Podcasts about Serious Business

Bobbi Powell: Beauty School, Haven House, and Building Something Nobody Asked ForShe cold emailed a press team, showed up with no connections, and built something the industry didn't know it needed.Recorded live at ABS Chicago with co-host Geno Chapman, Corey sits down with Bobbi Powell (@beautyschoolbobbi) for a conversation that covers beauty school ownership, community service, self-advocacy, and what it actually means to show up for people. Bobbi is co-owner of Tennessee School of Beauty, a fifth generation school opened in 1934, and has been partners with the family for seven years after walking in to do admissions and operating like she already owned it.How She Got HereBobbi grew up near Pittsburgh in a close-knit Italian family and almost became a high school English teacher. After one semester of observations in inner city Akron middle schools she knew it was not the path. She followed her mom to Knoxville, connected with a salon owner tied to Tennessee School of Beauty, and took the admissions job with zero beauty industry experience. She fell in love immediately. Seven years later the fourth generation owner made her a partner.Own the Space You Are InBobbi did not wait for permission to build something at ABS. She emailed the press team cold, showed up with a small crew, and asked if they could have a bigger presence the following year. That became what it is today. Own every space you are in regardless of whose name is on the door. Whether you are behind the chair on commission or running a media operation at a hair show, treat it like yours.Haven HouseBobbi partners with Haven House, an organization that supports girls in foster care who have experienced sex trafficking. Multiple times a year those girls come into the school as clients. Students work on them. Bobbi handpicks which students are in the room because she knows who needs to be there. Every time without fail those students walk out changed. The girls get to be normal teenage girls for a day. The students get a perspective shift that no classroom can manufacture.The Tennessee Beauty Professional Awards and a New NonprofitThe Tennessee Beauty Professional Awards happen August 16th in Knoxville. The first year benefited the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network with a scholarship in honor of her business partner's son who died by suicide. This year Bobbi is announcing a new nonprofit to fund real product and hands-on training in underfunded public school cosmetology programs. Corey is going to be a judge.Find Bobbi at @beautyschoolbobbi on all platforms. Listen to the Beauty School Bobbi podcast every Monday. Follow Geno at @genochapman.

Tim and Tom break down the Richmond, Virginia edition of AEW Dynamite. We cover MJF's grueling title defense against RUSH, Mercedes Moné's return, and “The Jet” Kevin Knight officially joining the Don Callis Family. Plus, Tom unleashes on Lio Rush's new gimmick and Clark Connors.Show Notes & Highlights:* The Devil Outlasts The Bull: MJF dressed as a matador and survived a No Count Outs match, winning by stoppage when RUSH passed out.* Serious Business for Briscoe: Mark Briscoe picked up a win over Lio Rush's new “Blackheart” goblin gimmick, which Tom absolutely despises. Briscoe then cut a serious promo demanding a shot at MJF's title.* The Jet Joins the Family: Kevin Knight officially joined the Don Callis Family, declaring himself “Jet Two Belts” after picking up a sneaky win over “Speedball” Mike Bailey.* The Wild Card Returns: Mercedes Moné returned as the Wild Card in the Owen Hart Tournament, wearing an overload of glitter and accessories to defeat Alex Windsor.* Disrespecting STARDOM: Tekla cut a promo on the jumbotron and spat on the STARDOM logo, while Tom begged the Sisters of Sin to stop looking like bored extras in a high school play.* Main Event Chaos: Will Ospreay tapped out Mark Davis with an armbar in an absolute war that featured run-ins from Moxley, Okada, Kyle Fletcher, and the rest of the Death Riders.* Way Back Machine: Tom shares the hilarious story of getting himself fired on June 8, 2022, right before attending the Dynamite in Independence where Will Ospreay made his television debut.Watch the full replay on YouTube: Support the Show:* Like the video!* Subscribe to All Elite Wrapup on YouTube.* Follow us on Bluesky and Threads This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.allelitewrapup.com

Byrd Mena... From a Basement in Waterbury to Stages Around the WorldByrd Mena (@byrdmena) is one of the most original minds in the hair industry. Venezuelan roots. Connecticut hustle. Third degree black belt. Call of Duty leaderboard legend. And a brand builder who figured out content creation, community, and global reach before most people knew those were even skills.Fair warning... this one was a blast. Venezuelan food debates, Chuck Norris jokes, a Chuck E. Cheese trauma story, and two guys who walked into the podcast couch as strangers and left as best friends. Plus a special cameo from fellow Venezuelan Alejandra Wolff Pickering (@ale_wlff) who crashed the couch, proved her cachapa credentials, and earned her stamp of approval from Byrd himself.Recorded live at the American Beauty Show in Chicago. Hosted by Corey Gray (@hairdustry), co-hosted by Geno Chapman (@genochapman). Part of our live series sponsored by Serious Business (seriousbusiness.net | January 16-18, 2027, New Orleans).The Origin StoryByrd grew up in Waterbury, Connecticut... the dirty waters... with a barber brother, a hairstylist sister, and a best friend with clippers. He started cutting hair at 13 in a basement with an orange extension cord running to the neighbor's outlet. No proper shop. No formal training. Just a kid who wanted in and friends willing to sit in the chair.From Call of Duty to Content CreatorBefore Sharp Fade, before the stages, before the 40 countries... there was a PlayStation 3 and a Call of Duty leaderboard obsession. Byrd taught himself content creation making YouTube gaming videos in 2007... before Google even bought the platform. That same creative muscle became the engine behind everything that followed.Building Sharp FadeIn 2015 Byrd launched Sharp Fade... a barbering media brand inspired by ESPN. He spotlighted independent artists, flew them around the world with no agency fees, and built a platform with millions of followers that changed how the industry thinks about branding. He did it all while staying faceless for two years... pure Banksy energy.Live Fashion Hair and Giving BackA show in the Canary Islands opened his eyes to a whole new level of creative possibility. Today he is a part owner of Live Fashion Hair, doing shows in Brazil, Las Vegas, and Brooklyn with Davines. Off the stage he helped rebuild a barbershop in the favelas of Brazil for a man who lost his daughter to a stray bullet and his shop to fire... surprising him on stage with the keys in front of 5,000 people. He has also collaborated with Disney and Pixar on the film Soul, runs an annual mentorship retreat, and gives free haircuts to the homeless through a mobile barber program.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow to build a brand before anyone is watching. Why authenticity closes million dollar deals better than any suit. The dopamine hack Byrd uses to help creatives grow. And the live idea Byrd and Corey cooked up on the couch that might just become the next big thing.Follow Byrd: @byrdmena on Instagram Special cameo: @ale_wlff on Instagram Co-host: @genochapman on Instagram Hosted by: @hairdustry on Instagram Learn more: Sharp Fade | Live Fashion HairSubscribe to Your Day Off wherever you listen. New episodes every week.

What Do Hairdressers Do for Retirement? Anna Manukyan Has the Answer.Over 800 hairdressers answered that question in a viral Facebook post. The responses ranged from "marry someone rich" to "we die with scissors in our hands." Certified financial educator and licensed fiduciary Anna Manukyan is on a mission to rewrite that ending... one beauty professional at a time.Recorded live at the American Beauty Show in Chicago with co-host Geno Chapman (@genochapman), this episode is part of our live series sponsored by Serious Business (seriousbusiness.net | January 16-18, 2027, New Orleans).Anna's StoryAnna Manukyan immigrated to the US as a political refugee at 9 years old. She quickly learned what hustle really means. Fell in love with the beauty industry working at a local salon. Signed herself up for beauty school before she could legally rent a car.Her dad's response: "We brought you to the United States so you can cut hair? How dare you embarrass the family."That contrast... the dream of possibility versus the harsh reality of how the world sees this industry... lit a fire that never went out. She went on to spend 20 years at L'Oreal in education and business development, leading teams of 30 artists, sitting in boardrooms, and working with beauty professionals at every level across the country.The Money Problem Nobody Talks AboutAfter decades in the industry, Anna kept seeing the same thing. Hairdressers working into their 70s. No retirement. No plan. Just scissors and hope. She became a certified financial educator, got her securities license, and became a licensed fiduciary... the only financial designation legally required to act in the client's best interest. Then she founded Beautiful Wealth Academy to make sure no hairdresser ends their career with a GoFundMe. Because knowledge really does equal power.Beautiful Wealth AcademyAnna built Beautiful Wealth Academy to make financial education accessible and digestible for the creative brain. Download the Level Rewards app, find Smart Finance or License to Thrive, enter code THRIVE for a free $250 finance class. Grab the free 7-step money guide at beautifulwealth.com.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the longer you stay in the industry without a financial plan, the less money you actually make. How inflation is quietly making you pay your clients to sit in your chair. ETFs vs. mutual funds in plain language. Why $27,000 in Starbucks could have been a $116K portfolio. How to open a brokerage account from scratch.Free Resources from AnnaFollow Anna: @amanukian on InstagramLearn more: beautifulwealth.comSubscribe to Your Day Off wherever you listen. New episodes every week.

Have you ever wondered how stand-up comedians keep an audience roaring with laughter? Is it just a God-given gift? Or does it require a discipline that is rarely noticed or understood? In this episode, you're going to get a inside-look at the real life of a comedian - how they break into the industry, work on their craft, and find a place in an ultra-competitive industry.  But that's not all - you'll also learn how you can maintain your values and stay true to your authentic personality when the industry sometimes treats your faith like a obstacle instead of a strength. Our guest, Danny Johnson, is a nationally touring clean comedian with 20+ years of experience whose style has been compared to Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin James, and Jackie Gleason. He's a Dry Bar Comedy Special veteran (Apple TV, Amazon, Peacock), a NateLand Live alumnus at the legendary Zanies Comedy Club, has appeared in numerous TV commercials, and tours the country regularly.Having not only faced the critics and the struggles of making a name in a fiercely competitive arena, he's also overcome health and mental challenges and continues to mentor others outside the comedy world as an author. You'll learn how faith, discipline, and radical honesty are your greatest weapons in the battle to make your way in your creative path - and how laughing at yourself might be a superpower you can use to your advantage. FOLLOW OUR GUESTDanny Johnson's WebsiteInstagramYouTube TiktokText the Show! Don't Build Your Creator Lifestyle Alone. Join the Community! In our 360 Creator Community, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a God-centered creator. Joining gives you access to our app, workshops and community conversations, so you can stop being isolated and frustrated and start enjoying creative confidence! Join today!GodandGigs.com/membershipSupport the showWANT HELP WITH YOUR CREATOR BUSINESS? Sign up for the Creator Biz Deep Dive waitlist - godandgigs.com/bizdeepdivePODCAST MERCHGet God and Gigs themed gear, clothing and accessories HERE! FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL!  InstagramFacebook YouTubeWant to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show? Send us a message on PodMatch, here! © 2026 Paul Creative Solutions

Alfredo Lewis and Emily Chen: Qoat and the Product the Hair Industry Has Been MissingFive minutes. One bottle. Up to $32,000 in added annual revenue. And a brand new category that has never existed before.Recorded live at ABS Chicago with co-host Geno Chapman, Corey sits down with Alfredo Lewis and Emily Chen to introduce Qoat (pronounced coat)... the first ever professional hair color top coat that seals, protects, and illuminates every color service. Compatible with all color brands. Five minutes at the back bar. Launching in Salon Centric July 1st.What It DoesThe concept came from nail polish. Nobody was putting a top coat on hair color, and the result was the same as skipping it on a manicure: the color fades fast. Alfredo spent two years with a chemist developing a proprietary blend called Hydro Glow Shield. After toning, you apply one to three ounces of Qoat, comb through, process five minutes, rinse. Alfredo's vivid pink client went from calling him two weeks after her service saying her color was already gone... to making it two and a half months. Emily tested swatches thousands of times trying to make them ugly. They refused.The Shareholder ModelAlfredo built Qoat with five artist shareholders, not ambassadors. Each one owns a piece of the company. Emily Chen, Kara Williams, Jacob Conn, Zach Mesquite, and Philip Wolff. Every one of them comes from a different brand family. That was intentional. Qoat is brand agnostic and compatible with every color line on the market.The NumbersApproximately 17 services per bottle. MSRP around $55 to $58. Add-on service charge of $15 to $35 per client. Profit per year between $15,000 and $32,000. For five minutes at the back bar. Launching in Salon Centric and Modern Beauty Canada July 1st.Emily Sold Her SalonEight years in, with her education career pulling her in a different direction, Emily gifted her salon to Megan, a former assistant who had built her book faster than almost anyone Emily had ever seen. She gave the team four months notice, laid out both outcomes clearly, and let Megan step into it. The culture she spent eight years building is intact.Break Room EmilyEmily taught two ways for years without realizing it. Brand-approved stage Emily and break room Emily who made analogies involving Cool Ranch Doritos. When she started bringing break room Emily into her presentations, people retained more and rooms responded better. She has been full break room Emily ever since.Find Alfredo at @alfredo_lewis and Emily at @emchenhair. Follow Geno at @genochapman. Qoat launches in Salon Centric July 1st.

Ted Gibson and Jason Backe Live at ABS ChicagoSome conversations remind you why you got into this industry in the first place. This is one of them.Recorded live at ABS Chicago with co-host Geno Chapman, Corey sits down with Ted Gibson and Jason Backe for an hour covering three decades of hustle, heartbreak, reinvention, and beauty from the inside out.The Roads That Led HereNeither Ted nor Jason took a straight path in. Jason was a raver kid in Minneapolis who walked into beauty school and for the first time felt seen by a teacher. Ted was a Texas athlete who walked into a salon called Zan and Friends, saw a room full of stylish people in starched Wranglers, and decided that was the life. What followed was barber school, a cross-country move seeking fame, a detour to Atlanta to answer phones while switching his license, and a room with Confederate flags on the wall. He stayed anyway. The sacrifices nobody sees are always the foundation of the success they do.What Fame Actually CostsSaying yes to Angelina Jolie's hair for Tomb Raider changed everything. Vogue. Marie Claire. A PR firm that told them to drop the name Fame and call it Ted Gibson. A Fifth Avenue salon. A DC licensing deal tied to the Real Housewives. A move to LA where they gambled everything and learned more than they earned. Three years in Palm Springs that have brought more inspiration than anywhere else they've lived. Success is not linear. It never was.The Client Relationship... and When It EndsTed's rule: treat every client like it's the first time you've seen her. She is a different person. Jason goes deeper, describing 20 years of New York clients who didn't care what it cost, and how COVID ended it overnight. He had to create a new category... client friends. Losing them felt like grief. It changed how he understood his work entirely.Ted Gibson Beauty Wellness ScienceAfter Ted's mom was diagnosed with dementia, they dove into brain health and found lion's mane mushroom. They felt it. They kept going. A scientist in Oregon with 30 years studying fungi and algae helped them build a superfood powder: lion's mane, chaga, reishi, tremella, and blue-green algae in a coconut milk base with vanilla and coffee. Tremella is shown to be 100 times more effective than hyaluronic acid at moisture retention. Mix it into anything. A book is coming.Convergence: Beauty Wellness Science SummitMay 2-3 in Palm Springs. Professionals and consumers in the same room to collaborate, not compete. Mainstage education in cut, color, and dressing. Panel discussions including Guts, Brains and Beauty and Stars, Shrooms and Psychedelics. Breakout rooms. A cocktail party. The Beauty in Motion Evening Performance headlined by Ted and his artistic team. Day two is all professional education with business coaching from Steve Gomez. Blue Zones leads a purpose workshop for the Palm Springs community. Hotel reservations at the Marriott via the link in bio.@tedgibson... @jasonbacke... @genochapmanSponsored by Serious Business. January 16-18, 2027 in New Orleans. Tickets at seriousbuisness.net

Something quietly marvellous has happened. A lost episode of the Morecambe and Wise Show has turned up, not with trumpets exactly, more like a slightly dusty miracle pulled from a cupboard somewhere, and it has done what very few things manage now. It has made people genuinely pleased. Not outraged, not divided, just pleased, which is almost suspicious in itself.This rediscovered piece of classic British comedy has stirred up a wider conversation about whether we still make things like this, or whether we mostly remember them and sigh. And into that gentle cultural moment steps Arts Council England, now considering increased investment in comedy. Yes, comedy. Funded. Which sounds either like a very good idea or the beginning of something unintentionally hilarious.The facts are straightforward enough. The episode was long thought lost, another casualty of archival neglect or, perhaps more accurately, the old habit of taping over things that would later turn out to matter rather a lot. Its recovery highlights both the fragility and the stubborn endurance of cultural memory. Meanwhile, Arts Council England already supports aspects of live and written comedy, but there is talk, still forming, of expanding that support in a more deliberate way.And here is the slightly awkward question sitting underneath it all. Can you fund humour into existence? Or does it slip away the moment it is managed too carefully, like a joke explained twice.

We hope you enjoy this shiur. If you would like to sponsor or dedicate any of our shiurim or help with the running costs please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at office@rabbiroodyn.com or WhatsApp +447791221449May Hashem heal the wounded and lead our soldiers to a swift and painless victory.#jew #jewish #torah #torahfortoughtimes #rabbiroodyn #bringthemhome #rabbi #torahanytime #Judaism #Israel #shiur #responsetotragictimes #jewishunderstanding #omer #sefira #The48Ways

In Hierdie Sê “La Vie”:Preekreeks: Wil jy daaroor praat?Tema: Joy is the serious business of heavenKoos van der Merwe & Gerhard de Jager

Rich sits down with Jason Haugen and Vince McCullam, founders of Black Jet Ventures, to talk about what it really looks like to build, grind through, and exit a nine-location RV dealership empire, and then pivot into something completely different.Jason opens up about losing $20 million in a single year, why Harvard Business Review once called the RV dealership the hardest business in America to run, and what finally pushed him to walk away from it all. From there, the conversation shifts into what they're building now — a data-driven marketing and growth firm tracking over 300 million people daily and 65 billion buying intentions — and why the right data is the unfair advantage most businesses don't even know they're missing. Let's get into it.Connect with Rich on Instagram: @rich_somersInterested in investing with Somers Capital? Visit www.somerscapital.com/invest to learn more.Interested in joining The 7 Figure Creator Mastermind? Visit www.the7figurecreator.com to book a free intro call.Interested in joining our Boutique Hotel Mastermind? Visit www.somerscapital.com/mastermind to book a free call. Connect with Rich on Instagram: @rich_somersInterested in joining The 7 Figure Creator Mastermind? Visit www.the7figurecreator.com to book a free intro call.Interested in joining our Boutique Hotel Mastermind? Visit www.somerscapital.com/mastermind to book a free call.

In April's edition of VermontBiz, we meet the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Citizen of the Year: Associated General Contractors of Vermont Executive Vice President Richard Wobby. Wobby was recognized not only for his decades of leadership in Vermont's construction industry, but for his extensive record of community service, (and the energy and heart he brings to it.) In Legislative news, The Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy managed to thread the needle on amending Acts 181 and 250 right before the crossover deadline. VermontBiz Construction Industry news points to a paradoxical moment: The pressures are immense, the constraints are real, and yet the work keeps coming. And don't miss our special insert in partnership with the Vermont Chamber announcing the 20th annual Best Places to Work in Vermont! All this and more is in the April Issue of VermontBiz - (Celebrating more than 50 years of) Serious Business...Serious news. For a subscription, call 802-863-8038 or go to vermontbiz.com/subscribe.

Alyson Gerber joins Tricia Friedman to talk about The Liar Society, why friendship is serious business, and what mystery stories can teach young readers and adults about belonging, trust, competition, and connection. In this conversation, Alyson shares why friendship sits at the center of her work, how middle grade fiction can help readers think more deeply about loneliness and identity, and why the best friends are the ones who cheer for your growth. They also go behind the scenes of writing a mystery series. Alyson explains how she outlines her novels, why she uses the Save the Cat beat sheet, how she thinks about first scenes, pacing, chapter length, and twists, and what it takes to build a story that keeps readers turning pages. For teachers, librarians, and student writers, this episode also includes a practical prompt for helping young people start thinking like mystery writers. This episode is a strong listen for anyone interested in middle grade books, children's literature, YA-adjacent reading culture, literacy, creative writing, mystery writing, friendship skills, belonging, and how stories help readers take themselves more seriously. Alyson also reflects on the people who encouraged her early in life, the role creativity can play in self-restoration, and why books can help readers step outside the boxes they have been placed in. In this episode: Alyson Gerber on why friendship is foundational The Liar Society and the appeal of mystery for middle grade readers Belonging, competition, and power dynamics in youth friendships The loneliness epidemic and what fiction can teach us about connection Why adults and kids are co-reading this series How Alyson Gerber plots a mystery novel Save the Cat, outlining, pacing, and suspense A simple exercise for teaching students to think like mystery writers Audiobooks, reading habits, and the creative life of a working author Who this episode is for: Teachers, literacy leaders, school librarians, middle grade readers, parents, writers, and anyone thinking about friendship, belonging, and the kinds of stories that help young people feel seen.

Most entrepreneurs believe that success equals a stiff, serious image and that fun is somehow "unprofessional".  But what if ditching the grey boardrooms and embracing your quirks could actually be your best business move? In this lively episode of How to Spark Success, Liz Hamlet shatters the myth that professionalism means playing it safe and boring. She reveals how infusing your brand with personality and playfulness not only distinguishes you from the sea of sameness but also attracts aligned clients who love your authenticity. Liz shares compelling stories... from her pirate-themed retreats to the visual clarity of embracing your quirks... that demonstrate how fun, when intentional, is a powerful strategy, not a distraction. You'll discover: Why hiding your personality diminishes your credibility - and how to flip that script. The unexpected "fun" elements that create memorable client experiences and foster loyalty. How format and environment - like playful retreats - spark creativity, breakthroughs and bold ideas. Practical exercises to identify where you're playing it safe and how to bring more joy into those areas. Why brave, distinctive entrepreneurs are the ones building truly authentic and successful brands. This episode will inspire you to rethink what serious success looks like. Because when you infuse your business with fun - and do it deliberately - you unlock fresh ideas, stronger connections and an irresistible, memorable brand presence. Perfect for female founders and business owners ready to stand out by being unapologetically themselves. If you're tired of conforming to traditional norms and craving a more joyful, impactful approach, this episode is your call to action .Join Liz as she champions play as a SERIOUS business strategy - and learn how embracing your quirks can make your brand irresistible. Tune in now to discover how to turn fun into your secret weapon for success.

It's our 400th episode!! This podcast covers episodes 11,814 to 11,818. While Mal remains unconscious, an eye witness to the assault comes forward, ready to finger Kit. Alya and Adam make an enemy out of Fabians when they sign up their former client. Theo spends a week following Todd back and forth from the Bistro as Todd struggles to move on. Megan's secrets are about to come out when Leanne sees her threatening Sam. Order of humble pie for Daniel. Alex loves his wrestling. Suzie's caffeine intake is worrying.

Pastor Roger WilliamsAmid sobering realities under the sun, God has given us life to enjoy.

The Wizard has important info on these weird items……..heed the Wizard!!!!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March's VermontBiz we turn the spotlight on Vermont Banking. Vermont's financial sector enters 2026 navigating one of the most complex operating environments in recent memory. Challenges include housing scarcity, rate uncertainty, commercial demand, and a fiercely competitive landscape. We also look at Serve, Earn, Learn - a paid service learning collaborative designed to encourage high school seniors to explore paid service as a path to economic opportunity. VermontBiz' Windsor County economic report sees stability, strain and strategic opportunity, with healthcare costs and property taxes becoming an increasing burden. And finally, we fill you in on Vermont's Captive Insurance industry. It enters 2026 with renewed leadership, strong legislative alignment, and is coming off one of its best growth years on record. All this and more is in the March Issue of VermontBiz. Celebrating more than 50 years of Serious Business...Serious News. For a subscription, call 802-863-8038 or go to vermontbiz.com/subscribe.

"The Serious Business of Heaven" Guest Speaker: Josh Hair See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In February's VermontBiz we bring you an in depth interview with Tasha Wallis, executive director of the Lamoille County Planning Commission. We learn more about how planning officials and business owners are teaming up to secure the county's long-term economic stability by expanding tourism and manufacturing We also give you the highlights of Governor Scott's $9.4 billion budget. As revenues slow, the Governor is prioritizing education, housing and public safety with a tax-neutral plan to organically grow Vermont's economy. VermontBiz brings you the story of how frustration over limited options for plus-sized outdoor gear led two determined hikers to launch a successful Vermont-based business! And finally, we share a “Sweet” Success story as Birnn Chocolates is Recognized as Outstanding Business of the Year! All this and more is in the February Issue of VermontBiz, Serious Business...Serious News! For a subscription, call 802-863-8038 or go to vermontbiz.com/subscribe.

In this honest TGIM episode, Nicole explores a realization many high-achieving, heart-led women entrepreneurs likely share: somewhere along the way, business stopped being fun. You're doing the strategies, showing up consistently, and building something meaningful, yet it feels heavier than it needs to.Nicole reflects on how entrepreneurship can subtly train us to trade playfulness for polish and pressure in the name of being taken seriously. Drawing from her postpartum season, mindset work, and neuroscience, she shares why joy isn't a distraction from success, but a powerful driver of magnetism and sustainable growth.This episode is an invitation to loosen the grip, step out of the pressure cooker, and let a lighter energy lead your business again.What you'll walk away knowing:Why pressure is not the price of successHow joy directly impacts your nervous system and magnetismWhy strategy without joy can start to feel like a cageHow playfulness shifts your content, energy, and client attractionSimple ways to add more fun and curiosity into your workThis episode is your reminder that you're not behind and you don't need to try harder. When joy becomes the pathway instead of the reward, everything begins to open.Listen in and let this episode help you reconnect with the energy that made your business come alive.Looking for more opportunities to have fun? Don't forget to join us at SHE LEADS this April 17th & 18th. Meet new girlfriends, deepen your connections, share ideas and fuel each other's next steps in business and life. Grab your ticket here: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2026 My Aligned Purpose Podcast is your go-to space for women entrepreneurs ready to dream bigger, build million-dollar brands, and grow thriving businesses. For over 5.5 years, we've been guiding women around the world in combining strategy with soul—blending sales, marketing, manifestation, mindset, and community to create unstoppable growth.Each week, you'll leave feeling inspired, supported, and motivated to step into the next level of your vision. Whether you're just starting out or scaling into seven figures, this podcast is here to remind you that you're not alone—and that with the right mix of strategy and alignment, anything is possible.It's time to tap into community, embrace abundance, and grow your business on purpose.Follow along at:https://www.instagram.com/myalignedpurpose/https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/https://www.youtube.com/@MyAlignedPurposehttps://www.facebook.com/myalignedpurpose

On the night Jesus was betrayed, moments before the guards came, He prayed that His joy would be fulfilled in you. But what does that actually look like? In this message from John 17:11-15, we unpack how joy is restored through three key ingredients: unity with healthy disciples, the Word of God, and prayer for deliverance from the evil one. You'll hear a raw testimony of church hurt, doubt, and the journey back to joyful faith. Whether you're burned out, wounded, or just exhausted, Jesus is praying for your joy right now.

This episode of Holly Randall Unfiltered pulls back the curtain on the real business of sex work. Holly sits down with MelRose Michaels performer, entrepreneur, and founder of SexWorkCEO, SWR Data, and GPTs.ai for a raw, no-filter conversation about what it actually takes to survive and scale in the adult industry. This is an unglamorous, honest look at porn, power, money, and the psychological toll of monetizing your body from someone who's done it, survived it, and built systems to help others do it smarter.Want the unedited, uncensored live tapings + bonus Q&A where fans can ask questions? Join our Patreon. patreon.com/hollyrandallunfiltered This episode is brought to you by Stripchat, the exclusive sponsor of Holly Randall Unfiltered. Stripchat is the world's premier adult livestreaming platform: Follow https://www.instagram.com/scworld.official on IG or subscribe at https://www.youtube.com/stripchatcommunity Follow MelRose: https://www.instagram.com/melrosemichaels Follow Holly: https://www.instagram.com/hollyrandallBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/holly-randall-unfiltered--6630320/support.

In our most anticipated issue of the year, January's VermontBiz brings you Vermont's top 100+ companies ranked by sales revenue. And this 39th edition is packed- with charts showing Vermont's fastest growing companies and profiles of Bethel Mills, Smugglers Notch, Norwich University and others. Plus, we identify firms to keep your eye on for their growth and innovation over the last 5 years, including Fluency, Vermont Construction Company, and Lewis Creek Builders. In other VermontBiz news: Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state economy weathered high inflation and boasted a growing economy. But the growth the federal stimulus packages provided has disappeared and uncertainty is growing. And finally, Vermonters are reimagining solar farms by grazing livestock, growing crops, and creating habitat for threatened pollinators underneath the panels. All this and more is in the January Issue of VermontBiz. Serious Business...Serious News. For a subscription, call 802-863-8038 or go to vermontbiz.com/subscribe.

Elliot Holland joins us to explore the realities of building and sustaining a high-quality, trust-driven professional business in an era dominated by AI hype, declining marketing efficiency, and algorithmic noise. We discuss skepticism around AI's real-world impact especially in high-stakes financial decisions. We also talk marketing and content strategy, why sensationalism and clickbait may win algorithms but will always repel discerning clients. We also unpack our frustrations with modern marketing platforms like Google, Facebook, and HubSpot as they grow increasingly expensive and benefit from opacity while delivering lower-quality data. The most important thing is authentic conversations, patience, and thoughtful content aimed at a small, qualified audience that can outperform viral reach.  We discuss...  Sustaining a professional services business increasingly depends on trust, judgment, and human relationships rather than scale, speed, or technological hype. There's septicism that AI will meaningfully disrupt high-stakes, people-to-people work, arguing it is largely rebranded machine learning with limited real-world adoption so far. Discerning clients value nuance, experience, and improvisational thinking that cannot be captured in static data sets or automated workflows. AI is a productivity aid for summaries and surface-level tasks, but not a substitute for deep expertise, critical thinking, or accountability. YouTube and podcasts are trust-building tools rather than growth hacks, with success measured by client conversion quality instead of view counts. Algorithms reward "nonsense about nonsense," making platforms misaligned with professionals selling high-trust, high-ticket services. Marketing metrics such as views, impressions, and engagement were described as misleading compared to tracking clicks, conversations, and actual revenue outcomes. Google, Facebook, and HubSpot are operating as "confuse-opolies," benefiting from complexity, opacity, and user lock-in rather than clear results. The rising difficulty of marketing has forced business owners to either deeply understand marketing themselves or risk wasting capital on underqualified vendors. Elliott explained restructuring his marketing around specialized vendors, strict performance accountability, and personal ownership of customer persona definition. Long-form, unscripted conversations often deliver more value than polished, optimized content designed for algorithms. Future marketing success will favor authenticity, clarity, and long-term relationship-building over funnels, gimmicks, and viral reach.   Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/ai-hype-and-clickbait-are-failing-elliott-holland 

What is going on in Minnesota?! A massive fraud scandal is exposed, raising serious questions surrounding local leadership, immigration, and the use of American taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, is #NeverTrump over? And finally, Pope Leo is “very disappointed” by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's latest decision. All this and more on the LOOPcast!Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast02:22 SERIOUS Business in Minnesota30:51 #NeverTrump is Over46:48 Good News50:41 Pope Leo Christmas + Pritzer is a Disappointment55:40 Twilight Zone1:01:33 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast  https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2  Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.

Charles Huff impressed at his opening press conference and we'll run through the best moments (4:00) + Sherrone Moore was fired by Michigan....if they beat Ohio State would this have happened? (43:39).Grizzlies G Jahmai Mashack joins the show in-studio (1:03:48)NBA Cup, Thunder win big over Suns, Spurs run Lakers + NFL tonight with Falcons/Bucs and a quick review of the Anthony Edwards show on Prime, Serious Business (1:27:37)Host: Chris Vernon Co-Hosts/Contributors: Jon Roser, Devin Walker Guest: Jahmai MashackTechnical Director: Jaylon Wallace Associate Producer: Jena Broyles 

Memphis AD Ed Scot will introduce Charles Huff tomorrow as the schools new head coach (3:24) + Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua is on a media rampage tour against the ACC (9:56) + Eagles/Chargers last night, Jalen Hurts couldn't stop throwing it to the other team + Philip Rivers coming out of retirement and if it's the best story in the NFL this season + every teams playoff chances by percentage in the AFC and NFC (22:58). NBA Cup continues tonight and some numbers on just how good the Thunder have been (53:09) + Anthony Edwards getting his own show, Serious Business, on Prime (1:04:57) + Roser has his Week 14 NFL Notes (1:20:57).Host: Chris Vernon Co-Hosts/Contributors: Jon Roser, Devin Walker Technical Director: Jaylon Wallace Associate Producer: Jena Broyles 

In this conversation, Kelly Leonard interviews Bastion Bergmann, co-founder and COO of Solston, about the significance of play in human experience and its implications for business strategy, particularly in gaming. They discuss how gaming can serve as a powerful tool for engagement and marketing, illustrated by Burberry’s innovative approach to integrating their brand into a […]

In December's VermontBiz, we talk to Liz Schiller, executive director of Champlain Medical: a locally owned small business built around a simple idea: Employers need a health care partner that's accessible, responsive and human. In other health news: research by scientists at the University of Vermont has identified simple blood tests that can predict a person's risk for cognitive impairment long before people notice any memory issues. South Burlington electric aerospace company Beta Technologies had a “healthy” Initial Public Offering on the New York Stock Exchange, raising over 1 Billion dollars! And VermontBiz is celebrating this holiday season by supporting local nonprofits in our annual giving guide, featuring Vermont based organizations. Please consider not only giving monetarily to these nonprofits but also volunteering your time and talent. All this and more is in the December Issue of VermontBiz. Serious Business...Serious News. For a subscription, call 802-863-8038 or go to vermontbiz.com/subscribe.

In this Thanksgiving-week Mostly Growth episode, CJ Gustafson and Kyle Poyar ditch the serious finance talk for a looser, drinks-in-hand conversation with Ben Hillman, bouncing between CJ's nostalgic emo-punk concert adventure, the curse of vanity license plates, and the epidemic of “Y-axis crimes” in founder charts. They riff on Spotify Wrapped copycats, YouTube becoming living-room TV, kids' YouTube empires, and the game theory behind The Traitors and the Monty Hall problem before shifting into real-world pricing: newsletter perk economics, the pitfalls of hourly consulting, and why value-based packaging always wins. The episode stays playful but still sneaks in sharp insights on growth, psychology, and how weird the business world can be when you actually pay attention.—SPONSORS:Pulley is the cap table management platform built for CFOs and finance leaders who need reliable, audit-ready data and intuitive workflows, without the hidden fees or unreliable support. Switch in as little as 5 days and get 25% off your first year: https://pulley.com/mostlymetricsMetronome is real-time billing built for modern software companies. Metronome turns raw usage events into accurate invoices, gives customers bills they actually understand, and keeps finance, product, and engineering perfectly in sync. That's why category-defining companies like OpenAI and Anthropic trust Metronome to power usage-based pricing and enterprise contracts at scale. Focus on your product — not your billing. Learn more and get started at https://www.metronome.com—LINKS:Mostly Metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.comCJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Growth Unhinged: https://www.growthunhinged.com/Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-poyar/Brian Balfour: brianbalfour.comBrian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbalfour/Slacker Stuff: https://www.slackerstuff.com/Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slackerstuff/https://x.com/parikpatelcfa/status/1992706757073023191?s=46https://www.wired.com/story/null-license-plate-landed-one-hacker-ticket-hell/https://x.com/im_roy_lee/status/1992692253257855261/photo/1https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/01/16/the-traitors-a-reality-tv-show-offers-a-useful-economics-lessonhttps://www.cdccard.com/https://nyulangone.org/news/one-third-americans-are-trying-avoid-gluten-it-villain-we-think-it-ishttps://x.com/techsalesguy3/status/1991585201601016161?s=46https://www.fletchpmm.com/https://paintvine.co.nz/blogs/news/the-legend-of-picassos-napkin-sketch?srsltid=AfmBOooiyTYGfUdKJZLpblbQAcJzQLg011Os_xeyaCgSpEIXrtIuD6hHhttps://cityfeedandsupply.com/https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cj-gustafson-13140948_started-from-the-email-now-were-here-activity-7397607230600126465-iVPv/https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018731-buttermilk-brined-roast-chickenhttps://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026610-porcini-ragu—RELATED EPISODES:Is a weekly martini ARR? | with Dave Kellogghttps://youtu.be/Yb1lUQLJ6qw—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Special Message00:00:35 Preview and Intro00:01:41 Sponsors – Pulley & Metronome00:04:01 Mostly Drinks Episode00:05:14 Concert Stories & Pop-Punk Nostalgia00:08:05 Concert Parenting & Full-Circle Moment00:08:36 Business Blunders Begin00:10:26 License Plate Fails & Accounting Humor00:12:08 Y-Axis Crime Chart Review00:14:21 Global Podcast “Success” & Listener Jokes00:16:00 Spotify Wrapped: Retention vs. Acquisition00:17:04 YouTube as the Future of Podcasts00:17:56 Kids' Shows, Blippi & Creator Economics00:18:55 The Traitors Show Overview00:20:30 Game Theory & Winning as a Traitor00:22:46 Monty Hall Problem Setup00:24:27 Game Show Logic & Gambler's Fallacies00:26:09 Pricing in the Real World00:27:03 Community Discount Card Business Model00:29:09 Newsletter Perks & Subscriber Value00:30:34 Marketplace Discount Math00:32:01 Negotiating Like a CFO00:33:00 Gluten-Free Nights & Pricing Strategy00:35:24 Outbound Pizza as a Go-to-Market Play00:37:03 Outbound Pizza Tuesdays to Gluten-Free Tuesdays00:37:37 Pricing Services: Value vs. Hourly00:40:47 The Picasso Pricing Story00:42:55 Harvard Business School Case Study & Kim K Photo00:44:02 Thanksgiving Cooking: Roast Chicken & Porcini Ragu00:44:56 Wrap & Credits#MostlyGrowthPodcast #SaaSOperators #BusinessStrategyPod #CreatorEconomyTalks #FinanceNerds This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

Gracia María is a modern-day medicine woman, practicing community rituals in the tradition of her Peruvian ancestors. In connecting with her ancient roots, though, she realizes she also needs to rebuild the bonds with her immediate family, in order to share with them the person she's become. She learns the value of staying centered in her authentic self – knowing it will eventually bring others to her.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Debra Neill Baker is CEO of the Neill Education company, an iconic organization with an 80-year history of innovating in the categories of distribution, salons, schools, manufacturers, salon software & events. We talk about the power of curation when connected to vision and values - as part of a deep conversation about Serious Business 2026.

In this episode, we dive deep into the paradoxical space where creativity thrives: the intersection of safety and danger. Drawing inspiration from IDEO's iconic reinvention of the shopping cart, we explore how play, risk, and psychological safety fuel real innovation. We're joined by Ben Swire—author of “Safe Danger” and former IDEO design lead—and Cas Holman, designer and author of “Playful,” to rethink the role of play and trust in work, leadership, and life.Ben shares why “safe danger” is the sweet spot creative teams need: an environment where people feel secure enough to step outside their comfort zones, challenge the norm, and speak candidly. We unpack why “comfort” is often mistaken for true safety—and why suppressing tension or chasing certainty kills innovation. Through real-world anecdotes, Ben reveals how play isn't just childish fun; it's a training ground for courage, trust, curiosity, and honest collaboration.Cas invites us to rediscover the lost art of playful exploration in adulthood. She challenges the myth that creative people crave boundless freedom—showing instead how constraints and a bit of friction spark our best ideas. We discuss how reframing success and experimenting with “what if” moments in daily life cultivates the resilience and curiosity critical for growth. The real challenge? Overcoming our aversion to looking foolish, letting go of performative pressures, and making the unknown a place of opportunity rather than fear.Five Key Learnings:True safety isn't comfort—it's the courage to challenge, take risks, and show up authentically.Play is not an escape from work; it's the work. The most innovative teams use play as a safe way to experiment and lower the perceived risk of failure.Constraints are generative, not restrictive. Boundaries and rules give creative minds something to push against, sparking deeper engagement and originality.Psychological safety consistently drives team performance, innovation, and retention—not carrot-and-stick incentives or relentless productivity.Embracing challenge, reframing success, and maintaining curiosity in the face of uncertainty build resilience, satisfaction, and lasting creative growth.Get full interviews and bonus content for free! Just join the list at DailyCreativePlus.com.Mentioned in this episode:Apply for Creative Leader Roundtable Every creative team needs a leader who's brave, focused, and brilliant, but none of us get there alone. The Creative Leader Roundtable is your place to connect with peers, sharpen your leadership craft, and stay inspired for the long haul. We're about to launch with a brand new group of leaders. So, if you're interested, visit CreativeLeader.net to learn more and to apply. Great leadership is a practice, not an accident. Apply for Creative Leader Roundtable What if you had a space every month to sharpen your leadership edge without the fluff? The Creative Leader Roundtable is where smart, driven, creative leaders gather to exchange ideas, solve real challenges, and grow together. So if you lead a team of thinkers, makers, or dreamers, this is your lab. We're launching soon with a new group of leaders. So, if you're interested, check it out and apply at CreativeLeader.net.

Oct 19, 2025GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCHDr. Christopher M. BrooksPastor to Pastors | Local ChurchJoy Is The Serious Business of HeavenAbide in Love, Joy FULLJohn 15:5–11I. Key Theme: MENO AGAPE HARAH PLAYRAO("Abide – Love – Joy – Full")II. Abide (Meno) – Remain in ChristDefinition: To dwell, endure, make your home.Spiritual Practice: Training the mind to return to God like a compass needle to north.Reflection: What are you abiding in today?III. Love (Agape / Hessed) – Steadfast LoveDefinition: Loyal, never-ending, sacrificial love.Scripture:  • “No greater love…”  • “Perfect love casts out fear.”Reflection Questions:  • Who loves you well?  • Who or what taught you to love better?IV. Joy (Harah) – Strength from the LordDefinition: Gladness, delight, cheerfulness.Scripture:  • “The joy of the Lord is our strength”  • “Everlasting joy will crown their heads” (Isaiah 35:10)Reflection Questions:  • What fills or drains your joy?V. Full (Playrao) – Living in WholenessEvidence of abiding:  • Keeping His commands  • Loving God and others through the Spirit  • Repenting quickly and returningNot a strategy to avoid problems, but a skill to endure them.VI. Neuroscience of Love & JoyDr. Allan Schore: Joy and attachment form brain development.Right Brain (Fast Track):  • Relational identity  • Emotional connection  • Character formationLeft Brain (Slow Track):  • Logic, strategy, problem-solvingCritique of modern discipleship:  • Left-brain heavy (doctrine, willpower)  • Right-brain light (attachment, joy)Call to become “full-brained” Christians  • Combining emotion, intellect, and identity in ChristVIII. Joy as a Spiritual DisciplineJoy is a theological virtue, not just an emotion.Seen throughout Scripture:  • Even in suffering (Paul: “sorrowful yet rejoicing”)  • Jesus Himself was "for the joy set before him endured the cross”Joy empowers us to face trials with strength and hope.Quote: “Joy is the serious business of heaven” – C.S. LewisIX. Practical Steps to Abide in Love & Be Full of JoyAbide  • Spend time in Scripture and fellowship.  • Make room for God's Word in your life.Love  • Rebuild relational attachments to God and others.  • Ministry without love is empty.Joy  • Joy is transmitted face-to-face and through voice.  • “You make us joyful with your presence” (Ps. 21)Full  • Let the Spirit fill you.  • Be delighted in God's presence—and delight in others.

Creativity + Sustainability = Brittany Risk's passion! From hand-sewing costumes for her Barbies in elementary school to upcycling and thrifting today, Brittany has always embraced color, fun, and freedom of expression. Hear how she found herself through fashion, celebrates being silly, and brings her customers' visions to life on the latest Get Thrifty Podcast!   SHOW NOTES: Finding her artistic passion and HERSELF with reselling, upcycling, vintage, and thrifting! Her love of fashion and art began by hand sewing clothes for her Barbies in elementary school!  Her love of bright colors and how she celebrates being silly! Wearable art and her love of bringing her customers' fashion visions to life! How thrifting helps you find your own personal style.  Tips to grow your social community, including why it's so important to inspire, engage, and be open to change.

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