Podcasts about silently

If there was a test that measured your selfishness ...what would your score be? Most people don't detect their own selfish actions until it's too late - and in a marriage, that can be a death sentence leading to pain and heartbreak. To help you build a healthier relationship, Steve and Mary Alessi get brutally honest about attraction, selfishness, and those hidden habits that quietly sabotage marriages. You'll discover how small, self-focused choices build up walls between couples—and how intentional acts of care, consideration, and vulnerability can break them down.From tackling the age-old issue of keeping score to revealing the biblical secrets to a selfless marriage, you'll get  practical wisdom that helps you look inward, own your part, and strengthen that all-important “we.”Support the showJoin our Podience Textline! You can connect with us via text to ask questions and get updates! Text FAMILY to 302-524-0800 Get our TFB Newsletter Join our TFB Newsletter and we'll send you a powerful FREE guide that will help you strengthen your family's values! Click HERE to get your guide Support the Family Business Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook Subscribe on YouTube Leave a review Listen to the Alessi sisters' daily devotional podcast My Morning Devotional

3 DJs on a boat, sleeping. One wakes up. Hey—! Isn't that Skrillex? No… —and isn't that Dillon Francis? No. Yes it is! It's not.. DJ Dillon Francis. Yah! See! Woah! I told you! What happened to ‘em? Just sleeping. Go away. But that's, Skrillex and Dillon Francis; and— No, these are my dads. What? [later] Wake up? NO. DONT KILL ME. I hate the ocean. Shut up. U! You know u?! What is he doing here?! Shut the fuck up/ Don't kill me again. You're already dead, bitch. Don't call me a bitch. What, you're not even going to give us silverware? What is this? This is a...fruit salad. Aww what? You got fruit salad? Mines like, actual salad. Nuh uh— No, way trade me—! No trades. Why is he here? Stop asking questions. What's a “question?” I am a question. Dang dude. I don't know what this meeting's about, but it looks serious. Dillon Francis looks rough. Roughhhhhhh. What, are you gonna put all this food here and then just— —she's going to starve us to death! Chak Chel: Why would I do that AGAIN? WH—CHAK CHEL, HOW DO YOU DO THAT?! I AM. Oh, Infinitely—you little Skrilly mothetfucker you just— You just sit. I...Am sitting. Silently. They all sit in silence for a moment. Dillon Francis is confused by this strange tension. He did the same thing too, ya know— sonny darts eyes at Dillon, still in ‘silence' You—did—you motherfucker! I—what? AHA. So you are telepathic, I KNEW IT. ...Knew what? What the fuck. {Enter The Multiverse} [The Festival Project.™] COPYRIGHT © THE FESTIVAL PROJECT 2018-2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © -U.™

3 DJs on a boat, sleeping. One wakes up. Hey—! Isn't that Skrillex? No… —and isn't that Dillon Francis? No. Yes it is! It's not.. DJ Dillon Francis. Yah! See! Woah! I told you! What happened to ‘em? Just sleeping. Go away. But that's, Skrillex and Dillon Francis; and— No, these are my dads. What? [later] Wake up? NO. DONT KILL ME. I hate the ocean. Shut up. U! You know u?! What is he doing here?! Shut the fuck up/ Don't kill me again. You're already dead, bitch. Don't call me a bitch. What, you're not even going to give us silverware? What is this? This is a...fruit salad. Aww what? You got fruit salad? Mines like, actual salad. Nuh uh— No, way trade me—! No trades. Why is he here? Stop asking questions. What's a “question?” I am a question. Dang dude. I don't know what this meeting's about, but it looks serious. Dillon Francis looks rough. Roughhhhhhh. What, are you gonna put all this food here and then just— —she's going to starve us to death! Chak Chel: Why would I do that AGAIN? WH—CHAK CHEL, HOW DO YOU DO THAT?! I AM. Oh, Infinitely—you little Skrilly mothetfucker you just— You just sit. I...Am sitting. Silently. They all sit in silence for a moment. Dillon Francis is confused by this strange tension. He did the same thing too, ya know— sonny darts eyes at Dillon, still in ‘silence' You—did—you motherfucker! I—what? AHA. So you are telepathic, I KNEW IT. ...Knew what? What the fuck. {Enter The Multiverse} [The Festival Project.™] COPYRIGHT © THE FESTIVAL PROJECT 2018-2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © -U.™

3 DJs on a boat, sleeping. One wakes up. Hey—! Isn't that Skrillex? No… —and isn't that Dillon Francis? No. Yes it is! It's not.. DJ Dillon Francis. Yah! See! Woah! I told you! What happened to ‘em? Just sleeping. Go away. But that's, Skrillex and Dillon Francis; and— No, these are my dads. What? [later] Wake up? NO. DONT KILL ME. I hate the ocean. Shut up. U! You know u?! What is he doing here?! Shut the fuck up/ Don't kill me again. You're already dead, bitch. Don't call me a bitch. What, you're not even going to give us silverware? What is this? This is a...fruit salad. Aww what? You got fruit salad? Mines like, actual salad. Nuh uh— No, way trade me—! No trades. Why is he here? Stop asking questions. What's a “question?” I am a question. Dang dude. I don't know what this meeting's about, but it looks serious. Dillon Francis looks rough. Roughhhhhhh. What, are you gonna put all this food here and then just— —she's going to starve us to death! Chak Chel: Why would I do that AGAIN? WH—CHAK CHEL, HOW DO YOU DO THAT?! I AM. Oh, Infinitely—you little Skrilly mothetfucker you just— You just sit. I...Am sitting. Silently. They all sit in silence for a moment. Dillon Francis is confused by this strange tension. He did the same thing too, ya know— sonny darts eyes at Dillon, still in ‘silence' You—did—you motherfucker! I—what? AHA. So you are telepathic, I KNEW IT. ...Knew what? What the fuck. {Enter The Multiverse} [The Festival Project.™] COPYRIGHT © THE FESTIVAL PROJECT 2018-2025 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © -U.™

An honest conversation with Scott Shelar, CEO and President of Construction Ready. FOLLOW JOSH:https://www.instagram.com/joshuadmellott https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-d-mellottFOLLOW BLACKLINE: @blacklineltd https://www.instagram.com/blacklineltd/www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095504736514https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackline-ltd/https://www.blacklineltd.com/

Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning silently harming us full 1971 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:23:05 +0000 Sb9AvUMFYNqlCzlXRx2TE6tMuomi5nEk news,a-newscasts,top picks Marty Griffin news,a-newscasts,top picks Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning silently harming us On-demand selections from Marty's show on Newsradio 1020 KDKA , airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News News News News news News News News News News False https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-

In this deeply thought-provoking episode, we tackle a topic often shrouded in silence—why some pastors' wives remain in unhealthy marriages. Drawing on real-life experiences and expert insights, we unpack the spiritual expectations, emotional burdens, and societal pressures that contribute to these decisions. Discover practical encouragement, resources, and the hope of healing as we shine a light on a subject that's been kept in the shadows for too long. Whether you're in ministry, supporting a pastor's family, or simply curious about the unique challenges they face, this episode will inspire understanding, compassion, and action.

Leave Health Bite a Feedback.Click This Link.Are you aware of the hidden dangers of poor sleep and how it might be silently wrecking your health?You're not alone—many people struggle with sleep, often unaware of its profound impact on their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.Join Dr. Adrienne Youdim as she delves into the science of sleep, exploring its physiology, benefits, and the consequences of sleep deprivation. She shares practical strategies to improve your sleep quality and overall health.Don't forget to share this episode with friends and family who might benefit from understanding the importance of good sleep!What You'll Learn From This Episode:Understand sleep physiology: Learn about the different stages of sleep, including REM and non-REM, and their roles in memory consolidation and emotional regulation.Recognize the impact of sleep deprivation: Discover how inadequate sleep can lead to increased risk of heart disease, obesity, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances.Identify common sleep disruptors: Explore how caffeine, alcohol, and light exposure can negatively affect your sleep quality.Implement practical sleep strategies: Find out how to create a conducive sleep environment and establish healthy bedtime habits to enhance your sleep.Embrace incremental changes: Understand that even small adjustments in your sleep routine can lead to significant improvements in your health and well-being."When we prioritize our sleep, we unlock the potential for better physical, mental, and emotional health."— Dr. Adrienne YoudimWays that Dr. Adrienne Youdim Can Support You Join the Monthly Free Mind-Body Workshops: Participate in engaging mind-body practices designed to help manage your stress response. Register here. Sign Up for the Newsletter: Stay updated with valuable insights and resources by subscribing to the newsletter. Sign up here. Freebie alert. Register for our monthly free MindBody Workshop and receive a downloadable guide on emotional labeling to help you manage your emotions effectively. Connect with Dr. Adrienne Youdim Website :https://www.dradriennespeaks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradrienneyoudim/

Did you know that your oral health is directly linked to your heart, brain, and even lifespan? Most people stop thinking about their mouths after brushing and flossing, but your oral cavity is actually a mirror into your internal health. Your mouth isn't just where digestion starts, it's where disease often begins - from gum disease to heart problems to gut issues. Implement a serious oral care routine and you'll protect far more than just your smile! Join the Ultimate Human VIP community and gain exclusive access to Gary Brecka's proven wellness protocols today!: https://bit.ly/4ai0Xwg Thank you to our partners: H2TABS - USE CODE “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4hMNdgg BODYHEALTH - USE CODE “ULTIMATE20” FOR 20% OFF: http://bit.ly/4e5IjsV BAJA GOLD - USE CODE "ULTIMATE10" FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/3WSBqUa EIGHT SLEEP - SAVE $350 ON THE POD 4 ULTRA WITH CODE “GARY”: https://bit.ly/3WkLd6E STRENGTH TRAINING EQUIPMENT - THE ULTIMATE HUMAN: https://bit.ly/3zYwtSl COLD LIFE - THE ULTIMATE HUMAN PLUNGE: https://bit.ly/4eULUKp WHOOP - GET 1 FREE MONTH WHEN YOU JOIN!: https://bit.ly/3VQ0nzW MASA CHIPS - GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST $50+ ORDER: https://bit.ly/40LVY4y VANDY - USE CODE “ULTIMATE20” FOR 20% OFF: https://bit.ly/49Qr7WE PARKER PASTURES - PREMIUM GRASS-FED MEATS: https://bit.ly/4hHcbhc AION - USE CODE “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4h6KHAD HAPBEE - FEEL BETTER & PERFORM AT YOUR BEST: https://bit.ly/4a6glfo CARAWAY - USE CODE “ULTIMATE” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/3Q1VmkC HEALF - GET 10% OFF YOUR ORDER: https://bit.ly/41HJg6S BIOPTIMIZERS - USE CODE “ULTIMATE” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4inFfd7 Watch  the “Ultimate Human Podcast” every Tuesday & Thursday at 9AM EST: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RPQYX8 Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RQftU0 Connect with Gary Brecka: Instagram: https://bit.ly/3RPpnFs TikTok: https://bit.ly/4coJ8fo X.com: https://bit.ly/3Opc8tf Facebook: https://bit.ly/464VA1H LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4hH7Ri2 Website: https://bit.ly/4eLDbdU Merch: https://bit.ly/4aBpOM1 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/47ejrws Ask Gary: https://bit.ly/3PEAJuG Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:56 What is Oral Health? 01:31 Poor Oral Health Risks 02:44 Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency  04:27 Oil Pulling Definition and Benefits 05:18 Oil Pulling Procedure 05:46 Practices for a Better Oral Health The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The Content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you looking to save time, make money, and start winning with less risk? Then head to https://www.ovtlyr.com.A hidden economic crisis is unfolding, silently crushing the middle class. The signs are everywhere—if you know where to look. Stocks are falling despite “positive” inflation data, and the markets aren't reacting as expected.Liquidity is tightening, credit markets are shifting, and economic growth isn't what it seems. Could this be an early warning sign of a deeper financial storm?This video breaks down:✔ Why the stock market isn't following the usual patterns✔ The real impact of inflation beyond the headlines✔ Key indicators that signal what's coming nextThe financial system is more fragile than it appears. Is this the beginning of a major correction, or just another market shakeout? Stay ahead of the curve—watch now.#StockMarket #Investing #Inflation #Recession #MarketCrash #EconomicCrisis #MiddleClass #WallStreet #Finance #Wealth #Money #Stocks #Trading #InterestRates #Debt

When you apply for a mortgage, the bank will hire a property valuer to evaluate the property. Have you ever wondered how the valuer arrives at their final number? And is that number really objective? In this episode, senior correspondent Leslie Yee gets insights from KengChiam Tan, executive director and head, valuation and advisory services at Colliers International. They unpack the complexities of determining property values, the role of valuers, and the challenges they face amidst market fluctuations. Synopsis: Hosted by senior correspondent Leslie Yee, PropertyBT from The Business Times shares insights on all things Singapore property to help you on your property investment journey. Episodes feature views and insights from property analysts. Highlights of the podcast: 02:11 Why transacted prices may differ from valuation 03:33 Property valuation for banks loans 06:04 Valuing data centers 08:24 Net yields on Singapore property 09:47 Singapore property cap rates Read Leslie’s article: Feeling the Fomo in new condo market? Mind the choppy seas of higher trade tariffs --- Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg. --- Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee (lyee@sph.com.sg) With KengChiam Tan, executive director and head, valuation and advisory services, Colliers International Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Leslie Yee, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: bt.sg/btcobt Amazon: bt.sg/btcoam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/btcoap Spotify: bt.sg/btcosp YouTube Music: bt.sg/btcoyt Website: bt.sg/btcorresp Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Podcasts: bt.sg/pcOM BT Market Focus: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Branded Podcasts: bt.sg/brpod BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlensonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Standing Silently Strong: Embracing the Military Spouse Journey with Ariana In this heartfelt episode of RUP Buttercup, hosts welcome guest Ariana to discuss the unique challenges and rewarding experiences of military life. They delve into the concept of 'standing silently strong,' a term that embodies the quiet resilience of military spouses. Ariana shares her 10-year journey with her Air Force husband, including their stations in Colorado, Italy, and Germany. The conversation highlights the importance of community, the benefits of staying positive amidst challenges, and the significance of open communication in marital and social relationships. Through personal stories and practical advice, this episode aims to inspire military spouses to embrace their unique lifestyle and find strength and positivity in their experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:05 Ariana's Military Journey 01:28 Life Overseas: Italy and Germany 04:04 Standing Silently Strong: The Concept 05:50 Challenges of Military Spouse Life 23:49 The Importance of Communication 29:04 Building Community and Support Networks 34:30 The Power of Military Friendships 35:12 Overcoming Challenges During Deployments 35:31 Community Support in Times of Crisis 35:59 The Unique Bond of Military Families 36:55 Navigating Military Life and Social Media 39:14 The Importance of Positive Representation 41:51 Balancing Personal Identity and Military Life 43:57 The Role of Social Media in Military Communities 46:22 Advice for Military Spouses 01:08:30 The Resilience of Military Kids 01:10:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Are you feeling exhausted but can't figure out why? In today's episode, I speak with Dr. Torkil Færø, author of the bestselling book The Pulse Cure, about the hidden stressors that might be draining your energy without you even realizing it.After his father passed away at 73, Dr. Færø began investigating what he could do to live longer and healthier. What he discovered changed everything about his approach to health and led to his groundbreaking work on using heart rate variability to guide lifestyle changes.In this eye-opening conversation, you'll discover:Why many of us are chronically stressed without even knowing itHow alcohol, certain foods, and poor sleep create hidden stress in your bodyWhy your body becomes less forgiving after age 40 (and what to do about it)How women can adjust their fitness routines according to their menstrual cycleThe powerful stress-reduction techniques that cost nothing but deliver enormous benefitsDr. Færø explains how modern wearable technology gives us the "sixth sense" we never evolved to have, allowing us to detect and manage stress in revolutionary ways.Whether you're dealing with unexplained fatigue, looking to optimize your athletic performance, or simply wanting to add healthy years to your life, this episode provides practical insights you can implement immediately.Learn more about Dr. Torkil Færø's work at ThePulseCure.com or follow him on Instagram at @dr.torkil https://www.instagram.com/dr.torkil

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Competition becomes Titillation.Based on the post of MsCherylTerra, in 3 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at My First Time.I completely forgot that I was just in my panties, otherwise I probably wouldn't have sandwiched myself between the seats again as I lunged for the keys. It didn't even cross my mind until I turned the ignition unsuccessfully twice and swore."We drained the battery," I groaned. "Shit. My mom's going to be a nightmare about this.""Uh-huh," came the somewhat-distracted response from behind me, and that's when I realized my ass was basically in Ashton's face.At least that time I wasn't stuck on the ice scraper. I crawled as gracefully as I could out from the space between the seats, which was not gracefully at all, and looked at him. Lightning picked that moment to flash again, muted by the filter of fog that clung to the car windows. Brightness hung in the air, flickering slightly as it revealed Ashton hurriedly adjusting the front of his boxers. He looked up, alarmed, and I looked down, enthralled by the sight of something very stiff tenting the fabric.All at once, the lightning faded, and we were left in the warm darkness all over again."Guess that's that," he said with a weak laugh."Guess so," I replied."Too bad. I was, uh, looking forward to winning that one."I licked my lips and glanced down. The screen of my Switch didn't do much to light the space, but I could still see the vague outline of his erection."We could keep playing," I whispered."What?""I mean, it's not like the car is going to get any less dead if we stay out here." I picked up my Switch. "Mine's still got some battery left. We just, um, would need to take turns. Change up the rules a bit."He raised an eyebrow. "What're the rules?"I hadn't quite thought that far ahead. I glanced down at my screen, watching the racers circle the track."Distraction," I said."What?"I held my Switch out to him. "Distraction. I pick a track, you play the race, I do my best to; distract you while you're racing. You do your best to come in first."He cleared his throat. "What happens if I win?""You get to choose what comes off.""And if I lose?"I smirked. "I get to choose."He took the Switch carefully. "So how does distraction work? What are the, uh, rules?"I thought for a moment. "Well, I think touching is okay. As long as the person can still physically play the game."He nodded eagerly. "Sounds good.""No removing clothes, since that's; you know. The prize. But; " I cleared my throat, almost feeling lightheaded. "Hands can go under things.""Seems fair.""And, um; that's all I can think of.""One more," he said. "Final rule still applies, regardless of who's driving and who's, uh, distracting."By that point, I wouldn't have been surprised if my skin was just permanently stained red from all the blushing I'd been doing. "Yeah."He smiled. "So, what track am I playing?"He didn't complain about my choice, which was good because I picked one at random. As the music signaling the start of the race began to play, Ashton met my eyes one last time."Good luck," he teased quietly."Keep your luck," I said. "You're gonna need it."He smirked, then looked down at the screen.I hadn't exactly thought of what I was going to do ahead of time. Frankly, the entire thing was an exercise in spontaneity. I don't know why I suggested continuing to play instead of just jumping into his lap and kissing him. Maybe because it was fun, maybe because I was stalling, maybe because if I did that, I'd have to decide if I wanted to go further, and how far that would be. And maybe, even though I was turned on and Ashton was sweet and respectful and ugh, I was still feeling uncertain because of a certain nagging voice in the back of my head.Whatever it was, it didn't matter. What mattered was that we were there, and we were enjoying ourselves, and it was hot as fuck.I didn't move until Ashton had started racing. As soon as he did, I tucked my legs beneath me and nestled closer to him. He shivered almost imperceptibly as I leaned against his arm and our skin touched.There was no real plan, but his neck seemed like as good a place as any to start. Carefully, so I didn't jostle him while he was racing, I curled in closer. Just before I pressed my lips to his skin, his breath quickened, and there was a smile on my face as I kissed the spot where his neck met his shoulder.Aside from the change in breathing, he didn't react as I nuzzled his neck, flicking my tongue out and tracing a gentle pattern along his collarbone. I almost jumped when the chiming sound that signaled the start of lap two rang out from the Switch and I had barely even touched him.I was going to have to step up my game.He very kindly moved his arm as I slipped my hand between us, touching his chest and trailing my fingers down his pecs. He trembled slightly as I ran my hand along his ribs, squirming just enough that it was clear it tickled, and I grinned against his neck before doing it again."You are evil," he groaned, though it was mixed with laughter as he writhed."You think that's evil?" I said, nipping at his neck. "You just wait.""Oh no," he said, but he didn't sound that unhappy about it.I traced his ribs lightly one last time before moving my hand to his stomach and walking my fingers lower, and lower, and lower still, until they reached the waistband of his boxers. Ashton's breath hitched, but seconds later the jingle of the final lap played and the music sped up.That meant my hand had to speed up, too.I slipped my fingers beneath the waistband of his boxers. Ashton made a small noise of anticipation as I pushed my hand further, culminating in a soft moan as my hand brushed against his shaft. Those noises made that desperately aching part of me pulse with need, but I ignored it as best I could as I wrapped my fingers around his cock.He was smooth and delightfully warm against my palm. I relished the way he twitched in my hand, uncontrollable movements that were accompanied by tiny puffs of breath as he tried to focus on the game. I felt his throat flex again as he swallowed and I started moving my hand, slowly at first and then faster. Precum dripped from his tip, thick and sticky and wonderfully slick, and I spread it along his cock as I stroked him.Just as I started really getting into it, I heard him cross the finish line. He inhaled sharply as I took my hand out of his boxers and moved away from his neck."I won," he said, though he didn't sound entirely convinced that he had won.I tried to look dejected, but it was impossible. "What do you choose?""Do you seriously need to ask?" he replied, grinning."I wanna hear you say it."He licked his lips as his eyes flicked down. "Bra off, please.""Wow, and so polite."He opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out as I reached behind me and unhooked the clasp. That time, his eyes stayed glued to me as I moved the cups away from my breasts and slid the straps down my arms. I didn't mind in the slightest; the way his lips were parted and the subtle rise and fall of his chest as he watched sent a spike of desire rocketing through me. Silently, I revealed my breasts to him, entranced by the way he stared like I was made of star stuff and moonlight. It was only when I unceremoniously dropped my bra to the floor of my car that he finally spoke."Holy fruck," he said, and I couldn't hold back a giggle.That, more than anything, made any of the nerves I had left vanish. There was no question; he wanted to see my tits. He was turned on because of me. He wanted me, and I wanted him, and I was seconds away from asking if we could just forget about the game when he thrust the Switch towards me."Your turn."I almost protested, but the hoarseness of his voice and the dark excitement in his eyes as lightning flashed outside kept me quiet. Instead, I took the Switch."Which track?"He picked one of the city tracks. For the life of me, I could never remember which one it was. There was no way around it: Ashton's distraction game was far stronger than mine.It started innocently enough. He asked if I'd be okay to sit between his legs so I could lean back against him."It'll be more comfortable," he said, and like a complete sucker, I agreed.I should have known the second I felt his cock pressed against my lower back that I wasn't winning this round. Even through the fabric of his boxers, I could feel how hot he was, and it was a good thing I hadn't started yet when I felt his cock twitch against me. Still, I felt confident that I could win my race.So confident, in fact, that I wiggled my hips slightly as I leaned against him, making him groan as his cock nestled closer to my ass."I thought you were supposed to be the one distracting me," I teased."Rules don't start till the race starts," he murmured, and an electrifying tingle ran up my spine. "Gonna keep stalling?"I hit the button immediately and he chuckled in my ear.I managed to stay in first for most of the race, despite Ashton's best efforts. And those efforts were; well.He started much like I had. Fingers trailed along the base of my neck as he moved my hair out of the way and pressed his mouth just behind my ear. That certainly felt nice, and the feel of his breath brushing against my skin was a little distracting, but it wasn't unmanageable.That was just the briefest of warmups, though. After a few seconds, he nibbled softly on my shoulder and then slipped his hands beneath my arms. I shifted to give him room, holding the Switch up so I could focus on the race. His hands gripped my sides lightly, lingering for a heartbeat on my waist before moving up to my ribs. His knuckles brushed the underside of my breasts and I shivered; his lips flicked up and he sucked gently on my neck before taking a breast in each of his hands.I whimpered softly. I couldn't help it. The feel of his palms pressed against my hardened nipples was heaven; the gentle kneading of his hands was bliss. I blinked hard, staring at the screen and doing everything I could to stay on the track as he fondled, caressed, and tortured me with feather-light fingertips.I was still in first place when the second lap started, though I nearly lost my spot as Ashton pinched my nipples. He ran his fingers along one hardened nub as he released the other, sliding that hand to my ribs, and then my stomach, and then to the top of my panties.He toyed with the waistband for a few seconds but didn't stick his hand inside. Instead, he cupped my cunny through the fabric, exhaling softly as he felt the wet spot that had been soaking the front of them for some time."Damn, Ramona," he mumbled against me. "I didn't realize you were this turned on.""Shut up," I whispered breathlessly as I crashed into another racer."It's a good thing," he said. "This is; wow. Wow."I bit my lip as he pushed the crotch of my panties aside and traced my dripping cunny, then outright moaned when he rubbed my clit. My knuckles tightened on the sides of the Switch as he moved his hand, giving me the friction I'd been so desperately craving while simultaneously making me want more, and more, and;"Oh!" I gasped as he pushed a finger inside of me."You okay?" he asked."God yes," I moaned, and he jostled me as he laughed.On the screen, I hit another Item Box. Ashton kept doing his best to distract me, and honestly, he excelled at it. It was only sheer dumb luck that I managed to stay in first place as the third lap started, but the jingle indicating the start of the final lap only seemed to make him double down on his efforts.He pressed his thumb against my clit as he worked his finger in and out of me. I whined softly, my thumbs shaking as I tried to steer my character on the screen. Something blew past me; I couldn't have even guessed which character it was. His thumb swept along my clit, working against it in a maddening, thrilling way."You play way more video games than I thought," I panted."Why do you say that?" he asked, laughter threaded through his voice."Your thumb is; ugh." I shuddered as he pressed a bit harder, his laughter vibrating against my shoulder. "Clearly, you work it out.""Clearly," he agreed, then shoved a second finger inside of me.I cried out, unable to stop myself from writhing in his arms. That made him groan and I felt his cock twitch against me. As I took another corner on the track, I pressed back and Ashton groaned again, pushing his hips forward and rubbing himself against the slope of my ass.It was too much. His lips on my neck, his hand cupping my breast, his fingers inside me as he finally gave in and used my body for his own relief; I was half a lap from finishing the race and slightly further from coming all over his hand. Biting my lip, I tried to grind against him, but his arms were holding me too tightly for me to help myself along the way. I whimpered and he shuddered, his own noises muffled as he kept rubbing his cock against the small of my back.A quarter lap away. I just needed to finish the race and then;Then what?Then I'd ask him to take his boxers off and then it would be his turn to race again and I'd;I would have to wait.Whoever thought up this dumb game clearly didn't think things through.

Competition becomes Titillation.Based on the post of MsCherylTerra, in 3 parts. Listen to the ► Podcast at My First Time.I completely forgot that I was just in my panties, otherwise I probably wouldn't have sandwiched myself between the seats again as I lunged for the keys. It didn't even cross my mind until I turned the ignition unsuccessfully twice and swore."We drained the battery," I groaned. "Shit. My mom's going to be a nightmare about this.""Uh-huh," came the somewhat-distracted response from behind me, and that's when I realized my ass was basically in Ashton's face.At least that time I wasn't stuck on the ice scraper. I crawled as gracefully as I could out from the space between the seats, which was not gracefully at all, and looked at him. Lightning picked that moment to flash again, muted by the filter of fog that clung to the car windows. Brightness hung in the air, flickering slightly as it revealed Ashton hurriedly adjusting the front of his boxers. He looked up, alarmed, and I looked down, enthralled by the sight of something very stiff tenting the fabric.All at once, the lightning faded, and we were left in the warm darkness all over again."Guess that's that," he said with a weak laugh."Guess so," I replied."Too bad. I was, uh, looking forward to winning that one."I licked my lips and glanced down. The screen of my Switch didn't do much to light the space, but I could still see the vague outline of his erection."We could keep playing," I whispered."What?""I mean, it's not like the car is going to get any less dead if we stay out here." I picked up my Switch. "Mine's still got some battery left. We just, um, would need to take turns. Change up the rules a bit."He raised an eyebrow. "What're the rules?"I hadn't quite thought that far ahead. I glanced down at my screen, watching the racers circle the track."Distraction," I said."What?"I held my Switch out to him. "Distraction. I pick a track, you play the race, I do my best to; distract you while you're racing. You do your best to come in first."He cleared his throat. "What happens if I win?""You get to choose what comes off.""And if I lose?"I smirked. "I get to choose."He took the Switch carefully. "So how does distraction work? What are the, uh, rules?"I thought for a moment. "Well, I think touching is okay. As long as the person can still physically play the game."He nodded eagerly. "Sounds good.""No removing clothes, since that's; you know. The prize. But; " I cleared my throat, almost feeling lightheaded. "Hands can go under things.""Seems fair.""And, um; that's all I can think of.""One more," he said. "Final rule still applies, regardless of who's driving and who's, uh, distracting."By that point, I wouldn't have been surprised if my skin was just permanently stained red from all the blushing I'd been doing. "Yeah."He smiled. "So, what track am I playing?"He didn't complain about my choice, which was good because I picked one at random. As the music signaling the start of the race began to play, Ashton met my eyes one last time."Good luck," he teased quietly."Keep your luck," I said. "You're gonna need it."He smirked, then looked down at the screen.I hadn't exactly thought of what I was going to do ahead of time. Frankly, the entire thing was an exercise in spontaneity. I don't know why I suggested continuing to play instead of just jumping into his lap and kissing him. Maybe because it was fun, maybe because I was stalling, maybe because if I did that, I'd have to decide if I wanted to go further, and how far that would be. And maybe, even though I was turned on and Ashton was sweet and respectful and ugh, I was still feeling uncertain because of a certain nagging voice in the back of my head.Whatever it was, it didn't matter. What mattered was that we were there, and we were enjoying ourselves, and it was hot as fuck.I didn't move until Ashton had started racing. As soon as he did, I tucked my legs beneath me and nestled closer to him. He shivered almost imperceptibly as I leaned against his arm and our skin touched.There was no real plan, but his neck seemed like as good a place as any to start. Carefully, so I didn't jostle him while he was racing, I curled in closer. Just before I pressed my lips to his skin, his breath quickened, and there was a smile on my face as I kissed the spot where his neck met his shoulder.Aside from the change in breathing, he didn't react as I nuzzled his neck, flicking my tongue out and tracing a gentle pattern along his collarbone. I almost jumped when the chiming sound that signaled the start of lap two rang out from the Switch and I had barely even touched him.I was going to have to step up my game.He very kindly moved his arm as I slipped my hand between us, touching his chest and trailing my fingers down his pecs. He trembled slightly as I ran my hand along his ribs, squirming just enough that it was clear it tickled, and I grinned against his neck before doing it again."You are evil," he groaned, though it was mixed with laughter as he writhed."You think that's evil?" I said, nipping at his neck. "You just wait.""Oh no," he said, but he didn't sound that unhappy about it.I traced his ribs lightly one last time before moving my hand to his stomach and walking my fingers lower, and lower, and lower still, until they reached the waistband of his boxers. Ashton's breath hitched, but seconds later the jingle of the final lap played and the music sped up.That meant my hand had to speed up, too.I slipped my fingers beneath the waistband of his boxers. Ashton made a small noise of anticipation as I pushed my hand further, culminating in a soft moan as my hand brushed against his shaft. Those noises made that desperately aching part of me pulse with need, but I ignored it as best I could as I wrapped my fingers around his cock.He was smooth and delightfully warm against my palm. I relished the way he twitched in my hand, uncontrollable movements that were accompanied by tiny puffs of breath as he tried to focus on the game. I felt his throat flex again as he swallowed and I started moving my hand, slowly at first and then faster. Precum dripped from his tip, thick and sticky and wonderfully slick, and I spread it along his cock as I stroked him.Just as I started really getting into it, I heard him cross the finish line. He inhaled sharply as I took my hand out of his boxers and moved away from his neck."I won," he said, though he didn't sound entirely convinced that he had won.I tried to look dejected, but it was impossible. "What do you choose?""Do you seriously need to ask?" he replied, grinning."I wanna hear you say it."He licked his lips as his eyes flicked down. "Bra off, please.""Wow, and so polite."He opened his mouth to respond, but nothing came out as I reached behind me and unhooked the clasp. That time, his eyes stayed glued to me as I moved the cups away from my breasts and slid the straps down my arms. I didn't mind in the slightest; the way his lips were parted and the subtle rise and fall of his chest as he watched sent a spike of desire rocketing through me. Silently, I revealed my breasts to him, entranced by the way he stared like I was made of star stuff and moonlight. It was only when I unceremoniously dropped my bra to the floor of my car that he finally spoke."Holy fruck," he said, and I couldn't hold back a giggle.That, more than anything, made any of the nerves I had left vanish. There was no question; he wanted to see my tits. He was turned on because of me. He wanted me, and I wanted him, and I was seconds away from asking if we could just forget about the game when he thrust the Switch towards me."Your turn."I almost protested, but the hoarseness of his voice and the dark excitement in his eyes as lightning flashed outside kept me quiet. Instead, I took the Switch."Which track?"He picked one of the city tracks. For the life of me, I could never remember which one it was. There was no way around it: Ashton's distraction game was far stronger than mine.It started innocently enough. He asked if I'd be okay to sit between his legs so I could lean back against him."It'll be more comfortable," he said, and like a complete sucker, I agreed.I should have known the second I felt his cock pressed against my lower back that I wasn't winning this round. Even through the fabric of his boxers, I could feel how hot he was, and it was a good thing I hadn't started yet when I felt his cock twitch against me. Still, I felt confident that I could win my race.So confident, in fact, that I wiggled my hips slightly as I leaned against him, making him groan as his cock nestled closer to my ass."I thought you were supposed to be the one distracting me," I teased."Rules don't start till the race starts," he murmured, and an electrifying tingle ran up my spine. "Gonna keep stalling?"I hit the button immediately and he chuckled in my ear.I managed to stay in first for most of the race, despite Ashton's best efforts. And those efforts were; well.He started much like I had. Fingers trailed along the base of my neck as he moved my hair out of the way and pressed his mouth just behind my ear. That certainly felt nice, and the feel of his breath brushing against my skin was a little distracting, but it wasn't unmanageable.That was just the briefest of warmups, though. After a few seconds, he nibbled softly on my shoulder and then slipped his hands beneath my arms. I shifted to give him room, holding the Switch up so I could focus on the race. His hands gripped my sides lightly, lingering for a heartbeat on my waist before moving up to my ribs. His knuckles brushed the underside of my breasts and I shivered; his lips flicked up and he sucked gently on my neck before taking a breast in each of his hands.I whimpered softly. I couldn't help it. The feel of his palms pressed against my hardened nipples was heaven; the gentle kneading of his hands was bliss. I blinked hard, staring at the screen and doing everything I could to stay on the track as he fondled, caressed, and tortured me with feather-light fingertips.I was still in first place when the second lap started, though I nearly lost my spot as Ashton pinched my nipples. He ran his fingers along one hardened nub as he released the other, sliding that hand to my ribs, and then my stomach, and then to the top of my panties.He toyed with the waistband for a few seconds but didn't stick his hand inside. Instead, he cupped my cunny through the fabric, exhaling softly as he felt the wet spot that had been soaking the front of them for some time."Damn, Ramona," he mumbled against me. "I didn't realize you were this turned on.""Shut up," I whispered breathlessly as I crashed into another racer."It's a good thing," he said. "This is; wow. Wow."I bit my lip as he pushed the crotch of my panties aside and traced my dripping cunny, then outright moaned when he rubbed my clit. My knuckles tightened on the sides of the Switch as he moved his hand, giving me the friction I'd been so desperately craving while simultaneously making me want more, and more, and;"Oh!" I gasped as he pushed a finger inside of me."You okay?" he asked."God yes," I moaned, and he jostled me as he laughed.On the screen, I hit another Item Box. Ashton kept doing his best to distract me, and honestly, he excelled at it. It was only sheer dumb luck that I managed to stay in first place as the third lap started, but the jingle indicating the start of the final lap only seemed to make him double down on his efforts.He pressed his thumb against my clit as he worked his finger in and out of me. I whined softly, my thumbs shaking as I tried to steer my character on the screen. Something blew past me; I couldn't have even guessed which character it was. His thumb swept along my clit, working against it in a maddening, thrilling way."You play way more video games than I thought," I panted."Why do you say that?" he asked, laughter threaded through his voice."Your thumb is; ugh." I shuddered as he pressed a bit harder, his laughter vibrating against my shoulder. "Clearly, you work it out.""Clearly," he agreed, then shoved a second finger inside of me.I cried out, unable to stop myself from writhing in his arms. That made him groan and I felt his cock twitch against me. As I took another corner on the track, I pressed back and Ashton groaned again, pushing his hips forward and rubbing himself against the slope of my ass.It was too much. His lips on my neck, his hand cupping my breast, his fingers inside me as he finally gave in and used my body for his own relief; I was half a lap from finishing the race and slightly further from coming all over his hand. Biting my lip, I tried to grind against him, but his arms were holding me too tightly for me to help myself along the way. I whimpered and he shuddered, his own noises muffled as he kept rubbing his cock against the small of my back.A quarter lap away. I just needed to finish the race and then;Then what?Then I'd ask him to take his boxers off and then it would be his turn to race again and I'd;I would have to wait.Whoever thought up this dumb game clearly didn't think things through.

You hold the door open. You say yes when you mean no. You put others first—always. It feels like the right thing to do… but is it costing you more than you realize? In this episode, Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D.—Columbia professor, psychologist, and author of Rise Above—joins Dave Asprey to expose the psychology of victim vs. empowerment mindsets. He reveals how toxic altruism, external validation, and emotional fragility keep people stuck—and how you can reclaim your confidence, set boundaries, and create a life of true growth. Dr. Kaufman, one of the world's most cited scientists, shares cutting-edge research on self-actualization, resilience, and the hidden mental loops that shape your success. If you've ever felt stuck in self-doubt, drained from over-giving, or afraid to take up space, this conversation will help you break free. What You'll Discover in This Episode: • Victim vs. empowerment mindset—the key shift that changes everything • The psychological traps of toxic altruism—and why over-giving holds you back • How people-pleasing rewires your brain—and how to break the cycle • The science of self-actualization—how to unlock your full potential without guilt • Why modern culture and social media reward emotional fragility—and how to rise above it • The neuroscience behind confidence, resilience, and making better choices for YOUR growth If you've ever felt stuck, undervalued, or drained from always being “nice”, this episode will show you how to step into your power, rewrite your mental programming, and take control of your future. SPONSORS -Quantum Upgrade | Go to https://quantumupgrade.io/Dave for a free trial. -Timeline | Head to https://www.timeline.com/dave to get 10% off your first order. Resources: • A Day of Biohacking and Consciousness Event: https://daveasprey.com/biohacking-and-consciousness/ • Dave Asprey's New Book - Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • Scott's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottbarrykaufman/?hl=en • Scott's New Book – Rise Above:https://scottbarrykaufman.com/books/rise-above/ • Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com • Dave Asprey's Website: https://daveasprey.com • Dave Asprey's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey • Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com • Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: • 00:00 Trailer • 00:44 Intro • 02:02 Rise Above – Scott's New Book • 03:13 Triggers and Mind Control • 05:12 Victimhood and Self-Actualization • 12:01 Curiosity Over Fear • 16:32 The Power of Discernment • 26:32 Emotional Resilience Today • 31:12 The Fragility of Younger Generations • 37:33 Social Pressures and Identity • 39:47 Social Media and Self-Determination • 40:35 Community and Belonging • 42:42 Activating Happiness and Growth • 44:43 Gratitude and Daily Practices • 51:48 Healthy Selfishness vs. Altruism • 58:56 Codependency and Vulnerable Narcissism • 01:04:57 The Dark Triad and Personality Types • 01:09:14 Final Thoughts and Book Recs See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think your confidence is attracting the right people? Think again. Your ego might be the hidden reason your dating life isn't going anywhere. It pushes away potential connections, blinds you to your own flaws, and keeps you stuck in toxic patterns. In this deep dive, we'll expose how ego silently sabotages your love life—and how to break free from its grip before it's too late. Ready for a reality check?

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Silently it waited in a woodland glen, baited with dreams to tempt… the strange lost company that time had forgot. The Elf-Trap by Francis Stevens. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.There's a good chance you've never heard of Francis Stevens. But after today's story you will probably never forget her. She has been called “the woman who invented dark fantasy.” She was born Gertrude Mabel Barrows in Minneapolis Minnesota in 1883. Some say her middle name was Myrtle instead of Mabel but since the state of Minnesota and the county where she was born don't have birth records going back that far we will never know.She wrote her first short story at age 17, a science fiction story titled The Curious Experience of Thomas Dunbar. She mailed the story to Argosy. The story was accepted and published in the March 1904 issue, listing the author as "G. M. Barrows”. Although the initials disguised her gender, this appears to be the first instance of an American female author publishing science fiction, and using her real name. She had only seven short stories published and wrote five novels, with just two released during her lifetime. From Argosy magazine in July 1919, The Elf-Trap by Francis Stevens…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, The punishment had to fit more than just the crime—it had to suit every world in the Galaxy! The Eel by Miriam Allen DeFord.☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV===========================

Fresh data protection concerns have been raised by a Trinity College Dublin study about storage of cookies, identifiers, and other data on Android phones by Google Play Services, the Google Play store and other pre-installed Google apps. A recent measurement study by Prof. Doug Leith, Professor of Computer Systems in Trinity's School of Computer Science and Statistics, shows that advertising and tracking cookies and other device and user identifiers are sent by Google servers and stored on a handset, even when no Google apps have ever been opened by the user. Professor Doug Leith said: "We all know that our consent is needed before a website stores advertising and tracking cookies when we visit it. The same EU "cookie law", the e-Privacy Directive, also applies to apps running on mobile phones. Cookies stored by apps have received far less attention than web cookies, partly because they are harder to detect, and a closer look at them is long overdue." "Google Play Services and the Google Play store are pre-installed on almost every Android phone. This study shows that they silently store advertising and other tracking cookies and data on people's phones. No consent for this is sought by Google, and there is no way to block these cookies. " "This study is a wake-up call to the Irish Data Protection Commissioner to enforce EU data protection rules and start properly protecting Irish and EU users of Android phones." The main findings of the study are as follows: 1) Advertising analytics cookies, links to track clicks/views of adverts, and device identifiers associated with advertising are downloaded and stored on the handset. 2) Tracking cookies are downloaded and stored by the Google Play store app and then transmitted to Google servers alongside analytics data reporting user interactions with the Play store app (searches, page views etc). 3) The Google Android ID is sent by Google servers and stored to the handset by Google Play Services. Previous studies have shown this identifier is sent in many transmissions made by Google Play Services and the Google Play store to Google servers. It acts as a persistent device and user identifier, which can only be changed by factory resetting the phone. 4) Analytics cookies used for A/B testing of changes to Google apps are downloaded and stored on the handset by Google Play Services and then transmitted alongside app telemetry data to Google servers. 5) Multiple other cookies and identifiers which can act to uniquely identify the handset and/or user are also downloaded and stored on the handset.

Sepsis doesn't end when the infection is treated—its impact lingers, silently reshaping lives in ways few expect. In this powerful episode of PODCAST with SHEILA, we share the real-life story of a woman who survived sepsis after a miscarriage, only to discover that the battle was far from over. Once a go-getter, she found herself struggling with brain fog, chronic fatigue, heart palpitations, and even unexpected challenges like public speaking anxiety. She later learned she was experiencing Post-Sepsis Syndrome (PSS)—a hidden aftermath that affects thousands but is rarely talked about. Her journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and hope. From near death to advocacy, she now speaks out to help others recognise the signs, navigate healing, and reclaim their strength. Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, or simply curious about this silent struggle, this episode is a must-watch! Watch till the end for valuable advice on: ✅ How hospitals can prevent medical negligence in miscarriage cases. ✅ How to cope with Post-Sepsis Syndrome and regain control of your life. ✅ How family and friends can support sepsis survivors.

It was only a slingshot, but it hurled more death than a thousand-pound bomb. Where did Tommy Sonofagun get those deadly pellets? The Incredible Slingshot Bombs by Robert Moore Williams. That's next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast.Our last episode featured an author we had never showcased before, William Tenn, today another, Robert Moore Williams and our next episode we will debut another authors work, Francis Stevens.Although we were not familiar with Robert Moore Williams work, it's not like he was a minor player in the pulp sci-fi world in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, with more than 170 short stories to his credit along with 20 novels.Williams was born in Farmington, Missouri in 1907, graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism in 1931 and published his first story in 1937. Zero as a Limit appeared in Astounding Science Fiction in 1937 and his career took off. His stories were published 17 times in what was left of the 1930s and 90 stories appeared in the pulps in the 1940s.We will find our story on page 130 in the May 1942 issue of Amazing Stories magazine, The Incredible Slingshot Bombs by Robert Moore Williams…Next on The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast, Silently it waited in a woodland glen, baited with dreams to tempt… the strange lost company that time had forgot. The Elf-Trap by Francis Stevens.☕ Buy Me a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/scottsV===========================

In this episode of TWC Talks podcast, Taylor explores the concept of limiting beliefs, cognitive diffusion, and programming. They discuss the tendency to compare oneself to others and how not talking about one's issues can signify tolerance of those issues. Taylor introduces cognitive diffusion as a method to separate oneself from thoughts and observe them objectively. They explain how programming—both personal and generational—affects behavior and thoughts, and how observing and understanding our thoughts can reveal and change our underlying programming. Enjoy the episode and check the links below for more info & ResourcesGet an inside look at how to get involved with The Wealthy Consultanthttps://wealthyconsultant.com/Our Monthly Printed Memos - Free Trialhttps://consultingmemo.com/optin-568134011666363883437See our Portfolio of Brands https://welchequities.com/OVERVIEW: (01:19) The Power of Cognitive Diffusion(03:01) The Partnership of Music and Thoughts(04:02) Understanding and Reprogramming Your Mind(06:38) Exploring the Roots of Your Programming(07:50) The Spiritual Aspect of Programming(09:59) Epigenetics and Generational Programming

In this episode, Helena sits down with Carin, an Executive Director at Harvard Business School, Nancy, a leader at Salesforce, to unpack why so many of us limit our potential because we buy into social conditioning. Is your work ethic actually a coping mechanism?Carin-Isabel Knoop is the Executive Director of the Harvard Business School Case Research and Writing Group. She was a consultant at McKinsey and Price Waterhouse Coopers. Carin has her bachelors summa cum laude in Government, Economics and International Relations from the University of Texas at Austin, and holds an MBA from Harvard Business school with honors. She is a very active Medium writer on creating better workplaces.Nancy Luong is a Speaker, Author, Content Creator, and Empowerment Coach. A proud daughter of Vietnamese/Chinese parents, she fosters inclusive spaces that amplify diverse voices. Her mission is to help individuals find clarity, build momentum, and step into their most authentic, confident selves. She's a Global Communications leader at tech giant, Salesforce. And just brought out her recent book “We Are All Weirdos”.This episode is about:

"When President Nelson came out and said to repent daily, I'm like, how about hourly? Or every 15 minutes for a while. That's when I realized, after going through all of this, that I was a better cop. I had learned an empathy that I didn't know existed in me and I realized that most people are good, even when they're doing stuff that's not. I realized that a lot of people were going through things that led them to deal with us. That they were broken too and this is how they coped with being broken. I wasn't in a different place than they were. My outlet was just different than theirs. But that brokenness was still the same."Brent's Podcast: Covered With the Utah FOPhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/97-the-other-side-academy-with-dave-durocher-part-2/id1491615677?i=1000676224062https://utahstatefop.com/10-about-the-associationhttps://www.utahstatefop.com/images/Home-officers-in-distress/Officer-in-Distress_-The-Real-EnemyC2A0C2A0_C2A0C2A0The-Salt-Lake-Tribune.pdfhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-come-back-to-christ-tickets-1209945723229?aff=oddtdtcreator⁠⁠https://mikesautoshack.com/⁠Come Back Team:Director, Founder & Host: Ashly StoneProducer: Lauren RoseOutreach Manager: Jenna CarlsonEditor: Cara ReedAssistant Editor: Michelle BergerArt Director: Jeremy GarciaEpisode sponsor: Serve Clothing⁠https://serveclothing.com/?gad_source=1

Are you unknowingly holding back your studio's growth? Many fitness business owners hesitate to define their clients' real struggles, fearing they'll sound negative or push people away. But here's the truth: If you don't define the problem, your dream clients won't see why they need you. In this episode, Barry and Shay break down the silent fear that's sabotaging your brand messaging—and how shifting your approach can instantly make your marketing more powerful. You'll learn:

Rachel O'Brien joins this week's episode of The Narrative! As concerns about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are on the rise across Ohio, Rachel sits down with the guys to take a hard look at the ever-expanding DEI budgets at colleges and universities and how these institutions are diverting funds away from students' core educational needs. Before their discussion with Rachel, CCV Communications Director Mike Andrews and Policy Director David Mahan catch up on the excitement growing around Senate Bill 1 (SB1)–which would ban DEI programs at Ohio's state colleges–and its passage through the Senate and on to the House of Representatives. Add to the momentum of SB1 and catch up on the latest news by following our social channels or visiting our website, CCV.org!

Microvascular disease is a silent but deadly condition that could be damaging your heart, brain, kidneys, and liver—without you even knowing it. In this episode of Everyday Health Stories, Dr. Kota Reddy uncovers how this overlooked disease quietly affects millions, often going undetected until serious complications arise. Learn how coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) impacts the heart, leading to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and discover the everyday habits that may be fueling vascular damage. Most importantly, find out simple, science-backed steps to protect your vital organs and fight back against this hidden threat before it's too late!

Are Age-Related Eye Diseases Triggered by Ultra-processed Foods? https://www.medpagetoday.com/resource-centers/peer-to-peer-spotlight-amd/age-related-eye-diseases-triggered-ultra-processed-foods/5486.  Boost Your Wellness Journey: The RawFoodMealPlanner's 21-Day New Year Meal Prep Challenge https://rawfoodhealthempowermentsummit.com/the-rawfoodmealplanner-s-21-day-new-year-meal-prep-challenge  Healthy Digestion Recipe Book for Weight Loss and Chronic Pain Relief https://rawfoodhealthempowermentsummit.com/healthy-digestion-recipe-book-download60594982 Fasting Made Easy in 7 Steps: Strategies for Reducing Stress, Improving Sleep, and Staying Motivated https://rawfoodmealplanner.kit.com/0e8e56ed0e Join the Conversation: Subscribe and share this episode with anyone on their own path of health and transformation.  // HOST Samantha Salmon, NBC-HWC  The information provided in this broadcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, or the equivalent in your country. Any products/services mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.  RawFoodMealPlanner.com © 2025

This meditation draws inspiration from the Ten Plagues and the Egyptian magicians' ability to replicate destructive forces, but not the forces of goodness and healing. It invites us to cultivate inner goodness, an antidote to the negativity that others might mirror or amplify. Begin by grounding yourself with deep breaths, envisioning a warm light of kindness growing in your heart—a light the magicians could never replicate. As this light expands, reflect on moments when you acted with goodness or witnessed it in others, embodying the potential for redemption amid chaos. Silently affirm your commitment to compassion, integrity, and service—qualities that cannot be conjured by those rooted in destruction. Imagine this light extending beyond you, touching loved ones, your community, and the world, creating a ripple effect of healing and harmony. As you close, express gratitude for the goodness already present and set an intention to nurture and amplify it daily, transforming even the harshest plagues into opportunities for growth and restoration.

Many regulators worry there is the potential for systemic crisis begun by so-called shadow banks. The banks you already know are the last one. In the decade and a half since 2008 the eurodollar world has evolved yet again. The aftermath of that last one opened the door to go back into the shadows. Eurodollar University's Money & Macro AnalysisBloomberg US Lays Path for More Financial Giants to Get Fed Oversighthttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-11-03/yellen-lays-path-for-more-financial-giants-to-get-fed-oversightBloomberg Shadow Bank Loans From US Lenders Surpass $1 Trillion in Fed Datahttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-10/shadow-bank-loans-from-us-lenders-surpass-1-trillion-in-fed-dataIMF Shadow Banks: Out of the Eyes of Regulatorshttps://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/Series/Back-to-Basics/Shadow-Bankshttps://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU

Check out my latest Masterclass:    How To Go From Sick To Superman (Masterclass)  

In this episode, I'm revealing why “doing the most” might be the very thing keeping you stuck. If you've ever felt like you're spinning your wheels, this episode will offer a new perspective on how to stop chasing the wrong things and start aligning with what TRULY matters. LINKS *NEW* DOWNLOAD THE BAD BITCH BLUEPRINT WORKBOOK efiasulter.com/blueprint SAVE YOUR FREE SPOT IN THE AUDACITY MASTERCLASS ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠efiasulter.com/theaudacity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MANIFEST & REFLECT WORKBOOK ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠efiasulter.com/product/manifest-reflect/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let's stay connected: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠efiasulter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠|⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Remember to review, subscribe, and share! ** Enjoyed this episode? Support the podcast here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ko-fi.com/efias⁠

**Thank you for supporting this ministry, I lovingly refer to as "The Little Green Pasture." Click here: PayPal: http://paypal.me/JoanStahl **Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/joaniestahl **Contact Email: jsfieldnotes@gmail.com **Subscribe to me on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-534183 Sometimes horrible things happen, like these massive fires that are destroying thousands of homes, wildlife, and people's lives. Prayers always feel as if they are so small compared to the enormity of the circumstances like this. At first the prayers start out with "loud cries and shouts" unto the Lord for mercy and help. Then day by day, the prayers begin to wane and thin out. Because of the overwhelming catastrope of it, hearts become slowly extinguished. Not for any lack of care and sincere concern, but the feeling is as if the thing is too big and heavy to carry. Silently prayers decline. These fires are only an example of a great thing, but there are other weighty matters too.These fires will eventually be put out but there will be other kinds of fires in the lives of many people. Fires of all kinds of heavy things. At first there is the natural outcry of prayer, but after that it is important to get yourself quiet. Do not feel you need to do so much personal heavy lifting when you yourself need lifting up. You have to spiritually pace yourself. I love what Amy Carmichael says: "So wait before the Lord; Wait in the stillness. And in that stillness, assurance will come to you. You will know that you are heard; you will know that your Lord ponders the voice of your humble desires; you will hear quiet words spoken to you yourself, perhaps to your grateful surprise and refreshment." She is right, and when we wait before the Lord, His comfort will come and you will be led into the path of prayer "paved with love." You will come to realize that you do not have to say a whole lot to Him. When you find yourself saying, "Lord, I cannot do this, it is too heavy for me, but it's not too heavy for you!" God will then meet your faith and answer. He delights in the one who looks up to Him. "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24. “Prayer is the quiet, persistent living of our life of desire and faith in the presence of our God.”― Andrew Murray

In today's episode with Dr. Gary Kaplan, you'll hear us take a deep dive into: 1. Autoimmune diseases and chronic illnesses 2. The impact of chronic inflammation on the brain and body 3. The role of sleep in brain health 4. PANS, PANDAS, and POTS 5. How to find a doctor that listens to your symptoms Dr. Gary Kaplan is the founder of Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine, specializing in the treatment of chronic pain for over 25 years, and the author of "Total Recovery: A Revolutionary New Approach to Breaking the Cycle of Pain and Depression" and "Why You Are Still Sick, How Infections Can Break Your Immune System & How You Can Recover." Dr. Kaplan is also board-certified in Medical Acupuncture and has studied and practiced Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Regenerative Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

Eurodollar University's Money & Macro Analysishttps://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU

Most people never stop to question today's topic. But it silently poisons relationships, teams, and even your own peace of mind.  Worst part? It masquerades as an innocent and harmless way to blow off steam. But it actually erodes trust, creates drama, and keeps pressing problems unresolved.  Of course, we're talking about gossip today. Not only is it harmful to anyone you gossip to and about, but it's insidious to you too.  In today's show, you'll discover the real cost of gossip, the truth behind why we gossip (and how to fix it), and most importantly, how to break the vicious cycle of gossip and stop it from undermining your relationships, your career, and your life.  Listen now.  Show Highlights Include: This seemingly harmless habit chips away at your integrity, trust, and conscience (0:50)  Why gossipping is one of the biggest red flags you or a potential partner could have (2:37)  3 hidden reasons for why you gossip—and how to stop before it sabotages your trust and integrity (4:31)  The weird short-term benefits of gossiping and how it causes irreversible long-term damage (6:20)  How gossip dupes you into believing you're resolving conflict when you're actually just fanning the flames (9:41)  The obvious, yet difficult alternative to gossip that strengthens relationships instead of tears them apart (12:35)  The “Strike When The Iron's Cold” secret to making tough conversations easier than gossiping (13:25)  How to cultivate a gossip-free zone in your personal and professional life (17:56)  One question that almost instantly turns complaining into problem-solving and stops you (and others) from gossiping (18:46)   For more about David Tian, go here: https://www.davidtianphd.com/about/  Emotional Mastery is David Tian's step-by-step system to transform, regulate, and control your emotions... so that you can master yourself, your interactions with others, and your relationships... and live a life worth living. Learn more here: https://www.davidtianphd.com/emotionalmastery 

Canada. France. Germany. What do they have in common? Central banks in each are cutting rates. Also, their governments have either collapsed or, Canada, about to. Why? Same reason there are rate cuts. It's not ideology nor really partisanship. It's the economy, stupid. Eurodollar University's Money & Macro AnalysisCNBC Canada finance minister quits after clash with Trudeau, deals blow to governmenthttps://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/16/canada-finance-minister-quits-after-clash-with-trudeau-deals-blow-to-government-.htmlToronto Sun Trudeau says economy is great, Canadians can see truthhttps://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/trudeau-says-economy-is-great-canadians-can-see-truthBloomberg French Growth Prospects Slow as Political Uncertainty Weighshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-16/france-s-growth-prospects-weaken-as-political-uncertainty-weighsCNBC France's new prime minister gets a baptism of fire after surprise Moody's downgradehttps://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/16/frances-new-prime-minister-installed-hours-before-moodys-downgrade.htmlNYT German Government Collapses at a Perilous Time for Europehttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/16/world/europe/germany-confidence-vote-scholz-snap-election.htmlhttps://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU

Driving Into the Driving Snow! By FenellaAshworth. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. The snow was falling so heavily that it had become almost hypnotic. Coupled with the rapid, monotonous beat of the windscreen wipers which were fighting a losing battle to maintain visibility, Emily was impressed she was managing to make any progress at all. Several miles previously, she'd been forced to leave the busy A road she normally traveled along when visiting her parents, due to a multi-car accident. From the number of blue flashing lights reflecting across the snowy surfaces at the scene, it had looked pretty serious, suggesting there was little chance of the route being cleared for several hours. Emily had therefore taken the bold yet questionable decision of driving along the little-used, untreated back roads, in an attempt to keep moving. Being relatively near to her final destination in the heart of West Sussex, and having grown up in the vicinity, it was a route she knew well. This was a blessing given that the thick, swirling snow was now settling with a vengeance. Under the white blanket, the exact positioning of the road surface became increasingly blurred, forcing a confused Emily to rely heavily upon local landmarks. Hedgerows and tunnels of trees, now devoid of their thick summer foliage, became invaluable to assist her slow progress, under such difficult circumstances as these. Crawling forwards, occasionally sliding on the slick surfaces, she passed a series of abandoned vehicles and felt her stomach roll with nervous apprehension. One of them looked suspiciously like a Ferrari and she felt a flash of pride that her own bog-standard car was managing to outperform the expensive hot hatch. Yet, with another seven miles still left to travel and the snow falling more heavily with every passing minute, much like the weather surrounding her, her chances of success were looking increasingly bleak. Gulping down fast, shallow breaths, she continued resolutely onwards, her cold, clammy hands providing a stark contrast to the hot, red flush radiating from her face and neck. It was physiological evidence, if any were seriously required, that driving in such poor weather conditions could be incredibly stressful. Edging her way onwards, Emily found her mind starting to wander towards her family and the festive celebrations they had planned over the next few days. Somehow, Christmas always made her feel lonelier than at any other time of year, despite having her nearest and dearest present. Her favorite Christmas song proclaimed it was hard to be alone at this time of year, and never had that sentiment been truer. The knowledge that everybody would be coupled up in their happy pairings; her parents, her brother John with his wife, her sister Jane and husband Dan. Even the dog and cat were known to annually suspend hostilities and naturally migrate together beside the open fire, although theirs was always destined to be a rocky partnership. Emily stood out as the only singleton in a mass of happy couples. And it was so not cool for a woman in her mid-thirties to be jealous of the cat. Her melancholy wasn't helped by memories of what had taken place exactly three years ago, to the day. Her long-term boyfriend, in his great wisdom, had chosen Christmas Eve as the most appropriate time to make his big announcement. He no longer loved her and hadn't done for some time, apparently. And that, as they say, was that. For the days and nights that had followed, Emily had played the song, ‘A Winter's Tale', almost obsessively on repeat. It seemed to so completely describe the wretched situation she found herself in. His thoughtless actions had even managed to tinge her favorite Christmas song with a dash of unbearable sadness, and that was unforgiveable. A heartbroken Emily subsequently discovered that, with indecent haste, he had become engaged to an ex-girlfriend. Before anyone could say “shotgun wedding”, they were married and excitedly preparing to welcome their first child into the world. Although each new snippet of information hurt slightly less than the last, the news had still subjected her to actual physical pain, further hampering the recovery of her injured heart. Despite it being a cliché though, time really was proving to be a great healer. Indeed, deep down, Emily could now accept that they would never have been compatible in the long term. Even while they were still together, she'd always experienced a nagging doubt, even though her brain worked strenuously to suppress it at the time. Looking back, she remembered wondering whether it was really her that he wanted, or did he just want someone. Certainly, the speed at which he could drop one girlfriend and obtain a replacement, suggested the latter scenario, and only added weight to her theory. These days, she no longer wanted him back. Indeed, with distance, she'd come to recognise that he had been insensitive and emotionally weak. But although his spell over her was broken, the curse he'd cast over Christmas remained firmly in place. Making her way carefully around another abandoned car, Emily fought off the melancholy she always felt when her unwelcome ex appeared in her thoughts. In the past year, she had put a limited amount of effort into meeting someone new, in the hope of finding love again. But was she really cut out for a life of dating apps? Swiping left or right and being asked a barrage of personal, often intimate questions, whilst trying to fend off dick pics and unsolicited instant messages, were so not her idea of a good time. Wasn't there just somebody kind, sexy and decent out there? Negotiating around a sharp corner, her skin crawled in memory of a recent date she'd had with a guy, following a brief conversation online. It had quickly become apparent from the outset that theirs would never be a harmonious coupling. Emily was searching for romance, connection, belonging and, dare she even admit it these days, love. It swiftly became blatantly clear that he was looking for a one off, no strings attached, fuck fest. Needless to say, that night he'd gone home disappointed. Despite being fed up with her single status, Emily struggled to believe that advertising yourself on the internet like some second-hand car was the way forward. She'd recently shared her thoughts with her sister who, in her infinite wisdom, had tried to console her. 'You'll know when you find the one,' her sister had advised, gushing with positivity. 'And it will happen, I promise.' Easy for her to spew out such platitudes, Emily had noted at the time. With a glorious husband, two apparently perfect children and a Labrador in tow, she was the epitome of contentment. Besides, Emily wasn't willing to just settle into another relationship now. Next time, she wanted something extraordinary, or nothing at all. She'd reached a time in her life where she wasn't willing to mess about any longer. 'Oh fuck!' she cried out, as her car suddenly started to slide out of control. Emily quickly discovered that cruising sideways down a steep incline provided a very effective distraction from chronic wistfulness. Never able to remember whether you should turn your wheels into a skid, or out of it, she tried both options with minimal consequence, whilst her foot pressed down hard on the brake pedal. Trapped in a metal box, skidding towards a very solid-looking, highly inconveniently placed line of trees, Emily squealed. Her eyes automatically snapped shut, preparing for the inevitable impact and subsequent pain. She'd heard of people's lives flashing before their eyes, upon finding themselves in a near-death experience. Of course she had. What she hadn't banked on was for her mind to take it upon itself to come up with such a random, eclectic and downright weird selection of memories. The images started off sensibly enough; her parents with their arms wrapped around each other, laughing. The epitome of the loving relationship which Emily herself secretly strived to achieve. The movie reel quickly cut to a goldfish which she had won as an eight-year old at the local fair, repetitively circling in its plastic bag. Next, a disco she'd attended, where her older sister had kissed a boy she'd had a secret crush on as a teen. Finally, she was doing her university finals, watching the dust float languidly in the hot, sunlit air above her small, wooden desk. Silently, she observed the names of students, stretching back over previous decades, deeply carved into the grainy surface. And then, nothing but darkness. 'That's it?' thought Emily, feeling ridiculously short-changed, just before her car came to an ultimate and untimely stop. That bizarre and outrageously uninspiring set of memories was the best her brain could come up with, when faced with the threat of potential death? Seconds later, accompanied by an explosive bang that ricocheted painfully through her skull, her car became intimately acquainted with an Oak tree as the engine cut out. For a few silent seconds, she remained hunched over, gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles, both unable and unwilling to open her eyes. Every muscle in her body was tightly constricted, while her pulse beat off the charts. As she clenched and relaxed each of her limbs individually in turn, Emily was relieved not to feel any immediate injury. Perhaps, she considered, the memories your brain selects are dependent upon the severity of the situation in which you find yourself? One thing was for sure, though. She needed to get out more and give her brain some higher quality fodder, should the worst ever happen again. Life was short; she seriously needed to start living it. With that thought at the forefront of her mind, Emily found the necessary courage to open her eyes. 'Shit,' she groaned, taking in the alarming sight before her. A brief glance down confirmed no obvious injuries to her own body, but her car hadn't been so lucky. Rough, snow-covered bark belonging to the aforementioned Oak tree, loomed large in the driver's side window, just inches from her face. Meanwhile, the crumpled car bonnet and cracked windscreen bore evidence of the brunt of the impact. Emily gazed forwards into the middle distance, observing the isolation and complete lack of nearby houses. She couldn't help but wonder what on earth she should do next. Unexpectedly, a movement in the side mirror attracted her attention. Before she knew what was happening, the passenger-side door was wrenched open and a large, masked man leapt into the seat beside her, accompanied by a frigid blast of arctic air and an eruption of snowflakes. 'Don't move!' he demanded, closing the door behind himself. Emily tried to scream, but an absence of sound escaped from her throat. Instead, just a weak 'ree' glided pathetically through the air, at a pitch not dissimilar to that of a whistling kettle. With an effort that abysmal, realised Emily, the only creatures whose attention she was likely to attract were bats, or perhaps a Blue Whale, under very different environmental circumstances. In terror, she slowly turned to face him. He was dressed entirely in black, with the exception of a thin layer of snow which had collected across his broad shoulders. A hood was secured tightly around his head whilst a scarf covered most of his face. As a result, only the darkest pair of eyes that Emily had ever seen, remained on display. 'My money's in the glove compartment,' she squeaked, nodding almost imperceptibly towards his knees. 'That's good to know, I guess,' he replied, and despite her distress, Emily identified a hint of amusement in his tone. Oh God, was she dealing with a complete psychopath? 'But right now,' he continued. 'I'm concerned you might have whiplash, so don't move.' 'You're, you're here to help me?' she stumbled. 'Not to steal from me?' 'Steal from you?' he chuckled. 'Who do you think I am? Dick Turpin? The most infamous of all the highwaymen, ' Emily felt very foolish. 'Well, I'm pretty confident I don't have whiplash, thank you,' she replied, her good manners and upbringing forcing her to be polite to this stranger, who had appeared uninvited in her car, scared her half to death and now seemed to be laughing at her. 'I might be at risk of an early onset heart attack though,' she added pointedly. 'I'm sorry,' he murmured. 'But you ought to be congratulated. That was one hell of an impressive slide!' 'Yeah, right up to the moment of impact,' she agreed dryly. 'I didn't see you.' 'Well, when you passed me, you did have your eyes closed,' he said teasingly. 'Plus, I took cover when I saw what was happening. You can let go of the steering wheel now, by the way.' Emily looked down to find her hands were still clamped tightly around it. Concentrating hard, she carefully released each of her fingers from their fraught grip before stretching her quivering hands out flat and placing them purposefully into her lap. 'My poor car,' she sighed, gently shaking her head. 'Ultimately, it's only a car,' the man pointed out. 'You're okay. That's what matters.' 'I guess,' she agreed, breathing out a long, shaky sigh. 'Do you need to telephone anyone?' he asked kindly, recognising her clearly delicate emotional state. 'Maybe I should,' Emily agreed, grappling in her coat pocket for her mobile phone. After hitting a few buttons, she dropped the device onto the dashboard. 'No signal?' he asked. 'No battery,' she replied slightly sheepishly. 'I'm not the world's most prepared traveller, even when extreme weather warnings have been issued for days in advance.' 'Here,' he said softly. Unzipping one of his coat pockets, he pulled out an iPhone, unlocked it and handed it across. 'Feel free to use mine.' Emily gazed down at the phone, surprised to be confronted with the screensaver image of a pirate, the man who was sitting next to her, she imagined, but it was impossible to tell. He wore the requisite eye patch, bandana, huge fake bushy beard and a lopsided toy parrot perched on his shoulder. Climbing all over him, while grinning inanely, were two young children. 'You?' she smiled. 'For my sins,' he nodded. 'Thanks, but I won't,' Emily grimaced, handing the device back to its owner. 'Not until I'm safe. I wouldn't want my family to worry, or worse still, try and drive out in this crazy weather to rescue me.' 'You're safe right now,' he said meaningfully. Something in his tone made Emily look up at him properly for the first time and in that brief moment, their eyes locked. With her stomach suddenly shifting into free-fall, she inhaled sharply, immediately retracting her gaze as though she'd been electrocuted. 'You could call for a rescue service but I've already tried that for my car,' he explained. 'Unsurprisingly, they're inundated and prioritising emergencies, which thankfully we are not.' 'Your car broke down too?' queried Emily. 'Yeah,' he admitted with a nod, and this time Emily was confident of hearing amusement in his deep voice. 'Though in a far less spectacular fashion than yourself. In comparison to you, I would describe myself as an amateur, at best.' 'Where were you heading?' she smiled. 'Barlavington estate. Family Christmas, you know?' Emily sighed inwardly with pleasure. He had such a lovely strong voice, full of expression and tone; like a comforting tune that she'd once known, but long forgotten. He sounded reassuringly familiar. It was a shame she could make out so little of the rest of him, dressed up for blizzard conditions as he was. The only thing she knew for sure was that he was certainly tall. His build was much more difficult to decipher, given all the layers of clothing he was wearing. And unless he started unwrapping the various scarves from around his face, she had no idea what he looked like either. 'You?' he prompted, breaking her daydream. 'Me? Oh, um, I'm heading to Sutton for the same reason,' she replied. 'So just the next village along from you. I normally stick to the main road, but there was an accident.' 'Yeah, me too,' he explained. 'I thought I'd take my chances with the back roads.' 'And how's that working out for you?' grinned Emily, starting to see the humour in their situation. 'Surprisingly well,' he admitted. Unsure exactly what he meant by that, Emily found herself temporarily silenced. 'Well,' he continued. 'As much as I'm enjoying myself, we can't stay here chatting much longer. It'll be dark shortly and my aunt's house is still a couple of miles away on foot. But at least it's somewhere warm to spend the night, before trying to finish the journey tomorrow.' 'Sounds like you're all sorted,' said Emily, feeling deflated. She had no idea what her next step should be. 'Thank you very much for checking I was okay. It was nice to meet you.' 'So you don't want to join me then?' he asked in a teasing tone. 'You're not up for a short hike?' 'Join you? Wouldn't your aunt mind?' she replied, her pulse ramping up a notch, accompanied by more than a frisson of excitement. 'No, the more the merrier, as far as she's always concerned,' he explained. 'Have you got any outdoor gear?' 'Yes, in the back of the car.' He clearly didn't consider her current clothing was appropriate for bleak midwinter and, begrudgingly, she knew he was right. Unfastening her seatbelt with still shaking fingers, she gasped as he placed one of his gloved hands on hers. 'No, you stay there,' he instructed. 'I'm already dressed for this crazy weather.' A freezing blast of air entered the car as he darted back outside. As the door closed once more, all that remained of his presence was a faint whiff of delicious smelling aftershave and a melted puddle of snow on the floor. Emily chanced a quick glance at herself in the rear view mirror and instantly regretted doing so; she wasn't looking her best. Although her bright blue eyes sparkled, they were surrounded by an unsurprisingly flushed and blotchy face. Briefly, Emily ran her fingers through her long blonde hair before giving it up as a bad job; she was clearly fighting a losing battle. Moments later, her white knight re-appeared, accompanied by walking boots and an assortment of thick, waterproof coats, hats, scarves and gloves. 'Hey! What are you talking about?' he exclaimed, dumping the collection unceremoniously on his vacant seat. 'You're a highly prepared traveller. You've got clothing for every possible seasonal eventuality back there!' 'It's very kind of you to assume I'm organised,' explained Emily, feeling a little foolish. 'But it's actually just extreme laziness; I basically use my car to store all of my outdoor clothes.' 'Right,' he chuckled. 'Well, I'll leave you to get changed. Oh, do you have an overnight bag, by the way? I couldn't see one.' Emily nodded towards a small rucksack on the back seat. Having kicked off her flat shoes, she was struggling to pull a walking boot on; not an easy task in the presence of a steering wheel. 'Seriously?' he exclaimed. 'That's it?' 'Yeah, that's it,' she confirmed. 'I dropped all my family's gifts off the other week, so I just needed a couple of changes of clothes and some toiletries.' 'Wow, well, I'll stick your bag into my rucksack to save you carrying it, if you like?' 'Thank you, that's really kind.' 'No problem,' he replied, grabbing her bag before doffing an imaginary cap. 'Oh, and don't forget your purse is in the glove compartment, seeing as I never claimed it for my own,' he laughed, closing the door once more. Emily spent the next couple of minutes fighting her way into her outdoor clothing, whilst occasionally glancing through the window to keep track of her masked companion. Unable to open the driver's door, due to the up close and personal presence of an Oak tree, she struggled across the centre console and exited via the passenger side. Immediately, a blast of biting wind cut around her exposed face, thanks to the snow being blown almost diagonally across the white landscape. A shudder of goosebumps passed across her shoulders and she hoped they wouldn't have to be out in such unforgiving conditions for too long. Stowing his phone in a side pocket, the man moved swiftly across to Emily and closed the door behind her. He then held out his hand in an unexpectedly formal way. 'Sam Whitehall,' he announced through the layers of scarf which still covered his face. 'Emily Jones,' she replied, grasping his gloved hand with a grin whilst trying to prevent her teeth from chattering. Now she could see why he was so well wrapped up and quickly pulled her own scarf tightly around her head. It was beyond cold. 'Lovely to meet you, Emily,' he replied. 'Sorry not to have encountered you in more salubrious circumstances. Shall we get going?' 'Are you sure about this? You don't even know me.' 'I know enough,' he confirmed. 'More to the point, you don't know me. I could be a mad axe murderer.' 'Where are your axes then,' laughed Emily, turning to lock the door of her car, surprised when the central locking system still worked, despite the damage. 'Damn,' he chuckled, lifting his rucksack onto his back in preparation. 'I must have left them at home.' 'If axe murdering is your profession, then you're clearly not very good at it,' she concluded. 'So I'll take my chances.' 'It doesn't pay to be too confident,' he teased and Emily could see laughter lines crinkling at the edges of his eyes. 'After you,' he added, holding out his arm in the direction they needed to travel. 'Uh oh. That's exactly what an axe murderer would say,' observed Emily dryly. She was rewarded by hearing his deep, infectious laugh. They started to trudge forward through the treacherous weather. A satisfying crunch accompanied each step underfoot as the snow continued to swirl around them making visibility increasingly difficult. To make matters worse, Emily found it was also difficult to hear very well. Her ears were encompassed under numerous woollen layers, from her attempts to block out the cold and the constant wind didn't help much either. 'Are you absolutely sure your aunt won't mind me turning up too?' she asked in a raised voice. 'Positive,' he bellowed back. 'I texted ahead. It's all fine. She's preparing the sleeping arrangements as we speak.' 'I'm impressed,' she replied. 'Your aunt must be pretty technologically savvy compared to my mum!' That was an understatement. Although her parents shared a Smartphone, the bulk of its functionality remained a mystery to them. Suggesting they log onto the Facebook app would receive an identical response to asking them to reprogramme the Hubble Space Telescope. As a result, the chances of them being aware of an incoming text, let alone replying to it, were exceptionally slim indeed. And that assumed that their phone was switched on in the first place, which it very rarely was. An inability to charge electrical devices was obviously a family failing, inherited through the generations. 'My aunt has always been a very social being,' Sam explained, over the wind and weather. 'And as the modern world enhances her potential to be even more social, she made a conscious decision to embrace technology.' 'And will there be enough room in her house for me?' queried Emily. 'Definitely,' he replied, apparently amused. 'Does she live alone?' 'She's no longer married,' he explained. 'But she's got a housekeeper so fortunately she's rarely alone. She's a real people person. Seems to spend half of her time throwing parties and the other half planning them. Christmas Eve is always the biggest though, so you've chosen exceptionally well. Good job!' 'She's having a party? Tonight? Oh, I couldn't possibly impose on her then. It wouldn't be fair.' 'Nonsense,' chuckled Sam. 'She's already told me in no uncertain terms that she can't wait to meet you. She'll be delighted. And I was attending anyway, although my family won't be able to make it now because of this weather. Perhaps you can be my plus one?' he suggested, swinging around to face her, whilst continuing to walk backwards. 'Okay,' agreed Emily as the look in his eyes caused her stomach to unexpectedly jolt. After that, they progressed for some time in silence, heads bowed down against the driving wind, with gloved hands thrust deep inside their pockets. As they entered a neighbouring village, Sam led them towards the cricket pavilion. In the summer, this was a quintessential English village, with a shop, pub, duck pond, children's play area and cricket pitch. Right now though, it was a barren, white wasteland; any objects daring to rise out of the ground had been blasted with a vertical plastering of sticky snow. Emily observed how the snow was always driven up the same exterior-facing surface, allowing her to identify the predominant wind direction, northerly, she assumed, given the glacial temperatures. Under the protection of the cricket pavilion porch, Sam shrugged off his rucksack, pulled out a bottle of water and handed it across to Emily. She accepted it gratefully, gulping down the liquid, surprised at how thirsty she'd become. 'How are you doing?' he asked kindly. 'Cold but otherwise surprisingly well,' she replied brightly, returning the bottle with thanks. Sam pulled the scarf slightly away from his mouth, revealing a tantalising glimpse of what lay beneath. As he drained the remainder of Emily's bottle of water, she caught sight of his straight, white teeth, dark stubbled face and full, soft lips. Despite the plummeting temperatures, she felt a streak of extreme warmth pass straight through her body. Averting her eyes, to prevent her expression being read, a blushing Emily concentrated hard on her walking boots whilst scrunching up her numb toes within. 'Here,' he said, forcing Emily to look back up again, as he snapped a chocolate bar in two and passed half across to her. As they were both wearing thick, bulky gloves, the transfer of such a small item proved awkward to achieve but, with some chuckling at their incredible incompetence, they eventually succeeded. 'I promise that we'll soon have you somewhere safe and warm. There's nothing at all for you to worry about.' Nodding with gratitude, Emily placed a square of the chocolate covered caramel into her mouth. As the ice cold morsel began to melt luxuriously across her tongue, she couldn't remember ever tasting anything so sublime. 'Um,' she murmured, eyes closed in bliss. 'Thank you. That is so good.' 'You're more than welcome,' he replied, his mouth twitching into a brief smile. 'Are you happy to take a short-cut through the forest? It should reduce our journey time by about twenty minutes.' 'Of course,' grinned Emily, stamping her feet to maintain circulation. 'I trust you.' 'And therein lies your first mistake,' he jokingly replied. To be continued in Part 2 By FenellaAshworth for Literotica.

There is something magical about the night sky and the winter woods; a place of dreams and possibility; a place of rest and restoration.In today's episode of Our Mindful Nature, nature field recordist Nick McMahan shares a dreamscape from Glacier National Park. Not quite a guided meditation, not quite a sleep-story, but rather a meditative experience. A connection to both land and self. Perfect for relaxing before bed, taking a mid-day break, or adding some wintery vibes to your day. You will hear cool wind blowing from the north towards the Eastern Rocky Mountains; the first snow dusting its peaks. Nick weaves a story of dream-images and real-life exploration of this landscape: “Silently, I watch the dense night sky as a calm breeze washes over me, cresting like a wave through the nearby aspens. On a clear night in a remote corner of the Rockies, deep in grizzly country, I see a countless sea of stars overhead, shimmering as brightly as I've ever seen. Reaching into my pocket, I grab my small pair of backpacking binoculars for a closer look.”Grab your headphones, a cup of something warm, and settle in by the fire. Rest your feet.Rest your mind.Rest your heart.Join us for a night under the stars in Glacier National Park.The nature sounds in this episode were recorded in the Eastern Rocky Mountains near the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The Blackfeet people have lived in the Rocky Mountain region for over 10,000 years and were the first people to hear the sounds of the winter wind blowing in from the north in this region.Sign up for my newsletter at https://merylarnett.substack.com/ to receive free mini meditations each week, creative musings, and more.Thank you to Nick McMahan for today's episode including narration, nature field recordings, sound design, and editing; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:nickmcmahan.cominstagram.com/brianna_podcastproWatch on YouTube, Make a donation, or learn more about my free offerings and live classes by visiting merylarnett.cominstagram.com/merylarnettyoutube.com/@ourmindfulnature

Stop, drop, and pray. In your time of waiting quietly before Jesus, he will show you what your salvation truly means. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

This episode is for anyone who feels like they're silently carrying the weight of the world—brokenness, shame, or wounds you've never been able to share. You're not alone, and you don't have to carry it by yourself anymore. Last weekend, the @JPIIHealingCenter hosted the first-ever Restored Men's Healing Conference, and it was powerful. Men from all over the country (and even other countries!) showed up with open hearts, some for the very first time. These were men who had been silently suffering for years—dealing with wounds from abandonment, addiction, rejection, or just feeling like they're not enough. Over the weekend, we watched God work in incredible ways as men opened up, shared their stories, and allowed Christ to step into those broken places. It was humbling and hopeful. In this episode, Victor and I unpack some of the key takeaways from the conference and dive deep into the struggles many of us face but rarely talk about. We'll cover why we feel like we need to hide our pain, how self-reliance is a trap, and most importantly, how God's grace can reshape the broken parts of our lives. Here's the truth: Healing is possible. You can start today. You don't have to have it all figured out; you just have to take one step forward. Let's talk about how. PS - Advanced giving with #igivecatholic on #givingtuesday is now LIVE

James Allcott is joined again by Laurence McKenna (@lozcast) to discuss Mohamed Salah's time at Liverpool and how he has become one of the greatest Premier League players of all time. James and Laurence discuss how Salah's role has evolved during the transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot and how he's leading Liverpool this season. Host: James Allcott Guest: Laurence McKenna Producer: Cai Jones Editor: Finn McSkimming Additional Production: Jonathan Fisher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is sobriety an all-or-nothing proposition in dentistry? In today's Monday Morning Episode, we've brought on Laura Nelson to uncover the nuanced conversation around alcohol use in the dental industry. Laura challenges the common perception that only those classified as "alcoholics" need to consider sobriety. Through personal insights, she stresses the importance of making conscious, sober decisions and explains how even social drinking can impact professional performance and practice culture. Dive deep into the pressures dentists face that often push them towards alcohol, and learn why open conversations about this topic need to happen more frequently and with less stigma.As the discussion unfolds, Laura passionately advocates for a supportive work environment, highlighting how unaddressed stress can erode a team's ability to thrive. She sheds light on the critical role leadership plays in maintaining mental well-being by demonstrating vulnerability. By setting the stage for honest, stigma-free dialogues, leaders can foster a space that encourages healthier lifestyle choices. The episode wraps up with actionable insights, including how individuals can connect with Laura and her community at Sober Life Rocks, to access peer support and resources for alcohol-related challenges.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Understanding the spectrum of alcohol use beyond alcoholism.The impact of alcohol use on dental practice culture and performance.How to cultivate a supportive environment for discussing mental health.The role of leadership vulnerability in promoting workplace well-being.Strategies for addressing stress and burnout in the dental industry.Ways to engage with communities focused on sober living.Tune in to uncover empowering perspectives that can redefine your approach to sobriety and well-being in dentistry!‍‍Sponsors:‍CareStack: Modern, Secure, Cloud-Based Dental Software for Growing Your Practice! With state-of-the-art features including Online Appointments, Integrated Payments, Text Reminders and more. Click the link here for a special offer: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/carestack/‍You can reach out to Laura Nelson here:Website: https://soberliferocks.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soberliferocksprofessionalsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberliferocksdental/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soberliferocks‍Mentions and Links: ‍People:Dr. Brett Kessler‍If you want your questions answered on Monday Morning Episodes, ask me on these platforms:My Newsletter: https://thedentalmarketer.lpages.co/newsletter/The Dental Marketer Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2031814726927041‍Episode Transcript (Auto-Generated - Please Excuse Errors)‍Michael: Hey, Laura. So talk to us. What's one piece of advice you can give us this Monday morning. Laura: You don't have to be an alcoholic to stop drinking. Michael: Interesting. Can you expand a little bit more on that? Laura: Yes, for sure. I was one who was the typical casual drinker through my life, conferences, events, mommy wine culture, growing up, the whole thing.And couldn't see life without alcohol because I thought to stop drinking, first of all, I wouldn't have fun. Second of all, I had to hit rock bottom. Like I would, didn't consider myself an alcoholic. And I think there's a lot of people who are in that same space that I was in. But I wasn't educated in this area, and so it's important for me to talk about this because I want to make a difference in dental because there's a lot of people who choose not to drink, who feel the pressure to drink alcohol, and don't realize that you can choose not to drink, and it's okay.We can normalize sober choices in our industry. So. Alcoholism is not a yes or no. it's a spectrum. And if we understand wherever you are on the spectrum, it's your decision, what you want to do with your life and it's everybody else's decision. And we need to stop peer pressuring each other into the need to drink alcohol.Michael: Interesting. So on the spectrum here, where do you kind of see most in the industry as far as when it comes to like events and things like that? Laura: Sure. Yeah. So, Alcohol use disorder, if you've ever drank for the wrong reason, drank too much, or woke up in the morning and regretted drinking, you are on the spectrum, because alcohol is an addictive substance and it doesn't usually serve us well.long term, right? So if you ever regretted drinking at any point or drink for the wrong reason, you're on the spectrum. Now, where is everybody in our industry all over? But the thing about alcohol is it is the number one self prescribed way to celebrate or numb feelings or emotions.And it is the most standardized use of drugs that we use our life. we celebrate with wine, we go out for champagne, we have beer tours, we go on wine tours, we go to conferences, it's all about alcohol. So it's so prevalent in our life that when somebody is questioning their use their,relationship with alcohol, or they're at events and they feel the pressure to drink, that's where it goes too far in the spectrum where we're really pushing in on each other.So, In our industry specifically we have an issue in the sense that we have lots of people who are licensed professionals who worry about their license who Have a lot of stress in their lives running practices and alcohol is where we tend to lean When we're dealing with the hard stuff and so, you know, I would say for that regard.There's probably a few who are secretly having the discussion in their head, based off of what they have in their life Michael: What psychological barriers do you think prevent? Practice owners or dentists from admitting to or seeking help alcohol use as a coping mechanism And how can leaders effectively dismantle those barriers?Laura: Yeah So the number one reason isas a society for a long time, it's been something that you hide if you have concerns about your relationship with an addictive substance, with alcohol specifically, in the past, there was a stigma around if you were in recoveryit was real, but it's not like that anymore, Overcoming an addiction, especially with alcohol, it is a personal battle that many people do privately, and we're already shaming ourselves enough when you are like, I don't understand why other people can drink and don't have a problem, but I do, and it's already something you're beating yourself up about.And then as a society and in our industry and with people in our circle. there's the shame of like, what are people going to think about me? What are people going to question? and so it's just, prevalent and everywhere. it's such a personal decision and conversation and a lot has to do with the shame around it and the fear.Michael: Okay. So then when it comes to that, especially when it comes to the burnout and stress and your experience, how does unaddressed stress and burnout. Silently erode the culture and performance of a practice over time. Laura: Oh, the fact that we can and we do go to other ways to forget about or numb the bad stuff Doesn't have us deal with the actual issue at hand. So stress depression suicidal thoughts Yeah. you know, All of the things that we deal with as humans, because at the end of the day, whether you're a dentist, a hygienist or a receptionist, you're human. And if we are using a substance to numb the pain, what ultimately happens is we're not dealing with the true issue and we're not dealing with the real emotion.And because we're numbing the pain with a substance that is addictive. Everybody will get addicted to alcohol at one point or another. When do you get addicted? Depends on so many variables. But when we know that we're leaning in to using the alcohol for the wrong reason and not actually dealing with the true stuff going on, that's when it becomes a problem.Michael: What would be using alcohol for the right reason then? Laura: well, To be honest I could sit on a soapbox now and tell you how alcohol is not good for us, but there are people who are in their head right now, they're like, Oh gosh Laura's, reading my mind, right?Having a glass of champagne to celebrate a wedding, you know, having a one glass of wine with a friend, once in a while, alcohol is it's been in our society forever. It's not going away. But if you start with one and now you're, instead of one glass of wine, you're a bottle of wine.Instead of one glass of champagne, you did drinks before you went to the wedding and at the wedding, and then you're post drinking, like there's lots of, we all have stories, right? But research shows the first 20 minutes of alcohol is fun. The first 20 minutes of alcohol, you have the endorphins, you have the dopamine.It's great. But then your body suffers for the next two to three hours. if you're drinking for the 20 minutes and you recognize the next two to three hours and your body is recovering from every glass of alcohol that you have, right? So I could talk about where alcohol is not actually serving you.But if you're using it to numb the pain, if you're using it to get away from true emotions, then that's where I would question why you're drinking the alcohol. Michael: Yeah. Cause I've always understood it in the sense of nutrition, right? Protein is, one gram is four carbs. One gram is four fats.One gram is nine calories, right? But alcohol, one gram is seven and our body doesn't utilize it, right? It doesn't need it for any building blocks or anything like that. So we're just literally poisoning our body, uh, to the sense of that But now we're talking about the psychological part and mental health part, which is increasingly important.Laura: Now, when it comes to this, What are the long term psychological and cultural implications, maybe in a practice that ignores mental health issues, particularly around burnout and depression? Alcohol use. not to get extreme, but we know suicide is a significant issue in our industry.Depression is a significant issue in our industry. And alcohol is usually tied to, a lot of the problems that people have. And soWhen you're suffering, people have a glass of wine when you're upset, let's have a drink.Let's meet over the bar and talk about it and have a drink. And so it's just that it's used so much, and that it's pushed so much. It's just our societal norm to lean into alcohol. I mean, I went to the doctor recently and he's like, how much are you drinking before I stopped? And, I told him what I was drinking.He's like, that's normal. That's not normal. Like we shouldn't normalize that alcohol is our friend. And so when it comes to the stress in the practice, the realities of what's going on, we need to recognize that that is an issue in itself, working on the depression, the stress, the financial issues, your relationships, your whatever it is.if you're band aiding it with alcohol, using that as the crutch to get through life, that is the problem, and the longer you do that, the higher chance you have of bigger problems in the long run. Michael: Interesting. So then how do you ensure. That discussions about alcohol use in the workplace go beyond surface level awareness and truly shift the mindset and behaviors of your team and leaders.Laura: Yep. My bandwagon, my thing I talk about is alcohol others. It's, suicidal thoughts. It's depression. It's divorce. It's financial problems. Like we all have life things. We all have our own dark places, whatever it is. What we need to build and can build is an environment where people can just be okay with what they have.we know our own secrets. We know what's going on in our head. We know the things that have happened in our life, the things we've done. And we always compare the worstof us to the best of other people. Right. The Instagram side of what other people are.If we could actually just build an environment, build a team where people can just have the space to be okay, to communicate their issue, to be allowed to feel, we are humans, you know, no matter who's on your team, we all have real things going on. And if you can build a space that it's okay to Be transparent, be vulnerable and allow somebody to be able to talk about their thing, whatever it is.And so like for me with alcohol, my whole goal in this conversation is just to get people talking. Because if we can't get people talking, we're not going to help people. And so normalizing the okayness to talk about whatever your issue is. Find people who have dealt with what you're dealing with and lean into that because The more we can fill the gap between people who need help and the people who can give help By getting rid of that gap of shame and fear and allowing people to just be vulnerable and be real will change lives and change your practice Michael: Yeah, I agree getting people to talk about it is huge, then I feel like there's that fact of like vulnerability, especially if you're a leader.So I guess, in addressing alcohol use and burnout, do you balance vulnerability and leadership strength, especially when,you may be struggling with similar issues Laura: as a leader. Your team is going to follow you if you set examples, right? So being vulnerable is a completely agreat leadership skill to be able to say, I don't know.Now, I'm not saying that as a doctor, you need to tell everything going on in your private life and in your brain and all of the stress that you have, but To be vulnerable with your team to say, you know, I have some mental health issues. I have some personal concerns I'm dealing with. I have some things and be real with your team.They're going to respect you follow you that much more than trying to fake. that you have it all together because nobody has it all together. And then going and getting the help that you need. Like again, when you can lean into getting help, you can see how it improves in your life as a doctor and as a leaderand then be able to offer that to your team, talk about turnover that we have if your team knows that you really trust and believe in them and you're vulnerable and you're real and you care about them, they're not going anywhere, They're going to be on your team forever.So just be real. It's all we really want. Michael: Yeah. And so that shows strength. Okay. Gotcha. So then, in your work, Laura, how have you seen unresolved personal struggles with alcohol among dentists affect their ability to deliver patient care and are there any interventions or what interventions have proven most effective in these situations?Laura: Yeah, the reality is when I started this journey of sharing my storymy story is a little bit easier than a dentist and a hygienist, cause I'm not licensed. So I can stand on the mountaintops and say, I'm happy to be sober. And this is why I chose it for my life. but for a dentist, there's a real reality of, your team.Your license your patients. And so, the reality is there's a lot of licensed professionals in our industry struggling, struggling with mental health issues, struggling with addiction issues, and they're not getting the help they need. I actually have a hygienist that I'm affiliated with. she was more worried about losing her hygiene license than she was about getting a DUI when she was actively drinking because.That's her livelihood. Many team members are dentists. We know that they're suffering and that's our livelihood. If our dentist has to go to recovery or rehabilitation or, take time out of the practice, what about our jobs? Right. And so it's the reality of what's going on. Luckily I've become really good friends with the incoming ADA president, Brett Kessler, Dr.Kessler, who that is what he wants to change for our industry isto allow and have support for. Licensed professionals. They're bringing in a third party company where you can actually call and get help. You can have real conversations because our jobs are our jobs, but our life is way more important, right?So I'm hoping that the worst cases that I know and the things I've seen, we can make a difference by just starting the conversation. Michael: Awesome. Laura, thank you so much for your time. And if anyone has further questions, you can definitely find her on the dental marketer Facebook group, or where can they reach out to you directly?Laura: Sober life rocks that is our new Community and group sober life rocks find me on all the social channels or just come to our website sober life rocks Michael: Awesome. So that's going to be in the show notes below and laura Thank you so much for being with me on this monday morning episode.Laura: Thank you

It's Thursday, October 17th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Chinese Communists released church elder from prison Chinese authorities released a house church elder on bail last Tuesday. Elder Zhu Longfei of Shunde Shengjia Church had suffered in prison for 14 months. Police arrested him last year for printing Bible study materials, characterizing it as “printing and distributing illegal publications that seriously endanger social order and disrupt market order, with particularly serious circumstances.”  Through Longfei's imprisonment, China Aid noted “the Lord's name was spread and greatly glorified because of this.” Like many other congregations, his church operates illegally outside of China's officially recognized church. Such house churches face harassment, raids, and arrests.   In Acts 5:29, the apostles said, “We must obey God rather than men.” The United Kingdom's growing hostility to Christians The Commission of Inquiry into Discrimination Against Christians released a report on the United Kingdom. The report includes 1,500 responses from Christians in the country who have faced discrimination for their faith.  Just expressing biblical views on marriage, sexuality, and abortion can trigger the persecution. Christians can then face loss of employment, criminal investigations, bank account closures, and even physical attacks.  British Christian found guilty of praying silently outside abortion mill In a recent example, a British court found a Christian guilty this week of violating a pro-abortion “buffer zone.” Adam Smith-Connor is an army veteran and father of two children. Back in 2022, he prayed silently outside an abortion mill. Now, he is on probation for two years and must pay the equivalent of nearly $12,000. Smith-Connor commented on the case after the verdict. SMITH-CONNOR: “I am extremely saddened that the judge has found me guilty. This marks a dark and dangerous day for our nation, setting a legal precedence that thought crimes can occur in England.” Biden threatens Israel to let humanitarian aid into Gaza The Biden administration sent a letter to Israel this week. It warned Israel must allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza or risk the loss of U.S. weapons funding. Israel's latest operations in the Gaza Strip halted the delivery of aid trucks to the area. The letter noted, “The amount of assistance entering Gaza in September was the lowest of any month during the past year. ... To reverse the downward humanitarian trajectory as consistent with its assurances to us, Israel must, starting now and within 30 days, act on the following concrete measures.” The measures included allowing at least 350 aid trucks per day into Gaza.  Supreme Court might protect kids from trans surgeries The U.S. Supreme Court will take up a case later this year involving a Tennessee law that protects children from transgender procedures. Alliance Defending Freedom filed a friend-of-the-court brief with the high court on Tuesday. John Bursch, Senior Counsel for the Christian legal group, said, “Tennessee is right to regulate medicine consistent with biological reality and protect children from harmful, experimental, and often irreversible medical procedures. Relying on bad science, activists and the Biden-Harris administration have pushed these harmful medical procedures across the country and even taken steps to prevent state legislatures from regulating these procedures.” Trump leads Harris among Catholics in swing states A new poll from the National Catholic Reporter found former President Donald Trump leads Vice President Kamala Harris among Catholic voters in swing states. The battleground states include Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Fifty percent of Catholics in the swing states supported Trump, while 45% supported Harris. The National Catholic Reporter noted, “In the battleground states, Catholic populations are sizable and are seen as so important to the Trump and Harris campaigns that both have launched efforts to woo the so-called Catholic vote. In Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, for example, approximately one-quarter of adults identify as Catholic.” What is sin? And finally, Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research released a new report entitled “What is Sin? Evangelical Beliefs and Behaviors.” The study found that most Evangelicals believed in the concept of sin and also agreed that certain behaviors are sinful like adultery, homosexuality, and abortion -- to name a few. However, only a third of Evangelicals said it is a sin to not tithe or not regularly attend church.  Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, October 17th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

"Surrender means the decision to stop fighting the world and start loving it instead." – Marianne Williamson, A Return to LoveHave you ever found yourself clinging to control, thinking it would bring you safety, only to realize it held you back? What if surrender isn't about giving up, but about embracing love and allowing life to flow?In this episode of Love & Learn, we explore the transformative power of surrender as taught in Marianne Williamson's A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles. We dive into how surrender opens the door to acceptance and peace, allowing us to release the burdens of control and fear around food, relationships, and our career.In this episode, we'll uncover:The connection between surrender and self-acceptanceWhy letting go of control can lead to deeper connections with ourselves and othersPractical ways to cultivate surrender in your daily lifeInsights on how surrender invites miracles and breakthroughsWhether you're struggling with the need for control or are ready to embrace the unknown, this episode offers actionable insights to help you find freedom through surrender.Press play to start transforming your relationship with control and experience the peace that comes from surrendering to love.Actionable steps to practice surrender in your life:Pause and Reflect: When you catch yourself trying to control a situation or feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to pause. Reflect on how this need for control is affecting you. Ask yourself: What is trying to control this situation doing to my mind, body, and soul? Suffering is caused by resistance. Suffering = Pain x Resistance. When we resist change in our life we suffer.Allow yourself to recognize where control and resisting uncertainty is creating stress and preventing you from experiencing peace and new pathways.Use the I Don't Know Mantra: When you feel stuck in fear or uncertainty, use the mantra “I don't know.” or “I don't know, but God does”. Silently repeat it to yourself, opening up to the freedom that comes with not having to have all the answers. You can either fear the mystery of life or love it. Loving it will open your heart and mind to possibilities and leave you with much greater peace in the present, which is where we create from.Set an Intention to Surrender: Choose one situation where you feel tension or anxiety. Consciously set the intention to surrender it. This doesn't mean you're giving up; rather, you're choosing to let go of the emotional weight and persistent anxiety it carries. Say to yourself, "Dear God or Dear Universe, I'm feeling anxious about this, but I'm willing see it differently. I'm willing to trust your guidance and the process".Surrender is about finding freedom. Tune in to learn how to embrace this powerful practice in your life.JOIN THE RADIANT WARRIOR RETREATRetreat Info and Application PageALL CONCEPTS FROM A RETURN TO LOVELiving From Love, Not FearHow to Invite Miracles Into Your LifeForgiving Yourself and Others No Matter CONNECT WITH MARIANNE WILLIAMSONWebsiteBooksInstagramCONNECT WITH JESSICA FLINTWebsiteRetreatInstagram

Metta, or loving-kindness, is a beautiful practice in Buddhism that calls on the heart to soften, to expand, to reach out with the wish for others's happiness and well-being. It's about nurturing love, not just for those who easily come to mind, but for everyone—the stranger, the difficult ones, and even ourselves.  Metta practice, at its core, is deeply intertwined with non-violence because it cultivates the kind of love that makes harm unthinkable. In a world that so often pushes us towards division, Metta reminds us to see the shared humanity in each person.   When you practice Metta, you are not just sending love out into the world, but you are transforming yourself. This practice dissolves the walls of anger, fear, and separation that lead to violence. It teaches us to see others not as enemies or obstacles, but as beings deserving of love, just like us. Non-violence isn't just the absence of harm; it's the presence of compassion. Through Metta, we learn that the peace we long to see in our world begins within—through the quiet revolution of our hearts.   A Practice Metta   Metta Prayer May all beings be peaceful. May all beings be happy. May all beings be safe. May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature. May all beings be free.   To practice the Metta Prayer begin by sitting comfortably, closing your eyes, and taking a deep breath. As you breathe, let the world fall away and center yourself in stillness.  Start Metta with yourself—because, yes, you, too, deserve your own love and kindness. Silently repeat: May I be peaceful. May I be happy. May I be safe. May I awaken to the light of my true nature. May I be free. Let those words settle into your soul. Feel their warmth, their truth. Then think of someone you love dearly, someone who brings you joy. Offer the same blessing to them: May you be peaceful. May you be happy. May you be safe. May you awaken to the light of your true nature. May you be free. Next, turn to someone you feel neutral about, maybe a person you pass by daily but hardly notice. Offer the prayer to them, with sincerity: May you be safe. May you awaken to the light of your true nature. May you be free. Then, in a brave act of compassion, think of someone who has hurt you, someone difficult. Send them these same loving-kind words. This is where true healing begins. May you be safe. May you awaken to the light of your true nature. May you be free. Finally, let your love expand to include all beings everywhere, those you know and those you will never meet. Visualize the world bathed in the light of this blessing: May all beings be peaceful. May all beings be happy. May all beings be safe. May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature. May all beings be free. You may not change the world in this moment, but you will have changed yourself—and in doing so, you sow the seeds of peace that ripple far beyond what you imagine. Whoever is not mixed up with  Householders or renunciants,  Who has no abode and few desires, I call a brahmin. (404)*    Having given up violence  Toward beings both timid and strong,  Whoever neither kills nor causes others to kill, I call a brahmin. (405)*   Whoever is unopposing among those who oppose,  Peaceful among the violent,  Not clinging among those who cling, I call a brahmin. (406)* —Buddha, The Dhammapada References and Links   Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 78 (Link)   Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, by Je Tsongkhapa, Volume 1. Pages 222-223. Translated by the Lamrim Chenmo Translation Committee. Joshua Cutler, Editor-in-Chief, and Guy Newlan, Editor.   Ruiz, Don Miguel. The Four Agreements. Amer-Ellen Publishing, 2011. pp.  34-38.   Find us at the links below:  Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox Direct link to sign up for classes: Buddhist Study Program