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Today's episode is anchored around the veil feeling especially thin...what that means, how it may be affecting your energy and intuition, and how to work with it without becoming overwhelmed. We also explore how to set clear spiritual and energetic boundaries so you can feel grounded, protected and in control. Send this episode to a friend who needs their roadmap for this season! And leave us a review: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/slig…od/id1542525641 Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/slightlyspiritualpod/ Follow Cindy on Instagram: www.instagram.com/revealingsoul/ Follow Ali on Instagram: www.instagram.com/alitmoresco/
We look at the life and legacy of the Count of St. Germain, the most interesting man in history. Did he actually exist? Was he as fascinating as he claimed to be? Or was he nothing more than a charlatan? Support us directly: https://www.redwebpod.com In the 18th century, a strange man swept Europe's most elite crowds off their feet with an endless toolkit of impressive skills and attributes. His ability to move through high society gave him a huge impact on the events of history, so much so that many thought him to be immortal. However, the more attention he received, the more questions that arose. Who was this man? Where had he come from? And how did he possess a lifetime's worth of skills, all while refusing to share his age or background? Today, we're diving into history's most mysterious man, the Count of St. Germain. Sensitive topics: Attempted assault Submitted for the approval of the Task Force by Sandertack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New Course Now Available: Find Confidence in Crisis Today! If you have an angry child whose aggressive behaviors keep surfacing, it can be hard to know how to respond with both steadiness and care. In part two of this conversation, guest host Chad Hayenga is joined again by Connected Families coaches Lydia Rex and Katie Wetsell to offer practical support for parents navigating these kinds of behaviors. They explore how a thoughtful plan can help you respond rather than react. This includes inviting trusted supporters into your family's care, recognizing early signs of stress, and adjusting for the right level of engagement. You'll hear why calming your child's nervous system comes before teaching, why practicing skills during low-stress moments matters, and how celebrating small signs of growth builds hope over time. If aggression is a frequent challenge in your home, the new Confidence in Crisis: Navigating Aggressive Behaviors mini-course was created to support you. For $28, Lydia and Katie guide you through a practical, faith-filled process that integrates the Connected Families Framework™, Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, and Nonviolent Resistance. You'll create a personalized safety plan, learn research-informed strategies for difficult moments, and gain confidence that God can meet your family with grace and wisdom through hard things. Key Takeaways: Why inviting trusted supporters into your child's growth can bring care, accountability, and connection Learn about the four levels of engagement Why practicing a plan in low-stress moments prepares your family for harder ones How noticing and affirming even small steps of growth can strengthen new skills over time Mentioned in this Podcast: Confidence in Crisis online course NEW! Connected Families Parent Coaching ABC's of Affirmation – Blog Post – Are You Unintentionally Encouraging Bad Behavior? Here's How to Switch That The Table Monthly Giving Program Galatians 6:9 Psalm 46:1 Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Guest Bio: Lydia Rex is the Director of Family Support for Bien Aimé (bee-ehn eh-MAY) Farm, where she works with families who have adopted children. She is a registered nurse, Connected Families certified parent coach, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner, and co-hosted the Sensitive and Intense Kids online course with Lynne Jackson. No stranger to the challenges of the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents through the Connected Families Framework. It's her joy to see God's grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Minnesota, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books. You can learn more about Lydia's work at Bien Aimé Farm and get in touch at bienaimefarm.org. Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE, an adaptation of Nonviolent Resistance, that helps parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach. Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world.
Sensitive people often experience emotions, moods, and energetic shifts that seem to appear suddenly or intensify around certain people and environments. Developing emotional awareness and energetic discernment can help create greater clarity about what you're feeling and why.In this episode, I explore how to tell whether an emotion is your own, how emotional resonance works, and why learning this distinction can be an important part of healing and intuitive development.We'll explore:• how to tell if an emotion belongs to you• emotional sensitivity and empathic awareness• why empaths absorb emotional information• the difference between resonance and absorption• how emotional patterns become activated• energetic awareness and self-connection• why grounding changes the experience• developing discernment as a sensitive personMany people assume they are carrying other people's emotions when they may actually be experiencing an emotional response, resonance, memory, or activation within themselves.Understanding these distinctions can bring greater clarity, self-awareness, and compassion to your healing journey.We'll also discuss how staying connected to your own body, emotions, and inner experience supports stronger intuitive awareness and emotional discernment.If you've ever wondered:• Is this emotion mine?• Why do I feel different around certain people?• Am I absorbing other people's feelings?• How do I stay connected to myself as an empath?This episode will help you better understand emotional sensitivity, intuitive awareness, and the deeper relationship between your emotions and the energy around you.If you're looking for ongoing support in your healing and intuitive development, I invite you to join The Sanctuary.Each month you'll receive access to a live Divine Guidance Healing—a channeled healing experience designed to support emotional clearing, energetic alignment, grounding, and connection to your intuition.
What if the easiest thing in the world to do is grieve the Holy Spirit — and the hardest thing in the world is to keep from it? Most of us treat the Spirit's presence like a given. Dr. R.T. Kendall has spent 70 years learning the opposite: that the third person of the Godhead is a very, very sensitive person — and He won't bend the rules for anyone. Not even a man who's been walking with Him for eight decades. At 91 years old, Dr. Kendall is one of the most respected theologians alive — 25 years at Westminster Chapel in London, author of multiple books, including Total Forgiveness. He's also been canceled, publicly rebuked, and thrown under the bus by both sides of the church for one message he refuses to let go of — the power of word & Spirit. In this conversation, Preston sits down with him to talk about the vision that started it all, the burden he's carried for over 30 years, and the teaching that changed Preston's marriage in real time. In this episode: * The Silent Divorce — why the church split into "word churches" and "spirit churches," and what happens when the two remarry * Ishmael and Isaac — the message that cost Dr. Kendall his reputation with Baptists, Reformed, and charismatics all at once * October 31, 1955 — the vision on old US-41 that was "more real than you are right now" * Adjusting to the Dove — a couple's discovery that reframes everything about the Spirit's presence * Closing the Gap — Dr. Kendall's one-sentence definition of spirituality (and why mid-sentence repentance is the goal) Do you know what grieves Him? Dr. Kendall says finding that out will change everything.
Presidio Healthcare, America's first pro-life, Christian health insurance. This is not a sharing ministry or crowd-sharing program. It's real insurance, robust, protective, and surprisingly affordable, built on values that never change. See if Presidio is available in your state at http://www.presidiocare.com/nwos Equip Is Giving Our Viewers An Incredible Offer! Just Go to http://www.EquipFoods.com/NWOS to Get 20% Off Your First Order with Promo Code: NWOS Cowboy Colostrum Offer: Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code NWOS at http://www.cowboycolostrum.com/nwos Ready to give Toups a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://toupsandco.com/oldsoul and use code OLDSOUL for 25% off your first order. Pre-Order Melissa & Nevaeh's New Book, 'Tiny Human". Go to http://www.TinyHumanBook.com to reserve Your Copy Today! Subscribe and Help Nevaeh's Get to 100k Subscribers On Her Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@UCmShkwfHFQ4-OK7t5Pchw6g Order our book "Made To Be Ludo" here: https://www.gslbook.com Our Vlog Channel (Good Simple Living): https://www.youtube.com/goodsimpleliving To see more find us on https://www.facebook.com/goodsimpleliving or https://www.instagram.com/goodsimpleliving Mailing Address: Good Simple Living 7167 1st ST PO Box 546 Bonners Ferry, ID 83805-0546 For business Inquiries: partnerships@goodsimpleliving.netgooSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Perinatal mental health is often a misunderstood landscape shaped by stigma, cultural expectations, and invisible struggles that touch entire families. In this replay episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker sits down with Dr. Kat Kaeni, perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook, and host of the Mom & Mind podcast, to break the silence around postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, and psychosis. Drawing on her professional expertise and personal experience, Dr. Kat reveals why shame and isolation are so common, how symptoms really show up for new parents, and what makes perinatal mental health distinct from other forms of mental illness. They discuss the myths that keep parents suffering in silence, the real impact of mental health on babies and families, and how therapy and support groups, including free resources from Postpartum Support International, can empower families on the path to healing. Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of perinatal mental health disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. Sensitive topics such as intrusive thoughts, stigma, feelings of guilt and shame, and the potential for harm to self or others are addressed. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage anyone who may be affected by these topics to reach out for support through Postpartum Support International or a trusted healthcare provider. (00:07:28) Unique Challenges in Perinatal Mental Health (00:11:05) Caregivers' Mental Health and Bonding Challenges (00:16:32) Parental Isolation Stemming from Anxiety and Depression (00:21:53) Emergent Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms (00:27:08) Overcoming Stigma in Perinatal Mental Health (00:31:54) Thought and Behavior Change Therapy for Depression (00:36:56) Perinatal Mental Health Challenges and Support Resoureces EBB 197 – Addressing Perinatal Mental Health for Communities of Color with the Co-Founders of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, Divya Kumar, Jabina Coleman, and Desirée Israel Postpartum Support International The Mom & Mind Podcast The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques For more information about Evidence Based Birth and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.
Women are told to be strong, but not hard. Confident, but not intimidating. Emotional, but for the love of God, don't be too sensitive. Apparently, there's some magical “just right” version of womanhood—but nobody seems to have the address. In this episode of This Is Woman's Work, Nicole Kalil talks with Dr. Sasha Hamdani, board-certified psychiatrist, mental health educator, and author of Too Sensitive about why feeling deeply isn't a flaw to fix. They unpack rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), what happens when emotions hijack logic, how hormones impact sensitivity, and practical ways to regulate without stuffing, numbing, or apologizing for what's being felt. In This Episode: Why sensitivity isn't weakness—and can actually be a leadership strength What rejection sensitive dysphoria is and why rejection can hit so damn hard How to regulate emotions without suppressing them Why hormones matter more than women have been taught Why the goal isn't thicker skin—it's greater self-awareness and control Feeling deeply isn't the same as being fragile. The goal isn't to become less sensitive—it's to understand it, work with it, and stop shrinking perfectly human parts of ourselves just because they make someone else uncomfortable. Thank you to our sponsors! Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at Greenlight.com/TIWW. Don't wait to teach your kids real-world money skills! Connect with Sasha: Website: https://www.drhamdanimd.com/toosensitive Book: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250423764/toosensitive/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thepsychdoctormd/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepsychdoctormd Related Podcast Episodes Stop Saying “I'm Fine”: Nervous System Regulation for High-Achieving Women with Michelle Grosser | 372 ADHD in Women, Nervous System Regulation & Getting Out of Fight-or-Flight with Jenna Free | 396 How To Listen When Your Parts Speak (IFS Therapy + Ancestral Wisdom) with Tamala Floyd | 376 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!
New Course Now Available: Find Confidence in Crisis Today! When your child hits you, kicks you, or says something that takes your breath away, and a single thought takes over: I have to make this stop. In this honest conversation, host Chad Hayenga sits down with coaches Lydia Rex and Katie Wetsell to explore what’s really happening beneath a child’s aggressive behavior, and why the goal isn’t to fix it magically, but to become the steady, faith-filled presence your child needs in their hardest moments. What they share might just change the way you show up on the car ride home. If this conversation hits home for you, there’s a next step made for exactly this. Lydia and Katie built a brand-new mini course, Confidence in the Crisis: Navigating Aggressive Behaviors, for parents who feel shaken by their child’s big behaviors. For just $28, they walk alongside you, weaving the Connected Families Framework™ together with Trust-Based Relational Intervention® and Nonviolent Resistance into one practical, faith-filled experience. You’ll leave with a personalized safety plan for your family, evidence-based strategies you can use right away, and deeper trust that God has equipped you for this very moment. With a plan, what once felt unsettling can become an opportunity to anchor your family in faith and grow closer through the hard things. Key Takeaways: What aggression really is, and the deeper emotions often driving it The physical and brain-body factors parents often overlook: sleep, nutrition, neurodivergence, pain, and more Why the Connected Families Framework still applies, even when bigger struggles are at play How to move from “I have to make this behavior stop” to “God has equipped me for this moment” Mentioned in this Podcast: Confidence in Crisis online course NEW! 2 Timothy 1:7 Malachi 4:2 Psalm 4:4 Blog Post – Why Is My Child So Angry? The #1 Unexpected Reason & Practical Steps to Take The Table Monthly Giving Program Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting! Guest Bio: Lydia Rex is the Director of Family Support for Bien Aimé (bee-ehn eh-MAY) Farm, where she works with families who have adopted children. She is a registered nurse, Connected Families certified parent coach, Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner, and co-hosted the Sensitive and Intense Kids online course with Lynne Jackson. No stranger to the challenges of the parenting journey, Lydia offers empathy, encouragement, and a deep commitment to walking alongside parents through the Connected Families Framework. It's her joy to see God's grace healing the hearts of parents and children. Lydia, her husband Kyle, and their two kids live in Minnesota, where they enjoy homeschooling, outdoor activities, and reading lots of books. You can learn more about Lydia's work at Bien Aimé Farm and get in touch at bienaimefarm.org. Katie Wetsell has always had a calling on her heart to care for children. She has worked as a pediatric oncology nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. After experiencing the benefits of parent coaching through Connected Families, Katie later resigned from nursing and became a Certified Parent Coach. She and her husband have four children (three boys and a girl) through birth and adoption. Katie is also trained in SPACE, an adaptation of Non Violent Resistance, that helps parents learn how to support their children struggling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. You can learn more about Katie at parentwithhope.org, and on Facebook @parentwithhopecoach and Instagram @parentwithhopecoach. Want to keep this conversation going? Join us inside the cf community — a faith-anchored, coach-supported space where parents grow together. Reflect on episodes like this one, ask hard questions, and celebrate the small wins alongside parents from around the world.
On this episode of Movie Club, we go back a few decades to a campier time. Dare we say, crappier time? You be the judge as we talk about the first Resident Evil. Let us know what you think in the comments! Are you fans of the games too? How do you think this will compare to Zach Cregger's version coming out later this year! Sensitive topics: nudity, death, gore, blood, violence, self-harm, mutilation "Crypto", "Redletter"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
AI is becoming a matter of national strategy, as countries seek more control over their own technology. Our Heads of U.S. Public Policy Ariana Salvatore and Global Thematic Research Stephen Byrd look at the race for AI sovereignty and its implications for investors.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Ariana Salvatore: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Ariana Salvatore, Head of U.S. Public Policy Research at Morgan Stanley. Stephen Byrd: And I'm Stephen Byrd, Head of Global Thematic Research at Morgan Stanley. Ariana Salvatore: Today, we'll be talking about AI sovereignty, what it means, what countries around the world are doing to advance their own goals, and what a more fragmented AI ecosystem could mean for investors.It's Thursday, August 20th at 2pm in New York. Stephen Byrd: And it's 9pm in Helsinki. Ariana Salvatore: As AI becomes more powerful and therefore more important to the global economy, countries are asking a basic question: How much of it do we need to control ourselves? That's at the heart of AI sovereignty, making sure governments around the world can access the computing power, data, energy, and technology they need even as geopolitical tensions may rise. Stephen Byrd: And that seems to fit into a broader trend we've been talking about for some time, a more multipolar world where governments are increasingly willing to intervene in markets around strategically important technologies. Ariana Salvatore: Exactly. We describe this as a potential ‘two worlds dynamic.' The U.S. and China have been gradually de-risking from one another, particularly in advanced technology. We've already seen policy tools, including export controls, tariffs, and incentives for domestic manufacturing. And as AI becomes more strategically important, our expectation is for policy intervention to increase rather than decrease. But what's interesting is that the U.S. and China aren't necessarily pursuing sovereignty in the same way. Stephen Byrd: So, let's unpack that. Can you start with the U.S.? What does the American approach look like? Ariana Salvatore: Yes. We think the U.S. is trying to do two things at once, basically. On one hand, it wants to preserve national security guardrails around some of the most sensitive AI capabilities. But on the other hand, it has an incentive to make sure the American AI tech stack is broadly available to allies and partners. So, there's an inherent tension there between those two objectives. Obviously, if you restrict access too much, you can encourage other countries to develop alternatives,. But if you allow unrestricted access, policymakers may begin to worry about losing control over strategically important technology. So, the way that we chart this is through a middle path. We think the direction of travel looks less like complete technological separation and more like selective access – tighter controls around sensitive capabilities alongside an effort to maintain the global reach of the U.S. AI ecosystem. Stephen Byrd: Whereas China's approach is more focused on building out an indigenous ecosystem. Specifically, we see policymakers in China pursuing greater self-sufficiency across the AI stack, from chips and computing infrastructure to cloud and models. Our China strategists argue that bifurcation could actually increase China's incentive to build a larger China-compatible AI ecosystem abroad, particularly across the Global South and other markets that aren't firmly aligned with the U.S. ecosystem. China's model emphasizes lower-cost models, open weight ecosystems, subsidized compute, cloud partnerships and infrastructure exports. So, the competition could increasingly be about not only which country has the most advanced model, but which ecosystem can achieve the widest adoption. Ariana Salvatore: That's right, and that brings us back to this idea of two worlds. So, Stephen, is the implication here that we're going to be heading toward two completely separate AI systems? Stephen Byrd: Not necessarily, I'd say. You know, the supply chains are still deeply interconnected, so our research does not suggest a sudden decoupling. But we could see greater duplication and less globally fungible infrastructure. Countries may increasingly want compute located domestically or regionally. Sensitive data may need to stay within particular jurisdictions, and companies may need different cloud cybersecurity or distribution arrangements in different markets. And that means the same global level of AI demand could require more physical infrastructure than it would in a completely integrated world. Ariana Salvatore: So, fragmentation, like other themes within multipolarity, are more economically inefficient. But potentially pretty important for the investment cycle. We think sovereign AI can make the system more redundant and more capital-intensive as a result. Our research teams think there are potential beneficiaries from that across semiconductors, data centers, networking, power, cloud, cybersecurity, and infrastructure software. Let's look at data centers specifically. If governments and enterprises increasingly require local hosting and greater control over sensitive data, you will inevitably need more geographically distributed infrastructure. Colocation operators, we think, can benefit because they provide the power, cooling, space, security, and interconnection that can allow customers to keep workloads in specific jurisdictions. So, the fragmentation we're talking about may introduce inefficiency at a system level while simultaneously creating incremental infrastructure demand. Stephen Byrd: And there's another constraint here that we probably shouldn't overlook, which is energy. Compute ultimately needs power. So, access to reliable, affordable electricity becomes part of a country's competitive position in AI, which ties into our politics of energy theme that we outlined in January of this year. But as we've also noted, that creates a political constraint. Our thematic work has highlighted rising concern around the impact of data center growth on power prices and on local infrastructure. This has really shown up in a big way in the U.S. And that can mean more pressure to protect existing rate payers, more emphasis on low-cost power. And greater interest in behind-the-meter or off-grid power solutions that allow data centers to secure electricity without putting the same pressure on the grid. Ariana Salvatore: Which suggests that there's a cost, in fact, to AI sovereignty as well. Stephen Byrd: Absolutely. And if countries want more domestic compute, duplicated infrastructure, localized supply chains, and greater redundancy, the system may become more resilient, but potentially more expensive – and we're certainly seeing signs of it being more expensive. Compute and power are already constrained in many markets. Add to that regulatory requirements, localization, and potential restrictions on technology transfer, and reducing dependence can carry an inflationary cost. So, for investors, I think the question isn't simply whether sovereign AI increases spending. It's also where that spending has to occur, what gets duplicated, and which parts of the stack become strategically indispensable. Ariana Salvatore: So, Steven, to frame this for investors, the way we see this theme unfolding suggests that sovereign AI reinforces rather than undermines the broader AI CapEx cycle. We think competition between the U.S. and China is intensifying. Countries outside those two ecosystems increasingly will want greater national resilience and flexibility. And that combination can support additional spending on compute, data centers, networking, and power for years to come. Lastly, an increasingly important question is who controls and supplies that infrastructure, energy, standards, and supply chains that will allow those models to operate at scale? Stephen Byrd: And that may ultimately be the most important thing to watch. Sovereign AI is another example of geopolitics moving directly into the technology investment cycle and potentially changing not only where AI gets built, but how much infrastructure the world needs to build it. Ariana Salvatore: Steven, we'll leave it there. Thanks so much for joining me. Stephen Byrd: Great to be here, Ariana. Ariana Salvatore: And thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.
Have you ever been told you're too sensitive? Maybe you take things too personally, overthink, or have a hard time letting things go. According to psychiatrist and ADHD specialist Dr. Sasha Hamdani, some of us are simply wired to process emotions more intensely. And that sensitivity isn't necessarily a weakness. In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Sasha to talk about why some people feel things more deeply and how to better navigate those emotions without letting them take over. We talk about why our brains can turn small moments into big stories and what to do when you feel yourself start to spiral. We also explore how those same qualities can make you more empathetic, perceptive, and emotionally intelligent. And even if you don't identify as sensitive, you'll learn how to better understand and communicate with the people in your life who process emotions differently than you do. More from Dr. Sasha Hamdani: Get Dr. Sasha's latest book, Too Sensitive More from Molly: Get Molly's latest book, Dynamic Drive Website: mollyfletcher.com
There's a misconception that feeling deep emotions is a personality trait, rather than a neurological phenomenon. A lot of the time, it's nature, not nurture that causes heightened emotional sensitivity. This episode, Dr. Samantha Yammine is joined by Dr. Sasha Hamdani, a board-certified psychiatrist and author of Too Sensitive: Rejection, Resilience, and the Science of Feeling Deeply. They discuss how the brain processes emotions and why some people feel their emotions more intensely than others. Sam also looks into some drama between mathematicians and OpenAI and a new study that reveals something bizarrely universal about the human race. Link to Show Notes HERE Follow Curiosity Weekly on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Dr. Samantha Yammine — for free! Still curious? Get science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. Terms apply. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Energy Vampires in the Acting Industry Not everyone around you wants you to be emotionally healthy. That is not paranoia. That is a pattern worth recognizing. Because some people feed off insecurity, confusion, desperation, and approval seeking. And as artists, as actors especially, we are emotionally open. We are sensitive. That sensitivity is gorgeous for art. But it is dangerous without discernment. What to Start Noticing How do you feel around the people in your life? Around the people in this industry? Is your confidence being destabilized? Are you ignoring red flags because an opportunity feels important? I experienced teachers in my own training who made me feel emotionally dependent on them. If I did a good scene, they liked me. If I did not, they did not. That is not teaching. That is manipulation. And then there is the breadcrumb thing, leading you along, creating confusion, keeping you uncertain so you keep coming back. Also worth watching out for: actors who constantly compete or undermine. Friends who are always dumping emotionally. We all need someone to unload to sometimes. But if that is the entire relationship, that is a true energy vampire. Chaos Is Not the Same as Alignment Here is something I want you to understand about this industry. Chaos gets very normalized at drama schools, on sets, in groups of actors. And what happens is our nervous system can mistake that intensity for alignment. It is really intense so it must be good. Maybe not. When things are calm, clear, curious, confident, that is when real art gets made. Creativity depends on your emotional safety. Protecting your energy is not selfishness. It is career maintenance. Outsourcing Your Self-Worth I have watched actors hand their emotional authority to agents, coaches, teachers, social media. And as a coach, when an actor asks me what I think, unless it is about a specific business question, I want to know what they think. A good mentor does not hunt for their student. They teach their student how to hunt so that when they separate, the student can thrive. Healthy coaches empower and clarify. They build your confidence and teach you how to build it yourself. Manipulative people create dependency and chronic inadequacy. Spot those people in your life. Say less around them. Listen more. Pay attention to how your body feels after every interaction. Do you feel calmer and clearer? Or more anxious and contracted? The Bottom Line People pleasers and validation seekers are easy to manipulate. I was both. The work is learning to check in with yourself first, to notice how you feel, and to reach for a better feeling when something is off. If somebody consistently leaves your nervous system dysregulated, pay attention. That is information. Sensitive actors with boundaries are the ones who become powerful. Want to Keep the Conversation Going? I have a weekly accountability and time management class on Fridays from 12 to 1 Eastern, plus a weekly adjustment class focused on core energy work. Right now you get both for the price of one. Click the link in the show notes to sign up. And if you want a consultation first, we can do that too.
Have you felt embarrassed by your sensitivity? In this episode, I talk with William Allen about the journey of learning to understand and embrace being an HSP as well as:Moving from living inauthentically to accepting your sensitivityThe challenges faced by HSP men such as lack of community and models of sensitive masculinityPracticing portable self-care such as meditation, breathing, and connection with nature to recover from overwhelm more quicklyFinding more resilience as an HSP with the 3Es: Educate, Embrace, EvangelizeWilliam is an author with a writer's heart and researcher's mind. After getting a degree in Psychology with an eye on doing psychology research, he recalibrated for a career in Information Technology. He retired early from his corporate job to start his Hypno-coaching and neurofeedback brain training business, BrainPilots, in Bend, Oregon. In late 2016, he began his blog, The Sensitive Man, about his experiences, as a highly sensitive man. The blog became the genesis of his first book, Confessions of a Sensitive Man. His new book, On Being a Sensitive Man, is the follow up book, which focuses on how to live in the world as a sensitive man. He feels that HSP males need to take their keen insights and intuition and make them public. He would like to shed more light on highly sensitive males and the much-needed role they need to take in our society.Keep in touch with William:Website: http://www.thesensitiveman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zallenwFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesensitivemanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wrallenResources Mentioned:Online HSP Men's Group: https://www.thesensitiveman.com/hsp-mens-group.htmlConfessions of a Sensitive Man by William Allen: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781098325169On Being a Sensitive Man: Success Strategies for Harnessing Your Highly Sensing Nature by William Allen: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9781667817439The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr. Elaine Aron: https://bookshop.org/a/63892/9780553062182Research on High Sensitivity: https://sensitivityresearch.comSensitive: The Untold Story documentary: https://sensitivethemovie.comSensitive Men Rising documentary: https://sensitivemenrising.orgFor more deep conversations like this, join me in Sensitive Circles - a cozy online community for highly sensitive people to find meaningful connection and deepen self-awareness at their own pace. More details: https://www.sensitivecircles.com Thanks for listening! You can read the full show notes and sign up for my email list to get new episode announcements and other resources at: https://www.sensitivestories.comYou can also follow "SensitiveStrengths" for behind-the-scenes content plus more educational and inspirational HSP resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensitivestrengths TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensitivestrengthsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@sensitivestrengthsAnd for more support, attend a Sensitive Sessions monthly workshop: https://www.sensitivesessions.com. Use code PODCAST for 25% off. If you have a moment, please rate and review the podcast, it helps Sensitive Stories reach more HSPs! This episode is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment with a mental health or medical professional. Some links are affiliate links. You are under no obligation to purchase any book, product or service. I am not responsible for the quality or satisfaction of any purchase.
We explore the death of Günther Stoll, a man who suffered from paranoia before leaving a note that only said "YOGTZE" and vanishing into the night, later to be found naked near a wrecked car.Support us directly: https://www.redwebpod.comIn 1984, a man had a sudden, terrifying epiphany before disappearing into the night. 2 hours later, he re-appeared in his childhood hometown panicked, claiming that something terrible was about to happen. He once again disappeared only to be discovered miles away, completely naked and near death in a wrecked car, leaving behind a cryptic 6-letter clue and a trail of paranoid predictions. Today, we unravel the mysterious death known as the YOGTZE case.Sensitive topics: Suicide, death by car crash, mental health episodesSubmitted for the approval of the Task Force by Max aka Fenric Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if employees could access sensitive business applications from personal phones without storing company data on those devices? In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I speak with Jared Shepard, CEO of Hypori, about virtual mobile infrastructure, BYOD security, employee privacy, zero trust, and the growing mobile threat created by AI. Jared's personal story deserves attention in its own right. He describes himself as a former homeless high school dropout who joined the Army, discovered an aptitude for IT, and applied what he learned to difficult technology problems in Iraq and Afghanistan. That experience gave him a firsthand understanding of what people working at the edge need from secure communications. The requirement that led to Hypori was unusually demanding. Users needed to obtain a phone from a local market, connect through a network assumed to be compromised, and access a protected enterprise environment without exposing sensitive information. Hypori's answer is virtual mobile infrastructure. According to the company, applications and enterprise data remain inside a protected cloud environment while the user receives a streamed visual experience. Sensitive data is not stored on the physical phone, tablet, or laptop. Jared explains why this differs from mobile device management. MDM attempts to secure, monitor, and control the endpoint. Hypori begins from the assumption that the endpoint may already be compromised. This can also protect employee privacy because the organization does not need visibility into the worker's personal device. We discuss how this approach could help government, defense, healthcare, banking, and smaller businesses that cannot maintain the same mobile security resources as a large enterprise. However, virtual infrastructure does not remove every responsibility. Organizations still need strong identity controls, protected cloud environments, reliable connectivity, policy enforcement, and careful vendor assessment. Jared also argues that AI is reducing the time between vulnerability discovery and exploitation. Security programs built around monthly patching may struggle when attack windows are measured in minutes. The conversation closes with leadership, resilience, and mentorship. Jared explains why hard work alone does not guarantee success and why valuable lessons can come from investors, generals, colleagues, friends, or the janitor who has spent 20 years observing how an organization works. Could virtual mobile infrastructure give employees secure access and personal privacy without forcing companies to control every device? Listen to the episode and share your thoughts.
Do you ever feel like clutter isn't just messy—it's loud? For highly sensitive people, visual clutter can feel like constant noise, making it nearly impossible to relax, focus, or feel at peace in your own home.In this episode, Kathi Lipp continues her conversation with Cheri Gregory about the unique challenges HSPs face when it comes to decluttering. Together, they tackle real questions from Cheri's Sensitive and Strong community—questions about perfectionism, procrastination, sentimental items, and how to have productive conversations with loved ones about clutter.What Listeners Will DiscoverThe power of pre-deciding: Learn how to make decluttering decisions when you're calm so you don't get stuck in the emotional heat of the momentHow to handle items with emotional weight: Practical questions to ask yourself about kids' art, photos, letters, baby gear, and family heirloomsManaging visual reminders without chaos: Strategies for keeping necessary lists and notes without letting them take over your spaceHaving the clutter conversation: How to help loved ones understand that wanting a calm home isn't about control—it's about capacityKey TakeawaysPre-deciding is about borrowing wisdom from your calm self before your overwhelmed self walks into the closet. When you make decisions ahead of time—like "I only keep clothes that fit my current body and my current life"—you reduce the emotional labor of repeated decision-making.For sentimental items, Kathi suggests asking: "Does this represent this person, our season together, or a memory of us well?" and "Would I go looking for this if it were gone?" These questions help distinguish between items kept with love versus those kept from guilt or obligation.Perhaps most importantly, this episode reframes the conversation about clutter and capacity. A calm home isn't about control—it's about having the capacity to show up as your best self for the people you love.
Do you ever feel like clutter isn't just messy—it's loud? For highly sensitive people, visual clutter can feel like constant noise, making it nearly impossible to relax, focus, or feel at peace in your own home.In this episode, Kathi Lipp continues her conversation with Cheri Gregory about the unique challenges HSPs face when it comes to decluttering. Together, they tackle real questions from Cheri's Sensitive and Strong community—questions about perfectionism, procrastination, sentimental items, and how to have productive conversations with loved ones about clutter.What Listeners Will DiscoverThe power of pre-deciding: Learn how to make decluttering decisions when you're calm so you don't get stuck in the emotional heat of the momentHow to handle items with emotional weight: Practical questions to ask yourself about kids' art, photos, letters, baby gear, and family heirloomsManaging visual reminders without chaos: Strategies for keeping necessary lists and notes without letting them take over your spaceHaving the clutter conversation: How to help loved ones understand that wanting a calm home isn't about control—it's about capacityKey TakeawaysPre-deciding is about borrowing wisdom from your calm self before your overwhelmed self walks into the closet. When you make decisions ahead of time—like "I only keep clothes that fit my current body and my current life"—you reduce the emotional labor of repeated decision-making.For sentimental items, Kathi suggests asking: "Does this represent this person, our season together, or a memory of us well?" and "Would I go looking for this if it were gone?" These questions help distinguish between items kept with love versus those kept from guilt or obligation.Perhaps most importantly, this episode reframes the conversation about clutter and capacity. A calm home isn't about control—it's about having the capacity to show up as your best self for the people you love.
Clear boundaries and warm emotional support are important, says Melissa Hogenboom.Stay up to date with the latest research on child learning and development at boldscience.org.Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Bluesky.Subscribe at boldscience.org/newsletter/.
Renewing Your Health with natural health educator, Dana Ellison is heard at 12:30 AM Central Time each Monday on Faith Music Radio. To learn more about renewing your health visit Dana's website at DanaEllison.com. You can also follow Dana on Facebookand Instagram for more Biblical principles to find health and healing.
When someone drops a loaded question into a group conversation in China — pricing, exclusivity, a competitor's name — the room doesn't go silent by accident. This is Episode 5 of The Art of Maybe, a 6-part series decoding the real Mandarin phrases Chinese people use instead of a flat refusal. (New here? Start with Episode 1: 也许.)Phrase 5 of 6: 这个嘛… (zhège ma…) — "Well, about this…"Situation: A sensitive topic gets raised in a group setting — pricing information, exclusivity, a competitor's name — that, if divulged, would be ethically or morally wrong to answer directly.The Western instinct ranges from "No, we couldn't possibly do that" to the softest, "Well, I don't think we can, but I'll check anyway."In Mandarin: 这个嘛,情况比较复杂,我们需要再研究一下 (Zhège ma, qíngkuàng bǐjiào fùzá, wǒmen xūyào zài yánjiū yīxià) — "Well, this situation is a little complicated — let's explore it more deeply."这个嘛 is a deliberate pause, not hesitation — it signals that you're giving the request serious, respectful consideration. Calling something "a little complicated" (比较复杂) is a Face-saving deflection, not an evasion.This is Episode 5 of 6 in The Art of Maybe. Subscribe for the final phrase next week: 再说吧 ("Let's discuss it later") — possibly the most misunderstood expression in everyday Mandarin.Want to understand why this works? These six phrases are the practice — but the psychology behind them is the real skill. On my website, I've created a free 23-page guide, Chinese Thinking: Three Levers to Positively Influence Behavior in China, that breaks down how Face (面子), Pragmatism (现实), and Superstition (迷信) work together to explain Chinese behavior — and how to cooperate with it instead of fighting it. Download it free at genejhsu.com.
Political operatives say Mamdani is 'thin-skinned and hyper-sensitive' in private despite 'unflappable image'Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
“08-09-2026 – Sunday Enjoying God Service – Being Sensitive to the Spirit_ Marti Peterson”. The post Sunday Enjoying God Service – Being Sensitive to the Spirit_ Marti Peterson first appeared on New Song Church.
On this episode of Movie Club, we tackle the 2025 sci-fi horror/thriller Companion! We thought this movie was a ton of fun and hope you did too. Is it a good double feature with Obsession? Let us know in the comments, or if there's another movie we should watch! Sensitive topics: death, blood, assault, domestic violence, emotional manipulation, gaslighting, toxic relationship "Crypto", "Redletter"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The dead man does not know the value of his coffin. This episode comes to us from Mind Your Own! Mind Your Own is a storytelling podcast navigating what it means to belong, all from the African perspective. Join Lupita Nyong'o as she shares tales of her own and dives into the lives of real people finding their way in new worlds of every kind. Listen to and enjoy Mind Your Own on any podcast platform! This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.“Comeuppance”12-year-old Lupita's split-second playground decision haunts her for years.Produced by Regina Bediako & Marisa Dodge. Original score by Clay Xavier.“Graveyard Shift”John Kibera has found the hustle to end all hustles in Nairobi. The shillings pour in. But one day, a job goes very, very wrong.Thank you, John, for sharing your story with us.Produced by David Exumé. Original score by Lalin St. Juste and Sam Law. Translation by Salome Nduku. Voiceover by Ndungi Githuku. Special thanks to our fixer Michael Kaloki.Original Mind Your Own theme song by Sandra Lawson-Ndu AKA Sandu Ndu x Peachcurls ft. Ehiorobo. This episode also featured the song O.T.T by Rouge.Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark RistichManaging Editor: Regina BediakoDirector of Production: Marisa DodgeSeries Producers: David Exumé and Priscilla AlabiMusic Supervisor: Sandra Lawson-NduStory Scouts: Ashley Okwuosa, Fiona Nyong'o, Jessica Kariisa, Lesedi Oluko MocheEditors: Nancy López and Anna SussmanEngineering: Miles LassiOperations Manager: Florene WileyStory Consultant: John FecileGraphic Design: Jemimah EkehOriginal Artwork: Mateus SitholeSpecial Thanks: Allan Coye, Jake Kleinberg, Samara Still, Sarah Yoo, Warner Music Group, and AfripodsMind Your Own is a production of KQED's Snap Studios, with sales and distribution by Lemonada Media. Hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong'o. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
king kong took a shit on me
Send us Fan MailThat “new house smell” can be a warning sign, not a perk. We meet a problem that keeps showing up in new Ohio construction and even recent remodels: homeowners feeling dizzy, foggy, or irritated the moment they spend time indoors, sometimes with both partners getting sick at the same time. When a builder shrugs and says it will fade in a few weeks, we explain why that is not always true in today's airtight homes. We break down VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in plain English and explain why formaldehyde deserves its own test. From cabinets and composite wood to flooring, insulation, paints, adhesives, nail products, cleaners, and “fresh scent” plug-ins, modern materials can off-gas a chemical mix that irritates eyes, nose, and throat and can contribute to headaches and other symptoms. We also talk through several common compounds seen in testing, what they are often linked to, and why fragrance-heavy products can make an otherwise clean home feel unlivable. Then we get practical: how professional air sampling actually works, why lab analysis matters, and why a handheld meter that only gives a single VOC number can leave you stuck. When you know the specific chemicals, you can hunt down the source, choose the right next step, and avoid expensive guessing games. If you are buying a new build, planning a renovation, or already feeling “off” at home, this conversation will help you decide what to test, when to test, and how to make your indoor air healthier. Subscribe for more real-world home inspection and indoor air quality guidance, share this with a friend moving into a new place, and leave a review so more homeowners can find it.Support the showTo learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com) NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TVAdvice from experts: Don't skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TVOSU student's mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment's air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TVHow to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TVContinuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course listings...
Nick Wilson addresses recent criticism from morning show host Anthony Lima regarding an interview with Denzel Ward. He and Jonathan Peterlin discuss the dynamic of training camp coverage, Jose Ramirez's injury status, and the physical growth of Mason Graham while navigating internal station drama. 01:03 - Jose Ramirez Injury Update 02:47 - Verse and Graham Analysis 05:42 - Anthony Lima Feud Debate
Sensitive stomach. Weight management. Hairball control. Urinary care. Pet food labels make these diets sound highly specific, but not every claim on the package means the same thing.In this Pet Parent Power Up, Dr. Angie Boyer explains the difference between formulas built around certain ingredient choices and claims that require more testing and scientific support.You'll learn:What makes sensitive skin and stomach foods differentHow weight-management foods reduce caloriesWhy hairball-control and urinary-care claims are treated differently on pet food labelsWhat phrases like “may support” really promise on your pet food labelHow to check whether the ingredients support the claim on the front of the packageNote: Always talk with your veterinarian about your individual pet's medical and nutritional needs before changing foods, especially when managing a diagnosed health condition.Dr. Angie Boyer is the founder of Grain & Grace Consulting and a trained multi-species nutritionist whose work spans livestock, companion animals, and horses. Angie returns in the next full episode to help us read a pet food package from the claims on the front to the label on the back.Learn more about Dr. Angie Boyer and Grain & Grace Consulting:Website: Grain & Grace ConsultingContact: Submit an inquiryLinkedIn: Grain & Grace ConsultingGet Your Free Pet Food Guides!Stuck on a pet problem? Send it here.Support the showExpert Pet Advice for busy pet parents! Love the show? Leave a 5-star review so more pet parents can find us, and share this episode with someone who needs it. Follow:
8/5/26, Co-Host Brian Adams District Attorney David Sullivan, advocate for the Protect Act, which prohibits ICE enforcement in sensitive locations in Massachusetts, e.g., court houses, medical facilities, and schools -- on his way the signing ceremony with the Governor. ServiceNet's Dr Elaine Campbell on AI in therapy – AI is the compass, therapists are the trail guides; and providing mental health services in the community—how that works. Western Mass Clean Network's John Pepi and Keith Hastie: where to site solar arrays, what about wind? NIMBY here? Our path to a better energy future. Disability Rights Advocate & Northampton City Councilor Jeremy Dubbs on Picture Main Street and is the City addressing the needs of persons with disabilities?
Feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or like you're carrying energy that isn't yours?In this practical, grounding, and refreshingly honest episode of the High Vibin' It Podcast, Kelsey Aida and Lynnsey Robinson share their favorite spiritual hygiene practices for staying energetically clear in a world that often feels loud, fast-paced, and overwhelming.Inspired by their own experiences as highly sensitive women, they explore what it means to protect your energy without living in fear, why intentional daily rituals matter, and how simple practices can help you feel more grounded, present, and connected to yourself.From salt baths, sunshine, and meditation to humming, movement, and working with the elements, Kelsey and Lynnsey offer practical tools that anyone can incorporate into everyday life. They also discuss empath burnout, setting energetic boundaries, reducing overstimulation, and why true spiritual hygiene starts with being mindful of what you consume physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.If you've been craving more peace, clarity, and emotional resilience, this episode is full of simple yet powerful reminders to help you protect your energy and reconnect with yourself.✨ What You'll Discover:What spiritual hygiene really means and why it mattersHow empaths and highly sensitive people absorb energyWhy energetic burnout happens (and how to prevent it)Kelsey's favorite cleansing rituals after working with clientsHow salt baths, showers, and salt scrubs support energetic cleansingWhy sunshine, movement, and sweating help clear stagnant energyThe connection between meditation and energetic protectionHow to use the four elements to cleanse your energyWhy intention is more important than any ritual itselfSimple ways to turn your daily routine into a spiritual practiceHow social media and overstimulation affect your energetic healthThe importance of solitude, boundaries, and choosing peaceWhy humming and sound can help regulate your energyHow to recognize and protect yourself from energy vampiresEasy spiritual hygiene habits you can start practicing today✨ Want More?In the extended Patreon episode, we pull oracle cards and explore why so many people are feeling energetically exhausted right now. We share intuitive guidance about energetic upgrades, stepping into leadership without burnout, grounding through the elements, and protecting your light while navigating collective change. We also chat about Human Design, astrology, and practical ways to stay centered as a sensitive soul. Join us on Patreon for early access, extended episodes, exclusive oracle card readings, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes fun—all for just a few bucks a month. The first 50 members will receive a FREE Manifestation Toolkit when we hit our community goal!
Judge Alison Nathan repeatedly rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's efforts to place broad portions of her federal sex-trafficking trial beyond public view. Maxwell's lawyers argued that the extraordinary publicity surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and the allegations against her justified heightened secrecy, but Nathan emphasized the public's constitutional and common-law right to observe criminal proceedings. She kept the courtroom open, allowed journalists and members of the public to follow the testimony and refused to let the defense convert the high-profile nature of the case into a justification for conducting the trial largely behind closed doors. Sensitive information involving victims was still protected through pseudonyms, redactions and carefully limited restrictions, but Nathan generally required secrecy to be narrowly justified rather than automatically granted.That approach extended to jury selection, when Maxwell's attorneys sought to exclude the public from individual questioning of prospective jurors. Nathan refused to close the entire process, ruling that public access could not be eliminated merely because potential jurors might discuss sensitive experiences or opinions about the case. Instead, jury selection remained publicly observable, while particularly private answers could be addressed through sidebar questioning or other limited safeguards. The jurors' names and identifying information were withheld for their safety, but the substance of the selection process remained open, preventing Maxwell from using juror privacy as the basis for shielding a critical stage of the trial from scrutiny.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Nat Edwards, Josh Gabelich and Damian Barrett discuss all the latest footy news on AFL Daily. On today's episode: Essendon weren’t happy with Leigh Matthews’ scathing assessment of them, but now isn’t the time to be sensitive according to Damian Barrett Should Collingwood be going after the likes of Jake Stringer and Lachie Neale? Greg Swann has warned clubs against resting players in R24 We can’t wait for Gawn vs Jackson this Saturday Usual segments: Get it off your chest, Fact or furphy, ‘Yes, I said that’ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Artificial intelligence is forcing marketing agencies to redesign how they operate. In this episode, Eleanor Kubacki of EFK Group explains what happened when her agency decided to go all in on AI. The change affected strategy, staffing, partnerships, workflows, governance, creative development, and client service.Her leadership mantra became simple: get comfortable being uncomfortable. AI evolves quickly. Systems that create value today may require a major pivot within months. That speed creates opportunities for smaller agencies. They can test ideas, form partnerships, and compete with larger organizations.However, responsible adoption requires clear boundaries. Agencies must protect client privacy, proprietary information, brand voice, and human employment. These concerns become especially important for government, university, and regulated clients.AI can support data mining, first-pass strategy, audience analysis, personalization, media buying, and real-time optimization. AI enabled Market Research can reveal current customer behaviors and interests. This reduces dependence on broad, assumed personas.Yet AI still struggles with empathy, humor, originality, emotional connection, and distinctive creative thinking. Eleanor explains why EFK Group uses AI as a baseline rather than a complete creative replacement. Copywriters, strategists, designers, developers, and account specialists remain central. The conversation also examines security across different AI platforms. Sensitive information should never enter a system without appropriate safeguards.Topics Covered• Transforming an established agency around AI• Scaling AI without eliminating human jobs• Creating internal governance and ethical standards• Protecting data and proprietary information• Preserving brand voice across AI workflows• Using AI for data mining and first-pass strategy• Moving beyond traditional audience personas• Learning from AI-generated advertising experiments• Adding AI specialists to client account teams• Preparing new marketers for an AI-driven industryThe future of AI and Marketing is not automation without oversight. It is a partnership where machines increase speed and humans provide experience, creativity, accountability, and judgment.
Detailing the history behind Operation Gladio, led by the CIA during the throes of the Cold War and involving America's stay-behind involvement in Europe, specifically Italy.Support us directly: https://www.redwebpod.comOur sponsors:Factor - Head to http://Factormeals.com/redweb50off and use code redweb50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box!Quince - Head to Quince.com/redweb for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. See if BetterHelp is right for you at http://BetterHelp.com/redwebFrom the 1960s through the 1980s, Italy was a political no-man's land. The far right and far left were in a constant state of intense battle, with murders, kidnappings, and bombings happening everywhere. In the throes of the Cold War, no one suspected that the constant upheaval could be an inside job. But was it Italy's own government, with the help of the CIA, causing this political turmoil, or a coincidental bystander? Today, we're investigating Operation Gladio.Sensitive topics: Bombings, suicide, death, terrorist attacksSubmitted by Task Force member Girder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rachael Morrogh, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, on concerns about the impact the ongoing dispute is having on some of their clients.
What if some of the traits that make porn addiction harder to overcome—perfectionism, emotional intensity, anxiety, hyperfocus, sensitivity, and relentless drive—could eventually become strengths in your recovery?In this episode, I'm sharing a conversation from when I joined Ania Hulsman on her podcast, Neurodivergent Unplugged. We dig into my personal history with neurodivergence and porn addiction, including what it was like growing up highly sensitive, socially anxious, perfectionistic, and constantly overwhelmed by emotions I didn't know how to manage.For years, I thought these parts of me were weaknesses. Small things could create enormous emotional reactions. I put tremendous pressure on myself to perform, move faster, fit in, and get things right. When I couldn't handle the intensity inside me, I found ways to escape—first through video games and food, and eventually through pornography, alcohol, and other addictive behaviors.But recovery helped me understand something important: pornography wasn't simply a sexual problem. It had become one of the ways I regulated anxiety, pressure, emotional overwhelm, and the feeling that I wasn't okay.And that changed the way I approached recovery.Instead of spending my life fighting my brain, I began learning how to work with it. I developed routines that support my emotional and biological needs, learned how to regulate my nervous system, reduced digital overstimulation, built stronger spiritual practices, and stopped treating every difficult thought or emotion as evidence that something was wrong with me.Today, many of the traits I once hated about myself have become some of my greatest strengths as a husband, father, coach, teacher, and creator.In this conversation, Ania and I explore what that transformation looked like—and what it may mean for sensitive, driven men who are trying to quit porn and build lasting sobriety.Episode Chapters00:16 Neurodivergence, sensitivity, and porn addiction03:45 Building a recovery mindset and lifestyle07:13 When emotional intensity feels like a curse09:27 How escape behaviors developed in my life15:40 Spirituality and the beginning of recovery23:24 Self-judgment, parts work, and emotional mindfulness28:00 Perfectionism, control, and performance34:26 Realizing my brain worked differently38:19 Sensitivity, masculinity, and suppressed emotion42:16 When a neurodivergent strength doesn't fit the environment49:15 Masking, professionalism, and authenticity54:01 Systems thinking, hyperfocus, and perfectionism57:10 How reducing smartphone use changed my mental health1:02:21 Redefining success through presence1:06:17 Morning routines, breathwork, and nervous system regulation1:09:14 Prayer, gratitude, and getting out of self-focus1:17:18 Hyperfocus, burnout, and learning to respect your capacity1:20:25 The one change I would make to our relationship with technologyBuild a Recovery Lifestyle That Works With YouIf you keep relapsing despite genuinely wanting to quit porn, I want you to look deeper than the behavior. What emotional state are you trying to escape? What pressure are you carrying? What does your nervous system need? Where are you overstimulated, depleted, disconnected, or demanding too much from yourself?The goal is not simply to become better at resisting pornography. It is to build a life where peace, connection, faith, purpose, and real relationships become more desirable than escape.Check out Ania's podcast: Neurodivergent UnpluggedLink to Blog Article for this EpisodeVisit No More Desire Tools for Recovery for recovery tools and training, including my free eBook, Workshop, The RAIL Method ™ and more to help you break free from porn.If you're tired of trying to quit porn on your own, the No More Desire Academy gives you a structured path to recovery through coaching, brotherhood, practical tools, and step-by-step training. Learn more about the Academy.If you want deeper, more personalized support, I also offer 1-on-1 porn addiction recovery coaching. We'll work directly on your patterns, emotional triggers, recovery plan, and long-term growth. Learn more about working 1-on-1 with Jake Kastleman.God bless.My gratitude for the music in this episode (in order of appearance) goes to Ievgen Poltavskyi, kaveesha Senanayake& Viacheslav Starostinfrom Pixabay.Support the showNo More Desire
I think we forget sometimes that heart and cardiovascular disease is actually the leading cause of death for women and folks with wombs. Like, for real.And the thing about it is, there are some very simple things we can do that make a huge difference, and it's been shown that only between 3-12% of us are even doing those. Not to mention adding our herbal allies in. In this weeks episode I cover the heart as an organ of the summer season from a TCM lens, simple ways you can make a huge impact on your heart health, and some beautiful medicinal plants we can call on truly as tonic herbs over time to prevent and even remedy cardiovascular conditions (on a physical and emotional/spirit level).You may be surprised by which herbs I chose.Resources:Free guide: Womb connection meditationToday's shownotes: Sensitive ecology of your heartEpisode 50: Adaptogens & your hormonal healthEpisode 56: Womb & heart connection?Episode 233: Traversing the wild terrain of griefIf you loved this episode, share it with a friend, or take a screenshot and share on social media and tag me @herbalwombwisdomAnd if you love this podcast, leave a rating & write a review! It's really helpful to get the show to more amazing humans like you. ❤️DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only, I am not providing any medical advice, I am not a medical practitioner, I'm an herbalist and in the US, there is no path to licensure for herbalists, so my role is as an herbal educator. Please do your own research and consult your healthcare provider for any personal concerns.Click here to send me a quick message :)
AP's Lisa Dwyer reports on newly released audio of former President Joe Biden and his biographer, after the Oversight Project won the right to release them publicly.
Looking at the investigation into the 1995 derailment of the Amtrak Sunset Limited train, the mysterious note left on site by the "Sons of the Gestapo," the resulting FBI investigation, and its possible connection to another train derailment decades prior. Get the podcast ad-free: https://www.redwebpod.com In the remote Arizona desert, a passenger train barreled through the night carrying over 250 people. The crew had no idea of the danger ahead. Someone had removed 29 railway spikes and shifted the tracks. What followed was a devastating derailment. At the crash site, the discovery of a cryptic manifesto sparked a federal investigation with ties to the Oklahoma City Bombing. So who did this, and why? Today, we investigate the Sunset Limited Sabotage. Sensitive topics: Death, child death Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to Episode 150 of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering! Today I have the privilege of chatting with Melissa Schulz. Melissa is a parenting coach and behavior analyst who helps parents of strong-willed, highly sensitive, and neurodiversekids turn daily struggles into calmer, more connected moments. Melissa has been recognized as the "Best Parenting Coach in the United States for 2025" by Evergreen Awards.Some of the resources we mention in this episode include: The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks*Stormlight Archive series by Brandon Sanderson*Robe Curls Heatless Curling Headband*You can connect with Melissa via:Her website: melissaschulz.comInstagram: @confidentlymomminGet a copy of my new book, Two-Minute Timeouts for New Moms for yourself and/or some mom friends today at twominutetimeouts.com.Don't forget that you can connect with me via:My website: andreafortenberry.comInstagram: @andreafortenberry*Affiliate Link
“The people you're trying to lead may become your greatest teacher.” SUMMARY Matthew Ayers '99 believes leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about listening, learning and serving with joy. Hear how experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, on a U.N. peacekeeping mission and leading Dream Centers of Colorado Springs transformed his understanding of leadership. MATTHEW'S TOP 10 LEADERSHIP LESSONS 1. Leadership Begins with Ordinary Acts Matthew's grandfather didn't set out to do extraordinary things—he simply noticed people, asked questions, and invited them in. Great leadership often begins with small acts of compassion that have lifelong impact. 2. Lead with Joy One of the defining characteristics of Matthew's grandfather was his joy. Even in difficult circumstances, he demonstrated that joy isn't the absence of hardship—it's a choice that gives others hope and the courage to move forward. 3. Stay Curious About People Matthew learned that leadership starts by genuinely wanting to know people and understand their stories. Curiosity builds trust, broadens perspective, and opens the door to meaningful relationships. 4. Integrity Is Lived, Not Signed His experience during a United Nations peacekeeping mission revealed that values aren't proven by an oath—they're revealed in everyday decisions. Leadership requires the courage to live your principles, even when circumstances become complicated. 5. Influence Doesn't Require Authority Serving alongside people outside his chain of command taught Matthew that leadership often happens through relationships rather than rank. Quiet, consistent influence can move an organization—and a mission—forward one conversation at a time. 6. Presence Is Sometimes the Greatest Gift Whether comforting cadets during tragedy or supporting people in crisis, Matthew discovered that leaders don't always need the perfect words. Simply showing up and being present can have a lasting impact. 7. Listen Before You Lead Matthew's work reinforced that the people closest to the problem often hold the clearest vision for the solution. Leaders who listen deeply make better decisions because they're willing to learn before they act. 8. Let Others Become Your Teachers One of the most powerful themes of the episode is that leadership is not about always being the teacher. Matthew believes the people we serve—and the people we lead—often become our greatest teachers if we're humble enough to learn from them. 9. Transformation Happens Through Action Leadership isn't mastered in a classroom alone. Matthew reminds us that principles become convictions only when we wrestle with them in real life, applying them through service, relationships, and everyday decisions. 10. Leave People Better Than You Found Them Looking back on his grandfather's influence, Matthew's own leadership philosophy comes into focus: serve others with humility, model joy, remain teachable, and help people flourish. The greatest legacy a leader leaves is the positive impact they have on the lives of others. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 – Opening: Sometimes the Greatest Teachers Aren't the Ones We Expect 00:00:53 – Meet Matthew Ayers, USAFA Class of 1999 00:01:38 – The Story That Changed Everything: Grandpa, Joy & Two Strangers 00:08:47 – Justice Begins at Home: Lessons Passed from One Generation to the Next 00:15:12 – Ethiopia: When Integrity Is Tested in the Real World 00:24:31 – The Difference Between Signing an Oath and Living It 00:31:26 – The Child Who Became the Teacher 00:39:08 – Why Great Leaders Never Stop Being Students 00:45:51 – Leading Through Joy, Compassion & Presence 00:52:37 – Leadership in Practice: Listening Before Leading 00:58:44 – Matthew's Leadership Philosophy 01:03:28 – Advice to His Younger Self 01:06:14 – Final Reflections: Leave People Better Than You Found Them ABOUT MATTHEW BIO Matthew Ayers, USAFA Class of 1999, is the founder and CEO of Dream Centers, a Colorado Springs nonprofit dedicated to serving women, children, and families through comprehensive healthcare, behavioral health services, and transformational housing. Before founding Dream Centers in 2011, Matthew served as an Air Force officer, managed air and space programs, taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and deployed as an unarmed military observer with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. A passionate student of leadership, theology, and community development, Matthew believes the most meaningful leadership begins with humility, service, and a willingness to learn from others. Through his work and volunteer service, he continues to champion innovative approaches that strengthen families, empower communities, and create lasting change. Matthew lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Amber, and their two children, Zeke and Halle Joy. CONNECT WITH MATTHEW LINKEDIN | DREAM CENTERS CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor: Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Please note: we are only considering USAFA graduates as guests at this time. Ryan Hall | Director: Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor: Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer: Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org ALL PAST LBL EPISODES | ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE AT USAFA.ORG/LONGBLUELEADERSHIP AND ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS FULL TRANSCRIPT Guest: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Matthew Ayers '99 | Host: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz 0:00 Sometimes the greatest leadership lesson isn't learning how to teach others; it's discovering that the people you're trying to lead may become your greatest teacher. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99 — Long Blue Leadership starts now. Well, welcome. Our guest today is Matthew Ayers, class of '99. Yes, my classmate. Welcome, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Let me tell you about Matthew from his military service, where he served in international peacekeeping. Then he went into the classrooms of Fairchild Hall, onto leading an organization called Dream Centers, where he's the CEO, really focusing on a vulnerable set of our community. It's such a pleasure to have you here today, Matthew. Matthew Ayers 0:46 Love being here. Thank you, Naviere. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:48 Absolutely. Well, we're going to jump right in because your story is so unique and so personal. I'd like to take us back in time and talk about your grandfather. I know we had some time talking about him, but I think it's well worth that our listeners and our watchers get to know him a little bit more as well. Let's talk about your grandfather and maybe a particular act of courage. Matthew Ayers 1:09 OK, yeah, he's my hero, and I always continue to this day trying to live life like my grandpa. He just was so inspirational in the way he lived, and he's a very relational servant leader. He pastored most of his life in the Pacific Northwest, but his beginnings were in Wuhan, China, where he was born and raised, and moved to the U.S. when he was 15. Got on a back of a cargo ship, and he and his brother John made their way here. He built railroad with the CCC and flipped burgers, put himself through high school, college, seminary, and he's just got an amazing life. But when I got to know my grandpa as a little boy, he was smoking cigarettes like a chimney and in the local bowling league and playing cards with his neighbors. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:01 I can visualize this man. Yes. Yes. Matthew Ayers 2:06 He was just everybody's person, and he could hang out with anyone. No one was a stranger, and he was genuinely curious about everyone he met. And so he just modeled that with such joy. I just grew up thinking I want to be like my grandpa. He's an amazing guy, And so I've got unlimited stories about him, about someone that really has left a mark on my life, and I was 11 years old, and we were pretty new, about a year or so into living in central Washington State. And he came to guest preach at a local church there, and when he came to visit, of course, we would always go to a local Chinese restaurant. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:53 And did he say it wasn't as good as when he grew up, though? Matthew Ayers 2:57 It was not nearly as good, but he still enjoyed it. He still would enjoy it wherever he went. And so he disappeared like usual, and we just knew he was back in the kitchen, probably washing dishes, hamming it up with the staff. And soon he comes back out, introducing us to staff, and we have all this free food, and he's best friends with this couple. So we were just this was like a normal experience with Grandpa, but on this particular visit, he had some pretty serious conversations after that with my parents, and he had found out that several of the staff were labor trafficked. They were new immigrants from China, and the next day, he brought me along as a little boy, we go down in our little town into a bag alley, knock on the door of a warehouse, no running water, no electricity, no amenities, dirt floor, and I see the rats running around. I'm like, "What are we doing here?” And we get to sit down with these people who are serving at this restaurant and can't speak English and do not know any way to navigate their situation. And he challenged us as a family. Well, he might have just volunteered us, but it was going to happen one way or another, that this couple ended up moving in with us, and we got to be like family with them, and had the most incredible experiences cross culturally just in our own home, and that was my first, maybe you know, shocking example of just the vulnerability of people in every community. It happens everywhere, but what was even more powerful to me about that, and what stays with me, is just how simple it really was looking back, where he just asked the question, and it seemed like such an ordinary, easy thing that that he made it out to be. And looking back, I'm like, well, that that's not easy for most people, but really, it is an ordinary thing that anyone can do. Naviere Walkewicz 5:07 Ask a question and bring someone in, right? Matthew Ayers 5:10 That's it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 3:46 I'm thinking about you as an 11-year-old, and you said it was kind of your first real glimpse of that experience. How did that shape you as you grew up? Because they were with you, right? And so, first off, did you did you learn to speak Chinese? Matthew Ayers 5:27 No, I learned a few phrases. I should have though. I remember even the simple things like these cross-cultural miscommunications we had about ruining laundry and just doing things so differently that made us sometimes laugh and sometimes have some pretty tense moments. But it was it was all of us learning together. How do we do this? And I think one of my favorite memories was one of these people — they were they just had this incredible ability to do this unique art form of laying small colored thread, and would take months and hundreds of hours per piece of art, and just the beauty of getting to introduce into this art of her culture that was in particular from this region she was from. So we just, I mean, we had so many rich experiences like that. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 6:29 I can imagine. So taking a leap forward, what was part of your journey that led you to the Academy? And when you went to the Air Force Academy, was your goal in mind to think about how to either participate or engage in things cross culturally, or was that just part of your upbringing and your makeup? Matthew Ayers 6:50 Yeah, I thought you might ask me this, and I have nothing here. Honestly, I saw pictures of the Rocky Mountains. I love the beauty of Colorado. It just seemed magical to me, coming from this little town in central Washington, and I wanted to snowboard, so it came with some, you know, really good university education. It was a win-win. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 7:13 Yes. So getting into the Academy, you know, obviously drawn by the aesthetics. What about the service in the military do you think really called you? And would you say that started, you know, with your grandfather, or was that something else you saw throughout just your childhood? Matthew Ayers 7:29 My mom and dad modeled it well, of course. My dad found an amazing and safe place in my mom's home, where she grew up in Wenatchee, Washington, and so they really had this model of my grandpa and grandpa Paul and Lydia serving continually, and they modeled that in our home, in our community, in our neighborhood. I mean, from as young as I can remember, my dad was leading leadership camps for high school students in Washington State and doing incredible things to serve. And servant leadership, which is always kind of a part of the conversation. So it was like the water that we got to swim in. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 8:09 It seems so when you talk about your grandpa and your parents, it feels very warm and comforting and secure. And when I think about our time at USAFA, Matthew, it was — you know while it was, you know, in this ecosystem, and yes, you know, we were growing as leaders, I would say there was chaos around us, you know? How did you navigate that with such a different kind of upbringing, and by what you saw in leadership. Matthew Ayers 8:37 Yep. That is, I think, really insightful, and it's probably — it could be the most powerful part of my growing up, my formation in my family. Because my grandpa, when he did these hard things that were ordinary, but you naturally create friction in these situations where you're serving and helping and bringing cross cultures together and bringing people in need, including us. We needed to be educated in that situation, understanding what was happening in our own community and understanding how to serve. And you don't — there wasn't a formula for that, and we didn't have a lot of coaching or training. Grandpa just pulled us in, and so we learned through doing this kind of life together. And I think that that was the power of it: is that he did it with such joy. So you describe it as this warmth, and absolutely it was. And so having that mindset, I think, built this resilience in us to have joy no matter what the situation was, and to hold those things intentionally. You know, sometimes things are really difficult and sad and sorrowful, but to still be able to carry joy into those situations, you're really able to have that impact on somebody who may need that. So even coming to the Academy and experiencing that, especially the chaos of the first year, it felt like a little bit of a challenge. Like, how do we have joy through this? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 10:05 Well, I think I would have loved to be in your squadron because it sounds like you would have brought some joy to us for sure. Let's talk about after the Academy. There was a particular time while you were serving, you went on to work in — I think it was 2005 — you were part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission. Can you talk about some of that experience and how it maybe shaped you? Because I think it was a really transformational moment as well in your leadership journey. Matthew Ayers 10:33 It was. It was. I was in the acquisition career field, and so I didn't have much opportunity to go overseas, but although I really wanted to. So this was one of those few things that I could thankfully got some approval from our commander and got to apply for this mission. And in that, I had this experience of coming out of Asmara, Eritrea, and heading down to our team site, which was pretty remote near the border, just south of Eritrea, and in this very small village in a war-torn area, it was completely austere, and you basically, as military observers, you have a team site you run and you kind of manage this area that you observe with daily patrols. And so I got to be in a team site with people from Ghana and South Africa and Bangladesh, and you name it. I mean, we always had new members coming in and out from one of these 41 nations that were there. And when I arrived at the team site the first day, Adahanit was our team cleaner, and so she was hired by the local staff on our team site. And when she literally ran to me, she saw my uniform and the American flag, and she dropped to her knees and just started weeping. And she was telling me how grateful she was that an American was at her team site now, because Americans had treated her and some of her family and friends and people who were living in this village with a little more respect than they were used to, and that was my introduction to this mission, to this team site, and I just thought, “Wow, what did I step into?” Because there are obviously a lot of really interesting dynamics that I didn't necessarily expect that kind of welcome coming in. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 12:27 We take for granted what seems so normal and usual and expected, right? And so to actually see how what we're expecting can really make a difference to somebody else is really powerful. What was some of that experience like there? Can you talk a little bit more about that mission and really why it, besides that incredible greeting, why it really spoke to you? Matthew Ayers 12:52 What I came to learn over the next six months living in Shiraru was that, you know, we all of us on the mission we had this MOU, kind of a moral obligation that we signed. We had this oath that we gave and communicated. We had a lot of training, extensive training in country, and then when we arrived overseas, and it was so — I think coming from this side, we had these just very clear expectations, and I think also kind of some of the culture that we swim in is filled with moral obligations. Even just our values at the Academy, where we where we were trained, and but it's such a part of American culture. And so what I realized is that although all the soldiers from every nation get to sign this thing and take this oath, it's not necessarily something that was part of the conversations in families growing up, or a part of the water that they swam in. So our day-to-day life there was filled with this tension between what we agreed to do and what was actually happening on the ground, and those things were completely different. So we saw — I mean, I saw two nations get kicked out and dismissed from the mission for starting trafficking rings. I saw two members of our own team site, they ended up running the black market cash exchange for the entire nation of Ethiopia while I was on site. And some of these things I really struggled with. Tried to work with people to help them understand what we were doing is not helpful to locals, and even to the point of bringing some of these things up legally with some of the team at headquarters. But when they're dealing with international trafficking rings, some of those smaller things that were happening at our team site, they just — they didn't even have capacity to deal with. And so that's also tension was like, OK, we have to learn to deal with this on a one-on-one basis in our team site in the middle of several hours' drive away from anyone who has any authority over the space. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:06 Wow! So, how did you learn from that? What did — what changed in you, or what evolved in you? How do you grow as a leader from that? Because that's really powerful when you have a mission, and then you have these competing things happening that sometimes challenge values. Matthew Ayers 15:25 It made life so much more complicated for me. I think I went in — Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:28 Like, “If my grandpa was here, he simplified things really well.” Matthew Ayers 15:33 Right. Exactly. Where is this simple answer? There really wasn't. And I remember sitting in several meetings, both formal and informal, with some of the JAGs, some of the legal team there, and just trying to untangle some of these issues and understand what would be worth our time to bring up, even to the highest levels, even if we had to go to Congress. What are some of the things that we need eyeballs here and influence here so that we can change some what's going on ground? It's really negatively impacting people's lives, and some of the things that we had to wrestle with were these larger moral questions of if we do this and we potentially raise these other issues at this particular level, we can end the mission. And we're trying to keep these two nations from destroying each other. So please don't go to this level. Work with us. We're going to work with you. We're going to give you advice, but you need to deal with this one on one with these people that you're working with and serving with, and they may not be from your country and they may not be in your chain of command, but you have at least some level of influence with them. So we need you to be courageous and we need you to have these conversations on a daily basis and help us. So those, that was powerful to me because it wasn't, you know — I at first I felt disempowered and like I don't know what I could do in this position, but over time I think little by little, you know, you can you can move the ball down the field if you stay focused -and you kind of understand the situation you're working within. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 17:11 I'm so glad you shared that because often we might think, “Well, I'm just an acquisitions officer” or “I'm just this and this is not my lane” or “This is not my role.” But I think to your point is we can all be leaders and if we stay focused and we know what we need to be doing, moving the ball down the field is still very much progress. And so thank you for sharing that. I think that was really powerful. You know, you've had so many incredible experiences. I'm curious. So, acquisitions officer, you went and did this UN mission, and somehow you ended back in the hallways of Fairchild Hall teaching cadets. Let's talk about that transition and maybe what leadership looked like after you had some of this real-world and mission experience, operational experience. How did that translate to leading cadets in the way they think, etc. Matthew Ayers 18:03 The mission, you know, sharing knowledge, sharing wisdom, sharing the things that we know we're learning in Management 101. I mean, that's important, right? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 18:13 Yeah. Matthew Ayers 18:13 But what I realized in that role too is just, and I realized this going back to our time. You know, as '99ers… Col. Naviere Walkewicz 18:24 Gold will shine. Matthew Ayers 18:25 …and just people who had so much influence on us. That's my always dreamed to come back. That was a dream job for me. I wanted to be back here on campus and influencing kids' lives because I think you are for the first time in your life for most of us. Then you're away from home, and you get to like have your family, your brothers, your sisters, your parents, your grandparents. You can lean on in those situations at home to help you carry that leadership. But this is the first time you get to try it out on your own. And I wanted to get to know people relationally first and build trust so that I could earn a right as little as it was to speak into anyone's life, and maybe learn from them too, because we're all coming from different backgrounds where we can learn from each other. So that environment was incredible to me because it's just so much more than sharing knowledge, right? You know you're transforming. You're part of that transformative process of a person being formed when they're standing on their own values for the first time. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 19:34 Matthew, can you share an example of maybe when you saw that come to life with a cadet and an interaction with you? Was there a time in that that when you were facilitating or when you were an instructor that you actually saw some of those seeds be received and how it actually bloomed? Matthew Ayers 19:52 My very first night on duty, I was officer on duty at night, and you know you do this. Everyone pitches in and has that role at some point or another when they're on faculty here, and there was a suicide, and I remember getting to interact in the moment as the news is, you know, in a grassroots way, very quickly moving through the Cadet Wing. And in the middle of the night, just walking the hallways and seeing kids, and just getting to put my hand on my shoulder and ask if they need to talk, can I pray? Can I support you? And hearing their stories and what they knew, and so life happens, right? No matter what position you're in, no matter where you are, and you get to show up for people where you don't, or you get scared. And I think some of those things, you know, being in Eritrea in the middle of night with people, and that I think you build a little more resilience there too when you're in some interesting situations. And it helps you step into somebody else's space and just be present and I — those are sacred memories for me and those opportunities just to be present. Didn't do anything really but just be there. And I think I'll cherish that always. And I just encourage us. You know, it again — these things seem like so challenging sometimes when you're in a, when the stakes are high and the emotions are high, but those are the most important times to stand in and be present. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 21:42 I feel this tie from your grandpa to you. This ordinary act. I will tell you, the cadets that you spent time with when you were walking the halls that evening, and you put your hand on their shoulder, or you said, "Do you need to talk?” They will take that with them, and there's a good chance that when the moment calls for that from them, they're ready because they saw it in action and they felt the importance of that. Man, thank you for sharing that incredible story. I have to think that that probably played into your decision to jump into the nonprofit space and lead something incredible like you've been doing for the past 10+ years. Matthew Ayers 22:20 If I'm honest, I was a little bit upset leaving the Air Force. I loved that job. I loved what I was doing, but of course, I did have the seed that my grandpa planted, and really, it went back to that first experience that day when he introduced us to the staff at this restaurant. And I thought, I remember making a commitment back then to say, I want to be like my grandpa, and I want to do something. I think with my life, just to interact with vulnerable people and serve them. And so that came true. I got to start some work in the nonprofit world when I got out of the Air Force, and then it led into this opportunity. And I think just casting that vision in that early season of getting out and just sharing this bigger idea of like, OK, we what does the city need? We love Colorado Springs. There's a lot of great nonprofits, and we don't want to duplicate anything. So what do we really need? And that's when I got to go on this journey of just listening to leaders all over our city and discovering what some of those things could be. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 23:29 I love that powerful listening tour. Before we jump into that, I want to just in that piece of time in which you made that transition, I'm curious on how you knew it was time. Because I think many leaders, you know, when they're in different roles, they're looking for the when is the right time for what's next, or and who do you talk to in your corner? What was that transition, and maybe that network around you or your community around you, what did that look like in navigating that decision? Matthew Ayers 1:57 So, Naviere, my life is like one example after another of I have plans in my mind, in my heart, and then they get redirected. And there's a proverb about that that says, you know, people make plans in their heart, and the Lord directs their steps. So this was another clear example of that, of me taking a while to learn what really should be the next step. And I remember the voluntary separation program, that VSP came open, that opportunity. And this is strange. So if anyone's been around the Academy or taught there, you know this. If you haven't, it is rare to have people just come by your office and small talk for a while, right? You're with cadets in your open office hours, or you're teaching, or you're preparing for something. So we're running. We're always running around. And 15 people, several of them — I couldn't have even told you their last name. I was just an acquaintance with them — stopped by my office in my open hours during the day, one after the other, asking the exact same thing: “Are you going to apply for this VSP?” Col. Naviere Walkewicz 25:12 Did you make — I mean, I can't even. That's just kind of blows my mind, right? I'm just I'm putting myself in your shoes in that moment. Yes, please continue. Matthew Ayers 25:22 Yeah. So if Anthony Pedroni is listening, he was the last one, and Tony comes in at like 7 that night in my office and asks the same exact question. We're friends. We work together in the management department. And he said, "Are you going to apply for this VSP?” I said, "No, man, I love my job. I love what I'm doing. Why would I want to leave here?” And he said, "Oh, Mr. Sensitive,” and he walked away. And when he said that, I was convicted. I had not even stopped to pray for a second. Like, is this the right thing to do? And I just knew it was, and I didn't know why. So, I, as an Enneagram 9, I try to lead with my gut instinct. That always just naturally leads first, and I just knew I needed. So I applied that night. I was one of 20 that got it. I got a call the next day, and I was out in 30 days. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 26:11 Oh my goodness. So really, it was this group around you, and then some self-reflection and prayer, and you made that decision. There was really not a lot of talk at all, it sounds like. Matthew Ayers 26:23 There was zero planning. So yeah, but I knew it was right, and I knew if — you know, I just think taking steps of faith, sometimes we need to be redirected. And looking back on my life now, I cannot imagine not doing this nonprofit work early. In my mind, the timing was retire first, be stable, make a good decision, get your retirement, then launch this nonprofit. But that's not that wasn't the best way forward. And so I would just say that for others too, where I had to be redirected, and it was so helpful for me. And that if you know you're holding on to a dream, sometimes it's good to be stable and make that, you know, what might look like a more traditional decision, and sometimes it's not. And to have the courage to be able to at least ask that question. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 27:15 I love that. So you jumped, and you have now led Dream Centers. Let's talk about this a little bit because I think many people may not know what Dream Centers of Colorado Springs is and the mission. Matthew Ayers 27:30 There's a movement across the world. There's several hundred Dream Centers, and the basic thing that ties it all together is that we share this vision that we would find a real need in a city wherever we're located that's unduplicated, and we go meet that need. So we're not the same organization as any one other of these hundreds of Dream Centers. But I got to go on that listening tour for about six months and learn as much as I could from people here before we decided what we wanted to land on. That would really be something unique and unduplicated that we could offer the city. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 28:09 Do you feel that this is another way that you continued to put on a uniform outside of the uniform, right? So this is a new way of service. Do you think that that was part of not only it was a need that you decided this is the one we're going to do and it's unduplicated, but it actually spoke to you because of your servant leadership background? Matthew Ayers 28:29 Maybe. I think honestly, going back to those roots, my parents, my grandpa. I mean, I think of my wrestling coach in high school and English teacher. They served so well, and they did it with joy. I think just to me, it was a more inspiring way to live, and so I didn't think about it like that, and I don't think about it like that. Although that's absolutely important and valuable, but I think as I as I experience the joy of learning from our clients right now and our staff, and just how rewarding the mission is, yeah, absolutely. It's about serving our community, but it is so joyous. It's — I get so much more out of it that it's like it really is a way of life that that is just incredible. I love getting up in the morning. I love what I get to do. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 29:19 So you are learning from the people you serve. You just — you were just talking about the joy that it brings you. What has changed in you? And I think about it — you know, this is Long Blue Leadership. So from a leadership capacity, because you're leading a team of professionals that's making this joy possible, but curious how it's also really, like, you know, changed you? Matthew Ayers 29:40 Man, I think I've changed every day. There's — you know, I have not had a lot of extreme or challenging situations I've dealt with in life, but I've had like a front row seat to that, and I think that I don't understand what it's like to live in a car, or to live on the street, or to experience domestic violence, or to be without food, and people are in those situations in our city every day, and they have so much to tell us about what's going on with our city, what's working, what's not. How can we improve it? How can we improve it down to the level of interactions, from phone calls and intake and how we're welcomed into a front office, to what actually is going to move the ball and make an impact in their life, and I think those are the things that we know are like adding to the quality of community, and it transfers intergenerationally in our city. So if we don't stop to learn about those things, it we're all going to be affected by that, and we're all going to be life will just not be as rewarding because it is so rewarding to be in the middle of those conversations and experiences. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 31:17 So I'm thinking about it in parallel as leaders. To your point, are you know they have colleagues or teammates that are experiencing things that they haven't. How do you navigate those conversations? How do you actually get to a place where maybe you are driving impact or making it a difference? I'm curious if you could share some of that, maybe some for those who are looking for that leadership as well. Matthew Ayers 31:41 We're always trying to do things with excellence. We're always tweaking what we're doing, and we're trying to just be steady and show up every day and learn what we can. And so I think when we have some big changes we need to make or a program we need to implement, first it needs to come from the people we're learning from, right? And it's not dreamed up without partnership there, and I think it needs to be confirmed by them as well. And so I mean, this again-it's the story of my life. But for several years at one of our programs at Mary's Home, the families we get to be with and serve and learn from were telling me about, you know, “The way that you're setting up this high-challenge, high-support program, and what we're able to accomplish here, and how we're surrounded with love and services and challenge. It is so good. Why aren't you doing that with our children? Why are you not offering the same thing for them?” And we — this was a theme, and I got to hear it over and over and over again. And they probably felt like they were being a broken record, but it was so important that they kept — they felt they had that important message to share. And it took me years of hearing that and then validating it with other people in the community, other people who had come through the program, our graduates, who had been years, you know, after launching for Mary's home, validating it, and I think that whole process was something where, for me, it felt like at least scales had to fall from my eyes. I had to really wake up to the reality of what this is because at first I was thinking there's other organizations that do this, and they continued just faithfully week after week, month after month, to have this conversation and say, “No, you — OK, so you don't really understand, Matthew, what we're talking about, so let's back up.” It was conversations like that. Like, “Let me tell you about my experience here with my children.” “Let me tell you about my experience over here at this service and why it's not working.” And so I think those, you know — it's being in touch with your customer. It's being in touch with your client. It's really — we have to be changed first if we're going to really offer something that's truly transformational. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 34:03 I love how you said you can drive change and it really make an intergenerational difference. I'm curious how your work has changed the lives of your family because I know you know you're married and you have two beautiful children. What does this legacy look like in your household? Matthew Ayers 34:22 Yeah, well I hope that I can you know at least try to live up to my grandpa's way of being. And so like when we're around work, that our kids it feels like a normal thing to do, just to be in service and to be engaged, to be in touch with what's going on in our community, and that it feels normal to come to work and have that warmth and have that encouragement and see models of people just doing normal things that we may if we don't have those models otherwise they seem maybe difficult for a little distant from us. And sometimes they're actually closer than we realize and we just keep them distant because it reminds us of just how maybe vulnerable we are sometimes, or maybe a memory like going back to our childhood that could be implicit. You know, before we're even four, and we remember it with our mind. Our body is remembering it with our emotions, and we're and so we get scared sometimes, and we don't even know why to engage with some big challenges in our city. And that's what I think. Yeah, the day-to-day stuff I want to model for Zeke and Halle Joy are just — you know, this is this is actually super rewarding, and it's one of the best things in the world you can do. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 35:40 So, Matthew, if we can go back in time, and you could talk to your 11-year-old self, what might you tell him today? Matthew Ayers 35:46 I think knowing what I know now and seeing what's possible, what transformation, what kinds of things, and just that we've been able to do with our partners in the city, through Dream Centers, going back to that, all that may seem really daunting and just incredibly tough to imagine or even think about as 11-year-old. But I think I would keep just want to model it for him, you know, just like my grandpa did, and make it make it easy, make it like this is — anyone can do this. Take that next faithful step, that everyone has something that they can do to show just a little bit of genuine curiosity in whoever they're with, that we always have something to learn, and if you can model that with joy, I just think it can be captured so much easier. If you model it in any other way, I don't know that it becomes something that you want to emulate. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 36:45 I love that. And speaking of joy, I have a feeling I know where you might go with this answer, but let's see if you surprise us. You know, what is something you're doing every day to be better, either as a leader, you know, in your in your life? What are you doing every day to be better? Matthew Ayers 37:05 I'll say it's something that I try to do every day. So even this week is a great example. Like, the last couple weeks, I've had conversations with staff where they felt courageous enough to give me feedback, and I got to listen, and I get to learn from them, and they're my greatest teachers. “So, this is how I felt in that situation, Matthew, and this is how I didn't feel seen or heard.” And let me just tell you how that impacted me, and those conversations are, you know, although I wish I could say they're far and few between, they're probably more regular. But I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful that we have a team that really trusts each other, and where we can just be honest and reflect and call each other to this higher place. And my team does that for me. So if I could do one thing, I don't always do it, but if I could do one thing really well, it'd be to keep learning from them. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 38:03 Oh, that's fantastic. May I ask how you accept that feedback? Because, you know, being open to hearing it is one thing, but accepting it, I think, is another. Can you talk about how you do that? Matthew Ayers 38:18 Yeah. Well, I think people are complicated, and all of us, right? We're like this incredible mishmash. You have, like, unlimited layers of variables going on an x-axis and a y-axis, and for some reason, on one day, one person will hit that one button that really affects us more deeply than another. And I see that, you know, with me, I see that with our team. And so, even one staff member will give me feedback that's in this direction, and another and receives it completely differently. So, what I think it does for me is I want to hold all those things as equally valid and say how can I sharpen what I'm doing even more so? Like that thing really landed for somebody and it really hurt somebody else. So how can I adjust? How can I learn from that so that I am presenting, I'm showing up to work my best self in a way that's able to speak to everyone. You can't always do that. You're never going to hit on the head, and that's why we need grace for everyone. We need a little patience. But I think we can always learn too, and we can always sharpen the skills. And I'm so grateful that we can, and that EQ is just one of those things that we can constantly work on. So, yeah. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 39:36 I love that. Well, what is something that we didn't cover today that you feel is really important for our viewers and listeners to hear from you? Matthew Ayers 039:46 You keep doing what you're doing because you're bringing a message that is really — it's not complicated at all, but there's so many layers to this leadership journey, and I think people need examples of that. We don't learn — I think what I know that whether it was just in my work here at the Academy, or the work with the nonprofit, or just growing up in Ellensburg, Washington, learn as much in the classroom, and so we have to wrestle with these ideas. That's important, and these ideas we'll hear today are really important. But we need to the community we live in, the family we're a part of, our work, and we need to apply these things. And that's where we really learn. And I don't think leadership can ever be learned just from talking about it, right? Col. Naviere Walkewicz 40:43 That's right. Matthew Ayers 40:43 So we have to be able to apply these ideas constantly and wrestle with them, and talk about them, and keep them front and center. So thank you for doing that. And I know we're going to keep trying to do that within Dream Centers and make it real instead of just theoretical. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 41:00 Well, Matthew, this conversation has been really incredible in many ways. I think some of the things that really stuck with me in this conversation, one, I just really appreciated getting to know your grandpa through you. I mean, he's someone that I also hope that I can emulate in just his finding ordinary ways to make big impact. And I think you're doing that every day in your job, and that's helping to inspire others as well. I really appreciated our conversation how you really have become a student of learning leadership through the through the actions that others have gone through, right? So maybe not living them yourself, but being there in the moment, learning from them. And so I appreciated how you really talk about leadership through learning. And so I think that really came through and folds in our conversation today. And last, I want to end with this because, as I sit here and I smile at you, it's because you bring joy, and I think it's really important that we find joy in the moments, even when they're difficult. If we can continue to like hold onto that thread of joy, life is sure a lot more fun and meaningful, and we bring others along with us in that in that capacity. Matthew Ayers 42:04 Thank you, Naviere. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 42:05 For all of you that are watching this and listening, thank you for joining us on Long Blue Leadership. If you know someone who's on their leadership journey, they really should check out this conversation and all of our others at longblueleadership.org. Many of our graduates have different paths that they want on leadership, and just like Matthew, they have so many wonderful lessons you can pose in them. So until next time, I'm Naviere Walkowicz, Class of '99. We'll see you on Long Blue Leadership. KEYWORDS Primary: Servant leadership, leadership through learning, influence, humility, curiosity, transformation. Secondary: Mentorship, moral courage, resilience, trust, active listening, empathy, community, values-based leadership, feedback, purpose. Supporting: Emotional intelligence, authenticity, growth mindset, stewardship, compassion, vulnerability, presence, integrity, service, relational leadership. The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation
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