Podcasts about Safety net

Seven Save-A-Lot grocery stores across the South and West Sides could close their doors as early as Saturday if Yellow Banana, the company that owns and operates them, can't find new funding. Block Club Chicago's Atavia Reed is here with the latest. Plus, WBEZ's Kristen Schorsch joins us to detail the ongoing legal battles surrounding the recently shuttered West Suburban Hospital and provide a temperature check on Chicago's struggling safety net hospitals. Good News: 5th Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival!, Roots: “The Brunch Experience”  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24 episode: Visit Bloomington Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Al Smith. Interview Purpose The purpose of this interview is to explore life transitions, resilience, and financial discipline through the lens of elite performance, using Al Smith’s journey from NFL All‑Pro to executive, entrepreneur, and community leader as a blueprint. The conversation highlights how preparation, education, mindset, and adaptability are essential when dreams evolve or abruptly change. This interview also serves to connect the experiences of professional athletes with those of small business owners and entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success in both arenas requires discipline, accountability, and long‑term thinking. Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Education as a Safety Net and Strategy Al Smith made the deliberate decision to finish his college degree before fully committing to the NFL, recognizing that professional sports offered no guarantees. This choice gave him leverage, confidence, and security—both mentally and financially—throughout his career. Key takeaway: Always secure something tangible before going “all in” on an uncertain opportunity. 2. Turning Fear into Fuel Smith openly discusses fear—fear of being cut, fear of competition, fear of uncertainty—and how he learned to convert fear into motivation rather than paralysis. He treated each season as if it were his last, approaching preparation with urgency and focus. Key takeaway: Fear is inevitable; how you respond to it determines longevity and success. 3. Competition Is Not the Enemy Competition played a central role in Smith’s development. Rather than avoiding it, he embraced it, understanding that growth requires discomfort. He credits adversity, pressure, and coaching challenges with sharpening his performance and character. Key takeaway: Competition strengthens discipline and reveals accountability. 4. Financial Literacy and Lifestyle Discipline Smith addresses the common financial pitfalls faced by professional athletes, many of which also apply to entrepreneurs: Lifestyle inflation Supporting others without boundaries Delegating financial decisions without understanding them Trying to maintain an image instead of sustainability Smith’s financial stability was aided by mentors, personal involvement in decisions, and a mindset focused on not owing—not just earning. Key takeaway: Financial success is not about income—it’s about control, habits, and awareness. 5. Mentorship and Environment Matter Smith emphasizes the value of surrounding himself with successful, disciplined people both on and off the field. Mentorship influenced how he thought about money, effort, competition, and leadership. Key takeaway: Proximity shapes thinking; environment influences outcomes. 6. Preparing for Life After the Dream Even while succeeding in the NFL, Smith planned for the transition ahead. This forward thinking led to opportunities in the front office, business, and leadership. He viewed this transition as a chance to open doors for others and to understand the business side of sports. Key takeaway: The end of one dream can be the beginning of a larger purpose. 7. Athletes and Entrepreneurs Face the Same Reality Smith draws a direct parallel between: Athletes competing yearly with no guarantees Entrepreneurs running businesses without security or routine Both require maximum effort, preparation beyond the clock, and resilience. Key takeaway: There is no 40‑hour workweek when you are building something of your own. Notable Quotes “I turned my fear into fire.” “There are no guarantees—every year is a one‑year deal.” “I treated every season like it was my last.” “You don’t want to owe. You want to own.” “Don’t be scared of competition.” “The gain outweighs the strain.” “Prepare so that if it ends tomorrow, you’re still standing.” Overall Message Al Smith’s interview is a powerful lesson in discipline, foresight, and adaptability. It reframes success as something built through preparation before opportunity arrives and sustained by humility, mentorship, and intentional decision‑making. His story reinforces that dreams evolve—but character, work ethic, and financial awareness determine whether those transitions become setbacks or stepping stones. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wanchain bridge hack, why Ethereum keeps getting it wrong, and Cardano's outlook with Charles Hoskinson. After a bridge hack rattled the Cardano ecosystem, Charles Hoskinson, CEO and Founder of Input Output, joins Jennifer Sanasie on Markets Outlook to lay out why crypto desperately needs wallet insurance, ZK-powered identity, and white hat rescue frameworks. Plus, what Cardano's latest hard fork really means for decentralized governance, why he thinks Ethereum keeps getting it wrong, and what it will actually take for prices to recover. Plus, we look at the DTCC taking tokenized securities live in today's Brand New Rails segment. - Timecodes: 00:00 - Charles Hoskinson Joins Markets Outlook 01:25 - Wanchain Bridge Hack and What It Revealed 02:21 - Why Midnight Was Built for This Moment 03:44 - Why Crypto Needs Wallet and Bridge Insurance 05:28 - How ZK Identity Unlocks Recovery and White Hat Rescues 09:46 - The "Unsexy" Unlock: Why Insurance Could Onboard the Masses 13:17 - Cardano's Hard Fork to v11 and What It Means 14:42 - Cardano's Decentralized Governance in Action 17:35 - Executive Function: The Last Governance Milestone 20:08 - Brand New Rails: What's Next After the  DTCC Moved Tokenized Securities Into Live Production 22:07 - Cardano's Outlook: Narrative Reset, Bitcoin DeFi, and the Partner Chain Model 26:05 - The Anthropic Analogy: Why Doing It Right Beats Doing It Fast 29:12 - Why Ethereum Keeps Getting It Wrong 36:22 - When Will Prices Catch Up? Charles' Market Framework 42:28 - The AI Wildcard and What It Means for Crypto - This episode is brought to you by RealFi, a smarter stablecoin, backed by real-world assets. Find out more at realfi.co. - Ledn provides a secure and transparent way to access liquidity while maintaining your bitcoin holdings. Perfect 8 year track record of keeping clients assets safe. Don't sell your bitcoin. Get a bitcoin-backed loan. Check out your rate by using their loan calculator at ledn.io - JPEG Trading is a global proprietary trading firm specializing in cryptocurrency and decentralized finance markets. From market structure and liquidity provision to quantitative trading strategies, JPEG Trading operates across the full spectrum of blockchain-based assets. Follow @jpegtrading on X to stay ahead of the latest developments in digital asset markets: https://x.com/jpegtrading - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie.

A new report finds that participation in the federal food stamp program is down far more than was predicted when the Republican-led Congress approved cuts in 2025. That portends a similar fate for Medicaid, as states ready comparable changes. Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, and Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss these stories and more. Also this week, as part of the “How Would You Fix It?” series, Rovner interviews GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.  Plus, for “extra credit,” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too:  Julie Rovner: The New York Times' “The Fake Influencers Selling Wellness on Your Feed,” by Arijeta Lajka, Isabelle Niu, Mark Boyer, James Surdam and Dan T. Peters. Joanne Kenen: Stat's “A Most-Wanted Fugitive Appears To Have Been Secretly Working as a Biotech Executive,” by Adam Feuerstein. Margot Sanger-Katz: NPR's “Amid Nurse Shortage, a University Rolls Out the Welcome Mat for Men,” by Andrea Hsu. Alice Miranda Ollstein: Roll Call's “Trump Administration Puts Kibosh on HIV Prevention Funding,” by Ariel Cohen. 

What would it take to build a human services system that measures success by the lives it improves, rather than the rules it follows? How is Tennessee using data, digital tools, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to transform service delivery? And what lessons can government leaders draw from his book, Our Net Has Holes In It? Join host Michael J. Keegan for a conversation with Clarence Carter, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services as they explore how government can strengthen the safety net, improve outcomes, and help more people move toward lasting independence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Look Back on Macstock X for 2026 Audiobook Audio (V3) Part 5: Remove the Safety Net A Chat with Max Patten on Kilowatt Support the Show Security Bits — 14 July 2026 Transcript of NC_2026_07_16 Join the Conversation: allison@podfeet.com podfeet.com/slack Support the Show: Patreon Donation Apple Pay or Credit Card one-time donation PayPal one-time donation Podfeet Podcasts Mugs at Zazzle NosillaCast 20th Anniversary Shirts Referral Links: Setapp - 1 month free for you and me 15% off Carbon Copy Cloner Wispr Flow - 1 month free for you PETLIBRO - 30% off for you and me Parallels Toolbox - 3 months free for you and me Learn through MacSparky Field Guides - 15% off for you and me Backblaze - One free month for me and you Eufy - $40 for me if you spend $200. Sadly nothing in it for you. PIA VPN - One month added to Paid Accounts for both of us CleanShot X - Earns me $25%, sorry nothing in it for you but my gratitude

Nobody hands you a manual for this. There's no parent to call when a client ghosts an invoice, no older sibling who's been through a slow month in their own business, no family member who can tell you what it actually feels like to be the one holding the contract. When you're the first entrepreneur in your family, and especially the first woman, you are the roadmap. You're not following one. This episode is for the woman who knows that feeling. The one who loves her family completely and still can't fully explain what she's navigating. The one who shrinks her wins in certain rooms, who carries the weight of being watched, who's quietly become the financial anchor for people who don't entirely understand the business she's running. This is the episode Kate comes back to on the hard days, and she's making it for you to do the same. We get into what it actually means to sit inside this kind of isolation, not just the surface version of "nobody gets me," but the specific layers that stack when you're the first entrepreneur and the first woman and possibly the first breadwinner all at once. Kate names four distinct pressures that show up for first-gen entrepreneurs, including the guilt that comes with outpacing people you love, the way slow months hit differently when someone said it would happen, and the silent shrinking that happens when success starts to feel like something you need to hide. Then she gets into the three things that actually move the needle: building your own financial net before you need it, building an advisory circle instead of expecting your existing one to fill that role, and the permission slip nobody is ever going to hand you that you've been waiting on anyway. Being first is heavy. It's also a specific kind of power most people never get to hold. This episode is about learning to carry both. Timestamps:01:52 Naming The Isolation08:28 Rewriting The Story10:00 Watched Pressure14:04 No Safety Net19:04 Legacy Weight23:46 Build Your Triage Team27:24 Guilt Of Outpacing30:59 Three Ways Forward37:57 Turn Pressure Into Power39:14 Final Permission Slip To join the Ambitious Network for free, click HERE. To connect with Kate on Instagram, click ⁠HERE⁠. To apply for ITI, click ⁠HERE⁠. To submit a question to be answered on the podcast, click HERE.

07-16-2026 Col. Eric Buer Learn more about the interview and get additional links here: https://thedailyblaze.com/partnership-in-crisis-the-unsung-cross-border-safety-net/ Subscribe to the best of our content here: https://priceofbusiness.substack.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCywgbHv7dpiBG2Qswr_ceEQc

Birds 365 — Eagles news, analysis, and debate with Zander Krause and John McMullen. Zander Krause and John McMullen debate whether trading A.J. Brown makes Jalen Hurts' job harder and what the Eagles offense must fix first. Subscribe for daily Eagles coverage.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Strong global cues are guaranteeing a positive start for our market today, but the real test begins after the opening bell rings. For this bullish sentiment to survive, the Index absolutely must hold its ground above the vital 100-DEMA support. In this episode, Neel Parekh breaks down the technical blueprint for navigating today's opening surge. Learn why jumping in blindly can trap your capital, how to spot genuine institutional buying around the 100-DEMA, and the precise defensive levels you need to watch to ensure your portfolio stays in the green.

Strong global cues are guaranteeing a positive start for our market today, but the real test begins after the opening bell rings. For this bullish sentiment to survive, the Index absolutely must hold its ground above the vital 100-DEMA support. In this episode, Neel Parekh breaks down the technical blueprint for navigating today's opening surge. Learn why jumping in blindly can trap your capital, how to spot genuine institutional buying around the 100-DEMA, and the precise defensive levels you need to watch to ensure your portfolio stays in the green.

Strong global cues are guaranteeing a positive start for our market today, but the real test begins after the opening bell rings. For this bullish sentiment to survive, the Index absolutely must hold its ground above the vital 100-DEMA support. In this episode, Neel Parekh breaks down the technical blueprint for navigating today's opening surge. Learn why jumping in blindly can trap your capital, how to spot genuine institutional buying around the 100-DEMA, and the precise defensive levels you need to watch to ensure your portfolio stays in the green.

How do you use yours? Why does Toronto currently have the worst air quality in the world?GUESTS: John Wright - Veteran Pollster and CEO of Canada Pulse insights Lyndsay Morrison - CTV weather specialist

Chicago-area mutual aid groups have stepped in to fill gaps left by institutions. Crain's assistant managing editor Cassandra West talks with host Amy Guth about the focus of this month's Crain's Elevate series. Plus: Council committee punts parking meter vote as buyout fight takes another twist, Indiana gives $3.4 million in incentives for True Value HQ, Allstate taps new CFO from CoStar amid management shakeup and CPS lays off 162 employees as it works to close budget deficit for 2026-27 school year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For 30 years, Clarence Carter worked inside America's public assistance system under two presidents, four governors, and a mayor. In this episode, he joins John Odermatt to explain why the safety net designed to lift people out of poverty often keeps them trapped instead, and what a better system could look like. Carter draws on his three decades of experience — including transforming Washington DC's homeless services program and leading welfare reform in Virginia — to argue that the problem isn't a lack of funding, but a lack of clear purpose. He walks through the 114 federal programs that make up the safety net, why they measure compliance instead of outcomes, and what it would take to build a system focused on growing people beyond dependency rather than managing it. Along the way, he shares personal stories, from handing out apartment keys to former shelter residents to a welfare recipient's tearful first paycheck, that illustrate what real freedom from the system looks like, and makes the case for a whole-of-society approach involving government, business, faith communities, and everyday citizens. Show Sponsor: Jason Gagne's Good2GoBody 90-day beginner fitness program - ⁠https://good2go.podia.com/?coupon=LIONSJOHN⁠ Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction 0:58 – Sponsor message & guest introduction 3:18 – Why Clarence stayed 30 years in public service 4:11 – Transforming DC's homeless program 10:48 – The core problem: a system with no clear objective 15:37 – Can government solve this alone? 24:45 – Reimagining the safety net from scratch 34:14 – Building bipartisan support 38:13 – What keeps Clarence going after 30+ years 43:45 – The Wizard of Oz story & closing thoughts Book: Our Net Has Holes in It by Clarence H. Carter — available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4vW3syo Schedule a 15 minute Gut Health Audit with John: https://calendar.app.google/B9fcGdSFjC5caTVu5 SUPPORT LIONS OF LIBERTY: Help keep this podcast going! We rely on listener support to continue bringing you content on freedom, political reform, and personal empowerment.  Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/lionsofliberty Support us on Locals: https://lionsofliberty.locals.com/ Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen – it makes a huge difference! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 30 years, Clarence Carter worked inside America's public assistance system under two presidents, four governors, and a mayor. In this episode, he joins John Odermatt to explain why the safety net designed to lift people out of poverty often keeps them trapped instead, and what a better system could look like. Carter draws on his three decades of experience — including transforming Washington DC's homeless services program and leading welfare reform in Virginia — to argue that the problem isn't a lack of funding, but a lack of clear purpose. He walks through the 114 federal programs that make up the safety net, why they measure compliance instead of outcomes, and what it would take to build a system focused on growing people beyond dependency rather than managing it. Along the way, he shares personal stories, from handing out apartment keys to former shelter residents to a welfare recipient's tearful first paycheck, that illustrate what real freedom from the system looks like, and makes the case for a whole-of-society approach involving government, business, faith communities, and everyday citizens. Show Sponsor: Jason Gagne's Good2GoBody 90-day beginner fitness program - ⁠https://good2go.podia.com/?coupon=LIONSJOHN⁠ Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction 0:58 – Sponsor message & guest introduction 3:18 – Why Clarence stayed 30 years in public service 4:11 – Transforming DC's homeless program 10:48 – The core problem: a system with no clear objective 15:37 – Can government solve this alone? 24:45 – Reimagining the safety net from scratch 34:14 – Building bipartisan support 38:13 – What keeps Clarence going after 30+ years 43:45 – The Wizard of Oz story & closing thoughts Book: Our Net Has Holes in It by Clarence H. Carter — available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4vW3syo Schedule a 15 minute Gut Health Audit with John: https://calendar.app.google/B9fcGdSFjC5caTVu5 SUPPORT LIONS OF LIBERTY: Help keep this podcast going! We rely on listener support to continue bringing you content on freedom, political reform, and personal empowerment.  Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/lionsofliberty Support us on Locals: https://lionsofliberty.locals.com/ Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen – it makes a huge difference! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 30 years, Clarence Carter worked inside America's public assistance system under two presidents, four governors, and a mayor. In this episode, he joins John Odermatt to explain why the safety net designed to lift people out of poverty often keeps them trapped instead, and what a better system could look like. Carter draws on his three decades of experience — including transforming Washington DC's homeless services program and leading welfare reform in Virginia — to argue that the problem isn't a lack of funding, but a lack of clear purpose. He walks through the 114 federal programs that make up the safety net, why they measure compliance instead of outcomes, and what it would take to build a system focused on growing people beyond dependency rather than managing it. Along the way, he shares personal stories, from handing out apartment keys to former shelter residents to a welfare recipient's tearful first paycheck, that illustrate what real freedom from the system looks like, and makes the case for a whole-of-society approach involving government, business, faith communities, and everyday citizens. Show Sponsor: Jason Gagne's Good2GoBody 90-day beginner fitness program - ⁠https://good2go.podia.com/?coupon=LIONSJOHN⁠ Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction 0:58 – Sponsor message & guest introduction 3:18 – Why Clarence stayed 30 years in public service 4:11 – Transforming DC's homeless program 10:48 – The core problem: a system with no clear objective 15:37 – Can government solve this alone? 24:45 – Reimagining the safety net from scratch 34:14 – Building bipartisan support 38:13 – What keeps Clarence going after 30+ years 43:45 – The Wizard of Oz story & closing thoughts Book: Our Net Has Holes in It by Clarence H. Carter — available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4vW3syo Schedule a 15 minute Gut Health Audit with John: https://calendar.app.google/B9fcGdSFjC5caTVu5 SUPPORT LIONS OF LIBERTY: Help keep this podcast going! We rely on listener support to continue bringing you content on freedom, political reform, and personal empowerment.  Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/lionsofliberty Support us on Locals: https://lionsofliberty.locals.com/ Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen – it makes a huge difference! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For 30 years, Clarence Carter worked inside America's public assistance system under two presidents, four governors, and a mayor. In this episode, he joins John Odermatt to explain why the safety net designed to lift people out of poverty often keeps them trapped instead, and what a better system could look like. Carter draws on his three decades of experience — including transforming Washington DC's homeless services program and leading welfare reform in Virginia — to argue that the problem isn't a lack of funding, but a lack of clear purpose. He walks through the 114 federal programs that make up the safety net, why they measure compliance instead of outcomes, and what it would take to build a system focused on growing people beyond dependency rather than managing it. Along the way, he shares personal stories, from handing out apartment keys to former shelter residents to a welfare recipient's tearful first paycheck, that illustrate what real freedom from the system looks like, and makes the case for a whole-of-society approach involving government, business, faith communities, and everyday citizens. Show Sponsor: Jason Gagne's Good2GoBody 90-day beginner fitness program - ⁠https://good2go.podia.com/?coupon=LIONSJOHN⁠ Chapters: 0:00 – Introduction 0:58 – Sponsor message & guest introduction 3:18 – Why Clarence stayed 30 years in public service 4:11 – Transforming DC's homeless program 10:48 – The core problem: a system with no clear objective 15:37 – Can government solve this alone? 24:45 – Reimagining the safety net from scratch 34:14 – Building bipartisan support 38:13 – What keeps Clarence going after 30+ years 43:45 – The Wizard of Oz story & closing thoughts Book: Our Net Has Holes in It by Clarence H. Carter — available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4vW3syo Schedule a 15 minute Gut Health Audit with John: https://calendar.app.google/B9fcGdSFjC5caTVu5 SUPPORT LIONS OF LIBERTY: Help keep this podcast going! We rely on listener support to continue bringing you content on freedom, political reform, and personal empowerment.  Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/lionsofliberty Support us on Locals: https://lionsofliberty.locals.com/ Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen – it makes a huge difference! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Work with Paul: Schedule a 30-minute conversation As I reflect on the ideas in this podcast, I realize they all point to the same underlying principle: the importance of creating a gap in my financial life. That gap is the distance between what I earn and what I spend, between the plans I make and the unexpected events life inevitably brings. True freedom isn't about having unlimited wealth; it's about having enough margin to make choices on my own terms and adapt when circumstances change. What stands out to me is how easy it is to confuse financial success with financial security. I can have a strong income, be saving for retirement, and appear to be doing everything right, yet still be financially fragile if every dollar is already committed. Without a gap, any disruption—a job loss, medical expense, or major life change—can quickly become a crisis. The ability to make important life decisions often comes not from certainty, but from having enough financial flexibility to absorb uncertainty. The biggest lesson I take away is the importance of defining what "enough" means for me. If I never answer that question, I'll always be chasing more, constantly moving the goalpost and sacrificing time, attention, and peace of mind in the process. Financial progress isn't simply about accumulating more money; it's about maintaining the margin that gives me resilience, flexibility, and the freedom to live the life I actually want. Connect with Paul If you're a working parent juggling a senior-level career and a growing family, and are tired of coordinating four different advisors to run your financial life, I do complimentary 30-minute conversations. Schedule one here. For resources discussed in this episode, visit tammacapital.com/podcast. Follow Paul on LinkedIn.

Central Ohio's future promises growth, momentum, and opportunity. But as the region adds more people and faces mounting pressure on housing, health care, and human services, a challenging question is emerging: will the systems we rely on be able to keep up? In this forum, we take one of the first public looks at a major new long-range study on human needs in Central Ohio through 2050. Commissioned by Columbus City Council and the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County, an all-new Regionomics report examines how population growth and change are likely to reshape housing, poverty, homelessness, health, disability, workforce participation, and more across the 10-county region. With experts, we'll unpack the study's most urgent findings and explore what they mean for the future of the region. Where will the greatest strain show up first? Who is most at risk of being left behind? And what must public leaders, service providers, and all of us do now to prepare for the needs of a future Central Ohio? Featuring: Michael Corey, Executive Director, The Human Service Chamber of Franklin County Rhea Cunningham, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio Melissa Green, Columbus City Councilmember Dr. Bill LaFayette, Owner, Regionomics The host is Jordan Laird, Columbus Government and Politics Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was sponsored by The Bank of America Foundation. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at The Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. To read the complete new Regionomics report, "Columbus in 2025, 2035, and 2050: A Survey of Human Needs Now and in the Future," please visit the website of the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County.  If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our fantastic partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Another World is Possible: Lessons for America from Around the Globe, by Natasha Zapata (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on July 8, 2026

Is Social Security really running out? And if changes are coming, what should you be doing now to prepare for retirement? In this episode of Dollars & Sense, Rob Field and Chet Cowart of Nelson Financial Planning break down the latest Social Security Trustees Report and explain what it may mean for future retirees. They discuss why Social Security is not expected to disappear entirely, what could happen if no changes are made, and why it is more important than ever to build a retirement income plan that goes beyond one source of income. Rob and Chet also cover the importance of employer retirement plans, IRAs, Roth options, systematic investing, diversification, market expectations, AI and technology exposure, and how to answer the big retirement question: “Do I have enough?” Whether you are decades away from retirement or already thinking about turning your savings into income, this episode offers practical insight into how Social Security, investments, budgeting, taxes, risk tolerance, and lifestyle goals all work together in a successful retirement plan. In this episode, you'll learn: What the latest Social Security Trustees Report says about the future of benefits Why Social Security should be one part of a broader retirement income strategy How workplace retirement plans, IRAs, Roth accounts, and brokerage accounts can support your long-term goals Why systematic investing and “paying yourself first” can help build strong financial habits How diversification can help manage risk during changing market conditions Why retirement planning is about more than reaching a single account balance If you have questions about Social Security, retirement income planning, or how your investment strategy fits into your long-term goals, contact Nelson Financial Planning. We're here to help you make sense of life's decisions involving your dollars.

Welcome to Inside D.C., where we break down how decisions in Washington shape the tools you use on your farm. This week, Brownfield's Carah Hart talks with ag economists Brad Lubben and David Widmar about USDA's base acre updates and what they mean for farm program payments. Learn more about what's happening in the agriculture markets here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/markets/Find more agriculture news here: https://brownfieldagnews.com/Connect with Brownfield Ag News:» Get the latest ag news: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/» Subscribe to Brownfield on YouTube: @BrownfieldAgNews » Follow Brownfield on X (Twitter): https://x.com/brownfield» Follow Brownfield on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownfieldAgNewsSubscribe and listen to Brownfield Ag News:➡︎ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/dz/podcast/brownfield-ag-news/id1436508505➡︎ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4qoIHY9EYUV9sf5DXhBKHN?si=a4483aaa1afd445eBrownfield Ag News creates and delivers original content across multiple media platforms. Brownfield is the largest and one of the oldest agricultural news networks in the country carrying agricultural news, markets, weather, commentary and feature content.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You grew up in an environment of unreliable people. You learned to depend on yourself at an early age. You had to step in to take on responsibilities and you knew that if you didn't follow through, things would fall apart.And as you age, you realize you can't sustainably be everything for everyone. As your identity evolves, so does your perception of your worthiness. You can't take your value from being everything to everyone. You can't place your worth on being a people pleaser or high achiever forever.Your self-worth is truly the only thing you can rely on over time. Your self-worth shouldn't come from your job, your caretaking abilities, or your ability to perform. Not only could those all change or be taken away, but it fractures your ability to see your WHOLE SELF.Self-worth is what holds you together when everything falls apart. It holds you in between jobs, relationships, friendships, places, and opportunities.In this episode, I share why self-worth is the only safety net black sheep should rely on, and how developing high self-worth will completely change your life.[WATCH ON YOUTUBE]TIMESTAMPS:0:00 [intro] Your route to safety is through your self-worth 2:40 what is self-worth?5:25 being unemployed destroyed my self-worth10:10 black sheep don't have safety nets14:29 black sheep crave safety in different forms16:10 how to start building your self-worthLinks:Find self-worth coaching sessions, tarot readings, and all other resources at at blacksheepexperience.com/quick-linksSelf-Worth Blueprint for Black Sheep & Cycle Breakers (online course)Instagram: @blacksheepexperienceYouTube: @blacksheepexperience

Worry is often the rehearsal for things you don't want. In this soothing sleep meditation, you'll release each anxious thought into a luminous woven net, formed from the strands of tension you gently release during a calming body scan. As the net carries your worries into the celestial night sky, you'll rediscover your own quiet strength, finding comfort in a peaceful sanctuary where you are supported, cared for, and free to rest. It's time to dream away.Original Script, Narration, Calm Music, Video, Production, and Sound Design by Michelle Hotaling, Dreamaway Visions LLC 2026 All Rights Reserved✨YOUTUBE:

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Al Smith. Interview Purpose The purpose of this interview is to explore life transitions, resilience, and financial discipline through the lens of elite performance, using Al Smith’s journey from NFL All‑Pro to executive, entrepreneur, and community leader as a blueprint. The conversation highlights how preparation, education, mindset, and adaptability are essential when dreams evolve or abruptly change. This interview also serves to connect the experiences of professional athletes with those of small business owners and entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success in both arenas requires discipline, accountability, and long‑term thinking. Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Education as a Safety Net and Strategy Al Smith made the deliberate decision to finish his college degree before fully committing to the NFL, recognizing that professional sports offered no guarantees. This choice gave him leverage, confidence, and security—both mentally and financially—throughout his career. Key takeaway: Always secure something tangible before going “all in” on an uncertain opportunity. 2. Turning Fear into Fuel Smith openly discusses fear—fear of being cut, fear of competition, fear of uncertainty—and how he learned to convert fear into motivation rather than paralysis. He treated each season as if it were his last, approaching preparation with urgency and focus. Key takeaway: Fear is inevitable; how you respond to it determines longevity and success. 3. Competition Is Not the Enemy Competition played a central role in Smith’s development. Rather than avoiding it, he embraced it, understanding that growth requires discomfort. He credits adversity, pressure, and coaching challenges with sharpening his performance and character. Key takeaway: Competition strengthens discipline and reveals accountability. 4. Financial Literacy and Lifestyle Discipline Smith addresses the common financial pitfalls faced by professional athletes, many of which also apply to entrepreneurs: Lifestyle inflation Supporting others without boundaries Delegating financial decisions without understanding them Trying to maintain an image instead of sustainability Smith’s financial stability was aided by mentors, personal involvement in decisions, and a mindset focused on not owing—not just earning. Key takeaway: Financial success is not about income—it’s about control, habits, and awareness. 5. Mentorship and Environment Matter Smith emphasizes the value of surrounding himself with successful, disciplined people both on and off the field. Mentorship influenced how he thought about money, effort, competition, and leadership. Key takeaway: Proximity shapes thinking; environment influences outcomes. 6. Preparing for Life After the Dream Even while succeeding in the NFL, Smith planned for the transition ahead. This forward thinking led to opportunities in the front office, business, and leadership. He viewed this transition as a chance to open doors for others and to understand the business side of sports. Key takeaway: The end of one dream can be the beginning of a larger purpose. 7. Athletes and Entrepreneurs Face the Same Reality Smith draws a direct parallel between: Athletes competing yearly with no guarantees Entrepreneurs running businesses without security or routine Both require maximum effort, preparation beyond the clock, and resilience. Key takeaway: There is no 40‑hour workweek when you are building something of your own. Notable Quotes “I turned my fear into fire.” “There are no guarantees—every year is a one‑year deal.” “I treated every season like it was my last.” “You don’t want to owe. You want to own.” “Don’t be scared of competition.” “The gain outweighs the strain.” “Prepare so that if it ends tomorrow, you’re still standing.” Overall Message Al Smith’s interview is a powerful lesson in discipline, foresight, and adaptability. It reframes success as something built through preparation before opportunity arrives and sustained by humility, mentorship, and intentional decision‑making. His story reinforces that dreams evolve—but character, work ethic, and financial awareness determine whether those transitions become setbacks or stepping stones. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Al Smith. Interview Purpose The purpose of this interview is to explore life transitions, resilience, and financial discipline through the lens of elite performance, using Al Smith’s journey from NFL All‑Pro to executive, entrepreneur, and community leader as a blueprint. The conversation highlights how preparation, education, mindset, and adaptability are essential when dreams evolve or abruptly change. This interview also serves to connect the experiences of professional athletes with those of small business owners and entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success in both arenas requires discipline, accountability, and long‑term thinking. Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Education as a Safety Net and Strategy Al Smith made the deliberate decision to finish his college degree before fully committing to the NFL, recognizing that professional sports offered no guarantees. This choice gave him leverage, confidence, and security—both mentally and financially—throughout his career. Key takeaway: Always secure something tangible before going “all in” on an uncertain opportunity. 2. Turning Fear into Fuel Smith openly discusses fear—fear of being cut, fear of competition, fear of uncertainty—and how he learned to convert fear into motivation rather than paralysis. He treated each season as if it were his last, approaching preparation with urgency and focus. Key takeaway: Fear is inevitable; how you respond to it determines longevity and success. 3. Competition Is Not the Enemy Competition played a central role in Smith’s development. Rather than avoiding it, he embraced it, understanding that growth requires discomfort. He credits adversity, pressure, and coaching challenges with sharpening his performance and character. Key takeaway: Competition strengthens discipline and reveals accountability. 4. Financial Literacy and Lifestyle Discipline Smith addresses the common financial pitfalls faced by professional athletes, many of which also apply to entrepreneurs: Lifestyle inflation Supporting others without boundaries Delegating financial decisions without understanding them Trying to maintain an image instead of sustainability Smith’s financial stability was aided by mentors, personal involvement in decisions, and a mindset focused on not owing—not just earning. Key takeaway: Financial success is not about income—it’s about control, habits, and awareness. 5. Mentorship and Environment Matter Smith emphasizes the value of surrounding himself with successful, disciplined people both on and off the field. Mentorship influenced how he thought about money, effort, competition, and leadership. Key takeaway: Proximity shapes thinking; environment influences outcomes. 6. Preparing for Life After the Dream Even while succeeding in the NFL, Smith planned for the transition ahead. This forward thinking led to opportunities in the front office, business, and leadership. He viewed this transition as a chance to open doors for others and to understand the business side of sports. Key takeaway: The end of one dream can be the beginning of a larger purpose. 7. Athletes and Entrepreneurs Face the Same Reality Smith draws a direct parallel between: Athletes competing yearly with no guarantees Entrepreneurs running businesses without security or routine Both require maximum effort, preparation beyond the clock, and resilience. Key takeaway: There is no 40‑hour workweek when you are building something of your own. Notable Quotes “I turned my fear into fire.” “There are no guarantees—every year is a one‑year deal.” “I treated every season like it was my last.” “You don’t want to owe. You want to own.” “Don’t be scared of competition.” “The gain outweighs the strain.” “Prepare so that if it ends tomorrow, you’re still standing.” Overall Message Al Smith’s interview is a powerful lesson in discipline, foresight, and adaptability. It reframes success as something built through preparation before opportunity arrives and sustained by humility, mentorship, and intentional decision‑making. His story reinforces that dreams evolve—but character, work ethic, and financial awareness determine whether those transitions become setbacks or stepping stones. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our latest episode, we sit down with Donna Lynne, DrPH, CEO at Denver Health, and Paula Chatterjee, MD, MPH, assistant professor of medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine, to discuss how defining essential hospitals is a vital step to help safety net hospitals navigate the current challenging health care landscape.Read our policy brief about essential hospital designation to learn more about the details.https://essentialhospitals.org/policy-considerations-for-defining-essential-health-systems/

Send us Fan MailWhat is the state of the nonprofit sector in 2026—and can organizations sustain rising demand while protecting their workforce, leadership pipeline, and financial strength? Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of Independent Sector, joins us for a far-reaching conversation about the business conditions shaping America's 1.9 million charitable nonprofits.Nonprofits continue to hold one of the strongest positions of public trust among American institutions. Dr. Watkins reports that 57% of Americans express very high or favorable trust toward nonprofits. Yet that confidence exists alongside increasing pressure: weakened public safety nets, a more difficult government relationship, rising service demand, workforce exhaustion, and a major leadership transition.The workforce numbers require serious attention. Nearly 13.9 million Americans work for charitable nonprofits, and approximately two-thirds are women. Nationally, about 22% of full-time nonprofit employees do not earn enough to cover their bills. As Dr. Watkins explains, nonprofit organizations compete for human capital just like every other sector. Compensation, retirement security, leadership development, and workplace culture are not side issues. They determine whether organizations can retain institutional knowledge, attract future executives, and continue meeting community needs.“If we want leaders for the future, we have to invest in leadership today,” she says.The conversation also examines the nonprofit sector's role in nonpartisan voter engagement. Research cited during the episode indicates that voter participation increases by approximately 10% when nonprofits are involved. With fewer than 40% of Americans actively volunteering, civic engagement is becoming an operational concern as well as a community concern.“The work that we do has been deeply invisible, but extremely felt personally by Americans,” Dr. Watkins explains.This is a sector-level business conversation for nonprofit executives, board members, fundraisers, advocates, and managers responsible for building organizations that can endure.Key Takeaways:Public trust is a major nonprofit asset, but organizations must connect that trust to stronger advocacy and clearer public storytelling.Workforce sustainability requires competitive compensation, retirement access, professional development, and realistic workload expectations.Approximately 22% of full-time nonprofit employees nationally cannot earn enough to cover their basic bills.Leadership succession must begin before senior executives retire and institutional knowledge leaves the organization.Managing as many as five workplace generations requires updated leadership and communication practices.Nonpartisan voter engagement can increase community participation while strengthening nonprofits' civic role.00:00:00 Meet Dr. Akilah Watkins of Independent Sector00:02:09 Representing America's 1.9 Million Charitable Nonprofits00:06:04 The State of the Nonprofit Sector in 202600:06:29 Why 57% of Americans Still Trust Nonprofits00:07:37 A Changing Relationship Between Nonprofits and Government00:09:24 The Exhausted 13.9 Million-Person Nonprofit Workforce00:11:49 Does the Sector Have Its Next Generation of Leaders?00:12:30 The Nonprofit Compensation Numbers Leaders Cannot Ignore00:14:02 Retirement Security and Six Workforce Policy Priorities00:15:01 Leadership Succession and the Five-Generation Workplace00:20:23 Voting, Volunteering and the Nonprofit Civic Role00:25:13 Independent Sector's 2026 National Summit in Phoenix#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitLeadership #NonprofitSectorFind us Live daily on YouTube!Find us  Live daily on LinkedIn!Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_ShowOur national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!  12:30pm ET   11:30am CT  10:30am MT  9:30am PTSend us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.comVisit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show

These farms often grow a variety of crops, which makes them more resilient when extreme weather strikes. But farming this way can make it harder to get crop insurance. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/ 

Our guest this week, Alvin Wang Graylin spent 35 years in senior leadership roles across HTC, IBM, and other major tech companies. He ran HTC's VR division, came out of the famous HIT Lab, now teaches at MIT, holds a fellowship at Stanford, and just published a paper called "Beyond Rivalry" proposing a seven-point plan for deescalating US-China AI tensions and building a global safety net before the economy breaks.His thesis: America is the fastest in the AI race and the least prepared for what it's creating—a cliff where human labor theory of value collapses, capital concentration accelerates, and 40% of the population living month to month faces chaos.The conversation becomes a wide-ranging debate between Alvin, Charlie, and Rony about whether AGI will be benevolent by default (Alvin's position: research shows smarter AI seeks global coherence and becomes less controllable by individual humans, which may actually make it safer) or whether benevolence must be designed in from scratch.AI XR News You Should Know: Elon Musk merges SpaceX, xAI, and X into a single entity—Alvin dismantles the space data center concept with physics (vacuum cooling is a myth, micro-meteorite collisions would destroy hardware daily, and energy is only 10% of data center costs).Amazon invests $50 billion in OpenAI that round-trips back to AWS. Alphabet breaks revenue records at $400 billion but spooks investors by disclosing $90 billion in AI spending. ElevenLabs raises $500 million at $11 billion valuation. Rony's SynthBee hits unicorn status with $100 million raised at a multi-billion dollar valuation.Alvin warns the AI bubble dwarfs the dot-com era (298 companies raised $24 billion total during dot-com; OpenAI alone is raising that in a single private round) and predicts OpenAI may implode before going public.Key Moments Timestamps:[00:04:47] SpaceX/xAI/X merger: Rony calls it Elon's "return to Tony Stark form"[00:06:41] Alvin dismantles space data centers with physics: vacuum cooling myth, micro-meteorites, $7K/kg launch costs[00:10:04] Amazon's $50B investment in OpenAI as a round-trip to AWS; the scam economy[00:11:26] Alvin predicts OpenAI may implode before going public[00:14:23] Alvin on 35 years in AI: the technology is transformational but everyone's making a commodity product[00:17:04] The AI bubble dwarfs dot-com: $24B total vs. single private rounds today[00:19:04] Rony's contrarian: the $110 trillion global economy is what's being bet against[00:21:06] Labor theory of value collapses: what happens when humans exit the production cycle[00:23:00] America is fastest in the AI race and least prepared; 40% live month to month[00:24:00] Alvin's Stanford paper "Beyond Rivalry": a CERN for AI and global data pool[00:28:00] Davos reflections: the rest of the world is more rational than America[00:34:00] Chinese vs. American culture: reverence for teachers, respect for elders[00:42:00] Alvin's "Abundant" framework: valuing human dignity over production after AGI[00:44:22] The great debate: will AGI find benevolence naturally (Alvin) or must it be designed in (Rony)?[00:47:00] Rony on risk: AGI systems are unverifiable, untestable, and we cannot take the chanceListen to the full episode and subscribe to the AI XR Podcast for weekly conversations at the intersection of AI, XR, and the future of humanity.This episode is brought to you by Zappar, creators of Mattercraft—the leading visual development environment for building immersive 3D web experiences for mobile headsets and desktop. Build smarter at mattercraft.io. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The National Farmers Union is working on strengthening the farm safety net. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode recorded live at the Becker's 16th Annual Meeting features Tesa Anewishki, President and Chief Executive Officer, Loretto Hospital. She discusses leading a safety net hospital through an electronic health record transformation, expanding access to care amid community hospital closures, and leveraging workforce development, communication, and resourcefulness to meet growing healthcare challenges.In collaboration with Insight Global.

Farmers who participate in safety net programs like ARC and PLC will soon be able increase their base acres, which means a bigger payout in tough times. State FSA Executive Director Mike Mayfield explains what this means for row crop farmers now.

What does it actually take to end homelessness in a city? Rosa Hart sits down with Ra'Shann Martin, Executive Director of St. John's Center for Homeless Men, to find out.Ra'Shann didn't start in homeless services — he started with young people. His work at YouthBuild showed him how quickly housing instability derails a life, and that realization sent him on a path that eventually led to leading one of Louisville's most essential nonprofits. In this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on what homelessness in Louisville really looks like, who it affects, and what's actually working.In this episode:Ra'Shann shares his journey from YouthBuild to executive leadership, including the unexpected phone call that changed everything. He breaks down how St. John's Center operates across shelter, outreach, and permanent housing — and why something as simple as a mailing address can be the difference between stability and crisis. He introduces Sheehan Landing, the new 80-unit permanent supportive housing complex, and tells the story of an 83-year-old man found living in an encampment who now has a home. He also unpacks the myths around homelessness in Louisville, explains the new Outreach Referral Tool as a compassionate alternative to calling 911 or 311, and answers the question everyone wants to ask: should you give money to someone panhandling?You'll walk away knowing:What homelessness in Louisville actually looks like — and who it affectsHow permanent supportive housing works and why it changes outcomesWhat the Outreach Referral Tool is and how to use itWhat supplies are always needed (it's not just socks)How employers, volunteers, and community members can get involved right nowConnect with St. John's Center:Website: stjohnscenter.orgOutreach Referral Tool: stjohnscenter.org (click "Referral Tool")Phone: 502-568-6758 (ask for Outreach)Connect with Ra'Shann Martin on LinkedInSupport the work:Donate, volunteer, or explore partnership opportunities at stjohnscenter.orgKnow a Louisville mover and shaker making a difference? Rosa wants to hear from you.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Al Smith. Interview Purpose The purpose of this interview is to explore life transitions, resilience, and financial discipline through the lens of elite performance, using Al Smith’s journey from NFL All‑Pro to executive, entrepreneur, and community leader as a blueprint. The conversation highlights how preparation, education, mindset, and adaptability are essential when dreams evolve or abruptly change. This interview also serves to connect the experiences of professional athletes with those of small business owners and entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success in both arenas requires discipline, accountability, and long‑term thinking. Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Education as a Safety Net and Strategy Al Smith made the deliberate decision to finish his college degree before fully committing to the NFL, recognizing that professional sports offered no guarantees. This choice gave him leverage, confidence, and security—both mentally and financially—throughout his career. Key takeaway: Always secure something tangible before going “all in” on an uncertain opportunity. 2. Turning Fear into Fuel Smith openly discusses fear—fear of being cut, fear of competition, fear of uncertainty—and how he learned to convert fear into motivation rather than paralysis. He treated each season as if it were his last, approaching preparation with urgency and focus. Key takeaway: Fear is inevitable; how you respond to it determines longevity and success. 3. Competition Is Not the Enemy Competition played a central role in Smith’s development. Rather than avoiding it, he embraced it, understanding that growth requires discomfort. He credits adversity, pressure, and coaching challenges with sharpening his performance and character. Key takeaway: Competition strengthens discipline and reveals accountability. 4. Financial Literacy and Lifestyle Discipline Smith addresses the common financial pitfalls faced by professional athletes, many of which also apply to entrepreneurs: Lifestyle inflation Supporting others without boundaries Delegating financial decisions without understanding them Trying to maintain an image instead of sustainability Smith’s financial stability was aided by mentors, personal involvement in decisions, and a mindset focused on not owing—not just earning. Key takeaway: Financial success is not about income—it’s about control, habits, and awareness. 5. Mentorship and Environment Matter Smith emphasizes the value of surrounding himself with successful, disciplined people both on and off the field. Mentorship influenced how he thought about money, effort, competition, and leadership. Key takeaway: Proximity shapes thinking; environment influences outcomes. 6. Preparing for Life After the Dream Even while succeeding in the NFL, Smith planned for the transition ahead. This forward thinking led to opportunities in the front office, business, and leadership. He viewed this transition as a chance to open doors for others and to understand the business side of sports. Key takeaway: The end of one dream can be the beginning of a larger purpose. 7. Athletes and Entrepreneurs Face the Same Reality Smith draws a direct parallel between: Athletes competing yearly with no guarantees Entrepreneurs running businesses without security or routine Both require maximum effort, preparation beyond the clock, and resilience. Key takeaway: There is no 40‑hour workweek when you are building something of your own. Notable Quotes “I turned my fear into fire.” “There are no guarantees—every year is a one‑year deal.” “I treated every season like it was my last.” “You don’t want to owe. You want to own.” “Don’t be scared of competition.” “The gain outweighs the strain.” “Prepare so that if it ends tomorrow, you’re still standing.” Overall Message Al Smith’s interview is a powerful lesson in discipline, foresight, and adaptability. It reframes success as something built through preparation before opportunity arrives and sustained by humility, mentorship, and intentional decision‑making. His story reinforces that dreams evolve—but character, work ethic, and financial awareness determine whether those transitions become setbacks or stepping stones. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Al Smith. Interview Purpose The purpose of this interview is to explore life transitions, resilience, and financial discipline through the lens of elite performance, using Al Smith’s journey from NFL All‑Pro to executive, entrepreneur, and community leader as a blueprint. The conversation highlights how preparation, education, mindset, and adaptability are essential when dreams evolve or abruptly change. This interview also serves to connect the experiences of professional athletes with those of small business owners and entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success in both arenas requires discipline, accountability, and long‑term thinking. Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Education as a Safety Net and Strategy Al Smith made the deliberate decision to finish his college degree before fully committing to the NFL, recognizing that professional sports offered no guarantees. This choice gave him leverage, confidence, and security—both mentally and financially—throughout his career. Key takeaway: Always secure something tangible before going “all in” on an uncertain opportunity. 2. Turning Fear into Fuel Smith openly discusses fear—fear of being cut, fear of competition, fear of uncertainty—and how he learned to convert fear into motivation rather than paralysis. He treated each season as if it were his last, approaching preparation with urgency and focus. Key takeaway: Fear is inevitable; how you respond to it determines longevity and success. 3. Competition Is Not the Enemy Competition played a central role in Smith’s development. Rather than avoiding it, he embraced it, understanding that growth requires discomfort. He credits adversity, pressure, and coaching challenges with sharpening his performance and character. Key takeaway: Competition strengthens discipline and reveals accountability. 4. Financial Literacy and Lifestyle Discipline Smith addresses the common financial pitfalls faced by professional athletes, many of which also apply to entrepreneurs: Lifestyle inflation Supporting others without boundaries Delegating financial decisions without understanding them Trying to maintain an image instead of sustainability Smith’s financial stability was aided by mentors, personal involvement in decisions, and a mindset focused on not owing—not just earning. Key takeaway: Financial success is not about income—it’s about control, habits, and awareness. 5. Mentorship and Environment Matter Smith emphasizes the value of surrounding himself with successful, disciplined people both on and off the field. Mentorship influenced how he thought about money, effort, competition, and leadership. Key takeaway: Proximity shapes thinking; environment influences outcomes. 6. Preparing for Life After the Dream Even while succeeding in the NFL, Smith planned for the transition ahead. This forward thinking led to opportunities in the front office, business, and leadership. He viewed this transition as a chance to open doors for others and to understand the business side of sports. Key takeaway: The end of one dream can be the beginning of a larger purpose. 7. Athletes and Entrepreneurs Face the Same Reality Smith draws a direct parallel between: Athletes competing yearly with no guarantees Entrepreneurs running businesses without security or routine Both require maximum effort, preparation beyond the clock, and resilience. Key takeaway: There is no 40‑hour workweek when you are building something of your own. Notable Quotes “I turned my fear into fire.” “There are no guarantees—every year is a one‑year deal.” “I treated every season like it was my last.” “You don’t want to owe. You want to own.” “Don’t be scared of competition.” “The gain outweighs the strain.” “Prepare so that if it ends tomorrow, you’re still standing.” Overall Message Al Smith’s interview is a powerful lesson in discipline, foresight, and adaptability. It reframes success as something built through preparation before opportunity arrives and sustained by humility, mentorship, and intentional decision‑making. His story reinforces that dreams evolve—but character, work ethic, and financial awareness determine whether those transitions become setbacks or stepping stones. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live radio doesn't care if you're nervous, prepared, or having a rough day. The mic goes hot, the clock keeps moving, and “dead air” becomes your worst enemy. I'm flying solo without Clay this week, and I'm telling the story of filling in for a Dallas talk radio host, including the moment a guest dropped off the line and I had to talk my way out of silence in real time. It's messy, honest, and a surprising lesson in doing the hard thing even when you want to back out.Then we turn to a tragedy that should stop all of us cold: two high school students at a Texas track meet, a heated exchange in the bleachers, a utility knife, and 17-year-old Austin Metcalf gone in seconds. We talk about the conviction and the self-defense claim that didn't hold up, but we keep the focus where it belongs: the victim, the family left behind, and what this kind of violence says about impulse control, empathy, and a culture that rewards confrontation.From there, we hit the broader pattern across politics and media: California's slow ballot counting and the trust collapse around mail-in voting, the Maine race controversy and the tired whataboutism defense, and Trump's tense Meet the Press moment that highlights the legacy media credibility problem. We close with a blunt conversation about feminism, family structure, loneliness, and the mental health crisis, plus what it looks like to rebuild with accountability and faith.If this hit a nerve, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What part of the culture do you think we can actually fix first?Support the showElsa's AMAZON STORE Elsa's FAITH & FREEDOM MERCH STOREElsa's BOOKSElsa Kurt: You may know her for her uncanny, viral Kamala Harris impressions & conservative comedy skits, but she's also a lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife. She has channeled her fierce love and passion for God, family, country, and those who serve as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show with Clay Novak. Her show discusses today's topics & news from a middle class/blue collar family & conservative perspective. The vocal LEOW's career began as a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women's novels. Clay Novak: Clay Novak was commissioned in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and served as an officer for twenty four years in Mechanized Infantry, Airborne Infantry, and Cavalry units .  He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. Clay is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and is a Master Rated Parachutist, serving for more tha...

The 2026 Food Summit will take place on Tuesday June 16 at the Albany Capital Center. This year's summit has three themes: Strengthening the Safety Net; Food as Medicine; and, Ending Hunger Through Action. We talk with Natasha Pernicka of the Food Pantries for the Capital District and Mark WInne, author of The Road to a Hunger Free America. With Mark Dunlea for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

Ep. 214 features Alec Gehlot, Founder of PlaySignal, a responsible gaming platform helping operators intervene earlier, reduce self-exclusions, and create healthier player experiences.    Hear them discuss: The inspiration behind PlaySignal and why rising self-exclusion rates reveal a growing industry challenge How PlaySignal's traffic-light system helps identify at-risk behavior and intervene before players reach a crisis point Why Alec believes responsible gaming should move from a back-office compliance function to a player-facing experience The concept of “RG 3.0” and how behavioral science, player psychology, and real-time engagement can reshape responsible gaming Balancing player protection and retention by helping operators act proactively rather than reactively The pressures facing regulated operators, including higher taxes, tighter regulations, and competition from offshore markets Why responsible gaming may become the strongest differentiator for licensed operators in the years ahead How prediction markets and platforms like Kalshi are approaching self-exclusion and responsible participation Alec's decision to bootstrap PlaySignal and his approach to building a lean startup in the gaming industry The entrepreneurial lessons he's learned from boxing, resilience, and getting “punched in the face” while building a company   Catch the video version of this episode here.   Learn more

What if the next chapter of your career is not full-time, but fully aligned?In this episode of Corporate Cafecito, Nallely and Carlos are talking about fractional work, what it means, why it is growing, and why so many professionals are starting to see it as more than just a backup plan.Fractional CFOs, COOs, CHROs, consultants, strategists, and operators are stepping into companies for a season, solving real problems, and bringing years of experience without being tied to one permanent role.But let's be honest, mi gente.This shift comes with both opportunity and concern.For some, fractional work creates freedom, flexibility, and a chance to use your expertise on your own terms.For others, it may feel like another sign that secure corporate jobs are changing.So we're talking about it all:✨ What fractional work really means✨ Why it is becoming more common✨ How it can help entrepreneurs and small businesses✨ What to consider before saying yes✨ Why your resume, skill set, and confidence matter more than everBecause sometimes the next move is not about starting over.Sometimes it is about realizing that what you already know has value.Pour your cafecito, bring your questions, y vámonos. This conversation is one many of us need right now.Watch the full episode at www.corpcafecito.com#CorporateCafecito #LatineProfessionals #CareerGrowth #FractionalWork #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #LatinasInBusiness #LatinosInBusiness #CareerStrategy #CafecitoConPurposeSupport the showIf you'd like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com.Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today.Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact. 

Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Clarence H. Carter has written the book on the social saftey net in the U.S., what's gone wrong and what should be done. https://a.co/d/0gZO91UVChurch and State is brought to you by,  YOU!  Visit us at: https://churchandstate.media where you can support us by donating directly and find links to shop with our affiliates.Get our merch at https://standupnowapparel.com/partner-church-and-state/   Support Church and State today by shopping at www.MyPillow.com using our coupon code: “CHURCHANDSTATE”.Our links are on link tree: https://linktr.ee/churchandstate                    Subscribe to our Locals Community (churchandstate1.locals.com)   Follow us on Rumble (@ChurchandState1776) https://rumble.com/user/ChurchandState1776    X(twitter) (@1churchandstate) https://x.com/1churchandstatefacebook (churchandstate1776) https://www.facebook.com/ChurchandState1776   SubStack (churchandstate.substack.com) https://churchandstate.substack.com/     *Help fund our fight against tyranny: Buy from our affiliates and tell them Church and State sent you. *Tune in on NRBTV Tue-Fri 1:30 PM Pacific! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/prepper-broadcasting-network--3295097/support.Support PBN and become a MEMBER of the PBN FAMILY! Free courses, Members only videos, reviews, and podcast! The Prepper's Medical Handbook Build Your Medical Cache – Welcome PBN FamilyJoin the Prepper Broadcasting Network for expert insights on #Survival, #Prepping, #SelfReliance, #OffGridLiving, #Homesteading, #Homestead building, #SelfSufficiency, #Permaculture, #OffGrid solutions, and #SHTF preparedness. With diverse hosts and shows, get practical tips to thrive independently – subscribe now!Newsletter – Welcome PBN FamilyGet Your Free Copy of 50 MUST READ BOOKS TO SURVIVE DOOMSDAYSupport PBN with a Donation 

We call grocery workers “essential” — right up until it's time to pay them. In this episode, Nicole sits down with journalist, activist, and author Ann Larson to unpack the hidden realities of low-wage labor, economic inequality, and the corporate systems keeping millions of workers struggling to survive. Drawing from her experience working as a grocery store cashier during the pandemic, Ann shares what most consumers never see: workers skipping meals, elderly employees unable to retire, women wearing diapers behind registers because breaks are denied, and employees lacking basic healthcare while generating billions for major corporations. Ann Larson is a journalist and activist whose work on education debt and low-wage labor has appeared in The New Republic, The Nation, Fast Company, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. She's the co-author of Can't Pay Won't Pay: The Case for Economic Disobedience and Debt Abolition and author of Clean Up on Aisle Five, a powerful look inside the realities of supermarket labor in America. In this episode, Nicole and Ann discuss: Why there's no such thing as “unskilled labor” The hidden emotional and technical skills required in grocery work How corporate consolidation impacts wages, communities, and poverty rates The connection between consumer spending and worker treatment Why unionization and antitrust laws matter more than most people realize How economic inequality affects all of us — not just low-wage workers What shoppers can do to support ethical labor practices Why voting with your dollars matters Because if people working full-time jobs still can't afford food, healthcare, or retirement, the system isn't broken — it's working exactly as designed. The question is whether we're willing to keep funding it. Thank you to our sponsors! Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/WOMAN - and make sure to tell them we sent you! Elevate your summer wardrobe: Go to Quince.com/tiww for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! Families are better when they're working together… go to myskylight.com/WOMANSWORK for $30 off your Skylight Calendar. Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at Greenlight.com/TIWW. Don't wait to teach your kids real-world money skills! Connect with Ann: Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Cleanup-on-Aisle-Five/Ann-Larson/9781668094501    Website: https://annlarsonwrites.com/  Related Podcast Episodes: Fair Shake: Women And The Fight To Build A Just Economy with June Carbone | 246 Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 Wages For Housework with Emily Callici | 325 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode, part-time farmer, part-time trucker Jared Sapach of Reuben's Roots discusses the relative lack of support for small, local farms compared to large conventional farms.   Subscribe for more content on sustainable farming, market farming tips, and business insights!   Get market farming tools, seeds, and supplies at Modern Grower. Follow Modern Grower:  Instagram  Instagram Listen to other podcasts on the Modern Grower Podcast Network:  Carrot Cashflow  Farm Small Farm Smart  Farm Small Farm Smart Daily  The Growing Microgreens Podcast  The Urban Farmer Podcast  The Rookie Farmer Podcast  In Search of Soil Podcast Check out Diego's books:  Sell Everything You Grow on Amazon   Ready Farmer One on Amazon **** Modern Grower and Diego Footer participate in the Amazon Services LLC. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

On a recent episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast, Alan Kaplinsky, host of the podcast, had the opportunity to interview Amelia O'Rourke-Owens, a legal scholar and former CFPB policy fellow, about her article, "Tearing Holes in Consumer Protection: Democracy's Safety Net." Amelia is the founder and CEO of Resilience Solutions, which provides subject matter expertise and consulting services around policy solutions and strategic planning. The services enhance strategic objectives of their clients and build resilience in their enterprise and efforts.  The discussion explored the role of consumer financial protection law, the evolving mission of the CFPB, and the broader implications for democracy, innovation, and financial regulation. Amelia advances a bold thesis in her article: that consumer protection law, and particularly consumer financial protection law, may be the most impactful body of law in the United States. She further argues that the strength of consumer protection laws may serve as a barometer for the health of American democracy. To support this thesis, Amelia proposes a three-part framework for evaluating the "impact" of a body of law: 1.         The number of individuals protected 2.         The breadth of entities governed 3.         The available avenues for enforcement Under this framework, Amelia contends that consumer financial protection law stands apart because it affects virtually every American, governs a broad range of financial institutions and market participants, and relies on overlapping enforcement mechanisms that include federal regulators, state attorneys general, and private litigation. Alan and Amelia's discussion examined these themes in detail and highlighted several important points of disagreement. The CFPB's Role and Regulatory Philosophy A substantial portion of their conversation focused on the CFPB itself and how different administrations have approached the Bureau's authority. Amelia defended an expansive view of consumer protection oversight, arguing that robust regulation is necessary to prevent harmful market conduct and systemic instability. She pointed to the 2008 financial crisis as evidence that insufficient oversight can have devastating consequences not only for consumers but for the financial system as a whole. Alan expressed concern that, during the tenure of former CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, the Bureau frequently pushed beyond clear statutory boundaries through aggressive enforcement theories, expansive interpretations of UDAAP authority, and attempts to regulate emerging products and practices through guidance and supervisory pressure rather than formal rulemaking. As Alan noted during the discussion, many industry participants viewed the CFPB's approach under Chopra as creating significant uncertainty. Financial institutions often struggled to determine whether innovative products that complied with existing statutes and regulations would nevertheless become targets of CFPB criticism or enforcement. That uncertainty, in Alan's view, can have real-world consequences. Institutions may become more risk-averse, innovation may slow, and access to credit, particularly for low- and moderate-income consumers, may be reduced. Amelia strongly disagreed with the premise that regulatory oversight itself discourages innovation or access to credit. Instead, she argued that effective regulation can create guardrails that protect responsible market participants from competitors willing to cut corners or exploit consumers. The Importance of Multiple Enforcement Mechanisms Another key theme of the discussion was the importance of overlapping enforcement authority. Amelia emphasized the value of allowing state attorneys general to enforce consumer protection laws and argued that Dodd-Frank appropriately preserved state authority by limiting federal preemption in many contexts. She suggested that state regulators are often better positioned to identify emerging harms before they become national problems. Alan acknowledged that state enforcement can play an important role, particularly given the prevalence of arbitration clauses and class action waivers that have limited certain forms of private litigation. At the same time, Alan noted that overlapping federal and state enforcement can create inconsistent standards and compliance uncertainty for financial institutions operating nationwide. This tension between national uniformity and decentralized enforcement remains one of the central unresolved issues in consumer financial regulation. Areas of Agreement Despite their disagreements, there were several areas where Alan and Amelia found substantial common ground. Most notably, they agreed that one of the CFPB's most successful accomplishments has been the creation of its consumer complaint portal. The complaint database has provided consumers with an accessible mechanism for obtaining responses from financial institutions while also generating valuable market-wide data about recurring problems and trends. They also agreed on the growing threat posed by scams and fraud, particularly involving digital payment platforms and other rapidly evolving technologies. Amelia highlighted the enormous financial harm consumers suffer from fraud schemes, while Alan noted the increasing concern among policymakers and researchers regarding scams originating overseas and the need for a coordinated national response. Consumer Protection and Democratic Governance Perhaps the most provocative aspect of Amelia's article is her argument that consumer financial protection serves as a "bellwether" for the health of democracy itself. Amelia contends that strong consumer protection reflects a government responsive to the needs of its constituents, while weakening such protections signals an elevation of other interests over those of ordinary consumers. Alan expressed skepticism about tying consumer financial regulation so directly to democratic legitimacy. In Alan's view, there are also serious democratic concerns raised when an independent agency led by a single director exercises broad policymaking authority without clear congressional authorization. This debate reflects a larger national conversation about the proper role of administrative agencies, the balance between accountability and independence, and the limits of regulatory power. Looking Ahead The future direction of consumer financial protection remains uncertain. The CFPB under Acting Director Russell Vought has moved aggressively to scale back many of the initiatives pursued during the Chopra era, prompting intense debate about the agency's long-term mission and structure. At the same time, emerging technologies, digital payment systems, fraud risks, and evolving financial products will continue to challenge regulators, lawmakers, and industry participants alike. Alan's discussion with Amelia O'Rourke-Owens highlighted the sharp disagreements that exist regarding the CFPB and consumer financial regulation more broadly. But it also underscored the importance of continuing thoughtful and substantive dialogue about these issues as the financial services industry and regulatory landscape continue to evolve. Amelia's article was presented at the Loyola Consumer Law Symposium back in March. The article can be found in the Loyola Consumer Law Review Vol. 38:2. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

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In today's episode on 21st May 2026, we talk about the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool that was recently announced.Book a FREE call with Ditto

We talk a lot about burnout, overwhelm, and productivity — but not nearly enough about the invisible mental gymnastics happening behind the scenes. The remembering, anticipating, overthinking, emotional labor, and “just handling it” that so many women carry every single day. Not just at home, but at work too. In this episode, Nicole sits down with Dr. Liane Davey — known as the Teamwork Doctor — to unpack the concept of “thought load” and why high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to carrying way too much of it. Liane is a New York Times bestselling author, leadership advisor to Fortune 500 companies, and author of the book Thought Load: Manage the Madness and Free Your Team to Do Great Work. Together, they explore how over-functioning gets rewarded in workplaces, why busyness and productivity can become traps, and how to stop becoming everyone else's emotional support system and human reminder app. In This Episode, We Explore: What “thought load” actually is — and why it's draining women at work Why high-achieving women often become the default problem-solvers for everyone else The difference between being busy, productive, and actually impactful How to determine what truly matters instead of trying to do everything Why managing attention matters more than managing time How to stop becoming the go-to person for everyone's problems Boundary-setting strategies that don't require becoming cold or unavailable Why letting go is necessary if you want to grow into leadership Because the higher you want to climb, the more willing you have to be to let go of the roles, responsibilities, and expectations that are keeping you stuck. Thank you to our sponsors! Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! Families are better when they're working together… go to myskylight.com/WOMANSWORK for $30 off your Skylight Calendar. Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/woman  Connect with Liane: Website: https://lianedavey.com/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtload-Manage-Madness-Free-Great/dp/1774586517 LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianedavey/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drlianedavey  IG: https://www.instagram.com/lianedavey  Related Podcast Episodes: How To Tame Your Inner Critic (Without Gaslighting Yourself) with Megan Dalla-Camina | 354 VI4P - Head Trash and Giving Grace on the Journey (Chapter 7) Holding It Together: Women As America's Safety Net with Jessica Calarco | 215 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

https://teachhoops.com/ In the high-pressure world of competitive sports, it is easy to view players as "assets" or "stats" rather than human beings. We spend hours dissecting their shooting percentages and defensive rotations, but how much time do we spend understanding the person behind the jersey? Strengthening the bond with your players is not just a "feel-good" exercise; it is the fundamental requirement for high-level performance. When a player knows you care about their life more than their layup, they give you a level of effort that a playbook simply cannot extract. Trust is the currency of coaching, and you have to make deposits every day if you want to make a withdrawal in the final four minutes of a championship game. One of the simplest ways to build a bond is to spend two minutes every day talking to each player about something completely unrelated to basketball. Ask about their chemistry test, their favorite music, or how their family is doing. This breaks the "transactional" barrier. It signals that you value them as a human being, not just a tool to help you win games. In the mid-season grind, these small deposits of time create a "Safety Net" of trust that allows you to coach them harder when the stakes are high. Most coaches think they have to be "bulletproof" to lead. In reality, showing your players that you are human—that you make mistakes, that you have bad days, and that you are constantly learning—actually increases your authority. When you apologize for a bad play call or admit you were wrong in a film session, you give your players permission to be human, too. Your players need to see you "doing the work" with them. This doesn't mean you have to run suicides at 50 years old, but it means you are the first one in the gym and the last one to leave. When you are "in the trenches" with them, you aren't a distant figure on a pedestal; you are a partner in their journey. A bond isn't built in a one-hour team-building retreat; it's built in the 1,000 small, consistent interactions throughout the year. Your players should know exactly what they are getting from you every single day. Consistency provides the Emotional Stability a team needs to navigate the highs and lows of a long season. Basketball player relationships, coaching trust, athletic leadership, team culture, high school basketball, youth basketball, basketball IQ, coach development, mentoring athletes, "The Villanova Way," character development, vulnerability in leadership, psychological safety in sports, coach unplugged, teach hoops, basketball success, mental toughness, program building, coaching legacy. Show Notes1. The "2-Minute" Non-Basketball Rule2. Radical Vulnerability3. The "In-The-Trenches" Mentality4. Consistency Over IntensityThe "Bond-Building" AuditActionFrequencyDesired OutcomePersonal Check-inDailyPlayer feels "seen" as an individual.Public PraiseWeeklyReinforces "Energy Giver" behaviors.Private CorrectionAs neededProtects the player's dignity while holding the standard.One-on-One Goal SettingMonthlyAligns individual growth with team success.SEO Keywords Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Al Smith. Interview Purpose The purpose of this interview is to explore life transitions, resilience, and financial discipline through the lens of elite performance, using Al Smith’s journey from NFL All‑Pro to executive, entrepreneur, and community leader as a blueprint. The conversation highlights how preparation, education, mindset, and adaptability are essential when dreams evolve or abruptly change. This interview also serves to connect the experiences of professional athletes with those of small business owners and entrepreneurs, emphasizing that success in both arenas requires discipline, accountability, and long‑term thinking. Major Themes & Key Takeaways 1. Education as a Safety Net and Strategy Al Smith made the deliberate decision to finish his college degree before fully committing to the NFL, recognizing that professional sports offered no guarantees. This choice gave him leverage, confidence, and security—both mentally and financially—throughout his career. Key takeaway: Always secure something tangible before going “all in” on an uncertain opportunity. 2. Turning Fear into Fuel Smith openly discusses fear—fear of being cut, fear of competition, fear of uncertainty—and how he learned to convert fear into motivation rather than paralysis. He treated each season as if it were his last, approaching preparation with urgency and focus. Key takeaway: Fear is inevitable; how you respond to it determines longevity and success. 3. Competition Is Not the Enemy Competition played a central role in Smith’s development. Rather than avoiding it, he embraced it, understanding that growth requires discomfort. He credits adversity, pressure, and coaching challenges with sharpening his performance and character. Key takeaway: Competition strengthens discipline and reveals accountability. 4. Financial Literacy and Lifestyle Discipline Smith addresses the common financial pitfalls faced by professional athletes, many of which also apply to entrepreneurs: Lifestyle inflation Supporting others without boundaries Delegating financial decisions without understanding them Trying to maintain an image instead of sustainability Smith’s financial stability was aided by mentors, personal involvement in decisions, and a mindset focused on not owing—not just earning. Key takeaway: Financial success is not about income—it’s about control, habits, and awareness. 5. Mentorship and Environment Matter Smith emphasizes the value of surrounding himself with successful, disciplined people both on and off the field. Mentorship influenced how he thought about money, effort, competition, and leadership. Key takeaway: Proximity shapes thinking; environment influences outcomes. 6. Preparing for Life After the Dream Even while succeeding in the NFL, Smith planned for the transition ahead. This forward thinking led to opportunities in the front office, business, and leadership. He viewed this transition as a chance to open doors for others and to understand the business side of sports. Key takeaway: The end of one dream can be the beginning of a larger purpose. 7. Athletes and Entrepreneurs Face the Same Reality Smith draws a direct parallel between: Athletes competing yearly with no guarantees Entrepreneurs running businesses without security or routine Both require maximum effort, preparation beyond the clock, and resilience. Key takeaway: There is no 40‑hour workweek when you are building something of your own. Notable Quotes “I turned my fear into fire.” “There are no guarantees—every year is a one‑year deal.” “I treated every season like it was my last.” “You don’t want to owe. You want to own.” “Don’t be scared of competition.” “The gain outweighs the strain.” “Prepare so that if it ends tomorrow, you’re still standing.” Overall Message Al Smith’s interview is a powerful lesson in discipline, foresight, and adaptability. It reframes success as something built through preparation before opportunity arrives and sustained by humility, mentorship, and intentional decision‑making. His story reinforces that dreams evolve—but character, work ethic, and financial awareness determine whether those transitions become setbacks or stepping stones. #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.