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In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season, with interview invites continuing to roll out. This week, Georgetown / McDonough is scheduled to release its Early Action decisions and Cornell / Johnson is scheduled to release its Round 1 interview invites. We also anticipate that MIT / Sloan will release its Round 1 interview invites. We then had a discussion on the H1-B visa situation, concluding that US MBA graduates residing in the USA may now be at an advantage, over those who apply for the visa from their home country. This is an ongoing and impactful situation for top MBA candidates. Graham highlighted next week's events being hosted by Clear Admit, concluding a series focused on MBA programs in different regions of the United States. Signups for all these events are here, https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham also highlighted our next livestream AMA, which is scheduled for today, Monday, October 27; here's the link to Clear Admit's YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/cayoutubelive. Graham noted two recently published admissions tips. The first focuses on Wharton's Team-Based Interview; Wharton released its interview invites for Round 1 last week. The second focuses on developing a target program list, helpful for those applying in Round 2. He also shared a peek at some comments from a first year MBA student at Duke / Fuqua, as part of our ongoing Real Humans series. We then reviewed the Berkeley / Haas Class of 2026 profile, and the NYU / Stern Class of 2026 profile. Both declared slightly smaller class sizes, and a higher proportion of international students in the class. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three ApplyWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate applied in Round 1 to a few programs and is now considering their Round 2 strategy. They have progressed from an analyst role to a product management role. This week's second MBA applicant is an investment banking analyst in the digital infrastructure domain. They have a 320 GRE, and we really hope they retake the test. The final MBA candidate is from Mexico and has a 685 GMAT score. Their overall profile does look strong, and they want to do investment banking in the short term, post MBA. This episode was recorded in Saratoga Springs, New York and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!
In this recap, Lesley and Brad revisit their inspiring interview with Jill Allen, founder of Jill Allen & Associates and host of Hey Docs. They reflect on the lessons of grit, confidence, and letting go of the “do-it-all” mindset that keeps entrepreneurs stuck. Together, they share why delegation, structure, and brave decision-making matter more than perfection—and how asking “What's the worst that can happen?” can unlock fearless growth in both your business and in your life.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:Ankle and wrist weights in Pilates and when, if ever, to use them.How self-confidence builds credibility and trust with clients and teams.Why grit and resilience often outperform talent and quick success.How the “Superwoman Syndrome” creates burnout and stagnation.How time-blocking and brave choices create momentum toward success.Episode References/Links:Cambodia Retreat Waitlist - https://lesleylogan.co/retreatsWinter Tour - https://opc.me/eventsPilates Journal Expo - https://xxll.co/pilatesjournalAgency Mini - https://prfit.biz/miniContrology Pilates Conference in Poland - https://xxll.co/polandContrology Pilates Conference in Brussels - https://xxll.co/brusselsSubmit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questionsPractice Results Website - https://www.practiceresults.comHey Docs Podcast - https://www.practiceresults.com/hey-docsGrit It Done by Reid Tileston - https://a.co/d/2rKh0ZcBrave, Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani - https://a.co/d/2jjcF9u If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! 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DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Brad Crowell 0:00 Something that I've told myself over the years is that I work better under pressure, or I work better under a deadline, right? And I think that it's, it definitely makes you go like, you have to get the, get it done. But what if you don't? I've been in that position where I've actually missed deadlines. I have failed because I waited until I needed that feeling of pressure, you know. So there's just so much that goes along with this Superman, Superwoman syndrome when we're trying to do it all.Lesley Logan 0:30 Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 1:09 Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It interview recap where my co-host in life, Brad, and I are going to dig into the demystifying convo I have with Jill Allen in our last episode. If you haven't yet listened to that interview, feel free to pause us now and go back and listen to that one or you can listen this one and then see if you align with what we liked in that one. Maybe you like something different. Brad Crowell 1:32 Maybe. Lesley Logan 1:33 So today is October 23rd, 2025 and there was no good days. So yesterday, the 22nd was National Make A Dog's Day. And I'm going, I don't want to forget this, so pause. You guys, on the day that we're recording this is a month from when this is releasing, and so a month ago from when you're listening to this, and two days, was like National like Amazing Wife's Day and my husband did not know, and he didn't announce anything. No public displays of affection on Instagram, nothing. I'm just saying, it was a very important holiday, and it will never land on a Thursday, because it's always on the third Sunday of every month. Brad Crowell 2:12 What date was that? Lesley Logan 2:14 It was September 21st and if you look at 10 days, and the reason I know is because my and Rick. Rick posted about my and he said it was National Amazing Wife's day on the third Sunday of every month. He actually must have also gotten his day from the same exact same website. So anyways, back. Brad Crowell 2:33 That's pretty badass, Rick. Lesley Logan 2:35 Back, no, I don't think he listens. But anyway, he doesn't.Brad Crowell 2:38 You're showing me up. You're making me look bad over here. Lesley Logan 2:38 But just like that, we took him right back down, because he does not even listen to this. Anyways, I'm just telling you that we don't do this on the Sundays, and you're missing out on good holidays that could involve celebrating me, but today, but today, we are celebrating National Make a Dog's Day. And so October 22nd, yesterday, National Make a Dog's Day is how we use this day to ensure that the dogs around us enjoy themselves as best as possible. Oh, my Lord, this is a day to spread information about dogs importance in our lives and how much they can improve our days with love and loyalty. Brad Crowell 3:18 In case you didn't already. Lesley Logan 3:20 Is there any scientific, is there any scientific evidence of this, other than, like, it makes us feel good? Like, is there, I only know anecdotal. Like, yes, my dog is better because of my life is better because of my dog. But like, is there any science behind this? Did the day give us anything? No, so we're just, we're just gonna say it. We also use this day to encourage people to adopt from shelters and provide a better life for at least one puppy. May I suggest an older dog. Go to your local SPCA. We donate to the Nevada one, and we got to tour the facility. And it is amazing. OPC donates to them and the time of this release, Cody and Onyx better be adopted you guys, because it's, I'm really fucking struggling, like I just want, Brad, I think, wanted to invite Onyx in because she's 11 and she's like a little black version of Gaia. I'm not even kidding. Same underbite, same, same everything, very agile. Actually, Gaia was not that agile at 11. We'll say that. And I want Cody, and Cody is way too big, and we don't have time for that energy right now. But go to your local SPCA and go meet the dogs, go play with the dogs, become a volunteer and walk the dogs. You can even read to the dogs, right? Because clearly that is going to make your life better. And you can also foster, if you know, like, I'm only in town for a couple weeks at a time, you can become a foster, and you won't even fail, because you are like, oh no, I'm gonna be a professional foster. I'm only gonna take a dog for as long as I'm in town, or things like and they they supply the food and the medical, and you're just the house, you just get the love of the dog, and it's quite great. So we mean the world for a dog, and it's time we insure they get everything they deserve. I'm gonna say our dogs are so spoiled that this kind of holiday feels like a dog made it up. But, at any rate, we, our lives are better because they're in it. It's for sure.Brad Crowell 5:09 There's no question about that. Well, hey, I'm really excited to be home. We just got back from Cambodia and Singapore. Lesley Logan 5:15 We just got back and we're hugging our dog and making his life better. Brad Crowell 5:20 We're hugging our dog. Lesley Logan 5:21 How nice of us to come home just in time for this holiday. Brad Crowell 5:24 How nice of, yeah, you better feel special Bayon. We came home just for you. Yeah, he abandoned us. So it was, you know, look, Cambodia is magical. What an amazing experience. And you're missing out if you haven't joined us yet. So you should go get on the wait list for next year. Go to crowsnestretreats.com crowsnestretreats.com. We will be making the announcement pretty soon about next year's trip, but I'm going to tell you secret listener, insider info, it's in October of next year, and it's going to be.Lesley Logan 5:56 The dates are on the site. Brad Crowell 5:56 The 18th to the 23rd. Lesley Logan 5:56 Yeah and January is when we will announce the. Brad Crowell 5:56 I don't think the dates are on the site yet, so we're just telling you right now. Yeah. Lesley Logan 5:56 Okay, So you get the insider (inaudible). Brad Crowell 5:56 You get the insider info. Lesley Logan 5:59 If you are on the waitlist already, you got that information, and in January, only the waitlist people get the discount. So just saying, save some money, get on the waitlist and snag your spot. We already have released the Winter Tour event. We actually have, the time we're recording this, have not seen the whole schedule, but I have seen several cities, and I have approved several workshops. So I think with confidence I can say Lexington, Kentucky. I think with confidence I can say DC. Brad Crowell 6:38 Yeah. Lesley Logan 6:39 I think with confidence, I can say, Tampa.Brad Crowell 6:46 Here, let's just do this because this is a. Lesley Logan 6:48 This feels like a guessing game. You're not even helping me out.Brad Crowell 6:51 Well, because. Lesley Logan 6:52 What? What? With confidence, what can you say? Pensacola. Brad Crowell 6:56 All right, so Colorado Springs. Lesley Logan 6:57 Oh gay. Brad Crowell 6:58 Fayetteville, Arkansas. Lesley Logan 6:59 Oh so fun. Brad Crowell 7:00 Louisville. Lesley Logan 7:02 Oh, that's different than Lexington. Brad Crowell 7:03 Oh, sorry, I said it wrong. St Louis, I'm reading two things here, then Lexington, then Columbus, Ohio. Lesley Logan 7:11 Oh, oh, we're going back?Brad Crowell 7:15 We've never been to Columbus (inaudible). Lesley Logan 7:19 Oh, sorry, sorry. That was such a bad move that was like a California move, like, I've been there.Brad Crowell 7:27 That one's not locked in yet, Columbus, but we're close. We're going to be in Fort Wayne for a day off. Then we're going all up to Detroit. Lesley Logan 7:34 Whoa. Brad Crowell 7:35 Yeah, we're going to hit it this time. Finally, then it looks like we're swinging around. We are doing our best to line up a spot in Pittsburgh and possibly Rochester. So unfortunately. Lesley Logan 7:45 Sounds like these are these are not real. Brad Crowell 7:47 Canada is out. Canada is out. Lesley Logan 7:49 You guys, I'm hearing this for the first time. Brad Crowell 7:51 It's true. Lesley Logan 7:52 Don't, this is the thing, you can't get mad at, at us, and you can't get mad I don't think it's the Canadian government this time. I think this is a host issue. Brad Crowell 7:59 This is a host issue. We've been having trouble connecting with studios. It's insane. Like in Toronto and Ottawa, just like, nothing. (inaudible)Lesley Logan 8:07 And we know you want us to come and they're just not (inaudible). Brad Crowell 8:10 Like, really, can't understand that. But yeah, I mean, at this point we're having, we're gonna have to look at the following year, because this stuff has already been negotiated. Saratoga Springs a private event. Boston, Mass is public. Cape Cod Mashpee, Providence is a private event. New Haven, Connecticut is day off. Torrington, we're going to teach in Torrington, I think, which is Connecticut. Hershey, PA, then we got. Lesley Logan 8:35 I feel like we're not giving them insider on anything, because they're like, I could just go to the website and they can they're hearing days off. They're hearing this might be.Brad Crowell 8:42 Well, this is like, you started this. Lesley Logan 8:45 I know, but it was more fun the way I was doing it. It's like a guessing game. Brad Crowell 8:52 We're gonna be in Rehoboth Beach. Lesley Logan 8:56 Where the fuck is that? Brad Crowell 8:56 Yeah, we're gonna that's Delaware. Lesley Logan 8:56 Okay, Delaware. (inaudible)Brad Crowell 8:55 We're gonna be in D.C. Lesley Logan 8:56 It's just a small state if you say Delaware, Virginia. We're coming back. We love beach. Brad Crowell 8:56 We're gonna be in we're working on Charlotte right now, but not sure yet. We're still working that out. Lesley Logan 9:04 That was definitely been a problem. Brad Crowell 9:04 Savannah, Georgia. Then, Fort Lauderdale.Lesley Logan 9:06 Wow, we found something in Savannah. No way. Brad Crowell 9:09 I'm pretty sure. Lesley Logan 9:09 No, it didn't happen, like, the last two trips. Are you sure that's not like a day off, or we're just spending the night? Brad Crowell 9:14 Could be a day off. Then we're gonna go down to Fort Lauderdale. We are teaching. Tampa, we are teaching.Lesley Logan 9:14 You know what you can do everyone, go to opc.me/events and you can see which of these are days off and which of these are real stops.Brad Crowell 9:27 I'm just gonna read through the rest of this, Pensacola, New Orleans, Houston and Austin. Houston, we're still working on. And then Phoenix. We're probably most likely teaching Phoenix. Either Phoenix or Tucson. We're still figuring that out. But that's that's the path. Lesley Logan 9:40 We had some people in Tucson who wanted us to come so (inaudible). Well, there it is, folks, opc.me/events to get the actual lineup with the for sure, settle dates and snag what spots remain.Brad Crowell 9:52 We are recording this a month ahead of time. So by the time you're hearing this and seeing that, it will be a lot more clear. Lesley Logan 9:56 Now you can see it's really a lot of work. And it's really hard, because we got a ton of people when we were going to Canada the first time in the Toronto area, want us to come, but none of them have studios, and we can't, we, we specifically, because we're crossing the border, we actually have to be invited. Like, we can't just, like, wing it. And then when the tour ends, we come home, kick off, eLevate Six and then we head to Huntington Beach for the Pilates Journal Expo. Go to xxll.co/pilatesjournal. I've decided that's how I'm saying it xxll.co/pilatesjournal, and you're going to be able to get your tickets. There's a, it's a huge lineup. A lot of my friends are doing it. It was kind of fun. Like I knew I was doing it, but they didn't tell me who else is doing it. Like one of the girls that I train to be a teacher is doing it. So, like, so cool. So, so, so cool. And I did that so long ago. That's how long she's been a teacher. Because, like, that was a long time. It was almost 10 years ago. February, Agency Mini is happening. You want to get on the waitlist at prfit.biz/mini P-R-F-I-T that's profit without the O, dot biz slash mini, and that is for Pilates instructors and studio owners who would like to ditch all the chaos, the noise, the overwhelm, and get their business to work for them.Brad Crowell 10:07 A lot of people, a lot of people have been asking us, when are we doing it again y'all, so we're giving you a lot of a heads up here to get ready, get prepared. Go to prfit.biz/mini to get yourself on the waitlist so you can catch that early bird when we when we roll that out. In March, we are going to go to Europe, and we're really fired up about it. We're going to be in Poland, and then in Brussels. So go to xxll.co/poland xxll.co/brussels for those two events, and then in April.Lesley Logan 11:41 P.O.T. London, time of this recording, we don't have a link for you to go to. I'm sure it's already been announced. And I'm sure there's an early bird that you don't want to miss. And I am, for sure, doing the Joe's Gyms, and I still haven't signed the contract, so. Brad Crowell 11:42 It's a party. Lesley Logan 11:52 I am, I am pretty sure I am teaching two amazing workshops, which is super cool. They are not any workshops that I've ever taught in England before. So if you just came to the Mullet Tour, or you've been to a Mullet Tour, neither of these workshops have ever seen the light of day in that country. So you want to go. Okay, before we get into the lovely Jill Allen, we have a question to respond to.Brad Crowell 12:23 We totally do. The, let's see. Hold on. Mary star Pilates. Mary star Pilates. I'm on the wrong one. We're just gonna leave that in. We're leaving that in. Don't worry about it. DeniseStargazer said, hey, I would love your opinion about ankle and wrist weights while doing Pilates. How heavy, how often, is there a leg or ankle preference or brand?Lesley Logan 12:52 Well, I do love that both two questions in a row will have the name star in them, which is quite cool, but okay, so how do I answer this? Joe Pilates did mess around with some foot weights. They were the shape of a shoe, and my friend Joel Crosby made me a pair, and I think I still have them and. Brad Crowell 13:12 Oh yeah. Lesley Logan 13:12 They are really hard for me to do Pilates with. Brad Crowell 13:16 Oh yeah, they're hard. Lesley Logan 13:17 In fact, I think that they're.Brad Crowell 13:20 They're literally like a weighted sole that you strap onto the bottom of your feet.Lesley Logan 13:24 And I, and I'm going to preface this with both Brad and I are hyper mobile bodies. And so because of that, and I have the longest legs already, so because of that, I actually think that just a general statement of ankle or leg weights in Pilates is probably not necessary. I do see. Brad Crowell 13:49 The longest limbs. Lesley Logan 13:51 I do see how these things that Joe was creating, that Joel created, could be useful to someone who's not hyper mobile, someone who's already very strong in the practice. And also, if someone has a foot boot on, like a foot boot, that's a redundancy. A boot on like they have a foot injury, I think a weighted ankle weight on the other leg would be helpful, because then you have, like an evenness to what's happening distally on the leg. But in general, I think these things are a fitness fad that looks freaking cute on the skinny girlies, and they match their outfits, and it's just esthetically pleasing. But I think it is a waste of time. I think it's so easy for your joints to do the moves, whether you're doing Pilates or not. I think it's so easy for the joints to do the moves. I think it is asking a lot of the connections your body needs to have. So if you are a super strong, connected, non hypermobile person, and you don't feel your hip flexors take over, your back takeover, have the most fun. Bala makes super cute ones, by the way. I mean, if you're going to put these ankle weights on and look like a Jane Fonda, it should at least be cute. But I do think that the average person just needs to get started. And I feel like this is just another thing someone have to buy and invest in, get out, dust off, to get their movement practice in. So I'm a not fan of them, and I don't use them.Brad Crowell 15:11 Well, that's fair. Yeah. I mean, I think also too, just the just from cursory listening to y'all teaching and doing all that stuff. Most people are picking up two to five pound weights. And I know you every time you're like, just use ones.Lesley Logan 15:28 In Pilates, you're using one, and in the gym, you're going to pick up heavy weights, okay? And if you want to use ankle weights at the gym, that is not my my fortress. I go there and I work out. My trainer gives me things. If she told me I needed ankle weights, because she's so smart, I would listen to her. But in Pilates, like, if you have a super if you have a Michael Phelps torso and short legs, maybe ankle weights would help balance your torso to your leg situation, some exercises. But I really think before you add tools to things you might need to he was like a dolphin. Brad's looking at how long his spine was. He was like a dolphin. He had a ridiculously long spine. But, like, I just think that, like, it's just one more thing that we're. Brad Crowell 16:13 It still is. He's alive, right? Lesley Logan 16:14 Well, yeah, he's alive. Brad Crowell 16:14 Still is like a dolphin. Lesley Logan 16:12 He still is like a dolphin. So I just think that, like, you know, the other thing I'll say about this is ankle weights are like a prop. And Joe never used a prop throughout every single exercise. He used props as tools to teach a connection you needed, and got rid of them. So if you are a teacher who's like, oh my god, Lesley, I use the the ankle weights for this one exercise to help people. Great. Don't at me. I'm good. I celebrate you. I think it's wonderful. But I just think that, like, how often, how long? Like, it's just another thing out there that I don't think is as needed. I think, I think we can get so much out of Pilates without having to make it harder to do. That's my personal opinion. And I love this question so much. I want more questions like these. Send them to the beitpod.com/questions or what's the phone number, because it's not what I want. Brad Crowell 17:00 310-905-5534Lesley Logan 17:01 I mean, at least it's 310. Brad Crowell 17:05 Yeah, sure. Lesley Logan 17:06 Good area code. Brad Crowell 17:07 We'll take it. 310-905-5534 or go to beitpod.com/questions and send us your wins or your questions. Stick around. We'll be right back. We're gonna dig into this really heartfelt convo with Jill Allen and she, she coaches orthodontics offices.Lesley Logan 17:25 Are you not gonna take a break at all? Brad Crowell 17:26 Wait for it, she coaches orthodontics offices. And the thing that's crazy is that the conversation is applicable to people of all walks of life.Lesley Logan 17:36 It really is. We didn't even talk about orthodontists. Brad Crowell 17:39 Yeah, stick around. We'll be right back.Brad Crowell 17:41 Welcome back. Let's talk about Jill Allen. Jill is the founder of Jill Allen and Associates. Lesley Logan 17:47 Doesn't that look like she should be also a lawyer? Brad Crowell 17:50 Oh, a lawyer or like. Lesley Logan 17:51 Should be like a legal office. Brad Crowell 17:52 Luxary handbags. Lesley Logan 17:54 Oh, Jill Allen, I see that.Brad Crowell 17:56 Yeah. She's an orthodontic consulting firm. She's over 30 years of experience in the industry, and specializes in helping doctors launch their own, their own, their own orthodontic practices, focusing exclusively on startups and supporting new owners who often lack formal business training. That sounds so familiar. She is also the host of Hey Docs, a podcast where she shares business fundamentals, and interviews experts to provide valuable insight for all entrepreneurs. Dr. Allen finds her greatest inspiration in seeing her clients grow their practices into thriving, multimillion dollar businesses, which is pretty epic. I love that, and I felt like I commiserated with her a lot, because we, obviously, service, you know, we serve the Pilates industry. And so it's really interesting to hear her talk about, when she started her consulting firm 19 years ago, there was no like people were not using the internet for this kind of stuff. Barely using the internet. Social media was barely starting, right?Lesley Logan 19:02 I know because I hadn't. I mean, I had an orthodontist when I was in June, like, sixth grade. And like, I mean, my parents had to, like, just find one in the yellow pages.Brad Crowell 19:11 Yeah, probably the yellow pages, or referral word of mouth, most likely. Lesley Logan 19:16 Like, maybe, and I, because I doubt our I don't, our insurance paid for Orthodontic work. You know what I mean? I, for sure, didn't, because my siblings didn't get the same situation as I did. So yeah, so which is something everyone likes to bring up, but, I mean, 19 years, even the coaching, but she coaches them has changed, because now.Brad Crowell 19:32 Oh yeah, everything has changed, but it's fascinating, because when we, you know, like there wasn't anybody doing what she was doing when she got started, and we felt the same way with Agency, there wasn't anybody coaching, you know, Pilates business owners. Lesley Logan 19:46 Yeah I felt a lot of same synergy. But I also want to say, like, everything I want to say to you applies to anybody who's got a dream or a goal or a business. She said, confidently stand in the space like you got to be confident in the space that you're in. You know, people, and this is so true, people are not going to walk around and believe in you more than you believe. I mean, I believe in our members. I think sometimes when they believe in them. But the reality is, is that like, like, random, random people an be like, oh my god, you're the like, you have to believe in you, like, people want to, especially when you are in a service-based business, orthodontics, Pilates, anything, people want the confident person they don't want the person like, I think I know what I'm doing. Like, we, just before we hit record, our car's in the shop, and we have a new mechanic because we have a new car, and you know, you're like, God how much they're gonna rip me off for. It's kind of like taking your dog to the vet. It's like, what's the bill gonna be? And you just, like, spin the wheel. And this guy is like, okay, here's a video of, here's where we saw this. We saw this. We're just gonna watch this. He was so he stood in his confidence. He could be bullshitting me. I don't know what I'm looking at, but like, he was so confident. I was like, I told Brad, I was like, I love these guys. These are our mechanics. We're not switching, like, just that, just that confidence in there. And so I just highly recommend that for anyone who is on a mission. She also stated that being a business owner requires grit and hard work. And there's an incredible, I can't think of her name, it's on the tip of my tongue, but there's an incredible TEDx talk on grit. And the truth is, is that the reason why most businesses, the businesses that become like successful, they found it's not like they hit lightning in the bottle. It's most of the time that people just had grit. They just kept going. They just kept going. And then she also said there is this pressure on business owners to hit these big financial goals, and then that leads to imposter syndrome. And we've had Brad Bizjack on a couple weeks ago, and he talks about how, like, he misses all of his goals, but he's the most confident person you've ever met because, like, how he talks to himself, how he pumps himself up, and how he has confidence, not in that he achieved a goal, but in a work that they he did. And so she says, like, you have to keep pumping yourself up, even if you don't believe it 100% yet, because that is going to help you with the confidence and showing up and doing the hard work. And we got to take pressure of ourselves to hit the goals yesterday or this, I mean, like, people are like, okay, I'm charging my rates, but I still don't have enough clients. It's like, right, one step at a time. Like, you know, I don't know. I just loved it. What did you think? What did you love?Brad Crowell 22:22 Yeah, the the okay, so actually, I was just going to bring up, I'm trying to remember if we had him on the pod, Reid Tileston. Do you remember Reid? Super, super tall professor who owned, like many, many gyms, gyms over the years. Lesley Logan 22:40 Oh, we never had Reid on. Brad Crowell 22:41 Okay, well, he wrote a book, and it's called Grit It Done, and it's, it's like, low risk entrepreneurial tips and stuff. So anyway, I know that's not, that's more for people who are starting a business, but you know, when you started talking about grit, it started making me think about Reid and. Lesley Logan 22:55 Hi, Reid. Brad Crowell 22:56 Yeah. Hi, Reid. But I really loved when y'all know exactly what I'm going to talk about here, because I keep coming back to this across different interviews, where we have the the idea of the Superman or the Superwoman syndrome. It's the solopreneur complex is another way to put it, right, where I have to be the one doing it. I'm the, you know, I'm I can do it better than everybody else. I don't have the money to do, to outsource, or any of that kind of thing. And she talked about, she specifically honed in on the the idea that it makes us feel like we're getting we are actually working. It validates our own internal feelings, right? I need to be doing it all. And she said, it's an internal conflict, and it also creates overwhelm, right? So it's this both thing, where, like that feeds our ego, but it also creates overwhelm, and it kind of gives us the idea that we are working so hard, right, that we're getting something, we're moving the ball forward somehow. Lesley Logan 24:00 But we're just treading water. Brad Crowell 24:01 But a lot of the time we're treading water. Lesley Logan 24:04 Which is really hard to do. Have you just tried treading water recently? Like. Brad Crowell 24:04 Oh, recently, no, but I used to have to do that. Lesley Logan 24:08 We had to do it in swimming lessons. Brad Crowell 24:12 Yeah, for like, 15 minutes, yeah. That was a long freaking time. Lesley Logan 24:16 Especially for you. Brad Crowell 24:18 No, to be a lifeguard or something. (inaudible)Lesley Logan 24:20 No, not like you don't have the strength or endurance. I mean, your attention span, like you couldn't do anything else, your usual. You couldn't, like, tap something or click something, or like you just had to do one thing. I just can't, it will the longest 15 minutes for you.Brad Crowell 24:38 Well, you know this idea of the Superman, Superwoman syndrome really creates, like, debilitating pressure on on you because when it's not getting done, when something isn't getting done, whose fault is it? It's always our fault. Why? Because we're in the middle of every single project, every single possible thing. And you know, it really it creates, sometimes we, like, I think something that I've told myself over the years is that I work better under pressure, or I work better under a deadline, right? And I think that it's it definitely makes you go, like, you have to get the, get it done. But what if you don't? I've been in that position where I've actually missed deadlines, have failed because I waited until I needed that feeling of pressure, you know. So there's just so much that goes along with with this Superman, Superwoman syndrome when we're trying to do it all. And she also talked about like, it, you know, the irony here is that that overwhelm of like, what if you don't actually know what you're doing? What if you don't get it done? Or, you know, the you can be overwhelmed by this realization that I don't know how to do it all, while thinking I have to do it all or I'm the only one that could do this.Lesley Logan 25:53 That sounds like a terrible torture room to be in your mind.Brad Crowell 25:58 She said, she said, how do you overcome this? Right? And ultimately, it comes down to trust, trusting others to be able to execute or implement in a way that you would be doing it or as close to you as possible, right? And she, she said, take it like eating a cookie, just one little bite at a time, and keep moving forward, but, but then be sure to look back and high five yourself. So in this case, what she's talking about is, as you're delegating, you know, go back and look at little pieces of it and make sure that it's up to the standard that you need. And then you get the high five them, high five yourself. I mean, if you're not running a business here, if this isn't like you're not trying to do that. What if it was walking the dog and you delegated it to a child of yours? Or what if it was cleaning the house? Chores.Lesley Logan 26:48 We used to have those neighbors, the Brazilians, who, like, legitimately, the child was, like, eight years old, and the other one might have been like, I don't know, six, and they walked that dog, and the dog is, like, way bigger than them. And we were like, oh my god, should they be doing this? But they did it every day. I watched them do it every day, you know. And so, like, I thought that was, what a great responsibility, it's an easy block, like, it was not on a dangerous road. They're not crossing any streets, you know.Brad Crowell 27:13 But you know, or, or it is, you know, it can be.Lesley Logan 27:18 I think also you may have said this, but, like, you also don't have to do some things, like, they just don't get done. Like, you can just park okay, you know what's gonna happen. We're going to do laundries on Sunday, and that means everyone has to have enough underwear to get to Sunday. That's how it's got to go. That's when laundry is going to get done. Like, I understand there's a story that a lot of people tell themselves it has to be clean for me to get my work done, bullshit. It does not have to be clean. You have to be able to sit at your desk. And there might be some, like, some interesting things about yourself that you might need things to be clean, but it's often an excuse to not do the thing, because you have another reason to not do the thing. And I would just challenge yourself to, like, figure out, like, like, so, like, there's a whole idea, like, so what, so, and then what, and then and like, follow the path and like, the reality is, a lot of the things that we busy ourselves doing do not lead to the actual goal that we have. And that's what I have to say about that.Brad Crowell 28:16 Yeah, I love it. Well, you know, I think, I think that we're setting ourselves up for failure when we attempt to do everything all by ourselves, and and you know, there are times in our world, in our life, whether that's just due to relationships or finances or whatever, where you know, we are kicking off a project and we are the one ideating and creating, but when it comes to executing and being creative, it's really hard to wear those two hats at the same time, and it really does help you to train someone properly, to help you get all the work doneLesley Logan 28:57 Well and the other thing I just want to say is or hire a coach to help advise you on what's the most like the thing that's priority right now? Brad Crowell 29:04 Yeah, sure. Lesley Logan 29:04 Because if you're trying, if you're actually not sure what you're supposed to be focusing on, you could hire help and then be focused on the wrong thing. And so Jill is a perfect example that there is a coach out there for every fucking niche. So if you are not a Pilates instructor and you're not an orthodontist, I promise you there is a coach out there for you. There is someone who coaches lawyers. There's someone who coaches social workers, or someone who coaches, you know, like. Brad Crowell 29:26 Pilates instructors. Lesley Logan 29:26 Well, yeah, I just said, I said, I said, if you're not one of those already, if you, there's someone who coaches yoga instructors, or someone who coaches, you know, managers of franchises. Like, there are people out there who coach all these things, and this is a matter of finding the one that resonates with you, that gets you. So don't just fall for a really good, you know, funnel. Talk with them. Ask them, like, what you're nervous about, share like, here's my biggest fear. I'm gonna sign up with you, and this is what's gonna happen. And like, you know, make sure that they have a money back guarantee, and then do the work. You know, but there's people out there who will help you. Brad Crowell 30:03 Yeah, well, stick around. We'll be right back. We're gonna dig into a couple of those Be It Action Items that we got from Jill right after this. Brad Crowell 30:05 All right, so finally, let's talk about those Be It Action Items. What bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted action items can we take away from your convo with Jill Allen? She said, hey, you gotta block time schedule, yo. She strongly advocates for block time scheduling for any business owner, even for those who dislike rigidity, which would be me. Lesley Logan 30:30 Except for, we just looked up things that help ADHD CEOs, and one of them is a fucking block schedule.Brad Crowell 30:36 Yeah. Well, you know, because it's like a it's like a sandbox that you get to do whatever you want with within that time. So yeah, she explained that without a plan, a business owner can find 100 things to do with their day, which is the story of my life.Lesley Logan 30:52 I just watched you start to put together the towel thing during a work day. And I was like, that has nothing to do with the work today.Brad Crowell 31:02 I was just listening to things, and I had but then I got this. I got ADD because I, my drill stopped and I couldn't use it. Good times. So there's that. She said, explained, without a plan, business owners can find 100 things to do with the day. And by creating start and stop times, just for tasks, this prevents you from getting sidetracked, which helps manage an otherwise unstructured day. So we definitely.Lesley Logan 31:27 We love a kitchen timer. Brad Crowell 31:28 We love a kitchen timer. Lesley Logan 31:29 Like our time cubes are really great. I was just telling Agency members at some office hours we did the other day. I said, literally, I have to, especially when overwhelmed and I am in the reentry, because I'm always over when we get back to work, even though I am like, we did all the work I needed to do so I could start, you know, fresh. I still have to start. I'm not ahead. And I go, Oh God, I have to touch this inbox. And I set the timer for 15 minutes, and I scan for the most important emails, the timer goes off. Okay, 15 minutes in this Slack. Okay, 15, like, before you know it, you're caught up on things, the overwhelm starts to dissipate, because you actually have seen that. There's not really any fires that are going on and the stories in your head are not true, but time blocks. It's so because I won't work on other things because I'm on the timer of the first thing. Brad Crowell 31:29 Yep. Well, what about you? What was your biggest takeaway? Lesley Logan 32:01 She said before making a decision or starting a new venture ask yourself, what's the worst thing that's gonna happen? Brad Crowell 32:01 I really, I really appreciated this. Lesley Logan 32:01 I love this, because if you can, if you determine you can handle the worst case outcome, you'd move forward with it. I mean, I forget.Brad Crowell 32:01 I mean, she, she specifically said when, like, because she was working in the orthodontics industry, but wanted to start coaching new orthodontic business owners. She said, what's the worst that could happen is we could get no clients, and then I go bankrupt, and that will affect my credit score, and then, you know, what am I going to do? Right? She's like, but there is a path after that. She's like, so once I embraced that, then it wasn't as scary as this amorphous black hole of like, what if things just don't go right? Lesley Logan 33:01 Well, we have this, we have this idea we're talking about and and not that we have any time for it, but we were talking about doing this thing, and I kept just thinking, like, oh my god, there's so much uncertainty right now. It's gonna cost us so much money. I'm not gonna find this thing that I want, and if it doesn't work out, then we're like, fucked right? Like, it could actually cost us things. And then we came with this idea. We're like, oh, we could just build it in the backyard. And it's like, because the worst case is the idea sucks, it doesn't work, and we have a beautiful ADU in the backyard. And so I want to move forward with that. Brad Crowell 33:34 Yeah, I'm excited about it. Lesley Logan 33:38 All right, the other thing she said I want to bring up before we move on is, be brave, not perfect. And she was referencing a book. And I am sorry, guys, I am forgetting the name of that book but, be brave. Brad Crowell 33:46 I think the book is called Be Brave, Not Perfect. Lesley Logan 33:47 Brave not perfect. Brad Crowell 33:48 That's by Reshma Saujani.Lesley Logan 33:52 Oh, is it Reshma? Brad Crowell 33:53 Reshma Saujani. Lesley Logan 33:55 But Reshma, the Reshma? Hold on. Brad Crowell 33:58 I don't know who the Reshma is, so. Lesley Logan 34:00 If it's the Reshma, she has the best, the best college graduating speech. If it's her.Brad Crowell 34:07 She's a lawyer, politician, civil servant, founder of the nonprofit Girls Who Code.Lesley Logan 34:10 This woman is absolutely incredible. She's the one who, like, talked about bike face. If you haven't, like, look her up, Google bike face college speech. And it's this whole thing that back when, like, bikes were invented, when bicycles were not just invented, but like more popular poor people can have them, they started telling women they were gonna have, they had bike face, because now women could just get around on their own. I kid you not. The number of times that women finally get like, a fucking inch of independence, and they're like, oh, let's just like, fuck this up. So what happened is, women couldn't ride the bicycles in their in their dresses, so they started wearing trousers. And people didn't like they're wearing trousers, that's a problem. And they also could get around without a male and they could be independent and they could, I don't know, have a fucking dream and life of their own. Anyways, they would tell them and be careful you're gonna have bike face. You won't be attractive, and then no one will marry you. Anyways, that is not it, but that is who Reshma is, and I am obsessed with her. So Brave, Not Perfect. Well, we should all read that book. We should have maybe next year, I should have a book club, a Be It Pod Book Club. I don't know that I can get the authors every time, but maybe I could figure that out.Brad Crowell 35:28 If you like that idea, let us know by texting 310-905-5534, what do you think about a Be It Pod Book Club, the Be It Pod squad. Lesley Logan 35:38 Yeah. Oh, that's what I want to call you guys instead. I call you Be It babes. And I kind of want to call you the Be It Pod squad. I just, I also need to know, like, does that sound good, or does that sound like I'm creating, like a cult. Just don't want to create a cult.Brad Crowell 35:51 You're not creating a cult, you're creating a squad.Lesley Logan 35:54 But, but if it was a, but if it is a book club, I do believe that I would want the somehow the club has to be a podcast episode, you guys, my team will freak out if we add another Zoom call that does not produce an episode or a class. So, so anyways, okay, well, Jill Allen, thank you for being you, and thank you for just reminding us that we should have grit and stand in confidence and just go for it. It was just such a wholesome, wonderful interview. And I'm really excited for every orthodontist who gets to work for you, because I'm sure most of our listeners' kids are going to benefit from that, including our listeners. You know what, adults with braces it's a thing now. Brad Crowell 36:17 It's true. Lesley Logan 36:18 And share this with a friend who needs to hear it and Be It Till You See It. Brad Crowell 36:35 Bye for now.Lesley Logan 36:36 That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod. Brad Crowell 37:18 It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 37:24 It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 37:28 Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 37:35 Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 37:38 Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week's Book Picks comes from Kelly Stazyk from Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, New York and Manchester Center, Vermont and Lily Bartels from The Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady, New York.
This week, I catch up with a long-time listener and Super Geek, Brandy Walsh!Brandy's been with the Geekin' on WDW Podcast since Episode 1 — and she's back to share her latest Disney adventure filled with DVC resort stays, amazing dining, and some truly pixie-dusted moments. She and her husband enjoyed a split stay between Old Key West and Saratoga Springs, explored both Disney water parks, discovered new lounges, and rode Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind four times in one night! Add in surprise cupcakes, an anniversary dinner at California Grill, and a relaxing vibe that only Disney can deliver — and you've got one unforgettable trip report. Episode Highlights
Imagine being the mayor of a mountain town during the height of COVID. For Dave Polivy, owner of Tahoe Mountain Sports, being a COVID mayor became his reality after being elected onto Truckee town council in 2018. For better or worse, Dave's tenure during COVID cemented his nickname in the community as “Mayor Dave”, even though he's no longer mayor. He's also Kurt's doppelganger, giving him another nickname; “Doppelganger Dave”. In Episode 71, we chat with Dave about how he landed in Truckee on September 11, 2001, and his path to business ownership, community building, keeping the ski bum dream alive and eventual mayorship. Dave has appeared on a lot of radio and TV shows, as well as podcasts, but usually he just ends up being a sound bite. But in this near two-hour episode, listeners will get a behind-the-curtain look at what it takes to be an elected official in a mountain town facing growing pains and an identity crisis, all while balancing family, business ownership, and of course, getting outside and putting his mind in the track. 2:30 – Trail Whisperer recaps his 4,200-mile cross-country drive from Boston to Reno.6:00 – Introducing Dave Polivy – former mayor of Truckee and owner of Tahoe Mountain Sports.9:15 – Doing the Rose to Toads mountain bike ride, a fundraiser for TAMBA.12:40 – Dave's September 11, 2001 story.14:20 – Kurt's September 11, 2001 story.16:10 – Tom's September 11, 2001 story.17:30 – Dave arriving in Truckee after driving cross-country from Saratoga Springs, NY.19:14 – Starting Tahoe Mountain Sports in 2003.26:00 – Moving to Truckee from the northeast to be a ski bum.30:50 – Fondest memories of Truckee back in the early 2000s.33:45 – Going from ski bum to politician through working for Sierra Business Council.41:20 – As Truckee mayor, did you ever have to make a decision that went against the wishes of the community?45:05 – Is there such a thing as affordable housing? Is there enough of it in Truckee currently?47:30 – Getting foreclosed on in 2008 while on vacation outside the country.49:00 – A shortage of availability of living wage housing. There's enough housing stock, but they aren't available, so the Lease to Locals program was developed and it's working.1:00:10 – Can Truckee solve its housing issues by emulating the funds the town has raised for recreational trails through ballot measures?1:08:05 – Raising funds for trails through sales tax and giving non-profits money to build them.1:15:07 – How do you promote Truckee as a mountain bike destination when most of the trails are illegal?1:21:13 – What kind of conflict exists between being a business owner and a politician?1:32:20 – Being mayor of Truckee during COVID helped solidify the persona of “Mayor Dave”.1:34:15 – What is your vision for how Truckee will look in 10 years?1:44:00 – Dave and Kurt are doppelgangers – people mistake both of them as the other person.1:50:10 – What does Mind the Track mean to you?
Contestant: Libby Smith Holmes, calling from Saratoga Springs, NY
This week, I'm back from my Botox and feeling better than ever post-baby's first birthday celebrations while Jack is here to chat about what makes this coming weekend so dang historical right here in Saratoga Springs. We also discuss our thoughts on the new T.S. album and recap a few stories you might've seen on the Internet.EPISODE NOTES:It's about to be a historic weekend with Saratoga 250 (0:20)Nobody Asked Me, But.. (9:10)Counting Saturdays (19:45)Sleeping in my makeup (34:08)Crawling at the mall (35:30)Glistening for the first time (53:50)This peak is really a pit after my week at Rejuva Center Saratoga (59:08)Thoughts on The Life of a Showgirl (1:02:30)In Case The Internet Didn't Tell You presented by Mohawk Chevrolet (1:13:32)Saratoga 250 is celebrating Siege Weekend with a roundup of activities happening this weekend in the Capital Region. Visit Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville on Saturday, October 11 to experience historical reenactments, activities and more.Visit Mohawk Chevrolet to shop their top-notch selection of Chevrolets from sedans to SUVs, as well as a variety of used vehicles, a service center and knowledgable staff. Together let's drive.
Kristina Kulin originator of Lit Night Saratoga is in conversation with Hudson Mohawk Magazine's Andrea Cunliffe about “Teatime at Pemberley: A Celebration of Jane Austen in Words and Music” a celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, at the 2025 Saratoga Book Festival. They discuss work, history and relivence of Jane Austin's work in this presentation and an immersive exploration of Austen's life and works at Caffe Lena with community members read ing aloud favorite passages from Austen's novels with live Regency-era music, enjoy Saratoga Tea & Honey's "Sense and SensibiliTEA" in Caffe Lena's “Teatime at Pemberley: A Celebration of Jane Austen in Words and Music” October 4th Saturday from 2:30 to 4:30 at Cafe Lena in Saratoga Springs. This is a FREE event and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. No tickets required.
We welcome back Dr. Susan Sikule of the Just Cats Veterinary Clinic in Guilderland and Mechanicville and Dr. Kris Dallas of Ancient Arts Holistic Veterinary Services in Saratoga Springs. Ray Graf hosts.
Ellen Sinopoli of The Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company talks with Hudson Mohawk Magazine's Andrea Cunliffe at the local sidewalk juice bar in South Troy. They talk of the celebration of 35 years the ESDC. In honor of its 35th anniversary, ESDC is making 35 visits to sites around the Capital Region inviting audiences to have an up-close and personal experience with dance. Performing on a large mat of interlocking squares around which the audience gathers, the dancers perform works from the company's repertoire of over 90 dances along with new ones specifically created for this series. There's no admission charge, no lighting, no frills…but lots of movement invention, excitement and fun for all ages! Each of the 35 performances will feature a slightly different program — no two will be exactly the same!. Performances begin with Friday, September 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM Universal Preservation Hall 25 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM Hon. Karen B. Johnson Central Library 99 Clinton Street #2, Schenectady, NY 12305 For more information go to: https://sinopolidances.org/performance/putting-out-the-welcome-mat/
Not even a power outage can stop us from sharing this week's magical adventures! Julie D. is back on the podcast with not one—but two Disney World trip reports, and she's got stories from Saratoga Springs, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera to share. ✨ Featuring in This Episode
Clif G talks steps 10 and 11 at Saratoga Springfest in Saratoga Springs, NY 04-13-25
This week's Book Picks comes from Kim Van Alkemade from Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, NY and Manchester Center, VT and Amy Zimmerman from Chatham Bookstore in Chatham, NY.
Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, we bring you a Labor Day special. The following program of oral histories was conducted by undergraduate students in History 263: American Labor History, a course taught by Professor Eric J. Morser at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, as part of The Saratoga Labor History Digital Archive. Project Credits: Project Manager: Professor Eric J. Morser, History Department, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York Audio Editor and Narrator: Emma Gill Project Consultant/Community Producer: Willie Terry The project was produced in collaboration with MDOCS Co-Creation Initiative and Hudson Mohawk Magazine. It was supported by the MDOCS Co-Creation Initiative and funded in part by the Mellon Foundation. Special thanks to Angela Beallor Press.
The Emmy-, Oscar-, and Grammy-winning musician has a special bond with Saratoga Springs. He met his wife there, they visit family frequently, and in late August, he performed selections from his new album “Big Money” with the Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC. He joins Arts & Entertainment Editor Rick Marshall on this episode of “The Eagle” to talk about the new album and his collaboration with Randy Newman that brought the 81-year-old back to singing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 489 / Alexis RockmanBorn in 1962 in New York, Alexis Rockman has depicted a darkly surreal vision of the collision between civilization and nature – often apocalyptic scenarios on a monumental scale – for over three decades. Notable solo museum exhibitions include “Alexis Rockman: Manifest Destiny” at the Brooklyn Museum (2004), which traveled to several institutions including the Wexner Center for the Arts (2004) and the Rhode Island School of Design (2005). In 2010, the Smithsonian American Art Museum organized “Alexis Rockman: A Fable for Tomorrow,” a major touring survey of his paintings and works on paper. Concurrent with Rockman's 2013 exhibition at Sperone Westwater, the Drawing Center mounted “Drawings from Life of Pi,” featuring the artist's collaboration with Ang Lee on the award-winning film Life of Pi. His series of 76 New Mexico Field Drawings was included in “Future Shock” at SITE Santa Fe (2017-18). “Alexis Rockman and Mark Dion: A Journey to Nature's Underworld” was presented at the Bruce Museum, Greenwich, CT (2023) and traveled to the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (2024). It will be on view at the Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY until 5 January 2025, and at the Palmer Museum of Art at Penn State from August 30th through December 7th. His work is represented in many museum collections, including the Baltimore Museum of Art; Brooklyn Museum; Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; Grand Rapids Art Museum; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; New Orleans Museum of Art; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Smithsonian American Art Museum; Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; and Whitney Museum of American Art. Rockman's first solo exhibition with Sperone Westwater, “Evolution,” was presented in 1992. He has had subsequent solo exhibitions at the gallery in 2013, 2018, 2020-21 and 2023. He lives and works in Warren, Connecticut.
Join Mike, Scott, and Pam as we answer your Listener Questions on today's show! Today we discuss best strategies on getting to Animal Kingdom for rope drop from Saratoga Springs and what to do for your first few experiences once inside the park! We also talk a listener through a decision about going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (or not) before an early morning flight home the next day (and the logistics involved), and also have a lengthy discussion on why attractions like Spaceship Earth are really important! This and much more on today's show! Come join the BOGP Clubhouse on our Discord channel at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse! Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast. Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast. Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!
The G1 Spinaway Stakes is this weekend at Saratoga Springs! Get all the best insights, advice and professional tips to win big this weekend. America's Best Racing's Ryan Anderson shares all his insights on the race and his best plays of the weekend. Run, don't walk to the window. It's the final race of the Saratoga race season!
Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, Mark Dunlea brings us coverage from a pro-Palestine rally outside Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's offices. Then, Lennox Apudo brings us coverage from a protest held outside city hall after Saratoga Springs' passing of an ordinance banning visible homelessness. Later on, Cricket and Marrow bring us coverage from a rally at the Troy City Council on May 22nd in favor of a public hearing for Good Cause Eviction. Finally, we have a story on the importance of the arts with Meghan Van Alstyne. Co-Hosts: Jacob Boston and Sina Basila Hickey Engineered By: Jacob Boston
The G1 DraftKings Travers Stakes is this weekend at Saratoga Springs! Get all the best insights, advice and professional tips to win big this weekend. Mark DiLorenzo from Giddy Up Bets joins the program to give his best bets for the G1 race. Plus America's Best Racing's Ryan Anderson also shares his thoughts on the race and his play of the weekend. Run, don't walk to the window. It's the Saratoga race season!
This Day in Legal History: ABA FormedOn August 21, 1878, 75 lawyers convened in Saratoga Springs, New York, and formally established the American Bar Association (ABA). Their shared aim was to advance the “science of jurisprudence,” promote uniform legislation, strengthen justice administration, uphold the profession's honor, and encourage collegial interaction among lawyers. Their organizing document—the original constitution—still shapes the ABA's mission today.Over time, the ABA became the premier professional association for attorneys in the U.S., influencing national legal education, ethics, and law reform. It introduced the first national ethics code in 1908 (the Canons of Professional Ethics), which eventually evolved into today's Model Rules of Professional Conduct.While the ABA once counted about 400,000 dues-paying members, by the low‑point of 2019, it had lost approximately 56,000 members—a symptom of shifting professional norms and changing perceptions of organizational value. Membership has continued to decline, with figures dropping as low as 227,000 by 2024. In response, the ABA has implemented membership reforms and reduced dues tiers to attract and re-engage lawyers, especially those early in their careers.The American Bar Association's recent actions reflect a mixed record in the face of escalating political pressure—particularly from the Trump administration and its allies. On one hand, the ABA has forcefully resisted efforts to erode legal independence: in 2025, it filed a federal lawsuit accusing the administration of intimidating law firms engaged in politically sensitive representation, and it criticized the DOJ's move to exclude the ABA from vetting judicial nominees as a blow to transparency and professionalism. It also defended its longstanding role in law school accreditation amid efforts to strip that authority.On the other hand, the ABA's decision in August 2025 to eliminate five Board of Governors seats historically reserved for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and racial minorities marks a notable concession under pressure. The newly adopted policy opens these seats to anyone with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, regardless of their own demographic identity. While proponents framed the shift as a legal safeguard against lawsuits, critics viewed it as a capitulation—especially given the broader political context, including targeted attacks on ABA diversity programs and threats to its accreditation authority. The organization has also paused enforcement of its law school diversity standards until at least 2026.The Justice Department under the Trump administration has dramatically escalated its investigation into gender-affirming care, targeting the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with a sweeping subpoena demanding detailed records—including names and Social Security numbers—of patients who received such treatments. This move is part of a broader campaign to prosecute medical providers offering care to transgender youth, following a directive from Attorney General Pam Bondi to aggressively pursue these cases.The hospital pushed back against the subpoena, calling it an invasive overreach into a vulnerable population's privacy. In response, DOJ took the unusual step of asking the court to unseal the litigation, a departure from standard practice in sensitive investigations where proceedings are typically kept sealed to protect investigatory integrity. The judge sided with the DOJ, opening the docket earlier this month.The subpoena was signed by Brett Shumate, the newly confirmed head of DOJ's civil division, bypassing career officials who had refused to sign similar subpoenas due to ethical and legal concerns. Internal dissent had already emerged, with former officials warning that collecting such data lacked a strong legal basis, especially since off-label prescriptions like puberty blockers are not illegal under federal law.Critics say the investigation appears more performative than prosecutorial, designed to chill gender-affirming care through public pressure rather than build viable legal cases. The Trump administration has also directed other agencies, including HHS and the FTC, to scrutinize these practices, while states like Pennsylvania have filed lawsuits challenging the administration's actions. The outcome of the Philadelphia case, now in front of a federal judge, could shape how far the administration can go in turning gender-related health care into a legal battleground.Justice Department Expands Gender Care Probe as Hospital FightsA recent ruling in the Epic Games v. Apple case has sparked growing concern among corporate legal teams that the boundaries of attorney-client privilege—especially for in-house counsel—are being narrowed in ways that could harm innovation and compliance. The district court found Apple had improperly claimed privilege over documents that mixed legal advice with business guidance, drawing a sharp rebuke that “adding a lawyer's name to a document does not create a privilege.”That finding is now being appealed, with organizations like TechNet and the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) warning that upholding the decision could upend how legal departments operate—particularly in fast-moving sectors like AI and cybersecurity, where legal and business decisions are tightly intertwined. In-house counsel argue they need the flexibility to weigh legal risks within the real-world context of product development, market pressures, and regulatory uncertainty.At issue is the standard used to define privilege. The Ninth Circuit has previously backed the “primary purpose” test, which protects dual-purpose communications if a significant purpose was legal. But the district court's approach appeared more rigid, raising fears that companies will be discouraged from seeking or documenting legal guidance unless they rely on expensive outside counsel.Legal leaders say this shift would disproportionately impact smaller firms and startups already stretched thin. They also point to a broader ambiguity across federal circuits regarding dual-purpose communications, and argue that only a Supreme Court ruling can definitively resolve the inconsistencies.Oral arguments in the appeal are set for October 21.Apple Ruling Raises Business Fear of Legal Privileges ErodingA federal appeals court has allowed the Trump administration to move forward with ending deportation protections and work permits for over 60,000 immigrants from Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an unsigned order permitting the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for these groups while legal challenges continue. No legal reasoning was provided in the brief order.The decision lifts an earlier block by a federal district judge, who had ruled that the move was likely driven by racial animus, violating constitutional protections. The new ruling immediately ends protections for Nepali nationals, with protections for Honduran and Nicaraguan immigrants set to expire by September 8.The Department of Homeland Security praised the ruling as a step toward restoring the immigration system's integrity, arguing TPS has been misused as a backdoor form of asylum. Immigrant advocates, meanwhile, condemned the lack of explanation from the court and warned of serious humanitarian consequences for those now facing deportation to unstable regions.The case remains ongoing, but for now, thousands of individuals who have lived and worked legally in the U.S. for years are left in legal limbo.Trump can end deportation protections for 60,000 immigrants, appeals court says | ReutersElon Musk must face a lawsuit alleging he and his political action committee, America PAC, ran an illegal election-year lottery disguised as a $1 million-a-day giveaway. A federal judge in Texas ruled that plaintiff Jacqueline McAferty plausibly claimed Musk misled voters—particularly in battleground states—into signing a petition supporting the U.S. Constitution by offering what appeared to be a random chance at a $1 million prize.McAferty alleges that, in exchange for signing, voters were required to provide personal data—names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails—which she claims was exploited for political targeting. Musk argued that the program was not a lottery because recipients were chosen to “earn” the funds and serve as America PAC spokespeople. But the judge pointed to conflicting language used in promotional materials suggesting the money could be “won,” making it reasonable for voters to think it was a sweepstakes-style contest.Judge Robert Pitman, an Obama appointee, also rejected Musk's argument that voters suffered no harm, noting that expert testimony could establish the market value of political data collected during the promotion.The lawsuit, filed on Election Day 2024, underscores growing concerns over the use of high-dollar giveaways in political campaigning and how voter data is gathered and deployed in swing states. Musk and his PAC have not yet commented on the ruling.Elon Musk must face lawsuit claiming he ran illegal $1 million election lottery | ReutersAnd in a piece I wrote for Forbes earlier this week: the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act revives full expensing for U.S.-based research and development, a policy designed to encourage domestic innovation and hiring. At first glance, it seems like a major win for the tech sector and high-skilled job creation. But the labor market response reveals a deeper issue: you can't stimulate demand for talent without also addressing supply. With immigration pathways constrained and no meaningful expansion of domestic training infrastructure, the policy has triggered a spike in labor costs rather than a boom in innovation.In the absence of new talent pipelines, startups and tech firms are now paying steep premiums to hire U.S.-based engineers, effectively converting the R&D tax break into a subsidy for a tight labor market. Meanwhile, immigration policy remains restrictive, and education-focused workforce solutions aren't being scaled fast enough to meet the moment. The result is a bottleneck: jobs going unfilled, innovation slowing, and companies forced to reconsider hiring or delay projects altogether.The piece argues that while R&D expensing is smart fiscal policy, it only works as part of a broader strategy that includes visa reform, immigration support for high-skilled workers, and real investments in talent development. Without those pieces in place, we're left with a politically appealing tax tweak that, in practice, fails to deliver the innovation surge it promises.Turns Out Research Tax Breaks Alone Can't Conjure Developers This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
The program "Copland & Bates with Time for Three" takes place Thursday Night with The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs at 7:30pm. It is led by “2022 Musical America Conductor of the Year” Teddy Abrams.
On July 2nd, Saratoga Springs became the first municipality in the Capital District to ban visible homelessness. Various housing rights advocates from groups such as the CDDSA and Saratoga BLM rallied at the Saratoga City Hall to protest this ordinance, now over 1 month since its passing. (Lennox Apudo)
Phish Sparkle 4:00 07/20/2025 Chicago Phish Buried Alive 3:16 2025/07/27 Saratoga Springs, NY Phish Tweezer Reprise 13:04 2025/07/27 Saratoga Springs, NY Phish Reba 12:41 2025/07/27 Saratoga Springs, NY Phish Tweezer Reprise 3:04 2025/07/27 Saratoga Springs, NY Phish Funky Bitch 6:51 2025/07/27 Saratoga Springs, NY Phish Golden Age 6:05 2025/07/27 Saratoga Springs, NY Phish Tweezer Reprise […]
SynopsisYoung composers who came of age in the 1960s found themselves faced with a question: should they adopt the intellectually fashionable post-serial, atonal style of composition developed by Arnold Schoenberg's followers, or return to a more accessible and tonal musical language, neo-Romantic, neo-Classical, or Minimalist in nature?For American composer William Bolcom, who turned 20 in 1958, the first option was not appealing. “I had the credentials and the chops to write like that if I wanted to,” he said, “but I said ‘to hell with it.'”According to Bolcom's teacher and mentor, French composer Darius Milhaud, Bolcom was “as gifted as a monkey.” Bolcom was a fabulous pianist with a passion for American ragtime and popular song, and distinctly American elements and accents crop up in his compositions. Bolcom says he prefers to live, as he puts it, “in the cracks” between opera and musical theater, tonality and atonality, highbrow and lowbrow.Bolcom's chamber work, Five Fold Five, for example, premiered on today's date in 1987 at Saratoga Springs, New York, by pianist Dennis Russell Davies and the Philadelphia Woodwind Quintet. The piece starts off flirting with atonal elements, but ends with something that sounds a lot like boogie-woogie.Music Played in Today's ProgramWilliam Bolcom (b. 1938): Five Fold Five; Detroit Chamber Winds; William Bolcom, pianoKoch 7395
The G1 Alabama & Skidmore races are this weekend at Saratoga Springs! Get all the best insights, advice and professional tips to win big this weekend. America's Best Racing's Ryan Anderson joins the program to give his best bets for the races. Plus Mark DiLorenzo from Giddy Up Bets shares his thoughts on the race and his play of the weekend. Run, don't walk to the window. It's the Saratoga race season!
Skylar Haws has dedicated over a decade to serving youth in various church callings, including Young Men's President and Priest Quorum Advisor. He has also taught early morning seminary and worked as a youth Sunday School teacher. Skylar's passion for youth leadership stems from his own experiences and a desire to help young men grow spiritually and personally. He resides in Saratoga Springs with his family, where he balances his church responsibilities with work and family life. Links
The GII Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational and GI Sword Dancer this weekend at Saratoga Springs! Get all the best insights, advice and professional tips to win big this weekend. America's Best Racing's Ryan Anderson joins the program to give his best bets for the Grade 1 and 2 races. Run, don't walk to the window. It's the Saratoga race season!
This show is coming to you LIVE from the historic King's Tavern in Saratoga Springs — our 13th live show in Buttonista Show history.Episode notes:Nobody Asked Me, But... (0:33)Free Mich Ultras for the First Sip Club: (10:40)The B.E.S.T. part of the night: (12:55)Adding the listeners to my HIPAA: (18:55)Manifesting something very weird: (24:43)My potential new side gig: (33:20)Pin the Eggplant on the Horse: (49:57)Roast or Toast: (58:55) All ticket sales from this event were donated to BEST - an organization supporting the backstretch workers here in Saratoga. See more about their work here
DREAM WISH PLAN - Disney Vacation Planning, Travel Tips and Hacks
In this episode, I dive into what makes Saratoga Springs such a unique (and often underrated!) place to stay.
Claire and Kevin visit the Andersens at their home in Saratoga Springs. Claire tells them memories of their extended family, growing up in Idaho, playing the harp and piano, her mission, and how she and Kevin met. Kevin tells his side of the story, as well as how he proposed to Claire.For the final topic, they discuss the program "Lets Play Music" Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/my-99-cousins/donations
One of the most anticipated races of the season, The 98th Whitney Stakes runs this weekend at Saratoga Springs! Get all the best insights, advice and professional tips to win big this weekend. America's Best Racing's Ryan Anderson joins the program to give his best bets for the grade 1 races. Also Matt Bernier of FanDuel jumps on to share his plays and strategy for the day's races. Run, don't walk to the window. It's the Saratoga race season!
3:25:17 – Frank in New Jersey, plus the Other Side. Topics include: Coming to you today from Great Sacandaga Lake in Mayfield, NY, on the beach, tranquility, driving up, synchronicity, Monaco Blue Crush, Phish at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, NY, cool drive home, Echoes from PRX, Wildlife Museum, endless taxidermy, supermarket, set break at SPAC for night […]
3:25:17 – Frank in New Jersey, plus the Other Side. Topics include: Coming to you today from Great Sacandaga Lake in Mayfield, NY, on the beach, tranquility, driving up, synchronicity, Monaco Blue Crush, Phish at SPAC in Saratoga Springs, NY, cool drive home, Echoes from PRX, Wildlife Museum, endless taxidermy, supermarket, set break at SPAC for night […]
In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg talks with powerhouse vocalist and soon-to-be mom Rachael Price—lead singer of Lake Street Dive—about performing while pregnant, planning a tour around a due date, and preparing to raise a baby on the road. Rachael shares what it was like touring with the band into her third trimester, including maternity Spanx, food poisoning that almost led to a canceled show, and the unexpected wave of emotion before her final pre-baby concert. She opens up about the confusing abyss of Instagram parenting “advice,” why her cloth diaper ambitions may be short-lived, and how her birth plan has already been demoted to a set of “hopes.” They discuss sustainable touring, parenting in small spaces, and the surreal moment of announcing a pregnancy during a band meeting like a corporate HR update. Rachael also reflects on growing up with a musician dad and traveling with choirs as an 11-year-old—training that's come full circle as she now plans to hit the road with her daughter and a rotating support team that might include a nanny, her mom, or a very sleepy band mate.
In this snack-sized episode, Ophira Eisenberg reconnects with comedian, author, and How to Be a Better Human podcast host Chris Duffy for a rapid-fire chat covering the unexpected overlaps between parenting and comedy. Chris reflects on his years as a fifth-grade teacher, including a moment when a student earnestly asked—in front of the class—if having “huge balls” was a medical concern. The two swap stories about bedtime existentialism, the silent pressure of sleep training success, and the social minefields of modern parenting advice (including unsolicited high-fives from strangers about home births). Chris shares why he's terrified his kid might become a hypebeast influencer, and admits he's never called an Uber with his child for fear it might tank his 5-star rider rating. This mini-episode wraps with Chris's pitch for a premium Uber Labor tier—and his confession that he still hasn't recovered from laughing at a fourth grader's joke about rejection checkboxes.
In this episode, PTJL takes a deep dive into the excitement of two unforgettable two-night stands: one in Richmond, VA, and the other in Saratoga Springs, NY. They break down the highlights, memorable performances, and unique vibes of each show. Then team turns the mic over to the listeners, answering your burning questions and sharing insights on all things Pod That Jane Likes. Tune in for a mix of live show breakdowns and fan interaction!
Join Mike, Rikki, and Pam as we answer your Listener Questions on today's show! We talk about the perks of staying Club-Level for a first-time guest, talk about if a guest should add DCA to their Disneyland stay (first-time visit) even though they are doing the Oogie Boogie Bash, give some tips for staying at Saratoga Springs Resort, give our best WDW restaurants without characters, and more! Come join the BOGP Clubhouse on our Discord channel at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse! Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast. Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast. Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!
In this episode of Parenting is a Joke, host Ophira Eisenberg sits down with comedian, writer, and podcast host Chris Duffy to unpack the joys and absurdities of raising a toddler while maintaining a creative career. Chris shares how his “fun mom energy” has defined him since high school, his past life as a babysitter and fifth-grade teacher, and the surreal experience of writing jokes for Dan Rather during his first TV writing job. He reflects on the lack of nuanced parenting books for dads and explains why most advice boils down to: “Are you willing to let the baby cry?” Ophira and Chris swap stories about parenting-induced identity crises, obsessive marker-capping, and the complicated trade-offs between artistic ambition and hands-on parenting. Chris also reveals the emotional reason he starts his popular Brightspots newsletter with a disclaimer, and explains how his podcast How to Be a Better Human tries to offer comfort, not homework. The episode ends with Chris' hard-won realization: he's basically just a large baby with a beard.
This week's Book Picks comes from Tara Ludwin from Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs, NY and Manchester Center, VT and we also welcome Kira Wizner from Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook, NY.
In this snack-sized episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg is joined once again by author and podcast host Jo Piazza for a conversation that hits on the real logistics of being a working parent with no time for “manifesting” or gentle parenting platitudes. Jo explains how her background as a tabloid journalist trained her to write anywhere—including from the toilet while hiding from her kids—and how that skill helped her crank out her latest novel, Everyone Is Lying to You, in just three months. They talk about what it actually takes to get creative work done while raising kids (hint: discipline, childcare, and no scrolling), and how Jo structures her mornings around laser-focused word counts. She shares what it was like traveling through Sicily with a 5-month-old while researching a real-life family murder, and why her new dream is a European river cruise where no one has to pack and repack. The two also compare cultural attitudes toward parenting, with Jo recalling how an Italian stranger followed her into a bathroom just to offer her a pillow and a glass of wine. And when it comes to American parenting, Jo offers the most honest take of all: she doesn't gentle parent—because her kids aren't gentle.
Today on the sauna bench, we head to Oslo, Norway, and visit with the folks at Oslo Badstuforening, (Oslo Sauna Association). This is my second trip to Norway in as many years. They say that you never step into the same river twice, and I'll contend that we never sit on the same sauna bench twice. For last year, I took many saunas in the Oslo Harbour, as well as published a Sauna Talk with the Oslo Sauna Association team – and you can listen to that episode which is #99. And this year, I get right back into the Oslo sauna spirit, yet with more focus on the “behind the scenes” history, construction, operation, and warm hearted people who make it all happen. Because frankly, I'm overwhelmed with the Badstu Boom, as it's called. I really dig the Norwegians! The Norwegians They have sauna (badstu) deep in their Viking history. They approach it width depth and culture like the Finns, but with the open minded collaborative artful attention and appreciation of the Brits. AND without the capitalistic franchise money to be made CEO Instagramification land grab of many Americans. Take this Sauna Talk as example. Main guests on this show are Ragna, Secretary General, Oslo Badstuforening. And Aslak, who also has an official sounding title at Oslo Badstuforening, along the lines of “chief operations manager” which could mean loading firewood in the morning and replacing a burned out stove in the afternoon. A few different countries And we get to sauna serendipity also, as Hannah Mary Goodland joins us from Haar Sauna which is located way up north in the British Isles. Haar Sauna is the first mobile sauna in Scotland. Hannah Mary is also in Oslo and so what better than a bunch of sauna business folks from different a few different countries Sauna Talking it out on the bench, while over looking the fjord in Oslo. For those familiar, and for those who keep up with SaunaTimes and sauna travel, Oslo Sauna Association has an every expanding fleet of floating saunas. Each one unique, named after a particular bird, and pretty much guaranteed to have local Oslo residents with a few foreigners sprinkled in for contrast social therapy. For our Sauna Talk, Ragna chooses for us the Seagull Sauna. And you'll soon get to hear why she chose this particular sauna, out of the 24 or so floating nearby. I think about the floating sauna revolution. I wrote about it here over two years ago. And since then, I have written and reviewed several other floating saunas, such as my friends Nick and Jess at Löyly floating in BC Canada, who now have three more floating projects in development. David, of course, from Von Sauna in Seattle, who I met at Sauna Days aboard the Viking Floating Sauna. And has what many report to be incredibly great heat on Lake Washington. But the thing is, floating saunas are all over the place in Europe, and you can check in with Sauna Sam who takes us dockside in Amsterdam, for example. Catching the floating sauna bug Many of these floating saunapreneurs caught the bug and inspiration from their times in Oslo, including the just christened Alex and Gabe's aptly titled Fjord Sauna, the first floating sauna in San Francisco Bay Area. And soon to be launched, we will visit with Kate Butchart, an American who lived in Oslo for seven years, who is introducing Kos Sauna, the first floating sauna to open on Saratoga Lake in Saratoga Springs, NY, scheduled to debut in September 2025. Kos “koos” translates from Norwegian as a concept meaning cozy joy—simplicity that fosters small delights and community. Sound familiar? Well, let's get to it. From the floating sauna bench in Oslo Norway, I am pleased to bring you this episode of Sauna Talk!
The Coaching Club American Oaks is a prominent Grade I Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old fillies in the United States. Annually, it takes place at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, with a purse of $500,000. Hear our experts Ryan Anderson from Americas Best Racing and Matt DiLorenzo from Giddyup Bets break down the field and share their best bets for the weekend. Run don't walk to the window.
Clémence Michallon returns with “Our Last Resort” a twisty tale of childhood cult survival wrapped around a psychological “who done it” set against the backdrop of a luxury resort in the state of Utah. Clémence Michallon will be at a Northshire Bookstore event being held at the Saratoga Springs Library tomorrow night, July 17th, at 6 p.m.
On this episode of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg talks with bestselling author and Under the Influence podcast host Jo Piazza about parenting three young kids while juggling a prolific writing career. Jo shares the moment she realized she was pregnant (it involved an Elton John concert and tequila), why she can't stand chickens, and how her latest thriller Everyone Is Lying to You takes aim at the surreal and insidious world of mom influencers. She opens up about trying to become an influencer herself—complete with a hired photographer, reluctant kids, and affiliate links for water shoes from the school giveaway bin—only to discover that she hated every minute of it. Jo and Ophira get into what postpartum really looks like and how mom influencers perpetuate impossible standards while profiting off our insecurities. They talk about breaking up with Cocomelon, teaching their kids media literacy, and raising children in a house where canceling plans is considered an act of love. Jo also reflects on the burnout of the girlboss era, the fantasy of the tradwife lifestyle, and why the influencer economy is both a trap and a lifeline for modern moms. Her happiest child eats like a roaming dog, and honestly, that might be the parenting win of the year.
Ali H talks amends at Saratoga Springfest in Saratoga Springs, NY in April 2025
In this summer edition of Parenting is a Joke, Ophira Eisenberg catches up with stand-up comic, filmmaker, and war-zone performer Jennifer Rawlings. Jennifer reflects on her years raising five kids while performing for U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sarajevo—often leaving behind toddlers and pull-ups for flak vests and flatbed stages. She shares how her youngest son, now a film professional, co-directed her new special I Only Smoke in War Zones, which captures her real-life experiences performing comedy amid explosions, basketball-court gigs with no mics, and chow-hall sets surrounded by barbed wire. Ophira and Jennifer get real about the guilt moms carry, the emotional labor of parenting adult children, and the horror of seeing your grown kid's partner move into your basement. Jennifer recalls being handed a Kevlar vest mid-set as mortars went off and jokes that her kids were so feral when she returned from 30 days in Iraq, she wasn't even sure she'd been missed. They also talk about how her work in war zones exposed her to young mothers and children missing limbs, fueling a deeper drive to tell women's stories both on stage and in film. And yes—her son did call her in Afghanistan just to complain his brother ate all the Cheez-Its.
The New York City Ballet will be at SPAC in Saratoga Springs from July 9th -12th. We get a preview of this week's performances from New York City Ballet Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford.
In this in-studio Parenting is a Joke fav episode, Ophira Eisenberg sits down with comedian, Daily Show correspondent, and guest host Desi Lydic to talk parenting, performing, and prompter disasters. Desi recounts the surreal moment her Daily Show hosting debut began with a backwards teleprompter—and how the audience's reaction helped her recover instantly. They talk about raising thoughtful boys in today's world, from navigating gender norms and emotional literacy to Desi's personal favorite parenting guru (spoiler: it's Dr. Becky). Desi opens up about auditioning for The Daily Show while four months pregnant and the support she received from the show's female leadership. She shares what it's like juggling her son's passion for NBA jerseys, Pokemon trades gone shady at after-school care, and managing the “mental load” of parenting—even with a very involved husband. Plus: how her Southern Republican parents record every Daily Show appearance, and why her son yelling “Big Daddy!” at school was a much bigger problem than any F-bomb. Also: yes, she'd rather her son be a boxer than an NRA exec—as long as she gets to Vaseline his face before the fight.
Happy National Hydration Day. Erin gets sent a Prime Hydration package. Erin takes her kids to a nostalgic trip to a local fair with rickety, dented rides.Q&A tackles DNF'ing a marathon (wear it proudly), Reebok's discontinued 9-inch Lux shorts (no pockets for women!), and running breaks, weighted vest walks are Erin's fix. Erin announces her “Seeing How Strong I Can Get By Doing The Least” series, a 30 day minimal effort plan. Erin reveals she's writing a book with local co writer Amy (Shoutout Amy), due spring 2027. Her kids play a “wombat game,” mimicking wombats' butt smashing prey killing tactic on bouncy balls. Erin binges HBO's American Paul, a reality show about Logan and Jake Paul's family, hooked by their relatable marriage and kids phase despite their unhinged dad.Sports talk heats up: Ashton Hall, the viral Saratoga Springs water guy, loses four races to streamer IShowSpeed, who raced Noah Lyles and wants Usain Bolt to coach him for the Olympics. Clara Adams, a 400m state champ, gets disqualified for spraying a fire extinguisher on her shoes post race (a nod to Maurice Greene), sparking outrage over track's prudish rules. Coco Gauff's French Open win comes with a tiny “teacup” trophy, not the massive one shown on TV, baffling Erin and Mike. Chess boxing, a 2003 Berlin born sport alternating chess rounds and boxing knockouts, gains a cult following via TikTok. Grand Slam Track's LA event cancellation shocks the duo, who loved the electric Philly event; Michael Johnson cites financial strategy for 2026, but rumors swirl about investor issues.In the “In This Economy” segment, Erin rages at Klarna's name and predatory buy-now-pay-later model, with users defaulting on debts. The US penny faces extinction by 2026, costing more to produce than its worth. Aldi faces a lawsuit from Mondelēz (Nabisco) for copying Wheat Thins, Oreo, Chips Ahoy, and Nutter Butter packaging. A heartwarming No Bad moment features an Amazon driver invited to a Memorial Day cookout by a hospitable family, loading his plate with chicken and corn amid mamba sauce chats, 19.4M views prove its viral charm.