Podcasts about Simplicity

 Dr. Lyman Montgomery is a renowned clarity and culture strategist, author, coach, and business leader with decades of experience empowering organizations and individuals to turn chaos into clarity. As the architect of the “5S Framework” and a globe-trotting consultant, Dr. Montgomery has guided over 60,000 leaders, built multiple businesses, and become a powerful voice for faith, focus, and cultural transformation. His latest work, "Sacred, Not Sinful," explores the intersection of Greek life and Christian discipleship, while his digital hub, CoachLyman.com, serves as a gateway for leaders seeking personal and professional growth. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Dr. Lyman joins Robert Plank to unpack his actionable 5S Framework Structure: Systems, Strategies, Simplicity, and Sustainability, which helps businesses and individuals thrive amidst distraction and overwhelm. The conversation traces Dr. Lyman's journey from humble beginnings to global influence, explores how leaders can overcome resistance to new tools and documentation (including leveraging AI for business efficiency), and examines the shift from an “I can't” to an “I will” mindset. Discussion topics include building strong foundational systems, driving business results with clarity, embracing collaboration, leveraging automation, and nurturing the habits that support sustainable growth both in the boardroom and at home. Quotes: "Simplicity drives business... The more simplistic you can make it, the more users will use it." "Everything we do is designed to get a result within 24 to 48 hours—otherwise, it's too complicated." "There's a difference between an 'I can't' mentality and an 'I will' mentality. Which are you choosing?" Resources: Connect with Dr. Lyman Montgomery on LinkedIn Transform chaos into clarity—grab Dr. Montgomery's book on Amazon. Learn more about how to navigate complex compliance challenges on their website Follow  Dr. Lyman Montgomery on Facebook

#670: As we close out 2025, premium credit cards are more expensive and more complicated than ever. It's fair to ask whether the points game is still worth the effort. We sit down with Chris Hutchins, host of All the Hacks, to talk about what's changed in credit card rewards, and how to decide whether to stick with travel points, switch to cash back, or run a hybrid strategy that keeps your life simple. We dig into the “value” problem behind all those new credits and perks. Instead of letting a card dictate our spending, we walk through how to price credits based on what we would genuinely pay for them, and when it's smarter to downgrade, negotiate a retention offer, or product change and keep your credit history intact. We also get tactical about booking travel in 2026: newer award search tools, how much flexibility matters, and a sneaky alternative most people forget, sometimes you can buy points directly and still get a strong deal without years of “earning.” If you want to earn more points (or waste less time chasing them), this conversation will help you reset your credit card strategy for 2026 with a clearer definition of what “worth it” even means. Key Takeaways “Credits” are not value unless we were already going to buy the thing, and we'd happily pay close to face value for that discount The points game is still powerful, but mostly through welcome offers, not micro-optimizing bonus categories Flexibility is the hidden lever in award travel, the best deals often show up when we loosen the date, airport, or destination constraints Cash back is having a moment, especially if we want simplicity and fewer mental tabs open. Before canceling a fee card, we can often negotiate, downgrade, or product change and keep the credit history we've built Sometimes the best move is to stop “maximizing,” take the trip, and protect our time for higher-impact work (or actual rest) Resources and Links Chris Hutchins, All the Hacks (https://www.chrishutchins.com) Our deep dive on credit reports and scores, Episode 221 YouTube video mentioned on why airline loyalty programs can be worth more than the airlines themselves FlyFlat.com Seats.Aero Point.me Rome Travel AwardTool.com PointsYeah.com Daydream Explorer Chapters Note: Timestamps are approximate and may vary greatly across listening platforms due to dynamically inserted ads. (01:22) The 2025 reset for premium credit cards (06:18) How the points game actually works in 2025 (10:29) Rethinking economy flights versus business class (16:37) Managing credit cards during major life transitions (23:57) Simplicity versus optimization in the points ecosystem (36:45) Luxury perks, rising fees, and who premium cards serve (43:34) Buying points directly instead of playing the game (58:44) Using AI and systems to build better money habits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the holiday season once again, so we're back with KJB Christmas Staple John McClane to check out yet another Die Hard movie. This time, John's wife is long gone. The Family he fought so hard to prove himself to in the previous movies want nothing to do with him. Maybe what he needs to do is focus on his work and bring in the fucking 1337 h4x0r that the FBI have just asked him to have a word with. Happy Holidays, from our podcast family to your real family. Or just to you, if your family sucks. ----- Check out friend of the show Mattie's new book Simplicity here, or wherever fine graphic novels are sold! ----- FREE PALESTINE Hey, Devon here. In our home, we talk a lot about how insane everything feels, and agonise constantly over what can be done to best help the Palestinians trapped in Gaza facing the full brunt of genocidal violence. My partner Rebecca has put together a list of four fundraisers you can contribute to- all of them are at work on the ground doing what they can. -Palestinian Communist Youth Union, which is doing a food and water effort, and is part of the official communist party of Palestine https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-preserve-whats-left-of-humanity-global-solidarity -Water is Life, a water distribution project in North Gaza affiliated with an Indigenous American organization and the Freedom Flotilla https://www.waterislifegaza.org/ -Vegetable Distribution Fund, which secured and delivers fresh veg, affiliated with Freedom Flotilla also https://www.instagram.com/linking/fundraiser?fundraiser_id=1102739514947848 -Thamra, which distributes herb and veg seedlings, repairs and maintains water infrastructure, and distributes food made with replanted veg patches https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-thamra-cultivating-resilience-in-gaza ----- WEB DESIGN ALERT Tom Allen is a friend of the show (and the designer behind our website). If you need web design help, reach out to him here:  https://www.tomallen.media/ Kill James Bond is hosted by November Kelly, Abigail Thorn, and Devon. You can find us at https://killjamesbond.com , as well as on our Bluesky and X.com the every app account

What if you could build a thriving $2M construction business by focusing on the right team structure and core values? Tom Bunn shares his journey from corporate burnout to successful contractor, revealing how his team-first approach and EOS framework transformed Bunn and Sons from a handyman service to a thriving design-build firm, without the chaos that typically plagues construction businesses.What You'll LearnHow to transition from working IN your business to working ON your businessWhy core values are essential for qualifying both team members and clientsHow to structure and manage trade partner relationships for long-term successThe importance of maintaining margin in your business decisionsWhy "table stakes" business practices can become a major differentiator in constructionTime Stamps00:00 - Episode Intro01:02 - Starting Bunn and Sons: From Corporate to Construction03:43 - Building the Business: Early Challenges and Growth06:04 - Team Dynamics: Assembling and Managing the Crew09:27 - Core Values and Company Culture25:31 - Building Long-Lasting Trade Partner Relationships25:56 - Onboarding and Integrating New Trade Partners27:15 - Maintaining Trade Partner Relationships34:00 - Client Qualification and Vetting Process40:20 - Challenges and Best Practices in Construction42:16 - The Importance of Margin in Business47:18 - Differentiating Through Basic Business Practices49:26 - The Low Barrier to Entry in Construction53:41 - Simplicity vs. Complexity in Business Operations55:15 - Final Thoughts and ReflectionsSnippets from the Episode"I've found that a lot of people we hire come to us in a state I'd loosely describe as 'battered wife.' This industry has just become far too commonplace for tradespeople to be undervalued, overworked, and stressed out."- Tom Bunn"When things get lean, there's a constant temptation to want to say 'maybe we could make this work,' but you have to be careful. It's very easy to burn a lot of relationship capital with your team when you bring a bad client on board."- Tom Bunn"Simple doesn't mean easy. Pricing is simple: direct costs, indirect costs, and margin on top. But if you don't know what those are, that very simple thing becomes tough."- Tom BunnKey TakeawaysDefine your core values first, then hire to match themFocus on coordination and client experienceMaintain long-term trade partner relationshipsPay invoices on time and respect trade partners' expertiseQualify clients against your values and ideal client profileProtect your margins by saying no to the wrong opportunitiesBasic business practices can be your biggest differentiatorResources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠24 Things⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Construction Business Owners Need to Successfully Hire & Train an Executive Assistant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a 15-Minute Roadblock CallBuild a Business that Runs without you. Explore our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GrowthKits⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need Marketing Help? We Recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Benali⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need Help with podcast production? We recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Demandcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Tom BunnLinked InBun & Sons websiteBun & Sons on IGMore from Martin Holland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theprofitproblem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠annealbc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from The Cash Flow ContractorSubscribe to our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow On Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X(formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cashflow Contractor

WHY A SIMPLE LIFE IS A BETTER LIFE: We live in a highly advanced, technical and complex life. TODAY I am going to show you through the biblical Scriptures as to why the SIMPLE LIFE is the BEST life possible. Let's get started.Please SUBSCRIBE!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/reason-for-truth--2774396/support.

Start the free 2-Minute Nervous System Reset → alignbreathing.com/resetIdo Portal joins Aaron for a raw, unconventional interview you won't hear anywhere else.Together, they'll explore how tension, ego, and identity live within the body, and how movement can be a powerful path for inner transformation. He and Aaron talk about postural patterns, personality masks, emotional awareness, and how quieting internal "noise" can help reconnect with truth. They also cover breathwork, stillness, and redefining strength through practice, not performance.OUR GUESTIdo Portal is a practitioner, teacher, educator, and consultant, working with a transformation and evolution-based approach through the medium of Movement in its various forms—physical, emotional, and mental. Ido is responsible for creating and promoting the worldwide phenomenon called Movement Culture, a modern paradigm shift in how humans perceive physical practices. This approach allows for a potent transfer of knowledge, tools, and methods across disciplines and expands the perception of movement beyond isolated terms like 'Athlete,' 'Dancer,' 'Fighter,' and 'Sports Person.'Ido's primary focus remains is his own practice, with secondary emphasis on spreading his teachings to an ever-growing community of practitioners worldwide. Over the years, Ido has collaborated with professional athletes from the MLB, NFL, European Champions League soccer teams, as well as actors, dancers, musicians, Olympians, UFC fighters, corporate giants, the film industry, and government bodies.IDO PORTAL

In this episode, George is joined by Konstantin Hula discusses his experiences and insights gained from coaching youth basketball, particularly focusing on the importance of intentional practice, clear principles of play, and effective communication. He reflects on his growth as a coach, the challenges faced while transitioning from coaching under 12s to under 14s, and the implementation of seasonal constraints to enhance player development. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Reflections on Previous Conversations02:54 - Coaching Practices and Intentionality05:55 - Transforming Basketball Summer Camp Experience08:53 - Challenges and Changes in Coaching Under 14s11:58 - Defining Constraints and Principles of Play14:59 - Effective Constraints in Practice17:54 - Communication and Accountability in Practice21:03 - Growth as a Coach and Accelerating Learning23:59 - Seasonal Constraints and Their Impact27:53 - Creative Constraints in Coaching30:19 - The Architect Metaphor in Coaching33:07 - Simplicity and Accountability in Coaching36:25 - Creating a Supportive Environment for Failure39:40 - The Evolution of Coaching Practices Level up your coaching with our Amazon Best Selling Book: https://amzn.to/3vO1Tc7Access tons more of evidence-based coaching resources: https://transformingbball.com/products/ Links:Website: http://transformingbball.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/transformbballInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/transformingbasketball/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transformingbasketballFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/transformingbasketball/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@transforming.basketball

In this episode of "Fit, Fun, and Frazzled," Nikki Lanigan recaps the biggest wellness, fitness, and pop culture trends of 2025 and shares her predictions for 2026. From strength training and sleep tech to music, movies, and fashion, Nikki explores what's hot, what's fading, and how to find balance in a world of extremes. Tune in for practical tips, pop culture highlights, and inspiration for a healthier, happier year ahead!00:00 – Introduction & Welcome00:29 – Meet Your Host: Nikki Lanigan01:00 – Sponsor Shoutouts & Special Offers02:25 – Main Episode Begins: 2025 Wellness Trends03:00 – The Year of Extremes: Team Culture & Wellness Fads07:00 – Strength, Simplicity, and Self-Regulation10:30 – Weighted Vests, Hybrid Workouts, and Recovery13:30 – The Rise of Sleep Tracking & Wearable Tech16:00 – Ortho Insomnia: When Tracking Goes Too Far18:30 – 2026 Predictions: From Burnout to Balance22:00 – Pop Culture & Entertainment Recap (Music, Movies, TV, Fashion)30:00 – Key Takeaways & Final Thoughts32:00 – Closing & How to Support the ShowSpecial Offers & Sponsors:​Mantra Match – 10% off with code NIKKIWELLNESS: ⁠https://mantramatcha.com/⁠​Neeshi Protein Powder – 20% off your first order with code NIKKIYOGA20: ⁠www.neeshi.com⁠Find Nikki on Substack:https://substack.com/@nikkilanigan

If you have been telling yourself you need a website, a funnel, or the perfect logo before you can earn real money as a coach, this episode is your wakeup call. Cathy Smith sits down with Greg Kilwein from AttractWell to talk about the 3 things that actually create a profitable coaching business. Joy, simplicity and profits. You will hear why busywork keeps coaches stuck, how to choose clients who value your work and can pay you well, and how to simplify your tech so you spend more time coaching and less time tinkering. Plus, Greg shares a simple day audit you can use to cut stress, buy back your time and build a business that feels good to run. Press play if you want more clients, more profit and way less overwhelm.Support the show: https://smallbusinesstalk.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As 2025 wraps, how are we set up for the year to come? We welcome economic experts Shamubeel Eaqub, Chief Economist at Simplicity, and Paul McBeth from the Bottom Line, to review a strange year in the markets. Why was the market’s reaction to trade tariffs so unpredictable? Why has market commentary been so pessimistic lately, even as Wall Street approaches new records? Why has NZ’s economy remained sluggish while share markets rose abroad? Has the property investing market learned its lesson? Hear Shamubeel’s theory that it’s been a humbling year for market commentators, and Paul's thoughts on the surprising strength of NZX small caps and Freightways. Plus, the AI question: A bubble, or the next industrial revolution? For more or to watch on YouTube—check out http://linktr.ee/sharedlunchShared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryo Lu spent years watching his designs die in meetings. Then he discovered the tool that lets designers ship code at the speed of thought: Cursor, the company where Ryo is now Head of Design. In this episode, a16z General Partner Jennifer Li sits down with Ryo to discuss why "taste" is the wrong framework for understanding the future, why purposeful apps are "selfish," how System 7 holds secrets about AI interfaces, and the radical bet that one codebase can serve everyone if you design the concepts right instead of the buttons. Timecodes:00:01:45 - Design Becomes Approachable to Everyone00:02:36 - From Years to Minutes: Product Feedback Loops Collapse00:07:54 - "Each role used their own tool...their own lingo"00:13:15 - "If you don't have an opinion, you'll get AI slop"00:17:18 - The Lost Art of Being a Complete Builder00:21:42 - Design Is Not About Aesthetics00:28:57 - User-Centric vs System-Centric Philosophy00:34:00 - AI as Universal Interface, Not Chat Box00:38:42 - "Simplicity is the Biggest Constraint"00:43:42 - "I Don't Sit in Figma All Day Making Mocks"00:46:33 - RyoOS: Building A Personal Operating System00:48:45 - "We've been doing the same thing since 1984" Resources:Follow Ryo Lu on X: https://x.com/ryolu_Follow Jennifer Li on X: https://x.com/JenniferHliFollow Erik Torenberg on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg Stay Updated:If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!  Find a16z on X: https://x.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you feel overwhelmed when you sit down to plan your year?   In this episode, I share a simple, Christ‑centered method to plan your year with peace and clarity, so you can avoid overwhelm and stay rooted in God's leading.  

In this conversation, Jim discusses the importance of letting go in various aspects of life, particularly in health, personal growth, and emotional well-being. He emphasizes that many people feel they are missing something essential for success, but true fulfillment comes from simplicity and living in the moment. By letting go of preconceived notions and embracing challenges, individuals can navigate life's complexities with greater ease and find joy in the mundane.   If you are a coach, sign up now for The Real Coaches Summit 2026 in Las Vegas this April, organized by yours truly - Aram Grigorian.  The speaker lineup is insane, and don't forget macro friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner is provided, as well as a top shelf open bar happy hour each evening to network and meet the speakers.  No VIP - we are all equals at this event!     You can find us on Instagram: Aram: @4weeks2thebeach Jim: @jimmynutrition   Grab some Serenity Gummies: CuredNutrition.com Code: OSL for 20% OFF Get some t-shirts/tanks/hoodies at:   https://www.othersidelifestyle.com/shop If you'd like to reach out to Aram, you can find him at:  https://www.4weeks2thebeach.com/work-with-me If you'd like to reach out to Jim, you can find him at:  https://www.othersidelifestyle.com/schedule Go get some supplements: www.legionathletics.com, use code: ARAM

In this engaging conversation, Zach Davis and Coach Ben Avis explore the intersection of coaching and teaching, emphasizing the importance of connection, simplicity, and adaptability in both fields. They discuss the philosophy of coaching as a form of teaching, the significance of finding joy in the work, and the necessity of making decisions and leading effectively. The dialogue also touches on the value of constructive criticism, personal growth, and the importance of seeking wise counsel in the journey of coaching and education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connection Through Football 02:58 Teaching and Coaching: A Shared Philosophy 05:53 The Importance of Simplicity in Coaching 09:01 Adapting Strategies: Evolving with the Game 11:54 Footwork and Execution: The Art of Running Plays 14:47 Coaching Philosophy: Teaching Men, Not Boys 17:44 Finding Joy in Coaching and Education 20:56 Decision Making in Coaching: The Importance of Leadership 23:46 Constructive Criticism and Personal Growth 26:39 Seeking Wise Counsel and Building Trust 29:40 Conclusion: Making a Difference in Coaching and Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel torn apart by too many obligations, constantly anxious despite your attempts at better organization? Pastor Dorrell argues that our chronic busyness and accumulation of possessions fundamentally trouble our souls in ways that mere efficiency cannot solve. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 7:29 and the account of Martha and Mary in Luke 10, he contends that God designed us for singular focus and simplicity, not endless multiplication of responsibilities and things. The sermon challenges listeners to ruthlessly eliminate hurry, declutter their lives—finances, schedules, homes, and digital noise—and reorder their existence around their truest priority: intimacy with God and the peace that follows.Eastland is a Place to BelongEastland Baptist Church is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We are a welcoming and close-knit family community that loves to care for each other through the Church. We strongly believe in loving and supporting each other and our neighbors. Our members don't just attend our Church; they feel a strong sense of belonging.Join Us Find service times and our location at https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/join. Connect with UsWebsite: https://www.eastlandbaptist.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastlandbaptisttulsaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastlandbaptistTo support the ministry of Eastland Baptist Church, tap here: https://www.eastlandbaptist.org/give.

This epsiode is brought ot you by LMNT, Strong Coffee Company, Legion Athletics and Fatty15. After healing from Hodgkin's lymphoma in her 30s, Elissa Goodman turned her personal health crisis into a lifelong mission: helping others prevent and recover from cancer through holistic nutrition and mindful living. In this episode, she opens up about her journey from stress-driven corporate life to deep healing through green juicing, plant-based eating, and inner work like yoga, trauma release, and plant medicine. Elissa discusses how trauma, inflammation, and our toxic environment create the "cancer terrain"—and how we can reverse it with simple, nutrient-dense habits and radical self-love. Her story is not just about healing cancer but transforming one's entire way of living. Follow Elissa @elissagoodman Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – The Current Cancer Epidemic 03:00 – Diagnosis at 32 & Discovering Juicing 07:00 – Taking Healing into Her Own Hands 11:00 – The Power of One Question: "Are You Happy?" 15:00 – Losing Her Husband & What Holistic Healing Taught Her 21:00 – Top Anti-Cancer Foods & The Inflammation Connection 28:00 - Cacao, Grief, and Plant Medicine as Emotional Healing Tools 33:00 - The Cancer Terrain: Internal Environment vs. Genetics 38:00 - Detoxification Basics: Sweat, Sleep, & Simplicity 43:00 - Myths About Juicing, Water Fasting, and Sugar ----- Episode resources: Get a FREE electrolyte variety mix with any purchase at https://www.DrinkLMNT.com/everforward Save 15% on organic coffee and lattes wiht code CHASE at https://www.StrongCoffeeCompany.com  Get an additional 15% off the 90-day starter kit of C15:0 essential fatty acids at https://www.Fatty15.com/everforward Get 20% off your entire first purhcase with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.LegionAthletics.com  Watch and subscribe on YouTube

We talk about remembering stuff, the poverty line, putting the terror in tourism, and religious nonbinary friends. If you would like to get the book we talk about, (Simplicity by Mattie Lubchansky) you can find it here: https://tinyurl.com/tdw33pt6

I take a look at how consequentialism's ethic is antithetical to the way of the simple good. A huge thanks to Seth White for the awesome music!Thanks to Palmtoptiger17 for the beautiful logo: https://www.instagram.com/palmtoptiger17/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thewayfourth/?modal=admin_todo_tourYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTd3KlRte86eG9U40ncZ4XA?view_as=subscriberInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theway4th/ Kingdom Outpost: https://kingdomoutpost.org/My Reading List Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21940220.J_G_ElliotPurity of Heart is to Will One Thing: https://www.religion-online.org/book/purity-of-heart-is-to-will-one-thing/ Thanks to our monthly supporters J Phillip Mast Laverne Miller Jesse Killion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

9th shiur - R' Jonathan Rietti Likutei Moharan Torah 7 Tinyana.Subscribe to our WhatsApp status for exclusive updates, short clips and more. We are also available on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts. Download our english and hebrew pamphlets here

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Love Khadijah, a renowned content creator and author known for her love hacks and accountability coaching. In this episode, we delve into the simplicity and complexity of men, exploring the dynamics of love and reciprocity. Discover how small gestures can transform relationships and why understanding and empathy are key. Love Khadijah shares her insights on the power of words and the importance of self-awareness in nurturing healthy connections.

Servitude; Bondage; Slavery; Critical topic; Debt; "gods many"; "son of God" title; Firing the moneychangers; Statues; Abraham's story; Defining "servitude"; "Inalienable rights"; "Covenants of the gods" book; Sureties for debt; Sharing with the needy; Pension story; Imagined entitlements; What a free government looks like - Leviticus; 13th amendment; Corporate persons; Worshipping metaphors; Workers of iniquity; Learning how to be free; "Altars"; Q from Mark: Employment?; Protection?; Bondage of Egypt; Consequences of oppression; Social Security insurance?; Christ's answer; Taxes vs tithes; Moses freeing the people; Asking the right teacher; "Saved already"?; Modern Christians mimicking pharisees; Q from Katwellair: Noahide laws?; Mark responds; Idolatry; Gen 9:4; Tearing from neighbors' flesh; Loving neighbor; Daily sacrifice; Acquiring wisdom; Christ's commands; Taking back your responsibilities; Body of Christ; Levites; "Corvee"; Amish?; Masses yearning for free stuff; "Judeo-Christian values"?; vs Covetous practices; Family corporation; Rev 18:11; What happens after death?; Surrendering; Seeking His kingdom and righteousness; Simplicity of Christ's process; Collapsing the economy; Gathering in Tens, Hundreds and Thousands; Possession; "Cash"; Centering your faith; Private interpretation; Fear not!

Dharma practice is inherently countercultural.  We're asked to go against the current.  Doing this requires that we develop certain skills.  In an effort to practice simplicity, we practice certain skills.  We learn to see the drawbacks of chasing after sense pleasures; and we learn to know the joy of simplicity.  In this talk, Peter Doobinin describes the skills that the dharma student cultivates, in making the path, in practicing simplicity, in knowing the joy that it brings.  The talk was given in the fall of 2025. NY Dharma: www.nydharma.org 

It's our final heist movie of the year, and it's time to flip the script a little. A union man in immediate postwar Italy is assigned a job putting up posters. The pay is enough to finally give his family some stability, but it requires a bicycle. When his bike is stolen on his first day, he and his remarkable young son search through the markets and back alleys of Rome to find it. ----- Check out friend of the show Mattie's new book Simplicity here, or wherever fine graphic novels are sold! ----- FREE PALESTINE Hey, Devon here. In our home, we talk a lot about how insane everything feels, and agonise constantly over what can be done to best help the Palestinians trapped in Gaza facing the full brunt of genocidal violence. My partner Rebecca has put together a list of four fundraisers you can contribute to- all of them are at work on the ground doing what they can. -Palestinian Communist Youth Union, which is doing a food and water effort, and is part of the official communist party of Palestine https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-preserve-whats-left-of-humanity-global-solidarity -Water is Life, a water distribution project in North Gaza affiliated with an Indigenous American organization and the Freedom Flotilla https://www.waterislifegaza.org/ -Vegetable Distribution Fund, which secured and delivers fresh veg, affiliated with Freedom Flotilla also https://www.instagram.com/linking/fundraiser?fundraiser_id=1102739514947848 -Thamra, which distributes herb and veg seedlings, repairs and maintains water infrastructure, and distributes food made with replanted veg patches https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-thamra-cultivating-resilience-in-gaza ----- WEB DESIGN ALERT Tom Allen is a friend of the show (and the designer behind our website). If you need web design help, reach out to him here:  https://www.tomallen.media/ Kill James Bond is hosted by November Kelly, Abigail Thorn, and Devon. You can find us at https://killjamesbond.com , as well as on our Bluesky and X.com the every app account

Heavenly Advent study: Shepherd Simplicity!Support the show

Send us a text “What do you value most about the holiday?” In this podcast I will share some ideas on how to simplify Christmas and let go of the “perfect Christmas.”  I share the idea of taking a moment to really reflect on what you love the most about the season and then go all in on that.  Then share a few examples of different ways to simplify decorations, menu, traditions and gifts.   Rethinking a quote: there is no way to have a perfect Christmas but a million ways to have a good one!  For show notes and sources go to www.findingthefloor.com/ep241 I would love to hear from you! You can reach me at camille@findingthefloor.com or dm @findingthefloor on instagram. Thanks for listening!!Thanks to Seth Johnson for my intro and outro original music. I love it so much!

A wonderful discussion on Ritavan's podcast. Reposted here with full credit to him. Check out his show -- Part Maven, Part Maverick.I open with a story of a very memorable chance encounter with the billionaire investor and founder, Ken Langone, in my early years in New York City. We talk about trust, money, compounding, and so much more. Tune in this weekend!Bogumil Baranowski has spent two decades managing wealth for families. He speaks about how there are a thousand ways to make money, a thousand ways to live a happy life, and a thousand ways to keep and grow a family fortune, but the patterns that endure are timeless: patience, simplicity, and mindfulness.Bogumil has written 4 books, hosted the Talking Billions podcast fore more than 3 years with over 200 guests.His first book, Outsmarting the Crowd, strips investing down to its core. Stocks are not tickers; they are ownership in real businesses. Markets are emotional machines that transfer money from the impatient to the patient. Good investing isn't about intelligence or predictions. It's about behavior. The ability to think independently and sit still when others panic beats any complicated financial product or analysis.In Money, Life, Family, the scope expands. Making money is the easy part. Keeping it and staying grounded is harder. Bogumil breaks the pursuit into three parts:Money: Let capital compound quietly in the background.Life: Build a life you don't need to run away or retire from.Family: Pass down discipline and values before assets.The lesson is to treat wealth as something to be maintained, not chased. Staying rich is about avoiding mistakes, not finding genius trades. Simplicity, patience, and humility win.Crisis Investing was written during COVID, when the world lost its mind. The core idea: a crisis doesn't change your principles; it reveals whether you ever had them. Those who held cash, owned good businesses, and stayed calm survived. Those who built on leverage and noise didn't. Survival is underrated. So is sitting still.His more recent essays refine these ideas. He moved from chasing “cheap” stocks to owning great businesses. Cheap is useless if the business is bad. Quality, held long enough, does the heavy lifting. Investing isn't about finding magic moments. It's about enduring long stretches of boredom without losing discipline.He also writes about the psychology of money. Wealth doesn't change who you are; it amplifies what's already there. If you were anxious before, money gives you new ways to worry. If you were grounded, it gives you ways to live on your terms. The fix isn't more money; it's clarity about what's enough and why you're doing any of it in the first place.Podcast Program – Disclosure StatementBlue Infinitas Capital, LLC is a registered investment adviser and the opinions expressed by the Firm's employees and podcast guests on this show are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Blue Infinitas Capital, LLC. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice.Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed.Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives, and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment adviser to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

God is never the author of confusion—His teachings to man are simple and can be easily accepted and applied. Christianity is simple yet powerful living.

Most advisors know they need a stronger digital presence, but the landscape can feel overwhelming. David Anderson breaks it down into practical steps any advisor can take to build trust online without getting tangled in compliance challenges. In this episode, Randy Yost and David Anderson, Director of Digital Marketing and Analytics at Simplicity Group, unpack the most significant shifts in consumer behavior, the rise of AI in marketing, and what advisors must focus on to stay relevant in a digital-first world. David shares how to create content that stands out, what really builds credibility with high-net-worth prospects, and which platforms are worth paying attention to right now. Randy and David discuss: Why due diligence now starts online, and how advisors can adapt The real influence of AI on content creation and workflow Balancing compliance with engaging video and social content What high-net-worth prospects look for before reaching out And more Connect with Randy Yost: LinkedIn Email InsurMark Contact Form Connect with David Anderson: LinkedIn Simplicity Group About our Guest: David Anderson is the Director of Digital Marketing at Simplicity, specializing in strategies for high compliance industries. His background in analytics and consumer behavior shapes his approach to advisor marketing, helping firms create digital ecosystems that support trust and long-term growth.

Elisabeth Scott is a USATF, RRCA, and UESCA certified running coach and the host of the enormously popular Running Explained Podcast. She and Jason are answering questions from Jason's Instagram about: Optimal ratio of hard to easy mileage Physiological benefits of moderate paced running Helpful cues to ensure you're truly running easy How you figure out your training paces Elisabeth is an authentic and powerful force in the running community and I hope you use her startegic advice in your training.  Thank you 2Before! We are supported by 2Before, a powerful sports supplement made from New Zealand Blackcurrant berries designed to increase endurance, manage inflammation, support immunity, and promote adaptation. 2Before helps to boost performance by increasing blood flow, making it more efficient for the body to pump oxygenated nutrient-rich blood into the muscles. Just like beetroot powder but more effective, 2before uses the powerful vasodilation benefits of blackcurrant berries to prime you for hard work. If you're getting ready for a big workout or race, their caffeinated version is a must try! You'll get the oxygen boosting benefits of blackcurrants, plus the performance benefits of caffeine. So, if you want to try to boost your performance and immune system, use code JASON for 30% off 20 packs and multi-serve packs at 2Before.com. Thank you to 2Before for supporting Strength Running! Thank you Gut & Green! Previnex's new Gut & Green Superfoods powder is my new go-to. It has organic barley and oat grass, alfalfa, spirulina, chlorella, kale and broccoli… and that's it. Simplicity is powerful and Gut & Green delivers on what I care most about: doing one thing really well. Their ingredients are backed by clinical data and contain three specific gut fibers that help promote GI health, digestion, reduced inflammation, and a better microbiome. As someone who doesn't always eat all of their vegetables, this is important to me. With twice of the fiber of my last greens mix and a better flavor, it's a no brainer. Gut & Green Superfoods is like insurance against my diet (which isn't always as good as it should be) so I can feel my best throughout the day. Try it for yourself here at previnex.com and be sure to use code "JASONGREENS" to save 15% off your first order. Don't tell anyone, but if you put Gut & Green Superfoods powder in your cart, then the 15% off discount will work for anything else you add into your cart as well. Thanks Gut & Green! Thanks to The Performance Training Journal! The Performance Training Journal is now available on Amazon and debuted as the #4 new release in the running category. Since I started running in 1998, I've kept a hardcopy training journal. Holding a tangible log, writing in it daily, and reflecting on the ups and downs of running is a surefire way to improve.  This hardcopy training journal helps you focus on the training metrics that matter, prioritizes a long-term outlook so you don't take any shortcuts, and maintains your motivation with strategic self-praise. With a no-frills, functional design, the Performance Training Journal includes coaching advice on racing, injury prevention, strength training, and more. It will guide you through race scheduling, how to plan your race morning, the best workouts for endurance runners, and encourage you to track your personal bests over time.  You have the space to make this journal your own whether you're a new runner or a professional, a trail or road runner, or a mid-distance specialist or ultra marathoner.⁣ So don't just track your running, learn from it with the Performance Training Journal! Check it out today on Amazon.

Tune in as the team discusses:Why traditional real estate often requires major capital, time, and emotional staminaHow land investors can get started with as little as $500–$5,000Why land deals are simple, repeatable, and scalable, unlike houses where every deal is a unique projectHow land can be bought and sold sight unseen using online tools and due diligenceWhy owner financing turns small land parcels into steady, long-term monthly incomeHow defaults can actually boost profits because the asset returns to the sellerWhy land appreciates over time—even though appreciation isn't the primary strategyHow small wins build momentum faster than waiting for one “big deal” paydayWho the real end buyers are: people who want freedom, recreation, and their first piece of propertyWhy land investing removes tenants, toilets, termites, and midnight emergencies—foreverTIP OF THE WEEK“We buy land at steep discounts because there's low emotional attachment. That's where the opportunity is.” — Scott Bossman“Land is the entry-level gateway to real estate. Start small, reduce your risk, and learn how real investing works.” — Mike Zaino“Choose the model that gives you time freedom. Simplicity and repeatability will always beat complexity.” — Jon BurnettWANT MORE?Enjoyed this episode? Dive into more episodes of AOPI to discover how to build real passive income through land investing.UNLOCK MORE FREE RESOURCES:Get instant access to my free training, a free copy of my Bestseller Dirt Rich Book, and exclusive bonuses to accelerate your land investing journey—it's all here: https://thelandgeek.ac-page.com/Podcast-Linktree."Isn't it time to create passive income so you can work where you want when you want, and with whomever you want?"

In this powerful client spotlight, Daria opens up about her long-game transformation. Navigating a lipedema diagnosis, multiple surgeries, and the mental load that comes with it—while committing to a simple promise: never live above 200 pounds again. We dig into the routines and mindsets that actually stick: consistent training, protein-forward meals, community support, and self-advocacy in a confusing healthcare landscape. Daria also shares her GLP-1 experience for managing food noise, the role of coaching accountability, and how letting go of rigid expectations unlocked real momentum. If you need proof that showing up beats perfection, this is it. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app The Fitness League Waiting List https://u3rwk.share.hsforms.com/2rkAwsFntTAeZ__PxwXdr4Q Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Daria's Journey 02:25 The Long Game: Commitment to Health 07:21 Understanding Lipedema: A Personal Diagnosis 13:26 Choosing to Keep Moving: Overcoming Challenges 16:39 The Role of GLP-1 Medications in Weight Management 20:07 Navigating Dietary Choices with Accountability 22:09 Consistency in Lifestyle Changes 25:05 Establishing a Routine for Success 29:21 The Power of Simplicity in Nutrition 30:42 Embracing Change and Overcoming Challenges 33:38 Letting Go of Past Expectations 36:41 Gratitude and Reflection on the Journey

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. We're talking with Sarah Hooley, Executive Pastor at City Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Founded in 2016 by Lead Pastor Chris Freeman, City Church is a young, rapidly growing, intentionally multi-ethnic, multi-economic, and multi-generational church. Since moving from a setup/teardown environment into their renovated 60,000-square-foot facility, the church has experienced explosive growth—reaching 2,500–2,600 weekly attendees, baptizing nearly 500 people this year, and engaging a high percentage of unchurched and new-to-faith individuals. Is your church reaching people far from Jesus but struggling to disciple them well? Are you navigating the complexities that come with rapid growth? Tune in as Sarah shares how City Church reaches, welcomes, disciples, and mobilizes people who often arrive with little to no church background. Reaching the unchurched at scale. // From the beginning, City Church planted itself intentionally in one of Fort Wayne's most racially diverse neighborhoods. Many guests arrive with no church vocabulary. Many don't know the difference between the Old and New Testament or famous biblical characters. Teaching, therefore, is designed with zero assumptions, helping newcomers feel included while still deeply challenging long-time believers. Worship reflects the church's diversity, blending musical styles in a way that unites cultures rather than centering one preference. Many first-time attendees hear about the church through friends who aren't yet believers themselves—evidence that transformation is visibly taking root. Welcoming culture built by transformed people. // One of the most powerful forces shaping City Church is its culture of warmth and belonging. Their Connections Director, Victoria, came to Christ through City Church herself—giving her deep empathy for the unchurched experience and a passion for noticing people. Her team is trained not just to greet but to see people, engage them meaningfully, and make church feel safe and familiar. Serve teams are intentionally open to nonbelievers as a front door for community and spiritual curiosity—allowing people to “belong before they believe.” This relational warmth is often the defining difference-maker for guests who have never experienced church before. Discipleship for people with no foundation. // Rapid growth and a high percentage of new believers revealed a critical discipleship gap. In response, Pastor Chris launched Act Like Men, a 15-week, high-accountability discipleship course for young men covering identity, integrity, purity, humility, servanthood, and spiritual discipline. Women quickly asked for something similar, prompting the launch of Be Bold Women, a complementary course that includes teaching, mentoring, small groups, a women's conference, and topics like emotional health, community, and living as a godly woman. A volunteer-driven church with a tiny staff. // One of the most stunning aspects of City Church is how much ministry happens through volunteers rather than staff. With only seven full-time staff and roughly 2,600 attendees, their ratio is radically outside national norms. Staff serve as equippers, not doers. High-level volunteer leaders oversee major portions of ministry: shadowing, training, leading teams, scheduling people, and pastoring others. Leadership development is an essential form of discipleship, not an operational necessity. Leading from abundance, not scarcity. // Sarah encourages leaders to adopt a “loaves and fishes” mindset – the question is not what the church lacks but what God can do with what it has. Simplicity, clarity, and focus keep the team aligned. Staff calibrate constantly, coaching one another to resist the pull toward doing everything themselves. Sarah also stresses the importance of relational support systems for leaders—cohorts, mentors, and peers who remind pastors that faithfulness, not outcomes, is the goal. To learn more about City Church, visit forthecity.com, or follow them on social media at @citychurchfw. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Lastly, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get automatic updates every time a new episode goes live! Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Risepointe Do you feel like your church’s or school's facility could be preventing growth? Are you frustrated or possibly overwhelmed at the thought of a complicated or costly building project? Are the limitations of your building becoming obstacles in the path of expanding your ministry? Have you ever felt that you could reach more people if only the facility was better suited to the community’s needs? Well, the team over at Risepointe can help! As former ministry staff and church leaders, they understand how to prioritize and help lead you to a place where the building is a ministry multiplier. Your mission should not be held back by your building. Their team of architects, interior designers and project managers have the professional experience to incorporate creative design solutions to help move YOUR mission forward. Check them out at risepointe.com/unseminary and while you’re there, schedule a FREE call to explore possibilities for your needs, vision and future…Risepointe believes that God still uses spaces…and they're here to help. Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Hey friends, welcome to the unSeminary podcast. So glad that you’ve decided to tune in today. This is going to be a jam-packed episode. You’re going to want to buckle up. We’re talking about a lot of stuff today that applies to your church that I know will be super helpful. I’m excited to be talking to Sarah Hooley. She is the executive pastor at a church called City Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This is a church you should be tracking with. If you’re not, they were founded in 2016 by lead pastor Chris Freeman. It’s a diverse church in a city that is for the city with multi-ethnic, multi-economic, multi-generational community. It’s really, God’s doing some incredible things here, and you’re going to want to track along with that. And we’ve got Sarah on the show to help us. Sarah, welcome to the show. Sarah Hooley — Thank you so much for having me. It is a privilege to be joining you today. Rich Birch — Oh, this is going to be wonderful. I’m really looking forward to learning from you. Why don’t you tell us a little bit of the City Church story, kind of set up. Tell us a little bit about it. What’s going on Give us a sense of what’s happening at City Church. Sarah Hooley — Yeah, so we are a nine-year-old church plant. We were a set-up, teardown church for the last eight or so years ah seven and a half. We’ve move we bought a grocery store in 2020. Rich Birch — Good year. Sarah Hooley — Great time to buy a building, and and it was being used as a warehouse. And so we bought it and then the pandemic happened and we’re like, well, we still have a warehouse occupying the space. Maybe at some point it’ll become a church. We don’t know. And then it was just about a couple years ago that we then started a capital campaign and went to develop the the space. It’s 60,000 square feet. We developed about 40,000 square feet of it for our church. Rich Birch — Wow. Sarah Hooley — I’m thinking, man, that’s going to, we’ll be set for a good long time. And we are out of space already. Rich Birch — Yes. Sarah Hooley — And so and we moved from two services to three. And now we’re just, excuse me, trying to figure out what do we do? um God has just been moving in incredible ways. Like we have from the from the start been very intentional about wanting to be a multi-ethnic, multi-economic, multi-generational church. And where we planted has been very intentional. Sarah Hooley — So even where we were for set up and tear down, and we were right in the heart of the city where it was the most ethnically diverse within Fort Wayne. So Fort Wayne is roughly about 66% white in the city as a whole, but in our neighborhood specifically, it’s more 40% African-American, 20% white, 20-ish percent Hispanic. And so it is a much more racially diverse area. Rich Birch — So good. Sarah Hooley — And that is has been very intentional from the beginning. And so our location now, is it’s just been beautiful to see how God has really drawn people from every background. And, you know anyone who’s been a part of a multi-ethnic church knows that that that’s a messy process. It’s It is incredible to see, though, the the beauty and of what God can do when we are are not just attending a church together, but really in community with one another, and with people who come from radically different backgrounds um and and how that can really bring about a lot of healing in our stories and in our in our relationships. Rich Birch — So good. Sarah Hooley — And so um we have grown since moving into the building, we were about 800 people um when we were set-up/teardown. And then once we moved into the building, it has just been um exponential growth. So we we have grown very quickly and just tried to keep up with all of it. Sarah Hooley — One of the things that I’ve i’ve just loved about City Church is it’s very intentional about um reaching those who don’t know Jesus. And so the that really comes from our our lead pastor, from Pastor Chris Freeman, his heart for the lost. So a lot of our growth has not been transfer growth. It’s not just people moving from church to church, but really those who’ve never set foot in a church, those who are, or who ah are really far from Jesus. It’s been a long time. Sarah Hooley — And the greatest evidence of that, that we’ve seen is we are on track to have 500 baptisms this year. Rich Birch — Wow. Oh my goodness. Sarah Hooley — That has just blown our minds. Rich Birch — That’s incredible. Sarah Hooley — Like we, We had to move up ah the frequency of our baptisms to every six weeks because we just could not keep up with all of the people who wanted to get baptized. Rich Birch — We’re not baptizing enough. That’s amazing. Wow. That’s incredible. Sarah Hooley — But we we’re about 430 right now, and I have over 70 people registered for this next upcoming one in December. Sarah Hooley — So it has just it has been a wild ride… Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s great. Sarah Hooley — …of um seeing God move in such phenomenal ways, and and just try to be faithful along the way. How do we steward these people well? Rich Birch — So good. Sarah Hooley — How do we continue to point them to Jesus? How do we encourage them to grow in their faith and to take those next steps of what it looks like to follow him? So it’s… Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good. There’s a ton we could we could unpack there, and maybe we’ll have you on in the future to talk. I um, you know, we’ve said it in the past on the podcast, every zip code in the country is more diverse today than it was 10 years ago, and 10 years from now, it will be more diverse, and our churches need to continue to progress towards reflecting the kingdom of God and being, as you’re saying, multi-ethnic. Rich Birch — And so there’s a ton we could we could learn from you on that. Maybe we’ll have you back in the future to talk about that. Cause I, that is definitely a thing I think we all can, can learn from, but I’d love to kind of key in on what you were talking there about. Hey, your church has a heart for, which I think lots of churches do have a heart for reaching people, who don’t know Jesus, but it’s like actually happening at your church, ah which is incredible. Rich Birch — So what were some early signs, you know, that you realize, or what are some of the signs that you realize, oh, this is actually happening. Like we’re actually reaching people. Baptism is one of them. Can you think of any other signs that were like, oh, we we’re reaching people who, who this is a brand new thing for them? Sarah Hooley — Yeah. So I mean, baptism was definitely a big sign of like, wow, these are, these are people who are, are new to following Jesus and taking that, that first step. And in our conversations with people who are preparing to be baptized, um, that, that was a part. It’s so funny, just, just this last week, uh, somebody posted on their Facebook page, uh, City Church choir is better than the club for real. Rich Birch — I love it. Love it. That’s great. Sarah Hooley — And they didn’t, like we don’t have, we didn’t have a choir. It’s our worship team, but like they don’t even know the words for what that worship team is. Rich Birch — Yes. Yes. Yeah. They don’t know the words yet. Sarah Hooley — And, and the comments after that, like it, it truly was showing that we, we are drawing and attracting people who, who like, they’ve they’ve never really considered going to church. And then in our conversations with people, as they’ve realized, like, man, I do want this. I want to follow this Jesus. Like, this makes sense. This is incredible. But you just can’t assume anything. Rich Birch — No. Sarah Hooley — Like, they there’s no foundational understanding of what that looks like. There’s no, and and I think even just, there’s no understanding of even like what some sins are. Like, there’s just not like, oh, I didn’t even, not even realizing that like, that’s not a good idea to continue. So we’ve had, we have people who are like, yes, I want to follow Jesus. And then they’re still sleeping with their girlfriend. They’re still, you know, like it’s and it’s like… Rich Birch — Yes. Yeah. 100%. Sarah Hooley — …oh, I didn’t, I didn’t even know… Rich Birch — The thing. Sarah Hooley — …that that was something that you shouldn’t do. Rich Birch — Yes. Sarah Hooley — And so really being able to, to come alongside and say, okay, man, we have to go back to the basics. We can’t assume anything. It’s gonna… Rich Birch — That’s good. Sarah Hooley — And it really has set the tone, even in just the way that Chris preaches and and all of our our pastors preach that we don’t make assumptions when we’re talking about scripture. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Sarah Hooley — So allowing um there not to be any barriers or or anything that would create a place where people would feel like, man, like everybody else knows what he’s talking about, but I don’t. And so like just the way that you set things up and explain things and introduce people. So you don’t don’t just assume that everybody knows who Joseph is from the Old Testament. Rich Birch — 100%. Right. Sarah Hooley — Like you have to be like, Hey, this is this guy. And so I think that that has led us to like, Chris does such a great job on Sunday mornings, but man, there’s, there’s so much more that we need to do as far as for people to truly learn what it means to follow Jesus when they don’t have much of a background. Like it’s going to take some more intentional discipleship that, um that we do. So that that has been really a process of of recognition that we even people who are coming on a Sunday… Rich Birch — Right. Sarah Hooley — …they’re excited about Jesus, there’s still some gaps there. Rich Birch — Sure. I’d love to talk. We’re going to get into the discipleship question, but I just want to pause just before we get there. And so um what do you think God’s using to help your church engaged? You know, in different circles of the Christian world, it’s called different things. Unchurched people, seekers, people who follow Jesus, people new to the faith, you know. So the teaching, I agree. That’s like a best practice around, um ah you know, taking time to explain. It takes three sentences to explain instead of just saying, well, you all know Joseph. Sarah Hooley — Yeah. Rich Birch — He’s an example, which is just lazy preaching. You should take a few sentences, explain it. But what else is God using you think to, ah you know, to help your church reach so many unchurched people? Sarah Hooley — Yeah, you know, so we we really have, the the teaching is significant. Rich Birch — Yep. Sarah Hooley — And that’s one of the things that I have just been blown away. So I grew up as a pastor’s kid, went to Bible college, went to seminary, like… Rich Birch — Yep. Sarah Hooley — …biblical, like good, solid biblical teaching is such a huge priority for me. Rich Birch — Yep. Sarah Hooley — And the thing that I think has been unique is that Chris has a way of communicating with those who have never been in church and and helping them to to see a clear picture of who Jesus is and challenging the deep disciples. Those who’ve been following Jesus their whole life. And yet, man… Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s so good. Sarah Hooley — …the way that he brings light to scripture and, and even just like points out some, like, this is what it means to live this out. Rich Birch — That’s good. Sarah Hooley — That has made such a big difference. And then, so we really have had this, this drawing of, of those who have been followers… Rich Birch — So good. Sarah Hooley — …who then can invest in those who are new believers. But also we have, and it and it is beautiful, like a really dynamic worship time that is incredible. And one of the things that’s unique about it is it’s because we’re multi-ethnic, you can’t just go in one kind of genre of music, like it really is a blend. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good. Sarah Hooley — And so there’s something about it that um it it’s not all of anyone’s preferences, but you’re like, oh man, like I love this part of it. And then, well, this part’s new and different, but okay, I can I can get on board with it. And so I think those that combination, um but there’s there’s another factor and that’s, that really is in the culture that’s been set in how we are a welcoming church. Sarah Hooley — And so our connections director is somebody who came to faith in our church. So she she started following Jesus, like she had no church background whatsoever, started following Jesus, um started really growing in her discipleship. Her name is Victoria. And it it has been such a beautiful thing to see how she has has such a heart for Jesus and heart for others. And so she’s continued to invest in her team… Rich Birch — It’s great. Sarah Hooley — …in like, how do we make people feel welcome from the beginning? How do we not just say hello and let them walk by, but like really see people? Sarah Hooley — And she has really invested in her connection team on like, how is that an opportunity for discipleship? And so one of the things is you can you can join our greet team. You can join our parking lot team. You can join our coffee team and not be a believer. But the heart behind it is like, is you’re still investigating who Jesus is. Like we hope that you’re rubbing shoulders with someone who is following after him. Rich Birch — Yeah, make some friends, right? Yeah, absolutely. Sarah Hooley — And you have those conversations and that relationship has grown um through that. And you’re you get a picture of of who Jesus is. Rich Birch — So good. Sarah Hooley — And so um like there there it’s just this multifaceted thing that has happened um that really is like when you come, you’re like man, I want to be a part of this. And so we have like, that’s the crazy thing. We have people who are not followers of Jesus inviting their friends, Rich Birch — Yeah, 100%. That’s great. Sarah Hooley — …like new church is better than the club for real. Rich Birch — Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, that’s great. Sarah Hooley — Like they’re inviting their friends to come and… Rich Birch — So good. Sarah Hooley — …and be a part of this because there’s just something happening here. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Okay, let’s talk about the discipleship issue. So ah you didn’t say this, I said it, but one of the problems with the church in general is a lot of our discipleship systems assume a fairly high level of actually understanding of scripture. And our church shares a similar heartbeat. We’ll normally see, one of the things a new year guest come through in our church. We don’t ask them a lot, but one of the questions we do ask is for them to describe their kind of faith background before they came. And we’re consistently above 50%. It’s usually 60, 75% of people would describe themselves as something that we would label as unchurched. Rich Birch — And so I understand the discipleship problem. In lots of churches it just you just assume people know stuff and they grow closer to Jesus, but that’s not the case. So how are you helping move people towards being fully discipled followers of Jesus? What does that look like for City Church? Sarah Hooley — Yeah, so we we do, we have loved using Alpha for for those who really still are in that questioning phase and like they’re not even sure. And like they may not, they might may not feel comfortable coming to City Church, but they would come to somebody’s house and walk through Alpha. So that’s been really great for those who are kind of trying to still discover who Jesus is. Sarah Hooley — But for specific discipleship, because we were realizing, man, there’s just some some gaps here, Chris decided to launch a 15-week discipleship course for young men specifically. Rich Birch — Love it. Sarah Hooley — And we really saw, like we are we are a pretty young church. I mean, always have been, but that there was some some pretty serious gaps in and not only like, what does it mean to follow Jesus, but even what does it mean like what does it mean to be a godly man? And so wanting to have, to bring alongside some intentional mentors and people who can invest in these young men. Sarah Hooley — So um he invited people, but it was a very high accountability, high expectation sort of class. They meet at 6 a.m. on Thursday mornings. Rich Birch — Yeah. Wow. Sarah Hooley — That is not something everybody wants to sign up for. It was… Rich Birch — Yeah, no, not every guy wants to do that. I can say that. Sarah Hooley — No, it is it is a huge sacrifice. Rich Birch — Yep. Sarah Hooley — And he said, this is going to require a lot of you. Rich Birch — Right. Sarah Hooley — And they actually have a crazy. Like if you are, if anyone is late, any single person is late, even five seconds, the whole group does pushups together… Rich Birch — Oh, no. Yeah. Okay, that’s cool. Sarah Hooley — …and not in a shaming way, but in a like, Hey, we’re inviting you to something great. Rich Birch — Right. Sarah Hooley — And part of, part of following Jesus is is it’s going to need incorporate discipline in your life. And so we have, we are called to have discipline. And so we’re going to really keep you accountable to this. Sarah Hooley — And so he does um he he talks through, like what does it mean to be a godly man? Talks about identity, talks about discipline, talks about integrity, purity, humility, servanthood. So he’ll do a ah teaching, and then they break off into groups with two leaders. So each group usually has about six six guys who are participants and two leaders who are older men in the church who have um that Chris has identified and recruited. And then they have a small group time. Sarah Hooley — So It has been so incredible to see how God is working, not only through his teaching, but really through that accountability… Rich Birch — That’s good. Sarah Hooley — …and like digging into what does this look like in our lives? And, and then those leaders are, are following up with them and encouraging them throughout the week. They, they do, they, they challenge, they come up with their own challenges. And as like, okay, we’re going to memorize this passage of scripture. And then they, then they like, all right, how did you, did you memorize this? Most of these guys have never memorized scripture in their lives. Rich Birch — Right. Right. Sarah Hooley — And so, even though some of those practices have been really incredible. And he he calls the class Act Like Men. And it really is so, and he makes it very clear, this is not about talking about what what is the difference between a man and a woman. This is talking about what’s the man and a boy. Sarah Hooley — Like we are calling you to be godly men and intentionally calling you up to to live out as godly men, not selfish boys. And so that, that has been beautiful. There was about, um, I think he had about 60 participants the first time he he ran it… Rich Birch — Wow. Sarah Hooley — …with 25 leaders. And then this next, um, this heat currently they’re they’re walking through it right now and there’s 100 guys and 30 leaders. Rich Birch — Wow. Sarah Hooley — It also requires, and they have to pay $100 and that goes right back into them. Like it’s for some resources that they are given. But again, it gives that like, hey, this is a high threshold. This isn’t just a casual thing. Rich Birch — Right. Sarah Hooley — They also cannot miss more than three sessions. If they do, they are asked to step away and if they can join again in a future time. Rich Birch — Take it again or whatever. Yeah. Sarah Hooley — So super high high high… Rich Birch — And is it the idea that it’s going to rotate like kind of a couple seasons a year or something like that? How what what’s the thinking on that? Sarah Hooley — Yeah. Rich Birch — Like how often are you going to run it or what’s that? What’s that look like? Sarah Hooley — Yeah. So, so what we’ve done so far is, um, the men’s course is in the fall. And then, um, after last, last fall, the first time that, that Chris did it, there was such an out, like lot of the wives and the girlfriends and the people who were just connected with these guys, they were like, man, this has been so incredible. Like, what do you have for women? Like, when are we going to have our, our course? Sarah Hooley — And so that really sparked. And I was like, I’m too busy to do this right now, but like, I can’t not do it. So, um my kids, pastor, and I developed Be Bold Women’s, which was a complimentary course for women. And so the men is in the fall and the women starts in January. And we go through the spring and do kind of a similar, we follow a lot of the same topics, although we did choose some different ones, a couple of specific one… Rich Birch — Sure. Sarah Hooley — …that we felt really convicted that, like we do one of our lessons is on emotions and like, what is a healthy, godly way to approach and process, and how are emotions a part of our life? We also talk about community. So there’s just a couple of different topics that we walk through with the women. Sarah Hooley — We also incorporated women’s conference as a part of it that we then opened up to the rest of the church. So everyone in the church could come to the conference. We had our own people speaking at it, our own worship team leading worship. And we had about 300 women at this conference. Rich Birch — Wow. That’s great. Sarah Hooley — And it was just, it was a great start, like jumpstart to our time together in the course, but then also with our larger community. Rich Birch — There’s a lot there I’d love to ask questions about. So my impression of City Church just looking in, don’t know your church well, but follow online. And, you know, I don’t get the vibe from you guys that there’s like, I don’t know, like an overly machismo kind of like, you know, ah like in a negative way. Like, you know, you know you know what I mean? There’s some churches out there. You’re like, okay, they’re like a little too much into the man/woman thing. Sarah Hooley — Uh-huh. Rich Birch — And, and I don’t know how to say that nicely and not like step on people’s toes. I don’t get that vibe from you guys, but this, but you’ve, you’ve obviously taken, taken a gendered approach. Can you unpack that a little bit? Help me understand how is that it’s obviously been super helpful. So, but just kind of talk through that issue. Help me understand that. What’s that look like for you guys? Sarah Hooley — Yeah, we really saw their there just was a need to have those intentional conversations um really of older men investing in younger men, and older women investing in younger women. Rich Birch — Oh, that’s good. Yeah, that’s good. Sarah Hooley — And so um there are things that, there are conversations that you can have when it’s just men, that you add one woman into that mix and it’s gonna change some of those conversations. Rich Birch — Sure. Sarah Hooley — And some of the things that, especially when it comes to kind of the harder accountability parts of of those conversations, it’s going it’s just gonna look differently. If if somebody’s trying to impress somebody else, like that’s going to be an issue. Sarah Hooley — But I think, I think really, even though we’re not a overly like machismo, there’s, that’s still a part of our culture. Rich Birch — Sure. Sarah Hooley — And so I think Chris really wanted to be sure that he, he tackled that kind of toxic masculinity approach. Rich Birch — Yep. Sarah Hooley — And, and like, that is not biblical masculinity. Rich Birch — No. Sarah Hooley — Like this, this idea of, you know, I’m the man. And we’re, but like, that’s not what, and and so really continuing to call them back to that, that being a true man is not the world’s version of, of power and money and having the beautiful wife or girlfriend. It really is about following Jesus’ example. He is the greatest example of what a godly man looks like. Rich Birch — Yeah. Sarah Hooley — So what does that look like? Rich Birch — Yeah. What’s that look like? Sarah Hooley — So that means humility and servanthood and sacrifice and laying down your life for others. And so how do we live that out? Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s good. Sarah Hooley — And then for our women, it it it has been so powerful to be able to have those those deep conversations and um and challenging them to live this out. Sarah Hooley — And you know when you have people who are coming from, like they they don’t have um maybe those older women or men in their lives who have been investing in them and showing them what it looks like to follow Jesus or to live this out. It’s still brand new. And so there’s still, there’s some some space to have those questions be brought. Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s good. Sarah Hooley — And um like, why shouldn’t I return to this abusive boyfriend? Rich Birch — Right. Yep. Sarah Hooley — Why shouldn’t I like, so like being able to deal with some of those really hard conversations in a really healthy way that that comes back to scripture and comes back to like, this is what God wants for you. Rich Birch — Yeah. Sarah Hooley — And um and it’s and it’s hard, like following Jesus is hard. Like there is nothing easy about that… Rich Birch — Yes, yes. Yeah. Sarah Hooley — But it’s so worth it. Rich Birch — Yeah. Sarah Hooley — And I think that being able to put that in front of people. But you know, those are two courses that we have. We have lots of small groups and mid-sized groups and groups that are that are mixed gender. And like there’s some beautiful things from that, too. These two courses specifically are just a little bit unique in in their approach. Rich Birch — That’s good. So as you’ve kind of watched this roll through as an XP, you know, go people go through these experiences, what what kind of changes have you seen in the broader church culture? Like, has there, you know, what have you seen that like, oh, hey, there’s something happening here that that seems to be having a positive impact or negative, I’m assuming there’s positive, that’s been kind of impacting the church culture. Talk to me about that. Sarah Hooley — Yeah, I I you really start to see um just that that growth, the idea that this is, you know, that that view of discipleship that’s a long obedience in the same direction. That is what we are are experiencing. You know, with so many people who are new believers, there are some great breakthrough moments and that is worth celebrating, but it is a long process. And so um I think really being able to come alongside and and watch watch those who are like, they were, they’re excited about Jesus. They’re pumped. They’re going lift their hands and worship. They’re going to be like, join the team. But to go beyond that to, okay, what does this actually look like in my life? And to see them begin to make changes in how they actually live that out. um That they’re not just, okay, this is my Sunday thing. And then I go and I do my weekly thing, um but truly changing. And that like that’s profound. It’s profound to see God work in such powerful ways. Sarah Hooley — And again, it’s not it’s never overnight, like there’s overnight breakthroughs, but it’s always a process. And I think that that like watching the the development of these courses is like there’s gonna be things you’re confronting in week one. And then you might still be confronting in week 10. You might still be confronting in week 15. But there’s there’s growth. And there’s um it doesn’t mean that they’ve been able to overcome everything, but you you can see that that change in them. And that draws people. Sarah Hooley — And so I think that we we’ve been able so to so clearly see even just the growth in the number of guys who who joined the course the first time and then the growth in the second second time through that people are hearing about it and being like, I want to be a part of this. Sarah Hooley — Like I saw what it did in my friend’s life. And like, that’s like, I know it’s 6am, but it’s worth it. I’m going to make the sacrifice. I’m going to be a part of it. And so I think that that that kind of invitation to discipleship where you see what the effect it’s having. And then that brings others in. And they’re like, I want what he has. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s great. Sarah Hooley — Like, I, I’ve, I know who Jesus is, but I, Idon’t want it just to be a yeah, I know who Jesus is. I want to actually know Jesus. Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s fantastic. Friends that are listening in. I one of the one of the changes I for sure have seen in people who are arriving at our churches is, this is a problem when you’ve been at this long enough, like decades ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago, people did kind of just stumble into church. Like that actually did happen, but that’s not happening today. Rich Birch — People, when they arrive, they’re they’re arriving with real questions and are looking for, they’re not looking for us, they’re not looking for our ideas, they want Jesus and they wanna know what that looks like. So I love this this idea of calling people to something That is a little more, you know, that’s, it’s not just the like, well, we’re going to to make it super easy. That’s not what it’s about. Sarah Hooley — Yeah. Right. Yeah. Rich Birch — I think makes a lot of sense. Well, I want to pivot to it just a totally different conversation. As we were getting ready for this, one of the things that caught my attention, and you’re a humble leader, Jesus has formed your life. So like you didn’t lead off with like your attendance numbers and all that. You talked about growth, but you didn’t really go there. What what are you averaging right now? Attendance wise, where are you at? Sarah Hooley — Yeah, we’re about 2,500 to 2,600 right now. Rich Birch — Okay. And how many full-time staff do you have as as a team? Sarah Hooley — Oh, we have seven full-time staff. Now, we do have some part-time roles that are high level… Rich Birch — Sure. Sarah Hooley — …but we are a skeleton staff. Rich Birch — Yes. Okay. So to put that in context, like, I, this is why want to hear more about this. How, how are you doing that? So to put make some context that people are listening in, um there’s a kind of a well kind of oiled benchmark out there that says churches should really shoot for 1 to 75 attendees and staff. And, you know, ah really great churches are maybe one to a hundred. Like that would be amazing if you could get that. I think the math on you guys is one to like 350 or something like that. Sarah Hooley — Yep. Rich Birch — Even if it’s like, okay, those those other equivalents, even if they end up being say you have another three full-time people in all those part-time. So you’re 10 full-time equivalents. That’s still like one to 250. So like, this is a significant lesson, friends. We need to learn from. Rich Birch — So it’s like, I really just want to say, talk. Like what systems and philosophies make that happen? Sarah Hooley — Yeah. Rich Birch — How do you, you know, how are you able to make that happen? Talk us through that. Sarah Hooley — Yeah. Well, we are trying to hire. So there are some roles that we definitely know that we need. Rich Birch — Yes. You got a long ways to go though. Even if you doubled your staff, you still would be like one to 125, which is still very high. You know, that’s great. Sarah Hooley — Yeah. And this has been one of the unique things about being a multi-ethnic church and a multi-ethnic church that’s reaching new believers. The the the financial support, it takes longer. Like financial discipleship, it’s a process. And and in a um you know within our community, there’s a significant like where we our church specifically is, there’s a significant number of people who are below the poverty line. And so that just means that where our budget is not going to be as large. Sarah Hooley — But so like we have always, and I think part of it is going from that church plant model to even having an established church. Like we’ve always had to be scrappy. Like you always have had to, like I started as a volunteer and I wanted to do a women’s conference. And then someone came and said, I heard that you’re leading the women’s ministry. And I was like, what? Like I didn’t, I just wanted to lead this women’s conference. Sarah Hooley — But just the the way that, um you know, we have continued to to philosophically want to equip the body to be the ministers. That it’s not just, oh, we can just hire somebody to do that. But for every staff person being so intentional about choosing staff members who can be equippers, who are not looking to just do ministry, but who are looking to equip others to do the ministry. And so those who can develop and be leaders of leaders. And that that really has been a part of our heart um in the beginning out of necessity. But also as we’ve continued to grow, um we’ve found there’s just been incredible fruit, because it calls the whole church body into being a part of what’s going on. Sarah Hooley — And so there is nothing more powerful and significant than saying like, yeah, I am I am a significant like participant, I am leading within this church in in a significant way that creates such buy-in. And so like that has really made a difference in in, I think, our church culture and and in just people so staying with us and saying like, man, there’s there’s there’s something happening here. I wanna be a part of it. And um being identified in like, given the opportunity to lead in those ways. And so um we are very, we are slow to hire because we’re kind of a unique, um we have a unique church culture and unique church body… Rich Birch — For sure. Sarah Hooley — …and we want our staff to reflect our church body and to to have buy-in. So I would, so the majority of our staff really are people who have come from the church body itself. So we we only have had very few outside hires um because we know that they understand who we are, they they understand kind of what we’ve been called to do. Sarah Hooley — And so that has been the most, like we have one full-time kids pastor… Rich Birch — Wow. Sarah Hooley — …for 400 children. And she has an associate who’s also very high level and she’s incredible too. Um, but they have done such an incredible job of identifying, okay, within our kids ministry, within our volunteers, who are those people who, who can lead others and who have a heart for developing others. Sarah Hooley — And so, um, so they’ve broken down the different areas and they have leads over each of those individual areas where they’re doing some of the scheduling. So like identifying those administrative skills, like people who have people skills as well as administrative skills. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Sarah Hooley — But so the role of our of our kids pastor is to you know set the vision and invest in our leaders. And then they are then the ones who are are working through some of those logistics of what it looks like when it comes to staffing or when it comes to volunteers um and being fully like, oh, it’s a whole lot of children. We have a lot of kids. Rich Birch — Yes, that’s amazing. I’d I’d love to double click on some of that there. So this idea of leaders of leaders does not surprise me that, um you know, I it’s like one of these when I heard this, I’m like, I don’t even know anything about this. But I know that you the only way you get to that kind of ratio is you’ve empowered volunteers to actually lead things. Rich Birch — There’s a humbling thing you could do. Church leaders that are listening in do it. Do a giant org chart. Spend two hours and do a giant org chart on a whiteboard. Like literally draw out who is who leads who all the way down to every role in the church and then circle the people that are staff. And oftentimes what you find is there are no leaders of leaders that are volunteers. And they’re just that that’s a that’s a key distinction. How do we get and and how do we keep our staff being Ephesians 4 leaders, people who equip the saints to do the work? Sarah Hooley — Yes. Rich Birch — So give me some of the telltale signs that you that you see in volunteers that, hey, this person is could lead at a high level. And what does the equipping look like? How are you helping them step into that? Sarah Hooley — Yeah, we really do view leadership as discipleship. And so, um, so even for our volunteers, we want to identify people, for them to step into a leadership role like that, that relationship with Jesus, that that’s strong connection to to him is is key. Sarah Hooley — So like that is first and for foremost across across all of our leadership teams. So even though I mentioned earlier that we have some of our serve teams that you can join the team and not be a believer, but for the people who are leading those people, we want them to be following Jesus. Sarah Hooley — And then just looking for those who also love people and have that heart for like, I want to have the conversations that, you know, something is is going on in someone’s life and they’re having a hard time, I’m going to follow up with them during the week. And so um so that love for Jesus, that love for people in some of these roles, it it is some administrative ability. Like, can you handle scheduling people? Like there’s there’s just like, are you able to complete some of those things, some of the doing aspects of ministry? Sarah Hooley — But even within our within our high level leader volunteer leaders, like they’re actually then finding other volunteers who are are doing some of those roles as well. So I think that that has been a process. So it’s looking at who who do we have in front of us? Like who are the people who are like bought in? They see the mission. They’re they’re passionate about what we’re doing. They care about what we’re doing. um And then inviting them into that next step of leadership. Sarah Hooley — A lot of times it’s we kind of give them a chance to kind of test it out first before just throwing them to the wolves so that they can kind of see like like shadowing somebody who already is currently doing something like that to get their feet wet, to kind of understand the the scope of the role. We don’t ever want to ask somebody to to step into a role that they aren’t, that they’re like, I don’t have the capacity for this. And so, but there’s there’s lots of development still along the way of like conversations of like, of of our actual staff members, checking in with them and helping them to like navigate problems and helping them to to think through like how to process, um you know, that they even are invited to bring feedback of like, hey, here are some things that we’re seeing, like what’s a way that we can then approach that together? So like really they they have a great voice into into how things are being run. Rich Birch — That’s good. One of the tensions that happens in a lot of churches is staff, our staff start to think like the kind of important people are people who have full-time staff that report to them. There’s like this insidious pull towards, I’m going to build my little kingdom. And like this is really common, like lots of churches struggle with that. It can be difficult. Rich Birch — How are you developing your, particularly the the culture with your staff team to ensure that they stay focused on leading volunteers rather than, you know, just hiring people? Like, let’s just hire somebody. How do we, how do how are you what are you doing there? Beyond the like, well, we can’t afford it. There’s got to be something else you’re doing to try to help them, you know, develop that. Sarah Hooley — Yeah, feeling missed out on the budget is really helpful. Rich Birch — Well, because, well, and yeah, but the but my pushback would be friendly pushback as as one leader to another is like that resource things are going to get sorted out. And it’s going to come to a time where you have resources to be able to do that. And it could be very tempting to say, let’s just go quadruple the size of our staff. So how are you ensuring that the culture isn’t going to do that? Sarah Hooley — Yeah. And so much of that is through through our coaching, through the way that we talk about this. This is something like we have these calibrating conversations all the time of of this is who we are and this is what we’re about. And this is what it looks like to lead here. That we um and and that And to be totally candid, like that has been a challenge where we had a staff person and as we grew, um could not make that transition of from doing to leading others and and delegating. Sarah Hooley — And so like that that is a challenge of, and and just thinking like, oh man, all we need to do is just add more staff and then I would be okay. And instead of really recognizing like, no, our our heart behind this is inviting the church to be the church. That that, Letting them know that that priesthood of all believers, like we are all called um to do ministry. Sarah Hooley — Ministry is not just for those who have a degree or those who have a title. Like we are called into ministry. And so keeping that before our our leaders and our staff so that they are keeping it before the the people that they’re calling into these volunteer leader roles. Sarah Hooley — And I will say like those who are the volunteers, like they, they’re excited. They’re excited about like, man, like you just invited me into this position. Like you’ve asked, you’ve seen, you saw something in me and asked me to, um to lead in this way and to serve in this way. And it’s, it’s a privilege to do that. But it is also like continuing to put that before us. Like we we are investing in our people. Sarah Hooley — Now, some of our future staff members might come from those who are volunteer leaders. And like and like that’s a beautiful thing because we’re like, man, I already know, I can see how you would operate in this role and how you would fit on our team and how you would keep how you you do get the culture and what what we’re trying to do. And I think that that’s that’s really a beautiful thing. Sarah Hooley — But it is it is a lot of conversation, a lot of coaching, and just a reminder of like, and I think part of it too is is realizing like, we can’t do everything. And so being very intentional to not be overly programmed. To be very clear about, we’re going do these things, like these very simple. Rich Birch — Right. Sarah Hooley — And so that’s where it’s like, it seems so simple. It seems so basic, but we’re going do these simple, basic things and do them faithfully. And um and then, yeah, see what God does. Rich Birch — Trust God for the results. Yeah, that’s fantastic. Yeah. And listen, you know it makes sense that you’ll end up hiring some people because it’s like that’s a little bit of a crazy ah you know ratio. And you know I think that’ll be that’ll be a challenge ahead to keep that focused as you add those people. And it’s not unreasonable to say to your team like, oh, yeah, like we probably should add a few people. Rich Birch — But to still champion at the end of the day, I think that’s like there’s a key piece there that you mentioned. It’s like this idea of championing the people who have been able to make that transition. And I’ve like, I got us like hey, ah it’s about developing leaders and I want to make that happen. And I know that might be messy and there’s other problems with that, but that’s you know that’s good. Rich Birch — It’s been a fantastic conversation. For people who are listening in today who might feel that kind of like, oh my goodness, we’re under-resourced, we’re you know are outnumbered, we don’t have enough people. Help us think through, kind of talk to us a little bit from an even mindset or how we lead point of view to kind of lead from abundance rather than from scarcity. Because a part of what I don’t hear you saying is like, oh, woe is me. Rich Birch — Like you’re like, no, this is just what God’s called us to in this season. We’re going to make it happen. And God’s doing a great thing. So try to encourage us, yeah help us think that through. Sarah Hooley — Yeah. Well, I would, I mean, I would first of all say you’re not alone. So if you feel, if you do feel overwhelmed and outnumbered and under-resourced, like you’re not alone. And so I think that that is is helpful to be like, man, I’m not. And I think that’s where like even having podcasts like this, where you’re able to hear from others, we’re like, oh, man, OK, we’re in this together. We are all doing the mission that God has called us to. And there are challenges that come with that. And and that can be really discouraging and hard. And yet, like, I think when we can have that kind of. loaves and fishes mindset of like the disciples, they could not feed those people. Like they could not fit fill all the needs that were before them. But Jesus could. Sarah Hooley — And so if we can be faithful to say, okay, God, what do we have? What do we have? Like, what do we have in front of us? And how do we use that for your glory? And what what does that look like? What what are the things that we need to like have that laser focus on um so that we can then continue to see what you are going to do with with what we bring. Sarah Hooley — And and I think that there is that reliance on God to um to say like, you’re the one who does the work. Like this is not, and I think that helps us to like, it takes away that that pride and also that just overwhelming feeling feeling of sometimes failure when it’s, it’s not, when we realize that it’s not all on me… Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s good. Sarah Hooley — …like this is not like my responsibility is to be faithful and continuing to be faithful, to follow what God has called me to do. And that means, I mean, that means working hard. That means best practices. That means learning from others, but I am not responsible for the the end result. So how do I just be intentional and faithful with what God has given me? Sarah Hooley — And, and, and I think too, I think it’s really important to, to find others who are also in the journey with you. Rich Birch — That’s good. Sarah Hooley — That you can, that not that you just get together and complain, but that you can really come alongside each other and encourage one another. And that, That has been one of the most significant things that I have found in in stepping into this role. I got connected with a women executive pastor cohort of women all over the country who are leading in this in similar roles. Sarah Hooley — And being able to just ask questions of other church leaders, being able to say, will you pray for me? Like, I’m going through something really difficult right now. Will pray for me? That has encouraged me personally to be able to keep pressing on when it does feel overwhelming or it does feel like, man, the the task is too great for me. To be reminded and to have other pastors in like my corner and in my ear saying, remember who God is and remember what he’s called you to. Rich Birch — That’s good. Sarah Hooley — And so I think that that is just, it’s, if we can keep that in view and that in, in that mindset in view, that that God is so much greater than the most difficult person at your church who is louder than all of the others. And, um and God is greater than the the greatest problems that you are facing and the, the difficulties that you’re walking through. And, and so like, I think just looking for those, those things. Rich Birch — So good. Sarah, this has been such a helpful conversation. I really appreciate you being here today and investing in us. And it’s fantastic, super encouraging and lots of good nuggets in there. I got pages of notes here. If people want to track with you or with the church, where do we want to send them online? Sarah Hooley — Yeah. We I mean we’re on um Instagram and Facebook. We’re forthecity.com is our church website. We are not on TikTok yet. We’re not that cool. I don’t know. Someday we’ll we’ll get there. Rich Birch — Nice. That’s fun. Sarah Hooley — But yeah, that’s that’s the primary way. Rich Birch — That’s great. Thanks so much. Thanks for being here today. Sarah Hooley — Thank you so much.

Blake Grayson, CFO of Docusign, joins CJ Gustafson to discuss how a company that redefined e-signature and became a verb is now navigating its next chapter in intelligent agreement management. Drawing on more than a decade at Amazon—where he helped forecast AWS and worked inside some of the company's most operationally demanding businesses—Blake explains how financial discipline, operational depth, and clear narrative-building shape his approach as CFO. The conversation explores how to evolve a beloved product without diluting the brand, why pricing is as much about positioning as revenue, how to communicate go-to-market mechanics without losing the room, and why effective capital allocation accepts that not every big bet needs to land to shape the leader you become.—SPONSORS:Fidelity Private Shares is the all-in-one equity management platform that keeps your cap table clean, your data room organized, and your equity story clear—so you never risk losing a fundraising round over messy records. Schedule a demo at https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com and mention Mostly Metrics to get 20% off.Sage Intacct is a cloud financial management platform that replaces spreadsheets, automates workflows, and keeps your books audit-ready as you scale. It unifies accounting, ERP, and real-time reporting for finance, retail, logistics, tech, and professional services. With payback in under six months and up to 250% ROI, and eight years as the customer-satisfaction leader, Sage Intacct helps you take control of your growth: https://bit.ly/3Kn4YHtMercury is business banking built for builders, giving founders and finance pros a financial stack that actually works together. From sending wires to tracking balances and approving payments, Mercury makes it simple to scale without friction. Join the 200,000+ entrepreneurs who trust Mercury and apply online in minutes at https://www.mercury.comRightRev automates the revenue recognition process from end to end, gives you real-time insights, and ensures ASC 606 / IFRS 15 compliance—all while closing books faster. For RevRec that auditors actually trust, visit https://www.rightrev.com and schedule a demo.Tipalti automates the entire payables process—from onboarding suppliers to executing global payouts—helping finance teams save time, eliminate costly errors, and scale confidently across 200+ countries and 120 currencies. More than 5,000 businesses already trust Tipalti to manage payments with built-in security and tax compliance. Visit https://www.tipalti.com/runthenumbers to learn more.Aleph automates 90% of manual, error-prone busywork, so you can focus on the strategic work you were hired to do. Minimize busywork and maximize impact with the power of a web app, the flexibility of spreadsheets, and the magic of AI. Get a personalised demo at https://www.getaleph.com/run—LINKS:Blake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-grayson-3197043/Docusign: https://www.docusign.com/CJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948/Mostly metrics: https://www.mostlymetrics.com—RELATED EPISODES:“Steal Your Boss's Job”: Calendly CFO John McCauley on Leadership, Ownership & Growthhttps://youtu.be/VRpTNDIfzPY—TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Preview and Intro00:02:39 Sponsors – Fidelity Private Shares | Sage Intacct | Mercury00:05:09 DocuSign as a Top CFO Tool00:07:33 From E-Signature to Intelligent Agreement Management00:09:09 Complexity Before and After a Signature00:11:02 Cost of Poor Agreement Management00:12:30 Agreement Oversight and CFO Risk00:13:28 Pricing: Usage to Seat Models00:14:12 Enterprise vs SMB Pricing00:15:00 Sponsors – RightRev | Tipalti | Aleph00:19:18 Simplicity, Tiers, and IAM Value00:20:36 Forecasting New Products in a Renewals Base00:22:13 Modeling Mix Shift and GTM Enablement00:23:56 Faster Time-to-Value With Intelligent Repositories00:25:06 Building GTM Muscle for a Platform00:26:29 Launching IAM in Commercial First00:27:31 Forecasting Growth vs Cost00:28:41 Company-Wide Alignment on Priorities00:30:02 Aligning Investor Messaging With Operations00:31:20 Staying Focused on Long-Term Outcomes00:32:27 Customer-First Decision Making00:33:41 Transparency and What Not to Disclose00:34:52 Asking Better Metric Questions00:36:28 Avoiding Data Paralysis00:38:52 Amazon's Weekly Business Reviews00:41:07 Bezos Meetings and the Silent Read00:45:09 The “Question Mark Email” and Customer Anecdotes00:50:22 Unit Economics of a Server and Early AWS Bets00:53:42 Handling Nonpayment Risk00:55:07 Operational Chaos: Perishables and Regulation00:57:04 The “No Eggs in California” Story00:59:31 Treating Escalations as Company Problems01:00:59 Biggest Career Mistake01:02:44 Advice to His Younger Self01:06:34 Tools Finance Uses: Oracle, Bots, IAM, Salesforce, Workday01:09:21 Wildest Expense Attempts01:12:32 Closing Thanks and Credits#RunTheNumbersPodcast #Docusign #CFOInsights #SaaSLeadership #AIManagement This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cjgustafson.substack.com

Cooking for a large family doesn't have to mean constant planning or complicated recipes. In this video, I'm showing how we keep food simple — how I batch cook for the week, organize meals, and create calm in the kitchen through rhythm instead of rigid meal plans.recipes and meal plan |https://madisungray.myflodesk.com/mealprep

Advent Day 11 (2025): Peace through SimplicityHappy Wednesday, the 11th day of Advent.Today we reflect on how simplicity can bring us peace.Today's reading is from Luke 10: 38-42, as we are reminded, like Martha, that sometimes we are too busy to be still, and God calls us to slow down to pay attention to Him.Today we reflect on ways we can cultivate peace through simplification.If you have time, dedicate a few minutes to read the entire Chapter 11 of the Book of Luke today.By dedicating a chapter each day, you'll find that by Christmas day, you'll have traversed the entire gospel according to Luke, accompanying Jesus on the remarkable journey of his life. Source: Christian Brothers Publications. (2012). The Catholic Youth Bible (New American Bible, Third Edition). Christian Brothers Publications.Follow me on ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM: @_bythewell⁠⁠ for more Advent InspirationIf you are enjoying this podcast, please follow so that you will receive notifications once the new day's podcast is uploaded.The best way you can support this podcast is by taking a few moments to RATE & REVIEW. This will ensure this podcast is visible to more listeners.Also, if you desire additional faithful inspiration beyond this podcast, follow me on Instagram @_bythewell. There, we can continue our journey together, sharing reflections, thoughts, and moments of spiritual connection.

For the resources and links mentioned, go to:  https://simplysquaredaway.com/146 Ever felt like your body is screaming at you, and your business is too? This episode is going to change the way you think about your health and your systems. I'm joined by the amazing Rachel Carta, registered nurse, functional nutrition counselor, and life coach, for a conversation that connects the dots between what's going on in your body and what's going on behind the scenes of your business. Rachel and I dig into why your symptoms are actually signals, how everything is connected (yes, even your gut and your To Do list), and why simplicity is the key to healing both your health and your chaos. If you've ever felt like you were in constant survival mode, or like you're always behind, always pushing, and your body just isn't keeping up, this one's for you. Rachel shares her story of chronic migraines, burnout, and the breakdown that led her to completely change the way she lived and worked. She teaches how to listen to your body, recognize patterns, and implement small, simple habits that lead to massive shifts. We also talk about perimenopause, blood sugar, fiber, breathwork, and how to stop organizing your grandmother's trinkets instead of doing what matters in your business (ahem…can you relate?). This is not your typical health episode. Get ready to feel seen, empowered, and maybe finally ready to slow down and pay attention to what your body is telling you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why your symptoms aren't random, they're signals The 3 roots of health Rachel focuses on with every client How to know if what you're dealing with is emotional, medical, or stress-related The nervous system's role in organization, focus, and digestion Why your brain thinks “organizing grandma's trinkets” is just as urgent as launching your offer 3 small, doable shifts to feel better in your body and more focused in your business How deep breathing and fiber can change your life Why organizing your business lowers stress in your body Simple signs you're stuck in fight or flight and what to do about it

This week on The Nourished CEO, I'm breaking down the 10 major trends that will define the online health and wellness industry in 2026. You've probably heard people say the industry is shifting, but almost no one is explaining what that actually means for you as a practitioner, coach, or expert. Today, I'm unpacking exactly what's changing, why it matters, and how to adapt in a way that makes your business feel clearer, simpler, and more profitable. If you've been feeling like old strategies aren't working anymore, or you're noticing that clients are becoming more overwhelmed and more selective, you're not imagining it. These trends are already unfolding, and the entrepreneurs who learn to simplify, personalize, and focus on real transformation are the ones who will thrive in 2026. Timeline Summary [00:00] – Why 2026 will look different for online wellness entrepreneurs and why old strategies are losing effectiveness. [03:18] – Trend #1: The Great Opt Out of traditional health insurance and what the shift to cash pay and concierge models means for your business. [10:56] – Trend #2: Why session-by-session healthcare is fading and transformation-based programs are gaining momentum. [15:49] – Trend #3: Clients want less information and more implementation. How to create a minimum viable offer that gets results without overloading people. [20:15] – Trend #4: The breakdown of trust in healthcare and how listening and personalization set you apart. [25:45] – Trend #5: On-demand expert access. Why asynchronous support is becoming more valuable than more calls. [29:52] – Trend #6: Long-form content is making a comeback and why serious buyers are moving away from short-form social media. [35:36] – Trend #7: The "trust recession." Why buyers are more discerning and how to communicate what truly makes your approach different. [39:52] – Trend #8: How I use AI ethically to organize my thoughts and streamline communication without outsourcing my voice. [45:08] – Trend #9: Hyper specificity and why niching is essential for marketing, messaging, and paid ads in 2026. [48:35] – Trend #10: Simplicity and elegant systems. Why reducing complexity is the only way to stay profitable without burning out. Top 5 Quotes From This Episode "People are exhausted by the noise. They're done with cookie-cutter protocols and they're not paying premium prices for information they could have just Googled." "If you're still using the same strategies that worked even two or three years ago, you're going to feel like you're running uphill in the wrong direction." "Your clients want the best possible results with the least amount of extra work, and if your offer feels like a second full-time job, they're out." "With AI everywhere, anyone can look like an expert. Buyers want to know why they should trust you and what makes your approach different." "Simplicity isn't optional anymore. It is the only way your business will stay profitable without draining your life." Links & Resources Connect with me on Instagram: @lauraschoenfeldrd Apply for the Nourished Business Accelerator: https://www.lauraschoenfeld.com/nba-apply Interested in working together 1:1? DM me "PRIVATE" on Instagram to learn more If you enjoyed this episode or it helped you get clearer about your strategy for 2026, it would mean so much if you rated, followed, reviewed, or shared the podcast. Your support helps more health and wellness entrepreneurs build aligned, ethical, profitable businesses that support the life they actually want to live.

Everyone keeps asking whether AI kills Power BI or makes it stronger. Rui Romano flips that entire question on its head. As the Microsoft PM behind PBIP, TMDL, and all the file format work that rebuilt Power BI's foundation, he explains how the platform accidentally became one of the most AI-ready systems in analytics - and it wasn't by accident, not really. His team was solving problems for real developers who were tired of unsupported workarounds and offshore relay races. They weren't training agents. But the work they did means AI now feels native instead of duct-taped on. What we learned was that the semantic model is still the highest ground in this whole space. While other tools let AI stumble through raw tables and pray the math holds up, a proper model gives AI the one thing it absolutely cannot fake: context. Relationships. Business logic that works at every level of granularity without falling apart. Rui breaks down why that matters now more than ever, why all the hardening work his team did keeps your models from exploding when an agent gets ambitious, and why the future of BI isn't about cranking out another hundred pixel-perfect dashboards. It's about fast iteration, lower friction, and answers you can trust at scale. Dashboards still matter - but only the ones people use. This conversation goes deep on architecture, not hype. Rui talks about what's changing right now, what still needs work, and why natural language will eventually beat drag-and-drop for a lot of what we do today. If you've been wondering whether to invest in real semantic modeling or just let AI figure it out from scratch every single time, this episode makes the case for why foundations always win. Always. Listen in and get ahead of the shift. And if the episode lands for you, leave us a review to help other folks find the show.

In this episode of The Clinical Entrepreneur, I walk you through a real case study of a high-stress, high-anxiety patient who turned things around - no labs, no overwhelm, and no complicated protocol.   Instead, I focused on what I call "the low-hanging fruit": stress, sleep, digestion, and diet. You'll hear the exact questions I asked, the protocols I recommended, and the surprising symptom he revealed weeks later.   Want help building clinical confidence like this? Join me inside Clinical Academy  

Jason Bronstad is the CEO of Malk Organics, a clean-label, plant-based milk and creamer brand. Jason began his career in the food and beverage industry at Sara Lee, serving across several managerial and directorial positions between 2004 and 2010. He then went on to become VP of Sales at Mike's Hard Lemonade and then the President of Mighty Swell Cocktail Company before joining purpose-led start up, Malk Organics, in 2020. He joins Roy to discuss the ins and outs of shaping culture, values-driven hiring, evaluating talent, learning to keep things simple, and much more. Highlights from our conversation include:Core beliefs and values that comprise Jason's leadership playbook (3:55)Connection to mission (6:12)Hiring lessons learned during periods of brand growth and development (8:20)Key characteristics of high-performing leaders (11:40)Important traits Jason seeks in his direct reports (14:15)Evaluating cultural fit in prospective talent (15:50)The parts of Malk's culture that make Jason most proud (18:08)Jason's definition of success and how it's evolved over the course of his career (20:22)His advice for the next generation of CPG leaders (21:10)

When your podcast guest says, “Our goal as parents is to raise up these self-sufficient, independent people someday,” you know she's in the right place!Diane Boden and I talk all about her journey to minimalism and the intentional mindset she's fostered over the last 14 years.It's not just about the “stuff” but about experiences, relationships, schedules, and even goals.We dig into all that and more in this encouraging interview!Resources We Mention for Living with IntentionDiane's book, Minimalist Moms: Living and Parenting with Simplicity, is available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, or wherever you find your books. The Bullet Journal SystemMy stewardship philosophy Building mom friendships and overcoming isolation with Heather MacFadyenVisit Diane at her website Minimalist Moms Podcast or on social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, XShop Wholestix and eat your organ meats here! Get your free life skills workshops now! Kitchen Stewardship Raising Healthy Families follow Katie on Instagram or Facebook Subscribe to the newsletter to get weekly updates YouTube shorts channel for HPH Find the Healthy Parenting Handbook at kidscookrealfood.com/podcast Affiliate links used here. Thanks for supporting the Healthy Parenting Handbook!

If you're curious as to whether you have any stored emotions or trauma that might be causing your illness, preventing you from achieving your goals, or even just showing up as the best, authentic version of yourself, I invite you to take my free Stored Emotions and Trauma QuizThe holidays can feel like a beautiful mess of magic and misery.Why does this season brings up so many big feelings, from excitement to dread? I've lived on both ends of that spectrum. I've been the person who hated Christmas for years and the mom who soaks up the magic with her kids, and both of those versions of me are sitting at this table in this episode. We're going to strip things back to what actually matters so this time of year doesn't steamroll you.Holiday burnout shows up fast when you overbook yourself, overcomplicate everything, and forget that you're allowed to say no. Simple, deliberate choices around your time, your energy, and your expectations can turn this from a season of dread into something softer and more grounded.You'll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[02:41] Why holiday emotions feel so intense when excitement and dread collide[06:58] How past experiences shape the way you move through this season now[11:36] What happens when simplicity becomes your strongest antidote to burnout[15:22] The reason saying no creates more peace than overfilling your calendar[18:47] How tiny moments of stillness can reset your nervous system fast[21:33] Why gratitude shifts your biochemistry and softens the emotional load[24:59] What changes when random acts of kindness anchor you back into connection[28:14] How choosing presence over perfection transforms the entire holiday experienceFind More From Dr. Stephanie Davis:20 min Free Call | BookDr. Stephanie Davis | WebsiteQuantum Rx | InstagramQuantum Rx | Skool

In this episode, Kelly pulls back the curtain on what she's learned building a business alongside her 11-year-old daughter.  From reviving a dormant brand, to designing a simple, integrity-driven business model, to teaching Madison how to follow the Miracle Hour strategy and generate sales with a simple approach, this episode proves one thing: Your business is only as complicated as you make it. Kelly shares the behind-the-scenes process of growing The Courage Club organically without ads, funnels, launches, or complexity (while navigating a year of consolidation, white space, and spiritual obedience). You'll learn: • How to build a low-overhead, high-impact recurring revenue stream • The #1 place business owners lose the most money • How Madison is using the Miracle Hour to sell memberships herself • How to grow trust-building offers without launching If you're a busienss owner or leader craving a simpler and more profitable path, this episode offers the clarity you need going into 2026. TIMESTAMPS:  01:25 – 05:20: The origin story of Give Her Courage and the early years of building the brand 05:20 – 08:10: Why Kelly and her partner decided to pause and restructure the company 08:10 – 11:40: Reimagining The Courage Club alongside Madison and relaunching from zero 11:40 – 15:05: What The Courage Club teaches girls ages 7–14 and how the program works 15:05 – 18:20: Behind the scenes: Madison's leadership role, calls, and community building 18:20 – 21:50: Homeschooling, divine timing, and why Kelly created more white space in 2025 21:50 – 25:20: Revenue goals for the club and teaching Madison retention, belonging, and follow-up 25:20 – 28:40: The moment Kelly realized the Miracle Hour is so simple an 11-year-old can do it 28:40 – 31:30: Lessons learned from dissolving her outside sales team and returning to simplicity 31:30 – 33:45 Why trust-building offers don't require launches, ads, or funnels to scale 33:45 – 35:20: The power of follow-up and why entrepreneurs lose the most money here Resources:  Join The Courage Club: https://thecourageousbrand.com/  Check out The Courage Club's Sponsorship opportunities: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XgsYmkmc7C5txLbbEY7QGG0D5LHpT5EO/view?usp=sharing  Learn Kelly's simple Dream 1000 and Miracle Hour sales system inside The Virtual Business School Membership for just $97/month, no contract: https://go.virtualbusinessschool.com/joinvbs  For more business strategy directly to your inbox, oin Kelly's FREE weekly email newsletter: https://kellyroachinternational.kit.com/news  Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyroachofficial/  Follow Kelly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.roach.520/  Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyroachint/ 

In this episode of The PowerShell Podcast, host Andrew Pla welcomes Dr. Al Carlson, a cryptographer, mathematician, and engineer whose career spans more than four decades in military intelligence, embedded systems, and advanced encryption research. Dr. Carlson explains how set theory and mathematical patterns underpin all cryptography, breaking down complex systems like AES into understandable concepts. He discusses his groundbreaking work on isomorphic cipher reduction, polymorphic encryption, and how simplicity, not complexity, is often the key to true security.   Key Takeaways: All encryption is patterns – Dr. Carlsen explains how every cipher, including AES, can be viewed as a substitution cipher, allowing for new ways to analyze and strengthen encryption. Simplicity creates strength – Complexity doesn't guarantee security. By distilling systems to their fundamentals, cryptographers can identify weaknesses faster and design better ciphers. Quantum computing and cryptography's future – Quantum computing's potential to break current encryption standards highlights the need for polymorphic and post-quantum approaches to secure data. Guest Bio: Dr. Al Carlson is a cryptographer, mathematician, and educator with over forty years of experience in electronic warfare, military cryptography, and advanced encryption systems. His work in set theory-based cryptographic analysis and polymorphic encryption has influenced how researchers think about code-breaking and data protection. A longtime IEEE member and mentor, Dr. Carlson continues to publish papers on approaches to information security and encryption theory.Resource Links IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) – https://www.ieee.org Breaking CBC Def Con Talk by Dr. Carlson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0IsYNDMV7A Connect with Andrew - https://andrewpla.tech/links PowerShell Wednesdays – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1mL90yFExsix-L0havb8SbZXoYRPol0B PDQ Discord – https://discord.gg/PDQ The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gWmlvKFduP8

I discuss the importance of Sabbath and community as a remedy for the illnesses created in us by our technological society. A huge thanks to Seth White for the awesome music!Thanks to Palmtoptiger17 for the beautiful logo: https://www.instagram.com/palmtoptiger17/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thewayfourth/?modal=admin_todo_tourYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTd3KlRte86eG9U40ncZ4XA?view_as=subscriberInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theway4th/ Kingdom Outpost: https://kingdomoutpost.org/My Reading List Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21940220.J_G_ElliotPurity of Heart is to Will One Thing: https://www.religion-online.org/book/purity-of-heart-is-to-will-one-thing/Arendt on Loneliness: https://web.archive.org/web/20250731200849/https://www.vox.com/vox-conversations-podcast/23048597/vox-conversations-hannah-arendt-totalitarianism-the-philosophersHeschel's Sabbath: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/345500.The_SabbathMost of us seem to labor for the sake of things of space. As a result we suffer from a deeply rooted dread of time and stand aghast when compelled to look into its face.Technical civilization is man's conquest of space. It is a triumph frequently achieved by sacrificing an essential ingredient of existence, namely, time. In technical civilization, we expend time to gain space. To enhance our power in the world of space is our main objective. Yet to have more does not mean to be more. The power we attain in the world of space terminates abruptly at the borderline of time. But time is the heart of existence.1It is impossible for man to shirk the problem of time. The more we think the more we realize: we cannot conquer time through space. We can only master time in time.4 The higher goal of spiritual living is not to amass a wealth of information, but to face sacred moments. In a religious experience, for example, it is not a thing that imposes itself on man but a spiritual presence. 5 What is retained in the soul is the moment of insight rather than the place where the act came to pass. A moment of insight is a fortune, transporting us beyond the confines of measured time. Spiritual life begins to decay when we fail to sense the grandeur of what is eternal in time.While the deities of other peoples were associated with places or things, the God of Israel was the God of events: the Redeemer from slavery, the Revealer of the Torah, manifesting Himself in events of history rather than in things or places.It is, indeed, a unique occasion at which the distinguished word qadosh is used for the first time: in the Book of Genesis at the end of the story of creation. How extremely significant is the fact that it is applied to time: “And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy.”7 There is no reference in the record of creation to any object in space that would be endowed with the quality of holiness. This is a radical departure from accustomed religious thinking. The mythical mind would expect that, after heaven and earth have been established, God would create a holy place—a holy mountain or a holy spring—whereupon a sanctuary is to be established. Yet it seems as if to the Bible it is holiness in time, the Sabbath, which comes first. When history began, there was only one holiness in the world, holiness in time. When at Sinai the word of God was about to be voiced, a call for holiness in man was proclaimed: “Thou shalt be unto me a holy people.” It was only after the people had succumbed to the temptation of worshipping a thing, a golden calf, that the erection of a Tabernacle, of holiness in space, was commanded.8 The sanctity of time came first, the sanctity of man came second, and the sanctity of space last.What is so luminous about a day? What is so precious to captivate the hearts? It is because the seventh day is a mine where spirit's precious metal can be found with which to construct the palace in time, a dimension in which the human is at home with the divine; a dimension in which man aspires to approach the likeness of the divine. For where shall the likeness of God be found? There is no quality that space has in common with the essence of God. There is not enough freedom on the top of the mountain; there is not enough glory in the silence of the sea. Yet the likeness of God can be found in time, which is eternity in disguise.According to the Stagirite, “we need relaxation, because we cannot work continuously. Relaxation, then, is not an end”; it is “for the sake of activity,” for the sake of gaining strength for new efforts.2 To the biblical mind, however, labor is the means toward an end, and the Sabbath as a day of rest, as a day of abstaining from toil, is not for the purpose of recovering one's lost strength and becoming fit for the forthcoming labor. The Sabbath is a day for the sake of life. Man is not a beast of burden, and the Sabbath is not for the purpose of enhancing the efficiency of his work. “Last in creation, first in intention,” 3 the Sabbath is “the end of the creation of heaven and earth:” 4 The Sabbath is not for the sake of the weekdays; the weekdays are for the sake of Sabbath.5 It is not an interlude but the climax of living.There are two points of view from which time can be sensed: from the point of view of space and from the point of view of spirit. Looking out of the window of a swiftly moving railroad car, we have the impression that the landscape is moving while we ourselves are sitting still. Similarly, when gazing at reality while our souls are carried away by spatial things, time appears to be in constant motion. However, when we learn to understand that it is the spatial things that are constantly running out, we realize that time is that which never expires, that it is the world of space which is rolling through the infinite expanse of time. Thus temporality may be defined as the relation of space to time. The boundless continuous but vacuous entity which realistically is called space is not the ultimate form of reality. Our world is a world of space moving through time—from the Beginning to the End of Days. To the common mind the essence of time is evanescence, temporality. The truth, however, is that the fact of evanescence flashes upon our minds when poring over things of space. It is the world of space that communicates to us the sense for temporality. Time, that which is beyond and independent of space, is everlasting; it is the world of space which is perishing. Things perish within time; time itself does not change. We should not speak of the flow or passage of time but of the flow or passage of space through time. It is not time that dies; it is the human body which dies in time. Temporality is an attribute of the world of space, of things of space. Time which is beyond space is beyond the division in past, present and future.There is no moment which I possess exclusively. This very moment belongs to all living men as it belongs to me. We share time, we own space. Through my ownership of space, I am a rival of all other beings; through my living in time, I am a contemporary of all other beings. We pass through time, we occupy space. Thanks to our monthly supporters J Phillip Mast Laverne Miller Jesse Killion

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3213: Eric Leija highlights how stripping back to the basics in fitness and nutrition can lead to more sustainable, stress-free, and long-lasting results. By focusing on natural movement and whole foods, simplicity not only reduces overwhelm but also creates a strong foundation for lifelong health. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ericleija.com/the-benefits-of-simplicity/ Quotes to ponder: "Simple equals sustainable. Overwhelm and complication often lead to quitting." "Eat as nature intended." "You have to be doing the simple, heavy lifts (squats, lunges, presses, etc.) and bodyweight movements before you worry about adding in the trendy movements with advanced techniques and equipment." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge)

In this episode we explore the importance of timing, simplicity, and passion in crossing the chasm from early adopters to mass market adoption for any company or product. We also talk about personal branding and storytelling in business success.TakeawaysThe importance of timing in market adoption is crucial for success.Simplicity in product and message helps in crossing the chasm.Passion of the founder is key to engaging customers and building trust.Personal branding and owning your domain are essential in today's digital age.Podcasts are a powerful medium for entrepreneurs to share their stories.Taking photos with others can help expand your network and reach.The cascade theory emphasizes the need for a product to be easily shareable.Entrepreneurs should focus on grassroots marketing strategies.Building a business with passion can lead to success without large budgets.About Jim JamesJim has spent over 25 years running his own PR and Marketing Firm, EastWest Public Relations. He sold his firm and now helps Founders/Entrepreneurs get noticed in the noisy world we live in.You can find him and his podcast, the Unnoticed Entrepreneur at: https://www.jimajames.com CONNECT WITH USGet Your Weekly EDGE Newsletter. It's FREE.Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)Brandon writes a weekly email newsletter called EDGE that over 22,000 people rely on for an edge to achieve their best selves in business and life.ContentBrandon writes about what he knows...lessons from 2x exits, 20+ strike outs Venture Capital, Marketing at AOL, writing a #1 Amazon Best Seller, Podcasting, Angel Investing, Philanthropy, Public service, Fitness and peak performance.Who it's forPeople that want to achieve their full potential.Claim your edge with others who have been getting a step ahead. Link to sign up: https://edge.ck.page/bea5b3fda6 A Podcast for entrepreneurs and peak performersPart of the Best Podcast Network: Productivity Podcast, Marketing Podcast, Business Plan Podcast, 401k Podcast, Car Accident Lawyer Podcast,

Let me help you reduce anxiety, fall asleep, cope with grief, and navigate through life through guided sleep meditations designed for restful sleep. It will be ok. Each session combines relaxation techniques with my calming voice to create a peaceful environment, helping you fall asleep quickly and wake up rejuvenated. I integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles into my content, offering practical insights to help you overcome sleep disorders and anxiety. Here, you will find a wealth of resources to support your journey toward better sleep and overall well-being. For additional support, I offer online counseling sessions as a certified counselor with a Master's in Counselling. Book a session through my SimplyBook.me page:   BOOK A COUNSELLING or PERSONAL TRAINING SESSION. https://laurenostrowskifenton.simplybook.me/v2/ Join me on Substack for a more intimate connection https://substack.com/@laurenostrowskifenton Listen to my podcast Sleep meditation with Lauren Ostrowski Fenton https://open.spotify.com/show/4YfDM1kGnepG5NG4poCwK0? Connect with me on Patreon for exclusive content:   Join me on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/laurenostrowskifenton   Make a difference by contributing via PayPal: Donate Here http://paypal.me/Laurenostrowski   Follow my journey on Instagram for daily inspiration and updates: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laurenostrowskifenton/ Explore my stories on Medium, where I share insights intertwined with life experiences: Medium https://medium.com/@laurenostrowskifenton   Check out my book, "Daily Rituals For Happiness," an instructional workbook designed to help you cultivate happiness every day. Please remember, while my content is meant to provide support, it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health guidance. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice   Original vocals and video by Lauren Ostrowski Fenton copyright © 2025 # sleepmeditation # guidedmeditation # fallasleepfast #personaldevelopment #deepsleep #mindfulness

In this episode of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta Yadav sits down with Jordan Harper, board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Barefaced, to explore the movement toward simplicity, integrity, and long-term skin health. With nearly a decade in aesthetic medicine, Harper brings a refreshing, clinically grounded perspective to a beauty landscape overwhelmed by trends, noise, and overcomplicated routines.Harper shares how her early career in the ICU shaped her detail-oriented, problem-solving mindset — and how she carried that discipline into aesthetics. What she noticed immediately was a disconnect: patients would invest heavily in treatments but neglect the daily routine that actually sustains results. That realization became the foundation of Barefaced's “less but better” philosophy, anchored by her Core Four essentials: exfoliant, vitamin C, retinoid, and SPF.Throughout the conversation, Harper reframes skincare as prevention, not correction — a longevity-based approach that prioritizes the barrier, cellular health, and consistency over quick fixes. She also dives into the meaning of true “medical grade”: thoughtful formulations, meaningful concentrations, and uncompromising standards. It's the reason she once pulled a product at a $200,000 loss — integrity outweighs profit.From the cult-favorite Toning Pads that sparked the brand's cult following to Barefaced's commitment to education and honest guidance, Harper emphasizes serving the consumer, not selling to them.Tune in to hear how Jordan Harper is redefining modern skincare through clinical rigor, simplicity, and unwavering authenticity — and why the future of skin health is built on foundations, not fads.SHOP BAREFACED and learn more on social media!CHAPTERS:(0:02) - Introduction & Guest Welcome(0:40) - From ICU to Aesthetics: The Turning Point(2:34) - The 80/20 Rule: At-Home vs In-Office Results(4:39) - Common Routine Mistakes & Barrier Damage(7:16) - “Less, But Better” and The Core Four(9:28) - Longevity vs Anti-Aging(12:12) - What “Medical Grade” Really Means(17:28) - Scaling with Integrity & Brand Discipline(20:35) - Cult Favorites, Toning Pads & Community-Centered CarePlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don't forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf!*This is a paid collaboration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.