Podcasts about Satisfaction

Science writer David Epstein on why freedom can be the enemy of success and how we can all benefit from less choice, not more.We live today with vastly more freedom of choice than our ancestors.But there's also plenty of research telling us all this choice is making us more anxious, overwhelmed and less creative.In his book, Inside the Box, David makes the case for how constraints can unlock creativity and satisfaction.And why after writing this book he now believes that narrowing your options can truly set you free.Further InformationInside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better is published by MacmillanYou can learn more about David Epstein hereThis episode was produced by Jen Leake and the Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores creativity, innovation, creative burnout, relationships, technology, art, music, rules, deadlines, science, General Magic, Apple, Iphone, sport, choice, anxiety, creative thinking, rules.

Topics discussed:(00:00) - Welcome (02:58) - Hunger vs Cravings Explained (04:30) - Follicular Phase Appetite Boost (08:47) - Ovulation and Hormone Shift (12:20) - Luteal Phase Snack Attacks (15:08) - Why PMS Feels So Hard (19:17) - Coaching Strategies and Refeeds (21:57) - Texture Hacks for Satisfaction (26:40) - Cycle Weight Fluctuations (29:37) - Final Takeaways and Goodbye Want More Support?If you are tired of trying to figure this all out alone and want science based coaching that actually helps you work with your body instead of constantly fighting it…Come join us inside the BeStrong Training app. HERE or Get 1:1 Coaching HEREInside the app you'll get:Structured workout programsNutrition guidanceEducation on hormones, hunger, recovery, and muscle buildingWeekly coachingExercise tutorials and form breakdownsA supportive community of women focused on long term health and strengthRealistic fat loss and muscle building strategies without extremesThis is not about perfection.It is about building a strong body, a healthy mindset, and a sustainable lifestyle you can actually maintain.Join here: LiftingLindsay Training AppConnect With Me on Instagram: @liftinglindsay

What if the real secret to a lasting writing career isn't talent or luck, but learning to thrive in the mess? Why are in-person events worthwhile even if the maths doesn't add up? How do you protect your creativity when the machines never sleep and the community is at one another's throats? With Mark Leslie Lefebvre In the intro, Has AI Already Killed Non-Fiction [Tim Ferriss]; 9 ways that AI would disrupt authors and the publishing industry over the next decade; Pivoting towards The Transformation Economy; and Who do you serve? This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. This show is also supported by my Patrons. Join my Community at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn Mark Leslie Lefebvre is the author of horror and paranormal fiction, as well as non-fiction travel and books for authors. He's also an editor, professional speaker, and the Director of Business Development at Draft2Digital. His latest book is Stark Realities: Stacked Up Lessons Every Writer Needs to Know About the Business of Writing and Publishing. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. Show Notes Why print and in-person events are making a comeback for indie authors The case for (and against) licensing your voice clone through ElevenLabs Why we keep selling books in person when the numbers rarely add up Measuring success by creative satisfaction rather than money Being honest about author earnings and the fear of being truly seen Managing stress, divisiveness, and the noise around AI You can find Mark at MarkLeslie.ca. Transcript of the interview with Mark Leslie Lefebvre Jo: Mark Leslie Lefebvre is the author of horror and paranormal fiction, as well as non-fiction travel and books for authors. He's also an editor, professional speaker, and the Director of Business Development at Draft2Digital. His latest book is Stark Realities: Stacked Up Lessons Every Writer Needs to Know About the Business of Writing and Publishing. Welcome back to the show, Mark. Mark: Oh, hey, Jo. It's always an awesome time chatting with you. Jo: You've been on the show lots of times over the years, but the last time was in September 2024, when we talked about selling books in person. So give us a bit of an update. What does your writing and publishing business look like at the moment? How do you manage it alongside the day job and everything else you do? Mark: Oh my God. Well, sleep is—no rest for the wicked, maybe. I'll sleep when I'm dead. It's so funny, it was just this last weekend in Waterloo. I was at Waterloo Book Fest, and somebody came up to my table—another author from one of the other tables—and said, “I heard you on the The Creative Penn Podcast. And then when you mentioned something about Waterloo, I said, ‘He can't be from Waterloo.' And then when you mentioned the skeleton, I said, ‘I know where he lives.'” Jo: That's scary. Mark: So I love the fact that there are so many of your listeners all over the world, and that's usually how people know me. No matter what else I've done, it's like, “Oh, you've been on Joanna Penn's podcast.” I'll say, “Yes, I have.” You know what's really funny? The last time I was on the podcast, we were talking about A Book in Hand, which I was supposed to release that year. Jo: Yes. Mark: I just added another 5,000 words to it this morning. Jo: Wait, it's still not published? Mark: No, and it's so funny. I actually have the first 60,000 words of it with an editor right now, and I told her I'd get her the rest of it, which I thought would be another 20,000 words, by the end of June. But I think it's going to hit 100,000. Here's the weird thing that happened with this. This is trying to accumulate my life of book selling, as well as doubling down on doing in-person events in the last several years. I thought I was going to have the book done in 2024. I ran into some issues where I didn't back it up properly. It was an old version, and I accidentally overwrote the only version I had. Jo: So, for everyone listening, Mark—how many decades have you been an author and a publisher? How come you're still missing deadlines and still not backing up your work properly? Mark: Yes, this is a lesson: no matter how long you've been doing something, you can still make boneheaded errors. So if you, dear listener, have made mistakes, just know that this old guy who's been doing this since the mid-'80s still makes mistakes like that. Don't beat yourself up. I probably did something worse. Anyway, that book I thought was going to be maybe 40, 45,000 words, it's going to be bigger than Wide for the Win—close to 100,000 words. Here's a really important lesson I learned in that, Jo. I thought the book would be something. It became something else. Through my own experiences of doing more in-person events, book signings, and library event. Also in talking to awesome folks like Johnny B. Truant, Katie Cross, Todd Fahnestock, and so many other authors I know, and seeing what Ben Wolf is up to, and a whole bunch of different people who are doing in-person events. In creating case studies for how they interact specifically with a bookstore or library, or how they do in-person selling—I really think the book wasn't ready then. It's like the recipe wasn't ready. I still needed to play with some things. I do sincerely have faith, since I got it into the editorial process, that this will be the year the book actually gets released. Jo: As you said, there are some really good lessons there around sometimes the book not being quite ready. I'd bought an early version from the StoryBundle, which is how I got this book as well, actually. Mark: Yes. Jo: That's another tip for people—storybundle.com. You can go and find some great bundles there. I was also thinking, as you were talking, that maybe one of the reasons this book about in-person events has got so big is because that's a real trend in the community. It feels like indies, we've moved… Back in the day, I said, “I'm not doing print. No way.” This was the early days of digital, because print was really hard back then. So I was like, “Oh, and we've got all the advantages doing digital, so I'm just going to focus on that.” It feels like the pendulum has swung, perhaps even more with the ease of mass production of digital with AI. The focus on print and in person is getting stronger and stronger. Do you think that's happening? Mark: Oh, yes, 100%. I did print in 2004. It was really hard back then, so that's gotten easier. I think there are a few reasons. One of the reasons is, yes, digital made it so much easier for indie authors to get out there and break into the community. But the reality is that print books still outsell e-books in general—overall—despite the fact that indie authors can make six and seven figures a year from selling e-books alone on a single platform. So print has never really gone away. It was just never something indie authors attended to. They were in a different business than traditional publishers were in. And second, obviously I've got these gorgeous books that you've created on Kickstarter, because I like the beautiful books. I've never stopped buying print books. I actually buy more print books. I read more because of audiobooks and e-books, but I buy more print books, especially when I can get a nice signed copy. Then the other reason comes back, again, to your advice—something I've been following for the longest time, and you've long been saying. I do repeat this, and I try my best to offer attribution to you every time I use it: to double down on your humanity, particularly in this age of digital generation and the ability for even non-writers to leverage tools to create content. I think it's so much more important for me, as a creative who will never be able to catch up with the machines, to exploit my humanity. I mean, we both have digital voices of ourselves, right? There's a digital Mark Leslie Lefebvre voice that people can use, and I'm making money off it because people are able to license it through ElevenLabs. But when I'm there in person, so far the holograms aren't good enough to fool people. I think I'm not just selling a book to somebody; I want to create an experience where, “Oh, I'm talking to the author, and we're signing a book together, and we're taking a selfie together.” For me, there's that tactile experience that's really enriching. And it may not be something that lines my pockets as easily, because the investment is more significant. For every $10 I make, it costs me six or seven dollars, as opposed to an e-book, where the cost is amortised in the most beautiful way over millions of copies. Jo: There are a few things there. First of all, let's talk about that ElevenLabs voice licensing, because, as you say, I also have a voice clone. Bones of the Deep, the latest book, that's my voice clone. I haven't gone with the licensing, partly because you don't have control over what someone can do with it. So, for example, someone could create Nazi content, or content that I might not agree with, in my voice. So how have you got over that? Because part of me really does want to license my voice, and the other part doesn't. Mark: This is a great question, Jo, and I'm glad you asked it. It's the same reason I don't worry about people stealing my books—adding DRM onto my e-books and things like that. I may as well make some money off it, because let's be honest: you and I, our voices are out there. Thousands of hours of our voices, right? In your podcast, my podcast, in various interviews we've done over the years. The technology exists for someone to make a copy of my voice themselves anyway. The tools exist. They can do it easily, so why not do it myself and at least make money? I'm actually getting money deposited into my account. Not a lot—maybe $30, $18, something like that every week. Again, I've taken a lot of my non-fiction books that I haven't had the time to record myself, as I like to do, and I can at least load those to ElevenLabs and make my voice the default voice. But wouldn't it be great to be able to listen to my book in your voice? It would sound so much better. Because you can do that. When you listen to a book on that platform, you can choose my voice if you'd rather hear it in my voice, or you can choose Burt Reynolds' voice, or some other folks who've licensed theirs. Again, for me, the whole concept of wide publishing has always been important. It's another small revenue stream that's adding to my numerous revenue streams. So I guess that's how I've justified just licensing the voice. If someone's going to do something with my voice that I can't control, they can do it regardless of whether or not I put it out there myself. Jo: I agree with you. That could happen, and neither of us is famous enough that it's likely to happen anyway. I do quite like the idea of people using our voices, say, for other books for authors, because that would make sense—that's where we fit in the niche. I will rethink that, because I think it's interesting. I wanted to come back to print books. You said sometimes there are easier ways to line your pockets, and I think that's funny. So, getting into the book, this leapt out at me quite near the beginning: Why do we keep doing this when the maths almost never adds up? Mark: Oh, I have a perfect example of that from an event I did a couple of weekends ago in Burlington, Ontario. I think it was a $60 table fee. It was a new event. I believe I made $90 or $95 in sales. So even after the costs of printing and all that stuff, I really didn't make money. I made my table back, which is always a good thing. There were a few encounters I had with people who were really excited to find my Canadian Werewolf series of books, and just so thrilled to get started. Among the four of them, they bought one copy, but they were going to pass it amongst each other. You know what? Okay, they bought a single copy, and I was like, “Well, the e-book is permanently free online. You don't even have to buy a copy”—which is anti-selling. I just want them to read the book and enjoy it. But if they read it and pass it along and start talking about it, they could become readers for a long time. It's an eight-book series, with the ninth book coming out later this year. There was another encounter I had that day. A woman and her teenage daughter came in, and they were looking at my traditionally published books that I buy at a reduced price from a local bookstore and resell. They were looking at these true ghost story books I had, and they were pointing: “Do you have that one?” “Yes, I have this one, I have that one.” And the mother's like, “Well, she collects all your books, and she wants to make sure she has them.” We had this conversation, and she was so excited to meet me in person and to get a signed copy of the book. That experience was such a vanity moment for me as an author. We're lonely. I'm a big loser. Nobody's buying my books. We're always down on ourselves. So that investment of time and energy, in order to get that little pat on the back or that feeling of, “Wow, I really connected with someone who likes my stuff”—those moments are really precious. They're difficult to explain if you only look at the world in a financial way. I guess I'm fortunate enough that I do have enough income from numerous streams, including the consulting I do part-time, that it's okay if not every bookish endeavour leads to more money in my pocket at the end of the day. I can still have these authentic connections with people, which I think is one of the reasons I'm a storyteller. Yes, it's the stories I have to tell, but it's also putting the story into somebody else's hands and eyes and heart and mind. Jo: You're very giving like that. You have that sense about you, whereas I'm just a curmudgeon in the corner. Mark: That is not true. Jo: It is, generally. I don't do events like you do for readers. Mark: But that's because it takes a lot out of you. Jo: Yes, but that doesn't matter. Why do I write? I write for me. Mark: Ah, very good. Jo: At the end of the day—just being entirely selfish about this—when people say, “Oh, if you won the lottery, what would you do?” I'm like, “Well, I'd do pretty much what I'm doing now.” Mark: Yes, I'd just do the same. Of course, I'd write more books. Jo: I'd write more books. So this is where I'm trying to get to for people as well: measuring success in a different way. You were talking about measuring success by how that girl loved your books, and how you feel when someone says they love your books. With Bones of the Deep, this thriller I've just done, I feel like I had the benefit of that book before anyone even read it. As soon as it was finished, I made a nice proof copy from BookVault, and I held it in my hand and said, “I made this. I'm proud of the story, I wrote the story, and it's outside my head now.” I feel like I'm creatively satisfied in that moment. Then, of course, the Kickstarter was great, and I love that the books are going out around the world, but— I think the happiest I felt was that moment of finishing—that creative satisfaction of holding the book in my hand. You know what I mean? Mark: 100%, Jo. I cannot agree with you enough. I love so many aspects of writing. Yes, the connection with people is amazing. But I often say this when I'm doing my one-on-one consulting with authors: focus on the projects that mean the most to you, those passion projects. The process of writing, and the painful rewriting and editing and all the things you go through—when you finish that book, like you said, you hold it in your hands and it is a thing of beauty. It's a huge achievement. You've won. Whether or not you sell a single copy, you've won by doing it. Everything else is gravy: the sales, the money in your pocket or not, the reviews, positive or not, the people who say, “Oh my God, Bones of the Deep, thank you for writing this book. I'm so glad you introduced this into the world and into my life.” Anything beyond the creation itself, which is a pure joy—I love it so much. It's just why I get up at 5:30 every morning and write for hours before the rest of my day begins. I try to get stuff done before the rest of the world wakes up. I want to get the writing done first, when I have the most energy to give myself to the page. Then the rest of the day is kind of gravy for me too. Jo: You talk there about giving yourself to the page, but in Stark Realities— You talk about the fear of truly being seen. What do you mean by that, and how do you manage that feeling? Mark: For anyone who has written anything—fiction, non-fiction, memoir in particular, since it's a bit more closely tied to reality—it's exposing yourself to the world. I'll never forget an interview I did with Canadian science fiction author Julie E. Czerneda, who, before being a fiction writer, was writing biology textbooks, but her real passion was science fiction and fiction. When her first novel came out, she said, “It's like standing naked on the front lawn.” When you release a book, even a novel, people look at it and they're going to judge you and rate you. I remember early on, Jo—we knew each other through Twitter, I think, where we initially met, and then interacted with and finally met in person at London Book Fair. I think you and I have a very similar reaction. When people know us as positive and upbeat and out there helping authors in the community, and then they read our fiction, they go, “Well, Jo, you burned a nun alive on page one.” Or, “Mark, what kind of… they're drinking from the skulls of dead people? What the heck is going on with you two?” We are exposing parts of ourselves in our fiction and non-fiction. That's a fear I embrace, but also never get over, if that makes any sense. I write scary stories because I'm a big chicken. So maybe the entire process is just cheap therapy for me. Or not cheap, because it's an expensive pastime, isn't it? Jo: It certainly can be, but I agree. I struggle with fear of judgment still. I think it's also because we do this in public, which comes back to the financial side of things. We do a lot of this in public, and then people judge us on our author businesses too. You could look at Bones of the Deep, which was just on Kickstarter, and compare my Kickstarter to another author's Kickstarter for a fiction book, and judge one or the other person based on numbers. I feel like this is because you and I have done so much in public—for me, almost 20 years, and for you, like 40 years or whatever. Maybe 30 years. You look that old. Mark: Listen there, dearie. Get off my lawn. Jo: Yes, get off my lawn—with those skeletons you have on your lawn. Mark: Yes. They're no longer in my closet. Jo: They're not in your closet. I wonder if that also plays a part of it—the pros and cons of doing this business in public. Mark: Yes, that is a part of it. One thing I try to be very clear about, because there's so much FOMO and so much out there about people thinking that everyone else is making a million dollars from their books and “I'm the only loser who's not”—I try to be clear that I have never made more than a mid-five figures as an author from my author earnings, ever. I haven't yet hit six figures. One of the reasons I try to be transparent in sharing that is I don't want people to think that everyone else is a six- and seven-figure success story, and they're the only one who's only made $100 last year on their books. The reality is, 90 to 99% of the people who are writing and publishing are not going to earn a significant amount of money. I realise I'm also very, very lucky that I've earned this much, and it's taken a long time. I just shared this in a Substack post I posted yesterday: it was 10 years of rejections before I got $5 for my first short story that was published in '92. It wasn't until 2001 that I finally made pro rate, six cents US a word, for a short story that, ironically, Julie Czerneda bought from me back in the day. For me, I've been lucky that it's always been a long, slow slog. It's been a marathon, and I've never instantly sprinted across any dramatic finish line. I've had some really phenomenal moments—doing a book signing in a Costco, walking into Walmart and seeing my books there. Even last night at the Burlington Public Library, going, “Wow, they have eight of my books here—four of my self-published books and four of my traditionally published books, in two different sections.” I was like, “That's kind of cool.” So I've had these amazing moments as a writer, but I've never had the blockbuster—the Brandon Sanderson, or even the Dungeon Crawler Carl, Matt Dinniman, kind of moments. I still think I've had a very fortunate and lucky journey. Even if I wasn't making the money I'm making, I'd still be writing, and I'm sure you would be too. Jo: Oh, yes, for sure. I actually think the thing most of us would probably let go is the marketing. If we won the lottery, we'd carry on with all the creative stuff, the writing, the community stuff, and we'd just literally do no marketing at all. Mark: Well, yes, of course. Or potentially say, “Oh, here, ad agency, here's some money. You just run it, whatever. Let me know if it works or not. I don't care.” Jo: That's a much better idea. Mark: At least I've got the extra disposable income, so I may as well, because I'm helping the world when my books are out there. I know my books will help people. I really honestly think that as storytellers—whether it's fiction or non-fiction, we're still storytellers—what we do in writing and podcasting and all the things we do, the re-sharing on social media, is really helping connect people. I think that is one of the most profound things we can do as writers. And I mean that the writing, in and of itself, is a reward. Jo: Like you said, we met on Twitter when Twitter was what it was back in the day. I do very, very little social media now. But you just mentioned your Substack, and you also have your podcast, Stark Reflections. So how are you balancing what you put on each? I only do this podcast now. I don't even blog. I write books, obviously, and then I do the podcast. So what are you doing differently on Substack to the podcast, and what part do they play in income and marketing? Mark: Great question. I realise most people have never heard of me, or read or listened to the things I put out into the world. And I've been a longtime fan of “reduce, reuse, recycle my IP.” My podcast is not as long-running as yours, but I'm in my ninth year, and I've not missed a single Friday in the full eight years, or eight and a half by now, that I've been doing this. Every week I reflect on what I learned from an interview, or I'll reflect on something you've posted and say, “This episode is not an interview, but Jo said this last week, and I'm going to talk about it.” The podcast itself takes a lot of work. I still do all of it myself, and I know I probably shouldn't, but I like doing it, so it's one of those tasks I enjoy. I also have reflections that aren't going to come out vocally but might come out in writing. Sometimes in the morning I'm not in the mood to write the novel or the non-fiction book I'm writing, but I'm writing some tangent. I just let the creative monster go. I find that re-sharing… I might have reflected on something for a couple of minutes at the end of an interview, but I really want to expand upon it, so I write the Substack article. I try to reuse some of that content. Someone's going to enjoy seeing it on a short video clip I share on YouTube, or whatever the platform is. Someone else is going to listen to it on a podcast, wherever they listen to podcasts, and someone else is going to want to read it. It could be the same information, just shared in a slightly different way, to potentially get it out to other people. So for me, it's part of that wide publishing mentality. I'm trying not to completely duplicate the work, although I am duplicating some of it. I'll give you an example. Hey, Canadian listeners—if you have not registered for Public Lending Right in Canada, please put something in your calendar for February 2027, because the deadline's over. It was May 1st of 2026. Put it in your calendar for next year. I even had somebody at this writers' event I was at this last weekend say, “You mentioned something in a presentation you did for the Canadian Authors Association about Public Lending Right, and thank you, because now I get thousands of dollars a year from this.” So just look up Public Lending Right. I've been saying stuff about Public Lending Right for at least 10 years now. Every time I get my beautiful multi-four-figure cheque from them in February every year, I post on social media and remind authors to check it out. I know it exists in the UK, and it exists in 36 countries in the world—just not the US. Jo: Not the US. Mark: They don't have a programme like this, probably because the big publishers—and probably one of the authors' associations—think that libraries are cannibalising book sales, which is not true. It's been proven time and time again, and that lobbying has prevented it from happening. Whereas here in Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts and the Writers' Union of Canada worked hard to make this happen. Anyway, I talk about something like Public Lending Right and I feel like I must have said this so much that people are sick of it, but every single time I mention it, someone goes, “Oh my God, thanks for saying that. I never heard it.” That's a good reminder, especially for folks like you and me. We know the basics. We know what an ISBN is. We know KDP Select means you can't put the e-book on any other retailer, or even sell it on your own website. We know all these things, but it's hard for us to remember that there are folks coming to this for the very first time who've never heard it, even though we feel like, “Oh my God, I've said this till I'm blue in the face.” I think I got that from retail. When I worked in retail, I recognised that somebody's going to come in and ask for “that blue book that Reese Witherspoon was talking about,” or Oprah was talking about, or whatever. And you do your darn best to help them figure it out rather than mock them. I try to take the same approach when people ask me those questions, because I'm trying to remember what it was like when I honestly did not know the answer, and having someone take the time to help me. I've been very, very lucky that I've had a lot of people take the time to help me. I'll never forget—God rest her soul—Nancy Kilpatrick, a horror writer here from Canada who passed away a few years ago. She gave me a blurb for my very first book in 2004 because she'd acquired one of my short stories for an anthology she'd edited. I was trying to call my short story collection an anthology, and she very kindly took me aside and said, “It's not an anthology if it's a single author. An anthology is a…” Jo: I didn't know that until, like, last year. I got that wrong as well. There are lots of words like that. I want to circle back, because you didn't really answer earlier about the time management. You just mentioned YouTube, on top of Substack and all the things you do. You also have a day job at Draft2Digital—it's part-time, right? You also do part-time at the university, teaching publishing, right? You do all kinds of things. How do you manage your time with all of that? Mark: Well, I mismanage my time more than I manage it, Jo. That's the God's honest truth. Fortunately, most of the things I have that aren't scheduled—like, scheduled to do this lecture at this time, or scheduled to have this meeting at this particular time with Draft2Digital—most of my work is very flexible. I do not work a regular 9:00 to 5:00, Monday to Friday. Well, I never did. I always worked way more. But I have a very flexible schedule. Every single day is a work day, and every single day is a play day for me. So I'm very, very lucky. I do schedule in the very important things, particularly where somebody else is reliant upon me—meetings and connections and stuff like that. Then I make the time first thing in the morning to get the writing done. Everything else is not as important, and it's part of… I guess it's part of playing. You know, like the social media sharing. I don't look at social media as marketing. I just look at it as another way to connect with people, with other creatives, and with readers potentially, all six people who read my stuff. I probably could do a better job of managing my time. I've tried several times over the years to adapt processes to make it better, but I consistently default back to what I do, and so far I guess I've been getting away with it. So I was like, “Do I want to waste more time trying to come up with a process, or do I just want to roll with it?” Because so far I haven't killed myself doing it, and I've been enjoying the journey. So, if it ain't broke… Jo: I think that's the point, if it doesn't feel like it's broken. Having known you for a long time now, and we work together—obviously we co-wrote The Relaxed Author—you do work very, very differently to me. You definitely are a little bit more chaotic. I'm chaotic in some ways too. Mark: Oh, you're very generous. “A little bit chaotic.” Thanks. That was generous, Jo. Jo: You're chaotic in your work practices and scheduling and all that, which I couldn't cope with very well. Even though I feel like a part of my brain is very chaotic—the creative side, I guess, can be quite chaotic—I think I'm actually quite controlling and very scheduled in my work practices. As you say, for someone else on the outside, it might feel to me like you have too many balls in the air. But if you don't feel that, then that's the way of working that works for you. So this is another important thing, isn't it? You can't adapt to what other people say your life should look like. It's what feels good to you. Mark: Oh, for sure. One thing I know about my procrastination tendency is that panic and fear motivate me. So, a deadline—”I have to get this into a publisher by this date, I have to get this manuscript to an editor by that date”—I'm motivated by fear. And I'm afraid of everything, so I guess I'm always motivated. Jo: But I also know that when you hear the word “deadline”—and I know a lot of people who do this—the deadline means you get it in on the deadline, or the day before the deadline. To me, a deadline means I have it ready a month earlier. Mark: I love that. I've done that a few times and shocked myself. I actually had a pre-order up—with the audiobook, the print, and the e-book—a month in advance, and I didn't know what to do with myself. I was like, “Well, what am I going to do now in the next month?” Jo: Work on the next thing. Mark: But I'm so used to working on it up to the last second that I was kind of like, “What do I do?” That actually caught me by surprise, and I honestly felt weird. I was like, “I've never felt this before.” I'm really lucky. I know you have a very supportive and amazing partner, and so do I. My partner, scarily enough, is maybe a bigger procrastinator than me, so she never gives me a hard time. She supports me, and I do the same thing with her own work. I'm up all night with her at the last minute so we can get something turned in. So, fortunately, we really understand one another, and we don't give each other a hard time. We just go, “Well, got away with it again. I guess I'm not going to change my ways.” Jo: We made it. And again, that's the point. You and I could stand up in front of people, both hold up the last book we wrote, and say, “We made this,” and our processes are completely different. Our brains are completely different. We come from different countries. There are lots of things that are different, and yet we both made a book. So hopefully that encourages people. You don't have to do anything that we're telling you, or anyone else tells you. But if you want to be an author, at some point you have to produce a book. Mark: Exactly. As Brian in the classic Monty Python film gets them to say: “Yes, we are all different.” Embrace that difference. I think that's such a powerful reminder that there is no one process for getting anything done. Jo: Given that we co-wrote The Relaxed Author back in 2021—and we did that because we had another show, and we were talking, and we said, “Oh, everyone's stressed and the anxiety levels are really high, and we think there's a better path”—we co-wrote that book, which I think is still a very good book. Definitely people should get it. Interestingly, I think the stress and anxiety might actually be higher now than it was. So what do you think the main stresses are in the community now? You also see a lot with Draft2Digital, I guess, as well. Mark: Oh, for sure. Honestly, Jo, I'm so glad we wrote that book, because I actually pick it up every once in a while to remind myself of the things we tried to help others with. Again, it's therapy for me as well, so I'm so glad we did it. I think we're 10, if not 100, times more stressed. The world events and things going on, the divisiveness—not just in the world in general, in politics and everything else, but the divisiveness in the author community. The witch-hunting that happens, people trying to tear down other authors either because they're successful, or because, “Oh my God, you dared use a new technology.” All of these things are happening, and everyone's at one another's throats. I need to pick that book up and reread it. I'm a lot more stressed than I was. I'm just getting over shingles, which is… Jo: Oh. Which is actually related to stress as well, isn't it? Mark: It is, yes. I was in LA for Writers of the Future—I'm a judge for that science fiction and fantasy conference. I went right from LA, like a week in LA, which was a phenomenal experience getting to mentor the winners. And I mean, come on, it's a free trip to Hollywood, hanging out with Kevin Anderson, having beers and stuff like that. Then I came back to the Toronto Indie Author Conference, run by Tao Wong, here in Toronto. I went right from the airport—didn't even go home—straight to the hotel, because I kicked into another conference. We did a display on how to set up an in-person booth, so I ended up having to hand-bomb boxes, blocks down the street from where I was parked. My chest was really sore when I got home on the Monday, and I thought it was because I hadn't used these muscles, because I'm not in the best shape. Then I took my shirt off and went, “Oh, there's a rash there.” Liz goes, “You have shingles.” Because the pain in my chest, which I thought was the muscle, was actually underneath. I'm one of those lucky people that it's taken the full five weeks, and I'm still in pain even afterwards. So, again, public notice: if you're an older person like me, and there's a vaccine available for shingles, you may want to consider it. Jo: Yep, get it. Mark: Oh my God, it hurts. But, yes, the stress, I think, is higher—even though I didn't know I was feeling it. It was happy stress, right? I was stressed out because I'm there in Hollywood, helping people and doing some good things, and then I'm doing the same thing, interacting with some amazing authors at the Toronto Indie Author Conference. I didn't feel anxious stress. I was happy stress. Is that a thing? Jo: I think possibly… your physical body masks stress, physical stress, because you enjoy all of that stuff. Whereas someone like me, I'll feel it quicker and withdraw. Although I say that, back probably a decade ago, Jonathan would say to me, “You're going too fast, and you're going to hit the wall. And when you hit the wall, it's not going to be fun.” And I did hit the wall. Then, probably in 2021—I mean, that was when I just started going into menopause, and obviously we had the pandemic, and I wrote Pilgrimage, and I was doing all those walks, which I think really helped me. I learned a lot about maybe stopping that before it happened. Becca Syme obviously talks a lot about this too. But I find it interesting with you, because I think you're so positively happy with these events you do that it might mask your physical symptoms in a different way. That's really hard to watch out for. I'll give a tip to you and everyone else listening: schedule the calendar, and look at your calendar and go, “I can't go back-to-back-to-back. I have to put in some rest days.” Mark: Well, thank you. You know, Jo, you and Becca Syme are two of my best unpaid therapists. I appreciate that. Jo: You just don't listen, Mark. Mark: Or sometimes I do. Jo: Just coming back to the community, and the divisiveness there is primarily over AI at the moment, I think that's one of the biggest things. And the arbitrary lines as to what you're allowed to use it for and what you're not allowed to use it for, which is just kind of crazy. Obviously, you know I've opted out of that whole discussion now. How do you think we can move through this [divisiveness over AI], move on? We remember when it was trad versus indie, and then it was wide versus KU. So this will pass—it's just hard, when you're in it, to know when it might pass. Mark: Yes. I think the more generic advice—for whatever may come, whatever has come—is: why are you doing this? Why are you a writer? Heads down, focus on what gives you pleasure, and do that, because everything else is noise. All the marketing tactics and strategies, and all the people yelling at one another. Write your books. Do the things that motivate you. Do the things that give you that intrinsic reward. It's hard to ignore. I get it, it is hard to ignore. I have difficulty ignoring the haters and the yelling and the screaming that happens, but I do my best. Like this morning, when I was in the throes of my manuscript and I looked up and went, “Oh my God, I've got to shower. I'm going to be talking to Jo soon, I should comb my hair”—which I have none of. Because I was so in my book that everything else melted away. That, for me as a storyteller, as a writer, is one of the most beautiful places to be. Jo: I think you're absolutely right. I have a little thing that pops up in my calendar sometimes which says, “If you're feeling all of these things, just go create something.” The moment you refocus on creation—whatever that means to you—things change. It changes the energy. That, or go for a walk. That's my other tip. Mark: Outside. And I have to say, Jo, Pilgrimage is still one of the most profound and powerful books you've written, and you've written a lot of amazing ones. Jo: Oh, you're very sweet. Mark: That one really resonates, not just for me, but with Liz. Because one of the things we often do when we get stressed is go for a walk, ideally in nature. The vitamin N. I think there's something really profound in that, and it really helps me a lot. And again, sometimes going for a walk listening to your podcast, or an audiobook, or sometimes just attending to the environment. A tip I picked up years ago from Brooklyn author Denis Hamill was: go for a walk with your character. Listen to what they see. What do they comment on? How do they approach this environment that you've seen a million times? How do they see it? What do they notice that you don't notice? That's such an incredible experience of creativity—when you're not writing, but writing. That really helps me a lot. Jo: Oh, nice one. Okay, so your latest book is Stark Realities, but you have so many more. Where can people find you and your books and your podcast online? Mark: Jo, you can find everything you want to know about me—and stuff you don't want to know about me—over at MarkLeslie.ca. It links to all the other places from there. Jo: Brilliant. Thanks again for your time, Mark. That was great. Mark: Thanks so much, Jo. Bye-bye. The post Creative Satisfaction, In Person Print Book Sales, And Author Mindset With Mark Leslie Lefebvre first appeared on The Creative Penn.

Having received his Ph.D. in mathematical logic at Brandeis University, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb went on to become Professor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. Today he is a senior faculty member at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. An accomplished author and lecturer, Rabbi Gottlieb has electrified audiences with his stimulating and energetic presentations on ethical and philosophical issues. In Jewish Philosophy with Rabbi Dr. Gottlieb, we are invited to explore the most fascinating and elemental concepts of Jewish Philosophy. https://podcasts.ohr.edu/ podcasts@ohr.edu

This episode's guests:Ken Walczak, Night Light Consulting.Mark Baker, Soft Lights Foundation.Charles Hood, Author of Nature at Night.Bill's News Picks:  Ford Government's bill 98 Could be the final Death Knell for Birds, Alexis Wright & Anushka Yadav, The Pointer. Artificial light at night disrupts immune rhythms in wild rodents under semi-natural conditions, Environmental Pollution. Chronic Artificial Light at Night Exposure Disrupts Circadian Rhythms and Modulates P53 Gene Expression in a Rat Model of Colorectal Cancer, Journal of Medicine and Health Research.  Engineering glowing plants: recent progress and future directions for application-oriented design, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology.L.Y.R. - Dark Sky Reservation, Real World Records, Youtube.Send Feedback Text to the Show!Support the showA hearty thank you to all of our paid supporters out there. You make this show possible.For only the cost of one coffee each month you can help us to continue to grow. That's $3 a month. If you like what we're doing, if you think this adds value in any way, why not say thank you by becoming a supporter!Why Support Light Pollution News?Receive quarterly invite to join as live audience member for recordings with special Q&A session post recording with guests.Receive all of the news for that month via a special Supporter monthly mailer.Satisfaction that your support helps further critical discourse on this topic.About Light Pollution News:Ever wonder why migrating birds crash into buildings? Or why you can't sleep at night? What about where you can still see the Milky Way? Light Pollution News explores how our 24/7 lit world affects everything from wildlife and human health to our understanding of the stars, travel, and the future of our cities. Host Bill McGeeney brings on rotating guests to help dig into the latest research, policy activity, and real-world solutions - from how irresponsible lighting degrades our health to the best dark sky destinations for your next trip. Whether you're a birder, conservationist, astrophotographer, or just someone who misses sleeping in darkness, this is the show that connects the dots between your disappear...

The essence of faith is being satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus. Faith embraces God — not just his promised gifts — as our treasure.

Read Online“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother's eye.” Matthew 7:3–5It is easy to judge another. A certain satisfaction comes from it; otherwise, one would not engage in such an action. In fact, every sin we commit brings with it a certain degree of satisfaction. Of course, the satisfaction is purely emotional, passing, disordered, and ultimately very destructive to our souls. A judgmental heart presumes the worst about another's words or actions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church warns against rash judgment as an offense against truth (CCC 2477). We commit this sin when we assume, without sufficient evidence, the moral fault of another. This often manifests as gossip, detraction, or slander. While gossip may sometimes involve truth, it becomes sinful when it harms another's reputation without a just cause. Detraction needlessly exposes another's real faults, while slander distorts the truth and spreads falsehood. Each of these acts flows from a heart that finds disordered satisfaction in condemning rather than in mercy.Every time we judge another unfairly—whether through interior criticism or public condemnation—we fall into this sin. To remedy this, we must examine our motivations. Sin is deceptive, especially to the one who commits it. The sin of judging another is particularly insidious because it often feels justified, even appearing as a moral obligation. This was the sin of the scribes and Pharisees. They judged others, interpreting the Law of Moses through their rigid traditions rather than true righteousness. Their self-righteousness convinced them they were acting in God's name. But they were blinded by pride, which not only harmed others but also endangered their souls. A judgmental heart is difficult to overcome. Doing so requires shedding disordered feelings and hurts and turning to the light of God's Wisdom. This will hurt because we must admit our sin. When another's words or actions offend us, it is even harder to face our own sin first. Jesus makes it clear, however, that unless we first remove the “wooden beam” in our own eye, we cannot remove the “splinter” in another's. The only way to remove the wooden beam in our own eye is to grow in the virtue of mercy. We must love every sinner—especially those who have harmed us—to such a degree that every passion of our soul is transformed by mercy. With our minds, we must perceive and embrace God's truth about mercy, and with our wills, we must choose it. Only when we do so over and over again—forming a habit, or virtue—will our passions align with mercy. The good news—for us and for those we tend to judge—is that when the virtue of mercy permeates not only our minds and wills but also our feelings and passions, we begin to discover freedom from the disordered satisfaction that trapped us in our judgmental hearts. From there, enlightened by God's wisdom and grace, we will be able to lovingly, compassionately, and sincerely help others see the error of their ways—not by judging and condemning them, but by loving them and guiding them toward the same freedom in Christ. Reflect today on any sinful habits you struggle with, especially a judgmental heart. Do you ever feel justified in your judgment of others? Is there a degree of disordered satisfaction you gain from that sin? Humble yourself before God's mercy if these questions challenge you, and don't be afraid to acknowledge the wooden beam in your eye. Beg for freedom from a judgmental spirit and embrace the far greater gift of mercy. Though challenging, such an exercise is ultimately freeing and will enable you to assist those who need God's mercy the most. Most merciful God, I come before You and humbly acknowledge my struggle with a judgmental heart. When I am hurt or offended, I am tempted to lash out, condemn, and presume the worst of others. But You, O Lord, see all things with perfect wisdom and mercy. Please free me from this sin, purify my heart, and transform me into an instrument of Your love and compassion. May I judge no one apart from Your Truth and Justice, and may I always extend the mercy that I myself long to receive. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The Sermon On the Mount, by Carl Heinrich BlochSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Many of us are tempted to manufacture our happiness by taking control of our circumstances. What will it take for us to stop powering our way to a happy ending? In this message, Pastor Philip Miller introduces us to the widow Naomi, who was bitter, bent towards control, but ultimately blessed.  This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Moody Church Hour" and "Living Hope," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Dr. Philip Miller is the 17th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church. He is the featured speaker on "Living Hope" and "Moody Church Hour," with programs broadcasting on 700 outlets in the U.S. He and his wife Krista live in Chicago with their four children. Pastor Philip is passionate about proclaiming God's Word, cultivating healthy ministry, and investing in future leaders. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

Many of us are tempted to manufacture our happiness by taking control of our circumstances. What will it take for us to stop powering our way to a happy ending? In this message, Pastor Philip Miller introduces us to the widow Naomi, who was bitter, bent towards control, but ultimately blessed.  To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29?v=20251111

Ever watch a promising writing class lose steam by midterm? We've been there, and we built this conversation to flip that script using the ARCS model—Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction—as a practical blueprint for motivated, higher-quality writing across live and online courses. With award-winning author and curriculum developer Ruth A. Douthit, we unpack what actually keeps students engaged, why “busy work” backfires, and how to design assignments that feel purposeful from the first hook to the final draft.Ruth closes with before-and-after assignment makeovers and shares where to connect with her books and A Writer's Day podcast. If you're ready to replace disengagement with momentum and help students produce writing they're proud to share, this episode will give you the scripts, structures, and confidence to start.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow and share the show, leave a thoughtful review, and send this to a colleague who's redesigning a writing course. Your support helps more educators find actionable ideas that work.

Many of us are tempted to manufacture our happiness by taking control of our circumstances. What will it take for us to stop powering our way to a happy ending? In this message, Pastor Philip Miller introduces us to the widow Naomi, who was bitter, bent towards control, but ultimately blessed.  To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29?v=20251111

Send us Fan MailI get it, there's not much to talk about, but WIP is just forcing controversy where its completely not needed. We keep it real here at Talkin' 215 Follow us on twitter.com/talkin215 facebook.com/talkin215 IG @Talkin.215 YT @Talkin215 Email us at Talkin215@Gmail.com You or anyone you know suffer from a new or chronic injury? Send them over to DOS for the best care possible. Schedule an appointment today at DelOrtho.comOr call 302-655-9494 Car filthy and need a clean? Ask your phone to "Take me to white glove carwash" for the best wash you can get. Satisfaction guaranteed!

In this episode, I explore the relationship between effort and satisfaction, and why so many people feel unfulfilled despite wanting success. Whether you're leading a team or working toward your own goals, there is a direct connection between the effort you put in and the satisfaction you experience.I explain why leaders should focus on creating meaningful measures of progress, how effort leads to fulfillment long before the final reward arrives, and why learning to recognize daily progress can make you both more productive and more satisfied. 

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We often look to other people to make us happy. A Samaritan woman was desperately looking in all the wrong places for love. In this message, Pastor Philip Miller discusses the Samaritan woman's trap, thirst, and transformation to reveal where true fulfillment is found. Will we leave our broken cisterns behind and drink from the only fountain that never runs dry? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://moodyoffer.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Moody Church Hour" and "Living Hope," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Dr. Philip Miller is the 17th Senior Pastor of The Moody Church. He is the featured speaker on "Living Hope" and "Moody Church Hour," with programs broadcasting on 700 outlets in the U.S. He and his wife Krista live in Chicago with their four children. Pastor Philip is passionate about proclaiming God's Word, cultivating healthy ministry, and investing in future leaders. SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

You love your partner.So why does a screen feel more exciting than real life?Most people assume it's a relationship problem.But what if it's a brain problem?The brain adapts to what it experiences most.Scrolling. Short videos.Pornography.  Constant novelty.Over time, stimulation becomes the reward.And real-life connections can start feeling less exciting than they used to.Because your brain learned to chase novelty instead of connection. Your brain has been hijacked.Why Does Pornography Lower Relationship Satisfaction? The Neuroscience Explained

We often look to other people to make us happy. A Samaritan woman was desperately looking in all the wrong places for love. In this message, Pastor Philip Miller discusses the Samaritan woman's trap, thirst, and transformation to reveal where true fulfillment is found. Will we leave our broken cisterns behind and drink from the only fountain that never runs dry? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29?v=20251111

We often look to other people to make us happy. A Samaritan woman was desperately looking in all the wrong places for love. In this message, Pastor Philip Miller discusses the Samaritan woman's trap, thirst, and transformation to reveal where true fulfillment is found. Will we leave our broken cisterns behind and drink from the only fountain that never runs dry? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/173/29?v=20251111

I Am the Bread of Life What are you feeding your soul with? In Episode 163 of 2 Minute Disciple, we meditate on John 6:35–40, where Jesus makes one of the most profound declarations in all of Scripture: “I am the Bread of Life.” The crowd has been searching for bread, signs, and provision. But Jesus reveals that their deepest need is not something He can give—it is Him. He is the true Bread from Heaven. He is the One who satisfies the hunger beneath every other hunger. Every human heart longs for something more: meaning, belonging, peace, purpose, security, and life that does not run dry. Jesus declares that these deepest longings ultimately find their fulfillment in Him. But this passage offers another remarkable promise. Jesus says: “Whoever comes to Me I will never reject.” Not sometimes. Not conditionally. Not only when we have everything together. Whoever comes. For weary believers, struggling disciples, and those wondering whether they truly belong, these words offer profound comfort. The invitation remains open, and the welcome remains secure. Jesus goes even further. He promises that those who belong to Him will not be lost. The Father's will is that Christ preserve and raise up all who trust in Him. Our hope rests not in the strength of our grip on Jesus, but in the strength of His grip on us. In this episode, you'll discover: • What Jesus means when He calls Himself the Bread of Life • Why our deepest hunger can only be satisfied by Christ • The comfort found in Jesus' promise to never reject those who come to Him • How spiritual security is rooted in God's faithfulness • A practical habit for turning toward Jesus throughout your day Scripture John 6:35–40 (NLT)

Give Us This Bread What are you truly hungry for? In Episode 162 of 2 Minute Disciple, we meditate on John 6:30–34, where the crowd asks Jesus for a sign and points back to one of Israel's greatest miracles—the manna God provided in the wilderness. Despite witnessing the miraculous feeding of thousands, they still want more evidence. Yet Jesus gently redirects their attention. The manna was never the point. The miracle was never the destination. The bread in the wilderness was always pointing to something—and Someone—greater. Jesus tells them that it was not Moses who gave bread from heaven, but the Father. And now the Father is offering the true Bread from Heaven: the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. The crowd doesn't fully understand yet, but their response is beautiful: “Sir, give us this bread every day.” They are asking for more than they realize. And often, so are we. Many of our prayers begin with earthly needs, surface desires, and immediate concerns. Yet beneath them lies a deeper hunger—a longing for life, peace, purpose, belonging, and communion with God. Jesus is the answer to that deeper hunger. This passage reminds us that even when our understanding is incomplete, we can bring our desires honestly to Christ and trust Him to give us what we truly need. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why the crowd kept asking Jesus for more signs • The connection between manna in the wilderness and Jesus • What it means that Jesus is the true Bread from Heaven • How God often answers our prayers with something greater than we expect • A practical way to bring your deepest longings to Christ Scripture John 6:30–34 (NLT)

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

This week, Pastor AJ walked us through John 4 and the story of the woman at the well, reminding us that Jesus is more than enough to satisfy. While the things of this world will always leave us thirsty, Jesus alone offers the living water that truly fulfills. We were challenged to stop running back to empty wells and find our satisfaction in Christ alone. Join us in the LSM Building every Tuesday at 7 p.m., and follow us on Instagram @lyahampton for more updates.

In this MedAxiom HeartTalk, host Melanie Lawson, MS, sits down with Maureen Knechtel, DMSc, PA-C, academic coordinator and associate professor of physician assistant studies at Milligan University, and Jerry Blackwell, MD, MBA, FACC, president and CEO of MedAxiom. They challenge the idea that onboarding begins and ends with orientation, revealing a gap many organizations don't recognize until it's too late. Their conversation explores what it takes to develop APPs with intention and set them up for long-term success.

Cameron Price, Head of People & Talent at Medium, joined us on The Modern People Leader to discuss how people teams can lead AI change management through trust, curiosity, and human-centered design. We talked about AI fluency, balancing innovation with authenticity, measuring employee sentiment around AI adoption, and why humans-first leadership matters more than ever. ----  Sponsor Links:

Matthew 5 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” This message examines what righteousness means, why none of us can produce it on our own, and how Jesus calls us beyond the appearance of righteousness into a real pursuit of him. From spiritual poverty to repentance, the sermon points back to the cross as the place where self righteousness ends and true satisfaction begins. (00:00) - The Beatitudes and Overfamiliar Words (02:28) - Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst (03:53) - Defining Righteousness (05:35) - None of Us Are Righteous (06:07) - Matthew 5 and the Promise of Satisfaction (08:24) - The Center of the Beatitudes (10:01) - Spiritually Bankrupt Without Jesus (12:11) - Craving Christ Alone (13:27) - Hunger That Reveals Spiritual Health (17:27) - Jesus at the Center of Our Desires (20:25) - What Are You Hungry For? (22:52) - From Pretty Faith to Pursuit (27:39) - Looking for Satisfaction in the Wrong Places (33:58) - Stale Bread or Fresh Bread (38:46) - The Cross and the Response of Surrender

In this episode of the Un-Billable Hour's Seat at the Table: What's the difference between sending clients out the door with their case successfully resolved and having clients walk away with a great feeling and a real human connection to you and your firm A law firm is a service industry. Successful firms understand how personal, attentive service and communication leads to happy clients and builds repeat business and referrals.  Clients begin to form their opinion – their gut feeling – of your firm from the second they reach out. Most have never hired an attorney, it's scary. Being kind and supportive from start to finish pays off in client satisfaction.   Take a “seat at the table,” with host Christopher T. Anderson and guests as they share the nuances of customer experience, client satisfaction, and going beyond achieving a desired outcome. What is “customer satisfaction?” As attorneys, we may think that means handling a case with efficiency and competency. But clients want, maybe need, more. Empathy, guidance, and a process that makes them feel heard and that their attorney cares about their problem. In this episode of a Seat at the Table, Christopher is joined by experienced and successful attorneys Ruby L. Powers and Amira Hasenbush and legal marketing guru, former attorney, and co-host of the Legal Talk Network's Lunch Hour Legal Marketing podcast Gyi Tsakalakis. Hear ideas for delivering a delightful experience. Build trust and connections (and earn repeat business and referrals). Getting a good outcome these days is table stakes, you're expected to do your job. The A+ in experience is the client who leaves feeling appreciated, recognized, and supported. Technology is great. AI is changing the game. But no tech replaces a human who doesn't just pretend to care, but really does care. It doesn't matter what you think you're delivering. What matters is what your clients feel you're delivering.  Mentioned in This Episode: AI Companion Querious Fireflies AI Hona AI Case Status AI “Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication,” by Vanessa Van Edwards “Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect,” by Will Guidara Clio ClioCon 2026, Oct. 26-27, 2026 Legal Talk Network Unbillable Hour

This episode's guests:Ken Walczak, Night Light Consulting.Mark Baker, Soft Lights Foundation.Charles Hood, Author of Nature at Night.Bill's News Picks:  Finland's longest bridge reaches completion in Helsinki, Starr Charles, Dezeen.The Bay Lights Come Back On Tonight After Three-Year Hiatus, SF Gate. Light and ultrasonic noise pollution displaces trawling Daubenton's bats, Scientific Reports.Assessing the benefits of part-night lighting on a tropical bat species endemic to Reunion Island, Biological Conservation.From gas lamps to LEDs: The 100-year war on headlight glare, Kris Culmer, Autocar. Send Feedback Text to the Show!Support the showA hearty thank you to all of our paid supporters out there. You make this show possible.For only the cost of one coffee each month you can help us to continue to grow. That's $3 a month. If you like what we're doing, if you think this adds value in any way, why not say thank you by becoming a supporter!Why Support Light Pollution News?Receive quarterly invite to join as live audience member for recordings with special Q&A session post recording with guests.Receive all of the news for that month via a special Supporter monthly mailer.Satisfaction that your support helps further critical discourse on this topic.About Light Pollution News:Ever wonder why migrating birds crash into buildings? Or why you can't sleep at night? What about where you can still see the Milky Way? Light Pollution News explores how our 24/7 lit world affects everything from wildlife and human health to our understanding of the stars, travel, and the future of our cities. Host Bill McGeeney brings on rotating guests to help dig into the latest research, policy activity, and real-world solutions - from how irresponsible lighting degrades our health to the best dark sky destinations for your next trip. Whether you're a birder, conservationist, astrophotographer, or just someone who misses sleeping in darkness, this is the show that connects the dots between your disappear...

SHABBAT DAY LESSON — PROVERBS 5WHAT WE COVERProverbs 5 reveals the danger of satisfaction without accountability.This chapter is not merely a warning against adultery.It exposes how desire is formed, how appetites are trained, and how the sources we continually drink from shape the direction of our lives.We examine:• The strange woman• Desire and satisfaction• Consequences and accountability• Wells, fountains, and rivers• Wisdom and restraint• The witness of YahuahWHY THIS MESSAGE MATTERSProverbs 5 teaches that what repeatedly satisfies the soul eventually acquires authority over the soul.The chapter reveals that desire does not appear suddenly. It is formed by what we continually consume, pursue, and seek satisfaction from.Solomon warns that satisfaction detached from wisdom leads to destruction, while satisfaction governed by wisdom produces life.SCRIPTURE REFERENCESProverbs 5ABOUT AHAVA ~ LOVE ASSEMBLYWe teach the pure Word of Yahuah. No religion. No traditions. No compromise.SUPPORT THE WORK — GIVE VIA ZELLEZelle QR available at: ahavaloveministry.comFINAL HEART CHECKWhat has been shaping your desires?What sources are feeding your soul?Are your appetites being governed by wisdom or by impulse?

Facilitator and Healer Dr. Dean Lloyd begins the first of his five part series getting to the Heart of the Matter

Let me know your thoughts on the show and what topic you would like me to discuss next.Silence can feel like victory. No fights, no tension, no pushback, just a home that runs. But what if that quiet is not peace at all? We dig into a hard idea: the absence of complaints can be the most concerning signal in your marriage, your parenting, and your leadership at home, because it can mean the people closest to you have stopped believing change is possible.We unpack the difference between satisfaction and resignation, then walk through how adaptation disguises itself as “things are fine”. When your spouse stops initiating difficult conversations, it might not be agreement; it might be exhaustion. When your kids stop asking for you, it might not be independence; it might be a learned way to avoid disappointment. And when the household operates smoothly without your emotional presence, that “efficiency” can be compensation for what is missing: connection, honesty, vulnerability, and intimacy.You will hear a clear model for the slow slide into silence, plus what high-functioning dysfunction looks like day-to-day: logistics without closeness, coordination without care, calm without depth. We also name the hidden costs that build quietly over time, including eroding trust, transactional relationships, and resentment that goes underground. If you have been mistaking quiet for health, this will help you spot the gap and decide what you will do next.If this hits home, subscribe, share it with a brother who needs it, and leave a review so more men can find the work. What is one place in your life where silence might be resignation?Key moments in this episode:00:00 Silence Isn't Health01:06 Why No One Complains02:27 Satisfaction vs Resignation03:06 Marriage Quiet Quitting03:48 Kids Learn To Stop Asking04:35 Home Rhythm Or Resignation05:15 Healthy Systems Speak Up07:56 The Five Stages To Silence10:22 High Functioning Dysfunction12:56 What Gets Lost Over Time15:31 Act One Wrap And Act Two18:31 Join The BrotherhoodSupport the showThanks for listening to the Revolutionary Man Podcast.  For more information about our programs, please use the links below to learn more about us. It could be the step that changes your life. 

Send us Fan MailGang reacts to the AJ Brown trade and all the nonsense surrounding itWhat will this team look like and how will it be different?More Eagles talk Follow us on twitter.com/talkin215 facebook.com/talkin215 IG @Talkin.215 YT @Talkin215 Email us at Talkin215@Gmail.com You or anyone you know suffer from a new or chronic injury? Send them over to DOS for the best care possible. Schedule an appointment today at DelOrtho.comOr call 302-655-9494 Car filthy and need a clean? Ask your phone to "Take me to white glove carwash" for the best wash you can get. Satisfaction guaranteed!

What would it take for you to wade into the middle of a lake, hammer in hand, and build a bridge board by board? In this episode of One Second of Strength, Tanner Clark explores the life-changing power of setting intentions so strong that nothing — fear, self-doubt, or limiting beliefs — can stop you from reaching your goals.Tanner shares a powerful story about a photograph he discovered in college 20 years ago that still hangs in his office today, the emotional moment his daughter walked onto a high school soccer field with no cleats and no experience, and a practical 3-level intention-setting framework that you can apply starting today. •       Why most people never reach their goals — and the one mindset shift that changes everything•       How your brain is wired to keep you safe (and how to override it)•       The difference between a limiting belief and a real obstacle•       Tanner's 3-level intention framework: daily, mid-term, and long-term•       Why writing your intentions down is scientifically proven to make you more focused, resilient, and persistent•       How to use “one second of strength” to get back on track when life derails you •       Set an intention powerful enough that you'll do whatever it takes to make it happen.•       Fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome are temporary emotions — not permanent roadblocks.•       Write down three intentions today: one for the day, one mid-term goal, one long-term identity statement.•       Satisfaction lives on the other side of the fear you're avoiding.•       You are the author of your life. Nobody else gets to write your story. Grab a pen and write down three intentions right now: •       Daily Intention — Something small and actionable today (e.g., “I will not let my phone distract me.”)•       Mid-Term Intention — A near-future goal you're working toward (e.g., making the soccer team, landing a new job).•       Long-Term Intention — A statement of who you are becoming (e.g., “I am a person who always keeps the promises I make to myself.”) Post them somewhere you can see them every day. Then pay attention — are you on track or off track? Use your one second of strength to make the shift.SUBSCRIBE - Never miss an episodeSHARE - One person you know needs thisSTAR - Give the show 5 stars!  setting intentions | goal setting for beginners | how to overcome fear | self-doubt | limiting beliefs | personal development podcast | motivation podcast | mindset shift | one second of strength | Tanner Clark podcast | how to reach your goals | overcoming mental blocks | daily intentions | growth mindsetWhat You'll Learn in This EpisodeKey TakeawaysYour Action Step TodayKeywords & Topics

In today's episode of Culture Camp, Jason is joined again by David Spader and Leigh Quinn of Potentia, and they continue their discussion on thier company, Potentia, highlighting leadership success and satisfaction. They emphasize the importance of balancing success (profit, achievement) and satisfaction (relational, commitment) for fulfillment. David introduces a leadership model identifying four types: optimistic operators (8%), crisis navigators (17%), productives (7%), and potentials (68%). The conversation highlights the need for leaders to diagnose favorable or unfavorable situations and address success or satisfaction issues. They also stress the importance of continuous self-assessment and adapting leadership styles to maintain high performance.Tweetable Quotes:"Satisfaction primarily comes from our motivation and our motivators, success primarily comes from our capabilities or our ability to do the job." - David Spader"You need to find people who are like-minded, values-based, and are willing to be accountable." - Leigh QuinnConnect with David Spader and Lee Quinn:On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/potentia-david-spader-5627655/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-quinn-jr-a017oa69/ Visit Potentia-assesments.com: https://potentia-assessments.com/If you found value in this episode, please leave a rating and review, also, don't forget to share it with a friend! Remember to follow us on Instagram for more!

Martin veut vendre des cuisines par téléphone.Mais il veut surtout l'enquête de satisfaction de la fin. Sauf que lui, il veut l'enquête au début !

Christians have lots of needs, lots of demands – but take heart because Jesus has great supplies. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Send us Fan MailCoach Joey and Dr. Joe host the episode this week and give a true professionals insight into current Philadelphia sports climate! Follow us on twitter.com/talkin215 facebook.com/talkin215 IG @Talkin.215 YT @Talkin215 Email us at Talkin215@Gmail.com You or anyone you know suffer from a new or chronic injury? Send them over to DOS for the best care possible. Schedule an appointment today at DelOrtho.comOr call 302-655-9494 Car filthy and need a clean? Ask your phone to "Take me to white glove carwash" for the best wash you can get. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Are you living in the reality of God's satisfaction found in Christ? Join Kelly as he takes a look at Romans 3:21-26.www.instagram.com/thehishillpodcast/www.hishill.orgkelly@hishill.org

Adam Mastroianni says he likes to "study how people perceive and misperceive their social worlds, from the person sitting across the table to the whole country buzzing around them."  In this Blue Sky conversation, Dr. Mastroianni describes research he and a colleague conducted that demonstrates that human beings falsely assume that the world used to be better, and that we continue to decline in terms of moral standards and civil behavior.  This cognitive "bug" he has detected can lead us to develop a more pessimistic view of the world and also leaves us more susceptible to believe in the message of autocrats who promise to take us back to a time when the world – and people – were somehow better than they are today.  Adam's insights are fascinating, as are the techniques he uses in his research, and he explains his findings and observations with great wit and wisdom.    Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Adam Mastroianni  The host introduces Dr. Adam Mastroianni, an experimental psychologist and author of 'Experimental History,' who will discuss a curious psychological phenomenon.   03:08 The Illusion of Decline: A Mental Bug  Dr. Mastroianni explains his research on why people perceive the world as getting worse, even when it's improving. He attributes this to two phenomena: negativity bias, which makes us focus on bad information, and fading affect bias, where bad memories fade faster than good ones.  06:38 Historical Perception and Global Trends  The discussion delves into how this 'bug' affects perceptions of the past, even before one's birth, creating a 'good old days' illusion. Research from 60 different countries shows a consistent belief in moral decline, suggesting it's a universal psychological tendency rather than event-driven.  11:09 Ignorance of History and Political Divide The conversation explores whether a lack of historical awareness contributes to the illusion of decline. Dr. Mastroianni and the host discuss how historical events, like the caning of Senator Charles Sumner, put current political divides in perspective, highlighting that 'unprecedented' times are often precedented.  15:45 Political Ramifications and Research Methods  The host and Dr. Mastroianni discuss how the belief in moral decline can be exploited by autocrats promising to restore a non-existent past. Dr. Mastroianni details his research methods, including economic games and surveys across cultures, to demonstrate how people consistently misperceive a decline in qualities like honesty, even when evidence suggests the opposite.  23:59 Media, Confirmation Bias, and Satisfaction  The conversation shifts to the role of media and confirmation bias in reinforcing negative perceptions. Dr. Mastroianni introduces the concept that people often imagine how things could be better, even excellent things like pets, contributing to a constant state of dissatisfaction and driving consumer culture.  33:01 Optimism, Technology, and Research Directions  The host asks if the 'things could be better' mindset offers a glimmer of optimism, even if it often fuels dissatisfaction. They briefly touch upon technology, like AI, as a new area where people project both extreme hopes and fears, and Dr. Mastroianni discusses his future research, focusing on meta-science and finding a unifying paradigm for psychology.  37:57 Debunking Myths and Embracing the Unknown  Dr. Mastroianni emphasizes that much of what we believe in science is likely wrong, and open discourse is crucial for progress, dispelling the myth that 'everything has been invented.'  

Are you school-phobic? Given that most of our listeners who regularly get near a school are probably students' parents or teachers, we...hope not? But we mentally traveled back in time to take Sassy's September 1991 quiz, "Are You School-Phobic?," to rate ourselves from our high school days. Then it's time to listen to your latest calls: you're listening to Good Hang, taking your kids to swim meets, mixing up VERY similar words for VERY different concepts, and so much more! Get into it!QUICK LINKS

Send us Fan MailWholehearted Enneagram: A Year Through the Types | Enneagram Seven | Episode 4 of 4The Enneagram Seven's longing for satisfaction, fullness, and aliveness is real and God-given. But what happens when that longing drives a relationship instead of enriching it? And what does it look like when a Seven finally learns to receive what's already in front of them rather than planning for what's next?In this closing episode of Seven month, Amy sits down with Christa Hardin, Enneagram expert, host of Enneagram in Marriage, fellow Seven, and author of the upcoming The Three Desires, for a conversation that is warm, specific, and full of the kind of insight that only comes from someone who has done deep personal work and spent years helping couples do the same.Together, they unpack how the three Seven subtypes show up very differently in marriage and close relationships, where the Seven's fixation on planning creates friction even when it's well-intentioned, and what it looks like to let God meet the longing rather than letting the longing run the show. Christa also shares her own faith story — including a season of disillusionment with the church, how her husband quietly brought her back in, and why she eventually chose to build her platform inside the Christian space even when it cost her listeners.This one is a beautiful close to Seven month.In this episode:The Seven's core gift in relationship — and the planning fixation that can quietly undermine itHow the three Seven subtypes show up differently in marriage: self-pres, sexual, and socialTime hoarding, family preservation, and the self-preserving Seven who looks like a Five or SixThe sexual Seven's depth and imagination — and the cautionary note that comes with itThe social Seven's nurturing energy — and the blind spot for overcommitmentWhat healthy satisfaction looks like for a Seven in a relationship — vs. what drives a relationship off courseGoing to the Five space — how solitude, gratitude, and reflection anchor the SevenChrista's faith journey — church wounds, a husband who opened the door, and why faith is her foundation for everything she buildsWhat people who love Sevens most need to understand — and the inner critic nobody sees comingA preview of Christa's upcoming book, The Three Desires, releasing February 2027Christa Hardin is the host of Enneagram in Marriage and author of The Three Desires: Reshaping Your Connection, Intimacy, and Teamwork in Your Marriage (February 2027).Connect with Christa! https://www.enneagramandmarriage.com/podcastSupport the showRESOURCES FOR YOU:Join the Waitlist for 1:1 Coaching with Amy Wickshttps://www.simplywholehearted.com/callamywicksNot sure about your Enneagram Type? Start here: https://www.simplywholehearted.com/enneagramquizEnnea-what? The Beginners Guide to the Enneagram(free course + printables)https://bit.ly/Enneagram101GuideConnect with Amy:IGWebsite

The Bread of Life is not earned by striving but received by all who come to Jesus in faith. It is undoubtedly attainable.

Hear Joni's thoughts about why in her eyes, there's really more to life than walking. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

The Kingdom of God is diametrically different to the kingdoms of this world. The Kingdom runs on a completely different operating system, it is governed by different rules, laws and principles. Only through learning of those principles can one TRULY experience the kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven!

What makes an environment truly supportive for a person living with dementia — and for their care partners, as well? In this episode, Teepa walks Greg through an evolution of one of her most-used frameworks: the four Fs and four Ss of supportive environments, now expanded to 4+1.The original four Fs ask whether a space feels Friendly, Familiar, Functional, and Forgiving. The four Ss ask whether an environment offers the right Space, Sensory match, Social match, and Surface-to-surface contact. But Teepa kept noticing something was missing — like a hand without its thumb. So she added Flexible to the Fs (because brain change keeps shifting, and rigid environments stop working) and Satisfaction to the Ss (because a space can check every box and still leave someone seeking rather than settling).Teepa also shares how she tested this update with Positive Approach to Care® mentors and trainers in the field before bringing it forward — and why satisfaction must belong to everyone in the space, not just the person living with dementia.If you're thinking about a home setup, a care community, or simply why a loved one seems restless in a room that seems like it should work, this conversation provides practical aspects to consider.In this episode:Why the original 4 Fs and 4 Ss needed a thumbFlexibility as a response to ongoing brain changeWhat satisfaction really means in a shared spaceHow Teepa trials new ideas with the PAC mentor communityWant to take this conversation from framework into practice? Teepa's streaming program Designing a Supportive Dementia Care Environment provides over two hours of room-by-room guidance for setting up a home that works for both you and the person in your care — covering the spaces, routines, and small adjustments that protect quality of life as brain change unfolds.Watch it here: https://shop.teepasnow.com/product/designing-a-supportive-dementia-care-environment-streaming/Learn more about Teepa Snow and Positive Approach to Care at teepasnow.com.Have a topic you'd like Teepa and Greg to explore? Email GTPhelps@shaw.ca and cc info@teepasnow.com.#DementiaCare #PositiveApproachToCare #TeepaSnow #CarePartner #PAC

Arthur Brooks is a Harvard professor, social scientist, and three-time New York Times bestselling author whose life's work centers on a single, urgent question: what actually makes a human life feel meaningful? In this conversation, we explore why depression and anxiety have surged since 2008, how technology has hijacked the part of the brain responsible for wonder and meaning, and what it looks like to live, as Arthur puts it, like his great-grandfather Leroy, present, bored at times, and genuinely alive.What moved me most in this conversation is how Arthur bridges the ancient and the scientific without losing either. We get into the three components of meaning, coherence, purpose, and significance, as well as the dangers of extrinsic reward, the psychology of calling, and why the formula most of us are running on is just slightly off. His answer to the meaning crisis is not complicated. Use things, love people, worship the divine. But getting there requires honest self-examination, and this conversation is a strong beginning.MUDWTR - Up to 43% off sitewide (and a free frother!)https://www.mudwtr.com/knowthyself[Code: KNOWTHYSELF]Try LMNT & get a free sample pack https://drinkLMNT.com/KnowThyselfBiOptimizers - Best magnesium to enhance your sleephttps://www.bioptimizers.com/knowthyselfUse code KNOWTHYSELF for 15% off at checkoutAndré's Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list___________00:00 Introduction: Arthur Brooks01:54 The Modern Meaning Crisis02:47 Coherence, Purpose, and Significance06:17 Why Meaning Collapsed After 200814:19 The Doom Loop of Technology20:22 The Death of Boredom25:13 Ad: Mudwtr26:34 Living Like Leroy: The Case for Real Life30:05 Six Practices for the Right Hemisphere36:22 The Morning Routine and Brahma Mahurta43:35 Ad: LMNT44:39 Ad: BiOptimizers45:47 Breaking Free from Your Phone49:07 Romantic Love and the Paradox of Choice54:59 Finding Your Calling1:01:29 Progress, Arrival Fallacy, and Living Now1:17:22 Enjoyment, Satisfaction, and Meaning1:19:36 The External Scoreboard and Love Is Not Earned1:25:10 The Four Idols1:29:49 Self-Transcendence and the Divine1:37:40 Marriage, Adoption, and Walking to Heaven1:45:03 Suffering, Beauty, and Meaning1:53:59 Use Things, Love People, Worship the Divine___________Episode Resources: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcasthttps://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3997: Ellen Burgan unpacks why complaining feels so satisfying in the moment, offering validation, connection, and even a false sense of motivation, while quietly keeping us stuck and drained. She shares practical ways to break the cycle, from building awareness to shifting into gratitude, venting productively, and journaling. These simple shifts can help you move from problem-focused thinking to a more empowered, solution-oriented mindset. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ifitbringsyoujoy.com/how-to-stop-complaining/ Quotes to ponder: "Complaining keeps us stuck in the problem rather than finding a solution." "Complaining drains our energy. It keeps a stressful, undesired situation very alive in our thoughts." "Awareness is key. If you're not aware that you're complaining (silently or out loud), then you can't do anything about it." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices