of Lazy J Tow to main base* 1,955 feet lift-served, with hike back up to lifts – top of Lazy J Tow to bottom of Steep Gullies* 2,424 feet hike-to – top of Lenawee Mountain to Main BaseSkiable Acres: 1,428Average annual snowfall:* Claimed: 350 inches* Bestsnow.net: 308 inchesTrail count: 147 – approximate terrain breakdown: 24% double-black, 49% black, 20% intermediate, 7% beginnerLift count: 9 (1 six-pack, 1 high-speed quad, 3 fixed-grip quads, 1 double, 2 carpets, 1 ropetow)Why I interviewed himWe can generally splice U.S. ski centers into two categories: ski resort and ski area. I'll often use these terms interchangeably to avoid repetition, but they describe two very different things. The main distinction: ski areas rise directly from parking lots edged by a handful of bunched utilitarian structures, while ski resorts push parking lots into the next zipcode to accommodate slopeside lodging and commerce.There are a lot more ski areas than ski resorts, and a handful of the latter present like the former, with accommodations slightly off-hill (Sun Valley) or anchored in a near-enough town (Bachelor). But mostly the distinction is clear, with the defining question being this: is this a mountain that people will travel around the world to ski, or one they won't travel more than an hour to ski?Arapahoe Basin occupies a strange middle. Nothing in the mountain's statistical profile suggests that it should be anything other than a Summit County locals hang. It is the 16th-largest ski area in Colorado by skiable acres, the 18th-tallest by lift-served vertical drop, and the eighth-snowiest by average annual snowfall. The mountain runs just six chairlifts and only two detachables. Beginner terrain is limited. A-Basin has no base area lodging, and in fact not much of a base area at all. Altitude, already an issue for the Colorado ski tourist, is amplified here, where the lifts spin from nearly 11,000 feet. A-Basin should, like Bridger Bowl in Montana (upstream from Big Sky) or Red River in New Mexico (across the mountain from Taos) or Sunlight in Colorado (parked between Aspen and I-70), be mostly unknown beside its heralded big-name neighbors (Keystone, Breck, Copper).And it sort of is, but also sort of isn't. Like tiny (826-acre) Aspen Mountain, A-Basin transcends its statistical profile. Skiers know it, seek it, travel for it, cross it off their lists like a snowy Eiffel Tower. Unlike Aspen, A-Basin has no posse of support mountains, no grided downtown spilling off the lifts, no Kleenex-level brand that stands in for skiing among non-skiers. And yet Vail tried buying the bump in 1997, and Alterra finally did in 2024. Meanwhile, nearby Loveland, bigger, taller, snowier, higher, easier to access with its trip-off-the-interstate parking lots, is still ignored by tourists and conglomerates alike.Weird. What explains A-Basin's pull? Onetime and future Storm guest Jackson Hogen offers, in his Snowbird Secrets book, an anthropomorphic explanation for that Utah powder dump's aura: As it turns out, everyone has a story for how they came to discover Snowbird, but no one knows the reason. Some have the vanity to think they picked the place, but the wisest know the place picked them.That is the secret that Snowbird has slipped into our subconscious; deep down, we know we were summoned here. We just have to be reminded of it to remember, an echo of the Platonic notion that all knowledge is remembrance. In the modern world we are so divorced from our natural selves that you would think we'd have lost the power to hear a mountain call us. And indeed we have, but such is the enormous reach of this place that it can still stir the last seed within us that connects us to the energy that surrounds us every day yet we do not see. The resonance of that tiny, vibrating seed is what brings us here, to this extraordinary place, to stand in the heart of the energy flow.Yeah I don't know, Man. We're drifting into horoscope territory here. But I also can't explain why we all like to do This Dumb Thing so much that we'll wrap our whole lives around it. So if there is some universe force, what Hogen calls “vibrations” from Hidden Peak's quartz, drawing skiers to Snowbird, could there also be some proton-kryptonite-laserbeam s**t sucking us all toward A-Basin? If there's a better explanation, I haven't found it.What we talked aboutThe Beach; keeping A-Basin's whole ski footprint open into May; Alterra buys the bump – “we really liked the way Alterra was doing things… and letting the resorts retain their identity”; the legacy of former owner Dream; how hardcore, no-frills ski area A-Basin fits into an Alterra portfolio that includes high-end resorts such as Deer Valley and Steamboat; “you'd be surprised how many people from out of state ski here too”; Ikon as Colorado sampler pack (or not); local reaction to Alterra's purchase – “I think it's fair that there was anxiety”; balancing the wild ski cycle of over-the-top peak days and soft periods; parking reservations; going unlimited on the full Ikon Pass and how parking reservations play in – “we spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about it”; the huge price difference between Epic and Ikon and how that factors into the access calculus; why A-Basin still sells a single-mountain season pass; whether reciprocal partnerships with Monarch and Silverton will remain in place; “I've been amazed at how few things I've been told to do” by Alterra; A-Basin's dirt-cheap early-season pass; why early season is “a more competitive time” than it used to be; why A-Basin left Mountain Collective; Justice Department anti-trust concerns around Alterra's A-Basin purchase – “it never was clear to me what the concerns were”; breaking down A-Basin's latest U.S. Forest Service masterplan – “everything in there, we hope to do”; a parking lot pulse gondola and why that makes sense over shuttles; why A-Basin plans a two-lift system of beginner machines; why should A-Basin care about beginner terrain?; is beginner development is related to Ikon Pass membership?; what it means that the MDP designs for 700 more skiers per day; assessing the Lenawee Express sixer three seasons in; why A-Basin sold the old Lenawee lift to independent Sunlight, Colorado; A-Basin's patrol unionizing; and 100 percent renewable energy.What I got wrong* I said that A-Basin was the only mountain that had been caught up in antitrust issues, but that's inaccurate: when S-K-I and LBO Enterprises merged into American Skiing Company in 1996, the U.S. Justice Department compelled the combined company to sell Cranmore and Waterville Valley, both in New Hampshire. Waterville Valley remains independent. Cranmore stayed independent for a while, and has since 2010 been owned by Fairbank Group, which also owns Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts and operates Bromley, Vermont.* I said that A-Basin's $259 early-season pass, good for unlimited access from opening day through Dec. 25, “was like one day at Vail,” which is sort of true and sort of not. Vail Mountain's day-of lift ticket will hit $230 from Nov. 14 to Dec. 11, then increase to $307 or $335 every day through Christmas. All Resorts Epic Day passes, which would get skiers on the hill for any of those dates, currently sell for between $106 and $128 per day. Unlimited access to Vail Mountain for that full early-season period would require a full Epic Pass, currently priced at $1,121.* This doesn't contradict anything we discussed, but it's worth noting some parking reservations changes that A-Basin implemented following our conversation. Reservations will now be required on weekends only, and from Jan. 3 to May 3, a reduction from 48 dates last winter to 36 for this season. The mountain will also allow skiers to hold four reservations at once, doubling last year's limit of two.Why now was a good time for this interviewOne of the most striking attributes of modern lift-served skiing is how radically different each ski area is. Panic over corporate hegemony power-stamping each child mountain into snowy McDonald's clones rarely survives past the parking lot. Underscoring the point is neighboring ski areas, all over America, that despite the mutually intelligible languages of trail ratings and patrol uniforms and lift and snowgun furniture, and despite sharing weather patterns and geologic origins and local skier pools, feel whole-cut from different eras, cultures, and imaginations. The gates between Alta and Snowbird present like connector doors between adjoining hotel rooms but actualize as cross-dimensional Mario warpzones. The 2.4-mile gondola strung between the Alpine Meadows and Olympic sides of Palisades Tahoe may as well connect a baseball stadium with an opera house. Crossing the half mile or so between the summits of Sterling at Smugglers' Notch and Spruce Peak at Stowe is a journey of 15 minutes and five decades. And Arapahoe Basin, elder brother of next-door Keystone, resembles its larger neighbor like a bat resembles a giraffe: both mammals, but of entirely different sorts. Same with Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, Vermont; Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, and Boreal, California; Park City and Deer Valley, Utah; Killington and Pico, Vermont; Highlands and Nub's Nob, Michigan; Canaan Valley and Timberline and Nordic-hybrid White Grass, West Virginia; Aspen's four Colorado ski areas; the three ski areas sprawling across Mt. Hood's south flank; and Alpental and its clump of Snoqualmie sisters across the Washington interstate. Proximity does not equal sameness.One of The Storm's preoccupations is with why this is so. For all their call-to-nature appeal, ski areas are profoundly human creations, more city park than wildlife preserve. They are sculpted, managed, manicured. Even the wildest-feeling among them – Mount Bohemia, Silverton, Mad River Glen – are obsessively tended to, ragged by design.A-Basin pulls an even neater trick: a brand curated for rugged appeal, scaffolded by brand-new high-speed lifts and a self-described “luxurious European-style bistro.” That the Alterra Mountain Company-owned, megapass pioneer floating in the busiest ski county in the busiest ski state in America managed to retain its rowdy rap even as the onetime fleet of bar-free double chairs toppled into the recycling bin is a triumph of branding.But also a triumph of heart. A-Basin as Colorado's Alta or Taos or Palisades is a title easily ceded to Telluride or Aspen Highlands, similarly tilted high-alpiners. But here it is, right beside buffed-out Keystone, a misunderstood mountain with its own wild side but a fair-enough rap as an approachable landing zone for first-time Rocky Mountain explorers westbound out of New York or Ohio. Why are A-Basin and Keystone so different? The blunt drama of A-Basin's hike-in terrain helps, but it's more enforcer than explainer. The real difference, I believe, is grounded in the conductor orchestrating this mad dance.Since Henceroth sat down in the COO chair 20 years ago, Keystone has had nine president-general manager equivalents. A-Basin was already 61 years old in 2005, giving it a nice branding headstart on younger Keystone, born in 1970. But both had spent nearly two decades, from 1978 to 1997, co-owned by a dogfood conglomerate that often marketed them as one resort, and the pair stayed glued together on a multimountain pass for a couple of decades afterward.Henceroth, with support and guidance from the real-estate giant that owned A-Basin in the Ralston-Purina-to-Alterra interim, had a series of choices to make. A-Basin had only recently installed snowmaking. There was no lift access to Zuma Bowl, no Beavers. The lift system consisted of three double chairs and two triples. Did this aesthetic minimalism and pseudo-independence define A-Basin? Or did the mountain, shaped by the generations of leaders before Henceroth, hold some intangible energy and pull, that thing we recognize as atmosphere, culture, vibe? Would The Legend lose its duct-taped edge if it:* Expanded 400 mostly low-angle acres into Zuma Bowl (2007)* Joined Vail Resorts' Epic Pass (2009)* Installed the mountain's first high-speed lift (Black Mountain Express in 2010)* Expand 339 additional acres into the Beavers (2018), and service that terrain with an atypical-for-Colorado 1,501-vertical-foot fixed-grip lift* Exit the Epic Pass following the 2018-19 ski season* Immediately join Mountain Collective and Ikon as a multimountain replacement (2019)* Ditch a 21-year-old triple chair for the mountain's first high-speed six-pack (2022)* Sell to Alterra Mountain Company (2024)* Require paid parking reservations on high-volume days (2024)* Go unlimited on the Ikon Pass and exit Mountain Collective (2025)* Release an updated USFS masterplan that focuses largely on the novice ski experience (2025)That's a lot of change. A skier booted through time from Y2K to October 2025 would examine that list and conclude that Rad Basin had been tamed. But ski a dozen laps and they'd say well not really. Those multimillion upgrades were leashed by something priceless, something human, something that kept them from defining what the mountain is. There's some indecipherable alchemy here, a thing maybe not quite as durable as the mountain itself, but rooted deeper than the lift towers strung along it. It takes a skilled chemist to cook this recipe, and while they'll never reveal every secret, you can visit the restaurant as many times as you'd like.Why you should ski Arapahoe BasinWe could do a million but here are nine:1) $: Two months of early-season skiing costs roughly the same as A-Basin's neighbors charge for a single day. A-Basin's $259 fall pass is unlimited from opening day through Dec. 25, cheaper than a Dec. 20 day-of lift ticket at Breck ($281), Vail ($335), Beaver Creek ($335), or Copper ($274), and not much more than Keystone ($243). 2) Pali: When A-Basin tore down the 1,329-vertical-foot, 3,520-foot-long Pallavicini double chair, a 1978 Yan, in 2020, they replaced it with a 1,325-vertical-foot, 3,512-foot-long Leitner-Poma double chair. It's one of just a handful of new doubles installed in America over the past decade, underscoring a rare-in-modern-skiing commitment to atmosphere, experience, and snow preservation over uphill capacity. 3) The newest lift fleet in the West: The oldest of A-Basin's six chairlifts, Zuma, arrived brand-new in 2007.4) Wall-to-wall: when I flew into Colorado for a May 2025 wind-down, five ski areas remained open. Despite solid snowpack, Copper, Breck, and Winter Park all spun a handful of lifts on a constrained footprint. But A-Basin and Loveland still ran every lift, even over the Monday-to-Thursday timeframe of my visit.5) The East Wall: It's like this whole extra ski area. Not my deal as even skiing downhill at 12,500 feet hurts, but some of you like this s**t:6) May pow: I mean yeah I did kinda just get lucky but damn these were some of the best turns I found all year (skiing with A-Basin Communications Manager Shayna Silverman):7) The Beach: the best ski area tailgate in North America (sorry, no pet dragons allowed - don't shoot the messenger):8) The Beavers: Just glades and glades and glades (a little crunchy on this run, but better higher up and the following day):9) It's a ski area first: In a county of ski resorts, A-Basin is a parking-lots-at-the-bottom-and-not-much-else ski area. It's spare, sparse, high, steep, and largely exposed. Skiers are better at self-selecting than we suppose, meaning the ability level of the average A-Basin skier is more Cottonwoods than Connecticut. That impacts your day in everything from how the liftlines flow to how the bumps form to how many zigzaggers you have to dodge on the down.Podcast NotesOn the dates of my visit We reference my last A-Basin visit quite a bit – for context, I skied there May 6 and 7, 2025. Both nice late-season pow days.On A-Basin's long seasonsIt's surprisingly difficult to find accurate open and close date information for most ski areas, especially before 2010 or so, but here's what I could cobble together for A-Basin - please let me know if you have a more extensive list, or if any of this is wrong:On A-Basin's ownership timelineArapahoe Basin probably gets too much credit for being some rugged indie. Ralston-Purina, then-owners of Keystone, purchased A-Basin in 1978, then added Breckenridge to the group in 1993 before selling the whole picnic basket to Vail in 1997. The U.S. Justice Department wouldn't let the Eagle County operator have all three, so Vail flipped Arapahoe to a Canadian real estate empire, then called Dundee, some months later. That company, which at some point re-named itself Dream, pumped a zillion dollars into the mountain before handing it off to Alterra last year.On A-Basin leaving Epic PassA-Basin self-ejected from Epic Pass in 2019, just after Vail maxed out Colorado by purchasing Crested Butte and before they fully invaded the East with the Peak Resorts purchase. Arapahoe Basin promptly joined Mountain Collective and Ikon, swapping unlimited-access on four varieties of Epic Pass for limited-days products. Henceroth and I talked this one out during our 2022 pod, and it's a fascinating case study in building a better business by decreasing volume.On the price difference between Ikon and Epic with A-Basin accessConcerns about A-Basin hurdling back toward the overcrowded Epic days by switching to Ikon's unlimited tier tend to overlook this crucial distinction: Vail sold a 2018-19 version of the Epic Pass that included unlimited access to Keystone and A-Basin for an early-bird rate of $349. The full 2025-26 Ikon Pass debuted at nearly four times that, retailing for $1,329, and just ramped up to $1,519.On Alterra mountains with their own season passesWhile all Alterra-owned ski areas (with the exception of Deer Valley), are unlimited on the full Ikon Pass and nine are unlimited with no blackouts on Ikon Base, seven of those sell their own unlimited season pass that costs less than Base. The sole unlimited season pass for Crystal, Mammoth, Palisades Tahoe, Steamboat, Stratton, and Sugarbush is a full Ikon Pass, and the least-expensive unlimited season pass for Solitude is the Ikon Base. Deer Valley leads the nation with its $4,100 unlimited season pass. See the Alterra chart at the top of this article for current season pass prices to all of the company's mountains.On A-Basin and Schweitzer pass partnershipsAlterra has been pretty good about permitting its owned ski areas to retain historic reciprocal partners on their single-mountain season passes. For A-Basin, this means three no-blackout days at Monarch and two unguided days at Silverton. Up at Schweitzer, passholders get three midweek days each at Whitewater, Mt. Hood Meadows, Castle Mountain, Loveland, and Whitefish. None of these ski areas are on Ikon Pass, and the benefit is only stapled to A-Basin- or Schweitzer-specific season passes.On the Mountain Collective eventI talk about Mountain Collective as skiing's most exclusive country club. Nothing better demonstrates that characterization than this podcast I recorded at the event last fall, when in around 90 minutes I had conversations with the top leaders of Boyne Resorts, Snowbird, Aspen, Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Snowbasin, Grand Targhee, and many more.On Mountain Collective and Ikon overlapThe Mountain Collective-Ikon overlap is kinda nutso:On Pennsylvania skiingIn regards to the U.S. Justice Department grilling Alterra on its A-Basin acquisition, it's still pretty stupid that the agency allowed Vail Resorts to purchase eight of the 19 public chairlift-served ski areas in Pennsylvania without a whisper of protest. These eight ski areas almost certainly account for more than half of all skier visits in a state that typically ranks sixth nationally for attendance. Last winter, the state's 2.6 million skier visits accounted for more days than vaunted ski states New Hampshire (2.4 million), Washington (2.3), Montana (2.2), Idaho (2.1). or Oregon (2.0). Only New York (3.4), Vermont (4.2), Utah (6.5), California (6.6), and Colorado (13.9) racked up more.On A-Basin's USFS masterplanNothing on the scale of Zuma or Beavers inbound, but the proposed changes would tap novice terrain that has always existed but never offered a good access point for beginners:On pulse gondolasA-Basin's proposed pulse gondola, should it be built, would be just the sixth such lift in America, joining machines at Taos, Northstar, Steamboat, Park City, and Snowmass. Loon plans to build a pulse gondola in 2026.On mid-mountain beginner centersBig bad ski resorts have attempted to amp up family appeal in recent years with gondola-serviced mid-mountain beginner centers, which open gentle, previously hard-to-access terrain to beginners. This was the purpose of mid-stations off Jackson Hole's Sweetwater Gondola and Big Sky's new-for-this-year Explorer Gondola. A-Basin's gondy (not the parking lot pulse gondola, but the one terminating at Sawmill Flats in the masterplan image above), would provide up and down lift access allowing greenies to lap the new detach quad above it.The Storm explores the world of lift-served skiing year-round. Join us. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Jenny and Andy sit down with Charlie Minnick of Leadership Unlocked.Embark on a transformative experience designed for aspiring and current leaders who want to turn their vision into meaningful action. This training program, Leadership Unlocked: Leadership Through Service, will equip participants with the essential skills, tools, and mindset needed to effectively lead teams and organizations in today's ever-changing environment.The next Leadership Unlocked session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15th, at 2 PM. You can attend in person at 721 S 2nd Street or join the training virtually via MS Teams. A link will be shared after registration.Session 10: Leadership Through ServicePresenters: Panel featuring Ron Lott and Gabi TorresSession Description: This panel discusses how to make service central to your leadership.This series is FREE to attend; space is limited. Reservations are required.Click here to register for the free event https://bit.ly/leadershipthroughservice.Promote Your Business or Event: Interested in sponsoring the Grow Clinton Podcast? Contact Grow Clinton at (563) 242-5702 or visit www.GrowClinton.com.We Value Your Feedback: Please share your thoughts in our listener survey: Take the survey at https://www.growclinton.com/survey.Grow Clinton proudly promotes economic growth, fosters community, and supports the sustainable success of businesses in the Greater Clinton Region.Thank you for listening and for your ongoing support! ~AndyHave an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

Floresville United Methodist Church will celebrate 150 years of serving God and the community on Sunday, Oct. 12. Join the congregation as they celebrate what God has done through the past 150 years and look forward to what God will do! Members of the community are invited to join the anniversary event this Sunday, which includes: •10:30 a.m. — Worship celebration with guest preacher, Bishop Cynthia Fiero-Harvey •Noon — Barbecue meal by Malcher's, with musical entertainment, a pictorial history, and outdoor fun for the whole family, with a bounce house, corn hole, washers, and more. Reservations are requested. RSVP to...Article Link

Welcome to Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, sponsored by Mirakl. In today's Retail Daily Minute, Omni Talk's Chris Walton discusses:Kraft Heinz debuts The Cookbook, an AI agent giving workers access to 150 years of ketchup production expertise.Ahold Delhaize announces Edge, a unified retail media platform launching January 2026 that consolidates digital advertising channels to reach 26 million weekly shoppers across its U.S. banners.DoorDash launches Going Out, introducing in-app restaurant reservations and in-store rewards to expand beyond delivery and drive foot traffic to thousands of restaurant partners.Plus, Chris also shares his "One Big Thought" for the day.The Retail Daily Minute has been rocketing up the Feedspot charts, so stay informed with Omni Talk's Retail Daily Minute, your source for the latest and most important retail insights. Be careful out there!

On a lively day in Old Town Winchester, the air buzzes with the energy of local businesses and the hum of community life. Tucked into Old Town Walking Mall in downtown Winchester, Worlds Away Escape offers a unique kind of adventure—one that challenges the mind, fosters teamwork, and brings a sense of playful mystery to the heart of downtown. In a recent episode of "The Valley Today," host Janet Michael sat down with Worlds Away Escape owner Ariel Pugh, and Brady Cloven, executive director at Friends of Old Town, to explore the story behind this local gem and its impact on the community. A Passion for Puzzles Becomes a Business Ariel's journey to escape room ownership began with a childhood steeped in games and puzzles, thanks to her parents' love for both video and board games. “I grew up playing video games with my dad, sometimes board games but more video games with him, and always board games and maybe some video games with my mom,” Ariel recalls. Her passion for problem-solving led her to try every escape room she could find, eventually helping to test new rooms at the Winchester location. When the previous owners decided to sell, Ariel—on leave from her corporate job—took the leap, supported by her then-fiancé (now husband), and became the new owner. The Art and Science of Escape Rooms For the uninitiated, Ariel describes escape rooms as immersive experiences that require participants to “think differently, have some fun, and distract themselves from life and work.” Each room is themed, offering a variety of puzzles—riddles, observation challenges, decoding tasks—set within a compelling narrative. Worlds Away Escape boasts six different themed rooms, each designed to intrigue and challenge groups of friends, families, or coworkers. Team-building is a major draw, with companies frequently booking sessions to foster collaboration and communication. “It's a very interesting observational experience,” Ariel notes, describing how group dynamics play out in the rooms. Whether it's a family with established roles or coworkers discovering new sides of each other, the escape room becomes a microcosm of teamwork and leadership. Behind the Scenes: Creativity, Community, and Logistics Running an escape room is as much about creativity as it is about logistics. Ariel shares that she aims to change out one room per year, a process that involves not just designing new puzzles but also redecorating to create a fully immersive environment. The escape room community, she says, is highly collaborative, with owners sharing ideas and supporting each other through online forums and direct consultation. Reservations are essential—walk-ins are rare due to the need for staff preparation and room resets between groups. Pricing is tiered, with larger groups enjoying a lower per-person rate, making it accessible for everything from kids' birthday parties to corporate outings. After each session, staff meticulously reset the rooms to ensure every group gets a fresh experience. A Hub for Downtown Winchester Worlds Away Escape is more than just a business; it's a vibrant part of Old Town Winchester's evolving landscape. Brady highlights the importance of having interactive attractions downtown, especially during off-seasons or inclement weather. “It doesn't all have to just be pretty buildings or antique shops,” he says. “It's fun to have something very interactive on the mall.” The conversation also touches on the broader revitalization efforts in Old Town, from public art projects to seasonal festivals and community events. Worlds Away Escape fits seamlessly into this tapestry, offering both locals and visitors a reason to explore, connect, and return. Looking Ahead As the episode wraps up, Ariel and Brady share upcoming events and encourage listeners to stay engaged with downtown happenings. With a new room in the works and a calendar full of local festivities, Worlds Away Escape continues to unlock new adventures for Winchester's community. For those seeking a memorable experience—whether you're a puzzle enthusiast, a team leader, or just looking for something different—Worlds Away Escape is ready to challenge and delight. As Ariel puts it, it's a labor of love, and one that's helping to make Old Town Winchester a destination for discovery. Learn more or book your adventure at worldsawayescape.com, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

I've got the TOP 5 hard to get reservations at Walt Disney World for you and some great alternatives if you can't snag those reservations. No Beak and Barrel, try Citricos instead. If you can't get Bibbidi Bobbidi Botique what can you do? And what are some tried and true reservations that tend to have great last minute availability? This episode has all your tips for getting those hard to get reservations and some hidden gems to snag a bite to eat. I hope you enjoyed today's show. I'd love to connect with you over on Instagram @mountains_of_magic or Facebook at Fantastical Vacations by Daniele. If you would like help in planning an upcoming Disney or Universal vacation, email me at danielerobbins@fantasticalvacations.com or fill out a quote form to get started planning the magic Get A Quote Want the latest travel deals and all my tips for Disney, Universal and Cruising?Join my email newsletter  Want to try fetch rewards and get free gift cards by scanning receipts? Use my code 8G48W to get 2000 points at sign up. FETCH REWARDSMy Website mountainsofmagic.square.siteMusic from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/bring-the-funLicense code: E9BZCTS1O3JRPERX This podcast is not sponsored or supported by Fetch Rewards. Views of the host are her own. 

It's officially fall y'all! While the temps might not fully feel like it yet, autumn means one thing for many Central Texans — camping season. Now if you're anything like host Nikki DaVaughn and prefer to admire nature from afar, camping might feel a bit daunting. But fear not, we've got you covered. Pam LeBlanc, adventurer extraordinaire, joins Nikki to share all of her hot tips for where to go, how to prepare for a trip, and why the best views in nature are actually found on the toilet. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a total newbie, this episode will help you go outside with confidence this fall! Ps. you might want to get your campsites reservations in now before they fill up! This episode was originally published on September 9, 2024.  Want some more Austin news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Austin newsletter.  And don't forget– you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Austin Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm  Follow us @citycastaustin You can also text us or leave a voicemail.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 24th episode: Wise Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST LBJ Presidential Library

(00:00-32:32) Andre 3000's apology to Erykah Badu's mom. Not expecting LaNorris Sellers news until kickoff on Saturday. Mumbles nervously. Reservations at Booches. Not built for bottle service anymore. Being on Team Doug isn't paying dividends. Steroids is bad. Don't end up in the river. Revisiting Brian Kelly's interaction with the LSU reporter on Saturday and audio of his apology. Mt. Rushmore of surly college football coaches. Coach Gates did a little dancing with a recruit. Brian Kelly can't stop getting run into on the sidelines. Poor Ned Beatty. The CW and WB. Michigan J Frog.(32:40-45:04) When you have a chance to play Adele you take it. What's a think tank show? You have one night in Columbia, who do you want to watch have sex? Martin's impressions. Doing the TLR impression in front of TLR's family. The lack of fries at Booches is troubling.(45:14-50:44) The navy cap in the Gin Blossom videos. Maybe that would get the fan base back on board. Doug wants a Cardinal drone named Stan to fly around when they hit a homerun. Amazon Prime will be carrying The Masters in 2026. Molly Qerim is leaving First Take and ESPN.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bills talks the Jets, Bud beating Canelo, losing lexicon, top 5 stalkers of all time, hoarders, fun not being important in relationships and answers #asksadpitt questions AskSadpitt@gmail.comCashapp: $SadBrad

A commentary and discussion on the Just for Today: Daily Meditations for Recovering Addicts. Contact Information: 919-675-1058 or facebook.com/groups/theanonpodcast

After losing his son to cancer five years ago, Dr. George Beauregard, a twenty-year internal medicine physician and life-long resident of Massachusetts, used his grief to spread an important message. In this episode he joins Dr. Philip Chan to talk about his new book, “Reservations for Nine: A Doctor's Family Confronts Cancer,” as well as important advice on prevention and symptoms that should not be ignored. To learn more about Dr. Beauregard's book, visit www.georgebeauregard.com

Send us a textIn this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny sit down with Dr. Charlie Minnick to talk about the upcoming September Leadership Unlocked session, sponsored by Grow Clinton. The event is free to attend, and you can join in person or virtually via MS Teams. Click the link to register --> http://bit.ly/3VkQ5r7 Start a transformative journey designed for aspiring and current leaders eager to turn their vision into meaningful action. This training program, Leadership Unlocked: Empowering Your Potential, will equip participants with the core skills, tools, and mindset necessary to lead teams and organizations effectively in today's rapidly changing world.Session 9: Building a Strong Internal Communication StrategyPresenter: Dr. James ChitwoodSession Overview: Internal communication isn't just a bonus—it's the foundation of trust, culture, and performance.This month's presentation covers the key elements of effective workplace communication, supported by research, real-world examples (like Southwest Airlines), and proven leadership strategies.What You'll Learn:Why communication failures are often at the root of many business crises.How to create psychological safety that fosters innovation and teamwork.The importance of one-on-one meetings and effective feedback loops.How to deliver messages that resonate with what employees need to hear:"How does this help me do my job better?"Practical tips to avoid fear-based leadership and costly communication issues.Whether you're a team leader, HR professional, or business owner, this guide provides clear, actionable tools to enhance connection, clarity, and culture within your organization.Ready to lead with empathy and clarity?For more details on the Leadership Unlocked professional development series, visit http://bit.ly/3VkQ5r7. This series is free to attend; space is limited. Reservations are required. To promote your business, organization, or event on the podcast, contact Grow Clinton at 563.242.5702 or www.GrowClinton.com.

Bills talks about having a great time at Joe Bday dinner, Labor day parade, updated list of ppl who gonna be remembered for 100 years, having faith in Dr Umar, French montana and Taylor Swift getting engaged and wanting to go to seaworld

Bills talks about being in the future right now, ppl living to 200 years old, Michael Douglass being underrated, how he would change Fantastic 4 and remembering how are it is to break up

Reservations IMPOSSIBLE for 1587 on First Day of Booking | Mundo Clip 8-21-25See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week at Walt Disney World, the magic is in full swing with festive fall updates, park surprises, and big announcements across the Disney universe. From brand-new dining questions to Halloween reveals, there's plenty to explore in these Disney weekly updates. Disney Weekly Updates: Beak & Barrel Reservations… or Not? The buzz around the new Beak & Barrel has Disney fans talking. Rumors of opening reservations popped up. However, not everything may be as it seems. We'll keep a close eye on this brand-new spot as it prepares to welcome guests, and we'll share when reservations are available in our weekly Disney updates. Disney Weekly Updates: Halloween Hits Magic Kingdom Meanwhile, Magic Kingdom just got a little more festive. New Dumbo pumpkin decorations have joined the Halloween lineup, adding a whimsical touch to the fall celebration. In addition, spooky collectibles are arriving. Guests can now grab a Haunted Mansion sipper or the Stitch mummy popcorn bucket. Even better, Disney confirmed that Mother Gothel will appear at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Villains Take Over Bath & Body Works Halloween isn't limited to the parks. In fact, Bath & Body Works has launched an all-new Disney Villains scent collection. It brings a wicked touch of Disney magic to your everyday routine. Fans of Maleficent, Ursula, and other iconic villains will want to check out this limited-time lineup. A Galaxy Rebuilt Over in the Star Wars galaxy, LEGO fans have something to celebrate. The LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy trailer has officially dropped, and it gives fans a first look at an epic new adventure. With a September release on Disney+, the trailer builds excitement for what's sure to be a hit in the LEGO Star Wars collection. EPCOT Food & Wine and New PhotoPass Options Foodies, get ready. The EPCOT Food & Wine Festival is almost here, and Disney has released the full foodie guides for this year's event. New brews, dishes, and returning favorites make this a can't-miss experience. Additionally, new Fall PhotoPass options are now available, offering guests fresh seasonal opportunities to capture magical memories throughout the parks. These Disney weekly updates make sure you don't miss a single bite. Destination D23 Livestream Confirmed Looking ahead, Disney has confirmed a livestream for Destination D23. That means fans worldwide can expect updates, sneak peeks, and magical announcements as the event unfolds.  The Live stream will be in the D23 Gold Theater which requires a Gold Membership to join. Fozzie Even The Muppets joined the conversation this week. Fozzie Bear dropped his own playful acknowledgment of the Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster redo. Join Us Live Sam and Greg cover all of this and more LIVE on Sam's Disney Diary. From park updates to Disney+ news, our Disney weekly updates bring you everything happening across the Disney universe.  

Bills talks about enjoy The Clipse concert, going to Sebastians bachelor party, hating gambling, Leos being his best/worst friends, summer in bk and Maino day

When you think Salem, you probably envision Essex Street or the Common, perhaps the Willows or Derby Street. But what about islands in Salem Sound? Wait - Salem has islands?! You bet! And quite a few at that. Join Jeffrey and Sarah, your favorite Salem tour guides, as they explore what lies beyond Salem's shores. We'll cover just two of Salem's many Islands in our first installment: Baker's Island and Misery Island. Let's talk private beaches, lighthouses, sunken ships, wildlife preserves, fires, hotels - there's so much to explore! Bakers Island Light Station. n.d. See the Light! Visit Bakers Island Light Station. https://www.bakersislandlight.org/ Salem Tales: Baker's Island. n.d. SalemWeb. https://salemweb.com/about-salem/salem-tales/bakers-island/ Bakers Island [Photograph Collection]. n.d. Flickr, “Salem State Archives.” https://www.flickr.com/photos/salemstatearchives/albums/72157670746281168/ Rosenberg, Steven A. 2012. "Baker's Island Residents Wary of an Influx of Visitors." Boston.com, August 9, 2012. https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2012/08/09/bakers-island-residents-wary-of-an-influx-of-visitors/ Baker's Island. n.d. Salem Links and Lore. https://salempl.org/wiki/index.php?title=Baker%27s_Island Baker's Island Salem, Massachusetts [Online Forum Post]. n.d. Reddit, r/massachusetts. https://www.reddit.com/r/massachusetts/comments/r4kf8x/bakers_island_salem_massachusetts/ The Bakers Bulletin – Lighthouse Living on the New England Coast. n.d. The Bakers Bulletin (blog). https://bakersbulletin.wordpress.com/ "A4U0zrTHxfY" [YouTube video]. n.d. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4U0zrTHxfY Farmhouse Fixers, season 3, episode 4. n.d. (TV episode). The Trustees of Reservations. Misery Islands History. Accessed August 1, 2025. The Trustees of Reservations.Wikipedia+1The Trustees of Reservations+4The Trustees of Reservations+4Wikipedia+4 “Misery Islands.” In Misery Island – Salem Links and Lore. Last modified April 20, 2017. Salem Links and Lore. Salem Public Library (Massachusetts) “Misery Islands.” Wikipedia. Last modified [date retrieved]. Accessed August 1, 2025. WCVB+5Wikipedia+5The Trustees of Reservations+5 “Misery Islands.” Coastal Byway. Accessed August 1, 2025. Essex Coastal Scenic Byway “The Lost Bungalows of Great Misery Island.” Street of Salem, June 27, 2017. New England Historical Society. “Steamboat City of Rockland, The Cursed Ship of the Tourist Trade.” New England Historical Society, originally published approximately 9 years ago; updated 2024. Accessed August 1, 2025. Interested in Salem The Podcast Merch!?  CLICK HERE! Interested in supporting the Podcast? Looking for more Salem content? CLICK HERE! www.salemthepodcast.com NEW INSTAGRAM - @salemthepod Email - hello@salemthepodcast.com   Book a tour with Sarah at Bewitched Historical Tours   www.bewitchedtours.com Book a tour with Jeffrey at Salem Uncovered Tours  www.salemuncoveredtours.com    Intro/Outro Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/unfamiliar-faces License code: NGSBY7LA1HTVAUJE

When you think Salem, you probably envision Essex Street or the Common, perhaps the Willows or Derby Street. But what about islands in Salem Sound? Wait - Salem has islands?! You bet! And quite a few at that. Join Jeffrey and Sarah, your favorite Salem tour guides, as they explore what lies beyond Salem's shores. We'll cover just two of Salem's many Islands in our first installment: Baker's Island and Misery Island. Let's talk private beaches, lighthouses, sunken ships, wildlife preserves, fires, hotels - there's so much to explore! Bakers Island Light Station. n.d. See the Light! Visit Bakers Island Light Station. https://www.bakersislandlight.org/ Salem Tales: Baker's Island. n.d. SalemWeb. https://salemweb.com/about-salem/salem-tales/bakers-island/ Bakers Island [Photograph Collection]. n.d. Flickr, “Salem State Archives.” https://www.flickr.com/photos/salemstatearchives/albums/72157670746281168/ Rosenberg, Steven A. 2012. "Baker's Island Residents Wary of an Influx of Visitors." Boston.com, August 9, 2012. https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2012/08/09/bakers-island-residents-wary-of-an-influx-of-visitors/ Baker's Island. n.d. Salem Links and Lore. https://salempl.org/wiki/index.php?title=Baker%27s_Island Baker's Island Salem, Massachusetts [Online Forum Post]. n.d. Reddit, r/massachusetts. https://www.reddit.com/r/massachusetts/comments/r4kf8x/bakers_island_salem_massachusetts/ The Bakers Bulletin – Lighthouse Living on the New England Coast. n.d. The Bakers Bulletin (blog). https://bakersbulletin.wordpress.com/ "A4U0zrTHxfY" [YouTube video]. n.d. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4U0zrTHxfY Farmhouse Fixers, season 3, episode 4. n.d. (TV episode). The Trustees of Reservations. Misery Islands History. Accessed August 1, 2025. The Trustees of Reservations.Wikipedia+1The Trustees of Reservations+4The Trustees of Reservations+4Wikipedia+4 “Misery Islands.” In Misery Island – Salem Links and Lore. Last modified April 20, 2017. Salem Links and Lore. Salem Public Library (Massachusetts) “Misery Islands.” Wikipedia. Last modified [date retrieved]. Accessed August 1, 2025. WCVB+5Wikipedia+5The Trustees of Reservations+5 “Misery Islands.” Coastal Byway. Accessed August 1, 2025. Essex Coastal Scenic Byway “The Lost Bungalows of Great Misery Island.” Street of Salem, June 27, 2017. New England Historical Society. “Steamboat City of Rockland, The Cursed Ship of the Tourist Trade.” New England Historical Society, originally published approximately 9 years ago; updated 2024. Accessed August 1, 2025. Interested in Salem The Podcast Merch!?  CLICK HERE! Interested in supporting the Podcast? Looking for more Salem content? CLICK HERE! www.salemthepodcast.com NEW INSTAGRAM - @salemthepod Email - hello@salemthepodcast.com   Book a tour with Sarah at Bewitched Historical Tours   www.bewitchedtours.com Book a tour with Jeffrey at Salem Uncovered Tours  www.salemuncoveredtours.com    Intro/Outro Music from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/unfamiliar-faces License code: NGSBY7LA1HTVAUJE

For the first time, Fort Kearny Historical Park and State Recreation Area will open reservations early for visitors to see the spring sandhill crane migration.

Alex Quin and Michelle Chia break down a complete marketing strategy for taco restaurants—from naming and branding to launch tactics, special events, social media content, AI tools, influencer campaigns, and customer retention. Emphasizing the importance of storytelling, consistent brand voice, data-driven decisions, and team culture, they offer actionable advice for creating a successful restaurant brand. With tips for pre-launch hype, engaging content, SEO tactics, and local outreach, the episode is packed with practical insights for anyone in the hospitality space.Episode Outline:[00:00:00] Welcome + Overview: Restaurant Marketing Strategy[00:03:30] Naming, Branding, and Domain Setup[00:10:00] Identifying and Speaking to Your Core Audience[00:15:00] Storytelling Through Decor, Food, and Staff[00:22:00] Menu, Ambiance, and Event-Based Differentiation[00:30:00] The Importance of Brand Voice and Hook Writing[00:36:00] Leveraging AI and Custom GPTs for Content and Analysis[00:44:00] Tech Stack Must-Haves Before Opening[00:48:00] Pre-Launch Timeline and Content Plan[00:55:00] Setting Up Systems for Email, SMS, Reservations[01:01:00] Paid Ad Structure + Organic Content Planning[01:07:00] Customer Retention and Avoiding Common Pitfalls[01:12:00] Final Tips + How to Stand Out Long-TermWisdom Nuggets:Know Your Audience: You can't serve everyone. Define specific customer personas and tailor your menu, messaging, and ambiance to those profiles.Brand Voice is Everything: Decide how your restaurant sounds—sarcastic, witty, warm, or blunt—and stay consistent across all platforms and content.Use AI to Scale Smart: Leverage tools like ChatGPT to streamline your content, respond to reviews, and analyze OpenTable data for better marketing decisions.Build Culture, Not Just Food: Great food won't carry your brand if the team's morale is low. Happy employees and genuine service are core to customer retention.Create Experience, Not Just Meals: From events and unique cocktails to birthday specials and storytelling, experiences drive loyalty and word-of-mouth buzz.Power Quotes"People come back not just for food, but for how they felt." - Alex Quin"Use your data. That's where your real marketing edge is." - Alex Quin"Make sure your branding is consistent across everything—domain, socials, emails. - Michelle Chia"Behind-the-scenes content builds trust. Show the human side." - Michelle Chia"If your team isn't trained, you're leaving thousands on the table every day." - Michelle ChiaConnect with Michelle:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/michellechia)Twitter: (https://x.com/michellechiaaa)LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-chia1/)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@michellechiaa)Connect With the Podcast Host Alex Quin:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/alexquin)Twitter: (https://twitter.com/mralexquin)LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralexquin)Website: (https://alexquin.com)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@mralexquin)Our CommunityInstagram:(https://www.instagram.com/hustleinspireshustle)Twitter: (https://twitter.com/HustleInspires)LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustle-inspires-hustle)Website: (https://hustleinspireshustle.com)*This page may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. When you click on these links or engage with the sponsored content and make a purchase or take some other action, we may receive a commission or compensation at no additional cost to you. We only promote products or services that we genuinely believe will add value to our readers & listeners.*See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sagar Mehta is the Chief Technology Officer of OpenTable, a leading online restaurant reservations platform with over 60k venues worldwide. In this episode, we chat about the current restaurant reservations landscape, how the marketplace is uniquely leveraging generative AI, and the new types of products it's building to help restaurants grow within their four walls.Subscribe to the HNGRY newsletter

Bills talks about the controversy surrounding Hulk Hogan after his death, the importance of being likable, Shannon sharpes situation, why instagram is better than dating apps, the importance of liking different snacks from your partner and more…

Happy Saturday everyone! This is where we hopefully inspire you to prioritize YOUR active recovery from a week of stress! From a horror movie to an Australian shark diver to bacon steak, Amy and T.J. found some unusual ways to recover during the week… one of the highlights, going out to dinner at 4:30pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Saturday everyone! This is where we hopefully inspire you to prioritize YOUR active recovery from a week of stress! From a horror movie to an Australian shark diver to bacon steak, Amy and T.J. found some unusual ways to recover during the week… one of the highlights, going out to dinner at 4:30pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Saturday everyone! This is where we hopefully inspire you to prioritize YOUR active recovery from a week of stress! From a horror movie to an Australian shark diver to bacon steak, Amy and T.J. found some unusual ways to recover during the week… one of the highlights, going out to dinner at 4:30pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Saturday everyone! This is where we hopefully inspire you to prioritize YOUR active recovery from a week of stress! From a horror movie to an Australian shark diver to bacon steak, Amy and T.J. found some unusual ways to recover during the week… one of the highlights, going out to dinner at 4:30pm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bills talks about enjoying the summer, comparing actors, top 3 dates, waiting to binge watch love island, why he's waiting to fix a tile, why he lies on online personality test and the importance of going to jury duty

Did you know that even after 30+ trips to Hawaii, I still remember the mistakes I made on my very first visit in 2007?When I first stepped foot on Oahu as a newlywed, I arrived with a suitcase full of expectations and honestly, a lot of naivety about what Hawaii was really like beyond the postcard-perfect images.

On Tuesday, All Of It will host a free, live, in-person event in The Greene Space with members of the cast, orchestra and creative team behind the hit Broadway show 'Buena Vista Social Club,' which documents how the titular ensemble of mostly Cuban musicians collaborated on an album that would spark an international revival of Latin music. RSVP here. Reservations do not guarantee seating, which is 'first-come, first-served'. The program will start at 12 noon; Doors at 11:30.To preview tomorrow's event, we present some highlights from a similar event in April, "Broadway's 'Hell's Kitchen' At WNYC." Lead actors Jade Milan, Jessica Vosk, Tank, and Kecia Lewis perform the music of Alicia Keys.

On this episode of History 605, Ben Jones dives into the complicated events that brought the reservations into being and how that has impacted South Dakota's history.

Happy Monday, Store Nation!   Welcome to the Hacking Self Storage podcast.   I'm your host, Dean Booty.   Today, we're reviewing the weekly figures across all our sites: quotes, reservations, and move-ins, so you know exactly where we stand and what's moving the needle.   Hope you enjoy this episode.   Give it a listen!   Thanks to our Sponsor! Get 50% off your first 3 months with Stora: https://stora.co/dean Gavin Shields on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinshields/   Get the FREE Workshop: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/workshop Mr. Self Storage: https://www.mrselfstorage.com/ Dean's Email: deanbooty@icloud.com Mr. Self Storage on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrselfstorage

Exploring Paris and Strasbourg: Notre-Dame Highlights and Winter Traditions — Have you ever wondered what it's like to visit France in the winter? In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent chats with Kim Cox, a listener from Minnesota, about her December adventures in Paris and Strasbourg. Get the podcast ad-free They talk about how to enjoy Paris museums like the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie when the weather is chilly and the days are short. Kim shares what you can currently see at Notre-Dame de Paris, including the ongoing restoration and the excellent archaeological crypt right in front of the cathedral. Then it's on to Strasbourg, where Kim timed her visit perfectly to enjoy the Strasbourg Christmas markets, known as some of the best in Europe. She offers tips for navigating the festive crowds, finding the best vin chaud, and learning about Alsatian culture at the local museum. If you're curious about winter travel in France, exploring Paris and Strasbourg in December might be just what you're looking for. It's a great time for museum visits, festive lights, and warm comfort food. Subscribe to the Join Us in France Travel Podcast for weekly episodes about French destinations, history, culture, and practical travel tips. Table of Contents for this Episode [00:00:16] Introduction and Welcome [00:00:30] Today on the podcast [00:00:57] Podcast supporters [00:01:30] The Magazine segment [00:02:18] Notre Dame Museums and Winter Magic with Kim Cox [00:02:45] Notre Dame Reopening Experience [00:10:27] Exploring Strasbourg's Christmas Markets [00:14:46] Living Like a Local in Paris [00:16:33] Picard, Frozen Foods [00:20:35] Cafe Culture in Winter [00:22:25] Museums and Historical Insights [00:25:20] VoiceMap Guided Walk in Strasbourg [00:26:48] Visiting the Carnavalet Museum [00:29:10] Dining and Reservations in Paris [00:32:20] Experiencing the Pantheon [00:34:44] Christmas Festivities in Paris [00:35:48] Late Night at the Louvre [00:38:19] Winter Travel Tips for Paris [00:41:38] Final Thoughts and Future Plans [00:43:33] Thank you Patrons [00:44:42] VoiceMap Reviews [00:46:42] Solar Energy Project in Paris [00:48:33] 6 Weeks away from the desk [00:52:15] Next Week on the Podcast [00:52:59] Copyright More Episodes About Paris and Strasbourg

Bills talks about lonely fathers day, loving the gloomy summer, watching love island, underground fight club and being ashamed for not being able to do the electric slide

This episode of Hotel Moment features a webinar from Revinate's Hotel Moment Deep Dive series with, Brent Sanders, Senior Customer Education Specialist at Revinate, speaks with Miranda Cubillas, Director of Reservations and Recreation at Ojai Valley Inn, to explore how hotels can unlock the full potential of their reservation teams. Learn how strategic coaching, cross-departmental collaboration, and smart technology can turn your reservation department into a key revenue driver. Whether managing remote or on-site staff, this episode offers actionable insights for creating exceptional guest experiences and improving bottom-line performance.

HOUR 1- Klein's Dinner Reservations, Father's Day Cards Redo and MORE full 2201 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:46:53 +0000 U08qpFDHZIHje3dMg2UlvUOD1WivnqoK society & culture Klein/Ally Show: The Podcast society & culture HOUR 1- Klein's Dinner Reservations, Father's Day Cards Redo and MORE Klein.Ally.Show on KROQ is more than just a "dynamic, irreverent morning radio show that mixes humor, pop culture, and unpredictable conversation with a heavy dose of realness." (but thanks for that quote anyway). Hosted by Klein, Ally, and a cast of weirdos (both on the team and from their audience), the show is known for its raw, offbeat style, offering a mix of sarcastic banter, candid interviews, and an unfiltered take on everything from culture to the chaos of everyday life. With a loyal, engaged fanbase and an addiction for pushing boundaries, the show delivers the perfect blend of humor and insight, all while keeping things fun, fresh, and sometimes a little bit illegal. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Society & Culture False https://player.amperwav

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1055: Today we cover Stellantis' new CEO facing a storm of tariffs and dealer tensions, GM's surprising pivot back to big V-8s, and DeLorean's futuristic EV launch… that's more crypto maze than car.Show Notes with links:After a six-month search, Stellantis has named Antonio Filosa as its new CEO. With more than 25 years in the industry and leadership experience across Brazil, North America, and global roles, Filosa is stepping in as the company faces pressure on multiple fronts.Filosa starts as CEO on June 23, replacing Carlos Tavares after his December resignation.Currently COO for the Americas and global chief quality officer, he's credited with restoring confidence internally.Challenges include reversing a 10% Q1 shipment drop, regaining dealer trust, and addressing a potential $7.1B hit from Trump's proposed 25% tariffs.Filosa has reinstalled key leadership—bringing back Ram's Tim Kuniskis and U.S. sales head Jeff Kommor—to stabilize operations.“One of my first decisions has been to bring back talents that we lost in the past,” Filosa told reporters in January.The EV slowdown has prompted General Motors to double down on internal combustion, shelving a $300 million plan for EV motors at its Tonawanda, NY plant and instead committing a massive $888 million to next-gen V-8 engine production.The site will continue producing Gen 5 V-8s while ramping up for Gen 6 engines by 2027.New engines will feature performance-boosting and emission-cutting innovations.Investment includes machinery, tooling, and facility upgrades—the largest ever for a GM engine plant.New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the project will support 870 jobs at Tonawanda Propulsion, including 177 jobs deemed at risk“This investment shows the company's commitment to strengthening American manufacturing,” said CEO Mary Barra.The DeLorean Alpha5 EV promised a high-tech return to the future, but it's now stuck in development limbo, with no production timeline or pricing—and buyers are being asked to reserve with cryptocurrency and NFTs.Reservations require $2,500 in USDC crypto via a specialized Slush Wallet and purchase of an NFT.No refunds are offered—buyers can resell their spot in line to recoup funds.Fewer than 600 reservations have been made, with some resale spots priced up to $40,000.The Alpha5, if it arrives, will offer 300+ miles of range and sub-3-second 0-60 performance.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Today we are chatting with Marcie Cheung (@hawaiitravelwithkids), a travel expert specializing in family vacations to Hawaii. Marcie shares her extensive experience traveling to Hawaii, offering insights on planning trips, avoiding common mistakes, and maximizing family experiences. The conversation covers budget-friendly travel tips, choosing the right accommodations, and navigating the unique aspects of traveling with kids. Marcie also discusses the recovery of Maui post-fires, hidden gems across the islands, and the importance of making reservations for popular attractions.   In this episode, you will learn:Marcie has been to Hawaii over 40 times, providing her with extensive knowledge.Planning ahead is crucial for a successful trip to Hawaii.Reservations are often required for popular attractions and hikes.Costco travel packages can save money on trips to Hawaii.Choosing the right accommodation depends on your travel style and needs.Maui is recovering and is ready for tourists, but some areas are still off-limits.The Big Island is becoming a hidden gem for travelers.Vacation rentals can be tricky due to legal issues in Hawaii.Car rentals are essential for exploring most islands.Hawaii is a family-friendly destination with many activities for kids....and more!You can find Marcie ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/fh.travel.diariesYou can get your VIP ticket Goodybag for the April Bougie in a Backpack Virtual Travel Summit⁠ here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ , where you can check our Marcie's session!https://bougieinabackpack.thrivecart.com/vip-goody-bag-april-2025/You can find our FREE Travel Beginner's Blueprint ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/457913/90732056966858389/shareWant to submit a question or comment to our Bougie Mailbag? You can do so here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠forms.gle/Hb3iAbCfsK5BWnii8⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Be sure to join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: facebook.com/groups/bougieinabackpackFind us on instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bougieinabackpack/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/travelmack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠enzie⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/pennywisetraveler⁠

Abdullah Shahid Sial and Leo Gerdén are two international students from Harvard University. They react to the Trump administration's move yesterday to revoke the school's ability to enroll international students. Then it's Live Music Friday with Jessye DeSilva, ahead of an appearance at Club Passim's Campfire Festival. Passim Managing Director Matt Smith also joins. NBC Boston's Sue O'Connell gives us the latest on the Karen Read trial. Plus, thoughts on the Sean Combs trial and the Boston City Hall staffer love triangle.Katie Theoharides is President & CEO of the Trustees of Reservations. She discusses concerns about federal cuts to conservation and the environment. Lylah Alphonse (Boston Globe) and Adam Reilly (GBH News) join for this week's edition of Press Play.

The first recreational cannabis dispensary off tribal land in Minnesota is expected to open as early as this weekend. White Earth Nation's cannabis company, Waabigwan Mashkiki, will run the store in Moorhead. This comes after White Earth and the state signed an agreement earlier this week. It's the first of its kind in the United States, because it recognizes the authority of a tribal nation to regulate dispensaries off reservation land.  Mary Jane Oatman is executive director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association. She's an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe and a descendant of the Delaware Tribe. Oatman spoke to Minnesota Now We about how the deal fits into the wider scope of tribal cannabis agreements around the country.

Use code YANKS2025 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/YANKS2025. Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountPresented by Your Local Ford Stores. You're invited to an exclusive Meet & Greet at the game this Wednesday with Yankees Alum Jeff Nelson! Just sign up and show your Key Fob! Reservations are limited, so sign up now at https://FordMVPPerks.comScore your own grooming goals with American crew and grab these products at https://tinyurl.com/yrckykrd. Style like a pro, look like a champ!Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/YANKS! #trueclassicpod #sponsoredHead to https://www.factormeals.com/YANKS50OFF to save 50% off your first box!+++++Timestamps:0:00 Recording from the YES Booth!2:35 Juan Soto Returned to the Bronx9:00 Yankees Win Game 1!15:20 Yankees LOSE Game 221:10 Yankees WIN Game 3 and the Subway Series!29:50 Pride of the Yankees: Cody Bellinger33:15 Pride of the Yankees: Max Fried38:35 Yankee MFer47:25 Clarke Schmidt Has Given VALUABLE Innings to the Yanks52:25 Jasson Dominguez54:45 Jonathan Loaisiga is Back1:00:05 Paul Goldschmidt1:03:20 Big Series for DJ LeMahieu! 

Adidas has some steam Setting up at the beach sucks Jon Gruden is still available

05-12-25 - New Holmbergs Audio Archive Goes Live Tomorrow But John's Got ReservationsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, a park icon gets an update, a rare character encounter lands at Pixar Place Hotel, we talk about Earth Day at the resort, the 70th guided tour details are released and booking is open for it, a new checkout option for Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, we finish out conversation with Michael, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos. News: An iconic part of Disneyland history – and Disney in general will be getting refurbished soon. Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room closed this week to perform routine maintenance on the lighting, sound, and show. The mighty tree of Tangaroa will be recreated from a high resolution digital scan. The current Tangaroa is no longer able to be repaired, having been there since the attraction opening in 1963. The attraction will reopen later this summer. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/tangaroa-tree-be-rebuilt-during-upcoming-refurbishment-walt-disneys-enchanted-tiki-room-disneyland/ https://www.micechat.com/146135-rolly-crump-impostor-syndrome-part-2/ Tour dates are open for the new guided tour coming to Disneyland for the 70th anniversary. A Story of Celebration: 70th Anniversary Guided Tour is a 2-hour guided walking tour, which includes a ride aboard the Mark Twain, Disneyland Railroad, a Lightning Lane for a select attraction, reserved viewing for Paint the Night, which includes popcorn, and a tour keepsake. The price is $120 per guest. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance and are highly recommended. Check out the link in the show notes to reserve your tour! – https://www.micechat.com/413960-disneyland-news-portos-permits-construction-walls-star-wars/ https://disneyland.disney.go.com/en-ca/events-tours/disneyland/story-of-celebration-tour/ A character not often seen at the resorts made a visit for Earth Day. WALL-E was in the lobby of the Pixar Place Hotel roaming around and greeting guests. He also opened up his storage compartment to share the plant, potted in the boot, just like in the movie! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/04/24/dear-disney-we-are-begging-for-this-rare-character-meet-and-greet-to-become-permanent/ As we reported on previously, some permits have been filed with the Anaheim Planning and Building Department in relation to Porto's coming to Downtown Disney. We talked about removing the two ticket booths from the esplanade, but did not mention the permit to tear down the existing building – currently home to Earl of Sandwich. No timeline on the permits, but this is forward progress. – https://www.micechat.com/413960-disneyland-news-portos-permits-construction-walls-star-wars/ Once again, Disneyland Cast Members were invited to create upcycled art projects to be shown off to guests for Earth Month. This time, the creations, ranging from a Haunted Mansion created from cardboard pizza boxes, to Maleficent in dragon form made from plastic cutlery. The display is under the Silly Symphony Swings for guests to enjoy. – https://www.micechat.com/413960-disneyland-news-portos-permits-construction-walls-star-wars/ This week, the Disney Parks Blog recognized a cast member who brings joy to countless (or not so countless) guests. Antonio has been working at the Disneyland Resort for 18 years, and has received over 735 cast compliments from guests. Antonio works at Pixar Pier attractions and before Disneyland, worked for nearly 10 years in hospitality in Dubai and Qatar. Antonio's rise to fame is in part due to his exuberant energy and fun dance moves for guests! – https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/dancing-disneyland-resort-cast-member-inspires-happiness/ Last week, we talked about recycling your food scraps at Disneyland. Since then, little droids have appeared on top of food scraps containers to remind guests that only food scraps should be deposited in the bin they are standing on. – https://www.micechat.com/413960-disneyland-news-portos-permits-construction-walls-star-wars/ A new way to checkout at Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta has arrived. A kiosk for guest self-checkout has been installed. The system scans the items on the tray, adds it up, and asks for payment. Currently, Magic Key discounts must involve a cast member, and payment can only be made with credit or debit card. – https://www.micechat.com/413960-disneyland-news-portos-permits-construction-walls-star-wars/ Weeklyteers who may be in the parks starting May 9th should know that it is Grad Nite season at the resort again, and park hours may be impacted. This year, there is some new, more generic graduation merchandise available for purchase. – https://www.micechat.com/413960-disneyland-news-portos-permits-construction-walls-star-wars/ SnackChat: New food items coming to the resort – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/04/24/disney-just-announced-23-new-treats-are-coming-next-week/#more-1028273 Discussion Topic: Michael Holland host of From Out of the Past Podcast https://www.instagram.com/fromoutofthepastpodcast https://linktr.ee/hollandimaginarium https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK7GRiUhhB8 https://www.youtube.com/@AlextheHistorian